17 Days Yunnan Motorbike Riding Tour from Laos (Mohan Border)

The 17-day Yunnan motorbike riding tour from the Laos-Mohan Border offers an immersive journey through one of China’s most scenic and culturally rich provinces. This adventure takes you through diverse landscapes—from tropical rainforests to high mountain passes—and explores historic towns, ancient cultures, and natural wonders. Starting and ending at the Mohan Border, the tour covers Yunnan’s major destinations, providing a comprehensive experience of its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Trip Highlights

  1. Mohan Border (Laos):
    • Gateway to China: Begin your journey at the Mohan Border, marking the transition from Laos to Yunnan Province, China. This area is known for its vibrant market and tropical surroundings.
  2. Mengla:
    • Tropical Landscapes: Explore Mengla, a town known for its lush tropical environment and proximity to the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden.
  3. Yuanyang:
    • Rice Terraces: Visit the stunning Yuanyang Rice Terraces, famous for their intricate patterns and breathtaking views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
  4. Jianshui:
    • Historic Town: Discover Jianshui, an ancient town with well-preserved architecture, including traditional courtyards and historic buildings.
    • Zhu Family Garden: Explore this historic garden renowned for its classical design and beautiful landscaping.
  5. Kunming:
    • Stone Forest: Witness the dramatic karst formations of the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Green Lake Park: Enjoy a relaxing time at this picturesque urban park in Kunming.
  6. Dali:
    • Old Town: Wander through the charming Dali Old Town, known for its Bai ethnic architecture and relaxed atmosphere.
    • Erhai Lake: Take in the scenic beauty of Erhai Lake, a large freshwater lake surrounded by mountains.
  7. Lijiang:
    • Ancient Town: Explore Lijiang Old Town, another UNESCO World Heritage site, with its well-preserved traditional architecture and canals.
    • Black Dragon Pool: Visit this serene park with stunning views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
  8. Shangri-La:
    • Tibetan Culture: Experience Tibetan culture in Shangri-La, with visits to the Songzanlin Monastery and the scenic Tibetan countryside.
  9. Dechen:
    • High Altitude Beauty: Ride through Dechen, known for its rugged high-altitude terrain and striking landscapes.
  10. Weixi:
    • Mountain Views: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Weixi, a town surrounded by impressive mountain ranges and traditional Tibetan villages.
  11. Baoshan:
    • Ancient Stone Town: Explore Baoshan Stone Town, a well-preserved ancient settlement with unique stone houses and historical significance.
  12. Lincang:
    • Tea Culture: Discover Lincang, an area known for its tea plantations and rich tea culture.
  13. Jinghong:
    • Xishuangbanna: Return to Jinghong in Xishuangbanna, where you can explore local markets and enjoy the tropical climate.
  14. Mengla:
    • Final Stops: Revisit Mengla and its surroundings before heading back to the border.
  15. Mohan Border (Laos):
    • Return: Conclude your journey at the Mohan Border, reflecting on the diverse experiences and landscapes explored throughout Yunnan.

General Information

  • Cultural Exploration: The tour provides a deep dive into Yunnan’s diverse ethnic cultures and historic towns, offering insights into local traditions and lifestyles.
  • Natural Beauty: Experience a range of landscapes, from the lush terraces of Yuanyang to the high-altitude vistas of Dechen and Weixi.

Tour Destinations:
(Lao) – Mohan – Mengla – Yuanyang – Jianshui – Kunming – Dali – Lijiang – Shangri-la – Dechen – Weixi – Baoshan – Lincang – Jinghong – Mengla – Mohan – (Laos)

  • Entrance Customs into China: Mohan
  • Exit Customs from China: Mohan
  • Enter China from (Land Name): Laos
  • Leave China to (Land Name): Laos

Highlights

  • Terraces in Yuanyang
  • Old city Jianshui, Dali, and Lijiang
  • Landscape and folklore in South Yunnan
  • A fictitious land of peace: Shangri-la

