Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival Kunming
Flight Information:
You'll begin our journey to the diverse and captivating province of Yunnan from the capital city, Kunming. Upon arrival at the Kunming International Airport, our local guide will meet us. And then you will be transferred to our hotel.
--Kunming is well-known as the Spring City because of the nice climate all the year round. It is also the entrance to Southeast Asia countries. You can drive from Kunming to Laos, Vietnam and Burma directly.
Day 02 Kunming-Stone Forest-Kunming (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: the Stone Forest, the Flower and Bird Market, the Green Lake.
Special Experience : Taste the typical Yunnan food named Bridge crossing Noodles.
You will drive 86 km to the Stone Forest. There is a local saying: 'It is a waste of time not to visit the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming', which vividly expresses the deep love of the local people toward this world wonder. The quintessential karst landscape makes every tourist lost in wonder.
After lunch drive back Kunming, we will take a leisurely stroll along the Green Lake, a charming area of teahouses and small boutiques selling handicrafts and beautiful local paintings. Late afternoon you will visit the Flower and Bird Market.
Day 03 Kunming-Shangri La (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the Bita Lake & Shudu Lake and the Guishan Park.
Special Experience: Taste the butter oil and Tibetan food, Tibetan home-made.
Flight Information: MU5933 07:00/08:00
In the morning, you'll visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. And afterwards you'll go and visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake. After having finished touring the Bita Lake & Shudu Lake, you'll visit the Old Town of Shangri La and the Guishan Park.
Tibetan home made at night and have dinner in Tibetan family with butter oil tea and Tibetan food.
Day 04 Shangri La-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: the First Bend of the Yangtze River, Shigu Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge
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 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 Old Town at night.
Day 05 Lijiang-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang (B)
Sightseeing: Yulong Snow Mountain, Yak Meadow, Baisha Village, Black Dragon Pool
Special Experience: Enjoy Naxi Orchestral and Show in Dongba Palace at night.
You'll visit Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishui River; visit the Yak Meadow in the Yulong Snow Mountain by chairlift. Access to the top of the mountain is provided by a cableway from the foot of the mountain to the Yak Meadow.
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.
After dinner, you will attend the Naxi Orchestral and Show in Dongba Palace.
Day 06 Lijiang (B)
Optional Sightseeing: Shuhe Old Town, Lion Hill and Wangu Pagoda, Mu Chieftain’s Palace.
The whole day free in Lijiang Old Town, and explore the Naxi ethnic life by yourself.
(Optional Tour) Shuhe Old Town is a charming town to visit for every clients, because there is a traditional Naxi village where you can enjoy the drinking and food at the bank of the river in the farmland. You can rent a bike in Lijiang Old Town and ride to Shu about 5KM away from the Lijiang Old Town.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Wangu Pagoda on the top of the Lion Hill behind Lijiang Old Town, here you will have a wonderful panoramic view of Lijiang Old Town. You will walk down from the Lion Hill to Mu Chieftain’s Palace which is the local chieftain’s former residence.
Day 07 Lijiang-Dali by private van (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Shaping Bai Ethnic market, the Three-pagoda in Chongshen Monastery,Dali Old Town.
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.
In Dali you will visit the Three-pagoda in Chongshen Temple, which is a typical historical symbol of Yunnan. It is also one of the oldest sublime architecture in South China. At last, you will walk around the Old Dali Town, which is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain.
Day 08 Dali-Jinghong (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: the Erhai Lake Cruise, Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Village and Bai Tie-Dyed Cloth Work Shop.
Special Experience: Taste the Bai Three Course Tea with ethnic dance and music.
Flight Information: 8L9962 18:40/19:30
In the morning, you’ll travel in the Erhai Lake by boat and visit Jinsuo Island. After landing, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style architecture, taste their fragrant three-course tea and explore their distinctive culture.
At last, you will visit Zhoucheng Town, and Bai people's Tie-Dyed Cloth Work Shop.
At night you will take the flight to Jinghong in Xishuangbanna Prefercture.
Day 09 Jinghong-Menglun-Jinghong (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Ganlanba, Dai villages, Botanic Garden
In the morning visit Ganlanba, morning market, water Dai villages, Burmese temple and rubber garden on the way. After lunch visit biggest Botanic Garden in China in Jinghong.
Day 10 Jinghong- Wild Elephant Valley-Jinghong (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: he Wild Elephant Valley
In the morning you explore the Wild Elephant Valley (natural reserve area), enjoy the elephant show, then take cable car to get through the primitive raining forest.
Day 11 Jinghong port- RV Mekong Prince- Guanlei
Sightseeing: Jinghong port, the Mekong River
At 15:00 at Jinghong port in China, join the unique river vessel, Mekong Prince, the first German-Chinese owned river ship on the upper Mekong . Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for a eight days cruise through the previously inaccessible wonders of the Mekong.
