21-Day China Laos Thailand Tour
Duration
21 Days | 20 Nights
Destinations
China, Laos and Thailand
Travel Type
Private | Customizable
Places You’ll Visit
Tour Overview
On a 21-day Asia tour through China, Laos, and Thailand, tourist will deeply immerse in cultural and natural wonders, plus the guided urban exploration. Beginning in Beijing, you’ll hike the Great Wall, explore imperial sites, and taste famous Peking duck. Shanghai offers a modern skyline and historical charm at the Bund.
In Kunming, marvel at the Naigu Stone Forest before venturing to Luang Prabang, Laos, for spiritual encounters and cascading waterfalls. Then, Thailand beckons with artistic wonders in Chiang Rai, a cooking class in Chiang Mai, and a heartwarming elephant encounter. Finally, relax on Krabi’s beaches before delving into Bangkok’s cultural treasures. This 3-week epic Asia itinerary promises unforgettable memories.
Highlights of This Tour
- Admire the endless watchtowers and rugged landscapes of Jinshanling Great Wall.
- Explore Beijing’s rich history through the Forbidden City and Hutongs.
- Marvel at the skyline of Shanghai from the Shanghai Tower.
- Wander the Former French Concession and see unique Shikumen architecture.
- See the surreal sea of black stone formations at Naigu Stone Forest in Kunming.
- Get up early to witness the alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang.
- Explore the lush Kuang Si Waterfall and meet rescued bears at Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre.
- Take pictures of the ethereal White Temple and glimpse the art and culture at Black House in Chiang Rai.
- Feed, walk with, and bathe rescued elephants at Elephant Nature Park in Thailand.
- Relax on Krabi’s pristine beaches and enjoy your freedom for 3 days.
- Discover Bangkok’s cultural gems from Wat Pho to the historic Grand Palace.
Itinerary
Welcome to Beijing, China’s capital city, for an amazing 21-day Asia tour package! Upon arrival, your private driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the Arrival Hall with a welcome sign. You will then be escorted to your pre-booked hotel.
The rest of the day is left for you to explore this city on your own. Feel free to ask your knowledgeable guide for practical advice and recommendations, who can provide insights into dining options, local attractions, and cultural experiences.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Beijing
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up for a visit to Tiananmen Square, located in the center of Beijing. The square covers an area of 440,000 square meters and can accommodate 1 million people for a grand gathering at the same time. You will see the National Flag Pole, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall and the Zhengyangmen Gate along the central axis from north to south.
After that, continue walking a short distance north to the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and the symbol and icon of ancient China. Today you will have a guided tour to admire the large-scale precious architecture and millions of valuable artifacts.
In the afternoon, you will experience a rickshaw ride through the traditional hutongs. Go to visit a local family and learn about their daily life and even experience cultural activities such as learning calligraphy and weaving Chinese knots (extra charge).
In the evening, you can enjoy the famous palace dish – the famous Peking Roast Duck at Quanjude Restaurant.
Meal: Breakfast + Dinner
Accommodation: in Beijing
Today, your China tour in Beijing will transfer you to Jinshanling Great Wall. Due to its broad vision, dense enemy buildings, sound military defense system, it can be regarded as the pinnacle of the Great Wall. Ascend the wall via a cable car and the hike (for about 3 hours) to enjoy the undulating mountains, ancient enemy towers, and relics of the Great Wall.
After your hike, enjoy your lunch at the base of Jinshanling. In the afternoon, drive you back to the hotel in Beijing.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Beijing
In the morning, you will visit the Summer Palace, China’s royal garden during the Qing Dynasty. Based on Kunming Lake and Wanshou Hill (Longevity Hill), and modeled after the scenery of West Lake in Hangzhou, the Summer Palace is one of the best-preserved imperial gardens, and is known as the Royal Garden Museum. Immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of nature and architecture. (Optional: A leisure boat ride on the Kunming Lake)
In the afternoon, you will be escorted on the high-speed train to China’s busiest metropolis, Shanghai, which takes about 5.5 hours. Upon arrival in Shanghai, a local driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Shanghai
Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with exquisite architecture, scenic pavilions and ponds, is the beginning of your China tour package in Shanghai. Adjacent to the garden, you can explore the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, finding local snacks, crafts, and souvenirs.
Next, transfer you to walk along the famous Wai Tan, aka the Bund, a must see for visitors in Shanghai. What impresses tourists the most are the 52 buildings, which blend various international architectural styles and can be called the “International Architecture Exhibition”. Then, experience a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise to appreciate both the old and new sides of Shanghai.
