22 Oct 2026
Twin share
£3,670pp
Single from £4,520
Escorted tour
China to Singapore by Train: Laos, Thailand & Malaysia – 25 Days
Yunnan, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Bangkok, Khao Sok, Krabi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Singapore by train, boat and bus.
25 days
From £3,670
Tour overview
This 25-day small-group journey travels overland from south-west China to Singapore, through five countries and mostly by train. Groups have no more than 12 travellers aged 15 and over, with a local leader throughout and specialist local guides in China and Laos. You travel by high-speed train, two overnight sleeper trains, longtail boats, minivans and local buses, and stay in hotels and resorts, with help at each border crossing. Breakfast is included on most days, with 5 lunches. The trip is land-only, starting in Kunming and ending in Singapore.
Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring, is the starting point. A high-speed train takes you to Jinghong in tropical Xishuangbanna, where you visit a Hani village on Nannuo Mountain, one of the ancestral homes of Pu'er tea. A bullet train then crosses into Laos and Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed town of temples and French colonial houses, with a cruise up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves and the dawn alms-giving ceremony. In Vang Vieng you kayak on the Nam Song River beneath limestone cliffs, and in Vientiane you visit Wat Si Saket and the COPE centre, which supports victims of unexploded bombs, before an overnight train to Bangkok.
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Bangkok brings a canal boat trip and Wat Pho, followed by a sleeper train south to Khao Sok National Park, where a longtail boat crosses Cheow Lan Lake among towering limestone karsts. You stay at a resort in the countryside, sea kayak through the mangroves near Krabi, enjoy a free day at Ao Nang, and share lunch in the fishing village of Baan Mod Tanoy near Trang.
Crossing into Malaysia, you explore Penang's George Town on a walking tour, with its 19th-century shophouses, street food and mix of cultures, before two nights in Kuala Lumpur. A trishaw tour of Melaka's old port and Peranakan quarter is followed by the final leg to Singapore, with time in Little India and Chinatown.
The physical rating is medium, with long travel days and two nights on sleeper trains. This trip suits travellers who love slow, overland travel and want to see how Asia's countries connect, rather than flying between them.
Trip highlights
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Pu'er tea and a Hani village on Nannuo Mountain, Yunnan (Day 3)
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Luang Prabang, the Mekong and the alms-giving ceremony (Days 4–6)
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Kayaking on the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng (Day 7)
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Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park (Day 14)
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Sea kayaking near Krabi and a fishing-village lunch (Days 15–17)
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George Town, Kuala Lumpur and Melaka (Days 18–23)
Your route
15 stops from Kunming to Singapore
- Kunming Day 1
- Jinghong Days 2–3
- Luang Prabang Days 4–5
- Vang Vieng Days 6–7
- Vientiane Days 8–9
- Nong Khai Day 9
- Bangkok Days 10–12
- Surat Thani Day 13
- Khao Sok National Park Days 13–14
- Ao Nang Days 15–16
- Trang (Baan Mod Tanoy) Day 17
- George Town (Penang) Days 18–19
- Kuala Lumpur Days 20–21
- Melaka Days 22–23
- Singapore Day 24
Why choose this tour
A true overland journey through five countries, using new high-speed railways and classic sleeper trains. Combines temples and cities with lakes, jungle and coast, and local leaders with help at every border.
