China to Singapore Adventure
25 Days
Tour Description
Travel from China to Singapore on this 25-day overland journey. Hike through China’s tea plantations and learn about Pu’er tea at the source in Yunnan, witness the alms giving in idyllic Luang Prabang and take an overnight train from Vientiane to Bangkok. Explore Khao Sok National Park, cruise on longtail boats and discover limestone karst scenery before wrapping it all up in Singapore. With a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers by your side, you’re in for an epic ride!Priced From:
$ 7910.00pp *
Highlights
Included Activities
Itinerary
Day
1
Location:
Kunming
Nimen Hao! Welcome to China. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring thanks to its mild climate and ample green spaces, there's plenty to do in Yunnan’s capital city if you arrive early. Wander Green Lake Park’s manicured gardens and watch locals practising tai chi, check out the galleries and cafes in an old factory area known as The Loft or visit the grand Yuantong Temple. This evening, maybe get to know your group over an optional dinner and sample some flavourful Yunnan cuisine – crossing-the-bridge noodles (rice noodle soup) is Kunming’s signature dish.
Day
2
Location:
Jinghong
Today you'll take your first high-speed train from Kunming to Jinghong. Arrive around midday, then join your leader for an orientation walk and then some free time in the afternoon. You may choose to go and visit Manting Park – the former royal garden of the Dai Empire with over 1300 years of history. Take in the Dai architecture, see rare flowers and explore revered Buddhist temples. This evening, head to the Starlight Market which sits beneath the Golden Pagoda with your leader. Yunan province is famous for its diverse ethnic cultures – including the Dai – and this is reflected in the huge variety of local artisans, craftspeople and food stalls. It’s a great chance to sample Dai delicacies – how about Dai-style sour vermicelli or bamboo sticky rice? If you’re overwhelmed by the options (we don’t blame you), just ask your local leader for recommendations!
Day
3
Location:
Jinghong
Take a private vehicle to Nannuo Mountain to visit a local Hani village. The mountain is one of the ancestral homes of the Hani – an ethnic group who’ve lived in southern Yunnan for over 1300 years – and they’re deeply connected to it. The mountain is also famous for producing China’s top pu'er tea, and you’ll learn all about how it’s made straight from the source! Go on a short hike through the plantations where you’ll see an 800-year-old tea tree, pluck your own leaves and enjoy a tasting with your Hani hosts – a family who’ve been growing pu’er for generations. Then, share a hearty home-cooked lunch on banana leaves before returning to Jinghong. The rest of the afternoon is free to unwind.
Day
4
Location:
Luang Prabang
Take a bullet train across the border to Luang Prabang this morning. Your leader will be on hand to assist with any border formalities. After checking into your hotel in the early afternoon, stretch your legs on an orientation walk with your leader to find your bearings in this UNESCO-listed city. Once the capital of the ancient Lao Kingdom (Lan Xang), Luang Prabang is a city of opulent Buddhist temples and French Indochinese architecture set in the lush northern highlands. Then, enjoy a few hours of free time before regrouping to watch the sun set over the city and its surroundings on the sacred Wat Phu Si hill. There’s an optional dinner tonight at Talad Mued Night Market to try sindad – a traditional communal BBQ set on a charcoal stove with a rim full of boiling broth to blanch veggies.
Day
5
Location:
Luang Prabang
Find your river legs on a half-day cruise along the Mekong River – the world's twelfth-longest river and the third-longest in Asia. Enjoy the relaxed river vibes as you drift past overhanging reeds and see forested mountains in the distance. Stop at Pak Ou Caves – an important religious site only accessible by boat – to explore hundreds of Buddha statues inside the limestone caverns. Reboard the boat and eat lunch on the way back to Luang Prabang, returning to your hotel in the early afternoon. If you’re keen to see more, you could visit Kuang Si Waterfall to swim in its chalk-blue waters. Tonight, maybe hit up the night market to try more Laotian dishes – khao niew (sticky rice) and larb (minced meat salad) are classics.
Day
6
Location:
Vang Vieng
Rise early this morning to witness a traditional alms giving ceremony – a centuries-old Laos Buddhist ritual that happens daily at sunrise. View a procession of saffron-robed monks as they collect food offered by devotees. The offerings must be collected early, as the monks can’t eat anything after midday. By giving food to a monk, it’s believed you ‘het bon’ (make merit) which will be carried over into the next life. Your leader will guide you through the dos and don’ts and help you take part. Then, enjoy an easy morning or take the time to visit a local fair trade centre that’s on a mission to preserve traditional Laotian handicrafts and make your own bamboo basket. Leave in the afternoon to catch a bullet train to Vang Vieng. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, then maybe grab dinner at a local restaurant.
