Myanmar Easy Cycling Tour – 8 Days

Myanmar Easy Cycling Tour – 8 Days
Tour Itinerary

Myanmar Easy Cycling Tour .Here is a nation that, for many, feels largely undiscovered, yet is one of the gems of Southeast Asia—and one of the most extraordinary trips in B&R’s long history. From biking the lush countryside to strolling through ancient villages and spectacular temples, to floating along the current in a riverboat, we take in Myanmar at a pace that reflects the gentle character of the country and reveals a land that will forever live in your imagination. Thankfully, the Burmese encourage us to return.
Easygoing

We rate this trip as Easygoing. The terrain is generally flat throughout our daily rides of 20-30 km (12-19 mi.), although you should expect a few hills and some dirt roads in the countryside. Our walks take us through villages. To avoid midday heat, the days tend to start early.

Day 01: Yangon Arrival & Sightseeing

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 : No

Day 02: Yangon-Heho-Inle Lake (with flight & bike) (B, L,D)

Pick up from your hotel or airport for Fly from Yangon to northern Myanmar and then take lunch at a local winery (seriously). From here, cycle past sugar cane fields and through quiet, local villages.

Biking Distance : 35 km

Day 03:  Inle Sightseeing.(B,L,D)

Bike to remote villages, walk to a temple for a picnic lunch and watch local fishermen ply their craft. That afternoon, visit a school and monastery.

Biking Distance : 30 km

Day 04: Inle-Indein (B,L,D)

Board a boat to the ancient ruins of In Dien, explore villages, check out local weaving. From here we will hike through a bamboo forest to a meditation temple.

Biking Distance : 20 km

Day 05: Inle- Heho-Mandalay Sightseeing (with flight & bike) (B,L,D)

Cross InleLake and visit a monastery before flying to Mandalay. That afternoon bike along the bank of the mighty AyeyarwadyRiver.

Biking Distance : 25 km

Day 06: Mandalay-Amarapura –Mingun-Mandalay  (with car & bike) (B, L,D)

Sunrise bike ride, tour of the Amarapura Monastery. Lakeside ride and watch marble carvers. Dinner tonight is in a favourite local restaurant.

Biking Distance : 45 km

Day 07: Mandalay-Yangon Sightseeing  with car (B,L,D)

Morning after breakfast, transfer to airport to fly back Yangon. Arrive at Yangon visit to 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 08: Yangon Departure  ( B )

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your international flights.

(End of Tour Program)

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 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:

  • Accommodation based on Twin Sharing - 7 nights
  • Domestic flight in tour
  • Bikes for complete Tour and helmet
  • All Meals B = Breakfast , L = Lunch , D =Dinner
  • Lunch in Midway restaurant/City Restaurant or Pack Lunch
  • Mechanic throughout the tour
  • Boat trip and ferry in 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 , visa
  • Accommodation not in tour
  • Other personal expenses
  • Tips and Gratitude
  • Travel insurance
  • Any Hard and Soft Drink with meals
  • Myanmar Easy Cycling Tour – 8 Days 1
  • Myanmar Easy Cycling Tour – 8 Days 2
  • Myanmar Easy Cycling Tour – 8 Days 3
  • Myanmar Easy Cycling Tour – 8 Days 4
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