Shanghai to Bangkok Rail Adventure
Small Group Tour
Silk and Spice: From Shanghai's Skyline to Bangkok's Golden Temples
A unique opportunity to travel in comfort and style flight free from Shanghai to Bangkok, taking is some of China’s and Laos’ major sights along the way.
Fully escorted by an Undiscovered Destinations tour leader, enjoy a thoroughly well-planned journey which includes all trains and hotels, together with sightseeing excursions provided by experienced locally based guides.
Our adventure makes the most of China’s truly impressive network of high-speed trains, with many services reaching a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) and slashing previous journey times. Our journey starts in Shanghai where we will stay at the iconic Peace Hotel, located on the city’s famous Bund. Then we head inland to Xian to join a local guide to see the Terracotta Warriors – the most famous site in the city – only discovered in 1976 by farmers digging a well.
From Xian another high-speed train will whiz us south to the city of Chengdu where we join the locals to have tea in the People’s Park, with its refreshing bonsai gardens, artificial lakes, and rockeries. The next day promises to be one of the highlights of our tour as we watch rolly polly baby pandas playing, munching bamboo, and generally doing their thing at the Panda Breeding Centre. We continue from Chengdu by high-speed train to Kunming, capital of China’s southern Yunnan Province, where we will visit the Stone Forest which consists of thousands of narrow, fantastically shaped pillars of rock .
We leave China via the China-Laos Railway which opened in 2023. Our first of two stops in Laos will be the enchanting city of Luang Prabang, the quintessential image of Laos. At its core, lush greenery, golden temples, and vivid-robed monks come together to create a colourful, rich heritage and an enduring French-colonial legacy. Back on the train, our last stop is the Laos’ capital. Nestled in a languid bend in the Mekong, Vientiane is a delightfully quaint city, more friendly backwater than chaotic capital. After time to explore the city by tuk tuk, we will continue with our final train of the trip, the overnight sleeper service from the Thai/Laos border down to Bangkok, where our adventure ends. Alternatively, there is the option to extend your stay in one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. With its promise of astonishing diversity, stunning scenery and beautiful beaches on idyllic tropical islands, there is much to discover beyond Bangkok.
Map + Tour Itinerary
Explore the itinerary in detail to get a sense of where you’ll be on each day of the adventure.
Upon arrival in Shanghai, a private transfer will be provided from the airport to our iconic hotel, centrally located on the city’s famous Bund. Overnight at Fairmont Peace Hotel or similar.
Fairmont Peace Hotel
Located on the famous Bund, the Fairmont Peace Hotel is an Art Deco masterpiece that combines timeless elegance with modern facilities. The landmark hotel is perfectly situated for exploring and appreciating Shanghai’s best sights. One of the oldest hotels in the city, its furnishings recreate the ambience of the 1930s when it served as a glamorous playground for the elite, where every night was an extravagant gala event and veritable Parisian fashion show. Mezzanine lounges and an octogenarian jazz band all add to the very special atmosphere.
Today we will join our guide for a full day tour of Shanghai, including lunch. Visits will include Yuyuan Garden, a private garden built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, with typical Chinese classic architecture and style. The complex covers an area of 2 hectares, with rockeries, pavilions, ponds, and corridors. Then we will visit the famous Bund, a 1.5km long embankment along the western bank of Huangpu River, also the location of our hotel. Our tour will continue into the city’s old quarter, and we will conclude our day with a visit to Shanghai Tower, the world’s second-tallest building. Overnight at Fairmont Peace Hotel or similar. (BL)
After breakfast, we will transfer to Shanghai’s Hongqiao Railway Station to board a high-speed train to Xian. Upon arrival, we will be met at the station and transferred to our hotel for a two-night stay. Our guide will take us on a tour of the city, including visits to the 7th-century Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the city’s Ancient City Wall. We will also explore Xian’s Muslim Quarter and sample local snacks. Overnight at Wyndham Grand Xian South or similar. (B)
Today we will visit Xian’s must-see sight, the Terracotta Warriors, on a full day tour including lunch. Our guide will explain the secrets of how these ancient warriors were made. We will also visit a local cave dwelling where a craftsman makes warriors in the traditional way and have the opportunity to try making a small warrior ourselves. Overnight at Wyndham Grand Xian South or similar. (BL)
From Xian, we will take another high-speed train to Chengdu. After checking in at our hotel, we will join the locals for tea in the People’s Park and visit Jinli Old Street. Overnight at Grand Hyatt Chengdu or similar. (B)
Today we visit the Panda Breeding and Research Centre, located 6 miles north of Chengdu City, to see giant pandas, red pandas, and other endangered species. We will have lunch at a local restaurant and visit Wu Hou Temple in the afternoon. Overnight at Grand Hyatt Chengdu or similar. (BL)
After breakfast, we will board a high-speed train to Kunming. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel for a two-night stay. The remainder of the day will be at leisure. Overnight at InterContinental Kunming or similar. (B)
After breakfast, we will set off on a full day tour to the Jiuxiang Caves and the Ancient Stone Forest, including lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight at InterContinental Kunming or similar. (BL)
We will take the China-Laos Railway from Kunming to Luang Prabang, a journey offering breathtaking views. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel for a relaxing three-night stay. Overnight at Sofitel Luang Prabang or similar. (B)
