Yunnan - Laos overland

18 days / 17 nights

Overview

This classic trip exploration of multi-country Laos and China, starts in capital city of Yunnan province - Kunming and ends in the capital of Laos - Vientiane. Along the way we pause to visit the main sites in Dali, Lijiang, Mengla, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay and finally Vientiane. What makes this tour special is our route hardly touches the beauties of Northen Laos and Yunnan province in China.

Itinerary

Day 01: Kunming Arrival
Meet at airport and transfer to the hotel. City tour if time permits. Overnight at Kunming. (D)
Day 02: Kunming - Stone Forest - Kunming
After have breakfast inside hotel, tour to visit the amazing Stone Forest in Lunan county to explore "The Wonder under the Heaven". The scenic spot covers an area of 350sq.km. and is consisted of geologic wonders of Karst landform which is the highest single-body structures of the world. Then strolling at the Bird & Flower's Market. Dinner with Yunnan Crossing Bridge Noodles. (B, L, D)
Day 03: Kunming - Dali by air
Take early morning flight to Dali. Visit the morning market and Bai family in Xizhou, batik factory and local temple in Zhongcheng, Three Pagodas,afternoon cruise on Erhai Lake with small boat to Shuttle Island. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Dali - Lijiang by road
Drive to Lijiang by new road,with sightseeing of Xinhua village in Heqin county. Visit Black Dragon Pond, Dongba Culture Museum and the old town of Lijiang. (B, L, D)
Day 05: Lijiang - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Lijiang
Excursion to the whole year snow-covered Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with White Water River, taking chair lift ride to discover Yak Meadow, enjoy one of the view of the much famed 13 peaks on the Yulong Mt. Range. In the afternoon, Descend and continue to visit Baisha Ancient Frescos in Baisha Naxi village,the frescos show a rich fusion of Han Buddhism,Taoism,Tibetan,Bai and Naxi Lamaism which was a tremendously powerful art of The murals done in early Ming Dynasty. Sightseeing of Yufeng Lama Temple, where there is the famous "King Camellia Tree" with thousands of blossom when blooming. Finally, visit Black Dragon Pool and Dongba Ethnic Museum., From the Black Dragon Pool, you can enjoy the picturesque view of the Jade Snow Mt. Reflecting in this Jade Spring Water. (B, L, D)
Day 06: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Lijiang - Jinghong
From Lijiang, we'll drive about 60KM to the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, and the Iron Chain Bridge in the Stone Drum town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks. Then we will drive 40Kmmore to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area. And the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge looks like that the mighty Yangtze has carved the world's deepest chasm. Afternoon drive back to Lijiang. Take the night flight from Lijiang to Jinghong. Overnight in Jinghong. (B, L, D)
Day 07: Jinghong
Full day excursion to Menghai and visit the local market, the Octagonal Pavilion, tea factory and the local villages and markets. Overnight in Jinghong. (B, L, D)
Day 08: Jinghong - Mengla
Drive to Mengla via Menglun Botanical Garden, visit the Jinuo minority village,local market and temples. Overnight at Jinxiu Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 09: Mengla - Boten (Laos) - Oudomxay - Pakbeng
Drive to Boten Pass and make entry into Laos around 11 am,you will be welcomed by our local guide and after formalities process drive forward to Oudomxay. On arrival Oudomxay, visit Wat Phousay, situated on top of Phousay hill where you can see the view of this town. Continue to Pakbeng upon arrival transfer to check-in the Lodge where you enjoy the Mekong lifestyle by the time of sunset. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Pakbeng - Luang Prabang
After breakfast, in the morning visit local market (optional) of Pakbeng where nearby villagers and hill tribes buy and exchange their products. Then begin a cruise to Luang Prabang. En route, take a stop at minority village for experiencing their life. Lunch will be served on board. Another stop at Ban Baw to observe the processing traditional rice alcohol and forwards visit the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves, the home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century. Reach Luang Prabang by sunset and transfer to check-in your hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Luang Prabang Famous Waterfall - Souvenirs
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day visit Wat Mai and nearby National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong - often said to be Luang Prabang’s most beautiful. It is characterized by its several roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive ‘tree of life’ mosaic. Next take a visit to Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo Stupa. Half-day afternoon is at leisure or explore this charming town on your own. Your option - Luang Prabang is wonderful for walking and in the evening recommends you to visit and spin around the night market (night bazaar) opens by 6 pm, here is a good place for handmade souvenirs collecting as textile, handicraft, painting pictures and nearby the Sunset can be enjoyed on top of Phou Sii hill, naturally stands right in the center of the small charming city. Climb its 320 steps sight-seeing the whole views of town for many miles in each direction. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Luang Prabang
