The Best of China and the Trails of Laos

Then, we’ll set out to explore the city. We’ll take a transfer to Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian and commercial area filled with shops and restaurants. Dinner will be included, followed by a return to the hotel.

We’ll enjoy a full-day guided tour, starting with a walk through the immense Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world. Next, we’ll visit the majestic Forbidden City, the most impressive architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of Beijing’s best-preserved imperial gardens. Climbing to the top of the hill, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll experience local life with a tricycle ride through the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, where we can observe daily life, visit charming shops, and step inside a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house. We’ll then conclude our tour with a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.

Our tour will begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s striking financial district, located across the Huangpu River. We’ll admire its futuristic skyline, including the iconic Pearl Tower, and take a stroll along the elevated walkways, offering breathtaking views of the modern skyscrapers. Next, we’ll board a local ferry to cross the river, allowing us to take in Shanghai’s impressive cityscape from the water while observing daily life along the bustling waterfront. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the Bund, home to a collection of grand 19th-century European-style buildings, a striking contrast to the modern skyline of Pudong. Our tour will continue in Shanghai’s Old City, where we’ll visit the Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also an explanation of traditional tea, an integral part of Chinese culture. We’ll then pass through Xintiandi, one of the city’s most fashionable districts, known for its blend of historical charm and modern elegance. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tianzifang, a former residential area famous for its narrow, labyrinth-like streets, lined with artisanal shops, trendy boutiques, and art galleries. We’ll conclude our tour with a final stroll along the Bund, appreciating its historical architecture and the European influence on the city’s past.

We will visit Yuantong Temple (admission included), Kunming’s most important Buddhist temple, featuring ponds, ancient halls, and a serene atmosphere. We continue to Green Lake Park, a lively park filled with water lilies, bridges, music, and plenty of local life. At the Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market—an old and traditional market—we will experience a truly authentic atmosphere. We finish in the lively Kunming Laojie Old District, the historical and cultural heart of the city. This vibrant pedestrian area blends traditional architecture with modern commerce. Return to the hotel and accommodation.

We will travel more than 1,000 kilometers in approximately eight hours (not counting immigration control stops). This is one of the most modern international railway routes in Asia.

We begin the visit at the Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where the treasures of the ancient Kingdom of Laos are preserved. Just a short walk away, we admire the elegance of Wat Mai Temple, with its five-tiered roof and delicate golden decorations. Afterwards, we visit Wat Xieng Thong (Temple of the Golden City), the most important Buddhist monument in Laos and a jewel of Laotian architecture, featuring roofs that slope almost to the ground and dazzling mosaics.

At dawn, barefoot Buddhist monks dressed in saffron-colored robes walk in single file through the city streets, carrying wicker baskets to receive food offerings from local residents. Visit to a local market, followed by a return to the hotel.

Nature amazes us with this spectacular multi-tiered waterfall system that flows into turquoise pools, perfect for swimming. Surrounded by tropical jungle and natural trails, it offers an idyllic and refreshing setting to enjoy nature and tranquility. Lunch included at a local restaurant.

Arrival at a local home to participate in the traditional Baci ceremony, during which the officiant calls back the spirits to attract positive influences. A white cotton string is then tied around participants’ wrists as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. You will have the privilege of taking part in this sacred experience. Dinner included. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

Arrival at this point, where we leave the vehicle to begin an approximately 1.5-hour hike. The walk starts in the small Hmong village of Ban Phathao. Along the way, we cross lush green rice paddies and follow shaded paths beneath towering trees, encountering local villagers as we go. We reach the Elephant Cave Temple and sacred cave on foot.

Arrival in a city that offers a charming blend of history, spirituality, and a relaxed lifestyle. City tour begins with a visit to That Luang Temple (entrance included), an imposing golden stupa built in the 16th century and the most sacred site in Vientiane, often frequented by local pilgrims. We then explore the city center to see the Patuxay Monument, built in memory of those who died during Laos’ war of independence from France. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue to Wat Sisaket (entrance included), home to thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Just across the street, we visit the neighboring Wat Phra Keo (entrance included), which houses an impressive collection of Lao and Khmer religious art. We conclude the day with a visit to COPE (entrance included), offering a powerful and deeply human experience. Through interactive exhibits, videos, and firsthand testimonies, this center reveals the consequences of the tragic legacy of Laos as one of the most heavily bombed countries in the world during the Vietnam War.