Join this fascinating thirteen-day tour from Sichuan province in China through Yunnan province to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Admire the oldest irrigation system in the world, immerse yourself in tea plantations hiking Nannuo Mountain, experience life in local villages and indulge yourself with the flavour and aroma of Pu'er tea. Explore Luang Prabang, the Jewel of the Mekong and end the tour in Vientiane on the banks of the Mekong River.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Dujiangyan: known for its irrigation system which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2000. It is the oldest and the only surviving no-dam irrigation system in the world.
Pu’er: located in the southwestern part of Yunnan Province known as China’s ‘tea capital’. Pu’er is one of China's richest areas of biodiversity and the largest green oasis on the Northern Tropic.
Xishuangbanna: known for Dai culture, distinctive temples and tropical rainforests. A perfect destination for trekking through the jungle to remote villages.
Luang Prabang: a small gem of Southeast Asia located in northern Laos at the heart of a mountainous region, known as the spiritual and cultural capital of Laos.
Day 1: ARRIVAL CHENGDU – DUJIANGYAN (65km – 1hr)
Arrive in Chengdu by flight or by train, meet your driver, and transfer to Dujiangyan. It was formerly named Guanxian or Guan County, which means a county of irrigation, due to its famous irrigation system. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure strolling by yourself in the small city or enjoying a glass of beer in a bar by the riverside at the bustling South Bridge.
Overnight in Dujiangyan.
Day 2: DUJIANGYAN
After breakfast at your hotel enjoy a free morning. In the afternoon after lunch visit the Irrigation System Dujiangyan, originally constructed around 256 BC by the State of Qin as an irrigation and flood control project. This water management scheme is still in use today to irrigate over 5,300 km2 of land in the region and has produced comprehensive benefits in flood control, irrigation, water transport and general water consumption. Dujiangyan Irrigation System was inscribed on the World Heritage Sites in 2000. Visit the Temple of Two Kings which is, also a part of the Irrigation system site. It was built in memory of Li Bing and his son, builders of the irrigation system.
There is a possibility to visit in the morning the Panda Base of Dujiangyan. It is a professional organization specializing in giant panda rescue and disease prevention in China. At present, there are more than 30 giant pandas and 5 red pandas living here. The base also offers a meaningful and caring giant panda volunteer program for world panda lovers to help take good care of and protect the rare and lovely giant pandas (this visit is not included, please let us know at least 30 days before to check the availability and price).
Overnight in Dujiangyan.
Day 3: DUJIANGYAN – CHENGDU (70km – 1hr)
After breakfast at your hotel transfer back to Chengdu city, the capital of Sichuan province. Visit the Jinsha Archaeological Museum. This site was accidentally discovered in 2001 and established on the original ruins for the protection, study, and exhibition of the ancient Shu Civilization in the Shang or Western Zhou dynasty. It disappeared between 500 BC and 200 BC due to political revolution, earthquakes or flooding. After lunch, you will continue to visit Qingyang Temple, with a long history back to the Zhou Dynasty. Qingyang Temple is hailed as the first Taoist Temple in Western Sichuan and the number one Temple in Southwest China. Most people come here to pray by offering candles and joss sticks. End the day by strolling in the lively Jinli street and do not miss the night square dancing, typical lifestyle of local People.
Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 4: CHENGDU – KUNMING (6hrs by train, included)
After breakfast transfer to the railway station and take a rapid train to Kunming. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying the city.
Overnight in Kunming.
Day 5: KUNMING – PU'ER (3hrs by train, included)
After breakfast get on a private transfer to Kunming railway station for a morning rapid train to Kunming. Upon arrival, transfer to Nakeli village, which used to be an important station on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. From around a thousand years ago, the Tea-Horse Road became a trade link from Yunnan to Tibet, and to Central China via Sichuan Province. It is believed that it was through this trading network that tea first spread across China and Asia from its origins in Pu'er County in Yunnan. It is also sometimes referred to as the Southern Silk Road or Southwest Silk Road. After lunch, stroll in the village full of flowers and tea perfume, and possibly have the Pu’er tea-making demonstration and degustation in a local family or tea workshop. End today’s tour with a short hike along the ancient Tea & Horse trail from Nakeli village towards Pu’er city before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Pu’er.