If you wish, make an early start with your guide to witness or participate in the local tradition of alms giving to the monks. In the city, some 300 monks file through silently collecting alms. This is an amazing sight and your guide will be on hand to demonstrate and explain this important ritual. Then return to your hotel for breakfast. Begin a drive south to the countryside village to visit Tad Khuang Sii Waterfall. Along the way to the waterfalls you can visit the Khmu minority village of Ban Thapaene or one of the Hmong villages that you pass. Return to Luang Prabang, and continue to visit Ban Xang Kong, the village making Po Sa traditional paper as well as mulberry paper items and also see their amazing locally-made silk weavings. (B, L, D)
Day 13: Luang Prabang - Pakse - Tad Fane Water
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, you will be met by local guide who will escort on the southern trips. Drive through Bolaven Plateau, the extinct volcano with a high enough altitude to be notably cooler that the town below. Here rapidly visit tea and coffee plantation areas and taste the high quality produce grown by local farmers. Continue to visit Tad Fane waterfall, where thin ribbons of water plunge hundreds of feet into a deep ravine below. En route also passes and visit some minority Hill Tribe villages - ‘Kha’ and other ‘Lao Thung’ tribes live in this area. Late afternoon, return to overnight at Tad Fane Resort. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Tad Fane - Wat Phou - Elephant Trek - 4000 Islands
After breakfast, drive north to the famous Khmer Temple complex of Wat Phou. This represents the easternmost border of the Khmer empire, although the influence of the Khmers was felt deep into central Vietnam. Continue to visit Elephant Camp to see how handlers ( Mahouts ) train these giant friendly beasts ! Ride one of the friendly pachyderms to the top of Phou Asa to see mysterious ruins there. Continue on to the 4000 Islands area (Sii Phan Done) where ‘life has remained unchanged for centuries” by van. After lunch continue to 4000 Islands by bus and boat. Remainder of time is at leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 15: 4000 Islands (Sii Phan Don) - Li Phii Falls - Pakse
Breakfast at hotel, enjoy a trip by a local boat to the largest waterfalls in Asia! Khone Phapheng & Li Phii Falls were the major obstacles which thwarted the French n their efforts to open the Mekong River to navigation. Here also live some Irrawaddy (Freshwater) dolphins. If lucky, you’ll have the chance to see them! Lunch is in a local restaurant. See the small guage railway and colonial Bridge built by the French to circumnavigate the falls. Then return to Pakse and at leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 16: Pakse - Vientiane Municipality
Breakfast at hotel, explore this ancient town on your own or be free at leisure until the time to transfer to Pakse Airport for the flight to Vientiane. Vientiane is located on the majestic Mekong River, Vientiane (translated as 'sandalwood city') dates from the 10th century, but has been the capital of Laos from the early 16th century to the present. Vientiane is a relatively small, laid-back city, with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture and old Buddhist temples to explore. On your arrival in Vientiane Airport you will be met and transferred with your guide to the hotel for check-in. Remainder of the day is at leisure until dinner time. (B, L, D)
Day 17: Vientiane - Full Day City Tour
After breakfast, visit highlights of Vientiane as Morning market, the wonderful venue for encountering the charming and fun-loving Laotians. Wat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Wat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and over 6,000 Buddha images. Nearby is Ho Phra Kaew - the main structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok. One of the most photographed images of Vientiane is Putousay - the victory gate also known as Anousavari, with architecture inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris. Another famous landmark is the Phra That Luang stupa. This great sacred stupa, considered the national symbol, is said to contain relics of Lord Buddha. After lunch, visit the weaving village of Nongbuathong and head out the city to visit Xieng Khouane Buddha Park, a religious sculpture park collecting an unusual blend of Buddhist and Hindu imagery. Return to the town and an optional - taking a short walk at the bank of Mekong River while the sunset. (B, L, D)
Day 18: Vientiane - Departure
Breakfast at hotel, this morning you can explore the city of Vientiane on your own or be free at leisure until the time to transfer to Wattay International Airport for your next destination on ward. (B )

Cost

Tour cost is upon your request !
 
