A customs point guards the bridge to Burma at the south of town, which is readily crossed by locals coming to and from the market. Chinese citizens may apply for a permit to enter Burma in either Menglian or Lancang - the cost is 300元 and the process takes five days.

We spotted two hotels in town, the Yongxing Hotel on the main street, and Meng'a Hotel at the rear of the market. Both were rather run-down - the best rooms at Yongxing Hotel feature two single beds and a private bathroom for 30元, while smaller equivalents are just 20元.

A single branch of the Agricultural Bank of China stands at the south of town, between the market and the customs post. There is no ATM, however, and on market days the branch bustles with the business of locals, eager to get their banking done on what may be their sole trip to town all week. Avoid if at all possible.