Enjoy the spacious decks and lounge on board and attend your welcome Reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. Sail on through southern Yunnan province amid picturesque scenery to a remote market town on the border of China and Burma, Guanlei, where you will stay overnight.
Overnight aboard the RV Mekong Prince
Day 12 Guanlei- Muang Mom (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: the northern Lao village of Muang Mom.
After clearing Chinese customs, you cruise through the primitive tropical rain forests in this almost inaccessible no man’s land between Burma and Laos where wild nature seems unaffected on the Burmese side and an occasional border guard post under multi-colored sunscreens appears on the Laotian side.
The landscape becomes more and more spectacular with hills covered with tropical vegetation, impressive rock formations along the river banks and rapid and slow currents on the river. We arrive today at the northern Lao village of Muang Mom.
Overnight aboard the RV Mekong Prince
Day 13 Muang Mom- Chiang Saen ( Golden Triangle ) (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Muang Mom, Golden Triangle
This morning you will visit the temple forest close to Muang Mom on the Burmese side. Later, you cruise through rapid currents, amid rocky cliffs and beside spectacular mountains. Today’s final destination is Thai Chiang Saen in the Golden Triangle region between Burma, Laos and Thailand, where you have to check in at Thai Chiang Saen Immigration to Thailand.
After check in in the port, you will disembark from the Mekong Prince cruise ship and visit the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and other attractions during a sightseeing tour. After returning from the shore excursion you will embark on the Mekong Sun, a new and comfortable Laotian Cruise ship. (Check-in is at 4:00 PM) This unique vessel is the first German-Laotian river ship with cabins on the upper Mekong.
Settle into your comfortable cabin and unpack for an eight-day cruise. A sightseeing tour gets you acquainted with this once-notorious region, including visits to the Golden Buddha of Sop Ruak and the new Hall of Opium. This fascinating museum, sponsored by the royal family of Thailand, gives a deep insight into the history and politics of the opium trade, as well as its health effects. In the evening you can enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend your evening welcome reception.
Day 14 Chiang Saen (Golden Triangle) (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Golden Triangle
The morning is spent in Chiang Saen to get to know this once notorious region. An organized sightseeing tour leads you to visit the opium museum, the Doi Tung Royal Orchid Botanical Gardens and if time permits you will also visit the Monkey Cave. At night you will enjoy again the comfort of your cruise ship.
Overnight aboard the RV Mekong Sun
Day 15 Chiang Saen (Golden Triangle )- Huay Xay (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Lao town of Huay Xay
This morning is free at leisure. In the afternoon, you continue cruising to the nearby Lao town of Huay Xay on the Laotian - Thai border. Your voyage continues into northern Laos amid more beautiful scenery.
Overnight aboard the RV Mekong Sun
Day 16 Huay Xay– Pak Tha (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: local Wats and market in Huay Xay, the Namtha River, Khmu village.
The river traffic increases as you pass through a densely populated region accessible only by water. Relax on deck or in the lounge and soak up the remote scenery. Today is full of scenic highlights. Visit of local Wats and market in Huay Xay and continue to the small village Pak Tha.
From here you will do a shore excursion with long tail boats on the Namtha River to visit a Khmu village. On the way back to the Mekong Sun you will also be able to visit a local minority village of the Hmong hill tribe. After arrival on the Mekong Sun you will continue downstream to the sandbank.
Overnight aboard the RV Mekong Sun
Day 17 Huay Xay- Pakbeng - Pak OU (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Pakbeng, elephant camp
Just a short while after leaving the sandbank, you will arrive in Pakbeng, where you will have a small coffee break at a lodge. Time permitting, you will visit the market before you continue your cruise. The famous Pak Ou Caves are next, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside deep caverns.
A short walk through the forest leads to a small village, where you can see the traditional production of the local liquor Lao-Lao. You will spend the night again on a beautiful sandbank.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
Day 18 Pak Ou-Kungsi- Luang Prabang (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Pak Ou Caves, Ban Xang Hay.
This morning, you cruise further into the south. An excursion will take you to the Kuang Si-falls, one of the most attractive waterfalls in Laos, followed by a visit to an elephant camp, where you will be able to see the big creatures in action(Unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit).
Today you reach Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a walk up Phou Si-hill, which offers a spectacular sunset view over the Mekong as well as the Khan river and the surrounding mountains. In the evening, enjoy strolling along the Mekong promenade or visiting the colorful night market of the local Hmong minority.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
Day 19 Louang Phrabang (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: King’s Palace of Laos, Grand Buddhism Temples, the sun-setting on Mekong River
In the early morning you will able to visit the traditional giving of alms in the streets of Luang Prabang. Breakfast is on board.
