North of Myanmar and Laos, Xishuangbanna (西双版纳, Xīshuāngbǎnnà) is the Chinese approximation of the original Thai name of Sip Sawng Panna (12 Rice-Growing Districts). Better known as Bǎnnà, the area has become China’s mini-Thailand, attracting tourists looking for sunshine, water-splashing festivals and jungle treks. Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, as it is known officially, is subdivided into the three counties of Jinghong, Menghai and Mengla.
Glimpse authentic rural life at the weekly markets
A trip to Xishuangbanna's market towns is no stop at the local corner store – the most remote hill town markets draw locals from up to a day's walk away, and for tourists this is one of the most authentic ways to get a glimpse of rural life in Xishuangbanna outside of the tourism developments. The Thursday market in Xiding and Sunday market in Menghun are two of the favorites, but ask around for others to get way off the beaten track.
