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Discover the treasures of Yunnan and northern Laos by train
IN CONSTRUCTION
HIGHLIGHTS
- Cultural discovery in Kunming.
- Stroll through Emerald Lake Park.
- Visit the Yuantong Buddhist Temple.
- Self-guided day, meals not included.
- Overnight at the Kunming Home Inn Plus Cuihu.
Day 1: First Steps in Kunming
Stops: Kunming Shi
Early morning welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
After some rest, you will begin your discovery of Kunming with a stroll through Emerald Lake Park, where locals enjoy strolling, singing, dancing, and playing music. A 15-minute drive away is the Yuantong Buddhist Temple, where you can take some time to appreciate the surroundings.
Self-guided day – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at the Kunming Home Inn Plus Cuihu (Kunming)
Day 2: Discovering Kunming and Yuanyang
Stops: Kunming
Explore Kunming and Yuanyang with an English-speaking guide. After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Black Stone Forest, famous for its unique karst formations. Then, head to Yuanyang via a local market. Admire the magnificent rice terraces, a masterpiece of Hani culture, where the light creates enchanting reflections.
Day with guide – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at Huawowo Inn
Day 3: Azheke Village
Stops: Yuanyang
Discover Yuanyang with a French-speaking guide. Estelle will meet you at your hotel reception at 9:00 a.m. after a delicious breakfast. Visit the colorful Niujiaozhai market, then explore the charming village of Azheke with its traditional houses. In the afternoon, a 2.5- to 3-hour hike will immerse you in enchanting landscapes of rice terraces.
Full-day tour with guide – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at Huawowo Inn
Day 4: From Yuanyang to Jianshui: Discovering the Jewels of Yunnan
Stops: Jianshui
Explore Jianshui with a French-speaking guide, Estelle, who will meet you at your hotel reception at 9:00 a.m. after a hearty breakfast. You will take a 3-hour 40-minute transfer to Jianshui, stopping at the Double Dragon Bridge. Visit the old village of Tuanshan, famous for its tin trade, and admire the Zhang Family Garden. Then, discover the red pottery workshop in Wanyao Village. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a stroll through Jianshui Old Town.
Full-day guided tour – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at Hanlinyuan Boutique
Day 5: From Jianshui to Kunming, Journey to the Heart of Yunnan
Stops: Kunming
Meet your driver and guide at your hotel at 8:30 a.m. for an enriching day in Jianshui. Visit the majestic Confucius Temple, the largest in China after Qufu, and enjoy local music and dance performances (1.5 hours). Continue your exploration at the Zhu Family Garden, a true gem of 20,000 m² built in the early 20th century, featuring 214 rooms and magnificent courtyards (1.5 hours). Free time to stroll to Chaoyang Gate, which houses an exhibition on the Hanoi-Kunming railway (30 minutes). Explore the Old Quarter near the West Gate, where you can learn about tofu making and taste local specialties (10 minutes). Finally, return to Kunming (3 hours 10 minutes) for a well-deserved night at the hotel.
Full day with guide – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at the Kunming Home Inn Plus Cuihu (Kunming)
Day 6: By train to the Dali region
Stops: Dali Shi
This morning, you will board a train to Dali Province, 2 hours from Kunming.
It is in this region that you can discover the Three Pagodas Temple. Built in the 10th century, this temple was used to prevent flooding in Dali Province.
You will continue your journey to the village of Xizhou, where you will spend the night.
Full-day tour with guide – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at the Yanqing Shanju Inn Dali (Dali)
Day 7: Towards Shibaoshan Mountain
Stops: Shaxi
Early in the morning, you will visit the colorful market in Xizhou Village, an opportunity to appreciate local life and taste some local specialties.
You will then head to Shibaoshan Mountain. Take a short hike to the Shizhongsi Grottoes, Baoxiang Temple, and the Stone Bell Temple, shrines dedicated to worshipping Buddhist and Taoist lords and saints.
