XishuangBanna Surrounding Counties and Towns: Weekly & Special Local Markets Travel Guide

Xishuangbanna (西双版纳) is renowned for its diverse ethnic cultures, vibrant landscapes, and, of course, its colorful local markets. Known as “Gai Bai” (赶摆) in the Dai language, these markets are not just a place to buy goods—they are an immersive experience where visitors can enjoy traditional food, purchase ethnic handicrafts, and witness the unique customs of the local communities. These markets are especially popular in autumn, when the region enjoys off-peak tourism.

Whether you’re planning to visit Xishuangbanna (西双版纳) or you’re already there, attending one of these traditional markets is a must. Below is your complete guide to the Xishuangbanna Weekly & Special Local Markets, where you can explore the culture, food, and lifestyle of the region.

Xishuangbanna Jinghong (景洪市) County Market Schedule

Xishuangbanna’s capital, Jinghong (景洪市), and its surrounding counties host a range of weekly and special markets. Below is the complete list, including the dates, locations, and highlights of each market.

1. Periodic Gai Bai (赶摆) Markets

2. Daily Gai Bai Markets

3. Special Gai Bai Events

Menghai County (勐海县) Local Markets Schedule

Menghai County (勐海县) is home to several weekly and special markets that attract both locals and tourists. These markets are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the traditional lifestyle of the ethnic groups living in the region.

Periodic Gai Bai Markets

Special Gai Bai Events

Latest Adjustments

• Mengzhe Town Qixi Festival Market (勐遮镇七夕集市): New “Love Heart” free stalls added from 2025.

• Nanuo Mountain Market (南糯山集市): In 2025, two successful events were held, with an indirect income exceeding 100,000 RMB.

Additional Information

• Traffic Alert: Menghun Town Market (勐混镇集市) is most crowded in the morning, and some vendors may close in the afternoon.

• Lunar Calendar Activities: Some markets are based on the lunar calendar (e.g., Guanlei Town Harvest Festival), so make sure to confirm the dates in advance.

Featured Local Markets in Menghai County (勐海县)

1. Gelanghe Township Nanuo Mountain Village Market (格朗合乡南糯山村特色集市)

• Time: Every morning from 8:00 AM

• Location: Tianqiao, Nanuo Mountain Village (南糯山村)

• Highlights: A bustling market featuring a variety of delicious Hani ethnic foods, unique mountain goods, fragrant ecological tea, and ethnic cultural crafts. It’s a great place to experience a lively mountain market atmosphere, taste local food, and explore Hani customs.

2. Meng’a Town Market (勐阿镇)

• Time: Every Sunday

• Location: Meng’a Town Market Street (勐阿镇集市街道)

• Highlights: The market offers a rich display of ethnic products and food, with beautiful handmade crafts and traditional snacks. This is a perfect place to experience the charm of Xishuangbanna’s ethnic cultures.

3. Menghun Town Market (勐混镇)

• Time: Every Saturday

• Location: Main Street, Menghun Town (勐混镇)

• Highlights: Menghun Market is a great place to find fresh vegetables, fruits, wild herbs, and pickled vegetables. A must-try here is the authentic Menghun Sapie Mi Xian (勐混撒撇米线), a popular local noodle dish served with freshly sliced beef.

4. Menghun Town Hekai Village Cloud Market (勐混镇贺开村云端集市)

• Time: Open year-round

• Location: Hekai Village, Menghun Town (勐混镇贺开村)

• Highlights: Hekai Village is known for its ancient tea gardens and the unique Lahu ethnic culture. The Cloud Market here features areas dedicated to Pu’er tea exhibitions, traditional craft displays, local snacks, and live-streaming for agricultural products. Visitors can also enjoy the ancient tea aroma while learning about the Lahu ethnic customs.

5. Mengwang Township Market (勐往乡)

• Time: Every Sunday

• Location: Mengwang Township (勐往乡)

• Highlights: The Mengwang Township market takes place near the river, where you can enjoy a refreshing atmosphere while shopping for a variety of products such as local agricultural goods, ethnic handicrafts, and traditional clothing. It’s also an excellent place to learn about the region’s red history and enjoy beautiful rural landscapes.

Why Visit the Gai Bai Markets of Menghai County (勐海县)?