Day
7
Location:
Vang Vieng
This morning, head to the Nam Song River for a kayaking trip. Paddle with a backdrop of limestone cliffs and forested mountains, maybe riding the occasional mini river rapid along the way. Rest ashore for a while and stretch your legs to Phar Norn, meaning ‘Sleeping Cave’, to snap a photo of the surrounding karsts before kayaking downstream back to Vang Vieng. You have free time for the rest of the afternoon. You might like to visit Tham Chang – a beautiful cavern fed by a natural spring – or explore the area on a bike.
Day
8
Location:
Vientiane
Enjoy a relaxed morning before taking a train to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. You’ll arrive in the afternoon. Spend the day in what could possibly be Asia's most laidback capital. Walk, hire a bike or jump on a jumbo (tuk-tuk) to explore the city’s faded mansions, tree-lined boulevards and old temples. There’s an atmosphere of timelessness in Vientiane, especially in the older part of town along the Mekong River. After sunset, why not grab a bite at the lively night market?
Day
9
Location:
Vientiane
This morning, visit Wat Si Saket – the city’s oldest temple still standing and home to almost 7000 Buddha images. Then, visit COPE (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise) – an organisation dedicated to supporting people affected by unexploded ordnance (UXO), which still affects many Laotians each year due to the US bombing campaign during the Vietnam War. This is an excellent cause and a chance to educate yourself about Laos' devastating war history. After, buy a snack or drink from their Karma Cafe. Relax for the next few hours, as tonight you’ll take an overnight train to Bangkok!
Day
10
Location:
Bangkok
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. You’ll arrive in Bangkok early in the morning. You'll be able to use the multishare rooms for a quick freshen-up, and your leader will show you where to get breakfast. Maybe try a classic Thai breakfast like khao tom (savoury rice soup) or pathongko (Thai-style doughnuts). The rest of the day is free to explore Thailand’s bustling capital – and there’s so much to see and do! Wander the Chinatown area, visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or grab a drink in the backpacker hub of Khao San Road. Depending on how well you slept on the train, you could even treat yourself to a Thai massage. Tonight, regroup with your leader and fellow travellers for an optional farewell dinner and toast to a brilliant adventure.
Day
11
Location:
Bangkok
Today is a free day in Bangkok until your second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. In your free time, maybe wander the Chinatown area, visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or set off on the Tuk Tuk Experience Urban Adventure. After the meeting, why not grab dinner with your new group and get to know each other.
Day
12
Location:
Bangkok
Begin the day with a river cruise down the Chao Phraya River to explore the khlongs (canals). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Visit Wat Pho – one of the Bangkok temples with a 46-m-long gold-plated Buddha reclining inside. Even the feet of this statue are incredible, at 3 m long and intricately decorated with mother of pearl. The temple grounds are filled with beautifully decorated stupas, halls and shrines. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train journey to Surat Thani.
Day
13
Location:
Phrom Lok Homestay
Arrive at Surat Thani in the morning, then travel by minivan to Khao Sok. Set amid hectares of thick jungle, waterfalls, limestone cliffs and an island-studded lake, the national park of Khao Sok is a nature lover's paradise. Here, you’ll have free time to explore one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Walk along the dirt trails that snake through the quiet park, looking out for wildlife as you head for rivers and waterfalls. Look out for the rare Rafflesia Kerri – one of the world’s largest flowers, only found in Thailand. Spend the night in a rustic hut within the ancient trees of the rainforest.
Day
14
Location:
Phrom Lok Homestay
Travel through jungle, rubber and oil plantations before boarding a long tail boat for a ride across Cheow Lan Lake. With limestone karsts rising almost 1000 m out of the green waters, this area is incredibly picturesque. You’ll trek to an island cave to see the eerie stalactites and bats hanging from the ceiling, with subterranean streams at your feet. Have lunch in a local raft-house before soaking up some free time to relax, swim or kayak around the lake to search for wildlife – the water is clear and teems with aquatic life, and you can also look out for hornbills, langurs, macaques and gibbons.
Day
15
Location:
Ao Nang
Head to Ao Nang in a private minivan, stopping at Baan Bor Tor along the way. When you arrive, embark on a sea kayaking journey. About halfway along the coast between Than Bok Khoranee and Krabi town is a bay of mangroves that might just be the most beautiful bay in Thailand. Surrounded by towering karst formations and many small offshore islands, these waterways will be your pathway as you move slowly through the bays and canyons, through the inlets, caves and hidden lagoons. Look out for the birds overhead and the monkeys in the trees – if you do see a monkey, make sure you secure your belongings and any food! Arrive at Ao Nang late in the afternoon, where you’ll have a free evening.
