Burma – Classic
Cycle through Myanmar’s cultural heart, from Yangon and Inle Lake to Mount Popa and ancient Bagan, discovering temples, villages and timeless traditio
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Key Places
- Essential Info
- Accommodation
- Videos
14 Day Tour
From: £2490
Burma Cycling Holiday
The redspokes Mountains, Beaches and Stupas cycling holiday is a richly varied journey through Myanmar’s cultural and natural highlights. Beginning in Yangon, the tour introduces the country’s spiritual heritage with a sunset visit to the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, before travelling north to the tranquil Shan Hills and Inle Lake, famous for its floating villages and traditional way of life.
Cycling follows quiet rural roads through farmland and forest, visiting sacred sites such as the Pindaya Caves and climbing the volcanic Mount Popa, before reaching the extraordinary temple plains of Bagan. The journey then contrasts perfectly with time to relax on the unspoilt beaches of Ngapali Bay, creating a memorable blend of cycling, culture and coastal calm.
Bagan
Famous for its many temples Bagan in the Mandalay region of Burma, is an ancient city located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River in the country’s central dry zone. During the summer months temperatures soar here. Back in the 9th Century Bagan was the Capital of the Kingdom of Pagan. From the 11-13th Centuries more than 10,000 Buddhist religious sites were built in the Bagan plains and today the remains of more than 2,000 of these historic temples and pagodas survive. This is the largest and most concentrated area of Buddhist sites in the world and of great historical and archaeological interest.
A spectacular and romantic way to enjoy the views of Bagan is to take a hot air balloon trip at dawn and enjoy the sunrise. It’s best to visit the temples during the morning before the heat of the day sets in. An afternoon siesta will prepare you for your evening visit to the small night market where there are local goods on sale and live music and entertainment.
Inle Lake
Inle Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake 900 m above sea level in the Shan state of Myanmar. It is a stretch of water 22km long and 10 km wide and the second largest lake in Myanmar. Many minorities live in the area, directly on and around the lake you will encounter the Intha people. The Intha fishermen are known for their unique leg rowing. They stand at the stern of the boat on one leg and wrap the other leg around the oar. This practise developed because of the density of reeds and plants in the lake. The Intha women roll cigars and weave. ‘Intha’ means ‘children of the lake’.
The area is a wildlife sanctuary and thousands of water birds migrate here or use the waters as a breeding area. Some are rare species you are unlikely to find elsewhere. December and January are the best times for bird watching. On the North Bank of Inle Lake is the town of Nyang Shwe. Two main attractions in Nyang Shwe are the Cultural Museum and the Royal Palace of Sahn Saw Bwar. A bridge crossing takes you to a magnificent stupa completely clad in mirror tiles and 3 km outside of town you can visit the Red Mountain Winery and enjoy beautiful sunset views.
There is also a market in the town every 5 days where women from local hill tribes of the Inle region come to sell crafts and produce. Most of the communities are devout Buddhists who live in simple wooden or woven bamboo houses on stilts.
Ngapali Beach
Set in tranquil rural Burma, Ngapali Beach, fringed by coconut palm trees extends for 3km of white sand coastline along the turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal. Untainted by modern development, Burma’s popular coastal resort is another highlight on the redspokes cycle tour. People come here to relax, swim, snorkel and fish in beautiful surroundings. Situated 7km from the ancient sea port town of Thandwe, Ngapali comprises a series of stretches of sand between which you will find small fishing communities where fish, shrimp and coconut hang out to dry in the sun.
There are opportunities for pony rides along the beach. The area can be explored on foot, by bicycle or you can take a ride in a trishaw pedalled by local villagers, and see local markets where crafts, weaving and pottery are sold. Motorised fishing boats offer trips around the local islands including a black sand islet. Away from the coast you can walk in the hills with lake and reservoir areas, the habitat for local wildlife.
You will have ample opportunities to sample freshly caught seafood in the local restaurants.
