6 Days 5 Nights Trip to Xishuangbanna: Save Money and Worry Less

This winter, you must come to Xishuangbanna to experience exotic charm! Tropical rainforests, Buddhist culture, and Dai ethnic customs are all super photogenic. Follow my 4 days 3 nights itinerary, and you definitely won’t go wrong~

🌴 Itinerary
DAY 1: Gozhuang Xishuangjing → Great Golden Pagoda → Starlight Night Market
· Gozhuang Xishuangjing is a must-visit popular spot in Xishuangbanna, filled with Thai-style architecture, every shot looks like a masterpiece
· The Great Golden Pagoda is inside Gozhuang, be sure to wear Dai costume for photos
· It’s recommended to visit the Starlight Night Market after 7 PM, it’s brightly lit and very beautiful, don’t forget to try the pounded chicken feet

DAY 2: Manting Park → Mengle Temple
· Manting Park is the Dai king’s backyard garden, riding elephants and feeding parrots is super fun
· Mengle Temple is inside the park, with magnificent and unique golden architecture
· Recommended to go to Manting Park around 5 PM to watch the sunset

DAY 3: Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden → Dai Ethnic Garden
· Set off early to the Chinese Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden to see water lilies and giant lotus leaves
· In the afternoon, go to Dai Ethnic Garden to experience the Water Splashing Festival, remember to bring a change of clothes

DAY 4: Wild Elephant Valley → Return trip
· Go to Wild Elephant Valley early in the morning before it gets hot, if lucky you can see wild elephants

🍍 Food tips:
1. Wan Thai Lao Coffee in Gozhuang is super delicious
2. Local fruits are cheap and sweet, be sure to try the small pineapples
3. Dai-style barbecue tastes better than the night market, recommended dish: oil-fried beef heart tubes

🚗 Transportation tips:
· You can rent a car between attractions, 200-300 RMB/day
· Shared electric scooters are very convenient for getting around Gozhuang