16 Days Thailand-Laos-Yunnan (China) Overland Tour from Bangkok to Kunming
Tour Overview
This 16-day overland tour from Bangkok to Kunming takes you on an exciting journey through Thailand, Laos, and Yunnan Province in China, traveling along the Kunming–Bangkok Expressway. The proposed...
Code of Tour: YET0000063681
Length of Travel: 16 Day
Destinations of Tour:
Departure City: Bangkok
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour:
Features of Tour:
This 16-day overland tour from Bangkok to Kunming takes you on an exciting journey through Thailand, Laos, and Yunnan Province in China, traveling along the Kunming–Bangkok Expressway. The proposed expressway, which began in 2008, connects the three countries, facilitating smooth travel and offering travelers a chance to explore the diverse cultures, landscapes, and attractions across these regions. The tour features bustling cities, historical sites, beautiful countryside, and rich local cultures. This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience the wonders of Southeast Asia and Southern China in depth, from ancient temples to scenic landscapes and local heritage.
Tour Highlights
- Cultural Immersion in Bangkok: Explore the vibrant capital of Thailand with visits to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and local markets.
- Ancient Ayutthaya: Visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ayutthaya and learn about its ancient civilization.
- Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai: Explore the serene Old City of Chiang Mai, the stunning Doi Suthep Temple, and the Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai.
- Laos Cultural Heritage: Visit Luang Namtha, the charming town known for its ethnic diversity and beautiful landscapes.
- Jinghong and Xishuangbanna: Discover the tropical beauty of Jinghong, Pu’er, and the Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Yunnan, China.
- Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Marvel at the world-famous terraced rice fields that reflect local agricultural practices.
- Jianshui and Fuxian Lake: Visit the historic Jianshui Ancient Town, explore Fuxian Lake, and discover the beauty of Kunming, Yunnan’s capital.
- Kunming: Experience the city of eternal spring, with visits to Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, and Western Hills/Dragon Gate Grotto.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive in Bangkok
Day 2 Bangkok
Day 3 Bangkok-Ayutthaya-Nakhong Sawan
Day 4 Nakhong Sawan-Chiang Mai
Day 5 Chiang Mai
Day 6 Chiang Mai- Chiang Rai
Day 7 Chiang Rai-Chiang Saen
Day 8 Chiang Saen-Chiang Khong-Luang Namtha
Day 9 Luang Namtha-Mohan-Jinghong by speed train
Day 10 Jinghong
Day 11 Jinghong-Puer-Jiangcheng
Day 12 Jiangcheng-Lvchun-Yuanyang
Day 13 Yuanyang
Day 14 Yuanyang-Jianshui
Day 15 Jianshui-Fuxian Lake-Kunming
Day 16 Departure from Kunming
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
- Arrival in Bangkok: Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
- Rest and Relaxation: Depending on your arrival time, you can either rest after your long journey or take a short stroll around the city center to get familiar with the local surroundings.
- Overnight stay: Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in Bangkok.
Day 2: Explore Bangkok
- Grand Palace & Wat Pho: Begin your exploration with the Grand Palace, home to the Emerald Buddha and a significant cultural and spiritual landmark of Thailand. Afterward, visit Wat Pho, known for the giant reclining Buddha.
- Wat Arun: Cross the river to visit Wat Arun, another iconic temple in Bangkok, known for its striking riverside location and ornate spires.
- Chao Phraya River: Take a relaxing boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River, which offers spectacular views of the city’s waterfront.
- Overnight stay: Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Nakhon Sawan
- Ayutthaya Day Trip: After breakfast, leave Bangkok and drive to Ayutthaya (about 1.5 hours away). Explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can visit the Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relic), the Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit, and the Ayutthaya Floating Market.
- Drive to Nakhon Sawan: In the afternoon, continue your journey to Nakhon Sawan, a province known for its river views and local charm.
- Overnight stay: Check-in at your hotel and relax for the night.
Day 4: Nakhon Sawan – Chiang Mai
- Travel to Chiang Mai: After breakfast, begin your journey to Chiang Mai (approximately 6 hours by car).
- Explore Chiang Mai: Upon arrival, head to the Old City, home to numerous temples, including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang.
- Night Bazaar: In the evening, visit the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar to shop for local handicrafts and sample delicious street food.
- Overnight stay: Return to your hotel for the night.
