Silk Route & South East Asia between Bangkok and Ulaanbaatar via Laos
86 days
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Group Tour
Asia is the continent where overlanding all started, and Dragoman has been the leading operator there since our first trucks went through in the 1980s - take advantage of our years of experience and come with us as we include all the must-see attractions as well as heading into the wilds, well away from the usual tourist trail. From the buzzing cultural hub o...
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Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- Explore delightful city of Kunming and to the ancient pagodas and Naxi culture of Dali
- Visit the phenomenal sacred mountain and golden temple of Emei Shan
- Visit the breathtaking Great Wall of China before heading to the old imperial summer retreat of Chengde
- Explore stunning area of the Three Gorges
- Visit to the sacred Buddhist mountain of Wudang Shan en route
- See the fascinating historic city of Xi'an
- Enjoy the world-famous Terracotta Warriors
What's this trip about?
Asia is the continent where overlanding all started, and Dragoman has been the leading operator there since our first trucks went through in the 1980s - take advantage of our years of experience and come with us as we include all the must-see attractions as well as heading into the wilds, well away from the usual tourist trail. From the buzzing cultural hub of Bangkok, we journey overland to the truly incredible Cambodian town of Siem Reap and its magnificent world-famous Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat, some of the world's most awe-inspiring ancient temples. We will learn all about the sad history of the 1970s genocide in Phnom Penh and enjoy a homestay near the Mekong in Kratie, before crossing into the beautiful country of Laos. We will travel to the stunning island of Don Khon and the 10th-century temple of Wat Pho near Pakse, before arriving in the exhilirating outdoor-activity capital of Vang Vieng. Next we head to the stunning Buddhist town of Luang Prabang and its famous Kuang Si waterfalls. From here we drive through the beautiful Laotian countryside to Luang Namtha, a wonderfully-located village on the edge of the Nam Tha National Park, then overland across rugged landscape of south China to the natural rock labyrinth of the Shilin Stone Forest.
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Details
Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBangkok
End CityUlaanbaatar
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- Accommodations as mentioned in itinerary
- All meals as mentioned in itinerary
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
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 ...
Learn all about Thai history and culture at the Bangkok National Museum, the largest and most comprehensive museum in South East Asia
Optional (free): Climb the steps of the Golden Mount to see the panoramic view of Bangkok from the Wat Saket temple
Freely explore the vast royal complex of the Grand Palace
Optional $7.4: Including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (the most sacred temple in Thailand)
Day 2: Aranyaprathet, Siem Rea
Today we start our journey with a drive 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 ...
Day 3-4: Angkor Wat, Siem Reap
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 exper...
Day 5: Kompong Thom
Estimated Drive Time: 4-5 hours
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 th...
Cost Included in Kitty
Explore the amazing pre-Angkorian temple complex of Sambor Prei Kuk
Day 6: Phnom Penh
Estimated Drive Time: 5-6 hours
Today we will have breakfast with our hosts at the Komphong Thom homestay, and then drive on to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh.
In Phnom Penh we will stay in a local guesthouse.
Cost Included in Kitty:
2 nights in Cambodia's chaotic capital Phnom Penh
Day 7: Phnom Penh
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.
Optional $5 (US dollar): Discover the world's largest coll...
Day 8-9: Kratié
Estimated Drive Time: 6-7 hours.
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.
Included in Kitty:
Head out on a guided trip to the Mekong River in search of the freshwater dolphins that inhabit the area
Included in Kitty:
Visit the beautiful 16th-century Hundred Pillar Pagoda near Kratie;
Optional $2 (US Dollars:
Hire bikes to explore the area, visit the basket weavers in the surrounding villages, or head to nearby Trong Island for the sunset USD 2
Day 10: Don Khon, Si Phan Don (4000 Islands
Estimated Drive Time: 4-5 hours
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 me...
Day 11: Don Khon
Today we will have a free day in Don Khon for Optional activities and relaxation.
Day 12: Pakse
Estimated Drive Time: 3-4 hours.
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.
In Pakse we will stay in a local guesthouse.
Day 13: Thakhek
Today we have a full day's drive to the area of Thakhek.
Tonight we will wild camp near to Thakhek.
Estimated Drive Time - 6-7 hours.
The vivd colours of the Blue Lagoon, near Vang Vieng, Laos VANG VIENG
Day 14-15: Vang Vieng
Today we will have a full day's drive to the town of Vang Vieng.
Estimated Drive Time - 8-9 hours.
On the following day we will have a free day in Vang Vieng to relax, enjoy the stunning landscapes surrounding the village and take part of the many optional activities...
Day 16-17: Luang Prabang
Today we will travel via the spectacular mountainous roads of northern Laos to the beautiful city of Luang Prabang.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
On the following day we have a short drive to a small Hmong hill tribe village called Ban Long Lao. This Hmong villag...