You are interested in of this tour, please feel free to contact us at booking@asianatravel.com.vn or info@asianatravel.com.vn. One of our staffs will contact you within 24 hours when we receive your request.
 
We are here to meet and exceed all of your requirements and expectations !

Trip note

* Tour code: MULCL-03
 
* Included:
• Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
• Domestic flights and airport taxes
• Private transfers and transportation with A/C on tour
• Sightseeing and Entrance fees
• English speaking guides
• All meals list in the itinerary
• Mineral water per pax per day
 
* Excluded:
• All visas
• Travel insurance
• Meals and drinks not mentioned
• All international flights and airport taxes
• Excess or overweight baggage
• Other personal expenses
• Tipping/gratuities for local guides
• Single room supplement
• All optional programs

Destination Info

Yunnan is situated in a mountainous area, with high elevations in the northwest and low elevations in the southeast.
Most of the population lives in the eastern part of the province. In the west, the relative height from mountain peaks to river valleys can be as much as 3,000 m. Yunnan is rich in natural resources and has the largest diversity of plant life in China. Of the approximately 30,000 species of higher plants in China, Yunnan has over 17,000. Yunnan's reserves of aluminium, lead, zinc and tin are the largest in China, and there are also major reserves of copper and nickel. Yunnan has over 600 rivers and lakes, which provide an annual water supply of 222 billion cubic meters. Projected hydropower reserves stand at 103 million KW, with an exploitable capacity of 90 million KW, capable of generating 349 KW of electricity annually.
Yunnan became part of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) during 2nd century BC and became the seat of a Tibeto-Burman speaking kingdom known as Nanzhao in the 8th century. Nanzhao was multi-ethnic, but the elite most likely spoke a language close to Yi and modern Burmese. The Mongols conquered the region in the 13th century, with local control exercised by warlords until the 1930s. As with other parts of China's southwest, Japanese occupation in the north during World War II forced a migration of Chinese into the region. Ethnic minorities in Yunnan account for about 34 percent of its total population. Major ethnic groups include Yi, Bai, Hani, Zhuang, Dai and Miao.
Yunnan lags behind the the east coast of China in relation to socio-economic development. However, because of its geographic location the province has comparative advantages in regional and border trade with countries in southeast Asia. The Lancang River (upper reaches of Mekong River) is the waterway to southeast Asia. In recent years land transportation has been improved to strengthen economic and trade co-operation among countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Yunnan's abundance in resources determines that the province's pillar industries are , agriculture, tobacco, mining, hydro-electric power, and tourism.
The Laos People's Democratic Republic is a landlocked country in southeast Asia, bordered by Burma (Myanmar) and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west. Laos traces its history to the Kingdom of Lan Xang or Land of a Million Elephants, which existed from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century.
After a period as a French protectorate, it gained independence in 1949. A long civil war ended officially when the communist Pathet Lao movement came to power in 1975, but the protesting between factions continued for several years.
After years of war and isolation, Southeast Asia’s most pristine environment, intact cultures and quite possibly the most chilled-out people on earth mean destination Laos is fast earning cult status among travellers. It is developing quickly but still has much of the tradition that has sadly disappeared elsewhere in the region. Village life is refreshingly simple and even in Vientiane it’s hard to believe this sort of languid riverfront life exists in a national capital. Then, of course, there is the historic royal city of Luang Prabang, where watching as hundreds of saffron-robed monks move silently among centuries-old monasteries is as romantic a scene as you’ll experience anywhere in Asia.
Away from the cities, there is so much more to see; the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang Province, the forested mountains of Northern Laos, the gothic limestone karsts around the backpacker-haven Vang Vieng and in the deep south, past the market town Pakse, is Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), where the mighty Mekong spreads out and all the hammocks are taken.

Maps & Photos

Vientiane capital of Laos

Luang Prabang

Shangri La

Lijiang citadel

Dali citadel

The Stone forest

Lijiang ancient town

Kunming city

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Ha Noi

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Ho Chi Minh

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Vientiane

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Phnom-Penh

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