Shanghai, Yunnan & Laos Discovery - 12 days
Shanghai, Yunnan & Laos Discovery - 12 days
Shanghai, Yunnan & Laos Discovery - 12 days
12 Days Starting in Shanghai, China and ending in Vientiane, Laos
Visiting: Shanghai, Kunming, Pu'er, Xishuangbanna, Luang Prabang, Vientiane
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 28
Age range:
16-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 12-day journey through China and Laos with the "Shanghai, Yunnan & Laos Discovery" tour. Begin in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, exploring its historic and modern marvels, including the French Concession and the Bund. Travel west to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, and delve into the heart of the Chinese tea trade in Pu'er with a tea-making experience. Discover the tropical beauty of Xishuangbanna, visiting botanical gardens and Buddhist temples. Cross into Laos to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, with its vibrant markets and ancient temples. Conclude your adventure in Vientiane, the serene Laotian capital, with ample free time to explore at your own pace. Enjoy guided sightseeing, local transfers, and comfortable 3-star accommodations throughout this enriching cultural expedition.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: hotel
Arriving in Shanghai, you are at leisure to make your own way to our start hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, or head out and start exploring the city.
Day 2: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we explore the metropolis of Shanghai. Starting in the historic city centre, we delve into Shanghai's past at the Shanghai Museum.
Shanghai was founded during the Ming Dynasty, around 400 years ago, not that the founders would recognise it today. Glittering skyscrapers have sprung up around the historic city centre, which retains an aura of times gone by. We enjoy an included lunch before exploring the city further. We wander through the French Concession and the waterfront Bund, where you can enjoy the best views of the city skyline. Admire the modern architecture of the Pudong area before our sightseeing comes to an end. The evening is at leisure.
Day 3: Kunming
Location: Kunming
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Shanghai - Kunming. Check out and make your own way to the airport for your included economy class flight westwards to Kunming, a lakeside city and capital of Yunnan province. The flight time is approximately 3 hours 20 minutes, and your included ticket will be economy class. On arrival in Kunming, you will be collected at the airport and transferred to our hotel.
Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10-11: 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 10 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 12: 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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11 breakfasts & 5 lunches
Enjoy 11 breakfasts and 5 lunches included in the tour package.
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11 nights 3-star hotels
Stay in 3-star hotels for 11 nights during the tour.
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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 Shanghai, 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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Airport transfer from Kunming airport to the hotel on day 3 and airport departure transfer on day 12
Airport transfer from Kunming airport to the hotel on day 3 and airport departure transfer on day 12 are included.
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3 Rapid trains in second class
Travel on 3 rapid trains in second class: Kunming-Pu’er, Xishuangbanna-Luang Prabang, and Luang Prabang-Vientiane.
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Economy class flight Shanghai - Kunming
An economy class flight from Shanghai to Kunming is included.
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Entrance fees as per the itinerary
Entrance fees for attractions as per the itinerary are included.
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Tour operated in conjunction with a 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 in the tour package.
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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 in the tour package.
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with local transfers in private vehicles, rapid trains, and an economy class flight from Shanghai to Kunming.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 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 11 nights in 3-star hotels.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 11 breakfasts and 5 lunches.
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Will there be a tour guide throughout the entire trip?
An experienced English-speaking tour guide will be available for included sightseeing in Shanghai, Pu'er, Xishuangbanna, and Luang Prabang. However, from day 10 onwards in Vientiane, you will no longer have a tour guide.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes local transfers in private vehicles as per the itinerary, three rapid trains in second class, and an economy class flight from Shanghai to Kunming.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, airport transfer from Kunming airport to the hotel on day 3 and an airport departure transfer on day 12 are included. However, the airport arrival transfer on day 1 is not included.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included?
Yes, entrance fees as per the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
On day 9 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 visit to a traditional Khmu village and 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 traveler as a tip for your guide.
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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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