At the junction of China, Laos, and Myanmar, Mengla County in Xishuangbanna is worth visiting again!

At the southernmost tip of Yunnan, there is a small town hidden in the tropical rainforest—Mengla County. Here, you can experience rich Dai ethnic customs, see endless tropical rainforest scenery 🌴, and enjoy a variety of mouthwatering delicacies. Today, I’m sharing a super detailed travel guide for Mengla County, so be sure to save it!

🎈Attractions

1. Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences: The largest botanical garden in Asia, with 38 specialized plant zones. Walking through it feels like entering the Land of Oz, where you can see magical plants like the dancing grass and giant water lilies.
📍Address: Menglun Town, Mengla County
🎫Tickets: 104 RMB; West Zone shuttle bus 50 RMB; whole garden 100 RMB
⏰Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

2. Wantian Tree Scenic Area: Experience the thrilling “Canopy Walkway” and challenge your courage. You can also take a boat ride on the Nanla River to enjoy the tropical rainforest scenery on both sides, and if you’re lucky, spot rare animals and plants.
📍Address: Bubang Village, Mengla County
🎫Tickets: 75 RMB; Canopy Walkway 120 RMB; Boat ride 40 RMB
⏰Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

3. Mengyuan Wonderland: Home to a rare tropical rainforest karst cave cluster with diverse stalactite formations and the mysterious Baojiao Niu culture. You can embark on a rainforest trek to explore the secrets of nature.
📍Address: Mengyuan Village, Guanlei Town, Mengla County
🎫Tickets: 50 RMB; Rainforest trek starting at 298 RMB
⏰Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

4. Nanla River Starlight Night Market: A lively night market full of local flavor, offering various specialty snacks and handicrafts. Come here at night to stroll and experience local life.
📍Address: Along the Nanla River, Mengla County
🎫Tickets: Free
⏰Opening hours: 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM next day

🍱Food

1. Dai Cuisine: Lemongrass grilled fish with crispy skin and tender meat, paired with unique spices for an amazing taste; pineapple rice, sweet and soft with the aroma of tropical fruits in every bite; and sour and spicy Dai-style cold dishes like pounded chicken feet and pounded papaya, which are super appetizing.

2. Laotian Food: Laotian iced coffee, rich in coffee flavor with ice and condensed milk for a silky taste; Laotian hot pot with grilled meat in the center and vegetables around, served with unique dipping sauces for a special flavor.

3. Specialty Snacks: Paoluda, sweet coconut milk paired with crispy bread, incredibly satisfying in every bite; plus various tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and durian, all affordable and delicious.

🏠Accommodation

1. Menglun Town: Close to the Botanical Garden, convenient for travel, with many unique guesthouses and hotels priced between 200 - 500 RMB. Recommended is Yunmeiting Hotel, very close to the garden, with warm service and free gym and ping pong rooms.

2. Near Nanla River Starlight Night Market: You can go straight to the night market for food at night. There are many cost-effective hotels and inns priced around 100 - 300 RMB. For example, Mengla Bodu Hotel (Nanla River Starlight Night Market branch) features robot food delivery, a swimming pool, and a tea room.

3. Around Wantian Tree Scenic Area: Quiet environment to better experience the tropical rainforest atmosphere, though accommodation options are fewer and prices are higher, ranging from 300 - 800 RMB. Huazhu · Yaozu Mama’s Guesthouse (Xishuangbanna Wantian Tree Scenic Area branch) is a nice guesthouse, a peaceful paradise with river view rooms available.

🚗Transportation

1. External Transport: You can first arrive at Jinghong City in Xishuangbanna, then transfer to Mengla County. There are buses and bullet trains from Jinghong to Mengla; the bullet train takes about 48 minutes and costs 43 RMB, making it more convenient and faster.

2. Internal Transport: Taxis are very convenient within the county. To get to nearby attractions, you can take shuttle buses at the bus station or book direct buses on platforms like Trip.com. Renting a car for self-driving is also an option for more flexible timing.

💣Tips to Avoid Problems

1. Be cautious when buying some overpriced souvenirs and specialties inside scenic areas, as quality varies. It’s better to shop at local farmers’ markets where prices are more reasonable and quality is guaranteed.

2. When participating in outdoor activities like rainforest trekking, always choose a reputable travel agency or club, follow the professional guide’s instructions, do not leave the group on your own, and pay attention to safety.

3. Mengla’s climate is hot and humid with many mosquitoes. Remember to bring mosquito repellent and take preventive measures to avoid getting bitten.