Day 1
Arrive in Kunming and check-in Hotel. Subject to time we visit Bamboo Temple. A Special local delicacy Mushroom Hot Pot will be served as your dinner.
Overnight in Kunming.
Day 2
Leave Kunming in the morning and drive to Stone Forest (Shilin in Chinese, 89 km, 1.5 hours), an 80 ha site of fantastic limestone formations created during the Permian Era when the sea covered this area, Shilin is on the World Heritage List and managed by the traditional owners the Yi people. It is famous in China and unique in the world. We will to visit the Stone Forest for 2.5hours. Today’s lunch is Yunnan local flavour Yiliang Roast Duck.
Overnight in Kunming.
Day 3
We take a morning flight to Shangri-la (Tibetan minority area, 50 min flight). Visit Songzanlin Tibetan Buddhism Monastery, designed as a smaller version of Lhasa's Potala Palace and home to 780 monks of the Yellow Hat Tibetan sect. Then visit Dongzhulin Monastery (110 km, 3 hours) first built in 1667, the 6th year of the reign of Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty. It was where the Monlam Festival of Prayer for the Emperor's birthday was held and is one of the most important monasteries in North West Yunnan. Drive further (8 km) and see the First Bend of Golden Sand River (the upper reach of Yangtze). It is here that the Yangtze's flow south finishes and it takes an abrupt V turn, continuing on through central China to empty near Shanghai, several thousand kilometers to the East. In the evening go to the central square in the Zhangdian Old Town to enjoy local people's dance.
Overnight in Shangri-la.
Day 4
Drive to Lijiang (Naxi minority area, 180 km, 4.5 hours). In the afternoon walking on the Lijiang Old Town which belongs to the World Culture Heritage of UNESCO and visit Museum of Naxi Culture and learn more about these fascinating people. Free time to explore.
Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 5
Take a cable car up to the inspiring Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which is 5,596 meters above sea level, a truly memorable experience. Take a walk on the Dragon Spruce Meadow and breathe the crisp, fresh air. Drive to Dali (Bai minority area, 153 km, 3.5 hours), in the evening you could take a pleasant stroll in Dali Old Town which was the capital city of Nanzhao Kingdom 1000 years ago. There will be time to shop for marble, clothes, jewellery and batik (a traditional textile).
Overnight in Dali
Day 6
In the morning visit the old Three Pagodas, which known as the Chongsheng Santa and situated on top of the ruins of Chongsheng Monastery, the Three Pagodas lie one kilometer northwest of Dali and located on the slope of Mount Cangshan. Then take afternoon flight to Jinghong. On arrival go to explore the Wild Elephant Valley that is a nature reserve for elephants and get through the jungle by cable car.
Overnight in Jinghong.
Day 7
Today go to visit Ganlanba Morning Market (to experience daily life of ethnic groups), Water Dai Village, Burmese Temple, Rubber Garden, Botanic Garden (the biggest one of China). Dai BBQ as dinner in the evening.
Overnight in Jinghong.
Day 8
Jinghong - Chiang Saen (Thailand, 344 km, cruises 10 hours). The upper Mekong flows through Southern China, Burma and Laos and is now opened to foreigners. We join an express boat for the spectacular daytime journey to the Golden Triangle. We hope to land at a Laotian Aini Village. After our exhilarating boat ride we reach the Golden Triangle region between Burma, Laos and Thailand and disembark at Chiang Saen at 18:00.
Overnight in Chiang Saen.
Day 9
Visit the famous Opium Hall at the Golden Triangle Park, which is sponsored by the Empress Dowager of Thailand and be introduced to the mysterious world of opium. The 5,600
square-meter Hall of Opium presents the history of opium from its natural properties to its uses over 5,000 years. Visit Golden Archway, etc. and drive to Chiang Rai (1.5 hours).
Overnight in Chiang Rai
Day 10
In the morning take a bus to Chiang Mai (4.5 hours). Visit Home Industries to see how see local craftsmanship such as umbrellas, silverware, lacquer-ware, wood carving, silk, cotton and a jewellery factory. In the evening have dinner in Kaneohe dining-hall with Thai dancing and hill tribe shows.
Overnight in Chiang Mai..
Day 11
Visit Elephant Camp and enjoy Elephant show and then Orchid Garden and Butterfly Farm (optional for elephant riding, snake farm and monkey school). In the afternoon visit the 500 year old Doi Suthep Temple. The temple was built in the late 14th century under King Geu Na, and attracts many pilgrims and tourists, both local and international. In the evening stroll in the famous night market in Chiang Mai.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 12
Free in the morning and flight to Bangkok (1 hour) to connect with international flights.
For cost and availability please contact : Tee Lee Travel (08) 8212 9822