19Day China)-Laos Overland Tour

You'll begin your journey to the diverse and captivating province of Yunnan from the capital city, Kunming. Upon arrival at the Kunming International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel.

 

You will take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of teahouses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. If time permits, you will have a Kunming city tour. Enjoy welcoming dinner of Yunnan Flavouring food with crossing Bridge Rice Noodle and Steam Pot Chicken/Qiguoji.

 

-- Kunming is the capital of southwest China's Yunnan province, a primarily agricultural province of 45 million. Kunming has a population of five million and is located in one of the world's most geographically, ethnically, biologically and linguistically diverse regions. Situated at 1,900 meters (6,233ft) above sea level and 25° north of the Equator it has a rather unique and pleasant climate for a Chinese city.
 

You will drive 86 km to the Stone Forest. An old local saying says that 'If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.' Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. After lunch drive back Kunming to visit the Guandu Ancient Town which is a famous historical & cultural town in Kunming; it keeps the main architectural style of Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties.

 

After dinner, you will have an option to enjoy the large-scale dance drama "Dynamic Yunnan" which has been an outstanding innovation on the Chinese stage in recent years directed by Yang Liping. Primitive, unsophisticated folk dances and a fresh artistic concept converge in the programme, giving audiences a unique "Yunnan Impression." Sixty-two drums and 120 masks of strong ethnic characteristics are incorporated in the performance.

 

 -- The Stone Forest is in Shilin Yi Nationality Autonomous County, which is about 120 kilometers from Kunming and requires only a three-hour drive. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small stone forests, as well as many other scenic spots. The Stone Forest has unique karst topography which is one of the best of its kind within China. There are six scenic spots in the Stone Forest: the Greater Stone Forest, the Lesser Stone Forest, the Naigu Stone Forest, the Zhiyun Cave, the Long Lake, the Da Dieshui Waterfall and the Qifeng Cave.

Take the morning flight to Shangri-La, you'll visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. The Songzanlin Monastery is often called the little Potala Palace because of its traditional Tibetan architectural style. In 1679 the fifth Dalai Lama chose the monastery’s location by divination and it quickly became the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan.

 

And lunch you'll go and visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake located in Pudacuo National Park 30KM away from the downtown. Pudacuo qualifies as a natural wonderland according to any standard. It contains endemic species of fish found no where else in the world, rare and beautiful orchids, black-necked cranes, and taxus yunnanensis, a yew whose extracts are indispensable to the creation of many cancer-treating drugs. Nestled in the mountains of Southwest China, the park is an integral part of the Three Parallel Rivers Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Chinas most popular tourist destinations.

 

Walk around Dukezong Ancient Town in the late afternoon; climb up to the top of Guishan Hill and visit the largerst prayer whell of the world as well as the panoramic view of Shangri-La and Dukezong Ancient Town. Taste the butter oil and Tibetan snack with Tibetan dance and song in a Tibetan family.
 

From Shangri-La, you'll drive about 100KM to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river. Afternoon, you'll head for Shangri La, the former Zhongdian. Upon arrival in Shangri La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys.
 
After lunch continue the driving 50KM more to visit the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, and the Iron Chain Bridge in the Stone Drum town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks.

 

Drive 60KM more to Lijiang. Explore Lijiang Ancient Town at night. After dinner, you will have an option to attend the Naxi Orchestral and Show in Lijiang Ancient Town.

Enjoy the sunrise of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the early morning, then drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), from Ganhaizi Meadow Parking Lot, you will change the sightseeing bus to take the chairlift for visiting the Yak Meadow(3700M), Spruce Meadow(3200M) or Glacier Park(4506M). The cableway will be arranged according to the weather condition and your request. Enjoy Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show in the outdoors theater of Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M) with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the back.

On the way back, take a visit to visit Baishui River or White Water River, which is well-known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou". The  water of Baishuihe River is from the Glacier Park of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain,so that it is extremely clean and crystal. You will have an option to enjoy the Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show directed by Zhang Yimou in the outdoors theater of Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M).
 
In the afternoon, you'll stroll through Baisha Village, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan village; you’ll head for the scenic Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum to explore the rich Naxi minority culture.
 
--Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stretches a length of 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a width of 20 kilometers (13 miles). Looking from Lijiang Old Town in the south which is 15 kilometers (nine miles) away, the snow-covered and fog-enlaced mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence, the name Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The highest peak named Fan Peak (Shanzidou in Chinese) which is about 5596 meters above sea level. There are three cable cars in the mountain, the fist to the Glacier Park (4500M),the second to Spruce Meadow(3200M),the third to Yak Meadow(3700M).
 

After breakfast, travel (200 km - 4 hrs) south on the old road to the ancient city of Dali. Dali, a historically and culturally famous city of China, is renowned for her historical interest. If this day happens to fall on a Monday you will call in at Shaping for a visit to the colorful Bai market.

 

Before Dali Ancient Town, you will visit Xizhou Ancient Town to fully appreciate Bai-style architecture, taste their fragrant three-course tea and explore their distinctive culture. Drive 10 KM more to visit Zhoucheng Town, where you will experience how Bai people make the Tie-Dyed Cloth in the work shop. You will be free in Dali Ancient Town and explore the local ethnic life in the late afternoon as well as enjoy the panoramic view of Erhai Lake from the City Wall of Dali Ancient Town.