Yangon
Yangon also referred to as Rangoon (meaning “End of Strife”) is a former capital of Myanmar (Burma) and the principal city of the Yangon region. Yangon grew from the small 11th C fishing village: Dagon in the area directly around the Shwedagon Pagoda. According to legend the Pagoda itself was built during the time of the Buddha. Today it is the country’s largest city with a population of over five million. Yangon is a mix of British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian influences. British colonial occupation led to the development of parks, lakes and buildings in addition to the traditional wooden architecture, in an area known as “the garden city of the East”. In addition to this are modern high rise developments and shanty town quarters.
Bogyoke Aung San covered Market (Scott Market) is a huge indoor area where can find a variety of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
Yangon’s circular train is a ‘sight’ in itself. Buy your ticket at the office on platform 7 in the Central Railway Station or at any circular train station. Choose a clockwise or anti clockwise journey. Prepare for three hours on a hard wooden seat, whilst the locals will be a curiosity to you and you to them cherry sellers will step on and off the moving train with a bowl of cherries on their head to tempt you with their fruit.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Yangon
redspokes Mountains, Beaches and Stupas, Myanmar tour begins in Yangon. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. For those who arrive early in the day there will be a city walking tour of Yangon, Burma’s largest city and the former capital. The tour will begin at 1pm. Later this afternoon you will be taken to see the sunset at the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most spectacular religious monuments in South East Asia and the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world. The pagoda’s imposing form dominates the city skyline. This evening, there will be a group meeting with the redspokes guide.
Accommodation: Hotel (D)
Day 2: Yangon – Nyaung Shwe
We board a morning flight to Heho then transfer by vehicle from the airport to Nyaung Shwe. Located on the banks of Inle Lake, Nyaung Shwe is the trading hub for villagers living around the lake and in the Shan mountains. Local hill tribes include the Intha and Pao people. Street traders here sell cigars, local crafts and food. The Intha fishermen are renowned for their distinctive leg-rowing technique. This afternoon you can take a boat trip across the water, seeing floating gardens, pagodas and the main produce market.
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 3: Nyaung Shwe – Pindaya
Today we begin cycling on sealed roads and soon begin a sustained 6-7km climb. After 27km we turn off onto a secluded unsurfaced road that takes us to the lakeside town Pindaya. Most famous for the caves that house thousands of Buddha statues, Pindaya is also where traditional Shan paper umbrellas are manufactured. This is a very picturesque and relaxing ride and most of the route apart from a stretch of 7km is surfaced. You can expect to get into Pindaya a little after lunch. It’s a beautiful place to stay and you have the opportunity to visit the Pindaya Caves. Although they are one of the town’s main attractions, we will see few tourists as Pindaya is visited mainly by Burmese pilgrims. The many images of Buddha are made of white marble, bronze or plaster, coated with gold leaf. Many legends are told about the caves including a tale of seven princesses bathing in a lake who were captured by a giant spider and trapped in the cave only to be rescued by Prince Kummabhaya of Yawnghwe.
Cycling Distance: 62km (38.5 miles)
Cycling Climb: 733m (2,404ft)
Cycling Descent: 479m (1,571ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)
Day 4: Pindaya – Ywar Ngan
We continue cycling on the tour today towards Mandalay, first on quiet back roads, then on the main road which is main only by name, not by nature. We will encounter very little traffic here due to the surface being unsuitable for large vehicles who take an alternative route. The cycling terrain is fairly up and down, with nothing too challenging in the way of climbs.
Cycling Distance: 76km (47 miles)
Cycling Climb: 1,097m (3,599ft)
Cycling Descent: 958m (3,143ft)
Accommodation: Guest House (B,L,D)
Day 5: Ywar Ngan – Kyaukse
We cycle on to Kyaukse through forested areas with rice fields, banana and coconut trees. Our route includes over 500m of uphill cycling but also a mighty 1,737m downhill. As we reach the 43km mark leaving the mountains behind our descent ends and we really begin to feel the heat. Kyaukse is a small peaceful town 25 miles (40 km) south of Mandalay located on the Zawgyi River, although it is in Burma’s dry zone. The Kyaukse area is known for its turmeric, mango and onions. You can walk out to visit the town pagoda and enjoy a lovely view of the area.
