Daluo Town of Menghai County in XishuangBanna

Daluo Town (打洛镇) is located in the southwest of Menghai County (勐海县). It borders Bulangshan Bulang Ethnic Township (布朗山布朗族乡) to the east and southeast, shares a border with Myanmar to the southwest and west, with a border line of 36.5 kilometers, is adjacent to Xiding Hani and Bulang Ethnic Township (西定哈尼族布朗族乡) to the northwest, Mengzhe Town (勐遮镇) to the north, and Menghun Town (勐混镇) to the northeast. The town government is only 3 kilometers from Mongla (勐拉县), the county seat of the Fourth Special Region of Eastern Shan State in Myanmar. It is the closest inland port from China to Southeast Asian countries and the most convenient land route.

History and Culture

The name “Daluo” (打洛) means “a ferry where many ethnic groups live together” in the Dai language. Historically, it served as a hub on the southern Yunnan tea trade route and as a post station on the border trade route with Southeast Asian countries. During the Southern Song dynasty, the Dai leader Payazhen (帕雅真) took control of Mengbo (勐渤) and established the Kingdom of Jinglong Jindian (景陇金殿国), and Daluo became a tusi (土司) territory. It was officially established as a town in 1963 and approved by the State Council in 2007 as a first-class international port for passenger and cargo transport by road.

Ethnic Customs

Daluo Town (打洛镇) is home to several ethnic minorities including Dai (傣族), Bulang (布朗族), and Hani (哈尼族) people. Each group retains its traditional customs and way of life. Visitors can experience cultural festivals such as the Dai “Water Splashing Festival” (泼水节) and the Bulang “Bulangkuo Festival” (布朗扩节).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Daluo Town (打洛镇) enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with a long summer and no winter, minimal seasonal temperature variation, ample sunshine, and distinct wet and dry seasons. The average annual temperature is 21.8°C, and the average annual rainfall is 1335.5 mm. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is cool and ideal for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

One Tree Forest

Located in the development zone of Daluo Town (打洛镇), 4 km from the town government. This is a more than 200-year-old banyan tree whose aerial roots form multiple trunks, creating a forest-like scene.
Suggested visit time: 1–2 hours

Daluo Forest Park

Located at Manjing Mountain (曼景山) along the China–Myanmar border at the Daluo Port (打洛口岸), the park covers 1500 acres. It includes tropical rainforests, lookout towers, and a forest zoo.
Suggested visit time: 3–4 hours

Mengjinglai Scenic Area

Known as the “first village on the China–Myanmar border,” it offers rich ethnic culture and border landscapes.
Suggested visit time: 2–3 hours

Transportation

Self-driving

From Kunming (昆明), take the Kunming–Mohan Expressway (昆磨高速) to Jinghong City (景洪市), then proceed to Menghai County (勐海县), and onward to Daluo Town (打洛镇). The total distance is about 500 km and takes around 6 hours by car.

Public Transport

Travel first to Jinghong City (景洪市), transfer to a long-distance bus to Menghai County (勐海县), and then take a local rural bus or taxi to Daluo Town (打洛镇).

Local Cuisine

The cuisine of Daluo Town (打洛镇) is primarily Dai (傣族) style. Recommended dishes include:

  • Dai-style BBQ: Grilled lemongrass fish, roasted suckling pig, etc.
  • Bamboo Tube Rice: Rice steamed in bamboo tubes, infused with bamboo fragrance.

Shopping

Daluo offers a variety of local specialties, such as Pu’er tea (普洱茶) and handmade crafts, which can be found in local markets or the border trade area.

Accommodation

Daluo Town (打洛镇) has a limited number of homestays and guesthouses, generally with basic facilities. For better accommodation conditions, it is recommended to stay in Jinghong City (景洪市) or Menghai County (勐海县).

Travel Tips

  • Respect local ethnic customs, especially when visiting temples and villages.
  • When exploring mountainous areas, take precautions against mosquito and insect bites, and bring necessary protective items.
  • When touring the border area, follow border regulations and avoid crossing the border without permission.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Daluo Town (打洛镇), check in to a local guesthouse, and visit One Tree Forest (独树成林) to admire this natural wonder.
Day 2: Explore Daluo Forest Park (打洛森林公园) and enjoy tropical rainforest scenery, then visit Mengjinglai Scenic Area (勐景来景区) for a taste of border culture.
Day 3: Shop for local specialties at the market, then conclude the journey.

Daluo Town (打洛镇) is a captivating destination with both rich natural landscapes and unique ethnic culture. Here, you can experience the charm of the borderlands and immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle of ethnic minorities. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Daluo.