Discover Laos-China: Vientiane - Kunming - Xishuangbanna 6 Days 5 Nights Private Tour

We welcome you at the Nong Khai border checkpoint and guide you across the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, which has long connected the two nations. Along the way, take in the scenic views along the Mekong River.

Upon arriving in Vientiane, a capital steeped in history and cultural identity, we visit Patuxay (Victory Monument), the iconic landmark of Vientiane built to honor Lao soldiers who lost their lives in past wars. Designed with architecture blending traditional Lao motifs and European style, the top of Patuxay offers visitors panoramic views across Vientiane. Next, visit Haw Phra Kaew, once the shrine of the Emerald Buddha and now a museum housing ancient Lao religious art, carved Buddha statues, and precious antiquities. Outside Haw Phra Kaew, a balcony overlooks the Presidential Palace (formerly the Royal Palace) and surrounding landscaped gardens.

Noon: Enjoy lunch.

After lunch, pay homage at an important sacred site in Vientiane: the City Pillar Shrine at Wat Si Muang, a revered place of worship for the Lao people. It is believed that paying respects here brings good fortune and stability in life. The temple features a serene atmosphere and beautiful traditional architecture. Next, visit Pha That Luang, the grand golden stupa that serves as the national symbol and spiritual heart of Laos. Striking in its traditional Lao architecture and enclosed by high cloisters, visiting in the evening offers the chance to see it beautifully illuminated, adding to its majesty and creating a memorable experience for visitors.

Evening: Enjoy dinner.

Afterward, transfer to your hotel and relax at your leisure, getting ready for the journey the next day.

Today, we take our group to Vientiane Railway Station to begin your journey from Laos to China.

We depart on the Laos-China High-Speed Railway train C82 heading towards Boten. The Vientiane–Boten railway line is a major project linking international travel, spanning approximately 414 kilometers. Along the way, you can admire scenic views of mountains, forests, and the simple lifestyle of the local Lao people.

Upon arriving in Boten, the northern terminus station in Laos connecting Laos and China. Boten serves as an important economic hub and the gateway to Yunnan Province, China.

Noon: Lunch is served.

Afternoon: After completing immigration procedures at the Boten checkpoint (Laos) and Mohan checkpoint (China), we take the group to Mohan Railway Station, the main international gateway railway station in China. Here, you will witness China's impressive and modern transit infrastructure. We depart aboard the high-speed train C386 bound for Kunming, taking approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. This scenic route takes you through diverse landscapes, from soaring mountains to vast open plains.

Evening: Enjoy a boxed dinner on board the train for your convenience and comfort during the journey.

Upon arriving in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province and a major economic, cultural, and tourism hub of China. Kunming is affectionately known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant, cool weather year-round. It also boasts a long history and is home to prominent natural and cultural attractions.

We transfer the group to a standard hotel for check-in and leisure time, allowing you to relax and prepare for the journey ahead tomorrow.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, we travel to Western Hills (Xishan), one of Kunming's renowned attractions filled with natural beauty and cultural heritage. Located west of Kunming, Western Hills has a long history and is revered as a sacred Taoist site. Within the mountain area, there are nature trails and viewpoints offering panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and the Kunming skyline from above. Next, we visit the Dragon Gate (Longmen), a major highlight on Western Hills popular among visitors. It is believed that passing through the Dragon Gate wards off misfortune and brings good luck. Perched on a steep cliff, you can walk along the cliffside path or take a cable car up to admire the stunning views of the lake below.

Next, visit Dianchi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province, covering an area of approximately 300 square kilometers surrounded by scenic mountain ranges. This lake is renowned as the "Pearl of the Plateau" for the breathtaking beauty of sunlight reflecting across its waters in the morning and evening.

Noon: Enjoy lunch.

Afternoon: We head to the Jindian Golden Temple, one of Kunming's most significant historical and cultural landmarks. Built during the Ming Dynasty and restored during the Qing Dynasty, this pavilion was constructed entirely of bronze, weighing over 380 tons, with an exterior that gleams like gold. Standing 6.7 meters tall and 6.2 meters wide and long, it is the largest bronze structure in China. Inside, it preserves the Seven-Star Sword (weighing 12 kilograms) and a magic sword (weighing 20 kilograms), both personal weapons of General Wu Sangui. Perched on Mingfeng Mountain, the temple also serves as another picturesque viewpoint in Kunming.