Day 6: PU’ER – NANNUO MOUNTAIN – XISHUANGBANNA (190km – 3.5hrs)
After breakfast at your hotel, head to Nannuo Mountain, well known for its long history of tea cultivation. We will hike for about 2 hours on a tea plantation among tea trees aged between 200-500 years, and enjoy a tea-making experience. After lunch in a local restaurant, transfer to Xishuangbanna and on the way, visit a typical village of Dai minority. Arrive at Xishuangbanna late in the afternoon. Xishuangbanna is an autonomous prefecture for Dai people (one of the 55 minorities of China) in the extreme south of Yunnan Province, and also a lively city with cultural diversity and tropical climate.
Overnight in Xishuangbanna.
Day 7: XISHUANGBANNA
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. In the morning transfer to the Tropical Botanical Garden, which was founded in 1959. Over 13,000 species of tropical plants are preserved in its 35 living collections, including over 301 families and 2110 genera. The garden is divided into two parts: the eastern area and the western area. The West District is the main attraction. It includes more than 20 specialized botanic gardens. The “Exotic Flower Garden" is the most popular among tourists. Eastern District is a large area of old-growth tropical rainforest. Most areas are paved with viewing trails, suitable for travellers who enjoy hiking. After lunch, head back to Xishuangbanna, and in the afternoon visit Manting Park, a natural village-style park and a well-established urban park in Xishuangbanna. You can visit the vines area, the peacock garden, and exquisite Dai and Thai-style buildings while observing girls dressed in Dai-style costumes passing through the alleys. Next, visit the General Buddhist Temple, built in 615. It is the oldest Buddhist Temple and also the leading temple in Xishuangbanna. In the evening visit Gaozhuang night market, the largest night market with light show along the Mekong River in south Asia.
Overnight in Xishuangbanna.
Day 8: XISHUANGBANNA – LUANG PRABANG (4.5hrs by train, included)
After breakfast morning transfer to railway station and rapid train to Luang Prabang via Boten port. We suggest you to pack your lunch before leaving China. Follow the instructions in both customs of China and Laos (you can apply for the Laos visa before your trip). Upon arrival meet your English-speaking guide at Luang Prabang station and transfer to hotel for overnight. The rest of the day at leisure to discover the charming city on your own.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 9: LUANG PRABANG
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before leaving for a full-day tour in Luang Prabang. On this guided sightseeing tour by minivan, you will discover why the city is called the Jewel of the Mekong. We’ll explore the morning market, ancient temples, war relics, local crafts, the history of the former Lao kingdoms, and the National Museum. Luang Prabang is among the best-preserved traditional cities in Southeast Asia and was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1995. Its tranquillity and tropical charm, combined with its splendid natural scenery and cultural riches, make it one of the most alluring destinations in Laos. Lunch included.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 10: LUANG PRABANG
After breakfast at the hotel spend the day at leisure. If you are up for an adventure, you can choose to go on one of the activities (optional extra, not included):
Full-Day Biking On/Off-road Across the Mekong Rice Fields:
Get out of Luang Prabang across the Mekong River to a remote area away from tourists and traffic. It’s an off-road roller coaster up and down hills as you pass rice paddies and villages. You will ride on gravel and single tracks and try local snacks. See Buffalo and goats along the way and enjoy the friendliness of local villages. Cross the Mekong River on the local ferry for final return to Luang Prabang.
Half-Day Easy Jungle Trek, Village, Boat and Waterfall (3 hours):
After transfer by vehicle and boat, you will hike through stunning landscapes of jungle with a backdrop of Karst mountains, visit and eat lunch in a traditional Khmu village, and hike to the Tad Sae waterfall (can be low or dry Feb to Aug).
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 11: LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE (2hrs by train, included)
After breakfast transfer to the railway station and catch a morning train to Vientiane. Upon arrival, transfer to the city center for check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 12: VIENTIANE
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 13: DEPARTURE VIENTIANE (5km – 15min)
After your last breakfast transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.
