Take in incredible mountain scenery, remote villages and the twists and bends of some of China’s most motorbike-friendly roads on this journey through China’s Yunnan province towards Lijiang. Along the way, you’ll taste superb local dishes, take in unforgettable landscapes and uncover first class accommodation – as personally vetted by your guide, Prasit Aphiphunya.
11 Days
Duration
April 2021
Month/Year
Trace the mighty Mekong through Yunnan
The details
| Start Point: | Chiang Khong, Thailand | |||||||||||
| End Point: | Lijiang, China | |||||||||||
| Dates | April 03 – April 14, 2021 | |||||||||||
| Duration | 11 Days – 2,054 kms |
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| Roads: | Tarmac/Construction/Damaged/Dirt local roads | |||||||||||
| Region: | Thailand/Laos/China | |||||||||||
| Motorcycle: | Honda CBX500, F700GS, F800GS or F1200GS | |||||||||||
PRASIT SAYS:
“Expect epic landscapes and equally epic roads on this journey through one of my favourite provinces, Yunnan.”
Itinerary:
DAY
1
3 April - Bangkok - Chiang Kong
Day 1:. Transfer to our first hotel in Chiang Kong, then check-in and relax until our evening briefing, vehicle check and welcome dinner.
2
4 April. Chiang Khong to Luang Namtha - 189 kms
Day 2: Get ready for your first day on the road, as we cross into Laos on the mountain road towards Luang Namtha, through lush jungle, sleepy villages and misty mountains. (Google Map)
3
5 April. Luang Namtha - Mengla - 48 kms
Day 3: It’s an early start today, as we cross our second border into China. After navigating the border crossing, we’ll continue onwards to Mengla, where we’ll stop at the Department of Health and Department of Motor Vehicles for our inspection and temporary licenses, before checking into our hotel. (Google Map)
4
6 April. Mengla - Lancang - 331 kms
Day 4: First stop: the Chinese land transport department, where we’ll have a vehicle check and get our temporary Chinese licences. Then it’s time to hit the road, making for the atmospheric region of Lancang. (Google Map)
5
7 April. Lancang - Lincang - 246 kms
Day 5: Today, we’ll tackle the enticing twists and bends of the G214, a highway with stunning mountain scenery. Overnight in Lincang City. (Google Map)
6
8 April. Lincang - Dali. 305 kms
Day 6: Continuing on the G214, we’ll cross the Lancang River (Mekong) and ride through kilometres of empty countryside as we continue our epic journey. (Google Map)
7
9 April. Dali - Weixi - 264 kms
Day 7: Get set for a day of discovery, starting with a visit to Chongsheng Three Pagodas Temple, one of China’s national treasures, completed in 840 CE. Next, we’ll immerse ourselves in the scenery of rural China as we take in tiny villages and huge rice terraces en route to the little town of Weixi. (Google Map)
8
10 April. Weixi - Deqin - 213 kms
Day 8: Tracing the route of the Mekong (Lancang) River, it’s time to head north towards the last town in Yunnan province. Climbing upwards towards Tibet, there’s plenty of time to savour the epic landscapes as you ride from 2300m to 3400m. (Google Map)
9
10 April. Deqin - Shangri La - 189 kms
Day 9: Wake early, to watch the spectacular sunrise over sacred Meili snow mountain from the viewpoint at Feilai Temple. Then we’ll ride to Shangri-La following the G214 (old route), which comes scattered with must-sees you won’t find in the travel guides, including the Thirteen Pagodas viewpoint, the 429M monument and the Great Bend of Jinsha River. (Google Map)
10
11 April. Shangri La - Lijiang - 269 kms
Day 10: We’ll take the scenic route out of Shangri La, following the E Ring Road towards the tranquil landscapes of Pudacuo National Park, the salt pool of the White Water Terraces, and a scattering of beautiful Tibetan-style villages. After a pause for lunch, we’ll continue along Jinsha River to the breathtaking landscapes of Tiger Leaping Gorge. (Google Map)
11
12 April. Lijiang - Bangkok
Day 11: On departure day, you’re free to relax before your return flight to Bangkok. Alternatively, let us help you discover the sights of Lijiang, including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang Impression Show and Black Dragon Pool.
| Departure / Return location: | Bangkok International Airport |
| Departure time: | Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight. |
China’s Forgotten Kingdom
The tour has a several variables affect its cost, including;
- Choice of motorcycles: in ascending order of cost – Honda CBX500, R1100R, F700GS, F800GS, F1200 GS.
- Bringing your own Motorcycle? If you have a bike in Asia, or want to ship yours in, we can make that work for you.
- Pillion Passenger: riding with a companion is no problem.
- Accommodation: base rate is based on sharing a room, but single occupancy is available at 590€.
The base rate for one person, riding one of our Honda CBX500’s, sharing a twin room, and with no pillion rider is: €3,650
Chiang Rai to Lijiang -11 Days - One way
| Base Price: | 2,800€ | 3,200€ | 3,200€ | 3,200€ | 3,200€ |
| Passenger | CB500X/R1100R | F700GS | F800GS | F1200GS | |
| Bike Cost: | - | 450€ | 990€ | 1,080€ | 1,350€ |
| Total | 3,650€ | 4,190€ | 4,280€ | 4,550€ |
| Tour Program includes: |
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| Tour Program does not include: |
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Outline of route from Chiang Khong to Lijiang: click to see larger image.
The “Forgotten Roads” is one of 4 motorcycle tours of China by RideAsia
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