Day
16
Location:
Ao Nang
If you’re a nature lover, Krabi might just be your favourite spot. Today is a free day to soak up everything this island has to offer. Maybe head to the water for a diving adventure or take a daytrip to explore Phi Phi and Khai Nok – these islands are surrounded by white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The area around Krabi is also home to some of the best climbing routes. Whether you're a novice or a pro, being securely tied high up a limestone cliff-face looking down on jungle and is an unforgettable experience! Tonight, maybe watch the sunset light up the sky and indulge in some local seafood at a beachside restaurant.
Day
17
Location:
Trang
This morning, you’ll head on to the small village of Baan Mod Tanoy. When you arrive, you’ll go on a walk around the village and gain some insight into the locals’ day to day life. Then, time to enjoy the great food and hospitality of the village. Get your hands dirty with some Batik handkerchief dyeing and learn a few tricks from the local craftsman at a workshop showcasing this traditional art. Your accommodation tonight is in a local resort in the village.
Day
18
Location:
Pulau Penang
Say goodbye to Thailand this morning – you're off to Malaysia! The island of Penang was the first destination of the colonial British in 1786 and they invited the Chinese (as well as others from all over Asia) to live on this island in the tropics. Today, this fusion of cultures still exists, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Georgetown shows the fascinating mix in its range of places of worship. When you arrive, you’ll take an orientation walk around the tumble-down shops and hawker-filled alleyways to get your bearings. The food here might just be the best in Malaysia, so you’ll seek out some hawker food stalls with your leader and get a taste for the local cuisine. Sample some local specialties such as nasi kandar, Penang laksa and char kway teow.
Day
19
Location:
Pulau Penang
Take a half-day sightseeing walking tour around Penang and Georgetown, soaking up the relaxed pace of life and the mix of cultures. See the original 19th century shophouses, the street markets, and the strong cultural and religious identity still on display in each neighbourhood – Little India, Chinatown or the Muslim Quarter. Check out the street art and stop by a clan jetty – clans were formed by 19th century immigrants who banded together based on the area of China that they came from, and they built rival waterfront societies on wooden jetties. Visit Thai and Burmese temples like Kek Lok Si – the largest Buddhist temple in South East Asia. You’ll have this afternoon free top explore at your own pace. Maybe see the clan house of Khoo Kongsi and check out the ornate carvings on the walls, roof and pillars. Maybe see more Chinese architecture in the blue Courtyard House of Cheong Fatt Tze – a wealthy merchant.
Day
20
Location:
Kuala Lumpur
Continue south to Kuala Lumpur – the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia, affectionately known as KL by the locals. Communities of Indian, Chinese and ethnic Malay people mingle peacefully, allowing travellers to get the best of all three worlds. KL has grown from a sleepy little village to a skyscraper-lined multi-million-peopled metropolis. The city can seem vast, but the focus is the traditional core of the Old Town (the former colonial centre), the luxury hotel and shopping mall district of the Golden Triangle, and bustling Chinatown and Little India. Follow your leader on an orientation walk near the hotel and tonight, follow the Bukit Bintang Walkway and see the Petronas Twin Towers lit at night. From simple-street side fare that attracts queues of customers eager to high-calibre, world-class cuisine, you’ll have no problem finding a good dinner spot.
Day
21
Location:
Kuala Lumpur
Enjoy a free day today for your own exploration! Perhaps visit the National Monument (commemorating those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom and based on the Iwo Jima Memorial in the USA), the vast National Mosque featuring a bold and modern design, or the Istana Negara (National Palace). You might like stroll Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), or shop in Suria KLCC (one of Malaysia’s premier shopping destinations) and then head up to the Skybridge & Observation Deck of the iconic Petronas Towers to get another view of the city. Lake Gardens is home to a number of sights, including the National Planetarium and the Islamic Arts Museum. Or if you’re seeking something active, you might like to join a bike tour.
Day
22
Location:
Melaka
Transfer by local bus to the old port town of Melaka – once the most important trading port in Malaysia, attracting Chinese, Indian, Dutch, Portuguese and British traders. These visitors sought wealth or an opportunity to control the Straits of Malacca, a vital trading route between the Indian and Pacific oceans, which lead to 400 years of colonial rule. Today, Melaka's wealth of historical sites reminds visitors of times gone by, and its multicultural past is revealed in its distinctive cuisine. Like Georgetown, the Melaka was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, and like its Penang sibling, the city is a harmonic mix of cultures. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon and evening to explore.