Your day will end in the village of Shaxi, with its charming old buildings.
Full-day tour with guide – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at the Shaxi Aoding Courtyard Hotel (Shaxi)
Day 8: Lijiang, a city of a thousand faces
Stops: Lijiang
Your day will take you to Lijiang, where you’ll discover a city rich in history and culture.
You’ll visit Zhongyi Market, a hub of local life, and enjoy breathtaking views of Jade Dragon Mountain from Black Dragon Pond Park.
At the end of the day, stroll through the cobblestone streets of Shuhe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its traditional wooden houses.
Full day with guide – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at the Lijiang E-Outfitting Boutique Hotel (Lijiang)
Day 9: Tiger Leaping Gorge, a natural wonder
Stops: Shangri-La
Short excursion to Tiger Leaping Gorge to visit the upper gorge. If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb and descend the 1,300 steps, or enjoy the scenery by taking the escalator.
Continue your journey to Shangrila, a unique destination in China. Stroll through the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can discover traditional houses, temples, and pagodas, and enjoy activities such as dance performances in the square.
Day with a guide – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at the Arro Khimtsang Hotel (Shangrila)
Day 10: Discover the region’s Tibetan culture
Today, you will admire the temples, statues, and murals of the Songzanlin Tibetan Monastery, the largest monastery in Yunnan.
Lunch will be an opportunity to spend time with a Tibetan family, where you can taste yak butter tea and tsampas.
Then, you will stroll around Lake Napahai, located 5 km from Shangrila, and through the picturesque village that borders it, before ending your day with a visit to the small Ringha Monastery, an important pilgrimage site for Tibetans.
Self-guided day – Lunch included – Dinner at your own expense.
Accommodation: Overnight at the Arro Khimtsang Hotel (Shangrila)
Day 11: From Shangrila to Kunming by train
Stops: Kunming
You will take the high-speed train from Shangrila to Kunming, arriving in the late morning.
Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the surrounding area at your own pace or do some shopping before your departure for Laos.
Guided Day – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at the Kunming Home Inn Plus Cuihu (Kunming)
Day 11: From Shangrila to Kunming by Train
Stops: Kunming
You will take the high-speed train from Shangrila to Kunming, arriving in the late morning.
Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the surrounding area at your own pace or do some shopping before departing for Laos.
Guided Day – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at the Kunming Home Inn Plus Cuihu (Kunming)
Day 12: Train to Luang Prabang, Laos
Stops: Luang Prabang
After breakfast, take a taxi to Kunming Nan Station, where you will board the brand-new high-speed train to Laos (approximately 7 hours 40 minutes).
Your arrival in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is scheduled for late afternoon. After settling into your hotel, you can enjoy some free time to explore the surrounding area, particularly the night market, which opens daily from 5 p.m. on the main street.
Full-day guided tour – Meals at your own expense.
Accommodation: Overnight at Villa Mira Heritage (Luang Prabang)
Day 13: A Day in Luang Prabang, the Royal City
Stops: Luang Prabang
This day will allow you to discover, by tuktuk, the richness of Luang Prabang, a city with an exceptional cultural and historical heritage.
After the Ban Pakham morning market, where you can discover local products and the daily life of the locals, you will visit Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang’s most beautiful temple, the magnificent Royal Palace, and Mount Phousi, from where you will have breathtaking views of the city, the Mekong River, and the surrounding mountains.
Day with a guide – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at Villa Mira Heritage (Luang Prabang)
Day 14: A day in the heart of Laotian nature
Stops: Luang Prabang
Today, you will leave Luang Prabang for Ban Thapene, crossing traditional countryside landscapes: rice paddies, market gardens, teak plantations, and open forest, to reach the Kouang Si Falls.
Enjoy a moment of relaxation to appreciate one of the most beautiful natural sites in Laos and bathe in an enchanting setting.
You will return to Luang Prabang at the end of the day.
