You've seen the photos: pink cherry trees on green tea terraces, a sea of clouds at sunrise. You'd love to go. And then the questions start. How do I get there? Do I need a visa? Will my phone work? How cold is it?
Good news: it's much easier than it looks. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most.
How do I get there from Thailand?
It's one flight and one train. You fly from Chiang Mai or Bangkok to Kunming in the morning. Our driver meets you at the airport and takes you to Kunming station, about an hour away. From there, a second-class high-speed train gets you to Dali in about two hours, in time for dinner in the Old Town.
After that, you don't need to think about transport at all. An air-conditioned private vehicle takes you everywhere on the itinerary, including the mountain road into Sakura Valley.
Flights are not included in the tour price, but just let our team know and we'll help coordinate your bookings.
Do I need a visa?
- Thai passport holders: no visa needed. You can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Other nationalities: please check the visa rules for your passport before booking.
- Everyone: your passport needs at least 6 months' validity.
When should I go?
We recommend travelling between 12 December 2026 and 10 January 2027, when the winter cherry trees are in bloom.
Blossoms can come one to two weeks earlier or later depending on the weather. That's why we check the bloom status 7–10 days before you travel and adjust Days 3–4 if needed. You don't have to watch the forecast; we do it for you.
How cold is it, and what should I pack?
Dali in December is dry and sunny, with a cool breeze during the day. Before dawn it gets very cold, and the mountain viewpoints are close to freezing at sunrise.
Pack:
- A warm jacket and layers you can take off as the day warms up
- A hat and gloves for the sunrise morning
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun is strong at altitude)
- Comfortable walking shoes: there are some slopes and steps between viewpoints
- Photo tip: white, cream or light blue clothes look beautiful against pink blossoms
Will my phone and cards work?
China is almost cashless, so a little preparation helps:
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to your international card before you leave, and carry a little cash in yuan.
- Google, LINE, Facebook and Instagram don't work on Chinese networks. They usually work through a roaming SIM or an eSIM bought before you travel.
What's included?
Included✅
- 4-star hotels (twin share)
- 15 meals as listed
- Private air-conditioned transport throughout
- High-speed train, Kunming to Dali
- Entrance fees, including Sakura Valley and Weishan
- Local guide and tour leader the whole trip
- Travel accident insurance up to THB 1,000,000
Not included❌
- International and domestic flights
- Single room: USD 180 per person per night
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Cangshan cable car and optional activities
- Passport and visa fees
- Personal expenses
- 7% VAT and 3% withholding tax, if you need a company tax invoice
Who is this trip for?
It's for anyone who wants something beautiful and different this winter, without the stress of planning it. Families, friends, colleagues, photography lovers. You travel as a private group of 6 to 30, so the pace and the company are yours.
The walking is moderate. If you can manage some slopes and steps at your own pace, you'll be fine.
Ready when you are
Price starts from USD 1,500 per person. A 50% deposit secures your dates, and our full cancellation policy is on the tour page.
See the full itinerary and book your dates
Still have a question? Ask us anything, daily 09:00–18:00 (Thailand time): WhatsApp · LINE · Messenger · velaprivatetour@gmail.com
Vela Private Tour is a licensed travel agency (TAT No. 21/01371) and a member of the Thai Travel Agents Association.