Day
23
Location:
Melaka
Today, you’ll get to know this port city better with a trishaw tour along the narrow winding streets. You’ll admire Chinatown's unique Peranakan architecture, get a taste of old Melaka and learn about the ancient spice trade. Take in sites such as Harmony Street and stop by a mosque, Chinese Buddhist Temples, and a traditional Muslim house-museum. In your free time this afternoon there are plenty of historic sites and museums to check out. Maybe jump on two wheels for an eco bike tour around the city or see Melaka from a different perspective with a boat tour along the river.
Day
24
Location:
Singapore
Travel by local bus to the last stop of the journey – Singapore. Singapore has few areas untouched by modernisation, but wandering the streets of Little India and Chinatown is a great way to see the old parts of the city. To explore further, check out the renowned shopping precinct of Orchard Road, or stop by Raffles to experience the old-world charm of a Singapore Sling. An evening in Singapore is not complete without a stroll along Clarke Quay, or even a river cruise to learn more about the fascinating history of this city. Your accommodation tonight is a centrally located hotel, perfect for easy exploring. Whatever you choose today, maybe gather together your fellow travellers for a celebratory drink or meal as your Bangkok to Singapore adventure comes to an end.
Day
25
Location:
Singapore
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Singapore and explore the sites, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Dates & prices
Dates
Prices
Availability
Departure Date :
12MAR2026
Return Date :
05APR2026
8225.00NZD
available
Departure Date :
16APR2026
Return Date :
10MAY2026
8225.00NZD
available
Departure Date :
30APR2026
Return Date :
24MAY2026
8225.00NZD
available
Departure Date :
02JUL2026
Return Date :
26JUL2026
7910.00NZD
available
Departure Date :
16JUL2026
Return Date :
09AUG2026
7910.00NZD
available
Departure Date :
20AUG2026
Return Date :
13SEP2026
7910.00NZD
available
Departure Date :
03SEP2026
Return Date :
27SEP2026
7910.00NZD
available
Departure Date :
17SEP2026
Return Date :
11OCT2026
7910.00NZD
available
Departure Date :
22OCT2026
Return Date :
15NOV2026
7910.00NZD
available
Departure Date :
11MAR2027
Return Date :
04APR2027
8635.00NZD
available
Trip Notes
Trip title
China to Singapore Adventure
Trip code
TLSKC
Validity
Validity: 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2026
Extended validity
21 Oct 2027
Introduction
Travel from China to Singapore on this 25-day overland journey. Hike through China’s tea plantations and learn about Pu’er tea at the source in Yunnan, witness the alms giving in idyllic Luang Prabang and take an overnight train from Vientiane to Bangkok. Explore Khao Sok National Park, cruise on longtail boats and discover limestone karst scenery before wrapping it all up in Singapore. With a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers by your side, you’re in for an epic ride!
Style
Original
Transport
Taxi, Private minivan, Longtail boat, Songteaw, Public bus, Train, Subway, Overnight train
Physical Rating
3
Joining point
Kunming Long Teng Hotel 昆明龙腾大酒店
No 632, Beijing Road, Panshan District 昆明盘龙区北京路632号 (近东风广场)
Kunming
CHINA
Phone: +86 87163168999
Joining point description
Long Teng hotel is centrally located in Kunming City, walking distance to the downtown with easy access to Nanping Pedestrian street, Cuihu park, Yuntong temple and other places of interest. The rooms are comfortable and well furnished with facilities like en suite bathroom, A/C, fridge, safe, wifi and more.
Joining point instructions
Kunming Changshui airport is one of the largest airport in Asia and is located about 26 km from the city. If you have pre-arranged an arrival transfer with us, our local operator will have sent a driver to the airport who will be holding a sign with the our logo and your name on it. If there's any issue with meeting your transfer driver, please call the local emergency number listed in the Essential Trip Information. To go to your hotel from Changshui airport, the most convenient way is to get a taxi. Follow the signs of direction in the airport to go to the taxi stand, but please do not follow those who claim that they have official taxis and ask you to leave the queue to go with them. Please note that even some official taxi's at the airport don't use meters, (due to lack of management), so a ride from the airport to hotel will cost about 120-150CNY, which will take about 40min.
