If you come to Xishuangbanna as just an ordinary tourist destination, you will most likely miss its true soul.
This oasis on the Tropic of Cancer has so many corners worth exploring in depth.
In order to prevent you from missing any highlights, we have sorted out a high-quality tour route for you. This route is combined with core attractions and special experience projects, so that you can enjoy this magical land like a local.
Premium travel route: three days and two nights, from the rainforest to the Lancang River
There is such a rhythm, that is, from the easy aspect to the difficult aspect, from the natural level to the humanistic level, the route design is followed, taking into account the depth of experience and comfort.
Day 1: Exploring the tropical plant kingdom and experiencing the Dai customs
Morning (Tropical Botanical Garden) : The first stop is the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences .
This is not an ordinary park, but a botanical garden, which is the largest in China and has the richest plant diversity.
We can come up with this suggestion, take a battery car to visit, focus on checking in the palm garden, and then check in the exotic flower garden. This place is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
There will be a professional tour guide who will tell you which plants are edible and which plants are "pretenders". The immersive experience is extremely strong.
Afternoon and evening (Dai Nationality Garden) : Go to Dai Nationality Garden in the afternoon.
It consists of five well-preserved Dai villages and is a living Dai culture museum.
Don’t just focus on the buildings, it’s the right thing to do to participate in a water-splashing carnival. There are regular water-splashing activities in the scenic area every day.
You can choose to stay in the Dai bamboo house in the park at night to experience the authentic Dai life.
Day 2: Following the tracks of wild elephants and the speed and passion on the Lancang River
Morning (Wild Elephant Valley) : Get up early and head to Wild Elephant Valley .
The high-altitude elephant viewing boardwalk here is the safest and most effective way to observe wild Asian elephants.
Whether you can see wild elephants depends on fate, but even if you can't see them, the original tropical rainforest scenery on both sides of the plank road, as well as the occasional bison and monkeys passing by, are enough to let you appreciate the vitality of nature.
Afternoon (Lancang River Rafting) : Switch from the tranquility of the rainforest to the surging river.
Rafting on the Lancang River is the best way to experience the vitality of Banna.
Rafting is not all rapids, there are gentle sightseeing sections and exciting dynamic sections.
Ride a kayak or a speedboat to see the rainforest scenery and modern architecture on both sides of the strait from a water perspective. The angle is unique and the adrenaline rush is unforgettable.
Day 3: Relax in Manting Park and explore delicious food in the city
Morning (Manting Park) : The last day is reserved for Manting Park in the urban area.
This was once the royal garden of the King of Dai. Compared with the botanical garden, the botanical garden seems grand, but here it is a little more exquisite and beautiful.
After seeing the legendary statue called the Earth Goddess , be sure to go to the nearby place called Sobutsuji Temple . The two are connected to each other, and it will be very smooth to visit them together.
Wearing Dai clothes to take photos here has a very high production rate.
In the afternoon, if you still have time left, you can go to Peacock Lake in the city and take a walk to experience the leisurely pace of life of the locals.
Or choose a specialty rainforest coffee to end the journey leisurely.
Local food and accommodation: Banna on the tip of your tongue and a place where your body and mind rest
Must-eat food list : Banna’s food is the ultimate collision of sour and spicy food.
You must try the lemongrass grilled fish. The belly of the fish is stuffed with lemongrass and other spices, making it charred on the outside and tender on the inside. There is also pineapple purple rice, which has a sweet and glutinous texture. It is not only a staple food but also a dessert. There is also Nanmi, which is a special dipping sauce that can be used with a variety of fresh vegetables and barbecued meats. Its flavor is very unique.
The Dai-style barbecue in the night market is something not to be missed, especially the grilled pork belly and pork cheeks, which taste amazing when paired with pickled vegetable paste.
Don’t forget to try the Laos iced coffee , which comes in a big bag to relieve heat and fatigue.
Accommodation selection guide :
With the goal of pursuing quality and a sense of vacation, we make this choice, that is, choose a high-star hotel located in Gaozhuang Xishuangjing or Sunac Resort with complete facilities, including a complete swimming pool and SPA.
Super immersive cultural experience: Choose the Dai Bamboo House in the Dai Garden. Although the conditions are not as good as those of a hotel, you can really feel the living conditions of the Dai people.
In terms of cost performance and convenience, choose a boutique B&B or hotel located in Jinghong city. The surrounding facilities are mature in terms of food, drink, and entertainment, and the transportation is convenient.
Transportation plan: how to get there and how to enjoy the trip
The most convenient way is to arrive at Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport. This is an external transportation. There are many direct flights to many major cities in the country.
You can also choose the high-speed rail and take it, which runs through the China-Laos Railway and arrives at Xishuangbanna Station. It takes about 3 to 4 hours from Kunming. The scenery along the way is also extremely spectacular and beautiful.
Internal transportation :
Direct train to scenic spots : the most worry-free way.
The through trains to major scenic spots depart from Gaozhuang Xishuangjing and also from major stations in the city. They have many trains and the prices are very transparent.
Chartered car/rental car : Suitable for tourists traveling with a group of people or those who want to arrange their time flexibly.
The road conditions are good, so renting a car and driving yourself gives you the most freedom, but you need to pay attention to safety.
Online car hailing/taxi : Traveling within the city is very convenient and the price is reasonable.
Practical reference for tourists: TIPS to make travel smoother
As for the best time to travel, November to April of the following year is defined as the dry season. The climate is pleasant, so this period belongs to the traditional peak season.
The period from May to October belongs to the rainy season. Although there are mostly showers, you can experience the misty rainforest mood. Moreover, this period is also the season when a large number of fruits are on the market.
〈Must-have items〉: 〈High-power sunscreen〉 (extremely important), mosquito repellent, light and breathable summer clothes, a thin jacket for sun protection or air-conditioning protection, and a beautiful swimsuit for the hotel swimming pool.
Regarding cultural respect, when entering religious places such as temples, you must dress appropriately. You are not allowed to wear short skirts, shorts, or slippers.
When participating in splashing activities, please use clean water and respect visitors who do not want to be splashed.
Ecological protection reminds us that, as mentioned at the beginning, the magic of this land requires all of us to work together to protect it!
Do not pick plants at will, do not feed wild animals, and do not litter.
Every civilized action you take adds points to the future of this oasis.
Take this guide and set off, the rainforest and sunshine of Xishuangbanna are waiting for you.
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