Guided day – Lunch included – Dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at Villa Mira Heritage (Luang Prabang)
Day 15: Meet the Elephants of Mandalao
Stops: Luang Prabang
Departure for Ban Xieng Lom, a charming village located 35 minutes from Luang Prabang, for an unforgettable morning in Mandalao, a sanctuary for elephants, emblems of Laos. Discover this haven of peace where the majestic elephants, protected from abuse, are pampered by a passionate team. Upon arrival, participate in an introduction to elephant conservation and the center’s projects.
Then, experience an emotional encounter with these giants: cross the Nam Khan River by longtail boat and hike through the jungle for 1.5 hours (2.5 km) to observe the elephants in their natural habitat. A buffet lunch awaits you at the center’s restaurant before returning to Luang Prabang, your heart filled with unforgettable memories. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the city and surrounding areas, and enjoy dinner at your leisure.
Full-day guided tour – Lunch included – Dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at Villa Mira Heritage (Luang Prabang)
Day 16: Vang Vieng, a new destination to discover
Stops: Vang Vieng
This morning, enjoy a final free moment in Luang Prabang before returning to Vang Vieng by train.
The town of Vang Vieng is especially famous for the splendid karst landscapes that surround it, reminiscent of Ha Long Bay on land.
You can explore the surrounding area at your own pace for the rest of the day, perhaps with the opportunity to try kayaking, sail the Nam Song River, explore the region’s caves, or visit the region’s traditional villages.
Guided Day – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at the Saksiri Riverside Boutique Hotel (Vang Vieng)
Day 17: A Day in the Heart of the Laotian Countryside
Stops: Vang Vieng
You will embark on a day trip to the surrounding countryside. You will visit the Tham Xang Cave, then take a walk through the countryside to the village of Ban Phatao, where you can discover the culture of the Hmong ethnic minority.
You will sail by canoe on the Nam Song River, then visit the Tham Jang Cave.
Guided Day – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at the Saksiri Riverside Boutique Hotel (Vang Vieng)
Day 18: From Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Between Tradition and Modernity
Stops: Vientiane
Return to civilization: en route to the capital, Vientiane. This day will allow you to discover the main tourist sites of Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
You will visit Buddhist temples, historical monuments, and iconic landmarks such as Pha That Luang, the symbol of the city and the Laotian nation, and the Patuxay Arch of Triumph.
At the end of the day, take a stroll along the banks of the Mekong River. You can observe the locals who come to relax there at the end of the day.
Guided Day – Meals at your own expense
Accommodation: Overnight at the Bloom Boutique Hotel (Vientiane)
Day 19: Last Day in Vientiane
Stops: Vientiane
Enjoy your free time to visit other temples in the capital, go shopping, or simply relax at your hotel before your transfer to the airport.
Board your flight to your next destination, filled with unforgettable memories.
Guided Day – Meals at your own expense
| DAY | ITINERARY |
| Day 1 | KUNMING |
| Day 2 | DALI |
| Day 3 | SHAXI |
| Day 4 | LIJIANG |
| Day 5 | SHANGRI-LA |
| Day 6 | SHANGRI-LA |
| Day 7 | KUNMING |
| Day 8 | LUANG PRABANG |
| Day 9 | LUANG PRABANG |
| Day 10 | LUANG PRABANG |
| Day 11 | VANG VIENG |
| Day 12 | VANG VIENG |
| Day 13 | VIENTIANE |
| Day 14 | VIENTIANE |
Q&A
Official Language: Lao
Capital: Vientiane
Surface: 236 800 km²
Population: 7 226 000 (in 2020)
Currency: Laotian kip (LAK)
Telephone code: +856
The local currency is Kip. 8,500 kip is equivalent to about 1 USD. It is possible to exchange currency in banks, exchange offices, or even by default in jewelry shops in all major cities…. Whether it is your EUR or USD, the banknotes must be “new”, i.e., legible, not too folded or wrinkled, not graffiti, not torn or scratched, because the banks refuse them. The country’s 2nd currency is the Thai Bath, which can be used almost anywhere in the country.
