The short version: Thai ordinary passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days per stay (no more than 90 days in any 180-day period) under the China–Thailand mutual visa exemption, in force since 1 March 2024 and confirmed still valid by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand on 2 September 2026. Bangkok–Kunming nonstop flights are scheduled on some timetables — check airline websites for current options; from Chiang Mai or Phuket, connect via Bangkok. For a first visit, allow 7 days and 6 nights on the classic Kunming–Dali–Lijiang–Shangri-La route. As a rough reference, private trips start from ¥1,880 per person, with the final quotation depending on your dates, group size, rooms and service scope; inclusions, quantities and per-item amounts are confirmed in the final written quotation. Children's charges, insurance, single supplements, and the payment, amendment, cancellation and refund terms are itemised before you confirm a booking. Read on for visas, flights, itinerary, costs and practical details.
1. Visa: 30 days visa-free per stay
Under the China–Thailand mutual visa exemption agreement (effective 1 March 2024): Thai citizens holding valid ordinary passports can enter China for tourism, family visits or business without applying for a visa — up to 30 days per stay, no more than 90 days in any 180-day period.
Two reminders: ① stays beyond 30 days, or entry for work, study, journalism, residence or other activities requiring prior approval, still need the corresponding visa; ② keep comfortable passport validity beyond your return date. Visa policy follows the official rules — reconfirm before you fly (policy checked 28 Sep 2026).
2. Flights: Bangkok–Kunming, then connect onward
- Bangkok (BKK) → Kunming (KMG): nonstop flights are scheduled on some timetables; schedules vary by season — check airline websites for current options.
- Chiang Mai / Phuket: usually connect via Bangkok; allow a comfortable connection buffer and check whether the through-ticket covers checked luggage to Kunming.
- Booking tip: flight times differ by carrier; budget and full-service airlines' baggage allowances and change rules differ a lot — compare when booking.
3. Itinerary: 7 days 6 nights on the classic route
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming. Rest and acclimatise; an evening walk around Green Lake is enough.
Day 2: Kunming → Dali by high-speed train (about 2 hours). Dali Old Town in the afternoon.
Day 3: Erhai Lake loop — Xizhou, Zhoucheng and lakeside stops; pick the stops that fit together rather than circling the whole lake.
Day 4: Dali → Lijiang (train or private car). Lijiang Old Town in the evening.
Day 5: Lijiang → Shangri-La (about 3,300 m altitude — slow down, drink water, keep the day light).
Day 6: Shangri-La sights (Songzanlin Monastery, Dukezong Old Town), then return to Lijiang.
Day 7: Depart from Lijiang or Kunming, working backwards from your flight.
Only have 5 days? Do Dali + Lijiang only and leave Shangri-La for next time — rushing altitude into a short trip is how altitude sickness happens.
4. Practical details: payment, SIM, train tickets
Payment: link an accepted overseas bank card inside the Alipay or WeChat Pay app and pay by QR code across Yunnan; supported card ranges change — follow the in-app instructions and test a small payment from home. Carry a little RMB cash for street food and markets.
SIM card: bring your passport to a carrier's own service hall for real-name registration (a foreign passport is an accepted ID under MIIT Order No. 25); plans and prices are as advised in store. Alternatively, buy a China travel data SIM before departure or roam on your home number. Mainland eSIM support varies by device and carrier policy — confirm with your carrier before you fly.
Train tickets: register with your passport on the 12306 app/website (English version available) and complete verification a few days before you fly, or buy at staffed station counters — self-service machines read foreign passports inconsistently. With e-tickets, show your passport at the manual gate. Kunming–Dali takes about 2 hours; book popular departures early.
Full details: practical guide for foreign visitors to Yunnan.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: Do Thai citizens need a visa to visit Yunnan? How long can we stay? A: No advance visa needed. Under the mutual exemption (in force 1 March 2024), Thai ordinary passport holders can stay up to 30 days per visit for tourism, no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. Work, study, journalism or residence still need a visa. Policy checked 28 Sep 2026 — reconfirm the official rules before you fly.
Q2: Are there nonstop flights from Bangkok to Kunming? A: Nonstop flights are scheduled on some timetables; schedules vary by season — check airline websites for current options. From Chiang Mai or Phuket, connect via Bangkok.
Q3: How many days do I need for Yunnan? A: 7 days and 6 nights covers the Kunming–Dali–Lijiang–Shangri-La classic route at a comfortable pace. With only 5 days, do Dali + Lijiang and save Shangri-La for next time.
Q4: How do I pay in Yunnan? A: Link an accepted overseas bank card in Alipay or WeChat Pay and pay by QR code; follow the in-app instructions for supported cards and test before you fly. Carry a little RMB cash for markets and street food.
Q5: How do I get a Chinese SIM card? A: Bring your passport to a carrier's service hall for real-name registration; plans and prices are as advised in store. Or buy a China travel data SIM before departure, or roam on your home number.
Q6: Can I buy high-speed train tickets with a Thai passport? A: Yes — register with your passport on 12306 (English version available) and complete verification ahead of time, or buy at staffed station counters. Self-service machines read foreign passports inconsistently. With e-tickets, show your passport at the manual gate.
Travelling from Thailand? Tell us your dates and group size and we'll lay out the 7 days in one go — TripChina (chinactly.com): one group per booking, private car, pure sightseeing.
Policy checked 28 September 2026; reconfirm official rules before travel.