Today, we will enjoy a full day tour including a scenic boat ride along the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, lunch on the boat, and a visit to the Kuang Si Waterfall. Overnight at Sofitel Luang Prabang or similar. (BL)
Today is a free day to explore Luang Prabang on your own or relax at the hotel. Overnight at Sofitel Luang Prabang or similar. (B)
After breakfast, we will take the China-Lao Railway to Vientiane. In the afternoon, we will have a city tour visiting key sights. Overnight at Crowne Plaza Vientiane or similar. (B)
We will have a half-day tour of Vientiane, including a tuk-tuk ride to Thong Khan Kham market and visits to several temples. Lunch will be served at Kua Lao Restaurant. Overnight at Crowne Plaza Vientiane or similar. (BL)
Today is at leisure until the late afternoon when we will take the overnight train to Bangkok. We will have private air-conditioned compartments for the journey. Overnight sleeper train (private compartment). (B)
Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to the hotel with an early check-in. The day is free for relaxation or optional activities. A group dinner will be held at the hotel. Overnight at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort or similar. (BD)
At a time to coincide with your flight, you will be transferred to Bangkok’s international airport for check-in and departure. (B)
Tour Inclusions
- All accommodation
- Daily breakfast (B), plus lunch (L) and dinner (D) where shown in the itinerary
- Rail travel based on first class seats for daytime journeys and private sleeping compartments for overnight journeys.
- Guided sightseeing tours as per itinerary, with the services of a private English-speaking guide or driver/guide
- Transfers as per itinerary with a private car or minibus
- Unless stated otherwise, entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary accommodation
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visas – when required
- Meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary
- Tips (Discretionary)
Feedback from our Travellers
See what other adventurers have to say about our small group experiences.
We spent one day in Helsinki before taking the ferry to Tallin. The tour over two weeks took us throught Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It was so well organised with only 4 participants. Our guides were nationals of all the countries that we visited and very professional, well informed and enthusiastic, proud of their countries. We learned so much about the history, culture and caracter of the areas we visited.
HMW
We went with a private guide/driver who was a fount of knowledge about his country. We loved the beautiful scenery. Albania has everything: mountains, lakes, and stunning beaches. Prices for accommodation and food are reasonable, and best of all it is not crowded - yet!
Kiwi John
An amazing two weeks exploring some of the lesser-known areas of the Balkans many of which have, not only recovered from the break up of Yugoslavia, but are shining examples of enthusiasm and resilience. Macedonia and Kosovo are generally off the beaten track - but deserve to be discovered by more travellers, whilst Montenegro is simply stunning
Gypsy Queen
Ready to experience the joy of slow travel?
All of our rail adventures are guaranteed departures. We don’t wait to fill a tour before committing to them. Explore the dates for this rail adventure and any others offer by us, or our parent company Undiscovered Destinations.Essential Info
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing the there are no warnings for travel to any of the countries visited on this tour.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
UK, US, and Australian passport holders do not need a visa for travel in EU states, Albania or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As immigration requirements can change without notice it is essential that you check the latest information with your nearest embassy, consulate, or visa agency. It is important to check the requirements both at the time of booking and again at the time you pay your balance.t the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to Romania. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
As with travel to most parts of Europe, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
The itinerary has been carefully planned based on the latest train schedules, but timings can change at short notice, or the days of the week that a particular train normally operates can also change. This will potentially require amending our itinerary and the number of nights that we stay in each city. Before you are asked to accept any changes our experienced travel consultants will of course discuss the options with you. These may well be limited, so it is important that you can be flexible.
This journey will be best suited to experienced travellers and to those who are comfortable in carrying their own luggage unassisted. This is important as trains in Europe do not provide an airline style checked-in baggage service. Each passenger is responsible for their own luggage, which they will keep with them on each leg of the trip. On occasions this will mean storing luggage in the racks provided above the seats. Although the group, a maximum of 12 travellers, will be escorted throughout by a tour leader from Undiscovered Destinations, their role is primarily one of managing the logistics and liaising with the locally based guides who will be responsible for providing guided tours and excursions along the way.
In addition to the need to carry your own luggage on and off the trains, it should be noted that in most locations it will be necessary to walk from the railway station to our hotel and back. Where possible the hotels will be located just a short stroll from the station, but in some cities, it might be a longer walk of 15 minutes or so. Please see the itinerary below for further details and do get in touch before booking if you have any concerns.