Kunming Laos Tea Horse Exploration

Arrive in Kunming by flight or train, where you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the city or, if you wish, join an optional excursion to the famous Stone Forest. This remarkable site, about two hours’ drive from Kunming, is renowned for its striking karst formations and rich minority culture. Should you choose this excursion, you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby and enjoy a guided tour, including lunch. Overnight in Kunming.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Kunming railway station for a morning rapid train to Pu’er. On arrival, we take you to Nakeli village, once a key stop on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road—a historic trade route linking Yunnan with Tibet and central China via Sichuan. This route played a vital role in spreading tea from its origins in Pu’er County across China and Asia. After lunch, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village, fragrant with flowers and tea, and may 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 your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, we travel to Nannuo Mountain, renowned for its long history of tea cultivation. We will hike for approximately two hours 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 continue to Xishuangbanna, stopping en route to visit a typical Dai minority village. We arrive in Xishuangbanna late afternoon – an autonomous prefecture in southern Yunnan known for its cultural diversity, tropical climate, and as home to the Dai people, one of China’s 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 split into two sections: the western area, which features more than 20 specialised botanic gardens including the popular Exotic Flower Garden, and the eastern area, a vast expanse of old-growth tropical rainforest with well-maintained trails ideal for hiking. After lunch, we return to Xishuangbanna and visit Manting Park, a natural village-style urban park where you can see the vines area, peacock garden, and traditional Dai and Thai-style architecture, often accompanied by locals dressed in Dai costumes. Next, we explore the General Buddhist Temple, built in 615 and the oldest and most significant temple in Xishuangbanna. In the evening, you have the option to visit Gaozhuang night market, the largest night market 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 the 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 in Luang Prabang, your English-speaking guide will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this charming city at your own pace. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, set off 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 that tell the story of the region’s past. Discover local crafts and learn about the history of the former Lao kingdoms as we 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 at the hotel, enjoy a full day at your leisure in Luang Prabang. For those seeking adventure, there are optional activities available (not included). You might choose a full-day biking tour across the Mekong rice fields, cycling off-road through remote villages and scenic hills, sampling local snacks, and crossing the Mekong River by ferry on the return. Alternatively, you can opt for a half-day easy jungle trek combined with a boat ride and visit to Tad Sae waterfall. This three-hour excursion includes hiking through lush jungle framed by karst mountains, a stop for lunch in a traditional Khmu village, and a walk to the waterfall, which may be low or dry from February to August. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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

After breakfast at the hotel, you have the day free to explore Vientiane at your own pace. This is a great opportunity to visit the city’s landmarks, browse local markets, or simply soak up the relaxed atmosphere. Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your journey.