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China & Laos: Kunming to Bangkok by Rail

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China & Laos: Kunming to Bangkok by Rail
China & Laos: Kunming to Bangkok by Rail
China & Laos: Kunming to Bangkok by Rail
New Release Fully Guided Adventure Small Group Rail
Our Price From
US$2,300
Save up To $366
Twin Share (Per Person)
 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
Kunming
 Trip Finishes
Bangkok
11 Day China & Laos: Kunming to Bangkok by Rail Itinerary (Intrepid)
Countries Explored: China, Laos, Thailand
Trip Style
Original
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
TLSK

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 11 Day China & Laos: Kunming to Bangkok by Rail. 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 read more mansion-lined boulevards of Vientiane before bunking up on an overnight train to the buzzing streets of Bangkok.

Itinerary

Nimen Hao! Welcome to China. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring thanks to its mild climate and ample green spaces, there's plenty to do in Yunnan’s capital city if you arrive early. Wander Green Lake Park’s manicured gardens and watch locals practising tai chi, check out the galleries and cafes in an old factory area known as The Loft or visit the grand Yuantong Temple. This evening, maybe get to know your group over an optional dinner and sample some flavourful Yunnan cuisine – crossing-the-bridge noodles (rice noodle soup) is Kunming’s signature dish.

Today you'll take your first high-speed train from Kunming to Jinghong. Arrive around midday, then join your leader for an orientation walk and then some free time in the afternoon. You may choose to go and visit Manting Park – the former royal garden of the Dai Empire with over 1300 years of history. Take in the Dai architecture, see rare flowers and explore revered Buddhist temples. This evening, head to the Starlight Market which sits beneath the Golden Pagoda with your leader. Yunan province is famous for its diverse ethnic cultures – including the Dai – and this is reflected in the huge variety of local artisans, craftspeople and food stalls. It’s a great chance to sample Dai delicacies – how about Dai-style sour vermicelli or bamboo sticky rice? If you’re overwhelmed by the options (we don’t blame you), just ask your local leader for recommendations!

Take a private vehicle to Nannuo Mountain to visit a local Hani village. The mountain is one of the ancestral homes of the Hani – an ethnic group who’ve lived in southern Yunnan for over 1300 years – and they’re deeply connected to it. The mountain is also famous for producing China’s top pu'er tea, and you’ll learn all about how it’s made straight from the source! Go on a short hike through the plantations where you’ll see an 800-year-old tea tree, pluck your own leaves and enjoy a tasting with your Hani hosts – a family who’ve been growing pu’er for generations. Then, share a hearty home-cooked lunch on banana leaves before returning to Jinghong. The rest of the afternoon is free to unwind. (L)

Take a bullet train across the border to Luang Prabang this morning. Your leader will be on hand to assist with any border formalities. After checking into your hotel in the early afternoon, stretch your legs on an orientation walk with your leader to find your bearings in this UNESCO-listed city. Once the capital of the ancient Lao Kingdom (Lan Xang), Luang Prabang is a city of opulent Buddhist temples and French Indochinese architecture set in the lush northern highlands. Then, enjoy a few hours of free time before regrouping to watch the sun set over the city and its surroundings on the sacred Wat Phu Si hill. There’s an optional dinner tonight at Talad Mued Night Market to try sindad – a traditional communal BBQ set on a charcoal stove with a rim full of boiling broth to blanch veggies.

Find your river legs on a half-day cruise along the Mekong River – the world's twelfth-longest river and the third-longest in Asia. Enjoy the relaxed river vibes as you drift past overhanging reeds and see forested mountains in the distance. Stop at Pak Ou Caves – an important religious site only accessible by boat – to explore hundreds of Buddha statues inside the limestone caverns. Reboard the boat and eat lunch on the way back to Luang Prabang, returning to your hotel in the early afternoon. If you’re keen to see more, you could visit Kuang Si Waterfall to swim in its chalk-blue waters. Tonight, maybe hit up the night market to try more Laotian dishes – khao niew (sticky rice) and larb (minced meat salad) are classics. (B/L)

Rise early this morning to witness a traditional alms giving ceremony – a centuries-old Laos Buddhist ritual that happens daily at sunrise. View a procession of saffron-robed monks as they collect food offered by devotees. The offerings must be collected early, as the monks can’t eat anything after midday. By giving food to a monk, it’s believed you ‘het bon’ (make merit) which will be carried over into the next life. Your leader will guide you through the dos and don’ts and help you take part. Then, enjoy an easy morning or take the time to visit a local fair trade centre that’s on a mission to preserve traditional Laotian handicrafts and make your own bamboo basket. Leave in the afternoon to catch a bullet train to Vang Vieng. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, then maybe grab dinner at a local restaurant. (B)

