Shanghai, Yunnan & Laos Discovery

Arriving in Shanghai, you are at leisure to make your own way to our start hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, or head out and start exploring the city.

Today we explore the metropolis of Shanghai. Starting in the historic city centre, we delve into Shanghai's past at the Shanghai Museum.

Shanghai was founded during the Ming Dynasty, around 400 years ago, not that the founders would recognise it today. Glittering skyscrapers have sprung up around the historic city centre, which retains an aura of times gone by. We enjoy an included lunch before exploring the city further. We wander through the French Concession and the waterfront Bund, where you can enjoy the best views of the city skyline. Admire the modern architecture of the Pudong area before our sightseeing comes to an end. The evening is at leisure.

Shanghai - Kunming. Check out and make your own way to the airport for your included economy class flight westwards to Kunming, a lakeside city and capital of Yunnan province. The flight time is approximately 3 hours 20 minutes, and your included ticket will be economy class. On arrival in Kunming, you will be collected at the airport and transferred to our hotel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 10 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.

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