Bangkok to Beijing
Trip Details
Overlanding through Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and China this truly is an epic adventure from start to finish. Beginning in Thailand see this popular country from a different perspective by 'bush' camping and visiting local villages most travellers miss. Travel on through Cambodia and Laos taking in the truly breathtaking Angkor Wat, and witness monks receiving alms at dawn in Luang Prabang. The journey continues in to China and takes in unforgettable sights such as the Terracotta Warriors, Three Gorges, giant pandas in Chengdu and Tiger Leaping Gorge. For the chance to witness the unique cultures, landscapes and cuisines that make up this itinerary, jump onboard this Overland Adventure discovering the magic and spirit of these fascinating countries.
Itinerary
Days 1-2 Bangkok/East Thailand
From the busy city streets of Bangkok, travel through to the remote Isan region of East Thailand.
Days 3-5 Battambang/Phnom Penh
Reflect on Cambodia's years of war at the Tuol Sleng Museum and visit the infamous Killing Fields. For a change of pace, visit the floating village of Kamong Loung by boat to get an insight into rural life along the river.
Days 6-9 Siem Reap/Angkor Wat
Explore the sights of Siem Reap and spend time exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. Finish the day by watching the sun set over the ruins.
Days 10-11 North-East Thailand
Back over the border in Thailand, explore Phimai, one of the country's best surviving Khmer temples.
Days 12-18 Laos
Come face to face with the fusion of Asia and Europe in sleepy Vientiane. Then chill out in Vang Vieng and take in the limestone karst surrounds. Go temple-hopping in Luang Prabang and be sure to climb to the top of Phu Si for amazing views over the town.
Days 19-22 Laos/Southern China
Start the adventure in Luang Prabang and travel through the southern region of China, home to lively local markets and colourful temples. There's free time along the way to try optional activities such as kayaking and trekking in Nam Ha National Park.
Days 23-26 Central Yunnan
Explore the markets of Kunming before heading to the lakeside town of Dali. Mingle with the Bai people and enjoy spectacular views of mountain ranges.
Days 27-30 North-West Yunnan
Wander through the cobbled streets of picturesque Lijiang and learn about the Naxi people who are descendents of Tibetan nomads. Take an overnight sleeper train to Panzhihua.
Days 31-34 Sichuan
Home to the spicy Hot Pot, Sichuan has plenty of cuisine and culture on offer. Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Chengdu to get close to the endangered animals and see the sleeping Buddha in the Dazu Caves. There's also time to take a ferry trip to see the huge Dafo Buddha in Leshan.
Days 35-39 Yangzi River
Visit the controversial Three Gorges dam and get an insight into rural life along the Yangzi River on a three day cruise.
Days 40-45 Xi'an region
Explore the mountain reserve of Wudang Shan, the backdrop to Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, before heading to Xi'an. Be sure to visit the ancient Terracotta Warriors and soak up the city's garden culture and many temples.
Days 46-47 Pingliang
Explore the temple and pagoda studded Kongtong Mountain, an important peak in the Taoist universe.
Day 48 Shapotou
Perhaps take a sheepskin rafting trip down the Yellow River or climb aboard a camel for an overnight safari.
Day 49 Yinchuan
Admire the unusual setting of Zhongwei, a relaxed railway town where the sand dunes meet the lush Yellow River.
Day 50 Bush camp
Pitch a tent along the wild expanses spanning Yinchuan and Mongolia.
Days 51-52 Datong
Travel through the famed grasslands of the Mongolian highlands. Stop at the Yungang Buddhist Caves to admire over 50,000 statues.
Days 53-56 Chengde
Explore China's largest regal gardens and magnificent Puning Temple while soaking up the fine weather in Chengde.
Day 57 Huairou/Great Wall
Discover picture postcard views of the Great Wall while hiking along this remote expanse.
Day 58 Qingdongling/Great Wall
Take an adrenaline fuelled ride tearing down the mountain on a racing luge.
Days 59-61 Beijing
Pay a visit to the Eastern Qingdongling Tombs of the emerald green Death Valley en route to Beijing. Tour the mystifying Forbidden City and Summer Palace before bidding farewell to captivating China.