Kunming to Laos - 10 days
Kunming to Laos - 10 days
Kunming to Laos - 10 days
10 Days Starting in Kunming, China and ending in Vientiane, Laos
Visiting: Kunming, Pu'er, Xishuangbanna, Luang Prabang, Vientiane
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 28
Age range:
16-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey from Kunming to Laos, exploring the hidden gems of China and Laos. Begin in Kunming, the lesser-visited capital of Yunnan Province, before heading to Pu'er, the heart of the Chinese tea trade, for a tea-making experience and scenic hikes. Discover the tropical beauty of Xishuangbanna, with its botanical gardens and Dai minority culture. Cross into Laos to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, with its ancient temples and vibrant markets. Conclude your adventure in Vientiane, the Laotian capital, with two free nights to explore at your own pace. Enjoy comfortable 3-star accommodations, local transfers, and guided sightseeing throughout this small group tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kunming
Location: Kunming
Accommodation Name: hotel
On arrival in Kunming, you will be collected and transferred to our hotel for check in. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax in the hotel or head out to explore this lesser-known destination.
Day 2: Pu'er
Location: Pu'er
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Kunming - Pu'er. After breakfast, we transfer to the train station and take the fast train south to Pu'er. The journey will take around 3 hours, and we will be transferred to the village of Nakeli on arrival. This was once a critical trading route connecting Yunnan to Tibet and Central China. Known as the Tea-Horse Road, it was through this trade network that tea first spread across Asia from its humble beginnings in Pu'er.
We enjoy lunch in the village and take a stroll through the pretty area, which is full of flowers and tea fumes. Later, we enjoy a short hike along a section of the Tea-Horse Road. We won't make you walk all the way, after a short hike, we are collected and transferred back to Pu'er for the night.
Day 3: Xishuangbanna
Location: Xishuangbanna
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Pu'er - Xishuangbanna. Today we explore the Nannuo Mountain area, known for its long history of tea production. See many tea trees aged up to 500 years and enjoy a 2-hour hike in a tea plantation. There is also an included tea-making experience before we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Leaving Pu'er, we continue south towards the border, stopping in a typical Dai minority village on our way to Xishuangbanna. This autonomous prefecture is known for its Dai minority population, tropical climate and unique culture. The evening is free in this lesser-visited city.
Day 4: Xishuangbanna
Location: Xishuangbanna
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we visit the Tropical Botanical Garden. Covering an area of more than 1,125 hectares, the gardens date to 1959 and are home to more than 13,000 species of tropical plant. We explore the eastern part of the park, reminiscent of an old growth rainforest. Wander through paved trails taking in the different species here. The more popular western part of the park is home to a series of specialized gardens. We can visit the most popular, Exotic Flower Garden to see all manner of rare and unique flowers.
We tuck into an included lunch before heading back to Xishuangbanna. This afternoon we visit Manting Park, a village-style rural park in the heart of the city. See Dai and Thai style buildings and local people in traditional dress. We also visit the General Buddhist Temple, which was built in 615 AD.
In the evening, we visit Gaozhuang night market, one of the largest night markets in Asia and dramatically located in the shadow of the impressive Dajinta Temple. We recommend trying some fresh local street food at the market for your dinner.
Day 5: Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Xishuangbanna - Luang Prabang (Laos). Say goodbye to China today as we transfer to the railway station after breakfast and board the rapid train to Luang Prabang in Laos, via Boten port. We recommend you bring something for lunch with you on the train, and make sure you have a valid Laotian visa, should you need one.
On arrival at Luang Prabang station, we will transfer you to our hotel for the night. The evening is at leisure.
Day 6: Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we explore Luang Prabang on a guided tour in a private minivan. Our adventure begins at the bustling morning market, where the vibrant colours and aromas of local produce set the tone for the day. From there, we’ll wander through the city's revered ancient temples, each a masterpiece of spiritual and architectural significance. Discover relics from a bygone era, delve into the fascinating history of the former Lao kingdoms, and admire the intricate local crafts that have been passed down through generations. We also take in the National Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, where the legacy of the Lao monarchy comes to life.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang is a city where time seems to stand still. Its serene atmosphere, lush tropical landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make it an irresistible destination for travellers seeking both beauty and history. Lunch is included, and the rest of the day after our tour is free for you to relax at the hotel, or head out and explore the city further at your own pace.
