Xishuangbanna is in the deep south of Yunnan, bordering
Laos and Burma (Myanmar). We visited Jinghong - the main town in the region
(see map below) as well as the small town of Menglun, half a days drive
eastwards. Jinghong is about 3 hours from Simao by bus.
Our first stopover was the Xishuangbanna Tropical Gardens at Menglun.
The bus dropped us in town and we had a long and steamy walk through the
gardens to our hotel, accessed by this pedestrian suspension bridge (L)
over the river (a tributary of the Mekong/Lancang). We later learned of
another entrance accessible by taxi! The team break their hectic schedule for
a photo: Elspeth; Alex; Lesley; Freda; Katie; Edie.
Edie developed an unhealthy attraction to this coconut (L) - later it was
mysteriously 'lost'; Edie and Freda at the lake (C) - Freda with Canna Lily
sprouting from scalp; Freda in 'Chinese Tourist' mode (R)
Three views of the Gardens
After a night in Menglun we hopped on another bus to Jinghong. Lesley
haggled us a good rate at the Crown Hotel (L). Later we visited the Manting
Temple - one of our favourite spots in the town. We stayed in Jinghong for
just over 24hours and Ali managed 3 visits to the MeiMei cafe for
hamburger/chips.
Two views of the Dai Buddhist Manting Temple.
We had visited Jinghong previously, in the Spring Festival Holiday
2006. Click here to
see our photos from that trip.
LEAF-go-VSO
