Explore central Myanmar by bicycle, covering the beautiful Shan Plateau and taking in old colonial hill stations and the wonders of Inle Lake. Make your way through more remote areas to historic Mandalay, then southwards to the volcanic Mount Popa and the ancient temples on the plains of Bagan.
Tour Overview
Start:
Finish:
Length:
Transport:
Accommodation:
Deluxe Hotel Supplement:
US$50 per day
US$3,0851
US$2201
Arrive in Yangon, explore its colonial-era buildings, and visit the dazzling Shwedagon Pagoda.
Taking an early morning flight to Heho, and then head to Kalaw, once a summer playground for the British Raj who would escape here from the heat of lower Myanmar. The small town still retains a remarkably colonial feel and provides some gentle rides through pine-tree lined streets – a perfect opportunity to get familiar with your bike.
Set off from the hills down to the shores of picturesque Inle Lake, covering a lot of ground while taking in sweeping downhill roads.
Spend a full day exploring Inle lake, starting with a 20km stretch in the morning. After a lunch by the lakeside, get off your bike to meet the local Intha people who live their lives on the water and take a long tail boat to visit the stupas at Indein, floating markets and monasteries.
Start with a challenging ride back uphill to the Shan Plateau towards Pindaya, covering both dirt and paved roads. On arrival, enjoy this serene lakeside town and its Buddha-filled limestone caves.
Take a transfer by car and then head north westwards by bike through beautiful rolling hills, before taking a 30 km descent to historic Mandalay.
Ride out to the iconic U Bein bridge in the former capital of Amarapura. From here, cycle across the huge bridge spanning the Irrawaddy river at Sagaing, then explore the stupa-studded hills of Sagaing and the gigantic unfinished pagoda and bell at Mingun.
On the second day, take a rest day and explore Mandalay at your own leisure, including visits to monasteries, markets, ancient temples and panoramic sunset views from the top of Mandalay Hill.
On your final day in the Mandalay area, cycle south and take a short ferry to explore the ancient capital at Inwa, which ruled a large kingdom for almost two centuries – but is now made of crumbling ruins amongst quiet rice paddy fields.
Head south through the flats then climb up to Mount Popa and its spectacular monastery, which sits atop a volcanic plug and is famous for being home to nats (spirits). Enjoy the panoramic views, but watch out for the monkeys that are liable to steal anything you may be holding – be it food or your camera!
Take a relaxing ride downhill to the famous plain of Bagan and its thousands of temples, winding through hills and small villages, and try some locally-made palm toddy liquor on the way. On arrival, take a refreshing swim at your hotel pool and then a well-deserved drink and hearty meal at one of Bagan’s many fine restaurants, many of which sit in the shadow of ancient pagodas.
Motorbikes are not allowed in Bagan, and there are few cars, so bicycles are the perfect way to explore the plain and its temples. Some get pretty busy at times, but others are totally empty and free to explore. Visit a local lacquerware shop if you want to pick up a memento, and then take your place for one of the most breathtaking experiences the world has to offer – a Bagan sunset.
Fly back to Yangon and take a shopping trip to Bogyoke Market, or walk around the downtown streets to absorb the diverse cultures of this vibrant city, including Muslim and Chinese quarters and its many Christian churches. Depart from Yangon International Airport.
| Standard hotels for above program | Deluxe hotels for above program |
| Yangon - Clover Hotel | Yangon - Chatrium Hotel |
| Kalaw – Dream Villa Hotel | Kalaw - Amara Mountain Resort |
| Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) - Hupin Hotel | Inle Lake - Amata Garden Resort |
| Pindaya - Pindaya Hotel | Pindaya - Pindaya Hotel |
| Mandalay - Hotel Rama | Mandalay - Mandalay Hill Resort |
| Mount Popa - Popa Mountain Resort | Mount Popa - Popa Mountain Resort |
| Bagan - Floral Breeze Hotel | Bagan - Bagan Lodge |
To get prices for this tour with luxury accommodation or basic accommodation, please enter a query in the ‘Any further queries’ field when you submit your tour booking form (link below).
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Important Notes:
The above itinerary is indicative and some details may change according to conditions and availability; you will always be informed of such changes.
There may be changes to estimated prices depending on air fuel cost, domestic airfares, US$ exchange rates and festive season surcharge. All supplemental cost to be advised.
[1] Price per person based on two person tour (twin hotel room sharing basis). Larger groups will pay less per person, single person purchase will mean a higher price.