Finish point
Ibis Hotel Bencoolen
170 Bencoolen Street 189657
SINGAPORE
Singapore
SINGAPORE
Phone: +65 6593 2888
Finish point description
ibis Singapore on Bencoolen is located in the heart of Singapore's cultural, business and shopping district. Bugis, Haji Lane, Little India, Chinatown and Orchard Road are all within walking distance from hotel or easily accessible by public transport. The 3-star hotel is linked to Changi Airport by Bugis MRT which situated just 8-minute walk away from the hotel. Head down to Orchard Road, Bugis or Marina Bay Sands for some shoppings or explore the nearby National Gallery and hawker centres.
Finish point instructions
170 Bencoolen St, Singapore 189657 +65 6593 2888
Important information
1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding the overnight trains, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. A scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport needs to be sent to your booking agent no later than 40 days before departure in order for us to purchase our train tickets. 3. You will have a Thai leader for this trip from Kunming to Bangkok to ensure a consistent Intrepid experience through 3 countries on this trip. You'll meet local guides from China and Laos for the deeper local cultural understanding. 4. Travelling in China will heavily rely upon using local payment apps – Wechat and Alipay for making payments. It’s essential to install them on your phone and have a data package ready prior to your travel. Please read ‘money matters’ in the Essential Trip Information for more details. You shouldn’t rely on credit card for travel in China. 5. While travelling in China, you won’t have access to social media and some websites. You may consider installing a VPN to access those sites and apps. Please check the Essential Trip Information for more details. 6. Please note that there are some prohibited items for trains and flights in China. Please refer to Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
Group leader
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Safety
TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts PERSONAL SAFETY Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip.
FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. MOTORBIKE BAG SNATCHING: Be particularly aware of motorbike bag snatching, especially in the bigger cities.
BICYCLE HELMETS Bicycle helmets are not provided on the optional cycling activity in Vang Vieng. If you wish to wear a bike helmet we recommend you bring one from home.
Communications
Many popular websites are inaccessible in China, e.g., WhatsApp, Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Some travellers arrange VPN access on their device prior to arriving in China, enabling them to use some of these blocked sites. Ensure your loved ones know how to connect with you while in China. Obtaining a Chinese SIM card is time-consuming and requires a lot of paperwork, so you may prefer to arrange a data roaming package through your phone provider prior to travel. The WeChat app is the easiest way to message your leader while travelling and we recommend downloading this app prior to travel.
Visas
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements, INFORMATION & DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CHINESE VISA APPLICATION: You will be provided with a Hotel List and Letter of Invitation to assist you in applying for your visa. These are the primary documents you should use to apply for your visa as they are issued by our local office in China. Name of Host/Inviting Organisation: Intrepid Travel Beijing Co. Ltd. 606 InterChina Commercial Building 33 Dengshikou Street Dongcheng District Beijing 100006 +86 10 6406 8022 * Hotel List - this will be sent to you by Intrepid or your travel agent at the time of booking. If you do not receive this, email us with your booking number and trip details. Please note this hotel list is indicative of the hotels used on trip only, subject to changes. Please refer to your booking confirmation and the Essential Trip Information for the actual joining and finishing hotels of the trip. * Official invitation from licensed Chinese tourism company - this will be provided from us together with the Hotel List to all travellers regardless of whether it is required by the consulate or not and will assist with your application. * Itinerary – print off a copy of your specific trip itinerary from our website www.intrepidtravel.com and include it with your application, marking the dates you will visit each destination if required (exception - Tibet tours) * Photocopy of your passport * Passport size photos (up to 4 may be required) * Check with the consulate for any other specific requirements * Please note that if you are not applying for a Chinese visa from your passport country, you may be required to submit further documents, ie. employment letter, immigration card, etc. Please check with your local embassy or consulate for specific requirements. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CHINESE TRAIN TICKET BOOKINGS: Intrepid requires you send the following at the time of booking or at least 40 days prior to travel: *Clear, colour scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport. Please make sure that this copy is for the passport that you will be travelling on. If you have to renew your passport after booking please notify us as soon as you have a new passport number and bring your old passport with you on your trip in case it is also requested., To help calculate the exact dates of these crossings we have found the following website to be very useful - http://www.timeanddate.com, HOTEL ADDRESS FOR LAOS VISA APPLICATION If you require a hotel address for your visa application please use: BKC Villa 2 Ban Pakbeng 1 Oudomxay Laos Ph: +856 20 55 007 799, LOCAL CONTACT INFORMATION FOR LAOS VISA APPLICATION If you require a local contact for your visa application please use: Mr. Vimansawanh Nouanesengsy Address: Ban Sokkham 20 Sokkham Rd Saysettha district Vientaine Lao PDR Ph: +856 20 555 03065 , BORDER CROSSINGS ON THIS TRIP: On Day 8 we cross the border from Thailand to Malaysia - The Thailand border is Wang Pra Jan - The Malaysia border is Wang Kelian On Day 14 we cross the border from Malaysia to Singapore - The Malaysia border is Johor Bahru - The Singapore border is Singapore To help calculate the exact dates of these crossings we have found the following website useful - http://www.timeanddate.com
Why we love it
Discover how Yunnan's pu'er tea is made from start to finish in a Hani village on Nannuo Mountain. Pick your own leaves and learn how to prepare it, then share a hearty Hani lunch with your host family.