Day 5: Chiang Mai
- Doi Suthep Temple: Start your day with a visit to Doi Suthep Temple, one of Thailand’s most important temples, which sits on a mountain overlooking the city.
- Doi Suthep-Pui National Park: Explore the scenic Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, where you can enjoy beautiful nature trails and stunning views of Chiang Mai.
- Cultural Experience: Visit local art galleries and handicraft centers in the afternoon, such as the San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village.
- Overnight stay: Return to your hotel in Chiang Mai for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai
- Travel to Chiang Rai: After breakfast, drive to Chiang Rai (approximately 3 hours).
- White Temple (Wat Rong Khun): Visit the world-famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), an avant-garde structure with intricate white and mirrored designs.
- Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten): Explore the Blue Temple, known for its striking blue tones and artistic murals depicting the history of Buddhism.
- Overnight stay: Stay overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 7: Chiang Rai – Chiang Saen
- Golden Triangle: Today, head to the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. Take a boat ride along the Mekong River to enjoy views of all three countries.
- Chiang Saen: Visit the historic town of Chiang Saen, known for its ancient temples and ruins dating back to the 7th century.
- Overnight stay: Stay overnight in Chiang Saen.
Day 8: Chiang Saen – Chiang Khong – Luang Namtha
- Cross the Border into Laos: Cross the Mekong River and drive to Chiang Khong, where you will enter Laos via the Houayxai border crossing.
- Drive to Luang Namtha: Continue your journey through northern Laos to Luang Namtha (approximately 4 hours), known for its lush landscapes and diverse ethnic groups.
- Explore Luang Namtha: Explore the town and visit the local ethnic minority villages to learn about traditional cultures.
- Overnight stay: Check-in at your hotel and relax.
Day 9: Luang Namtha – Mohan – Jinghong by Speed Train
- Border Crossing to China: Drive to the Mohan Border and cross into China. From here, take the high-speed train to Jinghong, the capital of Xishuangbanna in southern Yunnan.
- Explore Jinghong: Upon arrival, explore Jinghong, including the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden and the Wild Elephant Valley.
- Overnight stay: Stay overnight in Jinghong.
Day 10: Jinghong
- Explore Jinghong: Visit Jinghong’s local markets and Buddhist temples, such as Wat Pha Tok.
- Dai Culture: Experience the unique Dai minority culture, including visits to local villages and markets.
- Overnight stay: Return to your hotel for the night.
Day 11: Jinghong – Puer – Jiangcheng
- Drive to Pu’er: Travel to Pu’er, a city known for its tea plantations. Visit the famous Pu’er Tea Museum to learn about the history and culture of tea production.
- Jiangcheng: Continue your journey to Jiangcheng, where you can explore the surrounding mountains and tea fields.
- Overnight stay: Stay overnight in Jiangcheng.
Day 12: Jiangcheng – Lvchun – Yuanyang
- Drive to Yuanyang: Head towards Yuanyang, famous for its stunning rice terraces.
- Explore Rice Terraces: Spend the afternoon walking around the Yuanyang Rice Terraces and interacting with the local Hani people who cultivate rice in these terraces.
- Overnight stay: Stay overnight in Yuanyang.
Day 13: Yuanyang
- Sunrise over Rice Terraces: Get up early to watch the sunrise over the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, a breathtaking sight when the fields reflect the morning light.
- Hani Village Visit: Visit a Hani minority village and learn about the culture and agricultural practices of the locals.
- Overnight stay: Return to your hotel for the night.
Day 14: Yuanyang – Jianshui
- Drive to Jianshui: Travel to Jianshui, an ancient town with deep cultural significance.
- Jianshui Ancient Town: Explore historical sites such as Zhilin Temple, Double Dragon Bridge, and the Confucian Temple.
- Overnight stay: Stay overnight in Jianshui.
Day 15: Jianshui – Fuxian Lake – Kunming
- Fuxian Lake: Visit Fuxian Lake, one of China’s deepest freshwater lakes, where you can enjoy a boat ride or relax by the shore.
- Kunming: Drive to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, known for its pleasant weather and local culture.
- Overnight stay: Explore Kunming’s Flower and Bird Market or take a relaxing stroll around Green Lake Park.
Day 16: Departure from Kunming
- Explore Kunming: Before your flight, you may choose to explore more of Kunming, including the Stone Forest or Dianchi Lake.
- Departure: Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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 charge and all government taxes;
- Travel Agency’s Responsibility Insurance coverage.
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.