Day 18: Luang Prabang
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:...
Day 19-21: Luang Namtha
This morning we drive through the stunning countryside of northern Laos to the small town of Luang Namtha.
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 plea...
Day 22: Mohan
Estimated Drive Time: 1-2 hours.
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...
Day 23: Xishuangbanna
Estimated Drive Time: 8-9 hours.
Today will be a full day's drive through Yunnan province towards Kunming, most likely reaching the town of Mojiang or Yuxi en route.
We will either wild camp or stay in a local hotel en route.
The incredible karst landscapes of the Shilin Stone Forest, southern China SHILIN STONE FOREST
Day 24: Shilin Stone Forest
Estimated Drive Time - 3-4 hours.
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.
We will either wild camp near to the Shilin Stone Forest or stay in a local hotel tonight.
Day 25: Kunming
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours.
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.
In Kunming we will stay in a comfortable local hotel.
Day 26: Kunming
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 in...
Day 27-28: Dali
Today our journey begins with a morning drive to the beautiful Naxi town of Dali, where we will stay for 2 nights.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours (please note that all drive times given here are the approximate number of hours that the truck will be in motion only, a...
Day 29-31: Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Estimated Drive Time: 3-5 hours.
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.
On the following 2 days we will have free time to explore the town of...
Day 32: Panzhihua
Estimated Drive Time: 7-9 hours.
Today we have a long drive north through stunning mountain scenery towards China's Sichuan province.
We will aim to wild camp en route near the town of Panzhihua tonight.
A close up of the Golden Buddha statue at Emei Shan, China EMEI SHAN
Day 33-34: Emei Shan
Estimated Drive Time: 8-10 hours.
Today we will continue our drive to the small town of Emei Shan.
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 incr...
Day 35-36: Chengdu, Leshan
Estimated Drive Time: 3-5 hours.
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 Cheng...
Day 37: Dazu
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
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.
In Dazu we will stay in a local hotel.
Day 38: Chongqing
Estimated Drive Time: 2-3 hours
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.
Day 39-41: Wanzhou, Three Gorges, Badong, Yichang
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...
Day 42: Xiang Fan
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.
In Xiang Fan we will stay in a comfortable local hotel.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
Day 43-44: Wudang Shan
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 ...
Day 45: Xi'an
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.
In Xi'an we will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities.
Estimated Drive Time - 5-6 hours.
Xi'an at night, China XI'AN
Day 46: Xi'an
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 mee...
Day 47: Xi'an
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.
Day 48: Yan'an
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...
Day 49: Lijiashan
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...
Day 50-52: Pingyao, Lijiashan
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.
Estimated Drive Time - 2-3 hours.
We will stay for 3 nights in Pingyao, giving us...
Day 53-54: Wutai Shan
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.
Estimated Drive Time: 3-5 hours.
On the following day we will have a full day to explore the a...
Day 55-56: Datong
Today we will drive to the city of Datong. We will have an included visit to the incredible Hanging Monastery en route.
Estimated Drive Time - 4-5 hours.
On the following day we will head out of Datong in the truck on an included visit to the awe-inspiring Yungang Bu...
Included in Kitty
Optional: See the beautiful and ornate Nine Dragon Screen, a screen of glazed tiles depicting nine multi-coloured interweaving dragons
Included: Explore the phenomenal site of the Yungang Caves, a network of 252 caves containing over 51,000 incredibly crafted sculptures of Buddha from the 5th and 6th centuries Included in Kitty
Day 57: Jinshanling
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.
In Jinshanling we will stay in ...
Included in Kitty
The Tibetan-style Putuo Zongcheng temple in Chengde CHENGDE
Day 58-59: Chengde
Estimated Drive Time - 1-2 hours.
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.
On the following day we will have a full day to explore the Puning Temple and the famous Imperial Summer Resort.
In Chengde we will stay in a comfortable hotel.
Day 60-61: Beijing
Estimated Drive Time - 3-5 hours.
Today we complete our journey to China's chaotic and evocative capital, Beijing!
On the following day 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...
Day 62: Beijing
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...
Day 63: Beijing
Border Information: if joining in Beijing, you will most likely enter China at Beijing Capital International Airport (IATA code: PEK).
There will be a short group meeting today at 10:00am - please look out for a note from your tour leader at the hotel reception with mo...
Day 64: Erlian
Today we leave the Chinese capital behind us as we begin our overland journey towards Mongolia. Today will be a long drive day to reach the border town of Erlian.
We will either wild camp outside Erlian or stay in a basic local hotel, depending on weather conditions an...
Day 65: Sainshand
Estimated Drive Time: 4-5 hours.
Border information: Exit China at Erlian, enter Mongolia at Zamyn-Uud.
