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 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 Xi'an, its famous walls, bell and drum towers, pagodas and Muslim Quarter.
Please note that many of the options listed below 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.
In Xi'an we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
Activities(Included)
Explore the world-famous site of the Terracotta Warriors, an army of 8000 life-size figures built to protect the Emporer Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife
This morning 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. We'll return to Xi'an in the afternoon and have some more free time to further explore this incredible city!
Activities(Optional)
Visit the impressive Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an's most famous landmark dating from the Tang and Ming Dynasties - Cost: CNY 80
Walk or cycle around the Ming Dynasty Xi'an City Wall, the largest city wall in the world - Cost: CNY 80
Visit the Forest of Stelae Museum, a collection of 3000 stone tablets of Chinese calligraphy that has been collected here since 1057 - Cost: CNY 50
Wander through the atmospheric Muslim Quarter and visit the Xi'an Great Mosque, the first mosque constructed in China - Cost: CNY 30
Visit the mind-blowing Tomb of Emporer Jingdi of the Han Dynasty, containing 50,000 doll-sized terracotta figures - Cost: CNY 90
Learn about the fascinating history of the ancient Chinese capital of Chang'an at the Shaanxi History Museum, without doubt one of the finest museums in China - Cost: CNY 30
Visit the ornate 14th-century Bell and Drum towers, which originally marked the sunrise and sunset - Cost: CNY 40
Visit the huge former Tang Dynasty royal palace of Daming, and explore its vast parks and gardens - Cost: CNY
Today we begin our journey south of Xi'an 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 have time this afternoon and the following morning to fully explore the mountain's sights, temples and martial arts schools.
In Wudang Shan we will stay in a local hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, and does not include any time taken for coffee or lunch stops, border crossings, photo stops, activities en route, comfort breaks, shopping stops, toilet stops, etc. The times given are approximate estimates only and whilst given with the best of intentions, the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
This morning we will spend more time exploring Wudang Shan and the surrounding area, before setting off in the afternoon for a short drive to the pleasant city of Xiang Fan. We will also try to stop at the Purple Cloud Monastery en route.
In Xiang Fan we will stay in a local guesthouse or hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 2-4 hours.
Activities(Included)
Trek up the Tianzu Peak to visit the Taoist martial arts school and numerous temples on Wudang Shan
Today we will drive from Xiang Fan to Yichang, where we will catch our first glimpse of the mighty Yangtze river. Yichang is a pleasant town, and we will stop here for 1 or 2 nights, depending on the ferry schedule - either way we will have time to explore a little.
In Yichang we will stay in a friendly local hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Today we will have some free time to explore Yichang and the surrounding area, prepare for our 3 day Yangtze River cruise.
We will most likely have an included visit to the incredible Three Gorges Dam today, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, although it is possible this visit may take place tomorrow depending on the ferry schedule.
We will most likely stay in our hotel in Yichang tonight, but 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.
Activities(Included)
The cruise visits the main sites of the Three Gorges & new Yangtze Dam
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.
Activities(Included)
Cruise down the mighty Yangtze River for 3 nights on a local sleeper ferry
Stop off to visit the 1700-year-old Zhang Fei temple, famous for its exterior red-light decoration
Activities(Optional)
Stop off at the White Emperor City, a very scenic spot featured on the Chinese 10 Yuan banknote! - Cost: CNY 180
Stop off to take a boat ride through the stunning Three Mini Gorges - Cost: CNY 220
Today we will disembark our ferry when it docks in Chongqing in the early morning, and rejoin the truck and our co-driver!
From Chongqing we have a short drive to Dazu, where we visit the Bei Shan and Baoding Shan caves, famous for their brightly-coloured freizes and carvings.
In Dazu we will stay in a local hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours.
Activities(Optional)
Side trip to see the amazing sleeping Buddha in the Dazu Caves
- Cost: CNY 135
Today we have another short drive on 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.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
On the following day 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.
In Chengdu we will stay in a comfortable local hotel.
