20 Days China-Thailand Cycling Tour from Kunming to Bangkok
Tour Overview
20-Day China-Thailand Cycling Tour from Kunming (China) to Bangkok (Thailand) is an adventurous and scenic journey that takes you through breathtaking landscapes, culturally rich regions, and vibrant cities. Here’s...
Code of Tour: YET0000006033
Length of Travel: 18 Day
Destinations of Tour: Kunming-Yuxi-Mojiang-Puer-Jinghong-Mengla-Oudomxay-Pak Mong -Luang Prabang
Departure City: Kunming
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour:
Features of Tour:
20-Day China-Thailand Cycling Tour from Kunming (China) to Bangkok (Thailand) is an adventurous and scenic journey that takes you through breathtaking landscapes, culturally rich regions, and vibrant cities. Here’s a detailed itinerary, covering highlights, daily cycling distances, and key destinations:
Day 1: Arrival in Kunming (昆明)
- Activity: Arrive in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Spend the day exploring the city, visiting sites like the Green Lake Park or the Yunnan Nationalities Village.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kunming.
Day 2: Kunming to Yuxi (玉溪) – 90 km
- Terrain: Rolling hills and scenic countryside.
- Highlights: Begin your cycling tour by heading south from Kunming to Yuxi, a charming city known for its agricultural landscapes and clean environment.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Yuxi.
Day 3: Yuxi to Jianshui (建水) – 120 km
- Terrain: Mostly flat with some gentle climbs.
- Highlights: Cycle through farmlands and small villages on your way to Jianshui, a historic town with well-preserved architecture, such as the Confucius Temple and the Zhu Family Garden.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Jianshui.
Day 4: Jianshui to Yuanyang (元阳) – 90 km
- Terrain: Mountainous with some steep climbs.
- Highlights: Reach the famous Yuanyang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning views of terraced fields carved into the hills.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse near the rice terraces.
Day 5: Rest Day in Yuanyang
- Activity: Explore the spectacular rice terraces, visit local ethnic Hani villages, and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over the terraces.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Yuanyang.
Day 6: Yuanyang to Hekou (河口) – 140 km
- Terrain: Downhill ride toward the border.
- Highlights: Cycle downhill through lush landscapes to the China-Vietnam border town of Hekou, located by the Red River.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hekou.
Day 7: Hekou (China) to Lao Cai (Vietnam)
- Terrain: Cross-border entry and relatively flat ride.
- Highlights: Cross the border into Vietnam at Lao Cai. Enjoy a leisurely ride around Lao Cai, or explore the nearby mountain town of Sapa, known for its scenic landscapes and ethnic diversity.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Lao Cai.
Day 8: Lao Cai to Dien Bien Phu (Vietnam) – 180 km
- Terrain: Long ride with some challenging climbs.
- Highlights: Cycle through the rugged, mountainous areas of northern Vietnam, passing through villages and valleys on your way to Dien Bien Phu, a historic town famous for the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Dien Bien Phu.
Day 9: Dien Bien Phu to Muang Khua (Laos)
- Terrain: Hilly terrain with river crossings.
- Highlights: Cross into Laos and cycle to Muang Khua, a quiet riverside town located along the Nam Ou River.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Muang Khua.
Day 10: Muang Khua to Muang Ngoi (Laos)
- Terrain: Rolling hills with scenic river views.
- Highlights: Cycle along the river and through rural Laos to the picturesque village of Muang Ngoi, which is surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush jungles.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Muang Ngoi.
Day 11: Muang Ngoi to Luang Prabang (Laos) – 100 km
- Terrain: Mostly flat with some gentle climbs.
- Highlights: Continue cycling through the Laotian countryside to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, famous for its Buddhist temples, royal palaces, and vibrant night markets.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 12: Rest Day in Luang Prabang
- Activity: Explore Luang Prabang’s attractions, such as the Royal Palace Museum, Mount Phousi, and the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 13: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng (Laos) – 170 km
- Terrain: Long ride with mountain passes and descents.
- Highlights: Cycle through mountainous terrain with stunning views to the riverside town of Vang Vieng, known for its karst landscape and adventure activities.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Vang Vieng.
Day 14: Vang Vieng to Vientiane (Laos) – 140 km
- Terrain: Flat and relatively easy ride.
- Highlights: Head toward the capital of Laos, Vientiane, cycling along the Mekong River. In Vientiane, visit key landmarks such as the Patuxai Victory Monument and Pha That Luang.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane.
Day 15: Vientiane to Nong Khai (Thailand) – 80 km
- Terrain: Flat with an international border crossing.
- Highlights: Cross the Friendship Bridge into Thailand, arriving in Nong Khai, a charming town by the Mekong River.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Nong Khai.
Day 16: Nong Khai to Udon Thani (Thailand) – 60 km
- Terrain: Flat with some urban cycling.
- Highlights: Cycle through rural Thailand to the city of Udon Thani, known for its bustling markets and cultural sites.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Udon Thani.
Day 17: Udon Thani to Khon Kaen (Thailand) – 115 km
- Terrain: Flat with rural landscapes.
- Highlights: Ride through the heart of Thailand’s Isan region, arriving in Khon Kaen, a city known for its historical significance and cultural sites like Wat Nong Wang.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Khon Kaen.
Day 18: Khon Kaen to Nakhon Ratchasima (Thailand) – 160 km
- Terrain: Mostly flat, long ride.
- Highlights: Cycle through agricultural plains to Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), a major city in northeastern Thailand and gateway to Khao Yai National Park.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Day 19: Nakhon Ratchasima to Ayutthaya (Thailand) – 180 km
- Terrain: Flat with some urban cycling.
- Highlights: Arrive in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, known for its well-preserved temples and historical ruins.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ayutthaya.
Day 20: Ayutthaya to Bangkok (Thailand) – 80 km
- Terrain: Flat urban cycling.
- Highlights: Complete your journey by cycling to Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the bustling markets along the Chao Phraya River.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok.
Travel Tips for the Cycling Tour
- Fitness Level: This tour is best suited for experienced cyclists with a good level of fitness due to the long distances and varying terrains.
- Equipment: Ensure that you have a well-maintained bicycle suited for long-distance touring, along with spare parts, repair tools, and a helmet.
- Climate: October is a good time for this tour, as temperatures are cooler in Yunnan and Laos. However, be prepared for occasional rains in Southeast Asia.
- Visa and Border Crossings: Check visa requirements for China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Ensure that your travel documents are in order for all border crossings.
- Packing Essentials: Bring cycling gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sufficient water for hydration during the ride.
This 20-day cycling adventure offers a unique way to experience the cultural and natural beauty of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand!
