Shanghai Laos Cultural Journey

Welcome to China. Please make your own way to the hotel upon arrival. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from your journey or to explore the city at your own pace. You might enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming streets and soak up the distinctive atmosphere of Shanghai. Overnight in Shanghai.

After breakfast, we begin with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, situated in the old city centre. The surrounding gardens offer a fine example of classical design, dating back 400 years to the Ming Dynasty. This tranquil historic site provides a fascinating contrast to the vast modern city that has grown around it. Next, we explore Yu Garden and the adjacent old town before enjoying lunch. In the afternoon, we wander through the ancient French Concession, known for its leafy streets and colonial architecture, then take a stroll along the Bund. Here, you can admire the striking modern skyline of Pudong across the river, which contrasts sharply with the ornate colonial buildings lining the Bund’s waterfront. We return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Shanghai.

After breakfast, take a taxi to the airport (at your own expense) for your flight to Kunming. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore Kunming at your own pace. Overnight in Kunming.

After breakfast, we take a private transfer to Kunming railway station for a morning rapid train to Pu’er. Upon arrival, we transfer to Nakeli village, once a key stop on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. This historic trade route, dating back around a thousand years, connected Yunnan with Tibet and Central China, facilitating the spread of tea from its origins in Pu’er County across Asia. After lunch, we explore the village, known for its fragrant flowers and tea plantations, and may enjoy a Pu’er tea-making demonstration and tasting at a local family home or tea workshop. The day concludes with a short hike along the ancient Tea-Horse trail from Nakeli village towards Pu’er city before returning to the 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, where some tea trees are between 200 and 500 years old, and enjoy a tea-making experience. Following 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, featuring more than 20 specialised gardens, is the main attraction, with the Exotic Flower Garden being particularly popular. The Eastern District offers 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-style buildings. We then visit the General Buddhist Temple, built in 615, which is the oldest and most significant temple in the region. In the evening, you can experience the lively Gaozhuang night market, the largest in the area, featuring a 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 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 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 that tell the story of the region’s past. Discover local crafts and learn about the history of the former Lao kingdoms at 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’re seeking adventure, you may opt for one of the following activities (not included): a full-day cycling tour that takes you off-road across the Mekong rice fields, passing through remote villages and scenic hills, with opportunities to sample local snacks and experience rural life; or a half-day easy jungle trek combining vehicle and boat transfers, a visit to a traditional Khmu village with lunch, and a walk to Tad Sae waterfall, set against a backdrop of karst mountains (note the waterfall may be low or dry from February to August). Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the railway station for the morning train to Vientiane. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel in the city centre to check in. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore Vientiane 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, enjoy local cafés, 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.