- Highlights
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Inclusions/Exclusions
- Important Info
Highlights
Discover the natural wonders to be found in Yunnan when you visit Xishuangbanna, the window to a different China. Located in China’s south west, and with a rich diversity in culture and people, Xishuangbanna has a reputation for idyllic natural rainforests, rare plant species, and exotic animals. It is also home to the colorful and amiable Dai community and on this 4 day tour, you will have the chance to connect with plants, people, and animals. Start your natural wonders adventure exploring local highlights, the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden and Manting Park. Both offer nature lovers the chance to see collections of rare plant species that support research and sustainability in the region and internationally. More natural wonders await on day 3 when you visit Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park, where you’ll have the chance to attractions that showcase Dai culture, animal diversity, and much more. The highlight of the day is seeing the wild Asian elephants and other animals which are protected and supported at Wild Elephant Valley. Have your camera ready to capture beautiful travel memories here. Inclusive of all accommodation and transfers, daily breakfasts, a friendly English speaking guide who cares about your travel experience, and a rare opportunity to discover a different China, this tour can be taken on its own or booked in conjunction with other tours anywhere within China or Indochina. Ready to fly? Let’s book you in!
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Xishuangbanna
Your tour starts on arrival at the airport or train station in Xishuangbanna. Immediately feel the warmth and friendliness the Dai people are famous for when you are greeted by your local Xishuangbanna guide. Together you will make your way to the hotel for check in, while on the way taking in the sights and sounds of this city which is vastly different to anywhere else in China. Enjoy the rest of the day, resting at the hotel or exploring in Xishuangbanna. Be sure to ask your guide about sights to see and the best dining options in and around the hotel.
Meals included: None
Day 2 – Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden – Manting Park
Following breakfast, your guide will collect you from the hotel to commence today’s itinerary with a visit to Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden. A large park of some 1,125 hectares, the gardens form part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ research base, which is home to an abundant collection of tropical plants that includes 13,000 species. The Academy has gained an international reputation, and forged many links, with other research bodies around the world, making it an important contributor to research. Wander through the grounds and appreciate the waterlily covered ponds, as well as the unique and rare plants that are cultivated here, while also gaining an appreciation of the ecological and sustainability research conducted here.
Return to the city centre to visit Manting Park, which was the Dai Kingdom royal garden for 1,300 years. Covering 24,000 square meters, this natural village style park also showcases a rich diversity of plant species, including more than 500 beautifully preserved ancient Senna siamea (cassia) trees. Depending on time, there may be an opportunity to observe and enjoy displays of local folk culture, traditional entertainment, and animal shows, a variety of which are held in the park each day. You will be returned to the hotel in the afternoon after your day exploring the beautiful natural wonders of this unusual corner of China.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 – Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park – Wild Elephant Valley
Your adventure in nature today commences with a visit to beautiful Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park, where you’ll have the chance to wander through and admire the various attractions that showcase Dai culture, a diversity of animals, and much more. Enjoy the rainforest – a natural ‘oxygen bar’ – which offers over 98 percent tree coverage. From here, move onto Wild Elephant Valley, which is home to between 70 and 100 elephants living in the protected habitat provided by the Mengyang Nature Reserve. Learn about the efforts to support, breed, and protect the wild Asian elephants that live here. As you move through the jungle, you may be lucky enough to encounter the elephants in close proximity, along with other species, such as monkeys and peacocks. Appreciate how the park allows the animals to enjoy their natural habitat while also giving visitors the chance to observe them up close. Following your day in nature, you will be returned to the hotel. Adventurers can step out and enjoy the Gaozhuang night market, which is popular with locals and travelers alike. Set against the stunning backdrop of the brightly lit Golden Pagoda, the market is the perfect way to wrap up the day, with its offering of street food, restaurants, and stalls selling mementos. Be sure to ask your guide for tips on the best places to eat and buy!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 – Depart Xishuangbanna
Following breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will be escorted by your guide and driver to the airport for travel to your next destination.
Meals included: Breakfast
Travel note: We love helping our customers make the most of their available travel time. Need assistance planning your next destination? We can help. With a network that spans across China, we can take care of every detail and arrange your departure train or flight from Xishuangbanna – or anywhere else while you’re in China. (A surcharge will apply).
Accommodation
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions
- Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities specified
- 4 Star or 5 Star hotel accommodation with breakfast based on double/twin occupancy as specified
- Meals: as specified in the itinerary
- Excellent professional English-speaking guide
- Ground transport in an airconditioned vehicle with licensed driver as specified
- Travel agency liability insurance during the tour
- Government taxes and fees.
Exclusions
- International/domestic flights and trains to/from Xishuangbanna
- China visa
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of personal nature
- Meals: lunches and dinner are excluded allowing you flexibility around meal choices. Your guide can make recommendations and order for you, if required.
- Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances.
Important Information
- This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. No other travelers will join you. It’s always available for your schedule!
- Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown above are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival etc.).
Joy was an absolute Joy