This morning we cross the border into Mongolia. Please be aware that border procedures can take around 5 hours here. Once we have made it into Mongolia we will con...
Day 66: Kharkhorin
Today we have an early start as we head to Mongolia's earliest capital, Kharkhorin (otherwise known as Karakoram).
Our first stop on the way to Kharkhorin will be at the Kultigen monument. This massive stone tomb was built in honour of a Turkic prince and warrior kille...
Day 71-72: Orkhon Valley
Today we head south, driving into the stunning region of the Orkhon Valley. We will drive to the beautiful volcanic canyon that runs along the Orkhon River and we can take an easy hike along the canyon ending near a pool at the bottom of the Red Waterfalls where we can t...
Day 73-74: Tsenkher
Today our trip heads north, crossing the Khangai Nuruu Mountains through a series of passes until we reach an area that Mongolians call 'The Paradise of the Horse Herders' due to its lush grasses and open valleys.
We drive to the Tsenkher hot springs, where water flows...
Day 75: Tsetserleg, Tamir River
This morning we drive to Tsetserleg, the provincial capital, where we will make a short visit to the local market. If time permits, we will also visit the provincial museum.
We will then continue our journey north past the Tamir river, and will wild camp tonight.
Another unbelievable stop in Mongolia at the Chuulut Canyon
Day 76: Chuulut Canyon
Today we continue noth past Taikhar Chuluu (a massive rock which is connected to local mythology) and the Chluulut Canyon to arrive at our ger camp near the Khorgo volcano.
In Khorgo we will stay at a nearby ger camp.
Spectacular volcanic landcape around Khorgo Volcano, Mongolia KHORGO VOLCANO
Day 77: Khorgo
This morning we will take a hike to the top of the Khorgo Volcano and take in the incredible views over its perfect crater. From the top of the volcano we continue our hike though fields studded with pine trees, stopping off en route at the Yellow Dog Cave, an interestin...
Day 78-79: Mörön, Zuun Lake
Over the next few days we continue driving north on one of Mongolia's most beautiful routes, crossing high mountain passes, vast grasslands, and small creeks! We will pass by the beautiful alpine Lake Zuun en route.
We hope to arrive at Mörön, the provincial capital, t...
Day 80-81: Khövsgöl Lake
This morning we will drive out to an ancient burial site featuring Mongolia's mysterious deer stones, these are memorial stones representing important leaders and warriors, carved with deer motifs. After visiting the site, we continue our trip northward to one of the wor...
Day 82-84: Bulgan, Selenge River
Amarbayasgalant Monastery, Mongolia
We will spend the next 3 days crossing central-northern Mongolia on our way back towards the capital of Ulanbaatar. The long road offers diversified landscapes, from vast, open steppes to beautiful sand dunes.
We will aim to wildca...
Day 85: Amarbayasgalant Monastery
This morning we will try to visit the Amarbayasgalant Monastery. Built between 1727 and 1736 by the Manchu Emperor Enkh Amgalan, Amarbayasgalant is among the largest monasteries in Mongolia to have survived the purges of the 1930s. With about 60 monks living and studying...
Day 86: Ulaanbaatar
Today we have a full day drive from northern Mongolia back to the city of Ulaanbaatar. This evening is free to relax and explore, and to have a well-earned final meal and drinks in one of the city's many restaurants!
In Ulaanbaatar we will stay in our comfortable joining hotel.
The Zaisan Memorial overlooking Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Day 87: Ulaanbaatar
Border information: If you are leaving in Ulaanbaatar, you will most likely exit Mongolia at Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
Today is a free day to further explore the city of Ulaanbaatar.
Please note that if you are leaving in Ulaanbaatar, today is the last day of the trip and there is no accommodation included tonight.
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Dates & Availability
Price From $8,600
Price per day$100
Last Updated: 0/7/2022
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Dragoman.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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At Dragoman we aim to offer authentic, grass-roots adventurous holidays. Travel with us and we’ll get you off the beaten track and really under the skin of the places, whatever style of trip you choose. This means taking the road less travelled, mixing with the locals, learning about their culture and most importantly having an open mind.
We are based in rural Suffolk in the east of England and are proud to be independently owned. We ran our first tour in 1981 and have grown to be a market leader in overland travel. Over the years we’ve grown steadily in size but are still small enough to aim to ensure that each Dragoman traveller has a unique - and hopefully - life changing experience. Last year 2500 travellers joined us on a Dragoman adventure, visiting 55 different countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Our overland tours range from 9 days to 235 days in length. Our shorter 2 or 3 week trips offer a great snapshot of a country or region; giving our travellers a short, sharp adventure travel experience. In just a short break from your everyday life we can get you off the tourist trail and take you on a perspective-changing journey.
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