Menghai Town of Menghai County in XishuangBanna
Menghai Town (勐海镇) is located in the central-eastern part of Menghai County (勐海县). It borders Mengsong Township (勐宋乡) to the east, Gelanghe Hani Ethnic Township (格朗和哈尼族乡) to the southeast, Menghun Town (勐混镇) to the southwest, Mengzhe Town (勐遮镇) and Mengman Town (勐满镇) to the west, and Menga Town (勐阿镇) to the north. The total area under its jurisdiction is 365.38 square kilometers.
History and Culture
Menghai Town (勐海镇) has a long history. In the Dai language, “Menghai” means “a place where the brave reside.” During the Republic of China period, it was the seat of the 3rd Administrative Sub-bureau of the Sipu Border Administrative Headquarters and the county seat of Fohai County (now Menghai County). The town was first established in 1930 under the name Menghai Town. In 1946, it was renamed Xiangshan Town (象山镇), then renamed Dongfeng Town (东风镇) in 1966, and reverted to Xiangshan Town in 1975. In 2002, Xiangshan Town was merged with Menghai Township (勐海乡) to form the current Menghai Town.
Local Customs
Menghai Town is home to many ethnic minorities, including the Dai (傣族), Hani (哈尼族), Lahu (拉祜族), and Blang (布朗族) peoples. Each ethnic group retains its traditional customs and ways of life. Visitors can experience unique festivals such as the Dai “Water Splashing Festival” (泼水节), the Hani “Gatangpa Festival” (嘎汤帕节), and the Lahu “Lahu Kuota Festival” (拉祜扩节).
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Menghai Town enjoys a tropical and subtropical southwest monsoon climate, characterized by mild winters, moderate summers, abundant heat and rainfall, and distinct wet and dry seasons. The annual average temperature is 18.5°C, with an annual precipitation of around 1,340 mm. The rainy season is mainly from May to October. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is cool and ideal for outdoor activities.
Recommended Attractions and Visiting Times
Shuibaita
Located 4.5 km northeast of the former Menghai Township government site, this Buddhist pagoda was built in 1455 AD and marks a site where Sakyamuni is said to have traveled. It features a multi-gourd layered structure.
Suggested visiting time: 1–2 hours.
Mengwengmanbie Temple
Built in Dai calendar year 1202 (AD 1840), it is the only ancient Dai Buddhist temple in the region with historical inscriptions and founding records. The temple is significant for the study of Dai temple architecture and culture.
Suggested visiting time: 1–2 hours.
Manban Village
Located 2 kilometers east of Menghai County seat, it is a provincial-level tourist village.
Suggested visiting time: 1–2 hours.
Transportation
By Car:
From Kunming (昆明), take the Kunming-Mohan Expressway (昆磨高速) to Jinghong City (景洪市), then continue on to Menghai County. The total journey is about 500 km and takes around 6 hours.
By Public Transport:
First travel to Jinghong City (景洪市), then transfer to a long-distance bus to Menghai County (勐海县).
Local Cuisine
The local cuisine in Menghai Town is dominated by Dai dishes. Recommended specialties include:
- Dai-style BBQ: Lemongrass grilled fish, roasted suckling pig
- Bamboo Rice: Rice steamed in bamboo tubes, with a fragrant bamboo aroma
Shopping
Local specialties such as Pu’er tea (普洱茶) and handmade crafts can be purchased at local markets.
Accommodation
There are a limited number of guesthouses and homestays in Menghai Town, offering basic facilities. For more comfortable lodging, hotels in Jinghong City (景洪市) or central Menghai County (勐海县) are recommended.
Travel Tips
- Respect local ethnic customs, especially when visiting temples and villages.
- When exploring mountainous areas, protect yourself from insect bites by bringing appropriate gear.
- Observe all border regulations while visiting the area and avoid crossing the border without permission.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in Menghai Town, check into a homestay, and visit Shuibaita (水白塔) to experience the rich Buddhist heritage.
Day 2:
Visit Mengwengmanbie Temple (勐翁曼别佛寺) to learn about Dai temple architecture and culture, then head to Manban Village (曼板村) to explore local ethnic traditions.
Day 3:
Shop for local specialties at the market, then conclude your trip.
Menghai Town (勐海镇) is a charming destination offering both natural beauty and rich ethnic culture. Here, you can soak in the borderland atmosphere and experience the traditional lifestyles of multiple ethnic groups. We hope you have a memorable journey in Menghai Town.