 

--Dali Ancient Town
History of Dali Ancient Town can be dates back to 1382 during the Ming Dynasty and it has been listed among the top historic cities of China.The town's layout was uniform, with five main streets from south to north and eight main streets from east to west, while marketplaces were neatly arranged within the town, which has remained unchanged to this date. Besides the Bai houses, the houses with gray-green roof tiles, peculiar workshops, temples, schools and churches with antique flavor are scattered.

In the morning, you will visit the Three Pagodas in Chongshen Temple, which is a typical historical symbol of Yunnan. It is also one of the oldest sublime architecture in South China. Take the noon flight to Jinghong City of XishuangBanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture.

After landing, you will visit XishuangBanna Virgin Forest located 8KM away from JInghong City.

 

--Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park comprises 10 different scenic zones, including more than 50 sites of special interest. Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park includes a peacock reproduction facility, a monkey domesticating base, a large stadium devoted to ethnic activities, and a number of ethnic dwellings displaying the living habitats, the implements and the utensils unique to each ethnic group. There are some 10 ethnic minorities, here, including the Dai, the Hani, the Bulang, the Jinuo, the Lahu, the Wa, and the Yao, whereof the Dai is the largest, comprising one-third of the population.

Full day excursion to Wild Elephant Valley and visit Dafosi Temple on the way back to Jinghong City.

--Wild Elephants Valley is the place in Xishuangbanna where wild elephants move about most often and frequently. Convenient in traffic, distinctive in equatorial forest landscape and easy to see wild elephants, it has become the popular tourist site in Xishuang Banna.

 

Wild Elephants Valley covers an area of 369 hectares by the Sancha River in Mengyang Town, and is situated 47 kilometers north of the city of Jinghong. With hills rolling gently at an altitude ranging between 747 and 1055 metres, the valley is covered by tropical rain forests, crisscrossed by rivers and streams, and teeming with such endangered species as Asian wild elephants, wild oxen, green peacocks and monkeys.

Drive to Mengla, visit Menglun Botanical Garden and Dai Minority Garden on the way, visit the Jinuo minority village as well.

----Located in Menglun town of Menglai county around 80km away from Jinghong city, Menglun tropical botanical garden is the largest tropical botanical garden in China. It was established in 1959 by Chinese famous botanists including Prof. Cai Xitao, who devoted all his life to related scientific research with remarkable achievements. The garden boasts more than 4000 species of tropical plants covering an area of 900 hectares, quite a few of which are rare elsewhere, forming a colorful botanical landscape.

 

--The Dai Ethnic Garden, located in the Ganlan Basin in Menghan County, proudly holds a national 4A rating as one of China's top scenic spots.  Within the Dai Ethnic Garden, five Dai villages - Manjiang, Manchunman, Manting, ManZha, and Manga - cover an area of 3.36 square kilometers and consist of 309 families, or 1487 individual villagers.Rainforest surrounds and permeates the villages. The well-proportioned bamboo-constructed houses of the Dai people are dotted here and there, hidden in the coconut palms, Areca Catechu palms, mango trees, Litchi trees, Bombay Blackwood, and pomelo trees. 

 

Here, visitors have a unique opportunity to experience the traditional culture and hospitality of the friendly Dai people.  The Water-Sprinkling Festival is the largest of several celebrations in which visitors are welcomed to take part.  There are Buddhist temples in every village, and many buildings display fine examples of the traditional Dai pillar railing architectural style. Nothing can equal a stay in the Dai Village for a microcosmic view of all that is great about the Dai culture, and a chance to experience the unforgettable warmth of the Dai people.

Drive to Boten Pass and make entry into Laos around 11 am,you will be welcomed by our local guide and after formalities process drive forward to Oudomxay. On arrival Oudomxay, visit Wat Phousay, situated on top of Phousay hill where you can see the view of this town. Continue to Pakbeng upon arrival transfer to check-in the Lodge where you enjoy the Mekong lifestyle by the time of sunset.

 

--Oudomxay is a province in Northern Laos. It consists of several villages (called "ban") and two bigger towns: Muang Xay (the provincial capital) and Pak Beng. The province is home for several ethnic groups which you can experience in villages, where people still live their traditional life.

 

-The halfway point on the Mekong, Pakbeng sits midway between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. As the Mekong was once the only major transport route in the country, Pakbeng developed as an overnight stop for both cargo and passenger ferries. As this route down the Mekong is so spectacular, it remains a popular transport route, and Pakbeng is flourishing.

Set in a particularly scenic spot, where the Nam Beng flows into the Mekong (Pak means mouth, and Beng is the name of the river), the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer but a number of guesthouses and restaurants have sprung up catering to back packer.

 

After breakfast, in the morning visit local market (optional) of Pakbeng where nearby villagers and hill tribes buy and exchange their products. Then begin a cruise to Luang Prabang. En route, take a stop at minority village for experiencing their life.