Cycling Distance: 79.8km (50 miles)
Cycling Climb: 1,689m (5,541ft)
Cycling Descent: 506m (1,660ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 6: Kyaukse to Myingyan
Leaving Kyaukse behind we head for Myingyan, cycling on through remote Burma. There is a 20km stretch along busy road. You can take the support vehicle to avoid cycling this stretch of the route if you prefer. Along the way, we pass through many villages and have unparalleled opportunities to observe traditional lifestyles of the rural Burmese. We can stop to meet friendly locals. Farmers here grow crops such as peanuts, sesame and peas, there are many toddy palm trees. The route is flat, but we will need stamina to contend with the heat. Myingyan lies in the valley of the Ayeyarwady River, to the south of Mandalay, on the east bank of the river.
Cycling Distance: 105km (65 miles)
Cycling Climb 505m (1,656ft)
Cycling Descent: 525m (1,722ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 7: Myingyan – Mount Popa
Today our cycling tour continues through the rural landscape, we ride past fields of millet, sesame, cotton, maize, rice and a great variety of peas and beans. We head south east enjoying the landscapes of Burma’s dry zone; the first part of the route is fairly flat with a few gently undulating slopes. We will see Mount Popa in the distance, an imposing extinct volcano.
Cycling Distance: 81km (50 miles)
Cycling Climb: 960m (3,150ft)
Cycling Descent: 430m (1,410ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 8 : Mount Popa to Bagan
We start the day cycling to Mount Popa, a 1518 metre-high volcanic mountain with stunning views of the surrounding area. Popa Taungkalat monastery is perched on the top of the volcano and reputedly home to 37 Mahagrini Nats (spirits). At the foot of the mountain you will find a shrine to the spirits. A climb of 777 steps to the top of Popa is well worth the effort for the awe inspiring panoramic views. As we ascend we will pass pilgrims, souvenir shops and Mt Popa monkeys. Back on the bikes we cycle on to Bagan.
We pass through villages where the locals produce a range of products using the juices of the Toddy palm trees, including sweet molasses and wine. As we cycle by we see the farmers in action as they climb the trees to collect the juice. Traditional farming methods are practiced here and oxen are still used to help grind corn and rice. We approach Bagan on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River with temples dotted all along the waterfront.
Cycle Distance: 53km (33 miles)
Cycling Climb: 119m (390ft)
Cycling Descent: 631m (2,070ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 9: Bagan Rest Day
We begin with an early morning guided ride (on local bikes) to visit the local Pagodas before the heat of the day sets in. You are free this afternoon to enjoy the sights. There are options to visit Nyaung Oo Market, and the Shwezigon Pagoda which many of Burma’s later stupas were modelled on. You can join an organised tour of some of the major temples in the Bagan area or just relax by the pool in the hotel. This evening you will enjoy the sunset over Bagan’s imposing ancient monuments.
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 10: Bagan to Ngapali Beach
Today we take a flight south to the beautiful Ngapali Beach which is a short distance from Thandwe in Rakhine State. Ngapali beach is Burma’s most popular and well known coastal resort. As you relax here with the deep blue waters of the Bengal Sea, white sands and beautiful palm trees you really will feel you’ve arrived in paradise. This evening we can watch a beautiful sunset whilst sipping a cocktail on the sands before dinner. There is a wonderful variety of local fresh fish and seafood of offer in the restaurants.
Accommodation: Guest House (B)
Day 11: Ngapali Beach Local area
Ngapali’s remote tranquil surroundings offer a variety of activities. Today you have options to take a boat trip to do some fishing or snorkelling. Alternatively, you can stroll around the surrounding villages, visiting traditional markets or hire a local bike and ride along the entire stretch of sand, experiencing traditional life alongside ox-drawn carts. Returning to the beach this evening there’s time for a sunset stroll along the sands.