Best suited to
- Rail and slow-travel enthusiasts
- Travellers with time for a long, varied journey
- Anyone keen to combine culture, food and nature in South-East Asia
- Independent-minded travellers comfortable with public transport
Day-by-day itinerary
25 days from Kunming, China to Singapore
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Day 1 · Kunming Arrive in Kunming
Welcome to China. Meet your leader and group at 6pm in Kunming, known as the City of Eternal Spring for its mild climate and green spaces.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 2 · Jinghong High-speed train to Jinghong
Take a high-speed train south to Jinghong in tropical Xishuangbanna, arriving around midday for an orientation walk and a free afternoon.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 3 · Nannuo Mountain Nannuo Mountain
Visit a Hani village on Nannuo Mountain, one of the ancestral homes of the Hani people and of Pu'er tea, to learn about tea growing and village life, with lunch included.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Lunch
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Day 4 · Luang Prabang Bullet train to Luang Prabang
Take the bullet train across the border into Laos, with your leader helping with formalities, and arrive in Luang Prabang for an orientation walk.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 5 · Mekong River, Pak Ou Caves Mekong cruise to Pak Ou Caves
Cruise up the Mekong past forested hills to the Pak Ou Caves, two limestone caverns filled with thousands of Buddha images, with lunch along the way.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 6 · Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng Alms giving to Vang Vieng
Rise early to watch saffron-robed monks collect alms at dawn, a centuries-old ritual. Then travel to Vang Vieng, set among limestone karsts on the Nam Song River.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 7 · Nam Song River Kayaking in Vang Vieng
Kayak along the Nam Song River beneath limestone cliffs and forested mountains, with a stop ashore to stretch your legs.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 8 · Vientiane Train to Vientiane
After a relaxed morning, take the train to Vientiane, perhaps Asia's most laid-back capital, and explore on foot, by bike or by tuk-tuk.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 9 · Wat Si Saket, COPE Visitor Centre Vientiane and the night train
Visit Wat Si Saket, the city's oldest surviving temple with nearly 7,000 Buddha images, and the COPE centre, which supports people injured by unexploded bombs. Board the overnight train to Bangkok.
- Hotel
- Overnight sleeper train
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 10 · Bangkok Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok early, freshen up and spend the day exploring Thailand's capital at your own pace.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 11 · Bangkok, Grand Palace Free day in Bangkok
A free day until the evening meeting with travellers joining for the second section. Explore Chinatown, the Grand Palace or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 12 · Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho Canals, Wat Pho and the night train
Cruise the Chao Phraya River into the khlongs, Bangkok's canals, and visit Wat Pho and its giant reclining Buddha. In the evening, board the sleeper train south.
- Hotel
- Overnight sleeper train
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Day 13 · Surat Thani, Khao Sok National Park Khao Sok
Arrive in Surat Thani and travel by minivan to Khao Sok, a national park of jungle, waterfalls and limestone cliffs, staying at a resort in the countryside.
- Hotel
- Resort
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Day 14 · Cheow Lan Lake Cheow Lan Lake
Travel through jungle and plantations to Cheow Lan Lake and board a longtail boat across green water, with limestone karsts rising almost 1,000 m around you.
- Hotel
- Resort
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 15 · Baan Bor Tor, Ao Nang Sea kayaking to Ao Nang
Drive to the coast near Krabi, stopping at Baan Bor Tor to sea kayak through mangroves and limestone caves, then continue to Ao Nang.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 16 · Ao Nang, Krabi Free day in Ao Nang
A free day by the sea. Go diving or snorkelling, take a day trip to the Phi Phi islands, or relax on the beach.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 17 · Baan Mod Tanoy, Trang Baan Mod Tanoy
Visit the small fishing village of Baan Mod Tanoy for a walk and a home-style lunch with the community, then stay at a resort near Trang.