This morning, head to the Nam Song River for a kayaking trip. Paddle with a backdrop of limestone cliffs and forested mountains, maybe riding the occasional mini river rapid along the way. Rest ashore for a while and stretch your legs to Phar Norn, meaning ‘Sleeping Cave’, to snap a photo of the surrounding karsts before kayaking downstream back to Vang Vieng. You have free time for the rest of the afternoon. You might like to visit Tham Chang – a beautiful cavern fed by a natural spring – or explore the area on a bike. (B)

Enjoy a relaxed morning before taking a train to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. You’ll arrive in the afternoon. Spend the day in what could possibly be Asia's most laidback capital. Walk, hire a bike or jump on a jumbo (tuk-tuk) to explore the city’s faded mansions, tree-lined boulevards and old temples. There’s an atmosphere of timelessness in Vientiane, especially in the older part of town along the Mekong River. After sunset, why not grab a bite at the lively night market? (B)

This morning, visit Wat Si Saket – the city’s oldest temple still standing and home to almost 7000 Buddha images. Then, visit COPE (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise) – an organisation dedicated to supporting people affected by unexploded ordnance (UXO), which still affects many Laotians each year due to the US bombing campaign during the Vietnam War. This is an excellent cause and a chance to educate yourself about Laos' devastating war history. After, buy a snack or drink from their Karma Cafe. Relax for the next few hours, as tonight you’ll take an overnight train to Bangkok! (B)

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. You’ll arrive in Bangkok early in the morning. You'll be able to use the multishare rooms for a quick freshen-up, and your leader will show you where to get breakfast. Maybe try a classic Thai breakfast like khao tom (savoury rice soup) or pathongko (Thai-style doughnuts). The rest of the day is free to explore Thailand’s bustling capital – and there’s so much to see and do! Wander the Chinatown area, visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or grab a drink in the backpacker hub of Khao San Road. Depending on how well you slept on the train, you could even treat yourself to a Thai massage. Tonight, regroup with your leader and fellow travellers for an optional farewell dinner and toast to a brilliant adventure.

With no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end today and you’re free to leave any time after checking out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Bangkok, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Inclusions

  • 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.

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

  • 5 Breakfasts included
  • 2 Lunches included

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
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Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover the real and remarkable. With small groups, passionate local leaders, and a commitment to responsible travel, every journey is crafted to connect you deeply with the people and places you visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Intrepid combines comfort, culture, and more curiosity for adventures that truly matter, all backed by a global network and guaranteed departures for peace of mind.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Flexible Deposit

Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.

