A high-speed train on the China–Laos Railway traveling through Yunnan’s lush mountain landscape.

12-Day Yunnan to laos by rial: Kunming to Luang prabang

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Trip Introduction

🗓️ duraTION: 12 days / 11 NIGHTS all year round

🌎 China & Laos: Kunming → Pu'er → Xishuangbanna → Luang Prabang

Journey from the cool highlands of Yunnan to the tropical heart of Laos along one of Asia’s newest cross-border rail corridors. Start in Kunming, the “City of Eternal Spring,” then travel south through Pu’er’s storied tea mountains and Xishuangbanna’s lush rainforest, home to Dai villages and Buddhist traditions. Crossing into Laos, the train glides through misty valleys toward Luang Prabang—an exquisite UNESCO town where saffron-robed monks, French colonial architecture, and Mekong sunsets define a slower rhythm of life.This overland odyssey blends culture, cuisine, heritage, and nature, revealing how the ancient Tea-Horse Road has evolved into a modern Silk Rail.
Trip code: CBT251204

EXPERIENCES

destinations

  • China
  • Southeast Asia
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Itinerary

🥢 Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1: Kunming Arrival (-)
Arrive at Kunming International Airport (KMG) or Kunming Railway Station in the morning.Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
The tour program begins in the afternoon.Please be ready for hotel pick-up at the scheduled time. Afternoon visit to Green Lake Park, a scenic urban oasis famous for its lotus ponds and winter seagulls, and Yuantong Temple - a historic Buddhist site blending Han, Tibetan and Southeast Asian architectural styles. Enjoy a two-night stay in Kunming. Overnight in Kunming.

Day 2: Stone Forest & Guandu Ancient Town (B, L)

Hotel breakfast.Full-day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Stone Forest, featuring spectacular karst formations.En route, visit Guandu Ancient Town, a well-preserved historic town showcasing traditional architecture and local snacks.Yunnan Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles lunch included. Overnight in Kunming.

Day 3: Kunming City Tour (B)

Hotel breakfast and check out.Visit Western Hills & Dragon Gate for panoramic views of Dianchi Lake.Explore Golden Temple Park, a bronze Taoist temple nestled in lush hills.Discover Qiongzhu Temple (Bamboo Temple), renowned for its 500 vivid clay arhat sculptures.Overnight in Kunming.

Day 4: Kunming to Pu'er (B)

Hotel breakfast and check out.Transfer to the train station and take a speed train to Pu’er, such as train C361 (10:48–13:34) from Kunming or a similar schedule. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Pu’er.

Day 5: pu'er (B)

Hotel breakfast.Visit Pu’er Coffee Plantations to learn about the region’s unique coffee-growing culture and enjoy the aroma of freshly roasted beans. Continue to Bixi Ancient Town, a quiet historical village known for its well-preserved architecture and local charm. After sightseeing, return to the hotel.Overnight in Pu’er.

Day 6: Pu'er to xishuangbanna (B)

Hotel breakfast and check out. Visit the Ancient Tea-Horse Trail and a local tea plantation to explore the history of tea trading and the traditional tea-making process. In the afternoon, drive to Xishuangbanna. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight in Xishuangbanna.

Day 7: xishuangbannan (B)

Hotel breakfast.Visit Wild Elephant Valley, a protected reserve where you may spot Asian elephants in their natural habitat and learn about local wildlife conservation. Continue with a jungle walk in the Tropical Botanical Garden, enjoying the lush rainforest scenery and diverse tropical plants. After the tour, return to the hotel.Overnight in Xishuangbanna.

Day 8: xishuangbannan (B)

Hotel breakfast.Drive to Nannuo Tea Mountain, one of Xishuangbanna’s most famous tea-growing areas, to learn about ancient tea trees and traditional tea-making techniques. Continue to the Tropical Botanical Garden, home to thousands of plant species from across the world. After sightseeing, return to the hotel.Overnight in Xishuangbanna.

Day 9: xishuangbanna to luang prabang (B)

Hotel breakfast and check out. Drive to Xishuangbanna Railway station and take a train to Luang Prabang, 11:22-14:45 or similar Luang Prabang Railway Station arrival.meet upon arrival.Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 10: luang prabang (B)

Hotel breakfast and full day Luang Prabang exploration:Alms Giving Ceremony: Start early to witness the daily alms ceremony, an iconic cultural experience.Kuang Si Waterfalls: Visit the multi-tiered waterfalls and take a refreshing swim.Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 11: luang prabang (B)

Hotel breakfast and full day Luang Prabang exploration:City Temple Tour: Explore the historic Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai, and the Royal Palace Museum.Mount Phousi: Climb up for sunset views over the Mekong and the city.Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 12: Luang Prabang depature (B)

Hotel breakfast and check out. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Trip ends.

Tour details

tour duration

12 Days / 11 Nights

size of group

Daily departure, min. 2 (guaranteed)

accommodation

  • 11 nights including daily hotel breakfast.
  • Choose your preferred class: Comfort, Deluxe, or Boutique

Meals

  • 11 hotel breakfasts, 1 lunch: Yunnan Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles
  • Lunches and dinners are not included to allow for flexibility; our guides will recommend local options en route.
  • Happy to arrange more culinary experiences upon request.

Internal transport

  • Domestic high-speed train (Standard seat): Kunming → Pu’er
  • International high-speed train Xishuangbanna → Luang Prabang
  • Transfers: All airport and train station to hotel round-trip transfers by private vehicle.

sightseeing

  • All mentioned tours and excursions
  • Includes: All first-entry admission tickets to sights.
  • Guide Service: Professional local English-speaking guide service in each city.
  • Spanish, Italian, and German-speaking guides available upon request (may require an additional fee).
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TRAVEL MOMENTS

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