Best of Dai Villages - 30km E Bike Tour
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Half an hour from Jinghong by car, escape the tourist crowds and discover the authentic beauty of the Dai people’s homeland. Cycle through a network of more than 10 villages and temples nestled in lush tropical nature, where everyday life unfolds at a slower pace.
Your journey follows a unique bike trail that connects the most beautiful Dai villages — with plenty of stops to explore the villages on foot and visit the temples. Every road is fully asphalted and completely flat, making this tour accessible to all levels of riders.
Far from busy traffic, you’ll ride in a safe and peaceful environment, surrounded by greenery, banana trees, and riverside scenery. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the region’s rich traditions:
The distinctive pillar-houses and their symbolic wooden ornaments
The colorful temples that punctuate the villages
Each journey is filmed with a DJI AIR3S drone, creating a cinematic memory of your ride through Xishuangbanna’s breathtaking landscapes.
Available options
Tour by E-Bike
Duration: 4 hours<br/>E-Bike: Tour by 26-inch e-bikes equipped with a 400 W rear-hub motor, 48 V / 25 Ah battery, torque sensor, and 7-speed gears.<br/>Pickup included
Tour by Mountain Bike
Duration: 4 hours<br/>Tour by Mountain Bike: Tour by mountain bike (26″ or 27.5″) with hydraulic front suspension<br/>Pickup included
What's included
3-minute drone video of your tour filmed with a DJI Air 3S
Use of a classic mountain bike (26″ or 27.5″) with hydraulic front suspension and helmet. E-bikes are not included and must be booked via the option "Tour by E-Bike".
Guided support for the full duration of the tour
Transportation to and from activity location by WV ID4
Detailed itinerary
1
Most tours in the area are designed for mass tourism, often catering mainly to Chinese crowds. While convenient, these experiences are usually overcrowded, staged, and less authentic — for example, the Dai Nationality Park feels more like a theme park, with an entrance fee and tourists shuttled around in golf carts. Our tour is different: in just two hours, you will explore more than ten genuine Dai villages, some with beautifully decorated villas reflecting wealth, others with modest wooden stilt houses that reveal the simplicity of rural life. This contrast allows you to truly appreciate the diversity of Dai culture, architecture, and way of living. Along the way, you will meet locals, enjoy the scenery, and gain insights into traditions that remain vibrant today. Our guide will shoot the best moments of the tour with a drone, to create lasting souvenirs from this incredible experience with your friends and family.
2
While the Gaozhuang night market is certainly worth experiencing, Jinghong itself offers only a handful of daytime attractions, such as Manting Park and a few temples or pagodas. Xishuangbanna, however, is renowned for its exceptionally rich and diverse flora and fauna, meaning that most of the region’s true highlights lie outside the city. Depending on the season and the sites you choose, some of these places can feel crowded or somewhat staged by Western standards.
Our tours provide a refreshing alternative — taking you away from the masses and into genuine, unspoiled settings. Whether you prefer exploring beautifully preserved Dai villages by e-bike, wandering through tea and coffee plantations, or enjoying a hands-on tea-picking and tasting experience right at the source — complete with explanations in your own language — our focus is always on authenticity and intimacy.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
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Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Jinghong
Jinghong, the capital of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, is a vibrant city known for its rich ethnic diversity, tropical landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. It serves as the gateway to the lush rainforests and traditional villages of Xishuangbanna, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Top Attractions
Wild Elephant Valley
A nature reserve and tourist attraction where visitors can observe Asian elephants in a semi-wild environment. The park offers educational programs and guided tours.
Nature
Half day to full day
Moderate (¥150-200)
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden
One of the largest botanical gardens in China, featuring a vast collection of tropical plants, including rare and endangered species. The garden is a haven for nature lovers and researchers.
Nature
2-3 hours
Budget (¥30-50)
Jinghong Banna Dai Garden
A traditional Dai ethnic village that showcases the architecture, culture, and lifestyle of the Dai people. Visitors can experience traditional Dai performances, crafts, and cuisine.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Budget (¥20-50)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rice Noodles (Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles)
A signature dish of Yunnan, consisting of rice noodles served in a rich, aromatic broth with various toppings such as mushrooms, ham, and vegetables.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian options available
Sticky Rice
A staple food of the Dai people, made from glutinous rice and often wrapped in banana leaves. It can be plain or stuffed with various fillings.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian options available
Mango Rice
A sweet and refreshing dessert made with ripe mangoes and sticky rice, often served with coconut milk.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in nature reserves
Jungle trekking
Tea tasting
Spas and wellness centers
Visiting traditional Dai villages
Attending cultural performances
Boat rides on the Lancang River
Elephant feeding and bathing at Wild Elephant Valley
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm and comfortable, perfect for exploring the natural and cultural attractions.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
- Widely spoken: Dai, Other local ethnic languages
- English: Limited
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Jinghong is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should exercise common sense and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or app-based services like Didi Chuxing
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
Getting there
By air
- Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport • 3 km from city center
By train
Jinghong Railway Station
By bus
Jinghong Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and convenient, with routes covering most parts of the city and popular tourist spots.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Jinghong City Center
Mengzhe
Day trips
Mengzhe Nature Reserve
30 km from Jinghong • Full day
A scenic nature reserve offering lush landscapes, traditional villages, and agricultural experiences. Visitors can explore tea plantations, water buffalo farms, and enjoy the rural charm of the Dai people.
Manfeilong Tropical Botanical Garden
20 km from Jinghong • Half day
A beautiful botanical garden featuring a diverse collection of tropical plants, including rare and endangered species. The garden offers scenic walking trails and educational programs.
Festivals
Water Splashing Festival • Mid-April (date varies each year)
Torch Festival • December (date varies each year)
Pro tips
- Visit the Wild Elephant Valley early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and see the elephants at their most active
- Try traditional Dai dishes like rice noodles, sticky rice, and mango rice for an authentic culinary experience
- Explore the city's night markets and street food stalls for a taste of local flavors and a vibrant atmosphere
- Learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin or Dai to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for their culture
- Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it with filtered water to reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated in the tropical climate
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
