General Information
Duration: 14 days/ 13 nights
Start/End: Yangon/Yangon
Tour Route: Yangon – Twante – Mandalay – Amarapura – Ava – Sagaing – Bagan – Fly to Heho – Pindaya – Kalaw – Inle Lake – Indein – Heho – Yangon
Tour Type: Nature & Landscape, Cycling, Adventure & Experience
Experience this 14-day Classic Burma Biking Tour With:
- Guides: hand-picked best tour guides with deep knowledge, humor, and profession (English speaking guides, other languages upon request)
- Drivers: polite, friendly, responsible, reliable with many years of driving experience
- Vehicles: comfortable, spacious, air-conditioned & clean
- Meals: meals are arranged at local restaurants so you can taste authentic Burmese cuisine
- Accommodation: well-chosen accommodation is listed below. Besides, various types of accommodation are available, from 5-star hotels, 4-star hotels in the best location, good value 3-star hotels, to boutique hotels reflect the style of the region
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Yangon Arrival (D)
Day 2: Yangon Sightseeing (B)
Day 3: Yangon Excursion by bike (B)
Day 4: Twante Explore by Bike – fly to Mandalay (B)
Day 5: Mandalay – Amarapura – Ava (B)
Day 6: Mandalay Morning half-day bike – Sagaing (B)
Day 7: Mandalay – Bagan by day cruise (B, L)
Day 8: Bagan Sightseeing (B)
Day 9: Bagan & Village Discovery by Bike + Sunset Boat with Cocktail (B)
Day 10: Bagan – Fly to Heho – Pindaya – Kalaw (B)
Day 11: Kalaw – Inle Lake (B)
Day 12: Inle Lake – Indein (B)
Day 13: Cooking Class + Inle Lake Discovery by Bike (B)
Day 14: Inle Lake – Heho – Fly to Yangon – Departure (B)
Please note that every element of the tour below can be tailored. Tell us your specific interest and we will be happy to make adjustments for you. This inquiry is totally free and you are under no obligation!
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon Arrival (D)
Mingalaba! Welcome to Yangon, the entertainment hub of Myanmar. Today, meet your private guide at the airport. We understand there will be a bit tired after the flight, so we will directly transfer you to the hotel for check-in. After settling into your hotel, enjoy your leisure time on your own. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon Sightseeing (B)
Today gives you a full day to explore the hustle and bustle city of Yangon. After breakfast at the hotel, make your first visit of the day to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, the most important Buddhist pagoda in Bahan township which houses one of the largest reclining Buddha images in the country. Together with sightseeing, your guide also provides you with the relation of the special symbol on the feet of the Buddha image to Burmese art and architecture. Along the way, you will catch a glimpse at the fabulous mix of colonial and Burmese architecture features on the street's buildings. From the pagoda, head to Karaweik Hall, one of the most impressive landmarks in Yangon situated on the serene Kandawgyi Lake to save your best photos.
Finally, fulfill your city tour at Shwedagon Pagoda – the must-see spot for any visitors coming to Yangon. Dating back to 2500 years ago, Shwedagon is said to be home to significant relics of the Buddha including 8 hair strands, a water filter, and a piece of the robe. The main stupa of the pagoda is made from 16 tons of pure gold and topped with over 7000 diamonds, rubies, and saphies making it one of the most glittering pagodas in the world. Take your time to observe the local pilgrims, and monks, and enjoy the gorgeous sunset before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 3: Yangon Excursion by Bike (B)
Your third day in Myanmar itinerary 2 weeks gives you an amazing day for you sightseeing around the city on a bike. This morning, cycle to Kandawgyi Park to feel the morning ambiance of the fascinating city. After that, pass through the small quarters and make a visit to the lively market in the city to gaze out at the life of the city dwellers and see the local race bargaining for their daily food.
Then our guide will take you to the jetty in Yangon to see the busy fish trading. Keep cycling to Strand Road where you will witness the old colonial building and colorful street vendors. Later, returning to the hotel.
Day 4: Twante Explore by Bike – Fly to Mandalay (B)
Wake up early this morning to take a cycling trip to Twante, a small charming town where you will pay some visits to the ancient Mon Pagoda complex and pottery village. At 7 am, transfer to the Irrawaddy Delta. After passing through Dala, a small fishing village that is a perfect spot for a quick look at the simple Burmese village life, you will reach Twante. Make your first visit to the town at Shwenadaw Pagoda, one of the main tourist attractions in Twante that shares its name with several pagodas in Myanmar all said to contain the Buddha's hair.
