14 Day China and Laos

Embark on an extraordinary journey across two captivating countries where the soul of Asia reveals itself slowly, step by step, trail by trail. This immersive adventure invites you to follow in the quiet footsteps of traders, monks, and travellers along the fabled Ancient Tea Horse Road, a centuries-old trade route that winds through China’s mountainous Yunnan province into the spiritual heart of Laos.

This is not just a holiday; it is a passage through living history. From the panda-dotted parks of Chengdu to the tea-clad peaks of Jingmai and the golden spires of Luang Prabang, you’ll encounter landscapes carved by time and shaped by culture. Along the way, ancient villages, ethnic minority communities, tropical gardens, vibrant markets, sacred temples, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer a glimpse into a world that pulses with authenticity and tradition.

For tea lovers, cultural explorers, and seekers of something beyond the ordinary, this carefully curated 14-day experience opens a rarely acknowledged chapter of Asia’s past. You’ll sip tea with locals, walk forgotten trails, witness sustainable traditions in action, and stand still long enough to hear the stories of the land echo through every stone, smile, and ceremony.

Comfortable accommodations, scenic train journeys, local guides, and unforgettable encounters are all seamlessly woven into a journey that feels both grounded and sublime. Whether you’re drawn by the mystery of the old tea roads, the rich cross-cultural heritage, or the natural beauty of southern China and Laos, this is a trip designed to inspire reflection, connection, and a deeper sense of place.

Let the mountains guide you. Let the tea speak to you. Let the ancient road reveal its secrets.

This is your call to wander wisely.

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

Your journey begins in the lively capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, home of pandas, poetry, and peppercorns. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel, where you can check in and unwind. Depending on your arrival time, a welcome dinner may be arranged, the perfect chance to taste the first flavours of this culturally rich region and get acquainted with your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Chengdu’s Pandas, Heritage Alleys & People’s Park

Today you will dive into Chengdu’s unique rhythm. After breakfast, head to the renowned Panda Research Centre for a rare opportunity to witness these gentle giants in a serene, naturalistic setting. Watch the playful cubs tumble and climb, while learning about essential conservation efforts. Later, stroll through the charming Narrow and Wide Alleys , historic lanes lined with traditional Siheyuan courtyards that whisper stories of old Chengdu and the lives of its once-prominent residents. After lunch at a local eatery, we’ll relax in People’s Park, a cherished city sanctuary where you’ll encounter lakeside tea houses, dancing locals, and impromptu games of Mahjong. Here, the essence of Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle truly comes alive.

Day 3: Chengdu to Kunming

After breakfast, head to the train station and board a high-speed train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province. This scenic 6–7 hour journey transports you through a shifting landscape of mountains and valleys, providing a modern window into China’s vast interior. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Kunming. The evening is yours to relax and settle in at your own pace.

Day 4: Naigu Stone Forest

Today begins with a nourishing breakfast before you set out to explore the otherworldly Naigu Stone Forest. Towering limestone formations, shaped over millennia by the forces of wind and water, rise like petrified sentinels from the earth. As you meander through the maze of jagged pinnacles, the atmosphere feels almost mythic, each stone a silent witness to ancient natural history. After a delicious local lunch, there may be time to explore one of Kunming’s famed flower markets, bursting with colour and fragrance. Dinner is at your leisure this evening.

Day 5: Kunming to Pu’er

This morning, board another high-speed train bound for Pu’er, the birthplace of the world-famous fermented tea that bears its name. After lunch upon arrival, we take our first steps on the ancient Tea Horse Road itself, a trade route that once connected Yunnan to Tibet and beyond. As you walk, remnants of stone trails and mountain scenery speak of centuries of commerce and culture. Later, we visit Nakeli Village, once a key stop for traders. With its rich history and traditional architecture, it offers a window into a time when tea was traded for horses and silver. Return to Pu’er for a restful evening.

