China Day 1 – Border Crossing from Boten (Laos) to Mohan (China) and onwards to Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture

It was back to the starting line. Finally the trip to Central Asia was happening and the first new route would be through China into Tibet and through Xingjiang. I was definitely excited but still nervous as with any border crossing.

China - Mohan Port Border Crossing 

The border crossing from Thailand (Chiang Khong) to Laos (Huay Xai) was a bad experience with the Lao Tourist Police. They said I would not be able to leave Laos through this Boten border. 

I figured it was a bluff but now that I am inside the immigration building, I was about to find out. Most of the other participant was ahead of me and I was one of the last to get my exit stamp.

Slow process at the immigration booth and I tried to remain as calm as possible. Finally an exit stamp and a small payment of 20,000 kip per head was collected after immigration which had a receipt but no idea what it was for. 

Next up was the moment of truth as I brought Bragge to the front of the customs booth giving the customs officer the D53 sticker waiting for him to key in details into his computer and finally I was cleared and the gantry open for me to leave Laos.

Back in China where the tour guide would take care most of the bureaucracy works and we just have to wait and be patient. 

Immigration cleared, customs cleared then it was a ride to the traffic police station to get temporary license and plate number. All smiles and the police were very friendly giving us the thumbs up with a warm welcome.

I knew the way to Jinghong city or more famously known as Xishuangbanna. The bikers naturally followed me as I turn on navigation for the final city run to the hotel. All checked in we went out for dinner where our tour guide Nick gave the run down and set up everyone's sim card.

Xishuangbanna region famous for Elephants 

The last time I was here, I had barely seen the city. The night market is one of the most famous in the region and this time I was not going to miss it twice so while everyone was tired from border crossings and formalities, I took a DiDi alone to check out the city and the night market.

It was huge alright and a total maze. It was still familiar since Xishuangbanna was famous for its minority tribe culture for being very close to Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.

Xishuangbanna Night Market 

Xishuangbanna Night Market

The night market was more of a tourist market mixed in and was very vibrant in your face type of night market showcasing different food, trinkets and cultural performance.

By the time I call it a night, it was past midnight but the night market was still bustling with people. A lonely DiDi back to the hotel and a good sleep to get ready for the next leg where we would ride punishingly everyday for the next 10 days before a rest day in Lhasa.

Traveled on: May 2024