Some purchases or expenses can be made directly in US$ or euros, but this is most often limited to shops in large cities, or in hotels. For your expenses, we advise you to arrive with US$ and/or euros in large and small denominations. Large denominations for the exchange mainly at the beginning of the trip, small denominations for the exchange at the end of the trip, or purchases when possible (mainly in US$). It should be noted that in recent months, it has become very difficult to buy foreign currencies from Laotian banks…. So be careful not to end up with large amounts of money in kip at the end of the trip that you may have difficulty changing…
Cash withdrawals are possible in major cities in Laos, with a credit card (Visa or American Express). Payments are also possible in some hotels, luxury shops, or restaurants. But the cost of the levies (variables) remains quite high (3% commission). We recommend that you carry cash to cover your personal expenses throughout the trip.
It is difficult to talk about gastronomy in Laos…. Laos is a poor country, where even today a large part of the population still lives in the countryside and feeds on what they can fish, hunt, or gather…. The food is therefore very basic, sticky rice being the basis of the diet with a few sauces or dishes to accompany it. In addition, authentic Lao food, due to the unrestrained use of padek (fermented fish sauce) and chili pepper, is most often unsuitable for the palates and digestive systems of Westerners.
However, there are some traditional dishes in Laos, such as “lap”, a very flavoured meat or fish salad, “olam”, a
flavored stew specialty of Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang salad, Nem Khao (rice salad with fermented port)
or mocha (meat or vegetables steamed in banana leaves) that you should discover!!!!!! Noodle soups (Vietnamese or Chinese influenced) are one of the most popular dishes in the city for local people.
No vaccination is required. However, it is recommended to protect yourself against hepatitis A and B (ask your doctor for advice). We advise you to bring your own:
of a broad-spectrum antibiotic;
of your usual medications if you are undergoing treatment;
an anti-diarrheal and an intestinal antiseptic (Intetrix, Immodium…);
a protective cream against mosquitoes;
moisturizing sunscreen, lip stick;
a healing ointment and a local antiseptic.
In the north of the country, from the 7th or 8th century onwards, Tai-kadai populations descended from southern China following the river valleys and settled and organized into small independent principalities, pushing indigenous populations back on the slopes. Southern Laos, on even earlier dates, hosted the kingdoms of Funnan and Chenla, precursor of the Khmer empire of Angkor. The 13th century saw the emergence of the first strong Tai political entities in northern Thailand and Laos, which undermined Khmer domination. Quarrels between the Thai kingdoms that followed in the 14th century allowed a Lao prince, married to a Cambodian princess and with the support of his stepfather, to take control of vast territories and create the first Lao kingdom of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol
His son Samsenthai consolidated the kingdom into a state of great importance. His successor made Theravada Buddhism the state religion. Then torn apart by quarrels over succession, the kingdom broke up again into 3 entities, falling under the control of the Burmese or the Siamese. At the beginning of the 19th century, Chao Anou, a Lao prince was installed by the Siamese at the head of the kingdom of Vientiane, allowing the restoration of the city, as well as more harmonious relations with other parts of Laos… But under pressure from the Vietnamese, he rebelled against the Siamese and suffered a heavy defeat. Vientiane is razed to the ground (except for the Vat Sisaket temple), and the population deported to Siam. The other kingdoms of Laos facing the same fate, Laos is in its largest part annexed by Siam at the end of the 19th century when the French arrive in Laos.
The signing of a protectorate treaty, followed by a series of agreements between France and Siam, will allow Laos to
recover all its territories on the left bank of the Mekong River, those on the right bank being definitively integrated into the Siamese kingdom. Although the French unified the various entities to form the current Laos, they have never made this territory a priority because of its lack of economic interest… The Second World War and the Japanese intervention allowed the nationalist and independence movements to flourish… which in 1953 succeeded in making Laos a fully sovereign state. This was followed by a period of nearly 25 years of unrelenting political upheaval between communists, American-backed nationalists and neutralists… and a succession of coups d’état.