Activities(Included)
Visit to the Giant Panda breeding centre in Chengdu
Activities(Optional)
Explore the Jinsha Archeological Site, the capital of the Bronze Age Shu Kingdom who were one of the most ancient civilisations to settle in the area - Cost: CNY 80
Freely explore the narrow streets of the atmospheric Jinli Ancient Street and visit the nearby Wuhouci Shrine
- Cost: CNY 60
Explore the cobbled streets of historic Lijang
- Cost: CNY 85
Explore the mountain complex of Qingcheng, one of the ancient cradles of Taoism in China - Cost: CNY 190
Visit the impressive Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple of Wenshu, containing more than 450 Buddha statues - Cost: CNY 5
Head out for an evening performance of a traditional Sichuanese Opera - Cost: CNY 220
Today we continue our journey south 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 small town of Emei Shan.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-5 hours.
On the following day 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!
In Emei Shan we will stay in a local guesthouse.
Activities(Included)
Day trek up the lush mountain of Emei Shan, one of the most important pilgrimage treks in China
See the colossal Dafo Great Buddha in Leshan, the world's largest rock-carved Buddha statue
Activities(Optional)
Take a cable car ride to the top of Emei Shan - Cost: CNY 120
Today we have a long drive south through stunning mountain scenery towards China's Yunnan province.
In the evening you can take a stroll on the riverfront and get an insight into local Chinese life.
We will stay in the town of Miyi tonight in a comfortable local hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-10 hours.
Today we drive further into Yunnan province to the beautiful 'Old-China'-style town of Lijiang, the base for visiting the world famous Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Estimated Drive Time - 7-9 hours.
On the 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 night). For those that don't want to do 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.
In Lijiang we will stay in a comfortable local hotel.
Activities(Optional)
Explore the beautiful natural scenery and traditional buildings in the Black Dragon Pool Park - Cost: CNY 80
Head out for a day of trekking around the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, taking in some of the most incredible scenery in China on a clear day - Cost: CNY 80
Explore the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain area by cable car - Cost: CNY 280
See the incredible 'Impressions Lijiang' cultural show, demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai peoples of the area - Cost: CNY 270
Freely explore the area by bicycle and discover the Naxi villages surrounding Lijiang, such as the beautiful village of Baisha - Cost: CNY 20
Head out for a 2-day self-guided trek along the high ridge of the sensational Tiger Leaping Gorge - Cost: CNY 200
Go on a shorter trek along the flat base of Tiger Leaping Gorge to enjoy the scenery from below - Cost: CNY 125
Today we will drive through more stunning scenery to the beautiful Naxi town of Dali, where we will stay for 2 nights.
Estimated Drive Time - 3-5 hours.
On the following day 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.
In Dali we stay in a friendly hostel or guesthouse with good facilities.
Activities(Optional)
Time for sightseeing in the lakeside town of Dali, home to the minority Bai people
- Cost: CNY 40
Learn how to make dumplings and traditional Yunnanese cuisine at one of Dali's fantastic cooking classes - Cost: CNY 150
Discover the ornate 9th-century Three Pagodas of Chongsheng, some of the tallest pagodas in China's history and the symbol of Dali - Cost: CNY 120
Head out by bicycle to explore the region in depth and visit various Bai villages and Qing Dynasty bridges en route - Cost: CNY 50
Experience the incredible ancient art of cormorant fishing with the fishermen of Xizhou on Lake Erhai - Cost: CNY 100
There will be a group meeting at 18:00PM. The evening free to explore the city. Overnight in comfortable hotel.
Activities(Optional)
Overnight stay in Yunnan's laid back capital, Kunming
- Cost: CNY 6
This morning we will drive to the incredible Shilin Stone Forest. We will have a free afternoon exploring the stunning and bizarre rock formations of the Stone Forest.
Tonight we will stay in a local hotel near to the Shilin Stone Forest.
Estimated Drive Time - 2 - 3 hours.
Activities(Included)
Explore the maze of limestone pinnacles in the Stone Forest
Heading south from Shilinzhen we have a full days drive towards the southern region of Xishuangbanna.
Tonight we will stay in a local hotel en route.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours.
