JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
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. JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
Leave Kunming in the morning and drive to Stone Forest ( Shilin in Chinese, 89 km, 1.5 hours ), n 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 . JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
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. JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
Drive to Lijiang ( Naxi minority area, 180 km, 4.5 hours ). 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 fresh air. Later we will visit Museum of Naxi Culture and learn more about these fascinating people. Free time to explore. JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
Drive to Dali ( Bai minority area, 153 km, 3.5 hours ), which is regarded as " the oriental Switzerland " or " Chinese Geneva". Visit old Three Pagodas, which is 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 is located on the slope of Mount Cangshan. In the aftrnoon you could take a pleasant stroll in Dali Old Town which was the capital city of Nanzhao Kingdom 1000 years ago.JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com

JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com

JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
Today we join the flight to Jinghong.(Dai minority area,40 minutes flight)Then go to visit Wild Elephant Valley (natural reserve area), walk through the forest and then take a cable car. JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
Today go to visit Ganlanba morning market, Water Dai Village, Burmese temple, rubber garden, Botanic Garden ( the biggest one in China ). In the evening enjoy the Dai BBQ as dinner.JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
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 around 18:00. JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
This morning we will visit the Doi Tung Botanical Gardens in a beautiful hilltop setting within this notorious region, where the King and Queen of Thailand have encouraged modern crops to replace opium poppies. We visit the Hall of Opium to learn about this crop. We also visit the Giant Buddha, overlooking the Mekong at Sop Ruak, and the smugglers' town of Mai Sai on the Thai/Burmese border, where thousands of stores sell contraband. We take a scenic drive on to Chiang Khong to join our new and beautiful river ship, the ‘Mekong Sun'. Our ship was custom built for cruising the Mekong in 2006 by a German company. The ‘Mekong Sun' provides a superb way of cruising this remote region. Settle into your wood panelled cabin and enjoy a Welcome Reception on the sun deck. Our crew of 17 provide great Asian and European food and friendly service during our voyage. JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
Golden Triangle - Houay Xay (Laos) This morning we will enter into Laos at Huay Xai, a remote riverside village. Enjoy a relaxing day cruising the Mekong and sail on and anchor at a sandbank this evening. Enjoy drinks beside a blazing fire on the sandbank before dinner on the open deck of our ship. JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
Pak Tha. The river traffic increases as we pass through this densely populated region accessible only by water. Relax on deck or in the lounge and soak up the peaceful isolation. Continue to the small village of Pak Tha, where we join a longtail boat for a trip up the Nam Tha River to visit a remote Khmu village. We will be welcomed to the Mayor’s house and we visit the school to learn more about the way of life in this amazing region. We rejoin ‘Mekong Sun’ for lunch and a pleasant afternoon of sailing. Enjoy drinks on a sandbank and dinner onboard this evening. JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
Pak Beng. After breakfast our voyage continues to the small town of Pak Beng, where we go ashore for coffee at a lodge overlooking the Mekong, then visit the market, small stalls and shops along the one main street. This afternoon we hope to stop to see working elephants beside the river and visit another small village. JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
Pak Ou Caves. After a relaxing morning onboard we stop at a small riverside village for a visit and to see their local distillery, before walking through the forest to the famous Pak Ou Caves with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. This evening we will enjoy our dinner in a beautiful riverside location. JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
Luang Prabang. We sightsee in the former royal capital of Laos, Luang Prabang. This beautiful town contains numerous Buddhist monuments, French and Laotian style houses and is a charming centre with few cars and a wonderful laid back atmosphere. Visit Wat Xieng Thong with its striking buildings of tiled roofs and gold and red colours. Tour the Royal Palace with its elephant throne and traditional musical instruments and enjoy sunset from Phousi Hill. This evening visit the Night Market in the main street. JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
JJJwww.Chinakindnesstour.com
Transport to airport for leaving. End of service.