Definite Departures

Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!
Thursday 12 Mar 2026 12 Mar 26 Kunming
Sunday 22 Mar 2026 22 Mar 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,765
US$2,413
Save $352
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 04 May 2026 04 May 26 Kunming
Thursday 14 May 2026 14 May 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,635
US$2,300
Save $335
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 02 Jul 2026 02 Jul 26 Kunming
Sunday 12 Jul 2026 12 Jul 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,740
US$2,392
Save $348
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 16 Jul 2026 16 Jul 26 Kunming
Sunday 26 Jul 2026 26 Jul 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,880
US$2,514
Save $366
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 20 Aug 2026 20 Aug 26 Kunming
Sunday 30 Aug 2026 30 Aug 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,770
US$2,418
Save $352
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 03 Sep 2026 03 Sep 26 Kunming
Sunday 13 Sep 2026 13 Sep 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,770
US$2,418
Save $352
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 17 Sep 2026 17 Sep 26 Kunming
Sunday 27 Sep 2026 27 Sep 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,770
US$2,418
Save $352
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 15 Oct 2026 15 Oct 26 Kunming
Sunday 25 Oct 2026 25 Oct 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,670
US$2,331
Save $339
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 22 Oct 2026 22 Oct 26 Kunming
Sunday 01 Nov 2026 01 Nov 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,760
US$2,409
Save $351
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 11 Mar 2027 11 Mar 27 Kunming
Sunday 21 Mar 2027 21 Mar 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,985
US$2,895
Save $90
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 15 Mar 2027 15 Mar 27 Kunming
Thursday 25 Mar 2027 25 Mar 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,985
US$2,895
Save $90
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 29 Mar 2027 29 Mar 27 Kunming
Thursday 08 Apr 2027 08 Apr 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,985
US$2,895
Save $90
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 03 May 2027 03 May 27 Kunming
Thursday 13 May 2027 13 May 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,875
US$2,789
Save $86
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 01 Jul 2027 01 Jul 27 Kunming
Sunday 11 Jul 2027 11 Jul 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,765
US$2,682
Save $83
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 15 Jul 2027 15 Jul 27 Kunming
Sunday 25 Jul 2027 25 Jul 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,765
US$2,682
Save $83
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 19 Aug 2027 19 Aug 27 Kunming
Sunday 29 Aug 2027 29 Aug 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,765
US$2,682
Save $83
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 02 Sep 2027 02 Sep 27 Kunming
Sunday 12 Sep 2027 12 Sep 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,765
US$2,682
Save $83
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 16 Sep 2027 16 Sep 27 Kunming
Sunday 26 Sep 2027 26 Sep 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,875
US$2,789
Save $86
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 14 Oct 2027 14 Oct 27 Kunming
Sunday 24 Oct 2027 24 Oct 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,875
US$2,789
Save $86
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 21 Oct 2027 21 Oct 27 Kunming
Sunday 31 Oct 2027 31 Oct 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,875
US$2,789
Save $86
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 12 Mar 2026 12 Mar 26 Kunming
Sunday 22 Mar 2026 22 Mar 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,245
US$2,893
Save $352
Solo (Own Room)
Monday 04 May 2026 04 May 26 Kunming
Thursday 14 May 2026 14 May 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,115
US$2,780
Save $335
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 02 Jul 2026 02 Jul 26 Kunming
Sunday 12 Jul 2026 12 Jul 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,220
US$2,872
Save $348
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 16 Jul 2026 16 Jul 26 Kunming
Sunday 26 Jul 2026 26 Jul 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,360
US$2,994
Save $366
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 20 Aug 2026 20 Aug 26 Kunming
Sunday 30 Aug 2026 30 Aug 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,250
US$2,898
Save $352
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 03 Sep 2026 03 Sep 26 Kunming
Sunday 13 Sep 2026 13 Sep 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,250
US$2,898
Save $352
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 17 Sep 2026 17 Sep 26 Kunming
Sunday 27 Sep 2026 27 Sep 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,250
US$2,898
Save $352
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 15 Oct 2026 15 Oct 26 Kunming
Sunday 25 Oct 2026 25 Oct 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,150
US$2,811
Save $339
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 22 Oct 2026 22 Oct 26 Kunming
Sunday 01 Nov 2026 01 Nov 26 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,240
US$2,889
Save $351
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 11 Mar 2027 11 Mar 27 Kunming
Sunday 21 Mar 2027 21 Mar 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,465
US$3,375
Save $90
Solo (Own Room)
Monday 15 Mar 2027 15 Mar 27 Kunming
Thursday 25 Mar 2027 25 Mar 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,465
US$3,375
Save $90
Solo (Own Room)
Monday 29 Mar 2027 29 Mar 27 Kunming
Thursday 08 Apr 2027 08 Apr 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,465
US$3,375
Save $90
Solo (Own Room)
Monday 03 May 2027 03 May 27 Kunming
Thursday 13 May 2027 13 May 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,355
US$3,269
Save $86
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 01 Jul 2027 01 Jul 27 Kunming
Sunday 11 Jul 2027 11 Jul 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,245
US$3,162
Save $83
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 15 Jul 2027 15 Jul 27 Kunming
Sunday 25 Jul 2027 25 Jul 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,245
US$3,162
Save $83
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 19 Aug 2027 19 Aug 27 Kunming
Sunday 29 Aug 2027 29 Aug 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,245
US$3,162
Save $83
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 02 Sep 2027 02 Sep 27 Kunming
Sunday 12 Sep 2027 12 Sep 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,245
US$3,162
Save $83
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 16 Sep 2027 16 Sep 27 Kunming
Sunday 26 Sep 2027 26 Sep 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,355
US$3,269
Save $86
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 14 Oct 2027 14 Oct 27 Kunming
Sunday 24 Oct 2027 24 Oct 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,355
US$3,269
Save $86
Solo (Own Room)
Thursday 21 Oct 2027 21 Oct 27 Kunming
Sunday 31 Oct 2027 31 Oct 27 Bangkok
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,355
US$3,269
Save $86
Solo (Own Room)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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