The Best Myanmar Cycling Experience Tours

The Best Myanmar Cycling Experience Tours with its magnificent surroundings and beautiful landscapes, is absolutely one of the most unique countries for cycling. Myanmar bike adventure tour is designed to experience the country, it’s culture, religion and the people along the way to explore every tour-attraction-avenue in the country. From the chilly Shan Hills to the central plain Mandalay, descend down the splendid colonial charms of Pyinoolwin, riding along the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, crossing through the desert like terrain with rolling hills of the Popa Mountain Range and cycling amongst the thousand of temples in Bagan, visitors will find a real taste for their passion of outdoors and enjoying it on a bike…

Tour Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Inclusions
Photos Gallery

Day 1 Yangon Arrival ( D )

Arrive in Yangon where you will be welcomed by your local tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Late afternoon visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda of Rudyard Kipling fame and one of Myanmar’s most sacred places. The massive bell shaped stupa is plated with gold and the tip of the stupa is set with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and topaz – a stunning sight as the sun sets and a most fitting place to begin our trip in this “GoldenLand”.

Biking distance : none

Day 2 Yangon – Heho (by flight) – Taunggyi ( B , L , D )

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Heho . After arriving at Heho airport, transfer by bus to Taunggyi ( 35 Km – approx: 1 hr driving), the capital of the Shan state and former British colonial hill station and check in at the hotel. After lunch the bikes get assembled and there will be a brief ride around town to familiarize everyone with traffic, Burmese-style.

Biking distance : 35 km

Day 3 Taunggyi – Kakku – Taunggyi by bike.( B , L , D )

After breakfast at hotel, departure by bus to Kakku, a lesser known but impressive site comprised of several thousand small stupas in the Pa O region. The place is newly opened after the ethnic freedom fighter had entered the legal-fold. Cycling begins in the mid morning on the bumpy tarred road and bike back to Taunggyi. After lunch, descends down nearly 2000 feet to Inle Lake.

Biking distance : Kakku – Taunggyi (45 Km) / Taunggyi – Inle Lake (43 Km)

Day 4 Inle Lake boat excursion and rest day ( B , L , D )

We plan to spend the day visiting villages and sampling the spectacular array of traditional handicrafts. You will see the unique method locals use to row their boats, fishermen with their own style of fishing, floating farms and gardens and a handloom weaving cottage with its own showroom. You will visit Phaungdawoo Pagoda which houses the five most revered Buddha Images in the southern ShanState. Alternatively, you may bike to nearby villages to explore more on your own.
Biking distance : 20 km

Day 5 Inle Lake – Kalaw by bike.( B , L , D )

After breakfast at hotel, bike to Kalaw. The short but challenging ride up out of the InleLake basin takes us through scenic country side to Kalaw, another hill station filled with interesting architecture. Depending on the time, we can wander through the market or ride around the city looking at the decaying colonial mansions.

Biking distance: 70 km

Day 6 Kalaw – Pindaya by bike.( B , L , D )

Today we head north to Pindaya on a road flanked by beautifully manicured fields where much of Myanmar’s product comes from. Lunch in Pindaya and rest for some time in the hotel. Before dinner we will visit the Buddha image filled Pindaya caves and catch the sunset from the hill side.

Biking distance: 70 km

Day 7 Pindaya – Kyaukse by bike. Bus to Mandalay ( B , L , D )

The most demanding day of the tour goes northwest on a recently paved road through mountains and jungle. Bus will transfer you in the early morning to Sakhangyi, a small village hidden in the mountains. We will have a light or picnic lunch on the way in a village restaurant. Then to Kyaukse and continue biking. For those who want to avoid the heavy traffic, the bus will transfer the remaining distance into Mandalay.

Biking distance: 90 km

Day 8 Mandalay sightseeing ( B , L , D )

You can be as active or as lazy as you choose today. We will do a formal half-day tour to the temple of the former royal capital city of Sagaing, a few miles south of Mandalay. During the afternoon you can visit the pagodas on Mandalay Hill or the MandalayPalace both which are just minutes from the hotel. You can also go shopping. Favorite things to shop for are marionettes, wall hangings and antique opium scales and weights. If you cannot stand a day without exercise, you can bike traditionally around outer wall of the MandalayRoyalPalace.

