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China & Laos: Kunming to Bangkok by Rail

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Tour Overview

Get ready for 11 days of authentic culture, delicious food and standout scenery as you travel from China to Laos on a bullet train. Kick off in the Eternal Spring City of Kunming, then hop on China's high-speed rail to Jinghong, where you’ll dive into ancient customs at a Hani village and pluck and brew Yunnan’s famous pu'er tea. Cross the border into Laos to watch the sunset wash orange hues over Luang Prabang’s sacred Wat Phu Si hill and kayak the picturesque Nam Song River. Then, wander the mansion-lined boulevards of Vientiane before bunking up on an overnight train to the buzzing streets of Bangkok.

Map Image

Trip Code: TLSK

Start

Kunming

End

Bangkok

Destination

Lao Pdr

Meals

5 breakfasts, 0 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, High Speed Train, Overnight Train, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights), Overnight Train (1 night)

Days

11

Max Group Size

Min 1 - Max 12

Min Age

15

Style

Originali

Physical

2i

Trip Highlights

Why you'll love this trip

  • Embrace the sleek bullet train from Jinghong to Luang Prabang. Completed in 2021, this rail line – one of the first international high-speed routes outside Europe – has revolutionised travel in the region with comfort and speed.

  • Discover how Yunnan's unique pu'er tea is made from start to finish in a Hani village on Nannuo Mountain. Pluck your own leaves, learn how to prepare it, then share a hearty Hani lunch with your host family.

  • Cruise the quiet waters of the Mekong to Pak Ou Cave to explore sacred limestone caverns filled with hundreds of timeworn Buddhist statues.

  • Paddle through karst-studded scenery on a kayaking adventure on Vang Vieng’s Nam Song River. Wave at local fishermen and enjoy some small (but fun!) rapids along the way.

  • Learn about Laos’ wartime history at COPE – an organisation dedicated to assisting people injured by the country’s multitude of unexploded bombs.

Day by Day Itinerary

Itinerary

Trip route map

What's Included

Inclusions and activities

Meals

5 breakfasts, 0 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, High Speed Train, Overnight Train, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights), Overnight Train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Jinghong - Starlight Night Market
  • Nannuo Mountain - Hani family lunch
  • Nannuo Mountain - Pu'er tea making
  • Nannuo Mountain - Pu'er tea farm hike and visit
  • Luang Prabang - Wat Phu Si sunset walk

Optional activities

    Is This Trip Right for You?

    Is this trip right for you?

    • There are some long travelling days on this trip, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

    • This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves some walking and swimming, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit and comfortable clothing.

    • Multiple activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.

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    TLSK · 11 days

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