Kunming to Laos - 10 days

Kunming to Laos - 10 days

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10 Days From

$2985

$2027

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:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 28

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

16-

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling, Trekking, Walking

From: $2985 $2027 Operator discount: -$896 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$63 -32%

NB: Prices correct on 08-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Kunming - Enjoy a free evening to head out and explore the lesser-visited capital of Yunnan Province

  • Pu'er - Explore this rural area at the heart of the Chinese tea trade with hiking and an included tea-making experience

  • Xishuangbanna - Visit the tropical botanical gardens and see highlights of this Dai minority city, including the Buddhist Temple

  • Luang Prabang - Spend free time exploring this temple-strewn city and enjoy included sightseeing to the morning market, National Museum and more

  • Vientiane - End your journey in the Laotian capital with two free nights to explore at your own pace

  • Visit Manting Park in Xishuangbanna, a village-style rural park with Dai and Thai style buildings

  • Explore the bustling morning market and ancient temples in Luang Prabang

  • Visit the serene Pha That Luang and stroll along the Mekong River promenade in Vientiane

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • 9 breakfasts & 4 lunches

    Enjoy 9 breakfasts and 4 lunches during the tour.

  • 9 nights 3-star hotels

    Stay in 3-star hotels for 9 nights.

  • 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.

  • Local transfers in private vehicles

    Local transfers in private vehicles as per the itinerary are included.

  • 3 Rapid trains

    Travel on 3 rapid trains: Kunming-Pu’er, Xishuangbanna-Luang Prabang, and Luang Prabang-Vientiane in second class.

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers

    Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 10 are included.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees as per the itinerary are included.

  • 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

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa are not included.

  • 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+  if accompanied by an adult

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 9 nights in 3-star hotels.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts and 4 lunches.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour?

    Yes, an airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 10 are included.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour package?

    Yes, entrance fees as per the itinerary are included.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    The age policy for this tour is 16+ if accompanied by an adult.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • 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+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

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10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

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05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Saturday

Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$2985 $2027

Operator discount: -$896

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$63

Thursday - Saturday

Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
$2985 $2027

Operator discount: -$896

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$63

Thursday - Saturday

Jan 08, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026
$2985 $2027

Operator discount: -$896

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$63

Thursday - Saturday

Feb 05, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
$2985 $2027

Operator discount: -$896

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$63

Thursday - Saturday

Mar 05, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
$2985 $2027

Operator discount: -$896

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$63

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • 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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