Journey through the sacred limestone caverns filled with hundreds of timeworn Buddhist statues as you cruise the peaceful waters through Mekong to Pak Ou Cave.
Dive into a nature lover’s paradise at Khao Sok National Park. Ride across Cheow Lan lake on a longtail boat and hike to an island cave, where you’ll see stalactites and bats hanging from the ceiling.
Explore the fusion of cultures that gives Penang its atmosphere – where historic buildings and hawker-filled alleyways blend with cool street art.
Indulge in traditional Thai flavours with a group lunch in Mod Tanoy. Made by your friendly homestay hosts, you’ll learn about their secret recipes and learn a little about their daily lives.
Is this trip right for you
You’ll get to travel overland through multiple countries on this trip, which means that there are some longer travelling days on public and private buses – as well as an overnight train – but it also offers a great chance to interact with your fellow travellers, soak up the scenery, or catch up on some podcasts or your travel journal.
Health
GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. , DENGUE FEVER: Dengue fever occurs in Thailand, and is particularly common during the rainy season (November-March in Koh Samui and the south-east of the Thai peninsula and May-October in the rest of Thailand, including Phuket), peaking in July and August. There is no vaccination or specific treatment available for dengue fever. MALARIA: Malaria can be contracted throughout the year in rural areas, particularly near the borders with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Speak to your doctor about preventative medication if you are concerned about malaria. OTHER: Other mosquito borne illnesses, such as Japanese encephalitis also occur in some areas. Always take preventative measures to protect yourself against mosquitoes such as wearing long clothing, using repellent and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn. , BOX JELLY FISH Box jelly fish have been reported in Thailand waters throughout the year. Please be aware of this when swimming alone and follow any warnings from local authorities. Stings require immediate medical treatment and fatalities have been known to occur., AIR POLLUTION From June to October, Malaysia can experience air pollution from forest fires in Indonesia. The persistent hot and dry weather conditions also causes dust to remain suspended in the air and accumulate, causing haze. Please be aware of this if you suffer from any medical conditions exasperated by air pollution., ZIKA VIRUS: There have been reports of transmission of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in this region and we advise all travellers to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Given possible transmission of the disease to unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, we recommend all women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to consult with their doctors before booking their trip., AIR POLLUTION AND SMOKE HAZE: Bangkok and other Thai cities experience high levels of air pollution, which may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. These can be particularly high between the months of December and February. Smoke haze, which usually occurs across parts of north and north-east Thailand during March to April, can also aggravate these conditions. You may wish to take a quality mask with you if you are particularly sensitive to smoke. Regular air quality reports are available from the following website http://aqicn.org/city/bangkok/
Food and dietary requirements
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.
Money matters
SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. , CHINA The official currency in China is the Yuan or Renminbi (CNY). PAYMENT The most common forms of payment in China are via the WeChat and Alipay apps. Please set up both apps on your phone before arriving in China. It’s helpful to have both in case there are occasional problems with either. To use these payment apps, your phone will also need internet access while in China. Before leaving home, ensure you have a data roaming package or e-sim set up. You will need to link a payment card to the app. Transaction fees may apply to payments made with foreign accounts. Cash is still accepted as payment, but we recommend only carrying a small amount to cover your first day or two (eg CNY 500 – 750), before switching to the payment apps. Credit cards should not be relied upon as they aren’t widely accepted or if they are, payments on foreign cards sometimes don’t work. CURRENCY EXCHANGE Currency exchange is available at airports, major banks and some hotels. The easiest foreign currencies to exchange are USD and EUR. Due to restrictions on exchanging CNY into foreign currencies, we recommend planning your cash usage well so that you use up all your CNY cash before leaving China., LAOS The official currency of Laos is the Kip (LAK), and USD is the most accepted and exchanged foreign currency. You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Laos. Credit/debit cards aren’t accepted for small payments in Laos so please ensure you have LAK cash to cover daily expenses. Clean banknotes in small denominations are most useful., MEALS NOT INCLUDED We recommend USD300 for meals not included, THAILAND You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Thailand. These machines dispense cash in THB (Thai baht). Credit/debit cards aren’t accepted for small payments in Thailand so please ensure you have THB cash to cover daily expenses. Clean banknotes in small denominations are most useful., MALAYSIA The official currency of Malaysia is the Ringgit (MYR). You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Malaysia. Credit/debit cards aren’t accepted for small payments in Malaysia so please ensure you have MYR cash to cover daily expenses. Clean banknotes in small denominations are most useful., TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be., OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. Participation in this kitty is your choice, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent, which can be checked at any time. Any funds remaining at the end of the trip will be returned to group members. These tips to suppliers are for great service and are in addition to the regular costs paid for the services supplied. The tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative., YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 4-7 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip., CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs., COMMISSIONS Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.
