45 Days Singapore-Thailand-China (Yunnan, Sichuan, Tibet)-Laos Self-Driving Tour from Singapore

Trip Overview

This extensive self-driving tour covers vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultures across Singapore, Thailand, China (Yunnan, Sichuan, Tibet), and Laos. The journey spans diverse terrains, from bustling urban centers to serene countryside, providing an immersive travel experience.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in Malaysia and China.
  • Experience the cultural diversity of Thailand, Laos, and Tibet.
  • Visit iconic landmarks like the Potala Palace and Mount Everest Base Camp.
  • Enjoy breathtaking scenery, including lakes, mountains, and coastal views.
  • Indulge in local cuisines and unique dining experiences.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Singapore – Malacca – Ipoh

  • Distance: 384 KM (239 KM to Malacca, 145 KM to Ipoh)
  • Driving Time: Approx. 4-5 hours
  • Details: Depart Singapore in the morning, explore Malacca’s historic sites, and continue to Ipoh for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Ipoh – Penang – Hat Yai

  • Distance: 346 KM (131 KM to Penang, 215 KM to Hat Yai)
  • Driving Time: Approx. 4 hours
  • Details: Visit Penang for its street art and local food before heading to Hat Yai for shopping and night markets.

Day 3: Hat Yai – Chumphon

  • Distance: 527 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 7 hours
  • Details: Enjoy scenic coastal views and relax at Chumphon’s beaches.

Day 4: Chumphon – Bangkok

  • Distance: 460 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 6 hours
  • Details: Arrive in Bangkok, visit the Grand Palace, and take a river cruise.

Day 5: Bangkok – Mueang Lampang

  • Distance: 628 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 8 hours
  • Details: Explore Lampang’s temples and unique horse-drawn carriages.

Day 6: Mueang Lampang – Chiang Khong

  • Distance: 300 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 3 hours
  • Details: Visit Chiang Khong along the Mekong River.

Day 7: Chiang Khong – Luang Namtha – Boten

  • Distance: 238 KM (183 KM to Luang Namtha, 55 KM to Boten)
  • Driving Time: Approx. 4 hours
  • Details: Explore ethnic villages in Luang Namtha before crossing into Laos at Boten.

Day 8: Boten – Mengla – Jinghong

  • Distance: 285 KM (45 KM to Mengla, 240 KM to Jinghong)
  • Driving Time: Approx. 4 hours
  • Details: Experience local culture in Jinghong, known for its tropical climate.

Day 9: Jinghong – Puer

  • Distance: 474 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 10 hours
  • Details: Visit tea plantations in Puer, famous for its pu-erh tea.

Day 10: Puer – Dali

  • Distance: 474 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 10 hours
  • Details: Explore Dali’s ancient town and scenic Erhai Lake.

Day 11: Dali – Lijiang

  • Distance: 200 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 2 hours
  • Details: Visit Lijiang’s UNESCO World Heritage site and enjoy local Naxi culture.

Day 12: Lijiang – Lugu Lake

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Discover the beautiful Mosuo culture around Lugu Lake.

Day 13: Lugu Lake – Yading

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Experience the stunning landscapes of Yading Nature Reserve.

Day 14: Yading – Litang – Yajiang

  • Distance: 424 KM (291 KM to Litang, 133 KM to Yajiang)
  • Driving Time: Approx. 7-8 hours
  • Details: Explore Tibetan culture in Litang and enjoy the scenic drive.

Day 15: Yajiang – Garze County

  • Distance: 156 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 3 hours
  • Details: Discover monasteries and enjoy the mountain scenery.

Day 16: Garze County – Jiangda

  • Distance: 277 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 5 hours
  • Details: Travel through beautiful valleys and rivers.

Day 17: Jiangda – Chamdo – Dingqing

  • Distance: 466 KM (232 KM to Chamdo, 234 KM to Dingqing)
  • Driving Time: Approx. 6-7 hours
  • Details: Visit Chamdo’s temples and enjoy mountain views.