Day 7: Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is completely at leisure. Unwind at the hotel, explore independently or choose from one of the following optional excursions. You can book and pay for both of these optional tours locally.
Your first option is a cycling adventure out of Luang Prabang and into the remote countryside of the Mekong. Pedal down single tracks, pass rice paddies and rural villages as you explore. Sample local snacks, spot water buffalo and return to Luang Prabang on the ferry after a day of adventure.
Alternatively, enjoy a jungle trek. This excursion includes a transfer by private vehicle and boat to a remote area outside Luang Prabang. Here, you will hike a moderate distance through stunning jungle scenery, with a backdrop of karst mountains. Stop at a traditional Khmu village for lunch and complete your hike to the impressive Tad Sae Waterfall (water levels can run low between February - August) before returning to Luang Prabang.
Day 8-9: Vientiane
Location: Vientiane
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Luang Prabang - Vientiane. Please note that from today, you will no longer enjoy a tour guide for the rest of your trip. You will be collected by a driver on day 8 and taken to the railway station for your included train to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. On arrival, make your way to the hotel and enjoy free time for the rest of today and tomorrow. You could visit the serene Pha That Luang, the city's most sacred monument, or take a relaxing stroll along the Mekong River promenade, where you can enjoy local street food and catch a stunning sunset.
Day 10: Vientiane
Location: Vientiane
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast today. There is an included departure transfer to the airport for your onwards flight.
What's Included
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9 breakfasts & 4 lunches
Enjoy 9 breakfasts and 4 lunches during the tour.
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9 nights 3-star hotels
Stay in 3-star hotels for 9 nights.
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Services of an experienced English speaking tour guide
Benefit from the services of an experienced English-speaking tour guide for included sightseeing in Pu'er, Xishuangbanna, and Luang Prabang.
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Local transfers in private vehicles
Local transfers in private vehicles as per the itinerary are included.
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3 Rapid trains
Travel on 3 rapid trains: Kunming-Pu’er, Xishuangbanna-Luang Prabang, and Luang Prabang-Vientiane in second class.
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Airport arrival and departure transfers
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 10 are included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees as per the itinerary are included.
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Tour operated with trusted partner
This tour is operated in conjunction with a trusted partner, and you will join travelers from different operators, not solely On The Go.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included.
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Tip for your tour guide
Tip for your tour guide is not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$5 - 7 per day, per traveler as a tip for your guide.
Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture. -
Optional activities
Optional activities are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with local transfers in private vehicles, three rapid trains in second class, and included airport transfers on arrival and departure days.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.
Age Policy
16+Â if accompanied by an adult
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 9 nights in 3-star hotels.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts and 4 lunches.
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Will there be a tour guide throughout the trip?
An experienced English-speaking tour guide will be available for included sightseeing in Pu'er, Xishuangbanna, and Luang Prabang. However, from day 8 onwards in Vientiane, you will not have a tour guide.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Local transfers are provided in private vehicles as per the itinerary. Additionally, there are 3 rapid trains in second class for the routes Kunming-Pu'er, Xishuangbanna-Luang Prabang, and Luang Prabang-Vientiane.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, an airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 10 are included.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, entrance fees as per the itinerary are included.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
On day 7 in Luang Prabang, you can choose from optional excursions such as a cycling adventure into the remote countryside of the Mekong or a jungle trek that includes a hike through stunning jungle scenery and a visit to the Tad Sae Waterfall.
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What should I bring for the train journey from Xishuangbanna to Luang Prabang?
It is recommended to bring something for lunch with you on the train and ensure you have a valid Laotian visa if required.
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Is tipping expected during the tour?
Tipping your tour guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture, but it is recommended to allow USD$5 - 7 per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The age policy for this tour is 16+ if accompanied by an adult.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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