Mount Emei & Leshan Buddha Tour: Is it Worth it? Honest Review

Okay, so you’re thinking about seeing the Leshan Giant Buddha and maybe checking out Mount Emei too, right? Perhaps you’ve seen tour packages, maybe even the “Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha Two Day Private Tour”. Is it a good plan to use some of your vacation time? And is it a solid use of your cash? That’s the big question. Let’s explore that now, yeah?

First Impressions: Picking the Right Tour

Figuring out which tour can sometimes feel a bit much. Many of them sound remarkably similar on the surface. A “private tour” definitely sounds appealing, promising some more one-on-one guidance, and a way more flexible schedule compared to those gigantic bus tours where you are herded around like, well, cattle. One would prefer not to travel like that! Also, it is almost key that the tour company is pretty upfront. Is there any fluff? Are they responsive if you have a query or two before opening your wallet? What kind of vehicle do you get? Little stuff can matter quite a lot later on, and transparency early on is a great sign.

Leshan Giant Buddha: Bigger than You Thought

The Leshan Giant Buddha – I mean, wow. I’d seen pics of it online before, but nothing really prepares you for seeing that guy in real life. It’s just… colossal. This thing is BIG, even bigger when one is standing right next to it. The detailing is very impressive, too; every fold of the robe, and all of his toes, have their own sense of scale. Going down the staircase alongside the statue provides unique views, sure, yet be prepared for there to be crowds, lots of crowds. Arriving really very early (way before all those tour buses) can potentially help sidestep the bigger packs of tourists. Also, it’s almost key to know that the boat ride presents an altogether alternate view of the Buddha; although, sometimes the queues for that get crazy too.

Mount Emei: Climbing High

Mount Emei provides a radically diverse feel compared to Leshan. Instead of one ginormous statue, you get tons of temples, seriously old growth, and scampering monkeys. Ascending to the summit, particularly to see the famed ‘Sea of Clouds’, involves a degree of stamina – just to pre-warn anyone who, similarly to me, may not work out that much. There are ways to cut down on the walking by using buses to skip sections; though, personally, a good portion of its appeal comes from hiking the paths, going by these cute tiny shrines, and generally being outside. As it turns out, the monkeys are cheeky so maybe hide your snacks! Depending on your level of fitness (and desire for hiking), you might prefer allocating more of the two days to Mount Emei than Leshan, or the other way round.

Food & Accommodation: Tasting the Local Flavors

Your belly will be rumbling. The journey itself is enhanced by a good pit-stop, too. Concerning sustenance, you’re in luck. Sichuan cuisine has such great offerings! Both near Mount Emei and in Leshan itself there is an array of neat small eateries and the fancier restaurants to test out. Obviously, being veggie may limit things, and some are much better than others, so read up first if this applies to you. As I was saying, one really nice thing about a tour is someone that provides tips for solid local places, instead of just herding you into any old tourist trap that perhaps pays them a commission. Lodging options can certainly range widely – from seriously budget-friendly places all the way up to more luxuriant hotels. Deciding where to stay the night will possibly hinge on budget, yet a strategically situated hotel might save a lot of transit time.

The Verdict: Is the Tour Worth It?

Okay, at the end of the day, is a two-day tour of Mount Emei and Leshan with your very own guide a great move? So, that truly hinges on you and the kind of experience you would be comfortable with. For people wanting some degree of flexibility, not in the mood to deal with a tour that has forty other tourists, and appreciates insider intel, then definitely, yeah, this appears to be a fantastic choice. However, it’s pretty essential to suss out your priorities ahead of time. How important is the hotel, really? Are you on a tight budget or not so much? Answering that stuff can really help narrow down that perfect package. Just remember, going it alone provides budget flexibility, while a well sorted private tour will almost buy one convenience, knowhow, and less planning. Safe travels!

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