Day 6: Pu’er to Jingmai

A scenic drive takes you to Lancang, where you visit Laodabao village, home of the Lahu people. Famed for their musical gifts and warm hospitality, the Lahu welcome you into their homes to share stories, traditional songs, and a freshly cooked lunch. Continuing into the UNESCO protected Jingmai mountain region, ascend through tea growing slopes to Wengji Village, home to the Jinuo people, the last ethnic group officially recognised in China. Tea is not just a crop here, it is a way of life, and the community revolves around its cultivation. If time allows, you will also visit Nuogan, a nearby Dai village whose architectural style reflects a blend of cultural influences. Tonight, we stay in a charming guesthouse in Jingmai.

Day 7: Jingmai to Xishuangbanna

This morning, stop at Guangmangshan tea plantation to experience the full journey of tea, from leaf to cup. Joined by locals, pick fresh tea leaves, learn the nuanced steps of withering, rolling, and drying, and discover how small changes in technique create distinctive flavours. The visit ends with a tea ceremony that engages all five senses, offering a deep appreciation for this ancient art. We then continue to Xishuangbanna, a vibrant city near the border with Laos. After checking in, enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Day 8: Tropical Gardens, Temples & Night Markets in Xishuangbanna

After breakfast, travel to the vast Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, home to more than 13,000 species of plants spread across 1,125 hectares. A walk through its themed collections from orchids to medicinal flora ,is both a scientific and sensory delight. In the afternoon, visit Manting Park, a beautifully landscaped site featuring lush gardens, ancient vines, and elegant structures reflecting Dai and Thai influences. Adjacent to the park is General Buddhist Temple, built in 615 and revered as the region’s spiritual heart. As the day fades, immerse ourselves in the buzzing atmosphere of the Gaozhuang Night Market, set along the Mekong River. Here, flavours explode from sizzling street food to craft beer, all beneath a canopy of lights and stars.

Day 9: Xishuangbanna to Luang Prabang

After breakfast, travel by high speed train to Luang Prabang, crossing the border into the peaceful and culturally rich land of Laos. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the old town. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore this UNESCO listed city at your own pace, where French colonial architecture and gilded temples sit in tranquil harmony.

Day 10: Discovering the Jewel of the Mekong

Today, explore the enchanting city of Luang Prabang in depth. Guided sightseeing takes you through bustling morning markets, ancient Buddhist temples, and remnants of French Indochina. We’ll visit the National Museum and admire exquisite local crafts. Over lunch, savour the delicate flavours of Laotian cuisine. The city moves at a gentle rhythm, encouraging slow exploration, reflection, and connection. Dinner is at your own leisure, with many riverside restaurants to choose from.

Day 11: Jungle Trek, Village Visit & Tad Sae Waterfall

After breakfast, head out for a half day adventure that blends light trekking with cultural immersion. Transferring by vehicle and local boat, reach a scenic area nestled among limestone karst formations and tropical forest. Your trek leads you through peaceful jungle trails to a traditional Khmu village, where you will share a locally prepared lunch and learn about life in this quiet corner of Laos. From there, continue on foot to Tad Sae Waterfall, a seasonal cascade with clear turquoise pools. Depending on the time of year, you might take a refreshing dip or simply enjoy the serene surroundings. You will then return to Luang Prabang in the early afternoon, with the rest of the day free to relax or wander.

Day 12: Luang Prabang to Vientiane

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for our high speed journey to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Day 13: Leisure & Farewell in Vientiane

Take a city tour, which includes highlights such as Wat Sisaket, the Emerald Buddha’s former home at Wat Prakeo, the revered That Luang Stupa, and the iconic Patuxay Monument. You may also visit the inspiring COPE Centre, which supports people with mobility related disabilities, and the surreal Buddha Park, filled with mythological sculptures and spiritual symbolism. In the evening, come together for a special farewell dinner to reflect on the journey and share memories of all we’ve seen, tasted, and learned.

Day 14: Departure from Vientiane

Your extraordinary journey comes to an end today. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. As you leave the banks of the Mekong behind, you’ll carry with you not just souvenirs, but the rare experience of travelling through lands rich with tradition, story, and soul.