See an entirely different side of Myanmar by motorbiking from Thailand through the untouched depths of rural Myanmar, taking in tarmac roads and dirt tracks that follow mighty rivers and up beautiful mountains. Get the chance to explore ancient citys, witness thousands of golden pagodas, and meet distinctive tribal peoples.
Tour Overview
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Starting from the Thai border town of Mae Sot, with its strong Burmese influences – both in the people and the stupas that you see in the surrounding countryside – you will cross the border to Myawaddy, immediately encountering a tough stretch as you ride up and over the Dawna Mountain range that separates Myanmar and Thailand. After you reach the highest point of this sometimes rough road, coast down the other side and on to the Karen capital of Hpa An.
Hpa An is one of the most enchanting and scenic destinations in Myanmar; the flat, lush paddy fields give way to karst limestone mountains that jut out dramatically from the ground. Motorbike around these and explore some of the springs, temples and massive Buddhist caves that can be found in the area. In the evening, feast yourself on the great local food, a mix of Thai-Chinese-Burmese-Karen fusion.
After breakfast, head westwards to Bago, one of Myanmar’s old capitals and host to a number of large, glittering pagodas. After you stopover, head up country on solid tarmac roads to Pyay, located on the bank of the mighty Irrawaddy river. Another historic city with plenty to explore, you will find the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sri Ksetra a short ride to the east of town, a large site that is perfect to explore by motorbike.
Continue northwards to the spectacular monastery at Mount Popa, which sits precariously on top of a volcanic plug, and on to the thousands of temples on the plains of Bagan, where you will get the chance to relax by your hotel pool and take a day off your bike to explore the area and enjoy the stunning and unique sunsets.
Ride to historic Mandalay, on the way taking in the ancient capital at Inwa, centre of a large kingdom for centuries but now crumbling ruins amongst quiet rice paddy fields, as well as the iconic U Bein bridge. Stay in Mandalay and witness monasteries, markets, ancient temples and panoramic sunset views from the top of Mandalay Hill – and discover the other ancient capitals in the area, including the stupa-studded hills of Sagaing, the gigantic unfinished pagoda and bell at Mingun.
Ascend to the cool mountain air and explore the dirt roads, ox cart paths and donkey trails that weave between the charming villages of the hills towards the colonial-era hill station of Pyin U Lwin, where you will have dinner at a lakefront restaurant.
Head on eastwards through the Shan hills to the delightful and laid back town of Hsipaw, and then turn south on a mixture of riverside runs and zigzagging switchbacks towards Kalaw. These roads in remote parts of Shan State are rarely travelled by foreigners, so you will get plenty of curious glances on the way. Take in the bustling old colonial outpost of Kalaw, with its large population of Nepali guides whose families remained here after the Second World War.
Ride mostly sealed, single lane roads down to the serenely picturesque Inle Lake via the crumbling mass of pagodas at Indein and then take some time to explore the area before heading to your hotel. If you go for the superior hotel option, a boat will take you to your hotel on the lake (standard hotels are located in the characterful town of Nyaung Shwe, at the northern end of the lake). The next day, head on eastwards to the mountaintop capital of Shan State, Taunggyi.
Take the road less travelled through the beautiful, lush and wild mountain scenery of eastern Shan State, the heart of the infamous Golden Triangle. This route will include an overnight stop at the town of Myine Pyin, and is rarely taken by foreigners, requiring a government permit that we will arrange for you.
Kyaing Tong is a culturally diverse place, set against a scenic mountain backdrop. Explore the Wild West charm of the town and surrounding mountain areas, including Wa, Shan, Akha and Lahu tribal villages and take the chance to relax at the local hot springs.
Ride south to the border town of Tachileik and depart to Thailand at Mae Sai.
| Standard hotels for above program | Deluxe hotels for above program |
| Hpa An - Hotel Zwekabin | Hpa An - Hpa An Lodge |
| Bago - Jade Garden Hotel | Bago - Han Thar Gardens |
| Pyay - Mingalar Garden Resort | Pyay - Mingalar Garden Resort |
| Bagan - Floral Breeze Hotel | Bagan - Bagan Lodge |
| Mandalay - Hotel Rama | Mandalay - Mandalay Hill Resort |
| Pyin U Lwin - Royal Park View Hotel | Pyin U Lwin - The Governor’s House |
| Hsipaw - Mr. Charles Guest House | Hsipaw - Hsipaw Riverside Resort |
| Kalaw – Dream Villa Hotel | Kalaw - Amara Mountain Resort |
| Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) - Hupin Hotel | Inle Lake - Amata Garden Resort |
| Taunggyi - KBZ FC Hotel | Taunggyi - KBZ FC Hotel |
| Myine Pyin - local guest house | Myine Pyin - local guest house |
| Kyaing Tong - Kyaing Tong New Hotel | Kyaing Tong - Kyaing Tong New Hotel |
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.