The Gai Bai markets in Menghai County (勐海县) offer a truly authentic experience of Xishuangbanna’s ethnic cultures. From the vibrant Hani (哈尼族) feasts and Pu’er tea (普洱茶) to the beautiful handmade crafts and delicious traditional foods, these markets are a perfect way to connect with the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, the markets in Menghai County (勐海县) provide something for everyone, making them an essential part of your Xishuangbanna travel experience. Be sure to check the market schedules for weekly markets, special events, and unique cultural displays to make the most of your visit!

Mengla County (勐腊县) Local Markets Schedule

Periodic Gai Bai Markets

Special Gai Bai Events

Recent Adjustments

• Nanla New District Market (南腊新区赶摆场): Starting August 16, 2025, the market will open every Saturday with new free charity stalls.

• Mengkong Town Linyun Market (勐捧镇林韵赶摆): New rice paddy “rural complex” photo experience added on August 25, 2024.

Additional Information

• Traffic Tips: Some roads may be congested on market days. It’s recommended to plan your route in advance. For Manlongle Market (曼龙勒赶摆), it’s best to arrange transport in advance with the driver (approximately 50 RMB per round trip).

• Lunar Calendar Activities: Some events are based on the lunar calendar (e.g., Guanlei Town Harvest Festival (关累镇丰收节)). Be sure to verify the dates according to the lunar calendar.

Featured Local Markets in Mengla County (勐腊县)

1. Manlongle Rainforest Market (曼龙勒雨林赶摆)

• Time: Every Saturday

• Location: Manlongle Village, Mengla Town (勐腊镇曼龙勒村)

• Highlights: Held amidst the peaceful ancient forest, the Manlongle Market offers a unique blend of traditional Dai foods such as roast chicken, stuffed fish, and barbecue, alongside a variety of handmade crafts. The ancient trees create a cool, shaded atmosphere perfect for exploring the local market while enjoying authentic ethnic foods.

2. Mofen Village Sunday Market (么粉赶摆场)

• Time: Every Sunday

• Location: Mofen Village, Mengla Town (勐腊镇)

• Highlights: The Mofen Sunday Market is a bustling hub of local life, featuring a wide variety of foods such as Dai-style grilled fish, stuffed fish, and tropical fruits. This market is a wonderful place to soak in the vibrant community atmosphere and experience the region’s unique cuisine and culture.

3. Shanglongyin “Buxiaohuang Market” (上龙茵“不消慌集市”)

• Time: Last Sunday of every month

• Location: Shanglongyin Village, near Mengla Train Station (勐腊火车站旁)

• Highlights: The name “Buxiaohuang” means “don’t rush,” reflecting the slow-paced, relaxing nature of this market. Held on the last Sunday of every month, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Here, you can find everything from Dai-style grilled fish to handmade local crafts, offering an authentic experience of slow, laid-back life in the region.

4. Mengman Town Border Market (勐满镇)

• Time: 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month

• Location: Manlie Village, Mengman Town (勐满镇)

• Highlights: The Mengman Town Border Market blends Laos-China border culture with ethnic goods. Here, visitors can explore unique Southeast Asian products such as woven tables, electric rice cookers, and hand-crafted furniture, as well as sample delicious Dai-style barbecue, sour fish, and sticky rice. This market is a cultural feast for the senses.

5. Menglun Town “Basong” Festival (勐仑镇巴颂节)

• Time: October 6, 2024 (dates to be confirmed for 2025)

• Location: Chengzi Village, Menglun Town (勐仑镇)

• Highlights: The Basong Festival is a celebration of local agricultural products and traditional Hani (哈尼族) music and dance. Held annually in Menglun Town (勐仑镇), it is an excellent opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of the Hani people (哈尼族) and enjoy locally grown tea, fruits, and other special products.

Why Visit the Gai Bai Markets in Mengla County (勐腊县)?

The Gai Bai Markets in Mengla County (勐腊县) provide a unique opportunity to experience the authentic cultures and traditions of Xishuangbanna’s diverse ethnic communities. From the delicious Dai cuisine (傣族美食) to the vibrant handmade crafts and beautiful natural surroundings, these markets offer an unforgettable way to connect with the local way of life.

Whether you’re exploring Manlongle Market (曼龙勒赶摆) amidst ancient trees or enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of Shanglongyin’s Buxiaohuang Market (上龙茵“不消慌集市”), these markets showcase the true essence of rural Xishuangbanna.