China & Laos: Kunming to Bangkok by Rail

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USD $2,635

Climb aboard this culture- and flavour-packed adventure from Kunming to Bangkok

Get ready for 11 days of authentic culture, delicious food and standout scenery as you travel from China to Laos on a bullet train. Kick off in the Eternal Spring City of Kunming, then hop on China's high-speed rail to Jinghong, where you’ll dive into ancient customs at a Hani village and pluck and brew Yunnan’s famous pu'er tea. Cross the border into Laos to watch the sunset wash orange hues over Luang Prabang’s sacred Wat Phu Si hill and kayak the picturesque Nam Song River. Then, wander the mansion-lined boulevards of Vientiane before bunking up on an overnight train to the buzzing streets of Bangkok.

Map of China & Laos: Kunming To Bangkok By Rail including China, Lao Pdr and Thailand
Trip code: TLSK
Start
Kunming, China
End
Bangkok, Thailand
Destinations
Thailand, China, Laos
Meals
5 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport
Private vehicle, High Speed Train, Overnight Train, Boat
Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights), Overnight Train (1 night)
Days
11
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
Explorer
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Original
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
This trip generates 34 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip

  • Embrace the sleek bullet train from Jinghong to Luang Prabang. Completed in 2021, this rail line – one of the first international high-speed routes outside Europe – has revolutionised travel in the region with comfort and speed.
  • Discover how Yunnan's unique pu'er tea is made from start to finish in a Hani village on Nannuo Mountain. Pluck your own leaves, learn how to prepare it, then share a hearty Hani lunch with your host family.
  • Cruise the quiet waters of the Mekong to Pak Ou Cave to explore sacred limestone caverns filled with hundreds of timeworn Buddhist statues.
  • Paddle through karst-studded scenery on a kayaking adventure on Vang Vieng’s Nam Song River. Wave at local fishermen and enjoy some small (but fun!) rapids along the way.
  • Learn about Laos’ wartime history at COPE – an organisation dedicated to assisting people injured by the country’s multitude of unexploded bombs.

Itinerary

Map of China & Laos: Kunming To Bangkok By Rail including China, Lao Pdr and Thailand

Inclusions and activities

Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Private vehicle, High Speed Train, Overnight Train, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights), Overnight Train (1 night)

Included activities
  • Jinghong - Starlight Night Market
  • Jinghong - Manting Park walking tour
  • Nannuo Mountain - Hani family lunch
  • Nannuo Mountain - Pu'er tea making
  • Nannuo Mountain - Pu'er tea farm hike and visit
  • Luang Prabang - Wat Phu Si sunset walk
  • Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves
  • Luang Prabang – Mekong River Cruise (Half Day)
  • Luang Prabang - Alms giving ceremony
  • Vang Vieng - Nam Song River kayaking
  • Vientiane - Leader orientation walk
  • Vientiane - Wat Si Saket
  • Vientiane - COPE visit

Optional activities
  • Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls - USD2
  • Luang Prabang - Craft workshop (bamboo, embroidery etc) - USD25
  • Luang Prabang - Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre - USD3

When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding the overnight train, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport needs to be sent to your booking agent no later than 40 days before departure in order for us to purchase our train tickets.
3. Please note while traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites.
4. You will have a Thai leader for this trip from Kunming to Bangkok to ensure a consistent Intrepid experience through 3 countries on this trip. You'll meet local guides from China and Laos for the deeper local cultural understanding.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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China & Laos: Kunming to Bangkok by Rail
From
USD $2,635