Follow the Footsteps of Tea and Horse: Kunming to Laos Natural Discovery Tour
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey with the "Follow the Footsteps of Tea and Horse: Kunming to Laos Natural Discovery Tour." This immersive experience takes you through the lush landscapes of Yunnan Province, China's 'tea capital,' and into the heart of Laos. Discover the rich biodiversity of Pu'er, trek through the vibrant rainforests of Xishuangbanna, and explore the cultural treasures of Luang Prabang, the spiritual heart of Laos. With guided tours, including visits to ancient tea plantations and traditional villages, this tour offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and history. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and seamless transfers as you traverse this enchanting region, making memories that will last a lifetime. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL KUNMING (20km – 30min)
Location: Kunming, Stone Forest
Accommodation Name: Kunming Wenhui Hotel or similar 3*
Arrive at Kunming by flight or by train, meet your driver, and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the area or visit the famous Stone Forest (optional excursion, not included).
Stone Forest excursion: Meet your guide at the hotel lobby and head to Stone Forest (about 2h driving from Kunming). Known for its remarkable karst formations, the Stone Forest has magnificent, strange, and unique natural scenery. With its touching legend of Ashima and unique minority culture, it is no doubt a must-see for Kunming tourists. Lunch included.
Overnight in Kunming.
Day 2 : KUNMING – PU'ER (3hrs by train, included)
Location: Kunming, Nakeli Village, Pu'er
Accommodation Name: James Jones Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast get on a private transfer to Kunming railway station for a morning rapid train to Kunming. Upon arrival, transfer to Nakeli village, which used to be an important station on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. From around a thousand years ago, the Tea-Horse Road became a trade link from Yunnan to Tibet, and to Central China via Sichuan Province. It is believed that it was through this trading network that tea first spread across China and Asia from its origins in Pu'er County in Yunnan. It is also sometimes referred to as the Southern Silk Road or Southwest Silk Road. After lunch, stroll in the village full of flowers and tea perfume, and possibly have the Pu’er tea-making demonstration and degustation in a local family or tea workshop. End today’s tour with a short hike along the ancient Tea & Horse trail from Nakeli village towards Pu’er city before returning to the hotel.
Overnight in Pu’er.
Day 3 : PU’ER – NANNUO MOUNTAIN – XISHUANGBANNA (190km – 3.5hrs)
Location: Nannuo Mountain, Xishuangbanna
Accommodation Name: Empark Grand Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast at your hotel, head to Nannuo Mountain, well known for its long history of tea cultivation. We will hike for about 2 hours on a tea plantation among tea trees aged between 200-500 years, and enjoy a tea-making experience. After lunch in a local restaurant, transfer to Xishuangbanna and on the way, visit a typical village of Dai minority. Arrive at Xishuangbanna late in the afternoon. Xishuangbanna is an autonomous prefecture for Dai people (one of the 55 minorities of China) in the extreme south of Yunnan Province, and also a lively city with cultural diversity and tropical climate.
Overnight in Xishuangbanna.
Day 4 : XISHUANGBANNA
Location: Tropical Botanical Garden, Xishuangbanna, Manting Park, Xishuangbanna, General Buddhist Temple, Xishuangbanna, Gaozhuang Night Market, Xishuangbanna
Accommodation Name: Empark Grand Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. In the morning transfer to the Tropical Botanical Garden, which was founded in 1959. Over 13,000 species of tropical plants are preserved in its 35 living collections, including over 301 families and 2110 genera. The garden is divided into two parts: the eastern area and the western area. The West District is the main attraction. It includes more than 20 specialized botanic gardens. The “Exotic Flower Garden" is the most popular among tourists. Eastern District is a large area of old-growth tropical rainforest. Most areas are paved with viewing trails, suitable for travellers who enjoy hiking. After lunch, head back to Xishuangbanna, and in the afternoon visit Manting Park, a natural village-style park and a well-established urban park in Xishuangbanna. You can visit the vines area, the peacock garden, and exquisite Dai and Thai-style buildings while observing girls dressed in Dai-style costumes passing through the alleys. Next, visit the General Buddhist Temple, built in 615. It is the oldest Buddhist Temple and also the leading temple in Xishuangbanna. In the evening visit Gaozhuang night market, the largest night market with light show along the Mekong River in south Asia.
Overnight in Xishuangbanna.
Day 5 : XISHUANGBANNA – LUANG PRABANG (4.5hrs by train, included)
Location: Xishuangbanna
Accommodation Name: Villa Chitdara Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast morning transfer to railway station and rapid train to Luang Prabang via Boten port. We suggest you to pack your lunch before leaving China. Follow the instructions in both customs of China and Laos (you can apply for the Laos visa before your trip). Upon arrival meet your English-speaking guide at Luang Prabang station and transfer to hotel for overnight. The rest of the day at leisure to discover the charming city on your own.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 6 : LUANG PRABANG
Location: Luang Prabang
Accommodation Name: Villa Chitdara Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before leaving for a full-day tour in Luang Prabang. On this guided sightseeing tour by minivan, you will discover why the city is called the Jewel of the Mekong. We’ll explore the morning market, ancient temples, war relics, local crafts, the history of the former Lao kingdoms, and the National Museum. Luang Prabang is among the best-preserved traditional cities in Southeast Asia and was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1995. Its tranquillity and tropical charm, combined with its splendid natural scenery and cultural riches, make it one of the most alluring destinations in Laos. Lunch included.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 7 : LUANG PRABANG
Location: Luang Prabang
Accommodation Name: Villa Chitdara Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel spend the day at leisure. If you are up for an adventure, you can choose to go on one of the activities (optional extra, not included):
Full-Day Biking On/Off-road Across the Mekong Rice Fields:
Get out of Luang Prabang across the Mekong River to a remote area away from tourists and traffic. It’s an off-road roller coaster up and down hills as you pass rice paddies and villages. You will ride on gravel and single tracks and try local snacks. See Buffalo and goats along the way and enjoy the friendliness of local villages. Cross the Mekong River on the local ferry for final return to Luang Prabang.
