Myanmar Cycling Tours departing by car to Kakku, a lesser known but impressive site comprised of several thousand small stupas in the Pa O region. From here, we’ll begin riding back to InleLake with a wonderful descent dropping nearly 2,000 feet to the lake basin , loading our bikes onto our boat, cruising across InleLake, passing stilted villages with their unique floating gardens. After reaching shore, we’ll mount our bikes, riding through lake front villages, pausing at temples, markets and to meet with local families….

 Day 1 – Arrive Yangon, (D)

After arrival at Yangon airport, meet the escort and transfer to hotel for check in. Enjoy the Welcome dinner at the Padonmar Restaurant. O / N in Yangon.

Biking Distance : No

Day 2 – Yangon flight to Heho – Inle Lake (B, L, D)

Breakfast and transfer to the domestic terminal for the flight to Heho and then by van to sublime InleLake. Lunch at a Local Restaurant. We’ll spend the late afternoon cruising by boat on the picturesque lake until sunset, enjoying the spectacular views. After, enjoy a dinner on the deck while going over our plans for the overall tour and the next day.

Biking Distance : 45 km

Day 3 – Inle Lake – Taung Gyi – Kakku Pagodas – Inle Lake (B, L, D)

In the morning, we’ll set up and test our bikes before departing by car to Kakku, a lesser known but impressive site comprised of several thousand small stupas in the Pa O region. From here, we’ll begin riding back to InleLake with a wonderful descent dropping nearly 2,000 feet to the lake basin. After lunch on the lake, loading our bikes onto our boat, cruising across InleLake, passing stilted villages with their unique floating gardens. After reaching shore, we’ll mount our bikes, riding through lake front villages, pausing at temples, markets and to meet with local families.

Biking Distance : 65 km

Day 4 – Inle Lake to Kalaw Highlands (B, L, D)

After a leisurely breakfast admiring the sun rising over the lake, we’ll depart by bikes climbing up from the lake on quiet roads for the short but challenging climb into the scenic country side to Kalaw, a hill station filled with interesting mix of colonial-era architecture and hill tribe villages. Depending on the time, we can wander through the market or ride around the city looking at the decaying colonial mansions or hoof it on a leisurely hike through the foothills surrounding the town.

Biking Distance : 95 km

Day 5 – Kalaw to Pindaya (B, L, D)

Today, cycling due north to Pindaya on a rolling empty road flanked by beautiful manicured fields from where much of Myanmar’s produce comes from. The area is rich with a diversity of hill tribes and we will pause to visit some of the villages en route. After we reach Pindaya, strolling the small town’s sites and LakeFront. Before dinner we will also trek up to visit the famous Pindaya caves, filled with hundreds of Buddha statues. After, we’ll enjoy the sunset from the hill side over the lake.

Biking Distance : 85 km

Day 6 – Pindaya to Mandalay (B, L, D)

The longest travel day of our bike tour goes northwest on a recently-paved, rolling road through mountains and jungle-lined roads to Kyaukse where the bus will transfer us the remaining distance “on the road to Mandalay.” Mandalay is the historic old capital, but remains the center of Myanmar culture and religion. It is also where traditional arts and crafts are centered. Myanmar abounds with historical sites, cultural memorials and Buddhist monuments and we will explore some of them after arrival. In the evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the AyeyarwaddyRiver.

Biking Distance : 95 km

Day 7 – Mandalay (B, L, D)

Today, touring Mandalay by foot, the religious and cultural center of Myanmar. From ancient wooden palaces to massive pagodas to serene monasteries, Mandalay has it all. After breakfast, traveling outside Mandalay to the former royal capital of Amarapura, including an interesting stop at the Mahagandayon Monastery, a school for novice monks. Also visit to U Bein Bridge, a 200 year-old bridge and the longest teak one in the world. In the afternoon, sightseeing in central Mandalay, including Mahamuni Pagoda, gold leaf hammering, Shwe Inbin Monastery; Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings; Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned for its stone slabs of the Buddhist scriptures, and panoramic Mandalay Hill, ending the day with a sunset view from the peaceful Sagaing Hill across the AyeyarwaddyRiver.

