Experience overview
This culturally focused program is ideal for repeat travelers to China and Southeast Asia seeking an in-depth experience in the Golden Triangle. Start with two nights in Hong Kong, touring this most dynamic of Asian cities. Fly to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, and enjoy its charming "old town" district, the Muslim quarter, the Kunming Museum, the lake and surrounding park, and its many great restaurants. Tour the city and the nearby Western Hills, and then fly to Jinghong, the gateway to Xishuanbanna. This is one of China's most remote regions, and is home to many of the country's most diverse ethnic groups. This region was the point of origin for many of the hilltribes that now live in Northern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Spend a day touring Xishuanbanna, visiting Burmese temples, lively markets, and then spend a day cruising the Mekong. Return to Kunming for a night, and then fly to Chiang Mai. Spend two nights in Chiang Mai, touring the city and surrounding villages. These villages produce much of the dramatic silver jewelry and bold embroidered clothing that are sold in Chiang Mai's famous night market. Drive through rugged hills to Chiang Rai, deep in the heart of Thailand's Golden Triangle. Spend a day exploring surrounding remote northern villages and then travel to the Lao border for your river journey aboard the Luangsay: this intimate cruise ship is designed in traditional Lao style, and stops at riverside villages en route to Luang Prabang. Tour the dazzling temples of this ancient royal capital before traveling to Vientiane for a last visit to villages famed for weaving and other crafts.
This tour departs only on Wednesdays and Sundays, to coincide with the departure of the Luangsay cruise.
Highlights
- Hong Kong: Spend two nights exploring dynamic Hong Kong.
- Kunming, China: Visit Kunming, enjoying its old town, Muslim quarter, museums, parks, and great restaurants. Jinghong, China: Explore Jinghong, gateway to Xishuangbanna, home to diverse ethnic groups. Visit temples, markets, and cruise the Mekong River. Chiang Mai, Thailand: Fly to Chiang Mai for two nights. Explore the city and nearby villages known for silver jewelry and embroidered clothing. Chiang Rai, Thailand: Drive to Chiang Rai, exploring remote villages and embarking on a river journey to Luang Prabang, Laos. Luang Prabang, Laos: Tour Luang Prabang's temples, then visit Vientiane to see weaving and crafts before the trip ends. Kunming, China: Visit Kunming, enjoying its old town, Muslim quarter, museums, parks, and great restaurants.
- Jinghong, China: Explore Jinghong, gateway to Xishuangbanna, home to diverse ethnic groups. Visit temples, markets, and cruise the Mekong River.
- Chiang Mai, Thailand: Fly to Chiang Mai for two nights. Explore the city and nearby villages known for silver jewelry and embroidered clothing.
- Chiang Rai, Thailand: Drive to Chiang Rai, exploring remote villages and embarking on a river journey to Luang Prabang, Laos.
- Luang Prabang, Laos: Tour Luang Prabang's temples, then visit Vientiane to see weaving and crafts before the trip ends.
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
Culinary highlights
Beach holidays
Exotic islands
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong;
Day 2: Morning city tour;
Day 3: Fly to Kunming, afternoon city touring;
Day 4: Morning Western Hills excursion, afternoon flight to Jinghong;
Day 5: Xishuangbanna tour;
Day 6: Mekong Cruise;
Day 7: Damenlong & Menghai tour;
Day 8: Return to Kunming;
Day 9: Fly to Chiang Mai;
Day 10: Touring Chiang Mai region;
Day 11: Drive to Chiang Rai;
Day 12: Tour Golden Triangle;
Day 13: Begin Luangsay cruise: (Monday or Friday);
Day 14: Cruise to Luang Prabang;
Day 15: Full day tour;
Day 16: Fly to Vientiane;
Day 17: Full day tour;
Day 18: Depart Vientiane.
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