Banna is not recommended in February. I went there because of a song.
“Xishuangbanna, the bamboo under the moonlight, gentle and beautiful like green mist...” 🎶 Ever since I heard the song “There is a Beautiful Place”, Xishuangbanna has been my dream destination. This February, I finally set foot on this magical land and was deeply impressed by its unique charm! Here is my travel guide for you👇
Transportation Guide
✈️By air: Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport has many routes, and many cities have direct flights. After arriving at the airport, you can take a taxi or airport bus to the city center.
🚌By bus: You can take a long-distance bus from nearby cities, but the journey may be long, so be prepared in advance.
🚕Transportation in the city: It is easy to take a taxi in the city. You can charter a car or join a day tour to visit nearby attractions. If you want to explore the streets and alleys freely, renting a scooter 🛵 is also a great choice, and you can stop at any time to experience the local life.
Detailed Travel Route
🗺Day 1: Manting Park - Starlight Night Market
Morning: Visit Manting Park, which was once the royal garden of the Dai King and is full of Dai ethnic style. Walking in the park is like traveling back in time, where you can see various exquisite Dai-style buildings and lush tropical plants🌴.
Noon: Enjoy lemongrass grilled fish at a nearby restaurant. The tender fish with unique spices is full of Southeast Asian flavor.
Afternoon: Continue to play in Manting Park, or go to the nearby Zongfo Temple to experience the solemn Buddhist atmosphere.
Evening: Head to Starlight Night Market, which is brightly lit and bustling. There are various local snacks and handicrafts, and you can also wear beautiful Dai costumes to take photos.
🗺Day 2: Wild Elephant Valley - Tropical Rainforest Park
Morning: Go to Wild Elephant Valley, where you may see wild elephants🐘. You can also watch elephant performances and have close contact with these lovely creatures.
Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant in the scenic area and try bamboo rice, which has a unique flavor.
Afternoon: Visit Tropical Rainforest Park, where you can walk in the rainforest, breathe fresh air, enjoy various rare tropical plants and animals, and feel the magic of nature.
🗺Day 3: Dai Ethnic Garden - Return
Morning: Go to Dai Ethnic Garden to experience the joy of the Water Splashing Festival (if there are performances), visit Dai bamboo houses, and learn about the traditional culture and customs of the Dai people.
Noon: Have lunch near Dai Ethnic Garden and try Dai cuisine, such as sour bamboo shoots fried beef, which is sour, spicy, and appetizing.
Afternoon: Pack your luggage and return with beautiful memories.
9 Must-visit Attractions
Manting Park: A royal garden full of Dai ethnic style, perfect for taking photos.
Starlight Night Market: A paradise for food and handicrafts.
Zongfo Temple: A solemn place to experience Buddhist culture.
Wild Elephant Valley: Have close contact with wild elephants.
Tropical Rainforest Park: Explore the tropical rainforest.
Dai Ethnic Garden: Experience Dai culture and the joy of the Water Splashing Festival.
Gaozhuang Xishuangjing: A street full of exotic style, with beautiful night views.
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden: A paradise for plant lovers.
Wangtianshu Scenic Area: Experience the aerial corridor and overlook the rainforest.
Local Food Recommendations
Lemongrass grilled fish: Tender fish with unique spices.
Bamboo rice: Fragrant rice with a soft and glutinous texture.
Sour bamboo shoots fried beef: Sour, spicy, and appetizing.
Dai barbecue: Various special ingredients with unique flavors.
Pineapple rice: Sweet and delicious with a fruity aroma.
Lao iced coffee: Rich and refreshing.
Accommodation Recommendations
🏨Near Gaozhuang Xishuangjing: Convenient transportation, with many restaurants and night markets nearby. For example, Sheraton Grand Xishuangbanna Hotel, with a good environment and thoughtful service.
🏨Near Water Splashing Square: Superior location, where you can better experience the local life. Some homestays have a high cost-performance ratio and offer local-style accommodation.
Travel Tips
The temperature in Xishuangbanna is high in February, so be sure to take sun protection measures, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats🕶.
When playing in Wild Elephant Valley, follow the instructions of the staff and do not feed the elephants at will.
Starlight Night Market is crowded, so take care of your personal belongings.
When trying Dai cuisine, some dishes may have unique flavors. If you can't eat spicy food, tell the owner in advance.
You can buy tickets online in advance to save time.