Half-Day Easy Jungle Trek, Village, Boat and Waterfall (3 hours):
After transfer by vehicle and boat, you will hike through stunning landscapes of jungle with a backdrop of Karst mountains, visit and eat lunch in a traditional Khmu village, and hike to the Tad Sae waterfall (can be low or dry Feb to Aug).
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 8 : LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE (2hrs by train, included)
Location: Vientiane
Accommodation Name: Surestay Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast transfer to the railway station and catch a morning train to Vientiane. Upon arrival, transfer to the city center for check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 9 : VIENTIANE
Location: Vientiane
Accommodation Name: Surestay Hotel or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 10 : DEPARTURE VIENTIANE (5km – 15min)
Location: Vientiane
Meals Included: Breakfast
After your last breakfast transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Operated with English-speaking local guides during the activities on specific days.
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Transport
Includes arrival shared transfer from Kunming Airport or train station to hotel, shared air-conditioned transfers throughout the tour, fast trains in 2nd class, and departure shared transfer from hotel to Vientiane Airport.
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Other
Meet & Greet on day 1 is included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International or domestic flights are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Additional Meals and Drinks
Meals except those mentioned in the inclusions section and drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise) are not included.
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Optional Tours
Any visit not mentioned in the program and optional tours are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
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Unforeseen Circumstances
Any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., is not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.
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Please Note
- Please check the China and Laos tourist visa requirements with your local embassy or authorities
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- No refund for unused services, splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Kunming:
- Standard Hotel Category = Kunming Wenhui Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2 Pu’er:
- Standard Hotel Category = James Jones Hotel or similar 3*
Day 3-4 Xishuangbanna:
- Standard Hotel Category = Empark Grand Hotel or similar 3*
Day 5-7 Luang Prabang:
- Standard Hotel Category = Villa Chitdara Hotel or similar 3*
Day 8-9 Vientiane:
- Standard Hotel Category = Surestay Hotel or similar 3*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Kunming:
- Standard Hotel Category = Kunming Wenhui Hotel or similar 3*
Day 2 Pu’er:
- Standard Hotel Category = James Jones Hotel or similar 3*
Day 3-4 Xishuangbanna:
- Standard Hotel Category = Empark Grand Hotel or similar 3*
Day 5-7 Luang Prabang:
- Standard Hotel Category = Villa Chitdara Hotel or similar 3*
Day 8-9 Vientiane:
- Standard Hotel Category = Surestay Hotel or similar 3*
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with shared air-conditioned transfers, fast trains in 2nd class between key locations, and shared transfers from airports and train stations. Experience the convenience of rapid train travel from Kunming to Pu'er, Xishuangbanna to Luang Prabang, and Luang Prabang to Vientiane.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights of comfortable accommodation in standard 3-star hotels, including Kunming Wenhui Hotel, James Jones Hotel in Pu'er, Empark Grand Hotel in Xishuangbanna, Villa Chitdara Hotel in Luang Prabang, and Surestay Hotel in Vientiane.
Check out our Q&As
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What languages are the tour guides available in?
The tour is operated with English-speaking local guides during the activities on Days 2, 3, 4, and 6. German or French-speaking guides are available at an additional cost.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 9 nights of accommodation in standard hotel categories. The hotels are typically 3-star, such as Kunming Wenhui Hotel, James Jones Hotel, Empark Grand Hotel, Villa Chitdara Hotel, and Surestay Hotel or similar.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 9 breakfasts and 4 lunches on Days 2, 3, 4, and 6.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes shared air-conditioned transfers throughout, fast trains in 2nd class for certain segments, and shared transfers from Kunming Airport or train station to the hotel on Day 1 and from the hotel to Vientiane Airport on Day 10.
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What activities are included in the tour itinerary?
The tour includes activities such as a visit and hike in Nakeli village, a hike on Nannuo Mountain, visits to the Tropical Botanical Garden, Manting Park, General Buddhist Temple, and Gaozhuang night market, and a full-day tour in Luang Prabang.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, on Day 7 in Luang Prabang, you can choose optional activities such as a full-day biking tour across the Mekong rice fields or a half-day jungle trek, village visit, boat ride, and waterfall tour.
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Saturday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Thursday - Saturday
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Thursday - Saturday
Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Thursday - Saturday
Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025Thursday - Saturday
Jan 08, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026Thursday - Saturday
Feb 05, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026Thursday - Saturday
Mar 05, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026Thursday - Saturday
Apr 02, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026Thursday - Saturday
Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Tui China requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tui china charges.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Follow the Footsteps of Tea and Horse: Kunming to Laos Natural Discovery Tour
10 Days Starting in Kunming, China and ending in Vientiane, Laos
Visiting: Kunming, Stone Forest, Nakeli Village, Pu'er, Nannuo Mountain, Xishuangbanna, Tropical Botanical Garden, Xishuangbanna, Manting Park, Xishuangbanna, General Buddhist Temple, Xishuangbanna, Gaozhuang Night Market, Xishuangbanna, Luang Prabang, Vientiane ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
803631
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
10-
Tour operated in:
English , French , GermanTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