Biking Distance : 35 km

Day 8 – Mandalay to Monywa (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we’ll transfer out of Mandalay mid-morning by bus to Ondaw. Today features a ride west into the desert landscape and heartland of central Myanmar where bullock carts outnumber cars. There are several interesting sites to explore on the way to the provincial capital of Monywa including a pagoda with over 300,000 Buddha images and a monumental reclining Buddha. We’ll also stop to visit a village, meeting with a local family in their home and visiting a local school to meet with children before biking onto to pleasant Monywa.

Biking Distance : 95 km

Day 9 – Monywa to Popa (B, L, D)

Mt.Popa and the final day of riding. We bicycle round trip to an extinct volcano, Mt.Popa, which dominates the area. MountPopa was for centuries where kings of central Burma made pilgrimages to confer with the sacred statues about the future of their reigns.

We’ll climb the hundreds of steps to the monkey-populated hill (feeding them if your brave enough), for a expansive, panoramic views of the surrounding area. Optional return ride to Bagan. Enjoy another dramatic sunset in Bagan.

Biking Distance : 55 km

Day 10 – Popa – Bagan (B, L, D)

Heading out of Popa we’ll bike a road with light traffic meandering through a rice growing region along the Chindwind River to Pakokku, passing through hill tribe villages where we’ll break for lunch. After reaching Pakokku, we board our boat to cruise on the famed Irrawaddy to Bagan. After arrival in Bagan, we’ll enjoy a short ride to our hotel near the world famous ruins. Dinner and delightful, traditional puppet show in Old Bagan.

Biking Distance : 90 km

Day 11 – Bagan (B, L, D)

With over forty square kilometers and thousands of pagodas, Bagan is nothing short of breath taking. We’ll cycle the ancient plain, pausing to explore primary and secondary temples. If there is time, we can visit the market which has a pleasant mix of local and tourist shops before returning for dinner along the river. Dinner will include another Burmese cultural show of dance, athletics and puppetry with excellent photo opportunities.

Biking Distance : 55 km

Day 12 – Bagan flight to Ngapali Beach (B)

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for our one-hour flight to Ngapali. Pick up to NgapaliBeach. Transfer to hotel and free.

Overnight at Ngapali Beach

Day 13 – Ngapali Beach free (B)

Breakfast and all day free for beach relaxing.

Overnight at Ngapali Beach

Day 14 – Ngapali Beach flight back to Yangon (B)

Breakfast and all day free for beach relaxing, Driver pick up to airport for flight to Yangon for check in. O / N in Yangon

Overnight at Yangon

Day 15 – Yangon for international flight (B)

Breakfast driver pick up to airport for your international flight back home!

Departure date : Based on your inquiry

Group Size  : From 2 to 16 riders

Tour cost : Contact Us

Travel Information

Pre Departure
All visitors to Southeast Asia must be in possession of a valid passport, with at least 6 months unexpired validity from the date of your departure from the area. A visa or visa on arrival (VOA) must be obtained before entering Myanmar. Although Indochina Holidays Travel ( IHT ) may facilitate the securing of visas, it is ultimately the responsibility of each individual traveler to ensure that they are in possession of any necessary and valid visa and/or documentation and Indochina Holidays Travel assumes no responsibility for the consequences of any failure to comply.

When traveling in a developing country, preparation is our hedge against unexpected but common issues that may arise during a trip. Enclosed in your pre-tour packet is our tour guide, a booklet which provides useful information about Myanmar and your tour, please read this and other enclosed documentation carefully to prepare for your trip. Despite careful preparation and planning, please be prepared for events which may change plans.

Food

Food is a very essential part of these trips. We make sure that the meals we offer is method delicious, unless you ask for dull meals. You are also permitted the choice of veggie or non-vegetarian meals. We suggest that you consume only the canned standard water. Please make sure that the container is enclosed.

