Can I travel overland from northern Thailand to Kunming in China?

Yes, it is possible to travel between the two using Road 3Asia or R3A. This route is part of the GMS North-South Economic Corridor linking this region. You can break the trip into as many sections as you like, depending on the time you have available. Starting from Chiang Rai, the distance to Kunming is about 1,200 kilometres.

The first leg from Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong is 113 kilometres and from here you cross the Mekong River into Laos passing through Bo Keo district, Wieng Phu Kah and Luang Namtha to the border town of Boten. The total distance is 250 kilometres. From Boten, you enter China’s Yunnan Region at Mohan. The trip will then take you through Meng La, Mengxing, Jinghong, Puwen, Mojiang and Yuan Jiang before reaching Kunming. From Mengla to Jinghong takes about three hours and the last leg from Jinghong to Kunming is 520 kilometres, or nine hours. 

Be prepared to spend a long time on the road. And if you want to change your mind, China Eastern Airlines can fly you from Chiang Mai to Kunming directly. 

If you decide to stick with the bus, there’s one that runs direct from HuayXai to Kunming. You can do this trip in two days as the bus stops over in Luang Namtha and Jinghong on the way. Or you can take a bus to Jinghong, or even a local bus to Luang Namtha. For either of these options, you need to cross the Mekong River from Chiang Khong to Bokeo first, and spend a night in Bokeo to prepare to catch a bus the next morning. 

You can also spend a night in Jinghong then take a bus to Kunming the next day. A direct service also runs between Bokeo and Kunming, but it’s a very long journey. 

I would advise breaking the journey at Luang Namtha in Laos. The small town is only two hours ride from the Chinese border. Jinghong is a good place to stop in Yunnan. You could also save a bit of time and the dizzy trip up and down the mountains by flying from Jinghong to Kunming.

Another option is to take a boat from Chiang Saen pier in Chiang Rai to Jinghong in China, this trip takes about 10-12 hours. Have a great journey!

 

 

I'll be going to Bangkok the end of this year and from looking on the Internet, I see there’s an abundant choice of accommodation. We don’t want to stay in Khao San Road, but would prefer to be somewhere nearer to the river. We are looking for a clean and comfortable hotel in the Bt1,000 to Bt1,500 range. I think that will get us an above-average room. Could you recommend somewhere to stay? Thanks in advance! Simone

 

It’s not easy to find riverside accommodation in the Khao San area within your price range. There are two places that offer prices just slightly above your budget (but only if you book now!). Both are located on Phra Athit Road. One is Navalai River Resort and the other is New Siam Riverside. If you don’t mind not being right by the river, you have a few more options including Sam Sen Sam Boutique House Hotel in Soi Sansen 3, and slightly further away, near Thewes Pier, Baan Manusarn Guest Home. From this location, it’s easy enough to get around using the Chao Praya Express Boat service but you won’t find other city transportation modes. 

You could also stay by a canal. Lamphu Tree Hotel near Wan Chart Bridge is a good choice and only about 10 minutes walk to Khao San Road.

Between the Chao Phraya River and Wat Pho, you will find Chetuphon Gate, Arom D Hostel and the Royal Tha Tien Village. Both are under your budgeted price and offer a unique location, especially if you ask for a room with the stunning temple view!