Accommodation: Guest House (B)
Day 12: Ngapali – local area
More time to enjoy your relaxed surroundings. There is the option to join a day trip to one of the nearby fishing villages and learn about traditional life for the local fisherman. After lunch you can relax and enjoy a beautiful unspoiled beach with more options for swimming snorkelling or kayaking before returning to Ngapali. If you prefer to stay in the local area you can walk to the far end of the bay to a large hilltop Buddha, the final stretch to the hill top is steep and rocky but you will be rewarded with panoramic views.
Accommodation: Guest House (B)
Day 13: Ngapali – Yangon
We will take a flight back to Yangon this morning. This afternoon we have time for a walking tour of Little India and Chinatown.
Accommodation: Hotel (B, D)
Day 14: Yangon
The tour ends today. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: B
Essential Info
Holiday Status (available, guaranteed)
Holiday Status
Before booking your holiday with us, please check the status of your chosen tour. We strongly advise against booking any flights or making other travel arrangements until the tour is marked as Guaranteed.
To confirm your place, simply pay the deposit. This deposit can be refunded at any time until the tour status changes to “Guaranteed”. Your final balance will be due 56 days before the tour start date.
When you book, you are agreeing to our booking conditions – please take a moment to read them in full.
Each tour requires a minimum number of participants to go ahead. As bookings come in, the status will update from Available, to 2 More to Guarantee, and finally to Guaranteed once the minimum is met. You can always check the current status on the ‘Dates and Prices’ section of the tour page.
Tour status definitions:
- Guaranteed – The tour is confirmed and open for booking.
- Guaranteed – Limited – Confirmed to run, but only a few spaces left.
- Available – 2 More to Guarantee – Tour is open but needs just 2 more bookings to confirm.
- Available – Open for booking but not yet confirmed to run.
- Contact – Please get in touch if you’re interested in this tour.
- Fully Booked – This tour is no longer available.
Once a tour is marked Guaranteed, you can confidently go ahead with booking your flights and making travel plans. We don’t cancel trips once they reach guaranteed status, except in very rare and exceptional circumstances.
Available – trips are open for booking but not yet confirmed.
Contact – If you would like to book this tour, please contact us.
Fully Booked – trips now closed for booking.
What’s Included
- Support vehicle
- Accommodation
- Most meals (see trip notes for details)
- Snacks and mineral water during cycling days
- Airport transfers on the start and end day of the tour
- Local professional English speaking guide(s)
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Alcoholic drinks
- Meals not stated on the itinerary
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide (s) and support staff
- Bike hire (available if required)
Getting there and away
The tour starts in Rangoon (Yangon). You will need to arrive on Day 1 of your itinerary. Your flight departure at the end of the trip should be booked for the final day of the itinerary. We appreciate that people join redspokes tours from all over the world. Whatever time you arrive at the airport on the trip start date you and your luggage will be transferred to the joining hotel. Please bear in mind that if you arrive before midday you may have to wait for your room to be made available. If you decide to arrive early or stay on after the tour, redspokes can assist you in booking your extra accommodation and airport transfers at additional cost.
Our tour price does not include your international flight.
Check out www.kayak.com or www.opodo.co.uk for an idea of times and prices.
Bike Hire
For this tour we have 2020 Marlin 7 bikes in a range of sizes. They are new for this season and all are well maintained bikes with Shimano components and suspension forks. Spare parts (tubes, tyre, chains etc.) are included in the price of the bike rental and will be carried in the support vehicle with a tool kit and track pump.
The bikes are equipped with flat pedals. Those who prefer to use spd or clip-in pedals, are welcome to bring these with you, along with your own cycling shoes and cleats. You are also welcome to bring your own saddle.
If you are able to do a simple repair yourself then you can if you wish take a small repair kit with you as this will avoid the need to wait for assistance should the team or support vehicle be any distance away. The bikes will come with one water bottle cage fitted.
We strongly advise all customers to bring their own cycle helmet as this is not included as part of your bike hire and hire or purchase options at your destination cannot be guaranteed. Please be aware that failure to wear a cycle helmet is at your own risk and might also affect the validity of your travel insurance.
