For most road travellers who prefer to drive from Kunming directly to Thailand, the Kunming-Bangkok highway is so familiar as it's the main road connecting many famous destinations of Yunnan Province, Laos, and Thailand. 

The highway runs through the tropical area in the south of Yunnan

Starting from Kunming as the northern end of the highway, the road tour goes through Yuxi, Pu'er, and Jinghong of Yunnan. This part of China is one of the most exuberant and beautiful areas with tropical landscapes, tea plantations and different ethnic customs. Kunming is the important stop for the road travellers, as much can be experienced and travellers like to stay couple days relaxing in the metropolis which is known not only in Yunnan but also nearly in the SW China and S and SE Asia. 

The UNESCO site, Luang Prabang, Laos

After the Houayxay Bridge on the highway was completed in December 2012, the cross border driving tours have gotten much more popular. Plus the closer operation between countries, it is totally the favourite route of many international travellers. 

The UNESCO site, the Plain of Jars, Laos

710 km from Kunming is the Mohan port of China where international travellers enter/exit China from/to Laos. The counterpart port of Laos is Boten where you can choose to go ahead along the Road No.13 to Laos’ UNESCO sites Luang Prabang and the Plain of Jars or go ahead to Chiang Khong of Thailand via Houayxay of Laos, followed by the discovery further to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and finally access to Bangkok. 

A Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Two options for Yunnan, Laos and Thailand
(1)-Kunming-Yuxi-Pu'er-Xishuangbanna-Boten (Laos)- Luang Prabang- Xieng Khouang (Plain of Jars)- Vang Vieng-Vientiane
(2)-Kunming-Yuxi-Pu'er-Xishuangbanna-Boten (Laos)- Oudom Xai- Chiang Khong (Thailand)- Chiang Rai- Chiang Mai- Bangkok

Part of the map

Entering China via Mohan from Laos, a night in Xishuangbanna and you can explore northwards to the hottest destinations of Yunnan including Pu'er, Yuxi, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La. If you get started in Kunming, for any visa info you can visit the FAQs: Consulate-Generals in Kunming.