Afterward, take a stroll through the pedestrian walking street and enjoy shopping at your leisure. This lively street is Kunming's bustling hub for fashion and souvenirs, offering a wide selection of items such as clothing, shoes, watches, and local handicrafts. It is also lined with restaurants and snack stalls serving intriguing local delicacies, giving you a wonderful taste of local life and authentic street food.

Evening: Enjoy dinner.

We take you to the hotel to rest and relax at your leisure, getting ready for tomorrow's journey.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant. After breakfast, we take you to the Stone Forest, one of the most prominent highlights in Yunnan Province. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering an area of over 40,000 rai and dating back more than 270 million years, this park is filled with massive limestone pillars of unique and intriguing shapes—some resembling animals, flowers, or creatures of the imagination. Formed by tectonic shifts and rainwater erosion, the ancient deep-sea limestone emerged as a stunning stone forest in the midst of the land. As you stroll through, you will feel the creative power of nature behind this marvel and enjoy popular photo spots such as the Chinese calligraphy carving "Stone Forest" and the Crane Stone, the symbol of the park.

Noon: Stop for lunch. After lunch, we take you back to Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring with pleasant cool weather all year round, to prepare for your journey to Xishuangbanna by high-speed train C313. This train route is modern and comfortable, offering scenic views that shift with the terrain, from mountains and forests to Yunnan's rural countryside.

Upon arriving in Jinghong (Chiang Rung), we will be waiting to welcome you at the station.

Jinghong (Chiang Rung) is the central city of the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, celebrated for its vibrant Tai Lue culture. The local people have preserved their traditional customs remarkably well. You will experience the warmth of local village life, unique architecture including traditional wooden houses and temples, and a harmonious blend of natural diversity.

Evening: Enjoy dinner.

After dinner, we will transfer you to your standard hotel in Jinghong to relax at your leisure and prepare for the next day's journey.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant. After breakfast, we take you to the Tai Lue Morning Market to experience the morning atmosphere of Jinghong, rich with traditional daily life. Tai Lue locals gather here to shop for fresh ingredients, local foods, and traditional handicrafts. This market vividly reflects the simple way of life and culture of the Tai Lue people.

Next, we head to the Primeval Forest Park, a tropical rainforest located east of Jinghong spanning over 15,000 rai. It is the lushest forest in the area and the closest to the city center, home to a wide variety of tropical flora and wildlife. Inside the park, there are replica ethnic minority villages, restaurants, and activity areas featuring cultural events such as ethnic wedding ceremonies and a magnificent peacock flight show, adding wonder and excitement for visitors.

Noon: Enjoy lunch.

Afternoon: We journey to Manhefeng Tai Lue Village, an ancient village located on the outskirts of Jinghong. It is a traditional cultural center where the Tai Lue way of life and classic wooden architecture have been remarkably preserved. You will experience a peaceful atmosphere and learn about the stories of the Tai Lue people passed down through generations.

Next, we visit Wat Pajie, an important Theravada Buddhist temple located south of Manting Park covering an area of over 3,000 square meters. Historically, this temple served as the royal place of worship for the rulers of Xishuangbanna. The temple grounds comprise an ordination hall (ubosot), monks' residences, and the Yunnan Buddhism College.

Evening: Enjoy dinner.

After dinner, we take you to watch the Paranasi Show (Mengbalanaxi Show), a Yunnan ethnic cultural performance combining choreography, light, sound, and folk music. This grand and beautiful production reflects the lifestyles and stories of various ethnic groups in the region, making it one of the must-see highlights when visiting Xishuangbanna.

After this impressive show, we transfer you to your hotel in Jinghong to relax at your leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we take you to Jinghong Railway Station to prepare for your return journey.

Depart from Jinghong to Mohan on high-speed train C389. Enjoy a comfortable journey while admiring natural views along the route.

Noon: Enjoy lunch.

Depart from Boten to Vientiane aboard the Laos-China Railway, Train C81. This railway line connects Laos and China with modern convenience.

Upon arriving at Vientiane Railway Station in Laos's capital, steeped in culture and tranquility, we take your group across the border via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, returning safely to Nong Khai Province, Thailand, filled with wonderful memories.

Private tour price

Depends on the number of travelers

Minimum 15 persons: 25,500 THB per person, single supplement 5,500 THB

(The above price is for 2024; please inquire for updated current pricing)