Today we drive to Jinghong. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
Border Information: Exit China at Mohan, enter Laos at Boten.
Short morning drive to the border with Laos, cross border and drive on to Luang Namtha, a small laid-back town on the edge of the Nam Ha Protected Area.
Estimate drive time 4- 5 hours
We stay here for 3 nights at a comfortable friendly guesthouse lodge.
Activities(Included)
Cross the border into Laos and relax in peaceful Luang Nam Tha
We have two full days in Luang Namtha for optional activities. There are many Hiking and trekking options available in the national park, or you could use this time to simply kick back and relax back at our guesthouse.
Activities(Optional)
Optional rafting, kayaking and trekking in Nam Ha National Park
- Cost: USD 25
This morning we drive through the stunning countryside of northern Laos and make our way to Luang Prabang where we stay in a friendly local hotel.
This afternoon there will be free time for any optional activities.
Estimated Drive Time - 6-8 hours (please note that all drive times given here are approximate estimates only and are given with the best intentions - however please be aware that the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
Activities(Included)
Enjoy the tranquility of beautiful colonial city Luang Prabang
Activities(Optional)
Explore the temple of Wat Xieng Thong, the oldest and one of the most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang - Cost: LAK 20000
Discover the thousands of Buddha statues at the Pak Ou caves outside of Luang Prabang - Cost: LAK 25000
Learn how to prepare some local Lao specialities at one of Luang Prabang's excellent cooking classes
- Cost: USD 25
Witness the sunrise from the panoramic viewpoint at the summit of Phou Si hill - Cost: LAK 20000
Visit the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, a fascinating blend of Lao and French architecture - Cost: LAK 30000
Border Information: If joining in Luang Prabang, enter Laos at Luang Prabang Airport.
There will be an important group meeting at 10:00 hrs.
Your leader will leave a note at the reception telling you where this meeting will take place. Your leader will collect your kitty and check your passport and insurance details at this meeting.
Tonight we will stay in a comfortable local hotel.
Activities(Included)
Enjoy the tranquility of beautiful colonial city Luang Prabang
Activities(Optional)
Witness the sunrise from the panoramic viewpoint at the summit of Phou Si hill - Cost: LAK 20000
Visit the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, a fascinating blend of Lao and French architecture - Cost: LAK 30000
Explore the temple of Wat Xieng Thong, the oldest and one of the most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang - Cost: LAK 20000
Discover the thousands of Buddha statues at the Pak Ou caves outside of Luang Prabang - Cost: LAK 25000
This morning we have a short drive to a small 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 return in the late afternoon to our comfortable hotel for the night.
Activities(Optional)
Learn how to prepare some local Lao specialities at one of Luang Prabang's excellent cooking classes
- Cost: USD 25
We leave after breakfast and drive to Vang Vieng (approx. 185 kms). The scenery today is spectacular as we make our way through windy and mountainous roads, passing small Hmong villages along the way so plenty of photo opportunities! We will stop for lunch in one of these villages before continuing our journey to Vang Vieng. The afternoon is free to explore.
Estimated Drive time 5 - 6 hours
We will stay overnight in a comfortable guesthouse tonight.
Today we have the whole day to explore Vang Vieng. 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.
Activities(Optional)
Free time available for optional activities in laid-back Vang Vieng
- Cost: USD 30
Head out for a rock climbing trip in the ideal crags near Vang Vieng - Cost: USD 40
Kayak through the stunning scenery of the Nam Song River, and stop off in some of the Khmu villages en route - Cost: USD 40
Trek around the fantastic limestone hills and stunning caves near Vang Vieng - Cost: USD 20
Explore the scared ethereal Tham Phu Kham Caves and Blue Lagoon just outside Vang Vieng - Cost: LAK 20000
We set off early this morning for a full days drive from Vang Vieng to Thakhek. We will arrive in the late afternoon and set up camp for the night.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours
Tonight we will wild camp near Thakhek
We will have the morning to explore the town before continuing our journey south to Pakse. Once in Pakse we have a short drive to the magnificent Wat Phou, a ruined Khmer temple complex located at the base of Mt Phu Kao.
