Temples and DragonsLaos to Yunnan, China

March 6 – 20, 2012 $ 4,790

As day breaks in Luang Prabang a silent procession of orange robed barefoot monks will walk along the street with their alms bowls in hand, a Buddhist tradition that has not changed for hundreds of years. Laos is truly one of Asia’s last unspoiled spots and certainly a contender for the alluring “Shangri-La” title. Ancient temples adorn the town and rice paddies and mountains covered with thick vegetation spread in all directions. Northern Laos is home to many of Laos’ ethnic tribes, some of them living on mountain tops high up above the clouds. Just across the border lies Yunnan, home to some of China’s most spectacular scenery and ancient tribal villages.

Our journey begins with a flight from Bangkok to Luang Pabang, Laos’ religious center with 59 Buddhist temples, many of them centuries old. From here we travel North to the less visited part of the country where we will have a chance to visit Iko and Hmong villages and the hot spring baths at Muang La. We will cross the border into China and Yunnan, known as China’s own “mini Thailand” or Sipsongpanna which literally means 12,000 rice fields! In Jinghong we will have time to visit a local market and mingle with the Bulang and Aini people. Following the footsteps of the ancient tea caravans we continue on to Pu’er and Jianshui before reaching Yuanyang to see the amazing terraced rice fields which are breathtakingly spectacular during sunrise and sunset. Our final stop will be Kunming, China’s City of Eternal Spring.

The trip price of $ 4,790 includes accommodations in double occupancy, breakfast daily, international flight Bangkok/Luang Prabang , all entrance fees and sightseeing, service of local English speaking guides, service of a tour leader throughout, all transportation and transfers. Trip price does not include international airfare into Bangkok and out of Kunming. (Single room supplement: $ 1,215)

Sign up for our monthly newsletter


Design your own trip

If you would like for Authentic Asia to plan and organize your individual journey, we would be delighted to design your itinerary according to your interest, needs and budget.

Learn More

Itinerary Overview
March 6 Arrival in Bangkok.
March 7 Fly to Luang Prabang.
March 8 Full day sightseeing in and around Luang Prabang.
March 9 Excursion to the Pak Ou Caves. Drive to Udomxai and Muang La.
March 10 Visit to Iko and Hmong villages.
March 11 Drive to Chinese border and Jinghong.
March 12 Full day sightseeing including visits with Bulang and Aini ethnic groups.
March 13 Afternoon drive to Pu’er.
March 14 Drive to Jianshui via Bixi.
March 15 Full day sightseeing in and around Jianshui.
March 16 Drive to Yuanyang to see the terraced rice fields.
March 17 Return to Yianshui with a stop at Tuanshan.
March 18 Drive to Kunming via Xinmeng Town home to ethnic Mongols.
March 19 Full day excursion to the Stone Forest.
March 20 Departure day.
  • We're here to help

    Call us at 888-586-9958