China & Laos Adventure

Description

Travel through China and Laos on a voyage of discovery, exploring the unique cultures and revelling in the exotic flavours of the region. From the shores of the mighty Mekong, through the diverse Chinese hills, and on to the buzz of Thailand's capital, this trip is the perfect mix of adventure and culture - with plenty of free time to soak it all up. Golden temples and friendly locals, dramatic karst scenery and bright, blue skies, tasty food and colourful markets - join us on an adventure through China and Laos that is sure to delight.

Highlights

• Sample tasty treats in Kunming.
• Hike to diverse Chinese hilltribes.
• Make local friends during a village homestay.
• See where the Mekong and Khan rivers meet.
• Take a walking tour past the temples and colonial architecture of Luang Prabang.
• Admire the limestone karst scenery in Vang Vieng.
• Discover the buzz of Bangkok.

Itinerary

Day 1 Kunming

Kunming is called the 'City of Eternal Spring'. Enjoy the cooler weather and the tasty cuisine of the Yunnan Province.

Day 2 Jinghong

Fly to Jinghong and spend the afternoon exploring the jade markets, swimming in the Mekong or perhaps cycling through the minority villages on the outskirts of town.

Days 3-4 Village Trek

Walk through stunning rice paddies and hilltribe villages before spending a memorable night in a traditional Bulang house at a homestay, welcomed as a privileged guest.

Day 5 Jinghong

Trek through China's dramatic countryside to the village of Bada, perhaps stopping to cool off under a waterfall before heading back to Jinghong.

Days 6-7 Luang Nam Tha

Travel to Laos and discover emerald rice paddies and ethnically diverse villages surrounding Luang Nam Tha. Relax and take in daily life or jump on a bike and explore the breathtaking countryside.

Days 8-10 Luang Prabang

Set high in the hills of northern Laos, at the point where the Mekong and Khan rivers meet, Luang Prabang is studded with ornate temples and French-colonial architecture. Take a walk to get acquainted with the city's magical atmosphere.

Days 11-12 Vang Vieng

Admire the surrounding limestone karst scenery and perhaps discover the numerous caves dotting the town's surrounding hills.

Days 13-14 Vientiane

Visit Laos' most important national monument, Pha That Luang, or meander down dusty riverside tracks to find tiny villages and some of the friendliest locals around.

Day 15 Bangkok

Conclude the adventure amid the bright lights of Bangkok. Stay on a few days extra to make the most of this vibrant city, or head north or south to further explore beautiful Thailand.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Guesthouse (7 nts), Hotel (4 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

Transport

Tuk-Tuk, Plane, Taxi, Overnight sleeper train, Bus

Budget

Allow USD $250 for meals not included.