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Kunming to Laos

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10 days

Explore China's remote Yunnan Province and take in the best of Laos on this 10-day group tour. Visit the lesser-known destinations of Pu'er and Xishuangbanna, enjoying hiking opportunities, meeting minority Dai people and embarking on an included tea making experience. In Laos, enjoy guided sightseeing in Luang Prabang and free time to explore the capital, Vientiane.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

10 days

Starts

Kunming

Ends

Vientiane

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - for included sightseeing

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 28

Minimum age

12 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Thursdays

Hotel Rating

3-star hotels

Countries

China, Laos

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 4
Per person from
R 39,594.75
Save 35% today
Total From
R 121,830.00
R 79,189.50
Deposit From
Final payment
R 10,000.00
R 74,189.50

Tour Highlights

Kunming - Enjoy a free evening to head out and explore the lesser-visited capital of Yunnan Province
Pu'er - Explore this rural area at the heart of the Chinese tea trade with hiking and an included tea-making experience
Xishuangbanna - Visit the tropical botanical gardens and see highlights of this Dai minority city, including the Buddhist Temple
Luang Prabang - Spend free time exploring this temple-strewn city and enjoy included sightseeing to the morning market, National Museum and more
Vientiane - End your journey in the Laotian capital with two free nights to explore at your own pace

Included

9 breakfasts & 4 lunches
9 nights 3-star hotels
Services of an experienced English speaking tour guide for included sightseeing in Pu'er, Xishuangbanna & Luang Prabang
Local transfers in private vehicles as per the itinerary
3 Rapid trains Kunming-Pu’er, Xishuangbanna-Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang-Vientiane in second class
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 10
Entrance fees as per the itinerary
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$5 - 7 per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture
Optional activities

Itinerary

Day 1 - Kunming

On arrival in Kunming, you will be collected and transferred to our hotel for check in. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax in the hotel or head out to explore this lesser-known destination.

Overnight: Kunming

Day 2 - The Tea-Horse Road

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.

Overnight: Pu'er
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Xishuangbanna

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.

Overnight: Xishuangbanna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Tropical Botanical Garden & Xishuangbanna sightseeing

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.

Overnight: Xishuangbanna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - China to Laos

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.

Overnight: Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Luang Prabang sightseeing

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.

Overnight: Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 - Luang Prabang at leisure

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.

Overnight: Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast

Days 8-9 - Vientiane

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 8 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.

Overnight: Vientiane
Meals: Breakfast x2

Day 10 - Vientiane

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast today. There is an included departure transfer to the airport for your onwards flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Kunming Pre-Tour Accommodation (From price)

Double

R 845per passenger

Twin

R 845per passenger

Single

R 1,675per passenger

Vientiane Post-Tour Accommodation (From price)

Double

R 965per passenger

Twin

R 965per passenger

Single

R 1,915per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Wenhui hotel
Kunming

Wenhui Hotel Kunming, located on bustling Xuefu Road and just a 5-minute drive from the zoo and Cuihu Park, offers a prime spot near local colleges and universities. The hotel provides comfortable rooms with broadband Internet, WiFi, and open parking. On-site amenities include a western restaurant with Yunnan specialties, versatile banquet halls, and 17 private dining rooms serving Sichuan and Yunnan cuisine. The annex features a 300-person lecture hall, two exhibition halls, and over 20 conference rooms. Additional conveniences include a self-service coin laundry

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
James Joyce Coffetel
Pu'er

James Joyce Coffetel offers a comfortable stay in Pu'er with modern amenities such as a gym, massage room, and free Wi-Fi. Located near Pu'er Simao Airport and the city center, the hotel features stylish rooms with queen or king beds, tea and coffee amenities, and optional breakfast. Guests can enjoy additional perks like a foot bath experience. With its convenient location, excellent service, and a variety of facilities, it's an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Empark Grand hotel
Xishuangbanna

The Empark Grand Hotel Xishuangbanna, located in the Cangjiang New District of Jinghong City in Xishuangbanna—known as the 'tender Dai township'—is part of the Century Jinyuan Hotel Group. Situated close to the Mekong River and just a 10-minute drive from the airport, the hotel offers convenient access to the Lancang River and is adjacent to Monkey Mountain, providing beautiful scenery that makes it particularly suitable for a winter getaway. The hotel boasts a range of services including a conference hall, ticketing service, laundry and dry cleaning, currency exchange, postal service, morning call, delivery and ironing services, and concierge support. Additionally, it offers a 24-hour lobby manager, business services, wedding facilities, credit card settlement, free luggage storage, a 24-hour front desk, and a clothes dryer, catering to all the needs of its guests.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Villa Chitdara Hotel
Luang Prabang

Overlooking the Mekong River, this family-run hotel, housed in a French Colonial-style villa, is a 7-minute walk from the bronze Buddha statue of the Phra Bang and a 12-minute walk from Mount Phousi. The formal rooms, decorated with warm wood, have furnished balconies, Wi-Fi, cable television, safes, and minibars. There is an elegant café/bar and a garden terrace, and a breakfast buffet is available.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Lao Orchid Hotel
Vientiane

Located just a 5-minute walk from the Mekong River, this relaxed hotel is surrounded by a variety of informal eateries. It is conveniently situated 8 km from the Lao National Museum and 5 km from Wattay International Airport. The rooms, with their sleek design, feature dark-wood floors and furnishings and are equipped with Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant or unwind at the laid-back bar with a terrace. Airport transfers are available, and breakfast is offered to guests.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
6 Nov - 15 Nov
Save 35%
R 60,915R 39,595
R 77,955R 50,671
18 Dec - 27 Dec
Save 35%
R 60,915R 39,595
R 77,955R 50,671
2026
Twin/Double
Single
8 Jan - 17 Jan
Save 35%
R 60,915R 39,595
R 77,955R 50,671
5 Feb - 14 Feb
Save 35%
R 60,915R 39,595
R 77,955R 50,671
5 Mar - 14 Mar
Save 35%
R 60,915R 39,595
R 77,955R 50,671

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