17-Day Southeast Asia Cultural and Spiritual tour
Trip Introduction
🗓️ duraTION: 17 days / 16 NIGHTS all year round
🌎 China, Laos & Cambodia: Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangri-la - Kunming -
Luang Prabang - Siem Reap
Embark on a soul-stirring cultural and spiritual odyssey through Southeast Asia with our thoughtfully designed tour. Explore the mystical realms of Shangri-La, where Tibetan culture intertwines with breathtaking landscapes. Immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Lijiang and Dali, where traditional Naxi and Bai cultures thrive. Discover the serene spirituality of Luang Prabang, steeped in Buddhist traditions, and culminate your journey in the sacred temples of Siem Reap, unraveling the spiritual tapestry of Angkor Wat. This transformative expedition promises a deep connection with the cultural and spiritual essence of each destination, offering travelers a profound and enlightening experience across diverse landscapes and ancient traditions.
Trip code: CBT251701
EXPERIENCES
- Cultural Journeys
- Cross-Border Adventures
destinations
- China
- Southeast Asia
Itinerary
🥢 Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: Kunming
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.
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, to Dali (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.Afternoon take speed train to Dali (approx. 2 hours).Transfer to hotel and enjoy a two-night stay in Dali.
Overnight in Dali.
Day 4: dali (B)
Hotel breakfast. Visit North Gate Market and iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple.Enjoy 45-minute Erhai Lake boat ride to Tianjing Pavilion.Stroll through Dali Old Town, seeing Catholic Church and Foreigners' Street.Overnight in Dali.
Day 5: dali to Lijiang (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out. Drive to Lijiang and on the way visit to Xizhou Village, featuring Bai ethnic culture, Yan Family Courtyard, and traditional tie-dye workshop.Lijiang arrival and visit to Zhongyi Market for local snacks and goods.Explore Shuhe Ancient Town's traditional architecture and relaxed atmosphere.
Enjoy a three-night stay in Lijiang.Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 6: Lijiang (B)
Hotel breakfast. Visit Black Dragon Pool Park with its crystal-clear pond and majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views.Take cable car to Glacier Park (4,506m) on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.Explore Blue Moon Valley by electric cart. Visit Baisha Village to see ancient Naxi murals.Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 7: Lijiang free day (B)
Hotel breakfast.
A free day at your own disposal.
Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 8: Lijiang to shangri-la (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out.Scenic drive to Shangri-La (approx. 4.5 hours). Stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of world's deepest gorges, and First Bend of Yangtze River.Transfer to the hotel for check-in. After arrival, take time to acclimate to the altitude. And walk around the Shangri-La Old Town, enjoy the Tibetan architecture, prayer flags, and cobbled streets.
Enjoy a two-night stay in Shangri-la.Overnight in Shangri-La.
Day 9: shangri-la (B)
Hotel breakfast.Visit Songzanlin Monastery, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery known as "Little Potala Palace".Explore Pudacuo National Park, walking the 3.3km wooden trail around scenic Shudu Lake.Overnight in Shangri-La.
Day 10: to kunming (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out. Drive to Shangri-La Railway station and take a 4-hour train to Kunming.Kunming Railway Station arrival. meet upon arrival and transfer to hotel.
Enjoy a one-night stay in Kunming.Overnight in Kunming.
Day 11: Kunming to luang prabang (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out.Drive to Kunming Railway station and take a train to Luang Prabang: 08:08-14:45 or similar Luang Prabang Railway Station arrival. Meet upon arrival.Transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Enjoy a three-night stay in Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 12: 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 13: 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 14: Luang prabang to Siem Reap (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out. Drive to Luang Prabang airport and fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia) Arrival at Siem Reap REP International Airport, flight details to be informed. Meet upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a three-night stay in Siem Reap, and take an evening stroll in the Old Market area.Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 15: Siem Reap (B)
Hotel breakfast and full day Siem Reap exploration:Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour: Start the day early with sunrise at Angkor Wat, followed by tours of Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple.Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 16: Siem Reap (b)
Hotel breakfast and full day Siem Reap exploration:Siem Reap Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm Temple: Visit the intricately carved Banteay Srei and the famous Ta Prohm, known for its overgrown tree roots.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 17: departure (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out. Meet at hotel and drive to airport, departure. (END)
Tour details
tour duration
17 Days / 16 Nights
size of group
Daily departure, min. 2 (guaranteed)
accommodation
- 16 nights including daily hotel breakfast.
- Choose your preferred class: Comfort, Deluxe, or Boutique
Meals
- 17 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 → Dali, Shangri-la → Kunming
- International high-speed train Kunming → Luang Prabang
- International flight: Luang Prabang → Siem Reap
- 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).
TRAVEL MOMENTS
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