Situated on the China-Laos border in Southern Yunnan, Mengla is the first town those visiting from Laos will arrive in.
Although Mengla is a convenient place to spend the night, there is little to see or do here. Most people simple spend an hour or two in the town while they wait for a bus to take them across the border into Laos or onward into the People’s Republic of China.
However, if you do have time to kill, this is a pleasant place to spend a little time. The surrounding rainforest is a good place for trekking, especially if you are a keen birdwatcher as it is home to a number of colorful species of bird. Another good way to see the natural beauty of the area is by hiring a bicycle and cycling through the countryside.
Getting There & Away
The city of Jinghong, which has an international airport, is located in Yunnan Province. Buses travel from Jinghong to Mengla and the journey takes about 3 hours. However, many people arrive in Mengla by bus from Luang Namtha in Laos (4 hours).
Things to Do
Mengla Attractions
- Mengla Tropical Rain Forest
-
Hire a guide and spend a couple of hours trekking through the rainforest to discover a wide range of wildlife.