Itinerary

Day 1: Laos – Mohan – Mengla

  • Distance: Approx. 45km
  • Duration: Approx. 1h
  • Description:
    • Enter China via Mohan pass.
    • Complete custom formalities and ride to Mengla.
    • Accommodation: 2 nights in Mengla

Day 2: Mengla

  • Description:
    • Obtain your temporary driver license and temporary tag.
    • Accommodation: King Land Hotel

Day 3: Mengla – Mojiang – Yuanyang

  • Distance: Approx. 550km
  • Duration: Approx. 8hrs 25min
  • Description:
    • Ride from Mengla to Yuanyang.
    • Accommodation: 2 nights in Yuanyang

Day 4: Yuanyang

  • Description:
    • Visit the village of Hani minority, Bada Village, Shengcun Terrace, and Laohuzui Terrace.

Day 5: Yuanyang – Jianshui

  • Distance: Approx. 85km
  • Duration: Approx. 1hr
  • Description:
    • Visit the Residence of Family Zhang in Tuanshan, Chaoyang Tower, the old city, and the Confucius Temple.
    • Accommodation: 1 night in Jianshui

Day 6: Jianshui – Kunming

  • Distance: Approx. 316km
  • Duration: Approx. 4hrs
  • Description:
    • Ride to Kunming.
    • Visit the Stone Forest and the Jinma Biji Fang.
    • Accommodation: 1 night in Kunming

Day 7: Kunming – Dali

  • Distance: Approx. 345km
  • Duration: Approx. 4hrs 54min
  • Description:
    • Ride to Dali.
    • Visit the Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake, and the Dali Ancient Town.
    • Accommodation: 1 night in Dali

Day 8: Dali – Lijiang

  • Distance: Approx. 172km
  • Duration: Approx. 2hrs 21min
  • Description:
    • Ride to Lijiang.
    • Visit the Lijiang Ancient Town, Dongba Culture Museum, and Black Dragon Pool Park.
    • Accommodation: 1 night in Lijiang

Day 9: Lijiang – Shangri-la

  • Distance: Approx. 172km
  • Duration: Approx. 3hrs 18min
  • Description:
    • Ride to Shangri-la.
    • Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
    • Accommodation: 2 nights in Shangri-la

Day 10: Shangri-la

  • Description:
    • Visit the Sumzanlin Monastery, Napaihai Lake, and the Old City.
    • Rest and relax.

Day 11: Shangri-la – Nixi – Dechen

  • Distance: Approx. 185km
  • Duration: Approx. 3hrs 11min
  • Description:
    • Ride to Dechen via Nixi.
    • Learn how to make earthenware in Nixi.
    • Visit the First Bay of Jinsha Jiang (Golden Sand River), Feilai Monastery, and overlook Meilixueshan.
    • Accommodation: 1 night in Dechen

Day 12: Dechen – Tacheng – Weixi

  • Distance: Approx. 213km
  • Duration: Approx. 6hrs
  • Description:
    • Ride to Weixi.
    • Accommodation: 1 night in Weixi

Day 13: Weixi – Lanping – Yunlong – Gongguo Bridge – Baoshan

  • Distance: Approx. 365km
  • Duration: Approx. 9hrs
  • Description:
    • Ride to Baoshan.
    • Accommodation: 1 night in Baoshan

Day 14: Baoshan – Changning – Fengqing – Yunxian – Lincang

  • Distance: Approx. 267km
  • Duration: Approx. 5hrs 30min
  • Description:
    • Ride to Lincang.
    • Accommodation: 1 night in Lincang

Day 15: Lincang – Lancang – Jinghong

  • Distance: Approx. 408km
  • Duration: Approx. 8hrs 10min
  • Description:
    • Ride to Jinghong.
    • Accommodation: 1 night in Jinghong

Day 16: Jinghong – Mengla

  • Distance: Approx. 140km
  • Duration: Approx. 2hrs 31min
  • Description:
    • Visit the Wild Elephant Valley, Dai Village in Ganlan Ba, and the Tropical Botanic Garden in Menlun.
    • Accommodation: 1 night in Mengla

Day 17: Mengla – Mohan

  • Description:
    • Exit into Laos.
    • Note: Services end in China.