Mengman Town of Menghai County in Xishuangbanna

Mengman Town (勐满镇) is located in the northwest of Menghai County (勐海县). It borders Meng’a Town (勐阿镇) to the east, Menghai Town (勐海镇) to the southeast, Mengzhe Town (勐遮镇) to the south, and Xiding Township (西定乡) to the southwest. The Manbang Ferry section is separated from Myanmar by only a river. To the west and northwest, it neighbors Nuofu Township (糯福乡) and Huimin Town (惠民镇) in Lancang County (澜沧县). The town spans up to 37 km from east to west and 25 km from north to south, with a total area of 488.39 square kilometers.

History and Culture

Mengman (勐满) was originally a tusi (local chieftain) territory. In 1570 (the fourth year of the Longqing era of the Ming Dynasty), when the 12 Banna regions were established, Jingluo (景洛), Mengman (勐满), Meng’ang (勐昂), Langwang (朗妄), and Mengkang (勐康) were merged into one Banna called Kangluoman (康洛满). In June 1950, Mengman District (勐满区) was established. In 1953, it was merged into Banna Mengzhe (版纳勐遮). In 1987, it was renamed Mengman Lahu, Hani, and Bulang Ethnic Township (勐满拉祜族哈尼族布朗族乡). In 2003, it was renamed Mengman Town (勐满镇).

Ethnic Customs

Mengman Town (勐满镇) is a multi-ethnic community primarily inhabited by the Lahu (拉祜族), Dai (傣族), Hani (哈尼族), and Bulang (布朗族) ethnic groups. Each group maintains its traditional customs and lifestyle. Visitors can experience vibrant ethnic festivities such as the Dai Water Splashing Festival (泼水节) and the Lahu Kuota Festival (拉祜扩节).

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Mengman Town has a subtropical rainforest climate, with an average annual temperature of 21.0°C and annual rainfall of about 1034.1 mm. The climate is humid and warm, with long summers and no winters. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is cool and suitable for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

Padian Liangzi:
The highest point in Mengman, at an elevation of 2,192 meters. Ideal for hiking and panoramic views of the natural landscape.
Recommended visiting time: 3–4 hours.

Mengman Bazi:
The lowest point, at 838 meters above sea level, where visitors can explore local agricultural culture and countryside scenery.
Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours.

Xinghuo Community of Liming Farm:
A great place to learn about local rubber planting and processing industries.
Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours.

Transportation

Self-Driving:
From Kunming (昆明), drive along the Kunming-Mohan Expressway (昆磨高速) to Jinghong City (景洪市), then head to Menghai County (勐海县). The total distance is about 500 kilometers, with a driving time of approximately 6 hours.

Public Transportation:
First travel to Jinghong City (景洪市), then take a long-distance bus to Menghai County (勐海县), and finally transfer to a local rural bus or taxi to reach Mengman Town (勐满镇).

Cuisine

The local cuisine in Mengman Town features mainly Dai-style dishes. Recommended specialties include:

  • Dai-style Barbecue: Grilled fish with lemongrass, roasted suckling pig, etc.
  • Bamboo Tube Rice: Rice steamed inside bamboo tubes, infused with a light bamboo fragrance.

Shopping

Local specialties such as Pu’er tea (普洱茶) and handicrafts can be purchased at local markets.

Accommodation

Mengman Town (勐满镇) offers a limited selection of guesthouses and homestays with basic amenities. For more comfortable lodging, hotels in Jinghong City (景洪市) or Menghai County (勐海县) are recommended.

Travel Tips

  • Respect the local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples and ethnic villages.
  • When exploring mountainous areas, protect yourself against insect bites by bringing appropriate gear and repellents.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Mengman Town (勐满镇), check in to a homestay, and visit Padian Liangzi (帕滇梁子) to enjoy a mountain hike and scenic views.

Day 2:
Visit Mengman Bazi (勐满坝子) to experience local rural life and agriculture, followed by a tour of Xinghuo Community at Liming Farm (黎明农场星火社区) to learn about rubber processing.

Day 3:
Shop for local specialties at the town market, then conclude your trip.

Mengman Town (勐满镇) is a charming destination offering a blend of natural beauty and vibrant ethnic culture. Here, you can explore borderland scenery and experience traditional lifestyles of Yunnan’s minority groups. May your journey to Mengman Town be filled with memorable moments.