 

Lunch will be served on board. Another stop at Ban Baw to observe the processing traditional rice alcohol and forwards visit the sacred Pak Ou Buddha Caves, the home to many thousands of Buddha images that were placed here by local people since 16th century. Reach Luang Prabang by sunset and transfer to check-in your hotel.

 

--Near Pak Ou (mouth of the Ou river) the Tham Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung (upper cave) are caves overlooking the Mekong River 25 km from Luang Prabang, Laos. They are a magnificent group of caves that are only accessible by boat, about two hours upstream from the center of Luang Prabang, and have recently become more well known and frequented by tourists.

 

The caves are noted for their impressive Lao style Buddha sculptures assembled over the centuries by local people and pilgrims. Hundreds of mostly wooden Buddhist figures are laid out over the floors and wall shelves. They take many different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain, and reclining (nirvana). Tham Ting contains approximately 2,500 Buddhas, while Tham Theung contains approximately 1,500 Buddhas.

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day visit Wat Mai and nearby National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong - often said to be Luang Prabang’s most beautiful. It is characterized by its several roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive ‘tree of life’ mosaic. Next take a visit to Wat Visoun, the site of impressive Thad Makmo Stupa.

 

Half-day afternoon is at leisure or explore this charming town on your own. Your option - Luang Prabang is wonderful for walking and in the evening recommends you to visit and spin around the night market (night bazaar) opens by 6 pm, here is a good place for handmade souvenirs collecting as textile, handicraft, painting pictures and nearby the Sunset can be enjoyed on top of Phou Sii hill, naturally stands right in the center of the small charming city. Climb its 320 steps sight-seeing the whole views of town for many miles in each direction.

If you wish, make an early start with your guide to witness or participate in the local tradition of alms giving to the monks. In the city, some 300 monks file through silently collecting alms. This is an amazing sight and your guide will be on hand to demonstrate and explain this important ritual.

 

Then return to your hotel for breakfast. Begin a drive south to the countryside village to visit Tad Khuang Sii Waterfall. Along the way to the waterfalls you can visit the Khmu minority village of Ban Thapaene or one of the Hmong villages that you pass. Return to Luang Prabang, and continue to visit Ban Xang Kong, the village making Po Sa traditional paper as well as mulberry paper items and also see their amazing locally-made silk weavings.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Pakse. Upon arrival, you will be met by local guide who will escort on the southern trips. Drive through Bolaven Plateau, the extinct volcano with a high enough altitude to be notably cooler that the town below. Here rapidly visit tea and coffee plantation areas and taste the high quality produce grown by local farmers.

 

Continue to visit Tad Fane waterfall, where thin ribbons of water plunge hundreds of feet into a deep ravine below. En route also passes and visit some minority Hill Tribe villages - ‘Kha’ and other ‘Lao Thung’ tribes live in this area. Late afternoon, return to overnight at Tad Fane Resort.

 

After breakfast, drive north to the famous Khmer Temple complex of Wat Phou. This represents the easternmost border of the Khmer empire, although the influence of the Khmers was felt deep into central Vietnam. Continue to visit Elephant Camp to see how handlers ( Mahouts ) train these giant friendly beasts ! Ride one of the friendly pachyderms to the top of Phou Asa to see mysterious ruins there. Continue on to the 4000 Islands area (Sii Phan Done) where ‘life has remained unchanged for centuries” by van. After lunch continue to 4000 Islands by bus and boat. Remainder of time is at leisure.
 

Breakfast at hotel, enjoy a trip by a local boat to the largest waterfalls in Asia! Khone Phapheng & Li Phii Falls were the major obstacles which thwarted the French n their efforts to open the Mekong River to navigation. Here also live some Irrawaddy (Freshwater) dolphins. If lucky, you’ll have the chance to see them! Lunch is in a local restaurant. See the small guage railway and colonial Bridge built by the French to circumnavigate the falls. Then return to Pakse and at leisure.
 

Breakfast at hotel, explore this ancient town on your own or be free at leisure until the time to transfer to Pakse Airport for the flight to Vientiane. Vientiane is located on the majestic Mekong River, Vientiane (translated as 'sandalwood city') dates from the 10th century, but has been the capital of Laos from the early 16th century to the present.
 

After breakfast, visit highlights of Vientiane as Morning market, the wonderful venue for encountering the charming and fun-loving Laotians. Wat Sisaket, the oldest

 

original temple in Vientiane. Wat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and over 6,000 Buddha images. Nearby is Ho Phra Kaew - the main structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok. One of the most photographed images of Vientiane is Putousay - the victory gate also known as Anousavari, with architecture inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris.

 

Another famous landmark is the Phra That Luang stupa. This great sacred stupa, considered the national symbol, is said to contain relics of Lord Buddha. After lunch, visit the weaving village of Nongbuathong and head out the city to visit Xieng Khouane Buddha Park, a religious sculpture park collecting an unusual blend of Buddhist and Hindu imagery. Return to the town and an optional - taking a short walk at the bank of Mekong River while the sunset.

Breakfast at hotel, this morning you can explore the city of Vientiane on your own or be free at leisure until the time to transfer to Wattay International Airport for your next destination on ward.