Biking distance: 30 km

Day 9 Mandalay – Myitthar ( B , L , D )

Biking out of the city is not fun and you will be transferred out of Mandalay for about 20 minutes to avoid the congested traffic. Bike southward along the superb high-way for about 40km and arrive Kyaukse, the rice bowl during the Bagan period. This thriving small town is assumed to be the birth place of Burmese, according the British scholar G.H Luce. Then, turn right to a by-way and arrive Myittha, a small charming town.

Continue to Myin gyan .

Biking distance: 80 km

Day 10 Myitthar – Myingyan by bike ( B , L , D )

Say goodbye to the chief monk. Breakfast shall be at a local tea-house near the market. Have a leisure walk there and bike to the south further. The road is flat, narrow and roughly tarred. Pass through many villages along the way. Should you take delight in visiting a local house on the way, the guide and the driver with you shall be of assistance.

Biking distance: 80 km

Day 11 Myingyan – Mt. Popa by bike ( B , L , D )

Today shall be the most beautiful day to bike. The road is typical to the central dry zone. Begin biking across the dry interior of Myanmar. There are a number of places where they have yet to build bridges so we bike through dry riverbeds or small streams. Tonight we stay at a lovely lodge overlooking Mt.Popa, the site of a popular Buddhist temple build on top of a free-standing volcanic plug and home of the Nats, impish gods who can allegedly have the power to make your life delightful or miserable.

Biking distance: 85 km

Day 12 Mt. Popa – Bagan by bike ( B , L , D )

After hiking to the top of Mt.Popa, it is just a short, easy ride across the desert plain to the Bagan. The area is intoxicating. We have another very good hotel in Bagan, perhaps Myanmar’s most important and impressive historical site. Spreading over 15 square miles on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River Bagan is an enormous, ancient collection of temples and stupas. Some are crumbling ruins. Others have been magnificently restored.

Biking distance: 90 km

Day 13 Bagan full day sightseeing ( B , L , D )

Morning after breakfast , continue your visit to Nathlaung Kyaung, the only remaining Hindu temple in Bagan ,Myazedi Pagoda , well known for its stone inscription which , was engraved in 4 language as in Myanmar, Mon, Pali, and Pyu on 4 sides of a stone ,Nagayon Pagoda was built at the end of the 11th century and it resembles the Indian temples of the area of Orissa. Abeyatanar Pagoda ,famous for paintings that cover the inner walls. Lunch at local restaurant . Then visit Nga-kywe-na-daung Pagoda, early Pyu type brick masonry stupa , Manuha Temple that was considered one of the earliest temples in Bagan .Mingalarzedi , noted for its fine proportions and for the many beautiful jataka tiles around its three square terraces .Remark : Overnight in Bagan

Biking distance: 40 km

Day 14 Bagan – Yangon by flight ( B , L , D )

Morning at leisure or continue explore the rest archaeological zone or bike to a local village and witness the simple life of Bagan people. First, see the market at Nyaungoo and continue seeing the architectural works on the temples. Fly back to Yangon with evening flight. Summit Parkview Hotel

Biking distance: 30 km

Day 15 Yangon ( B , L , D )

Today is reserved for exploring Yangon, shopping, and packing our bicycles. Visit the landmark of Myanmar/Yangon in the morning. A walk through “downtown” Yangon, a diverse mix of faded colonial architecture from the British times, and high-rises built by more recent investors; Sule Pagoda, built in the early 3rd century is a landmark in the city centre. Do your last minute souvenir shopping at Bogyoke Market and visit Karaweik, a royal barge for fantastic photo shot along the “pilgrims” causeway across the RoyalLake with stunning views of Schwedagon Pagoda.

Biking distance: No

Day 16 Yangon Departure ( B )

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your international flights.

Before you print, think of our environment.

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