China & South East Asia Discovery

Bangkok - Beijing

62 days through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, China

FROM: $7560 USD + 1,830 USD Kitty

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle, Tuk Tuk, Boat, Private Bus, Ferry, Overnight Boat, Metro, Taxi

Crew:

Two Dragoman Crew Members, Local Guides where necessary, Local Crew Member in certain areas, One Local Crew Member

Accom:

Comfortable Hotel 11 nights
Guesthouse 16 nights
Homestay 1 night
Basic Hotel 28 nights
Camping without facilities 1 night
Multishare Hostel 2 nights
Overnight Boat 2 nights

Meals:

Breakfasts x 27, Lunches x 2, Dinners x 3

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

EBO

Deposit:

$435 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

TRIP OVERVIEW

Beijing to Bangkok overland does have a certain ring about it and this trip will not disappoint.
It takes in some of the greatest sites of China and South East Asia as well as visiting places
that most travellers never see. So if you want to see more than just the Great Wall, Pandas,
Three Gorges or the Terracotta Warriors, then you might consider this epic journey.
There are some great hikes on this trip, including climbing with all the pilgrims to the summit
temple of Emei Shan, or through the stunning “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon”
landscapes of Wudan Shan, or hiking 2 days above the incomparable Tiger Leaping Gorge.
In Laos, we get to explore on foot the forests of the Nam Ha National Park and to see the
highlights of the Mekong, including the 4,000 islands.
But it’s the amazing architecture and religious buildings that will astound you along the way,
whether it’s the quiet beauty of Luang Prabang, the historic splendour of Angkor Wat or the
magnificence of the Forbidden City.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the sights of the bustling Thai capital of Bangkok

Explore the vast royal complex of Bangkok's Grand Palace

Full day tour of the incredible temples at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom

Explore the amazing pre-Angkorian temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk

Spend time in the chaotic Cambodian capital Phnom Penh

Study Cambodia's history at the "Killing Fields" and Tuol Sleng Prison Museum

Guided trip to the Mekong River in search of freshwater dolphins

Cambodian family homestay experience

Visit '4000 islands' at Don Khon in Laos

Visit Laos incredible 10th-century temple of Wat Phou

WHAT TO EXPECT

An easy paced trip with plenty of 2 and 3 night stays. Ideal for people who enjoy history, culture, good food and walking. A wonderful journey of discovery with no camping. Ideal for those who want to see more than just the highlights. Food, culture, history and hiking.

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - Bangkok (14th March 2021)

Border Information: If joining in Bangkok, you will most likey enter Thailand at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA code: BKK).

Today will be a free day to explore the incredible city of Bangkok until the evening. There will be a group meeting today at 6:00pm - please look out for a note from your tour leader on arrival at the joining hotel with more information about this important meeting.

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Bangkok before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 2 - Siem Reap (15th March 2021)

Today we start our journey with a drive on locally chartered transport out of the capital and through the Thai countryside to the border town of Aranyaprathet. There is a large border market in the north of the town that is interesting to visit where we will stop for lunch.

Border Information: Exit Thailand at Aranyaprathet, enter Cambodia at Poipet.

In the afternoon we will cross the border into Cambodia, proceeding through the Thai immigration office then crossing the bridge by foot to the Cambodian immigration office. Once all of the border formalities are complete, we will join our overland truck who will be waiting to meet us on the other side and continue to Siem Reap, home to the Angkor Wat temple complex.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 3 - Siem Reap (16th March 2021)

Today we will have an early start for our included guided trip to the incredible and awe-inspiring 12th-Century Khmer temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. We will have a full day to explore the vast site and then watch the sunset over the temples, a truly magical experience.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 4 - Siem Reap (17th March 2021)

Today we will have an extra day to be able to explore Siem Reap further and take part in any optional activities if you wish, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 5 - Kompong Thom (18th March 2021)

This morning we have a fairly short drive to Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia's most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments. We will have plenty of time to explore the ruins before driving on to Kompong Thom, where we spend the night in the house of a local family.

The accommodation is basic and some bathrooms are outside, but experiencing traditional home-cooked food and spending time with people of the village is truly a special experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Homestay

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 6 - Phnom Penh (19th March 2021)

Today we will have breakfast with our hosts at the Komphong Thom homestay, and then drive on to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 7 - Phnom Penh (20th March 2021)

This morning we will have a very moving visit to the infamous Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields Memorial. We will then return to Phnom Penh and have a free afternoon to explore Cambodia's capital.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 8 - Kratie (21st March 2021)

Today we continue our journey to Kratie, situated in the northeast of Cambodia on the banks of the Mekong River. The area is famous for its sunsets, and we hope to spot Irrawaddy dolphins swimming in the river!

