Chengdu Laos Cultural Exploration

Arrive in Chengdu by flight or train, where you will be met by your driver and transferred to Dujiangyan. Formerly known as Guan County, the town is renowned for its ancient irrigation system. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You might choose to explore the small city on foot or relax with a drink at a riverside bar near the lively South Bridge. Overnight in Dujiangyan.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free morning to relax or explore Dujiangyan at your own pace. After lunch, we visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an ancient engineering marvel built around 256 BC by the State of Qin. This still-functioning water management system irrigates over 5,300 square kilometres, providing flood control, irrigation, water transport and consumption benefits. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. We also visit the Temple of Two Kings, dedicated to Li Bing and his son, the creators of the irrigation system. There is an option to visit the nearby Dujiangyan Panda Base in the morning, home to over 30 giant pandas and 5 red pandas, specialising in rescue and disease prevention. Please inform us at least 30 days in advance to check availability and pricing for this optional visit. Overnight in Dujiangyan.

After breakfast, we transfer back to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Our first visit is the Jinsha Archaeological Museum, established on the site discovered in 2001 that preserves and displays artefacts from the ancient Shu civilisation dating to the Shang or Western Zhou dynasty. This culture vanished between 500 BC and 200 BC due to political upheaval, earthquakes or flooding. After lunch, we continue to Qingyang Temple, which dates back to the Zhou Dynasty and is regarded as the foremost Taoist temple in Western Sichuan and the largest in Southwest China. Many visitors come here to pray by offering candles and joss sticks. We conclude the day with a stroll along the bustling Jinli Street, where you can experience local life and, if you wish, enjoy the lively night square dancing typical of the area. Overnight in Chengdu.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the railway station for a rapid train journey to Kunming. Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Kunming.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Kunming railway station for a morning rapid train to Pu’er. On arrival, we head to Nakeli village, once a key stop on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. This historic trade route, dating back around a thousand years, linked Yunnan with Tibet and Central China via Sichuan Province. It played a crucial role in spreading tea from its origins in Pu’er County across China and Asia, sometimes called the Southern or Southwest Silk Road. After lunch, you can stroll through the village, fragrant with flowers and tea, and may choose to join a Pu’er tea-making demonstration and tasting at a local family home or tea workshop. We conclude the day with a short hike along the ancient Tea-Horse trail from Nakeli village towards Pu’er city before returning to the hotel for overnight.

After breakfast, we head to Nannuo Mountain, renowned for its long history of tea cultivation. We will enjoy a two-hour hike through a tea plantation featuring trees aged between 200 and 500 years, followed by a tea-making experience. After lunch at a local restaurant, we transfer to Xishuangbanna, stopping en route to visit a typical Dai minority village. Arriving in Xishuangbanna late afternoon, you will find it a vibrant city with a tropical climate and rich cultural diversity, home to the Dai people—one of China’s 55 recognised ethnic minorities. Overnight in Xishuangbanna.

After breakfast, we transfer to the Tropical Botanical Garden, established in 1959 and home to over 13,000 species of tropical plants across 35 living collections. The garden is divided into eastern and western sections. The West District is the main attraction, featuring more than 20 specialised botanical gardens, including the popular Exotic Flower Garden. The Eastern District offers extensive old-growth tropical rainforest with paved trails, ideal for those who enjoy hiking. After lunch, we return to Xishuangbanna and visit Manting Park, a natural, village-style urban park where you can explore the vines area, peacock garden, and traditional Dai and Thai architecture, often accompanied by locals dressed in Dai costume. Next, we visit the General Buddhist Temple, built in 615, the oldest and most significant temple in Xishuangbanna. In the evening, you can explore Gaozhuang night market, the largest in the region, known for its vibrant light show along the Mekong River. Overnight in Xishuangbanna.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the railway station for a rapid train journey to Luang Prabang via Boten port. We recommend packing a lunch before leaving China. You will follow customs procedures in both China and Laos—please ensure your Laos visa is arranged in advance. Upon arrival, your English-speaking guide will meet you at Luang Prabang station and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore this charming city independently. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, set out on a full-day guided tour of Luang Prabang by minivan. We will visit the bustling morning market, explore ancient temples, and see war relics and local crafts. You’ll learn about the history of the former Lao kingdoms and visit the National Museum. Luang Prabang is one of Southeast Asia’s best-preserved traditional cities and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Its peaceful atmosphere, tropical setting, and rich cultural heritage make it a truly captivating destination. Lunch is included. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Luang Prabang. If you prefer a more active experience, you may choose from optional excursions. One option is a full-day cycling tour across the Mekong rice fields, taking you off the beaten track through remote villages and scenic hills. You’ll ride on gravel and single tracks, sample local snacks, and encounter water buffalo and goats along the way, returning to Luang Prabang via a local ferry crossing. Alternatively, you can opt for a half-day easy jungle trek combined with a boat trip and waterfall visit. This three-hour outing includes a hike through lush jungle framed by karst mountains, a visit to a traditional Khmu village where you’ll enjoy lunch, and a walk to Tad Sae waterfall (note that water levels vary seasonally). The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore independently. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the railway station for a morning train to Vientiane. Upon arrival, we will take you to the city centre for hotel check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast at the hotel, you have a full day to explore Vientiane at your own pace. This is an excellent opportunity to visit the city’s key landmarks, sample local cuisine, or simply soak up the relaxed atmosphere of Laos’ capital. Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your journey.