based on 83 reviewsThe Xishuangbanna Dai Garden is located in Menghan Town, southeast of Jinghong. It consists of five well-preserved Dai natural villages, namely Manjiang,Manchunman,MantingWhether you visit Manzha, Manga or any other village, you'll see typical Burmese-style pagodas and traditional Dai bamboo houses, immersing yourself in the rich Dai culture.
Upon entering the attraction gate, you'll first arrive at the welcome square, where you can enjoy the warm Dai ethnic dance, blessings sung in their traditional songs, and water-sprinkling rituals. Then proceed to the Manjingman ancient Buddhist temple, one of the oldest temples in Xishuangbanna with over 1,400 years of history. Inside the temple, you can offer prayers amidst the resonant chanting of scriptures.
The most significant festival for the Dai people in Xishuangbanna is the water festival. At Xishuangbanna Dai Garden, you can experience this vibrant celebration. Here, "every day is the water festival," with hundreds of people gathering around the pool, splashing water on each other to wash away dust and sins. Remember to bring a change of clothes.
Other visitors' reviews of Xishuangbanna Dai Garden
Show More ReviewsXishuangbanna | The only thing you'll never tire of is water splashing! The sightseeing bus ticket includes 4 rides. The water splashing square is 100 meters after entering the main gate, so it's recommended to leave it for last and visit the attractions first. First stop: Border Wharf You can try speedboat rides (I didn't find them exciting), the Mekong River isn't beautiful at all [laughing emoji]. Second stop: Manting Buddhist Village I go there every time. There's a four-faced Buddha at the entrance, and the large white pagoda is very photogenic. Sitting in the temple immediately calms you down. Third stop: Peacock Garden Watching the second performance is the best option, seamlessly connecting to the 3:40 PM water splashing. Fourth stop: Water Splashing Square The old square used to be very basic, but now it's moved to the entrance, super convenient, with complete facilities, and the opening ceremony has a fantastic atmosphere! The double stages are also very impressive! Essential Gear: Waterproof phone case, swimming goggles, disposable towel + underwear. I recommend renting a Dai ethnic costume for 19.9 RMB at a photography shop in the Water Splashing Square first. They also provide a free water splashing basin and slippers. The shop has lockers, which is very convenient. Then start the water splashing frenzy! Afterwards, change back into your costume and sunbathe on the nearby lawn; your hair will be dry in 10 minutes. Other Tips: 1. I personally think it's unnecessary to rush. Arrive at 1 PM, and you'll see the peacock dance performance at 2:30 PM and the water splashing at 3:40 PM. You won't miss any of the highlights! 2. There are machines at the scenic area gate that print guide maps. For 9.9 RMB, you can also DIY your own photos—a great souvenir. 3. Don't buy the water splashing basin in advance! Get one for free at the changing room entrance in the square! 4. After the water splashing ends, the food street in the square is closing up shop. You can buy three servings of fruit for 6 RMB—it's a great deal! You can also bargain at other stalls! 5. On the way back, go to the city center and have some local barbecue—it's delicious!