Follow the Footsteps of Tea and Horse: Kunming to Laos Natural Discovery Tour

Arrive at Kunming by flight or by train, meet your driver, and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the area or visit the famous Stone Forest (optional excursion, not included).

Stone Forest excursion: Meet your guide at the hotel lobby and head to Stone Forest (about 2h driving from Kunming). Known for its remarkable karst formations, the Stone Forest has magnificent, strange, and unique natural scenery. With its touching legend of Ashima and unique minority culture, it is no doubt a must-see for Kunming tourists. Lunch included. 

Overnight in Kunming.

After breakfast get on a private transfer to Kunming railway station for a morning rapid train to Kunming. Upon arrival, transfer to Nakeli village, which used to be an important station on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. From around a thousand years ago, the Tea-Horse Road became a trade link from Yunnan to Tibet, and to Central China via Sichuan Province. It is believed that it was through this trading network that tea first spread across China and Asia from its origins in Pu'er County in Yunnan. It is also sometimes referred to as the Southern Silk Road or Southwest Silk Road. After lunch, stroll in the village full of flowers and tea perfume, and possibly have the Pu’er tea-making demonstration and degustation in a local family or tea workshop. End today’s tour with a short hike along the ancient Tea & Horse trail from Nakeli village towards Pu’er city before returning to the hotel. 

Overnight in Pu’er.

After breakfast at your hotel, head to Nannuo Mountain, well known for its long history of tea cultivation. We will hike for about 2 hours on a tea plantation among tea trees aged between 200-500 years, and enjoy a tea-making experience. After lunch in a local restaurant, transfer to Xishuangbanna and on the way, visit a typical village of Dai minority. Arrive at Xishuangbanna late in the afternoon. Xishuangbanna is an autonomous prefecture for Dai people (one of the 55 minorities of China) in the extreme south of Yunnan Province, and also a lively city with cultural diversity and tropical climate.

Overnight in Xishuangbanna.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. In the morning transfer to the Tropical Botanical Garden, which was founded in 1959. Over 13,000 species of tropical plants are preserved in its 35 living collections, including over 301 families and 2110 genera. The garden is divided into two parts: the eastern area and the western area. The West District is the main attraction. It includes more than 20 specialized botanic gardens. The “Exotic Flower Garden" is the most popular among tourists. Eastern District is a large area of old-growth tropical rainforest. Most areas are paved with viewing trails, suitable for travellers who enjoy hiking. After lunch, head back to Xishuangbanna, and in the afternoon visit Manting Park, a natural village-style park and a well-established urban park in Xishuangbanna. You can visit the vines area, the peacock garden, and exquisite Dai and Thai-style buildings while observing girls dressed in Dai-style costumes passing through the alleys. Next, visit the General Buddhist Temple, built in 615. It is the oldest Buddhist Temple and also the leading temple in Xishuangbanna. In the evening visit Gaozhuang night market, the largest night market with light show along the Mekong River in south Asia.

Overnight in Xishuangbanna.

After breakfast morning transfer to railway station and rapid train to Luang Prabang via Boten port. We suggest you to pack your lunch before leaving China. Follow the instructions in both customs of China and Laos (you can apply for the Laos visa before your trip). Upon arrival meet your English-speaking guide at Luang Prabang station and transfer to hotel for overnight. The rest of the day at leisure to discover the charming city on your own.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before leaving for a full-day tour in Luang Prabang. On this guided sightseeing tour by minivan, you will discover why the city is called the Jewel of the Mekong. We’ll explore the morning market, ancient temples, war relics, local crafts, the history of the former Lao kingdoms, and the National Museum. Luang Prabang is among the best-preserved traditional cities in Southeast Asia and was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1995. Its tranquillity and tropical charm, combined with its splendid natural scenery and cultural riches, make it one of the most alluring destinations in Laos. Lunch included.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast at the hotel spend the day at leisure. If you are up for an adventure, you can choose to go on one of the activities (optional extra, not included):

Full-Day Biking On/Off-road Across the Mekong Rice Fields: 

Get out of Luang Prabang across the Mekong River to a remote area away from tourists and traffic. It’s an off-road roller coaster up and down hills as you pass rice paddies and villages. You will ride on gravel and single tracks and try local snacks. See Buffalo and goats along the way and enjoy the friendliness of local villages. Cross the Mekong River on the local ferry for final return to Luang Prabang.

Half-Day Easy Jungle Trek, Village, Boat and Waterfall (3 hours):

After transfer by vehicle and boat, you will hike through stunning landscapes of jungle with a backdrop of Karst mountains, visit and eat lunch in a traditional Khmu village, and hike to the Tad Sae waterfall (can be low or dry Feb to Aug).

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast transfer to the railway station and catch a morning train to Vientiane. Upon arrival, transfer to the city center for check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Vientiane.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own.

Overnight in Vientiane.

After your last breakfast transfer to the airport for your departure flight.