- Hotel
- Resort
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 18 · Penang, George Town Into Malaysia: Penang
Cross into Malaysia and travel to the island of Penang, settled by the British in 1786 and home to a rich mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 19 · George Town George Town
A walking tour of George Town shows you its 19th-century shophouses, street markets, temples and mosques. The afternoon is free for its famous street food.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 20 · Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur
Continue south to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's cosmopolitan capital, where Indian, Chinese and Malay communities live side by side.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 21 · Kuala Lumpur, Petronas Towers Free day in Kuala Lumpur
A free day to explore: the National Mosque, the Petronas Towers, the markets of Chinatown or the Batu Caves just outside the city.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 22 · Melaka Melaka
Take a local bus to Melaka, once the most important trading port in Malaysia, shaped by Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and British traders.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 23 · Melaka, Chinatown Melaka by trishaw
Ride a trishaw through Melaka's narrow streets, admiring the Peranakan architecture of Chinatown and learning about the old spice trade.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 24 · Singapore, Little India, Chinatown Singapore
Travel by bus to Singapore and explore its older quarters of Little India and Chinatown alongside its gleaming modern skyline.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 25 · Singapore Trip ends in Singapore
The trip ends after breakfast. Extra nights in Singapore can be arranged when you book.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Kunming (1 night) Hotel
- Jinghong (2 nights) Hotel
- Luang Prabang (2 nights) Hotel
- Vang Vieng (2 nights) Hotel
- Vientiane (1 night) Hotel
- Vientiane to Bangkok (1 night) Overnight sleeper train
- Bangkok (2 nights) Hotel
- Bangkok to Surat Thani (1 night) Overnight sleeper train
- Khao Sok area (2 nights) Resort
- Ao Nang (2 nights) Hotel
- Trang (1 night) Resort
- Penang (2 nights) Hotel
- Kuala Lumpur (2 nights) Hotel
- Melaka (2 nights) Hotel
- Singapore (1 night) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation — 24 nights 19 in hotels, 3 in resorts and 2 on overnight sleeper trains
- Meals 17 breakfasts and 5 lunches
- Transport high-speed trains, two sleeper trains, longtail boats, minivans, local buses and taxis
- Guided visits Nannuo Mountain, a Mekong cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, alms giving, Nam Song kayaking, COPE in Vientiane, Wat Pho and a canal boat trip, Cheow Lan Lake, sea kayaking near Krabi, George Town and a trishaw tour in Melaka
- Local leader throughout, with specialist guides in China and Laos and help at border crossings
Not included
- International flights to Kunming and from Singapore
- Airport transfers
- Visas for China, Laos and other countries where required
- Meals not listed and optional activities
- Single supplement, tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want flights included — they are not
- You want most meals included — mainly breakfasts and 5 lunches
- You need a private room every night — the sleeper trains are shared
- You prefer short travel days — several days involve long journeys
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £3,670 per person, twin share, tour only. 12 upcoming departures.
15 Mar 2027
Twin share
£3,810pp
Single from £4,660
25 Mar 2027
Twin share
£3,810pp
Single from £4,660
15 Apr 2027
Twin share
£3,810pp
Single from £4,660
13 May 2027
Twin share
£3,810pp
Single from £4,660
01 Jul 2027
Twin share
£3,810pp
Single from £4,660
15 Jul 2027
Twin share
£3,810pp
Single from £4,660
19 Aug 2027
Twin share
£3,810pp
Single from £4,660
02 Sep 2027
Twin share
£3,810pp
Single from £4,660
16 Sep 2027
Twin share
£3,810pp
Single from £4,660
14 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,810pp
Single from £4,660
28 Oct 2027
Twin share
£3,810pp
Single from £4,660
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
How do we travel?
Mostly by train, including high-speed trains in China and Laos and two overnight sleeper trains in Thailand, plus longtail boats, minivans and local buses. There are no internal flights.
What are the sleeper trains like?
Air-conditioned shared berths with bedding and toilets on board, but no showers. Day rooms are sometimes provided around train journeys.
Do I need visas?
China and Laos have specific entry rules, and requirements change, so check the latest advice for your passport well before travel. Your leader helps with border formalities on the trip.
How active is the trip?
The physical rating is medium. There is kayaking on the Nam Song River and near Krabi, walking in towns and villages, and some long travel days.
What meals are included?
17 breakfasts and 5 lunches, including lunches on Nannuo Mountain, on the Mekong and in Baan Mod Tanoy.
Can I join part of the trip?
This page covers the full journey from Kunming to Singapore. A new welcome meeting is held in Bangkok for travellers joining the southern section.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary