Xishuangbanna - new visa-free destination for Vietnamese visitors

Xishuangbanna is a major tourist center of Yunnan province, with a tropical climate and many Thai cultural characteristics.

Xishuangbanna is a Dai Autonomous Prefecture in southwestern Yunnan Province, bordering Laos and Myanmar. It is one of the two tourist centers of Yunnan Province, along with Kunming City. The autonomous prefecture is known as a "miniature Thailand" and is a cultural bridge between China and Southeast Asia.

Xishuangbanna is divided into three administrative units, including a county-level city, Jinghong, located on the banks of the Mekong River (Lancang River), and two townships, Menghai and Mengla. The terrain is lower than most of Yunnan Province (from 800 to 2,500 m), with low mountains accounting for 95% and valleys the rest.

Manting Park in Xishuangbanna. Photo: CFP

The emerging destination in Yunnan has a tropical climate, with seasonal temperatures ranging from 10 to 35 degrees Celsius, and no typhoons. The best time to visit is from October to June. The remaining months are the rainy season.

The accommodation system in Xishuangbanna is rich, with a variety of motels, hotels, homestays to high-class resorts.

Xishuangbanna is on Lonely Planet's list of best destinations for 2022. It was also the setting for the 1986 Journey to the West and the film The Jade Rabbit.

Xishuangbanna has exempted visas for Vietnamese visitors since February 10, provided that visitors take charter flights. If they travel by land or transit at another airport in mainland China, they still need to apply for a visa. The nearest airport to Xishuangbanna with flights from Vietnam is Kunming.

Coming to this Thai autonomous prefecture in Yunnan, tourists can visit many places and have experiences suggested by Lonely Planet below:

Water Festival

This is the New Year festival of the Dai ethnic minority, the largest community in Xishuangbanna, and is also a “must-try” experience. The festival takes place from April 13 to 15 (coinciding with the Thai New Year, Songkran). Locals and tourists have fun with guns, water cans, and anything that can hold water, and splash it on each other, with the intention of washing away the bad luck and misfortune of the old year and starting the new year.

New Year Festival in Xishuangbanna. Photo: CFP

Experience Jinghong Night Market

There’s no better place to sample authentic Dai street food than Jinghong Night Market, located on the Mekong River, under the lights of newly built temples and golden pagodas. Whether you’re just strolling along the river or shopping for handicrafts, it’s the perfect place to end a day in the city.

Visit Jinghong Tropical Flower and Plant Garden

There are over 1,000 species of tropical flowers and plants in the district’s central flower garden. There are detailed signs and reference information for botanists and visitors to explore in depth. The flower garden is also a daily stroll spot for local people.

Enjoy local tea and coffee

Tea lovers should try Pu'er, a fermented tea grown and processed in and around Xishuangbanna. Visitors can also visit the tea plantations and sample the tea on the spot. The Arabica coffee here was originally brought by French missionaries and is now grown and processed in the region.

Cruise on the Mekong River

Travel agencies offer Mekong River cruises for tourists, departing from Jinghong. Large groups can book private tours with food and music on small and large boats. This cruise is also an ideal place to watch the sunset.

Visit Dai ancient temple

The ancient Dai temples still visited by the local community are the Bat Giac Temple in Tinh Tran (built in 1701) and the Mang Trang Tower of Dai Mong Long (dating from 1204). These are works of Dai Buddhism. Lucky visitors will have the opportunity to interact with the monks.

Enjoy Dai cuisine

Dai cuisine is spicy and sour, more similar to Laos and Thailand than other parts of China. Chili and lemongrass sauces combined with lime juice and herbs add flavor to each dish. Located in a tropical climate, visitors can enjoy fruits such as coconut, papaya, pineapple, orange.

Ecological gardens. Photo: CFP

Stroll around the Royal Gardens

Built nearly 1,300 years ago as a recreational garden for the Dai royal family, the 65-hectare Manting Park on the outskirts of Jinghong is now open to visitors. Its manicured gardens and traditional buildings make for a pleasant visit.

Visit the rainforest in Sanchahe Nature Reserve

The Sanchahe Nature Reserve covers over 1.5 million hectares, offering endless space to experience the wild Banna rainforest. Visitors can also visit Elephant Valley, where animal experiences are strictly managed.

Shop local fashion

Dai women's fashion is characterized by brightly colored skirts and sarongs, silver belts, and elaborate headdresses decorated with coins and jewelry, and fresh flowers. Other costumes include striped ao dai and black skirts. These can be purchased at the fairs and shops in Jinghong.

According to vnexpress.net

Source: https://baohanam.com.vn/du-lich/tay-song-ban-nap-diem-moi-mien-visa-cho-khach-viet-147843.html