What to bring

  • Footwear
  • Bike shoes
  • Helmet
  • Pedal
  • Water Bottle
  • Sun cream lotion
  • Relaxed shoes for walking
  • Shoes for other sightseeing
  • Socks
  • Torch
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Eyewear, cap
  • Sun lotion of spf at least 35
  • Individual Bike riding equipment like bar finishes, pedals, chairs and headgear
  • Helmets for riding a bike

Bikes: Trek MTB Bikes

Bike Hire: Includes on Tour Cost. You may bring your own bikes, but in this case let us know in advance. Other equipment provided: Pedals, helmet, water bottles.

Air Travel
Myanmar remains one of the few countries in Asia still using paper, not electronic tickets. If you have domestic air travel with us, your air tickets will be given to you by our staff, who will be at the airport in Yangon on the day of your arrival to join Indochina Holidays Travel .

Luggage
Due to airline restrictions luggage is limited to a weight of 20 Kilograms per person. Your passport, travel documents, jewelry, money, camera, fragile items and any medication should be hand-carried and not checked in. On domestic flights, each passenger is allowed one piece of hand luggage. When planning your packing, please bear in mind that on your trip you may be constantly on the go, staying in a new hotel at least every other day and you'll want to pack lightly for mobility and convenience as well as have a day pack for your van. Please remember to retain your travel documents and any hand baggage.

Transport and Travel
Some road conditions in Myanmar are still quite poor and travelling by car, bus, and bike can be bumpy. Most available cars and coaches are quite old and therefore not in perfect condition, however rest assured we will always do our utmost to arrange cars or buses of the best possible local quality available for your transfers and tours.

Health and Medical
Malaria occurs throughout Myanmar, though is rare in the typical places we travel. Please research and take appropriate measures. While no immunizations are formally required, malaria prophylaxis is often recommended. As well as typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations. Drink only bottled or boiled water and food should not be purchased from sidewalk vendors. Insect repellent should be brought, especially up-country and in wooded areas. Recent news articles have mentioned a general increase in Dengue fever risk in SE. Asian countries. All travelers are required to have medical-evacuation insurance. Hospitals in Myanmar are inadequate for advanced medical care. Although a few private clinics may provide emergency care, in the event of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore will be recommended.

Emergencies

Indochina Holidays Travel is always prepared to contact International SOS Emergency evacuation services. Since 1998 we have experience using their emergency clinics and have used their private jet emergency evacuation services. Although guides and local managers are trained in the procedures of working with SOS in the event of an emergency, travelers may also contact International SOS independently.

Money Matters
Plan to bring enough US cash for your trip (in mint-condition bills), there are not many ATM machines, credit cards are not widely accepted, and foreign currencies (other than US dollars) and travellers cheques are not accepted in Myanmar. If you intend shopping for souvenirs, you will need to ensure that you are carrying sufficient US Dollars in small denomination notes that are in mint condition.

Only payment for extra charges in larger hotels may be made by Visa and MasterCard. Payment for extra charges at the Governors Residence may be made by Visa or MasterCard (Note: American Express is not accepted in Myanmar nor much of Asia). On tour your expenses will be limited to visa on arrival fees (US$25), some meals, souvenirs, airline departure fees, and gratuities (about $20-50 per day for your guide, about half that for your driver).

Myanmar currency is known as the 'kyat' (pronounced 'chaat'). The market rate was about 950 to one USD as of July 2018. Dollars may be changed into kyat at the local market rate at airports. Major hotels and a few restaurants will charge in USD but most other expenses in Myanmar will be in kyats.

Telecommunications & Internet
Your mobile phone will not work in Myanmar. An inexpensive, international handset may be rented at an airport kiosk in Yangon upon arrival. The rental service, Yadanarpon Teleport, is located within the airport terminal where mobile phones with international capability may now be rented as well as GSM SIM cards* for your own handset (note that you may not currently use international roaming in Myanmar). Current rental rates from this vendor as of September, 2011 are $4/day for phone and $2/day for domestic SIM card, in additional to pre-paid cards from US$12 to $50 for international. Coverage is quite good along the "classic" route (not remote areas).

Internet is widely available at hotels with decent bandwidth, but is unreliable in remote areas. Please plan accordingly.

