Itinerary
- Day 1
Shanghai
You'll arrive in Shanghai and head to your hotel on your own. The rest of the day is open, so either settle in and relax or start wandering around the city if you've got the energy for it.
- Day 2
Shanghai
Start at the Shanghai Museum in the historic city centre, then walk through the French Concession area. From there, head to the Bund waterfront to check out the city skyline and see Pudong's modern buildings. Your evening is free to do as you like.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Shanghai Museum
- Explore French Concession
- Explore the Bund waterfront
- View Pudong area architecture
Landmarks Shanghai Museum The Bund Pudong French Concession - Day 3
Shanghai to Kunming
Check out and transfer to Shanghai airport for your included economy flight heading west to Kunming, which takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes. When you land, you'll be picked up and taken to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Kunming - Day 4
Kunming to Pu'er
After breakfast, head to Kunming railway station and board the fast train south to Pu'er (roughly 3 hours). Once you arrive, transfer to Nakeli village for lunch and a walk around the tea-growing area. Later, do a short hike along the Tea-Horse Road, then return to Pu'er for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Take fast train to Pu'er
- Transfer to Nakeli village
- Stroll through Nakeli village
- Short hike along Tea-Horse Road section
Landmarks Tea-Horse Road Nakeli Village - Day 5
Pu'er to Xishuangbanna
Check out Nannuo Mountain's tea plantations and see some trees that are around 500 years old. You'll hike for 2 hours through the tea fields and try tea-making. Then continue south through a Dai minority village heading toward Xishuangbanna, known for its tropical weather and Dai culture. Your evening is free.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Explore Nannuo Mountain tea plantations
- 2-hour hike in tea plantation
- Tea-making experience
- Visit Dai minority village
- Transfer to Xishuangbanna
Landmarks Nannuo Mountain Xishuangbanna - Day 6
Xishuangbanna
Spend the morning at the Tropical Botanical Garden, walking through 1,125 hectares with over 13,000 tropical plant species. See the eastern section's rainforest-like trails and the western Exotic Flower Garden. After lunch, go to Manting Park to see Dai and Thai architecture and visit the 615 AD General Buddhist Temple. Your evening ends at Gaozhuang night market for local street food.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Tropical Botanical Garden
- Explore eastern rainforest trails
- Visit Exotic Flower Garden
- Visit Manting Park
- Visit General Buddhist Temple
- Visit Gaozhuang night market
Optional Activities
- Try fresh local street food for dinner at Gaozhuang night market
Landmarks Tropical Botanical Garden Exotic Flower Garden Manting Park General Buddhist Temple Gaozhuang Night Market Dajinta Temple - Day 7
Xishuangbanna to Luang Prabang
After breakfast, head to the railway station and board the rapid train to Luang Prabang in Laos via Boten port. Bring lunch with you for the train. Make sure your Laotian visa is valid if needed. When you arrive, transfer to your hotel and your evening is yours.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Take rapid train to Luang Prabang via Boten port
Landmarks Luang Prabang - Day 8
Luang Prabang
Take a guided tour starting at the bustling morning market, then walk through the city's ancient temples and learn about the former Lao kingdoms. Visit the National Museum in the old Royal Palace to discover Lao monarchy heritage and local crafts. After lunch, the rest of your day is free to relax or explore more.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Morning market visit
- Guided temple exploration
- Visit National Museum (former Royal Palace)
- Learn about local crafts
Landmarks National Museum (former Royal Palace) Luang Prabang UNESCO World Heritage Site - Day 9
Luang Prabang
You have a completely free day. Stay at the hotel and relax or explore Luang Prabang on your own. If you want something organized, there's an optional cycling adventure through remote Mekong countryside with rice paddies and villages, or a jungle trek to Tad Sae Waterfall with a stop at a traditional Khmu village for lunch.
Optional Activities
- Cycling adventure through Mekong countryside - pedal through rice paddies and rural villages, sample local snacks, see water buffalo, return by ferry
- Jungle trek with private vehicle and boat transfer to remote area, hike through jungle with karst mountain backdrop, traditional Khmu village lunch, reach Tad Sae Waterfall
Landmarks Mekong River Tad Sae Waterfall Khmu Village - Days 10 - 11
Luang Prabang to Vientiane
From today forward, there's no tour guide with you. Your driver will pick you up and take you to the railway station for your included train to Vientiane, Laos's capital. Make your own way to the hotel and your day and tomorrow are free. Think about visiting Pha That Luang or walking along the Mekong River promenade to catch sunset views and try local street food.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Take train to Vientiane
Optional Activities
- Visit Pha That Luang
- Stroll along Mekong River promenade
- Enjoy local street food
- Watch sunset from Mekong River area
Landmarks Pha That Luang Mekong River Promenade - Day 12
Vientiane
Your tour ends after breakfast. You'll have an included departure transfer to the airport for your onwards flight.
- Meals
- Breakfast