What to take
MAIN LUGGAGE What you need to bring will vary according to when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances (maximum of 30 minutes) including up and down stairs and in busy train stations. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. Smaller bags are also better for fitting in storage areas of public transport. Small, wheeled suitcases that can also easily be picked up and carried are suitable, or if you prefer, a back pack is also a good option. It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary that your luggage gets stowed separately (and unattended). DAY PACK A day pack for carrying essentials when exploring destinations. On overnight trains packing this with the essentials you need to access during the trip will also be very useful. ESSENTIALS: - Lightweight clothing: A mixture of covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers (depending on the season) are recommended. It is best to check the weather and seasonal information before travelling. Dress standards are conservative in Malaysia and parts of Thailand, especially outside major cities. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot climate. For visits to religious sites you will also need to wear clothing that covers shoulders and pants/skirts that go past the knee. Laundry facilities may not be available in all destinations, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes. - Wind and waterproof jacket - Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking: Closed-in shoes that are comfortable to walk for an entire day are recommended to protect your feet on city and countryside walks as well as longer treks. For longer hikes comfortable and supportive shoes with good grip are best. - Sandals/flip flops: Sandals with straps or shoes which are not likely to fall off are preferable for any water based activities. Easy to remove shoes are also good in the heat and for visits to religious sites. - Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses - Toiletries RECOMMENDED: - Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your leader, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and adhesive bandages. - Insect repellent - Water bottle. We recommend a 1.5litre capacity. While drinking tap water is not recommended some hotels will have filtered drinking water available. - Camera with spare batteries/power bank. You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items most days, however a spare battery or power bank are recommended. - Electrical adapter plug - reusable shopping bag for buying supplies - torch/flashlight - travel wipes, hand sanitiser - small towel - ear plugs & eye mask - A good book, a journal and music player for overnight train rides and longer drives. MORE! If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list.
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list
PROHIBITED ITEMS IN SINGAPORE According to Singapore law, many items are prohibited from being brought into the country, or need to be declared. Prohibited items include (but are not limited to) tobacco products, any substance containing nicotine (including electronic cigarettes) and chewing gum. Please refer to the Singapore Government website for further information https://www.customs.gov.sg/individuals/going-through-customs/arrivals/prohibited-and-controlled-goods/
Sharp objects such as pocketknives and spray bottles are not permitted on high-speed trains in China, including aerosols and mists. We recommend bringing sunscreens and mosquito repellents with no spray capabilities on this trip, as sprays will get confiscated at the station. Power banks to take on flights within China or to/from China must be CCC-certified (also called 3-C certified). All other power banks will be confiscated.
Climate and seasonal
CHINESE NATIONAL HOLIDAYS: China's national holidays are the peak travel season for Chinese nationals. During this time, the whole country is on the move - that's over a billion people. Although these are fascinating and exciting times to travel in China, please be aware that your group will likely experience transport delays and massive crowds at tourist attractions and train stations. It's common for there to be difficulties in securing train or flight tickets at our preferred times, hotels become overbooked, traffic chaotic and changes to the itinerary are often necessary as a result. If clockwork organisation is important to you we advise you book outside of Chinese New Year, the first week of May and the first week of October. If you decide to travel during this period please come with an open mind and be prepared for changes on the ground. Here are the major holiday periods in China: Chinese New Year: Jan 28- Feb 4 2025, Feb 16- Feb 23, 2026 Qingming Festival: Apr 4-6, 2025/2026 Labour Day Holiday: May 1-5, 2025/2026 Dragon Boat Festival: May 31-Jun 2, 2025, June 19-21, 2026 Mid-Autumn Day: Oct 6, 2025, Sept 25-27, 2026 National Day: Oct 1-8 2025, Oct 1-7 2026, SONGKRAN FESTIVAL The Songkran Festival is celebrated to mark the New Year. The festival runs from the 13th to the 15th of April. Traditionally houses and villages are properly cleaned in preparation for the New Year, flowers are gathered to decorate Buddha images, young people pour water over the elders for good luck. Songkran Festival is often referred to as the “water festival” as it is now common to throw water over each other during the festival period. Our advice is to be prepared to get wet! Your group leader or local representative will discuss the festival activities upon day one at the group meeting., CHINESE NEW YEAR: An important 15-day festival for the Malaysian Chinese, based on the lunar calendar in January or February. In 2021, the Year of the Oxis scheduled to be held from the 12th February. This can be a busy time and some transport delays, shop closures and reduced opening hours at some sites may be expected, but there are also many fabulous festivals and rituals to observe during this time, so it's a great time to travel. Although we make all reasonable efforts to avoid disruption a flexible approach from the traveller is appreciated., RAMADAN The important month of Ramadan is expected to be in progress 16 February to 18 March 2026 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.