In the mid-1960s, despite the signing of an agreement ensuring the country’s independence and neutrality, the country was dragged into the Vietnam War… The Laotian Communist Party defending the interests of North Vietnam, and therefore taking advantage of its support, the Americans bombing the Ho Chi Minh runway or relieving themselves in the east of the country of the bombs not dropped on Vietnam or financing a secret army in Laos… With the American disengagement, nothing can stop the communists from taking power in December 1975 and overthrowing the monarchy and proclaiming the People’s Democratic Republic.
Lao is a polytonal monosyllabic language of the Tai Kadai group. It is spoken by the majority of the population. However, in the most remote areas of Laos, some people only speak the dialect of their minority. Laotian is the administrative language, although it is not uncommon to see administrative panels in French. English, since the country’s opening to tourism, has replaced French, which is still spoken by a few elderly people. Vietnamese is also quite common given the large Vietnamese community living in Laos, and Chinese is booming.
MINI GLOSSARY
Hello: Sa bai dee
Good Bye: Lakon
Thank you (so much): Kob Chai lai lai
How much does it cost? : Laakhraa thaow dai ?
I don’t understand: Khroy boh Kroh Thiai
My name is: Khroy sue …
Where are the toilets? : Hong nam you saay ?
Laos offers a lovely choice of handicrafts that can be found on the markets, in shops or directly at the artisan. It is essentially basketry, textiles, silverware, wood carving, and blackberry paper products. In some shops in Luang Prabang, you can find refined decorative objects or antiques. Buying locally is a great way to support the local economy with the advantage of making beautiful souvenirs! Do not hesitate to ask your guide for good local tips.
Remember when you negotiate on markets to keep your smile. Keep in mind as well that the cheapest price is not always the best as it may happen that the seller, if in need of cash, will accept your price even if it is below their “cost price”.
One thing to be aware of: exporting historic or religious artefacts and articles containing materials of threatened flora and/or fauna is forbidden:
– Ancient Buddha statues.
– All souvenirs (food, drinks, crafts) made from endangered species (skin, hair, teeth). Examples:
Ivory jewelry, figurines and carvings,
Wine made from exotic animal remains,
Pangolin scales,
Crocodile skins,
Rosewood carvings,
Seahorses and rhino horns
No special rights to pay for photographing or filming in Laos. In some places, photos are prohibited … thank you to carefully follow the instructions on this matter. Try to connect with the people before taking their picture. For some people it could just be a matter of being shy, whilst for some ethnic minorities, a camera “can steal” one’s soul. Keep in mind a blessing or a permission may be, at times, asked through a simple look…
Just as an extra objective view, before taking a picture of someone, imagine if you were on the opposite side of the camera with your picture taken, or one of your children, without having been asked for your consent.
Regarding visiting local minorities, take the chance to make meaningful connections with the people and avoid ogling the locals, snapping pictures and only buy tourist tat. Your guide is here to help you connect, share and truly immerse to have an ethical approach.
If you have any doubt during your stay about how to act or react, ask your guide or even better, wonder if you would act this way or tolerate such behavior in your city/village/church or even your home.
On your way, you will often have the opportunity to meet local people. Wherever you are, be discreet and humble. The multiplicity of cultures and traditions means that certain attitudes are perceived differently in different countries. To avoid being disrespectful, take the time to understand the people you meet, take the time to make connections.
There too, listen to the advice of your guide! He knows better than anyone the behaviors to avoid or adopt. For example, if you want to take a picture of someone, always ask them for permission. The best way for acceptance is to have established a prior contact. Similarly, do not distribute gifts at all … This often encourages children to beg, to avoid this kind of drift, it is better to refer to the local structures competent (donate to school, hospital, village chief etc.). Finally, be careful not to wear too light clothing (short shorts, cleavage …) and avoid exuberant behavior.