Last, you will be guided to ascend Shanghai Tower. This is the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking skyline and a panoramic view of the city.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Shanghai
After breakfast, take a guided tour of the former French Concession. This is a perfect place to learn the history of Shanghai from 1849 to 1943. You will see tree-lined streets and European buildings. Then, join locals doing morning exercises at a nearby park, for a glimpse of daily life.
After that, we transfer to visit Shikumen, which is the main feature of the old Shanghai residence, a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. It is one of the symbols of modern urban civilization in Shanghai.
In the afternoon, you’ll be escorted to Shanghai Airport for your flight to Kunming.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Kunming
Your Asia tour in Kunming begins with a visit to Naigu Stone Forest, just 8km (5 miles) away from the famous Stone Forest. It is a black stone forest with peculiar formations, consisting of East Zone, West Zone, Baiyun Lake (White Cloud Lake) and Baiyun Cave. Climbing to the summit, visitors can capture a sea of black stones, which is quite spectacular. Unlike the more famous Stone Forest, Naigu has fewer tourists and is more tranquil.
Baiyun Lake is not far from the entrance, with very clear water and two small islands. Baiyun Cave is located in the middle of the whole scenic area. The peculiar thing is that people often hear the sound of running water in the cave, but they can never find the water source.
After lunch, we will explore Kunming Old Street. You can try local snacks and experience the vibrant street culture.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Kunming
Say goodbye to China and then you will be transferred to Kunming South Railway Station to catch a train to Luang Prabang, Laos. Laos is the only landlocked country in the northern part of Indochina Peninsula, bordering China to the north, Cambodia to the south, Vietnam to the east and Thailand to the southwest. Upon arrival, a local private guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Luang Prabang
After breakfast, your Laos tour will take you to visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most magnificent temple in Luang Prabang, built in 1560. Located near the Mekong River, and its main hall is in the classic temple architectural style of Luang Prabang. The walls are adorned with spectacular patterns of the Tree of Life.
Next, visit the Royal Palace Museum. This palace was built on the banks of the Mekong River in 1904 as the residence of the king and his family at that time. In 1975, this palace was converted into a museum due to the revolution. The tour guide will tell you the history of this place.
Afterwards, visit a local market where you can buy handicrafts and taste delicious food. Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre is a traditional handicraft center where you will take an interesting weaving class. As the sun sets, enjoy a dinner on the Mekong River, where the city is bathed in golden light.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Luang Prabang
Alms-giving Ceremony is a sacred Buddhist tradition that typically begins at 05:30 in the morning and lasts until 07:00. The ceremony was mainly held at the intersection of Yangren Street in Luang Prabang and in front of other temples, attracting a large number of local residents and tourists.
At that time, you will see many tourists and local residents lined up in an orderly manner waiting for the monks. They prepare glutinous rice, cookies, and even coins, and put them in small wicker baskets. Monks dressed in orange robes, carrying bowls on their shoulders, lined up to receive alms.
After the visit, head to a local family in a nearby village to enjoy breakfast. You will learn about rural life in Laos. Afterwards, we will take you to admire the famous Kuang Si Waterfall, located 29 kilometers south of Luang Prabang city. This waterfall is about 200 meters high, forming a regular triangle. When it cascades down from the mountain, it is quite spectacular. There, you can swim in the turquoise pool.
Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre is today’s last stop, adjacent to the Kuang Si Waterfall. The forest coverage here is very high, and animal enthusiasts have built the bear conservation center here to rescue black bears that are being kept in captivity by people.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Luang Prabang
After breakfast, your tour guide will take you on an exploration of northern Laos. Pak Ou Caves is one of the most beautiful caves in Laos, and we need to take a boat to reach it. There are thousands of Buddha statues of various shapes here, which are considered the spiritual home of Laotian Buddhists.
After the visit, enjoy lunch on the boat surrounded by beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, we will transfer you to a hill tribe village. You can learn about the tribal culture of Laos and have the opportunity to visit the production process of Laotian whiskey. After today’s tour in Laos, head to your hotel in Pakbeng.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Pakbeng
After breakfast, take a boat tour along the picturesque Mekong River, where you can witness the daily lives of ethnic minorities such as the Miao and Yao. We will disembark at Houayxay. The cruise company will assist you in crossing the Laos-Thailand border.
After arriving in Thailand, the Thailand tour guide and driver will pick you up and drive for about 1.5 hours to your comfortable hotel in Chiang Rai.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Chiang Rai
Your Asia tour in Thailand today takes you to experience the art of the temple. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. Unlike traditional Thai temples, this temple has a plain white background, inlaid with silver mirrors. It shines in the sun. The Black House, or Baan Dam, was created by the famous Thai modern artist Thawan Duchanee. As opposed to heaven, which is represented by the White Temple, the Black Temple represents hell.