A couple of rules
Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.
Feedback
Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/
Emergency contact
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time., In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: , For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us, Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +66 89 810 3722
Responsible travel
Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel, ELEPHANT PERFORMANCES & ELEPHANT RIDING: While we respect each individual’s decisions while travelling, Intrepid does not include elephant rides or unnatural performance activities on any itinerary, and we recommend you bypass these activities should they be offered to you during your stay. Professional wildlife conservation and animal welfare organisations, including World Animal Protection, advise that contrary to common belief, captive elephants remain wild animals and despite good intentions, unfortunately, many venues are unable to provide the appropriate living conditions elephants require and this ultimately impacts their well-being. While there is some merit in the argument that the money you pay for the activity goes towards keeping the elephants and their mahouts employed, we know that it also fuels demand for elephants to be captured in the wild or captive-bred. We thank you for your support in improving the welfare of these majestic creatures. Further information is available on the below link:, http://www.intrepidtravel.com/elephants-welfare , LOCAL DRESS: When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.
The Intrepid Foundation
Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ , This trip supports the EcoThailand Foundation, who are on a mission to educate and empower local communities, on the tourist Islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Paluay, on environmental issues including climate change, mitigation and adaptation, waste management, nature appreciation, conservation and guardianship and sustainable lifestyles. Donations help EcoThailand’s environmental guardianship education program for children in local state schools. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eco-thailand-foundation
Accommodation notes
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE Accommodation on this trip is on a twin basis. CHECK-IN TIME Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights., WINDOWLESS ROOMS: Some hotels in Laos have windowless rooms, or windows that don't necessarily have a view. This is often due to high population density in large cities, however local building standards also don't require rooms to have windows. We do request rooms with windows, however please be aware they aren't always available.
Transport notes
CHINA TRAIN TRAVEL SECURITY When travelling by train in China you will need to pass through security checkpoints similar to those at airports. Please be aware that items that may be classified as ‘weapons’ might be confiscated (even from your suitcase), as all luggage travels in the compartment with you. We recommend leaving items that fall into this category (eg. pocket knives or scissors) at home. Aerosol spray bottles are not permitted on high-speed trains and can get confiscated at the station. , OVERNIGHT TRAINS Overnight sleeper trains in Thailand are air-conditioned and have sleeping berths down both sides of the carriage. The carriage is multishare, with are curtains that close over the beds. A sleeping sheet and a pillow are provided, and our luggage travels in the carriage with us. There is a western and Asian-style toilet located at the end of the carriage, but no showers. Carriage lights staying on during the night, so an eye mask is a good thing to bring with you, as is warm clothes as the air conditioning can be cold. For more on overnight trains in Thailand and around the world: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/overnight-train-travel-around-the-world/, LONG TRAVEL DAYS There are some long travel days and some of the transport can be quite cramped and without air-conditioning.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region, please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance, your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number, rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements. For example, some mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality. Travellers from the European Union, Switzerland or the USA who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: , https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Your fellow travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure., SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.
Itinerary disclaimer
ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., PASSPORTS USED FOR ENTRY TO TOURISM SITES AND TRAIN STATIONS International visitors will have their passport scanned upon entry to tourism sites and at train stations in China. The passport acts as an entrance ticket and it takes 1-2mins for scanning and entry. This means that it can take 20-30mins for our groups to enter some locations, depending on group size and processing capacity in each location. Chinese nationals have their ID cards scanned at these locations and these are processed instantly.
Accommodation
Resort (3 nights), Hotel (19 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 night)
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