In Kratie we will stay with local families in their homes. The accommodation is fairly basic but this will be a fantastic local experience.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 9 - Kratie (22nd March 2021)

In Kratie we will stay with local families in their homes. The accommodation is fairly basic but this will be a fantastic local experience.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 10 - Si Phan Don (23rd March 2021)

Border Information: Exit Cambodia at Dom Kralor, enter Laos at Voeung Kam.

Today we have an early start to cross the border into southern Laos. If we have been using a chartered bus in Cambodia, we will rejoin our overland truck and meet our co-driver again once through the border. We will then continue to Si Phan Don, otherwise known as the 4,000 Islands. We will transfer by boat to one of the larger islands in the area, Don Khon, and visit the Li Phi waterfalls.

We will also have some free time where we have the option to explore the island on bicycles.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 11 - Si Phan Don (24th March 2021)

Today we will have a free day in Don Khon for Optional activities and relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 12 - Pakse (25th March 2021)

This morning we will have some more free to further explore the islands before continuing our journey to Pakse. This afternoon we will have an included visit to the magnificent Wat Phou, a ruined Khmer temple complex located at the base of Mount Phu Kao.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

Day 13 - Thakhek (26th March 2021)

Today we have a full day's drive to the area of Thakhek.

Tonight we will wild camp near to Thakhek.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping without facilities

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 14 - Vang Vieng (27th March 2021)

Today we will have a full day's drive to the town of Vang Vieng.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 15 - Vang Vieng (28th March 2021)

We will have a free day in Vang Vieng today to relax, enjoy the stunning landscapes surrounding the village and take part of the many optional activities available in the area. Popular activities here include trekking, renting a bicycle or rock climbing.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 16 - Luang Prabang (29th March 2021)

Today we will travel via the spectacular mountainous roads of northern Laos to the beautiful city of Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 17 - Luang Prabang (30th March 2021)

This morning after breakfast we will have a short drive to a small Hmong hill tribe village called Ban Long Lao. This Hmong village is where we begin our 4-hour trek to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls. This afternoon you have time to relax and swim in the many warm turquoise pools. We will return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 18 - Luang Prabang (31st March 2021)

Border Information: If joining in Luang Prabang, you will most likey enter Laos at Luang Prabang International Airport (IATA code: LPQ).

Today will be a free day to explore the beautiful city of Luang Prabang until the evening. There will be a group meeting today at 6:00pm - please look out for a note from your tour leader on arrival at the joining hotel with more information about this important meeting.

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Luang Prabang before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Luang Prabang.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 19 - Luang Namtha (1st April 2021)

This morning we drive through the stunning countryside of northern Laos to the small town of Luang Namtha.

In Luang Namtha we will have two free days to enjoy the many optional activities available in and around Luang Namtha and the nearby Nam Ha National Park. Popular activities here include hiking and trekking in the National Park.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 20 - Luang Namtha (2nd April 2021)

Today is a free day for activities in and around Luang Namtha.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 21 - Luang Namtha (3rd April 2021)

Today is a free day for activities in and around Luang Namtha.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 22 - Mohan (4th April 2021)

Border Information: Exit Laos at Boten, enter China at Mengla.

This morning we will cross the border into China and begin our journey through the southern Chinese region of Xishuangbanna. We spend the next few days overlanding through this beautiful area, stopping off at towns, villages and local markets along the way.

Tonight we will stay in the border town of Mengla while your crew finalise the paperwork to enter our truck into China.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Day 23 - Xishuangbanna (5th April 2021)

Today will be a full day's drive through Yunnan province towards Kunming, most likely reaching the town of Mojiang or Yuxi en route.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9

Day 24 - Kunming (6th April 2021)

This morning we will complete our drive to the incredible Shilin Stone Forest. We will have a free afternoon exploring the stunning and bizarre rock formations of the Stone Forest.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Day 25 - Kunming (7th April 2021)

Today we will drive to Kunming, the vibrant, modern capital of Yunnan province. We will have a free day to explore the city's sights.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

Day 26 - Kunming (8th April 2021)

Border Information: if joining in Kunming, you will most likely enter China at Kunming Changshui International Airport (IATA code: KMG).

There will be a group meeting today at 6:00pm - please look out for a note from your tour leader at the hotel reception with more information about this important meeting.

The rest of the day will be free to explore the city of Kunming, its museums and its parks.