Overnight in local Guesthouse in Pakse.
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
Activities(Included)
Visit the incredible 10th-century temple of Wat Phou
Activities(Optional)
Enjoy a traditional massage in one of Pakse's excellent massage centres - Cost: LAK 35000
From Pakse we Drive South and transfer to a boat to take us over to one of the larger islands in the area, Don Khong. This afternoon we visit the Li Phi waterfalls and then spend the rest of the day relaxing.
Overnight in a local guesthouse.
On our 2nd day on Don Khong we will have free time to explore the island which can be easily discovered by bicycles. On the bike you will discover a quiet rural life of the the four thousand Islands.
Estimated Drive time 3 - 4 hours
Border Information: Exit Laos at Voeung Kam, enter Cambodia at Dom Kralor.
Today we will be rejoining the truck. We then drive to the Cambodian border, cross and continue on to Kratie.
Kratie is situated in the northeast of Cambodia on the banks of the Mekong River, this area is famous for its sunsets! In Kratie we will stay with local families in their homes. The accommodation is fairly basic but this will be a fantastic local experience.
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours
On our 2nd day in Kratie we visit the fresh water dolphins and visit the town of Kratie, including the Pagodas.
Activities(Included)
Visit the beautiful 16th-century Hundred Pillar Pagoda near Kratie
Activities(Optional)
Hire bikes to explore the area, visit the basket weavers in the surrounding villages, or head to nearby Trong Island for the sunset - Cost: USD 2
Today we drive to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. The afternoon is free to explore.
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
We will be staying in Phnom Penh for 2 nights at a friendly local guesthouse.
Activities(Included)
2 nights in Cambodia's chaotic capital Phnom Penh
Activities(Optional)
Visit the beautiful Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh - Cost: USD 7
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.
Tonight we will spend a second night in a local guesthouse.
Activities(Included)
Learn about Cambodia's history at the "Killing Fields" and Tuol Sleng Prison Museum
Activities(Optional)
Discover the world's largest collection of Khmer art at the National Museum of Cambodia - Cost: USD 5
Visit the beautiful Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh - Cost: USD 7
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 back 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.
Estimated Drive Time - 5 - 6 hours.
We stay overnight in a local home stay.
Activities(Included)
Explore the amazing pre-Angkorian temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk
This morning we drive from Kompong Thom to Siem Reap -
We will be in Siem Reap for 3 nights staying in a friendly local hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours
Today we get up early for our full day guided exploration of the incredible temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. We will also be able to watch the sunset over the temples.
Second night in friendly local hotel.
Activities(Included)
Full day tour of the incredible temples at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom
Today is a free day for you to do as you please. Return to the temples to spend some more time exploring, or maybe take some time to relax with a massage or local spa treatment. Siem Reap itself is a lively little town and interesting to wander around.
Third night in friendly local hotel.
Border Information: Exit Cambodia at, enter Thailand at Aranyaprathet.
This morning we start our journey to the Cambodian border of Poipet where we will say goodbye to our co driver and overland truck. Once we have crossed the border and proceedings through the Thai Immigration office we will then finish our journey on locally chartered transport out of the Aranyaprathet and through the Thai countryside to the bustling city of Bangkok.
Estimated Drive Time - 8 -9 hours. (please note that all drive times given here are approximate estimates only and are given with the best intentions - however please be aware that the drive times are heavily dependent on traffic, road conditions, weather, police roadblocks, and many other factors - flexibility is essential on any overland trip!).
Activities(Optional)
Explore the sights of the bustling Thai capital of Bangkok, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, and the countless temples and parks
- Cost: THB
Climb the steps of the Golden Mount to see the panoramic view of Bangkok from the Wat Saket temple - Cost: THB
Learn all about Thai history and culture at the Bangkok National Museum, the largest and most comprehensive museum in South East Asia - Cost: THB 40
Border Information: Finishing in Bangkok, exit Thailand at Bangkok Airport.
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Bangkok.
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.