Extra Expenses
If you wish to hire a bike or have a single room for the tour this can usually be arranged for you at extra cost. You will have the opportunity to request these extras at the time of booking or, subject to availability, at a later date, by emailing your request to us.
If you require additional accommodation or transfers in advance of the trip start date or at the end of your trip we can arrange this for you at extra cost.
Bike Support & Grading
You will at all times have the security of a support vehicle; either a jeep or a bus. The vehicle will carry your luggage (we transport your main baggage by support vehicle from each overnight stop to the next) and yourself if you want. The support vehicle will be with us throughout the day stopping around every 12 miles (20 km).
Our leaders carry a good tool kit and will help to fix any bike problems so all you normally need to carry is a daypack, for your camera etc. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be equipped for all repairs, so if you are bringing your own bike on the tour you must ensure that it is in good working order. If in doubt, have it fully serviced by a bike shop before you travel.
Solo Travellers
We have a wide mix of cyclists on our tours from couples and friends to solo travellers. Our prices are based on twin shared accommodation. If you sign up for one of our tours as a solo traveller we will twin share you with another person of the same gender in your group. If you prefer to have your own room this is an option on most of our tours for an extra charge.
Bringing your own bike
The Burma tour is suitable for mountain bikes with front suspension or strong touring bikes.
We strongly recommend that you have your bike fully serviced before going on the tour. Ensure that wheel spokes are adjusted, greasing all bearings, check gear and brake cables, tighten all nuts and bolts, check chain, quick release clamp and tyres. Put in a new inner tubes and check wheel rims aren’t worn.
We recommend that you take the following items with you.
- Multi tool
- Tyre levers
- Pump
- Spare inner tubes
- Spare spokes
- Check with your bike shop for disc/ brake pads
- A few links for your chain
- Spares for any unique things for your bikes i.e fluid or bleed kit.
Your bike must be carried as part of your luggage allowance. The weight of a bike in cardboard box is about 15-20kg, so please bear this in mind when packing for the trip and you may have to pay for excess luggage.
Eating & Drinking (Special diets)
Most meals are included in your trip price apart from on non cycling days and some other exclusions. Please check the itinerary for full details. If you have a special dietary request, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance.
Burma has a fertile climate and growing conditions all year round. Rice is the staple food here, and Burma used to be the World’s biggest rice exporter. Meat or fish, soup, salad and vegetables are all cooked in their own ways, with additional relishes. It is customary for dishes to be laid out on the table and served together so that diners can make their own choices and combinations. It is common for meat or fish to be cooked in oil, seasoned with pounded onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, chilli and spices, and then simmered. The most typical accompaniment is a kind of relish made from preserved fish or prawn, served with chilli powder. Mohinga, (rice noodle served with fish soup) is the favourite Myanmar dish mostly enjoyed at breakfast or on special occasions. Laphet, pickled tea leaves with a dash of oil and served with sesame seeds, fried garlic and roasted peanuts is another popular snack typical of Myanmar.
Insurance
It is mandatory that you are well-insured for the full duration of the tour. This must include personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation, helicopter or aircraft rescue, loss of luggage or equipment, cancellation or curtailments.
You should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in your tour. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance at the time of booking your trip to ensure that you are covered in the event of cancellation.
For people within the UK, Snowcard Insurance Services specialize in all mountain sports holidays including mountain biking. Follow the link above to obtain full information and a quote.
Passport & Visa
Whilst we endeavour to provide correct and relevant information obtained directly from the relevant Embassies, High Commissions and Consulate Generals – this information is subject to frequent changes, without warning and at very short notice. Due to this, we cannot be held liable for any errors in the information provided on this site. We strongly advised you to check all information with the relevant embassy for details on your visa/passport requirements. Please check the link below for some further details – Myanmar Embassy.
You must be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival or 1 month after expiration of visa and have 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit.
You can apply online for an e-visa. Alternatively, visa application forms for UK residents can be obtained by clicking here. If you would prefer to pay an agent to get your visa, we would then suggest using Travcour UK Ltd. They have been in the visa business for 25 years.
