Position Jinghong sits in a basin. The Mekong runs out of the mountains to the north-west and flows to the south-east. The basin extends southward, and beyond the edge of the city is mostly cultivated land used for rice farming.

Mostly people walk or cycle about. Bicycles can be hired at a number of cafes around town, or purchased for a couple of hundred yuan. If you're going a bit further, you can take a bus, motorbike, or taxi.

Buses Route #2 takes you from the city center to Jiangbei District, the area north of the Mekong. Route #3 takes you in a loop from the center of the city to Manting Park, then back in to town via the south bus station.

Motorcycles Hiring a motorcycle taxi or moto costs anywhere from 1-3元, depending upon distance and your bargaining skills. Motos are good for one passenger only, and you must wear the helmet provided.

Motor-Rickshaws Motorcycles with covered seats fixed behind them. They cost 3元 and although slower afford more protection from the elements than regular motorbikes.

Taxis Regular taxis cost 5元 to almost anywhere within the city proper, however a slight increase in fare may be justified if you travel from one extreme edge of the city to the other. They can also be hired on a daily basis if you want to visit places outside of the city, though be sure to bargain hard. We've heard drivers quote figures of roughly 200元 per day.

Hostels and cheaper mid-range hotels are most plentiful near the bus stations in the center of town, and down Man Ting Lu. Larger hotels are mostly located on Meng Le Da Dao in the Development District to the south of town.

Note: All of the hotels in Jinghong seem to use solar-powered hot water. This can be frustrating for early risers or those arriving late at night!

Die-hard Though we didn't have the guts to look inside, die-hard or cash-strapped travellers may like to check out Li Ming Hostel, who advertise 3元 dormitory beds. Tell us how it goes.

A range of other hostels (try the southwest corner of Burmese Street) offer dirty 10 or 15元 beds, though these lack necessities like air conditioning and mosquito-repelling flyscreens.

Budget The NaMuYa Cafe & Guesthouse is a new place run by a friendly Korean woman. Whilst a little further out of town it has the breakfast-time advantage of being opposite a major fruit market. It's in something of a red-light district, however. Room price varies with season.

The popular Dai Style Guesthouse offers travellers a chance to stay in traditional Dai wooden houses, though it seems to be full throughout much of the year. Bathing and toilet facilities are shared.

Another option with considering is the Jinghong Guest House, located smack bang in the middle of town, next to the government on Xuan De Da Dao. The rear building (further down the drive) is the one to go for, offering relatively peaceful rooms with two beds for 50RMB or three beds for 80RMB. You get your bathroom, air conditioning, plus ample space for bicycles and other luggage.

Across the road and down a different driveway is the Law Court Hostel, a tad cheaper at 40RMB but hidden across a large expanse of carpark so not quite as pleasant. Few customers means good, friendly service and peaceful evenings!

Around the corner, opposite the city square on on Meng Le Da Dao is the Ai Hua Hotel, which chimes in with 25元 rooms. Aircon and hot water are said to be provided, though these could bear checking out first. Staff were absent on our visit, so be extra-conscious about leaving valuables in the rooms.

Mid Range Our best find was the Shan Xi Garden Hotel, which - while out of the way - remains relatively new and provides excellent rooms for a little over 100元. You can get there by walking northeast along the highway from the Southern Bus Station, or southeast along Manting Lu, then turning right at the overpass.