Myanmar Magic
Classic Bike tour in Myanmar | 13 days ex Yangon | US$2350
Cycle the picturesque Shan Hills, Inle Lake and Bagan Plane. Meet the warm people and see the countryside of Myanmar. Lose yourself in Yangon and its food experiences
Mymanmar Magic has had a makeover! We took this great ride, changed it, improved it, made it easier to ride and we now believe it is an irresistible trip for anyone who has wondered what in fact lies between the well known cultures of India, China and Thailand. The answer for most is something completely unexpected.
Cycle from the enchanting Shan Hills into the Irrawaddy Basin and onto the Bagan Plain, home to 4000 pagodas. Finish with a visit to the commercial centre of the country, Yangon.
Behind the drama of the international sanctions, military dictatorship and controversy of this secretive nation is a country full of friendly people who have a strong tradition of hospitality and a country with amazingly diverse landscapes.
Itinerary
Days 1-2 | Inle Lake
After a flight from Yangon, we spend a day and a half exploring the stunning Inle Lake, home to many stilt village communities, floating agriculture and fishing. Visit local craftspeople and enjoy a pace of life much slower than the normal Asia.
Days 3-4 | Cycling the Shan Hills
Your senses and cameras will be overwhelmed as we cycle through and area of truly diverse landscapes and people. Kalaw with its multi-ethnic mix and Pindaya with its limestone caves are just the start. The patchwork countryside and hilltribe ethnic groups toiling in the fields is a of old Asia.
Days 5-6 | Mandalay
We cycle down from the Shan Hills on a little known road and down into the Irrawaddy Basin where we find Mandalay, a city extolled in many a famous book. We take a rest and enjoy the food and sights that this former capital has to offer.
Days 7-8 | Cycle the Chidwin-Irrawaddy triangle
Heading out from Mandalay we cycle on flat roads and stay a night in a trade town called Monywa. The next day we cycle then boat along the Irrawaddy into Bagan.
Day 9 | Cycle to Mount Popa
We find some hills as we cycle up to the impressive Mount Popa where we will visit the home of the 37 Nat. We stay in a truly unique mountain resort where the air is usually only a little cooler than the pool.
Days 10-11 | Cycle to Bagan and explore thousands of Pagodas
We have a screaming downhill and then ride a fresh route back to Bagan. We then have a day to cycle around the Bagan plain and learn about the thousands of pagodas that dot the landscape and to admire the work in the more grand structures.
Days 12-13 | Yangon
We return to Yangon where we will take in this city of broken charm on a walking tour. Tonight we will have our final dinner before the tour ends the following morning. We can arrange accommodation should you wish to extend your time in Yangon.
Facts and Information
Style
fully supported cycling
Grasshopper Leader
This tour will be lead by Adam Platt-Hepworth who lives in Phnom Penh and spends his days leading bike groups around South East Asia - much better than his old office job!
meet Adam
Inclusions
support vehicle, boat trip to Bagan, local guide, tour leader, most meals, entry fees
Group Size
minimum 4, maximum 14
Accommodation
9 nights superior hotel, 3 nights comfortable hotel
Meals Included
12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
Days Cycling
8
Kilometres Cycled
613km
Difficulty
moderate
Cycling Conditions
We cycle on sealed roads most of the time, but these can often be in disrepair. We have some riding on unsealed roads and tracks.