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Kunming before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Kunming.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 27 - Dali (9th April 2021)

Today our journey begins with a morning drive to the beautiful Naxi town of Dali, where we will stay for 2 nights.

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 28 - Dali (10th April 2021)

Today we will have a free day to fully explore the area and for optional activities such as some short treks in the nearby Cangshan mountains or hiring bicycles to ride around the Dali lake.

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Day 29 - Tiger Leaping Gorge (11th April 2021)

Today we drive further north through Yunnan province to the beautiful 'Old-China'-style town of Lijiang, the base for visiting the world-famous Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 30 - Tiger Leaping Gorge (12th April 2021)

These following 2 days we will have free time to explore the town of Lijiang and its surroundings. One very popular excursion here is to go on a 2 day/1 night trek along the high trail above the Tiger Leaping Gorge - this is by far the best way to see the gorge from some truly incredible vantage points, and we will have the opportunity to take this trek during our time here (staying in a local guesthouse on the trail on the first night and returning to Lijiang for the second).

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 31 - Tiger Leaping Gorge (13th April 2021)

For those that haven't done the full trek, your crew will also be able to arrange a trip to the low sections of the gorge, where there is a flat walkway to various viewpoints.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 32 - Panzhihua (14th April 2021)

Today we have a long drive north through stunning mountain scenery towards China's Sichuan province.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 33 - Emei Shan (15th April 2021)

Today we will continue our drive to the small town of Emei Shan.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 34 - Emei Shan (16th April 2021)

Today we will have a full day to explore Emei Shan Mountain, one of the holiest sites in Chinese Buddhism and the site of hundreds of temples and an incredible golden statue of the deity known as Samantabhadra. It is possible to walk all the way up the stairs from the base of the mountain, joining the many pilgrims in their journey to the temple complex at the mountain summit, or take the cable car up instead!

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 35 - Chengdu (17th April 2021)

Today we continue our journey north to the town of Leshan to visit to the Leshan Grand Buddha - at 71m tall, this statue is the largest Buddha rock carving in the world!

After our visit we will continue to the incredible city of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, where we will stay for 2 nights. On arrival we will have a free afternoon to explore the city's parks, streets, and museums, and visit the fascinating and incredibly photogenic Jinli Old Town.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 36 - Chengdu (18th April 2021)

Today we will have an included visit to the fantastic Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre. We'll then return to Chengdu for another free afternoon to further explore the city.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 37 - Dazu (19th April 2021)

From Chengdu we will continue to the small village of Dazu, where we visit the Bei Shan and Baoding Shan caves, famous for their brightly-coloured freizes and carvings.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 38 - Chongqing (20th April 2021)

Today we will drive on the Chongqing, where we will have time to explore the city and prepare for tomorrow's ferry cruise on the mighty Yangtze River!

We will most likely stay in a local hotel in Chongqing tonight, but on occasion our ferry may need to depart tonight, in which case we will have a spare day later in the trip that we can use at our discretion.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 39 - Yangtze River (21st April 2021)

Today we embark on our Yangtze River Cruise. We travel on a local ferry boat used by local people, a much more authentic and interesting way of travelling than on a tourist cruise. We stay in shared cabins (4 members of the group to each cabin) with private bathrooms and air conditioning where possible.

The journey itself usually takes 3 days/3 nights and heads through some areas of stunning scenery, especially near the Three Gorges - the Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges. The boats usually stop at the Fengdu (Ghost City), Shibaozai Tower, home to the Lanruo Dian (Orchid Temple) and at the three Lesser Gorges at various points on the trip. However due to local conditions, stops cannot always be guaranteed.

Accommodation: Overnight Boat

Day 40 - Yangtze River (22nd April 2021)

Second day of our Yangtze River Cruise.

Accommodation: Overnight Boat

Day 41 - Yangtze River (23rd April 2021)

We will arrive in the city of Yichang and disembark our ferry to rejoin our truck and co-leader and have some free time to explore Yichang and the surrounding area.

We will most likely have an included visit to the incredible Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, on the last day.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 42 - Xiang Fan (24th April 2021)

This morning we will have some free time in Yichang or visit the Three Gorges Dam if we did not have time yesterday. After lunch we will drive to the town of Xiang Fan, en route to Wudang Shan.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 43 - Wudang Shan (25th April 2021)

Today we will continue our journey with a drive to the beautiful Wudang Shan Mountain Reserve, the birthplace of the martial art of Taichi and the location of the filming of 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon'. We will also try to stop at the Purple Cloud Monastery en route if time allows.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Day 44 - Wudang Shan (26th April 2021)

Today we will have a full day to explore the mountain's sights, temples and martial arts schools.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 45 - Xi'an (27th April 2021)

Today we will drive to the amazing city of Xi'an, the ancient capital of Shaanxi province and the end of the 'Silk Road'! We will have a free afternoon on arrival to explore the city of Xi'an, its famous walls, bell and drum towers, pagodas and Muslim Quarter.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 46 - Xi'an (28th April 2021)

Border Information: if joining in Xi'an, you will most likely enter China at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (IATA code: XIY).