Then follow your guide to the pottery village to explore the traditional pottery which has been practiced in the region for more than a century. After lunch, cycle back along Twante Canal to the River Island where you will embark on a local boat to go back to Yangon. In the afternoon, our driver will pick you to the airport to board a domestic flight to Mandalay. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 5: Mandalay – Amarapura – Ava (B)
You are staying in a great city of culture in Myanmar. After breakfast in the hotel, your guide will take you to U Bein Bridge, the most beautiful bridge in Myanmar across the Taungthaman Lake. Spend your time walking on the bridge and breath the fresh cool air of the morning. Then continue cycling to Mahagandayon Monastery to explore the biggest monastery in the region where 1500 monks live and study under strict religious discipline. If you are interested in the teaching of Buddha, this is a great chance to learn in the monastery. Gain more local experiences as you head to a silk weaving workshop to interact with the local artisan and see the most fantastic fabrics from that people create their longyi.
Next, make your way to Ava (or Inwa) the ancient capital city of Burma from the 14th to the 19th century. Upon here, visit Bagaya monastery, a magnificent wooden monastery noted for its 267 giant teak ports which were the University of the Ava dynasty. Your sightseeing in Ava also includes a visit to the watchtower, a remnant of the old Ava Palace which gives you a glimpse into the glorious past of Ava. A trip to Ava cannot be completed without visiting Maha Aung Myay Bonzan Monastery, an impressive brick monastery famous for its intricated stuccoed sculptures.
In the afternoon, head to Mahamuni Pagoda, one of the holiest pagodas in Myanmar where you can marvel at the glittering golden Buddha image. Male visitors coming to the pagoda can join in washing the Buddhist statue. Head to a local workshop nearby the pagoda to explore the production of gold leaves, woodcarving, tapestries, and marionette. Highlight your afternoon sightseeing with a visit to the Golden Palace Monastery (or Shwesandaw Monastery) where you will witness a fantastic masterpiece of intricated wooden architecture that once was a part of the Mandalay royal palace. Continue looking for the world's largest Buddhist book that is carved on 729 marble slabs in Kuthodaw Pagoda before fulfilling your trip to the top of Mandalay Hill to marvel at the best sunset over the city. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 6: Mandalay Half Day Bike – Sagaing (B)
Rise before dawn this morning and enjoy the peaceful sunrise in Mandalay and then be ready for a morning cycling trip to discover the tranquility in the countryside. Start the journey at 7:30 am, cycling through the back lanes to get out of the town to head to the rural area. Along the way, you will pass through lively markets that will provide a picture of the life of the locals.
Continue pedaling toward the northeast of the city, you will reach a typical central village of Mandalay where you can learn about their way of life as well as the agriculture in the region. After that, ride back to Mandalay and make a stop at a local teahouse to enjoy some delicious Burmese snacks and tea. At about 12: 00 noon, reach the Grasshopper Adventures shop where your driver awaits to transfer you to the hotel.
In the afternoon, our guide will take you to Sagaing Hill, one of the most important religious centers in Myanmar which is home to six hundred monasteries. Your afternoon sightseeing might include a visit to a silverware cottage industry, and clay pot-making workshops to learn about the local production. Then you also visit a Nunnery to see the daily life of Buddhist nuns. In the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset from the top of Sagaing Hill before returning to the hotel in Mandalay.
Day 7: Mandalay – Bagan by Day Cruise (B, L)
Say goodbye to Mandalay this early morning, our driver will take you to RV PANORAMA where you will enjoy a full-day cruise to Bagan. enjoy your welcome breakfast from the sundeck of the board under the delightful sunlight and gentle breeze. Along the way, there will be a stop for you to disembark and explore a village populated on the bank of the Irrawaddy river. An interesting encounter with the locals will give you unforgettable memories. Lunch will be served on the board and then you will have a great opportunity to see the crew team showing different ways of wearing Longyi – the traditional dress of Burmese people and putting on Tanaka – a traditional make-up powder of the Burmese. Before arrival at Bagan, your river cruise will show you one the lovely sunset from the river. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 8: Bagan Sightseeing (B)
Rise before dawn this morning to admire one of the best sunrises in the world in the beautiful magic land of Bagan. If you love, this morning will deliver you an optional activity: Join in a lifetime hot air balloon ride.
Picked up early in the morning by our driver to the balloon point. Be amazed by the incredible view from your hot air balloon as you float over thousands of spectacular temples in Bagan. With the Irrawaddy River on the west and the mountain ranges on the east, your fantastic hot air balloon ride is no doubt a trip of a lifetime. There won't be any sounds of scooters or cars so you can completely feel like you are flying above a wonderland. After 45 minutes of the flight, you will be welcomed with a small party with sparkling wine and fresh fruits after landing.
