17 Days Yunnan (China)-Northern Thailand and Laos Minorities Discovery

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

Day 2 Kunming-Shilin-Jianshui
Day 3 Jianshui-Yuanyang
Day 4 Yuanyang
Day 5 Yuanyang-Puer
Day 6 Puer-Jinghong
Day 7 Jinghong-Chiang Rai
Small temple near to Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, Thailand Boatman on the Ping River, Chiang Mai, Thailand Boatman on the Ping River, Chiang Mai Thailand Explore some of Bangkok’s major sights and navigate backwater canals on captivating city tour. Later this afternoon you will transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival you will be met by a local guide and transfer to your luxury hotel. Evening at leisure
Accommodation options

Day 8 Chiang Mai
Elephants of Thailand Rural scene, Chiang mai Thailand The view across Chiang Mai from Doi Suthep, Thailand Enjoy a full day elephant experience at the renowned Elephant Nature Park.
Accommodation options

Day 9 Chiang Rai
Couple from the Akha tribe, Chiang Rai White Temple grounds, Chiang Rai The White Temple, Chiang Rai After breakfast you will transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. This overland route boasts some impressive scenery with plenty of opportunities to stop en-route. On arrival you will check into your hotel with the evening at leisure. If time permits a visit to the local night market is worth a visit.
Accommodation options

Day 10 Chiang Rai
Flower at the White Temple, Chiang Rai, Thailand Wat Rong Khun in the Chiang Rai province Macaque at Monkey Temple, Chiang Rai Join your local guide for a tour around Chiang Rai – highlights include the White Temple and surrounding tea plantations.

Day 11 Pakbeng
Village children, Pakbeng View of the Mekong near Pakbeng, Laos White Temple, Chiang Rai Today you leave Chiang Rai behind and travel to the Laos border by car. On arrival you will pass through immigration before embarking on a boat ride down to the Mekong. This journey takes in some beautiful scenery and passes remote villages before arriving in the rural town of Pakbeng. Here you will spend the night in a rustic riverside lodge.

Day 12 Muang La
Local minority hill tribe village, Muang La, Laos Lady of the Akha tribe, Laos Laos tribal women After breakfast you will be met and transferred north to Muang La – this area boasts dramatic scenery and offers a good base for visiting some of Laos’ most remote ethnic minorities. The lodge itself is a true Audley favourite boasting excellent facilities, food and an enviable location.

Day 13 Muang La
Local ladies in minority villages, Northern Laos River journeys are the lifeblood of Laos Colourful ethnic groups of northern Laos Spend the full day exploring some of the most remote areas of Northern Laos.

Day 14 Luang Prabang
Monk in temple grounds, Luang Prabang Novice Monk Luang Prabang Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang After a relaxing breakfast at the lodge you transfer south to the UNESCO recognised town of Luang Prabang. On arrival you check into your hotel with the rest of the afternoon left at leisure. This evening allows for a good opportunity to explore some of the town’s nearby eateries.

Day 15 Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang,Laos Night market in Luang Prabang, Laos Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang, Laos Enjoy a full day uncovering the very best of Luang Prabang and its surrounds – begin with a trip out to the countryside for a hands-on farming experience before exploring the gilded city temples later this afternoon.
Accommodation options

Day 16 Luang Prabang
Children fishing in the Nam Ou Local fisherman on the Nam Ou Monks at Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang Rise early to witness the daily alms giving ceremony on the streets of Luang Prabang before beating the crowds at Kuang Si Falls – here you can enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast in a fantastic setting.

Day 17 Return home
Night Market, Luang Prabang Market, Luang Prabang Mekong River at Sunset, Luang Prabang Bid farewell to Laos and transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.