Day 18: Dingqing – Nagqu

  • Distance: 479 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 7-8 hours
  • Details: Experience the vast Tibetan Plateau.

Day 19: Nagqu – Shigatse

  • Distance: 493 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 7-8 hours
  • Details: Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

Day 20: Shigatse – Tingri – Mount Everest Base Camp

  • Distance: 237 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 6-7 hours
  • Details: Journey to Everest Base Camp for breathtaking views.

Day 21: Mount Everest Base Camp – Shigatse

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Return to Shigatse, enjoying the landscapes.

Day 22: Shigatse – Lhasa

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Arrive in Lhasa, visit the Potala Palace.

Day 23: Lhasa

  • Details: Explore local temples and markets.

Day 24: Lhasa – Nyingchi

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Travel to Nyingchi, known for its peach blossoms.

Day 25: Nyingchi – Bomi

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Enjoy stunning natural beauty.

Day 26: Bomi – Basu

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Discover diverse landscapes and cultures.

Day 27: Basu – Mangkang

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Visit Mangkang’s scenic areas.

Day 28: Mangkang – Feilaisi

  • Distance: 219 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 5 hours
  • Details: Explore the natural wonders in Feilaisi.

Day 29: Feilaisi – Cizhong – Bingzhongluo

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Discover local cultures along the way.

Day 30: Bingzhongluo – Liuku

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Enjoy beautiful scenery and local villages.

Day 31: Liuku – Tengchong

  • Distance: 200 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 4 hours
  • Details: Visit Tengchong’s hot springs.

Day 32: Tengchong – Yingjiang – Ruili – Mangshi

  • Distance: 300 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 5-6 hours
  • Details: Explore Ruili’s unique border culture.

Day 33: Mangshi – Fengqing

  • Distance: 280 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 4-5 hours
  • Details: Visit tea plantations in Fengqing.

Day 34: Fengqing – Lincang – Shuangjiang – Jingmai

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Explore Jingmai’s tea culture.

Day 35: Jingmai – Menghai – Jinghong

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Return to Jinghong for relaxation.

Day 36: Jinghong – Mengla – Boten – Muang Xai

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Cross back into Laos, enjoying the views.

Day 37: Muang Xai – Luang Prabang

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Arrive in Luang Prabang, known for its heritage.

Day 38: Luang Prabang

  • Details: Explore temples and Kuang Si Falls.

Day 39: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Enjoy outdoor adventures like tubing.

Day 40: Vang Vieng – Vientiane

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Visit Vientiane’s landmarks.

Day 41: Vientiane – Singburi

  • Distance: 576 KM
  • Driving Time: Approx. 9 hours
  • Details: Cross back into Thailand.

Day 42: Singburi – Chumphon

Distance: 604 KM

  • Driving Time: Approx. 8 hours
  • Details: Explore the coastal area.

Day 43: Chumphon – Hat Yai

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Return to Hat Yai for shopping.

Day 44: Hat Yai – Kuala Lumpur

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Arrive in Kuala Lumpur, explore the city.

Day 45: Kuala Lumpur – Singapore

  • Distance: Variable
  • Details: Return to Singapore to complete the journey.

Self-Driving Travel Tips

  • Documentation: Ensure you have a valid driver’s license, international driving permit, and vehicle insurance.
  • Navigation: Use reliable GPS or offline maps; some areas may have limited connectivity.
  • Fuel: Fill up in larger towns; rural areas may have fewer gas stations.
  • Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and road signs.
  • Health Precautions: Carry a first aid kit and necessary medications.
  • Currency: Have local currency on hand for tolls, parking, and small purchases.
  • Safety: Stay alert, especially on rural roads; wildlife crossings are common.

This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Southeast Asia and Tibet, filled with cultural encounters and stunning landscapes. Enjoy your adventure!

Service Included:

  • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary;
  • Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
  • Private English-speaking tour guide;
  • Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
  • Service charge & government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs.