Myanmar Bicycle
I am sure that you'll see a lot bicycles in Myanmar vocation travel. Bicycles are clearly the number one for Myanmar locals to get around in Myanmar. Myanmar Bikes can easily be go around the Myanmar country, but they're best for getting around a town rather than for use on long-haul trips in Myanmar.
Around Town
You can go around the places such as Inlay lake, Bago, Kandawgyi lake. Most Myanmar guesthouses in such places keep a few bikes on hand; if not, staff can usually track one down. More expensive Myanmar hotel and secondary Myanmar towns such as Sittwe tend to charge k 1000 or k 2000 more. Note the condition of the bike before hiring; check the brakes and pedals in particular. Many Myanmar rental bikes have baskets or bells.
If renting doesn't appeal and you plan to ride a fair bit, you can buy sturdy utilitarian bikes made in India, China or Thailand from about US$75. Someone may be able to help you track down a second-hand bike for less in Myanmar.
A part from in Yangon and Mandalay, vehicular traffic is quite light in Myanmar.
A part from in Yangon and Mandalay, vehicular traffic is quite light in Myanmar.
Long-Distance
A few visitors bring their own touring bikes into Myanmar; there doesn't seem to be any problem with customs as long as you make the proper declarations upon entering Myanmar country for Myanmar vocations. Gradients in most parts of Myanmar open to tourism are moderate. Frontier regions, on the other hand-particularly Shan, Kayin, Kayah and Chin States-tend to be mountain bike would make a good alternative to a touring rig for Myanmar vocation travel.
Some routes are listed below. More detail about these routes is provided.
Thazi to Inle Lake via Kalaw
Pyin U Lwin (Maymyo) to Lashio via Hispaw
Mandalay to Bagan via Myingyan
Mandalay to Monywa, Pyin U Lwin, Sagaing, Inwa (Ava) or Amarapura
November to February is the best time to cycle in terms of the weather.
If you're bringing your bike, bring the spare parts you need. There are (at least) basic Myanmar bicycle shops in most Myanmar towns, but they usually have only locally or Chinese-made parts to equip single-speed bikes. You can also buy lower-quality motorcycle helmets in Myanmar; many are disturbingly adorned with swastikas-a fad, not a political alliance. Bring reflective clothing and plenty of insurance for Myanmar vocations. Don't ride your bicycle at night in Myanmar.
Travelers on a bike will need to sleep in Myanmar towns few travelers make it to, and a lack of licensed Myanmar accommodation may be an issue. Technically, you will need permission from Myanmar local immigration to stay at such places in Myanmar. Be patient. Most cyclists get permission from Myanmar local authorities to stay one night, but the paperwork (coming with some frowns) may take an hour to arrange.
It's possible to store your bicycle in the undercarriage storage on Myanmar buses. You may have to pay a little extra, though. On smaller Myanmar buses you may need to buy a "seat" for your bike in Myanmar.
Check the Myanmar web page on www.cyclintaroundtheworld.com to read a detailed route, with tips for Myanmar vocations, from a 1998 trip around Bagan and central Myanmar. A few cycling groups (eg www.spiceroads.com/burma) offer guided tours; most are for about two weeks and take in much of prices for tours run at about US$750, and include bike and accommodation but not airfare for your Myanmar vocation travel.
Some routes are listed below. More detail about these routes is provided.
Thazi to Inle Lake via Kalaw
Pyin U Lwin (Maymyo) to Lashio via Hispaw
Mandalay to Bagan via Myingyan
Mandalay to Monywa, Pyin U Lwin, Sagaing, Inwa (Ava) or Amarapura
November to February is the best time to cycle in terms of the weather.
If you're bringing your bike, bring the spare parts you need. There are (at least) basic Myanmar bicycle shops in most Myanmar towns, but they usually have only locally or Chinese-made parts to equip single-speed bikes. You can also buy lower-quality motorcycle helmets in Myanmar; many are disturbingly adorned with swastikas-a fad, not a political alliance. Bring reflective clothing and plenty of insurance for Myanmar vocations. Don't ride your bicycle at night in Myanmar.
Travelers on a bike will need to sleep in Myanmar towns few travelers make it to, and a lack of licensed Myanmar accommodation may be an issue. Technically, you will need permission from Myanmar local immigration to stay at such places in Myanmar. Be patient. Most cyclists get permission from Myanmar local authorities to stay one night, but the paperwork (coming with some frowns) may take an hour to arrange.
It's possible to store your bicycle in the undercarriage storage on Myanmar buses. You may have to pay a little extra, though. On smaller Myanmar buses you may need to buy a "seat" for your bike in Myanmar.
Check the Myanmar web page on www.cyclintaroundtheworld.com to read a detailed route, with tips for Myanmar vocations, from a 1998 trip around Bagan and central Myanmar. A few cycling groups (eg www.spiceroads.com/burma) offer guided tours; most are for about two weeks and take in much of prices for tours run at about US$750, and include bike and accommodation but not airfare for your Myanmar vocation travel.