Please ensure you check that all the details on the visa are correct prior to your departure.
Accommodation
We choose accommodation on the basis of comfort rather than luxury. Our prices are based on sharing a twin room. Should you wish to have a room all to yourself there is a single supplement option on the majority of our tours. For more information on the additional costs please see dates and prices.
The majority of the accommodation for this trip is in either guest house or hotel.
Some rooms will have en-suite facilities and air-conditioning.
Health & Vaccinations
We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor or local Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks before going on your trip for advice on the correct vaccinations required for your trip. Also please refer to advice from National Travel Health Network and Centre .
There are no mandatory vaccinations for this trip, however the following are recommended Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis.
Vaccination requirements can change and we aren’t medically qualified to answer your questions regarding vaccinations so please also check again with your health professional before departing for your trip.
Climate
Myanmar has three seasons – hot, rainy and cold. With a tropical climate and high humidity, the temperature and rainfall vary from region to region. The provinces in the hilly regions have a pleasant climate while the central and low lands are relatively hot. The southwest coast of Myanmar receives rain 200 inches per year whilst the central flat land receives less than 20 inches per year. Each season has its own attractions. During monsoon, July-September, landscapes are green and lush, the cooler season is from October- February (20-30 C), and it is fine to visit central and upper Myanmar such as Bagan and Inle Lake. Light casual clothing is recommended all year round. It is much cooler at night in the Shan region where you will need warm clothing.
Equipment List
In terms of clothing this is clearly up to you and we can only supply a rough guide as to what to take. This guide is entirely flexible and should be tailored to your specific needs. The weather is usually warm and humid, although between October – February it can be cooler in the evenings so please bear this in mind when packing.
- Cycling helmet
- Sunglasses
- Water bottles or camelbak
- Lightweight trekking boots/shoes – cycling footwear
- Lightweight trekking shorts
- Padded cycling shorts
- Baggy shorts (will need to be worn in some areas)
- Long trousers
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Swimwear
- Fleece jacket/pullover
- Waterproof Biking Jacket (breathable fabric)
- Fingerless biking gloves
- Sun hat
- Torch or headlamp – & spare bulbs/batteries
- Buff
- scarf
- Strong Sunscreen/ Lip balm
- Clothing to cover shoulders and legs when visiting temples and holy sites.
Our guides carry first aid supplies, however we also recommend you bring your own kit which should contain the following item;
- Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen (or whatever you prefer for headache)
- Lomotil or Diacalm
- Rehydration salts (Dioralite)
- Antiseptic cream
- Throat lozenges
- Plasters (band aids)
- Nasal spray
- Eye drops
- Ear plugs
- Anti bacterial hand wash
- Antiseptic wet wipes
- Insect Repellent
- Blister pads
Tipping & Spending Money
Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. 50USD for the guide and team at the end of the tour is recommended.
It is customary for this to be collected up and given to your guide who will distribute it amongst the team. Unfortunately there is usually a hierarchy for the division between guides, helpers and drivers.
Spending money depends on your taste for souvenirs, drinks etc. We estimate that £250 will be more than enough to cover the 14-day tour.
Country Profile
Republic of the Union of Myanmar – Capital: Nay Pyi Taw
- Population 53 million
- Currency Kyat
- Area 676,552 sq km (261,218 sq miles)
- Major language Burmese, minority languages
- Major religions Buddhism
- Life expectancy 64 years (men), 69 years (women)
Cycle Tops & T-shirts
Our professional cycling tops are designed with three rear elasticated pockets to give you plenty of space for your cycling essentials and comes with a silicone bottom hem. Lined with COOLMAX ® to keep you cool and comfortable and ensure moisture wicking. Available in varies sizes so please refer to size charts for more information.
Accommodation
Accommodation Level: traditional
See our Accommodation Grading page for more details.
Videos
Here are a selection of videos for our ‘Burma – Mountains, Beaches & Stupas’ Cycling holiday.
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