Welcome to the amazing city of Xi'an, the ancient capital of Shaanxi province and the end of the 'Silk Road'!

There will be a group meeting today at 10:00am - please look out for a note from your tour leader at the hotel reception with more information about this important meeting.

This afternoon we head out of Xi'an on the truck to the site of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, where we have an included visit and a guided tour.

Please note that many of the optional activities listed will only be possible for those with extra time in Xi'an before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Xi'an.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 47 - Xi'an (29th April 2021)

Today we will have a free day to explore the city of Xi'an, it's famous walls, bell and drum towers, pagodas and Muslim Quarter.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 48 - Yan'an (30th April 2021)

Today we make our way to the city of Yan'an. Yan'an is famous for being the ending point for those on the 'Long March', and became the CCP headquarters for a brief period. During our time here we have an included visit to the Revolutionary Museum and the CCP Headquarters site.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 49 - Lijiashan (1st May 2021)

Today we continue our journey to visit the ancient village of Lijiashan, famed for settlement of cave dwellers and still home to more than 600 families.

In Lijiashan we will stay in a cave room, run by a local family and set up for guests.

Please note that some caves include a traditional 'Kang Stove bed'. The Kang bed is a hollow platform made from bricks that is used both as a bed and as a work area, these are common in remote villages in Northern China. In winter a coal fire can be lit under the bed, providing a huge amount of warmth day and night and it is very common for the whole family to sleep on one large bed. This means there may be times that members of the group may have to share 1 large bed with others in the group.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 50 - Pingyao (2nd May 2021)

We will set off early this morning for an included visit to the Black Dragon Temple just outside of Lijiashan. We will then drive to China's best-preserved ancient walled town, Pingyao.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 51 - Pingyao (3rd May 2021)

We will stay for 2 more nights in Pingyao, giving us plenty of time to explore this ancient town and surrounding sites such as the Mian Shan Mountain Resort and the Zhangbi Underground City.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 52 - Pingyao (4th May 2021)

Today we will have another day to explore Pingyao and its surroundings.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 53 - Wutai Shan (5th May 2021)

This morning we continue to the stunning mountainous area known as Wutai Shan, one of the holiest sites of Chinese Buddhism and a major centre of pilgrimage in the country.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 54 - Wutai Shan (6th May 2021)

Today we will have a full day to explore the area and visit its incredible array of temples and religious sites.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 55 - Datong (7th May 2021)

Today we will drive to the city of Datong. We will have an included visit to the incredible Hanging Monastery en route.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 56 - Datong (8th May 2021)

Today we will head out of Datong in the truck on an included visit to the awe-inspiring Yungang Buddha Caves.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 57 - Jinshanling (9th May 2021)

This morning we will drive to one of the world's most incredible sights - the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of China! We will have time this afternoon and the following morning to thoroughly explore and walk along the Great Wall.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 58 - Chengde (10th May 2021)

This morning we will spend some more time exploring the Great Wall of China. We will then continue with a short drive to the city of Chengde.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

Day 59 - Chengde (11th May 2021)

On the following day we will have a full day to explore the Puning Temple and the famous Imperial Summer Resort.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 60 - Beijing (12th May 2021)

Today we complete our journey to China's chaotic and evocative capital, Beijing!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5

Day 61 - Beijing (13th May 2021)

Today we will head out on the Beijing metro to the city centre's famous Tiananmen Square, which we will walk through and then take a tour of the Forbidden City. We will then have a free afternoon to fully explore the many sights, sounds and flavours of Beijing.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Day 62 - Beijing (14th May 2021)

Border Information: if leaving in Beijing, you will most likely exit China at Beijing Capital International Airport (IATA code: PEK).

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Beijing. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

Show only available departures

Departing

Finishing

Total Price (USD)

14 Mar 21 Bangkok

14 May 21 Beijing

$7,560 USD + 1,830 USD Kitty

Status: Open

Trip Notes:

Trip Itinerary

Essential Info:

Essential Info.

Duration: 62 days Add to basket

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China & South East Asia Discovery

Bangkok - Beijing

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