Electrical
Electricity in Yangon and most of Myanmar is 220-230V. Electric power sockets come in varieties, including two round pins, English three-prong and round three-prong with dual US style outlets. Your Kindle, iPad, camera, laptop or other device should automatically accept 220v, but check your adapter's fine print. Sporadic power outages are common, but most hotels have generator backup.

What to Wear
Light clothing is adequate for Yangon and most low land tourist areas. High elevations around Inle Lake may reach near freezing at night during the 'winter' season but is usually pleasant during the day. Travelers should bring appropriate cold weather clothing. Revealing clothing is not welcome in this conservative and largely Buddhist culture. When visiting religious shrines and temples, modest dress is required and easily removable footwear is recommended since such sacred grounds must be visited only in bare feet (no socks). A sarong is handy for covering up before entering religious sites. Bring a hat and sunglasses, and umbrella for rainy season.

What to expect
This is not a luxury tour, as Myanmar remains an undevloped destination, but hopefully why you have come — for an authentic, deep cultural experience in a country closed off to the world for decades. You will be very safe, always looked after, and expect wonderful service, comfortable and a typically pleasant if not exceptional trip. However, Myanmar remains a primitive, undeveloped country with the inconveniences are random issues that arise with travel in such places .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Myanmar safe for travel?
Absolutely. Our past travelers always cite how warm and friendly the Burmese are one of their strongest impressions. Past tragic events associated with political unrest have been largely centered in Yangon and have never affected travelers. Almost all of our travel is in remote areas in the central part of the country, places tourists have visited for decades without any issues. Rather, almost every traveler on our Myanmar tours has been struck how tranquil the country is and how warm and gracious the Burmese are to visitors and whose hospitality we've been enjoying since 1999. We'd be happy to put you in contact with our past travelers for their impressions.

What is the weather like?
Daytime temperatures can reach the high 70s between September through December. In January through April, temperatures steadily climb and at lower elevations we can expect 80 to 90s F. Higher elevations like Kalaw Highlands and Inle Lake located at nearly 1,000 meters are temperate and cooler this time of year.

What are the daily rides like?
This is a moderately challenging ride with rolling hills, medium distances on poor condition roads with low traffic. There are no major passes and our support vehicles allow you to ride as much or as little as you would like. See the detailed itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation information. of course, as private tour you may ride as little or as much as you would like.

What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
Our Myanmar trips are best suitable for non-cycling companions who do not mind a slow, leapfrogging van ride across the central region. If a non-rider wants to accompany a rider guest on this trip, they would need to spend many hours in the van but the support vehicle does stop every 10-15 kilometers allowing access to local villages and sites (where few other travelers venture). Photography opportunities are excellent throughout.

Community
You will be moved by the wonderful people you meet along the way, many who live in poverty. It may be hard not to feel compelled to give something, but think about doing so will change the dynamic of your people encounters and those who follow you. If you do feel compelled to give, we recommend pens, simple to carry with you, useful and beyond the budget of most families. We never encourage giving money, candy or the like. For giving before or after your trip, we recommend these charities.

Other Questions?

Please call our reservations office at (+84) 91337755 or email : sales@indochinaholidaystravel.com

Tour Cost Includes:

  • Bikes for complete Tour and helmet
  • Accommodation in tours - 14 nighs in twin sharing room
  • All Meals = L = Lunch , D =Dinner
  • Lunch in Midway restaurant/City Restaurant or Pack Lunch
  • Mechanic throughout the tour
  • Back up AC vehicle for complete tour ( Bus , + Truck for group )
  • English speaking Local Guide - Cum biking guide
  • Fresh Fruits/Snacks (Only Cycling Part)
  • Unlimited filter water during cycling (Only Cycling Part)
  • All road and transport taxes
  • Driver Allowance
  • Toll and Parking charges
  • 10% Government Taxe

Tour Cost Excludes:

  • International flight tickets and visa
  • Accommodation not in tour
  • Other personal expenses
  • Tips and Gratitude
  • Travel insurance
  • Any Hard and Soft Drink with meals
  • Myanmar Cycling Tours - 15 Days 1
  • Myanmar Cycling Tours - 15 Days 2
  • Myanmar Cycling Tours - 15 Days 3
  • Myanmar Cycling Tours - 15 Days 4
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