Today you will experience the town during a full day visit. You will get to know some of the many highlights of this beautiful city, incl. the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple and enjoy the unique atmosphere provided by the abundance of well-preserved French colonial architecture mingling with traditional Buddhist temples. You will celebrate this last evening on board with a farewell dinner.
Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.
Day 20 Disemark Luang Prabang (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: Wat Xieng Thong , Wat Khilly, Wat May Wat ThatLuang . Ban Xang Khong and Xieng Lek
After breakfast you will say goodbye to your Laotian crew. Check-out and disembark.
End of the Mekong River cruise services. You will continue the Luang Prang City tour after the disemark.
Visit Luang Prabang and her most beautiful temples such as Wat Xieng Thong , Wat Khilly , Wat Vixun , Wat May Wat ThatLuang .
Excursion in the afternoon to Ban Xang Khong and Xieng Lek , villages well known for their weavings and handmade paper production. Return late afternoon to enjoy the sunset from the Phousy holy hill .
Day 21 Luang Prabang - Vientiane (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: PHA THAT LUANG, WAT SI MUANG , WAT SI SAKET
In the morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Vientiane on QV 102(1125 /1205 ).Half day Vientiane City tour. Arrive in Vientiane, meet and transfer to hotel
Visit PHA THAT LUANG - a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Then proceed to PATUXAI - a large monument in the style of the Arc de Triumph in Paris, HO PHA KEO - the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy and now converted into a museum, WAT SI SAKET contains more than 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images. Followed by visit WAT SI MUANG - a temple most popularly used as it acts as the home of Vientiane guardian spirits. The last stop is TALAAT SAO - a Morning Market but also open all day, selling a wide range of fabrics, jewelry and electronic goods.
Overnight at hotel in Vientiane.
Day 22 Vientiane (B+L+D)
Sightseeing: the National Ethnic Cultural Park and Buddha Park, WAT XIENG KHUAN.
Take an excursion to the National Ethnic Cultural Park and Buddha Park. Visit WAT XIENG KHUAN, housing a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures along the Mekong River. The National Ethnic Cultural Park consists of attractive houses of different ethnic minorities. It has a small zoo with monkeys and birds and a long distance view of the Friendship Bridge.
Afternoon at leisure,overnight at hotel in Vientiane
Day 23 Vientiane-Departure (B)
Flight Information:
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport for departure flight to next destination.
Service ends.
| Destinations |
Superior Class |
Deluxe Class |
Tourist Class |
| Kunming |
Green Lake Hotel,Kunming |
Kunming New Era Hotel |
Kingworld International Hotel,Kunming |
| Shangri-La |
Shangri-La Paradise Hotel |
Yunnan Aviation Sightseeing Hotel,Shangri La |
Lefu Hotel,Shangri La |
| Lijiang |
Lijiang International Hotel |
Lijiang Wangfu Hotel |
Grand Lijiang Hotel |
| Dali |
Dali Gu Rong Hotel |
Dali Linden Centre |
Dali Land Scape Hotel |
| Jinghong |
Golden Zone Hotel,Xishuangbanna |
Yunnan Aviation Sightseeing Hotel,Xishuangbana |
King Land Hotel,Xishuangbanna |
| Mekong River |
Mekong Sun |
Mekong Sun |
Mekong Sun |
| Vientiane |
Lao Plaza Hotel,Vientiane |
Green Park Boutique Hotel Vientiane |
Cosmo Hotel Vientiane |
| Luang Prabang |
Villa Santi Resort Hotel, Luang Prabang |
Grand Luang Prabang Hotel and Resort |
Ancient Hotel, Luang Prabang |
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| Price(USD/Person) |
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| 2-5 pax |
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| 6-9 pax |
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| 10 & above |
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| Remark |
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- Accommodation with daily breakfast as indicated in the hotel list as below;
- Chinese lunches and dinners as listed in the itinerary;
- All land transfers & transportation with private air-conditioned coach;
- All transfers and sightseeing with skilled English-speaking tour guide;
- All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary;
- Domestic air tickets fares with airport tax and fuel extra fee based on
economy class mentioned in the program
- Service charge and all government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airport and hotels;
- Travel Agency’s Responsibility Insurance coverage.
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary.
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff.
- Personal travel accident insurance.
- All optional programs;
- The economy-class airfare of China flights as specified in the itinerary.
- The hotel/cruise accommodation is based on two persons sharing one standard twin room/cabin with private facilities in all relevant locations. If a single client requests a twin room/cabin alone, the single room/cabin supplement will be charged.
- For the land tour in each city, daily American breakfast is served in the hotel, and Chinese lunch and/or dinner will be served with two cups of soft drink outside the hotel. All meal arrangements are served as the itinerary specifies.
- On the cruise daily American breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. The beverage arrangements are subject to policies of