If time permits, go to see the Blue Temple, which was designed and built under the auspices of a disciple of the builder of the White Temple. Begun in 2005, it was completed in early 2016. Like its name suggests, this relatively new temple is dominated by shades of blue and gold. You can admire the exquisite carvings.
In the afternoon, we will drive you to Chiang Mai for the night.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Chiang Mai
Your Thailand tour in Chiang Mai starts at the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a mountaintop temple outside of Chiang Mai ancient city. There, capture a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. You can take a cable car (for an additional fee) or hike up stairs to reach the temple.
Afterwards, return to the ancient city of Chiang Mai and take a 20 minute ride by rickshaw, a traditional mode of transportation. You have a chance to sample some delicious Thai cuisine.
In the afternoon, your tour guide will take you to visit a local family and learn how to make Thai home cooked dishes. Taste the flavors of northern Thai cuisine. You can also learn about the style of cuisine in central Thailand.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Chiang Mai
Today, your Chiang Mai tour takes you to join in a tour of Elephant Rescue Park, the most popular attraction on TripAdvisor in Chiang Mai. And you will spend a whole day here in getting close to the elephants, by feeding them, taking leisurely walks with them, and bathing them.
The Elephant Rescue Park mainly shelters abused or retired elephants. There are about dozens of elephants, with the oldest being 80 years old and the youngest being only 3 months old. The founder of the park is a woman who is known as the ‘Elephant Mother’. She was the first person in their small mountain village to obtain a university degree. You will learn more about the stories here.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Chiang Mai
After breakfast, fly to the seaside town of Krabi (about 2 hours). Krabi, located in the south of Thailand, is a tropical peninsula like a paradise. The white soft sand, warm clear sea water, palm trees swaying in the wind, gurgling waterfalls, wild animals everywhere… it is a beautiful and adventure-friendly vacation destination.
Upon arrival, spend your free time at the beautiful Ao Nang Beach (on your own), Krabi’s liveliest and most famous sandy beach, which ends at a cliff surrounded by lush native forest. You can swim, sunbathe, walk on the beach and enjoy the sunset.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Krabi
Today is completely free for you. You can enjoy yourself at your own pace.
Tiger Cave Temple is located roughly 8 kilometers from the center of Krabi town, at the foot of a lush jungle mountain. Following a circular trail through a small canyon, you can see the main hall of Tiger Cave Temple. The most striking is the two large golden-colored tigers. Actually, the temple got its name not because of the real tigers, but the nearby rocks formed the claws that resemble those of a tiger.
Krabi is a rock climbing destination. The mountain walls on the east and west sides of the beach are natural practice grounds. In good weather days, you can see people practicing their rock climbing skills there at any time. There are many local professionals who provide facilities and training for rock climbing.
Besides, you can go snorkeling to explore the beautiful underwater world.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Krabi
Spend the day relaxing: exploring the little town of Krabi, lying on the beach, enjoying a relaxing spa treatment…
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Krabi
After a leisurely morning in Krabi, you will be escorted to take a flight to Bangkok.
Upon arrival in the capital city of Thailand, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to rest or explore the street life.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in Bangkok
After breakfast, your guide takes you on today’s Thailand tour that begins at Wat Pho. Built in 1793, this temple preserves the world’s largest reclining Buddha, 46 meters long and 15 meters high. His feet are 5 meters long and are carved with 108 Buddha images. Wat Pho is known as “Thailand’s first university” and offers authentic Thai massages (at extra cost).
Next, take a tuk tuk through a local flower market to the Grand Palace, a massive complex of 28 ancient buildings of the Siamese royal family adjacent to the Chao Phraya River. The Grand Palace brings together the best of Thai architecture, painting, sculpture and decorative arts. Your tour guide will explain some of its stunning structures.
Afterwards, hop on a long-tail boat and sail down the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, also known as Temple of the Dawn, one of the royal temples of Thailand. After the tour, enjoy lunch.
Later in the afternoon, your guide will show you around Chinatown. It is one of the busiest commercial districts in the city and has been around for almost 200 years. The strong Chiu Chow flavor is the best feature of Bangkok’s Chinatown. You can try a wide variety of Chaozhou snacks here.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Bangkok
The morning is free for you to stroll around if time permits. Your local private driver will escort you to Bangkok Airport depending on your flight schedule for your flight to next destination or back home. Your Asia tour package of 14 days to China, Lao and Thailand comes to an end here.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
What’s Included
Dates & Availability
Tuesday
15 Sep,2024
Wednesday
24 Sep,2024
Total price
$1,049
Tuesday
15 Sep,2024
Wednesday
24 Sep,2024
Total price
$1,049
