Dynamic China & Laos Tour

Around Shanghai, there are many famous water towns. Today we drive to the Zhujiajiao ancient town to see the elegant watery views there. Then transfer back to visit the Bund, a symbol of Shanghai and an epitome of Shanghai's modern history, where the past and the future meet with the colonial style buildings along the Bund that facing the new futuristic buildings of Pudong. 

Transfer to the train station to head for Hangzhou. Be met at the train station and transferred to the hotel.

Meal: B, L

Visit West Lake, which is the symbol of Hangzhou. Taking a rowing boat on the West Lake to have a better view of the scenery and know about the most celebrated lake in China. Afterward, we will go ahead to the Lingyin Temple. Located at the foot of Lingyin Mountain, it is one of the most prestigious Buddhist temples in China. Then we walk further to Feilai Peak. It is a pure limestone hill with many ancient carvings and Buddhist sculptures.

Meal: B, L

After breakfast, we will drive to visit the Longjing Tea Plantation. Southwest of West Lake in Hangzhou, Longjing (Dragon Well) Village hides away from the madding crowd of big city, it is not only an ideal place to drink tea, but also an tranquil village to relax. It is worth to walk down the hill and traveling through the thoughtfully laid-out tea fields, you will have wonderful visual experience.

Afterwards, we will go to the Qinghefang Street to try some local snacks, such as Hangzhou Steamed Bun and West Lake Lotus Root Powder. Here you will have a chance visit the Huqingyutang Pharmacy, which is also known as a Museum for Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Transfer to rail station for high speed train to Huangshan. Be met and transfer to hotel for check in, the rest time for your own exploration on Tunxi Old Street.

Meal: B, L

In the morning, drive to Yellow Mountain for 80 kilometers (1.5 hours). Take the cable car at Yungu Station to the top of the mountain. After checking into your hotel and have lunch, you will start this walking tour and savor up all the highlights on the mountain. You can walk around Celestial Capital Peak, Lotus Peak and Bright Top where they are the ideal places to gaze over the breathtaking seas of clouds. And visit the outstanding West Sea Grand Canyon. Stay overnight on the top of Yellow Mountain.

Meal: B, L, D

On this day, try to get up early in the morning to catch the magnificent sunrise on Huangshan Mountain. Later, take cable car down the mountain and transfer to Xidi Village, one of the best place for visitors to see typical folk houses where residents have lived as they have for centuries. The village has a history over 900 years, while the stone lanes and houses are still the same as they were in Ming and Qing Dynasty. 

Check in at a lovely character hotel in this village and stay overnight there.

Meal: B, L

After breakfast, we will move on to Chengkan village and visit Tangyue Memorial Archways. Chengkan village is a wonder among the ancient village in China for its unique layout. The Tangyue Archways group include 7 memorial archways, each of them was built in relation with a moving story and vividly reveals in one way or another moral values. After lunch, you will be transferred to take a bullet train to Xiamen (4 hrs). Be transferred to the hotel for rest.

Meal: B, L

After breakfast, drive 3 hours to Nanjing County to visit Tianluokeng Earth Buildings (Tulou), a traditional communal residence of Hakka people in Fujian and usually of a circular configuration surrounding a central shrine. Then pay a visit to Yuchang Earth Building to appreciate its special structure. Later, visit Taxia Village to experience people's life and customs there. Drive back to Xiamen. 

Meal: B, L

Visit Gulangyu Island including Shuzhuang Garden and Crag of Sunlight. It is renowned for its beaches, winding lanes and its colonial architectures. The island is on China's list of National Scenic Spots and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites. In the afternoon, drive to take the high speed train to Guangzhou (4-4.5 hrs). Transfer to the hotel for rest.

Meal: B, L

In the morning, head to the Mausoleum of Nanyue King Musuem, where you can learn about the history of ancient Guangzhou more than 2000 year ago. Then visit Yuexiu Park to see Five Rams Statue and take photo. In the afternoon, Pay a visit to Chen Family Temple-- the largest, and best preserved ancient architecture in Guangdong province. Later, go to stroll at Shamian Island to experience the local people’s life. 

Meal: B, L

Free morning for your own exploration until being transferred to the airport to fly to Vientiane – the Capital of Laos (2.5 hrs). Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to the hotel.

Meal: B

Visit the oldest temple in Vientiane, Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which now serves as a museum of arts and antiques. Next, we visit Wat Simuang, a Khmer temple that is very popular by the locals. Later go and take some pictures of the imposing Patuxai Monument. The climb to the top offers great views over Vientiane. 

Continue onwards down Rue Singha 23 to Laos’ National icon, and most important religious building the golden stupa of That Luang. The final visit of the morning will be the excellent COPE exhibition centre, highlighting a much overlooked aspect of Laos and a major problem of unexploded ordnance during the Vietnam War area.

In the afternoon, we visit the quirky yet impressive Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the banks of the Mekong River. By no means historic – Buddha Park was built in the 1950’s, which features some very photogenic and unusual sculptures. Later, you will have an optional shopping stop at the Lao Disabled Women’s Centre, which provides valuable training and schooling for disabled women in Laos.

Meal: B, L

Transfer to take a morning train to Luang Prabang. 

After arrival, visit the quaint Royal Palace Museum that provides a fine overview of the culture and history of this ancient city. Then head to the beautiful Heuan Chan Heritage House on foot. Explore the house and its historical items and architectural charms while learning about the connection it has with the Royal Palace. 

In the afternoon, drive to take a private boat for a cruise up the Mekong River. Enjoy the tranquil countryside, and visit Pak Ou caves, which were crammed with thousands Buddha statues of various sizes. During the return trip, making a stop at Wat Done Khoun Temple, a unique temple situated on an island in the Mekong. At sunset, you will arrive back in Luang Prabang.

Meal: B, L

In the early morning, you can decide whether to partake in the daily morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’ or giving alms to the monks (around 5:30am). Then visit the local farmers’ market to see how the locals shop, before returning to your hotel for breakfast. 

Explore the country’s most historic and enchanting temple, Wat Xiengthong. Then cross the road to Wat Khili where this temple’s charming traditional library building houses an historic photo exhibition of Buddhist heritage. Pay a visit to the ‘Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre’, which gives a great insight into the rich and diverse ethnic and cultural blend of Laos, we continue to Wat Visoun, known as ‘The Water Melon Stupa’ due to its shape.

In the afternoon, drive out of town to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool or walk along the forest trails. Next to the falls is a Bear Rescu Centre, which does a great job in protecting and rehabilitating the rare Asiatic Black Bear. Afterwards, you have the option to stop at Ock Pop Tock, a silk weaving centre.

Meal: B, L

Transfer to the airport or train station to continue our journey to your next destination. 

Meal: B