After that, you will spend a full day exploring the man-made masterpieces of the amazing town by visiting the most outstanding temples and pagodas in Bagan. This will be a highlight of your 14-day trip as you can learn about the fantastic architecture as well as the devotion of each pagoda to Buddhism and the spiritual life of the Burmese people. Next, what's a better way to gain local experiences than paying a visit to a local workshop producing the most famous of Bagan: lacquerware and woodcraft. Here you can witness how the craftsmen create their beautiful items using traditional techniques. In the afternoon, transfer to the sunset hill to marvel at the beautiful sunset in the region. Overnight in Bagan.
Day 9: Bagan & Village Exploration by Bike – Sunset boat with a Cocktail (B)
Excite your senses this morning with a visit to the local market to soak up the bustling atmosphere and mingle with the local people. What's more, the market is where you can see an array of local products, vegetables, flowers, and encounters a smiling face covered with Tanaka makeup. After that, ready for a biking trip to explore the rural area. Together with sightseeing, our guide will bring you a specific introduction to the history, culture, and local lifestyle. Make your first visit to Phwar Saw Village to observe their daily life and see their production of lacquerware, one of the most famous handicrafts of Bagan.
After that, cycle to Three Pagodas to marvel at the mural painting and Kyat Kan Monastery to visit the construction of small chambers where monks still sleep inside until now. In the late afternoon, transfer to the jetty where you will embark on a wooden boat trip to cruise along the river. Sit back from the sundeck and enjoy the breathtaking sunset with a cocktail in hands.
Day 10: Bagan – Fly to Heho – Pindaya – Kalaw (B)
Today will be a long day of driving from Bagan to Kalaw. Leave Bagan this morning to board a flight to Heho. Upon arrival, our local guide will take you to Pindaya cave where you can marvel at thousands of golden Buddha images inside.
Then visit Sin Khaung Monastery, the impressive wooden monastery which is famous for its extremely gorgeous architecture, bamboo weaving Buddha images, and bronze statues. From there, your guide will take you to a village in the region that draws tourist's attention with its bamboo hat-making, pottery, handicraft, umbrella, and many more. Later, take a drive to Kalaw, the breathtaking colonial town noted for a peaceful summer resort nestled in the pine-clad mountains. Overnight in Kalaw.
Day 11: Kalaw – Inle Lake (B)
Take a scenic drive to Nyaung Shwe this morning. Along the way, stop for a visit at Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery for a short visit to the dramatic teak monastery dating back to the 19th century. After that, spend the rest of the day on a stunning boat trip around Inle Lake to discover the most beautiful lake in Myanmar.
Stop at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State and it is home to five 800-year-old golden images of the Buddha. It is hard not to be hypnotized by the endless floating gardens, stilt houses and the iconic image: Intha leg-rowing fishermen that enchants you along your breathtaking boat trip. The final visit of today is Nampan Village, a famous destination on Inle Lake where you could discover the local cheroot factory and canoe carving. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 12: Inle Lake – Indein (B)
Power up your morning with a first visit to the local market to indulge in the bustling trading of the tribal people. Next, embark on a boat trip and continue your amazing sightseeing. Today's main highlight will be Indein, the ancient village that is home to a pagoda complex of hundred stupas. Take your time to wander around the temple and walk along the colonnade to observe an array of exotic handicrafts. Not just sightseeing, your trip to Indein today will take you to the village of the special long-neck women. Spend your time learning about their lives and if you wish, listen to the legend of the big rings around their neck.
Later, return to the lake and row back to your hotel. Sunset time is the perfect moment for you to see the leg-rowing fishermen come back from their work. That is absolutely a sparkling scene for you to save your best photo.
Day 13: Cooking Class – Inle Lake Discovery by Bike (B)
This morning is a great opportunity for you to take part in a cooking class to try hands-on making traditional Burmese food. It lasts for 4 hours and you will learn how to make and cook authentic Burmese dishes on a charcoal cooker from the local seasonal vegetables. After the class, enjoy your meal and return to your hotel.
In the afternoon, get on a bike and cycle along the beautiful lakeshore of Inle Lake to reach the small farming village of Thale U. It is a breathtaking route as you ride through the endless sugar cane fields, garlic, and onion plantation. Along your way, we also stop for a visit at Mine Thauk Bridge, one of the most beautiful spots where the mountain ranges, sky, and natural landscape roll into one. Continue cycling to Kyaung Taing Village on the western bank of Inle Lake, you will spend some time discovering the Tofu Cracker, soya bean cracker, and other local products before returning to the hotel.
Day 14: Inle Lake – Heho – Fly to Yangon – Departure (B)
Say goodbye to Inle Lake this morning to take a flight back to Yangon. Then get on your international flight to your departure. Trip ends. Thank you for making your Burma cycling tours with us!
