nuts said:
Thanks for sharing the pics dotti.
Did you use/book a local guide (in Kunming) or did you book from Sg agency?
What abt you Pro Image?
If any of you booked from Kunming, and the guide/agency is good, can pass me the contact? Thanks!
Nah for me was on assignment. My client brought me around. So it was easy for me. I just booked an air ticket and 4 hours later I am Kunming. I advise you to booked Silk Air as it's a direct flight plus it's cheaper. Now it's low season. Should be selling about SGD$500 plus includes airport tax.
There are too many guides and agency over there. You need to buy their local newspaper as they have a couple of hundred of different tour agency which specialized in different local tours. Do not pay them any money until the day you board their local coach. This is my advice to you.
Yunnan province itself is huge! All the beautiful places is at least half a day to nearly a day's trip from Kunming. They have a place called Stone Forest. Bus ride takes up about 3 hours from Kunming.
And then they have another place call The Nationality Village which is about 45 mins away from the city by bus. The place itself it's huge. About 2-3 times the size of Sentosa Island. That will take you whole day.
Kunming city itself is also huge. You need at least 2-3 days to cover. Green Lake is a must. Weather in Kunming now is about 22-27 during the day and about 15-18 during the night. So take a jacket with you.
If you are thinking of going to Shangri-La, I would suggest you fly from Kunming. It's a super long ride by bus from Kunming. Local air fare from Kunming to Shangri-La is about RMB600 (around SGD 130 one way). Shangri-La however is really cold so you need a wind breaker. It's about 14-18 during the day but drops down to 5-10 at night.
The Yu Long Snow Mountain is a must to go as well. It's on the way from Lijiang. Either a cable car ride will take you there but if you love the scenic route, try the horse ride. It's cold as well as you reach the top. Wind breaker is a must as it's snowing.
Before you go Lijiang, you might want to stop over at Dali city as it's half way to Lijiang. It's a big but quiet city. Lijiang it's a very beautiful place to stay and take photos. Plenty of tourist though.....Dali and Lijiang weather is about 16-24 from day to night.
If you are really interested to go over for a short trip, I will call up my friends over there so they can sort of guide you on how to go about. (That's if you trust me and my friends! Hehe....)
As usual, all major cities around are bound to have pick pockets. So dun bring too much money when you go out. Small change is better. Don't bother carrying your credit card as it's only meant for major shopping malls. The price is sometimes more ex than in Singapore if you go to shopping malls to buy stuff. So stay clear from there.
Kunming people love spicy food. So be prepare if you have a weak stomach. Wild Mushroom Steamboat is a must to go but make sure is really cook or else you will see stars later as some wild mushroom is a little poisonous if not properly cook. Try to steer clear from street food as it's really dirty. Go to cafes or restaurants as it's not that ex. Don't bother about seafood as they do not really have much sea water fish or prawn.
You can ask Blurblock for more info as he just came back from Kunming 2 weeks ago.
