SOFT ADVENTURE TOUR ( TREKKING & BIKING )

Day 1 : Yangon

We transfer to the Central Post Office to start our walking tour along the famed Strand Road to view the antiquated Pansodan Jetty and observe busy riverside life. We then head up Pansodan Street which contains some of Yangon’s most impressive colonial buildings. We stop for a perfect view of famed city icons such as Sule Pagoda, City Hall and the High Court. We then cross the greenery of Maha Bandoola Garden and view a district with abundant second-hand book stores.

We continue our walk with exploration of the gold shops of Shwe Bontha Street. From this location we head to Bogyoke (Scott's) Market (closed on Monday and public holidays). 

After lunch at a local restaurant we cross to the animated Indian district of Anawrahta Road to view a traditional Hindu Temple. We then head to a busy area of Chinatown. Finally, we explore Shwedagon Pagoda which is famous for its jewel encrusted spire. 

Lunch and dinner are charged to your own account.

Overnight in Yangon. 

Day 2 : Yangon – Inle Lake (B / L / D)

Employ pedal power to explore Inle Lake. After breakfast, we drive to Yangon airport for the domestic flight to Heho. Upon arrival, we take a one-hour drive to Nyaung Shwe and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. We then jump on our bikes for a 1.5-hour cycle through scenic landscapes to Khaung Daing village following a route along the shore of Inle Lake. Prepare for a bumpy ride as the road is partly tarred and winding with pot holes in many places and light traffic.

Along the way, we can observe the unique life of the Inthar people and admire the pleasant scenery. As soon as we arrive in Khaung Daing, we board a boat and cruise to our hotel in time for dinner. 

Lunch is at a local restaurant and dinner is at hotel.

Overnight in Inle Lake. 

Day 3 : Inle Lake (B / L / D) 

After breakfast, we set off on a gentle cruise on Inle Lake, where we can see the famous leg rowing fishermen who navigate their boats using one leg, typical floating gardens and farms, and locals fishing using traditional methods of fishing. We will also witness village life and magnificent scenery. we boat to the western shore of the lake where you will find the beginning of a stair path leading to the Indein Pagoda complex which contains hundreds of small stupas overgrown by moss and greens.

We continue on foot to a nearby village and through one of the many creeks passing rice fields to the village of Sae Ma. 

After lunch at a local restaurant on the lake, we will visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery which houses a stunning collection of ancient Buddha Statues before visiting the weaving village of Inpawkhon where we can watch weavers using traditional techniques to craft fabulous fabrics. Our final stop is at one of the local markets in the Inle Lake region where we can watch locals barter over goods. 

Lunch is at a local restaurant and dinner is at hotel.

Overnight in Inle Lake. 

Day 4 : Inle Lake – Mandalay (B / L / D) 

After breakfast, a long drive (about 8 hours) will take us to Mandalay. Our journey includes narrow, winding and bumpy roads through the splendour of the Shan hills. And then transfer to hotel for check in.

Lunch and dinner are at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 5 : Mandalay (B / L / D) 

Breakfast is at the hotel. Today’s adventure is a bike ride to the former royal capital of Amarapura. Highlight attractions include Mahagandayon, a famous Buddhist monastery which is home to thousands of monks. Then we visit the 200-year-old U Bein teak bridge. 

We head on to the former royal capital of Ava. Former palace sites, farms, alms bowls factories and river views are the highlights of the rest of the day, including Nanmyint Watch Tower, the remains of the palace building nicknamed ‘the leaning tower of Ava’ Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery built of brick and stucco and Bargayar Monastery which is famous for its impressive ornate woodcarvings and teak pillars. The return to Mandalay is by bike or by car. 

Lunch is at a local restaurant and dinner is at hotel.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 6 : Mandalay – Bagan (B / L / D) 

Explore Mandalay city on two wheels. After breakfast, we jump on our bikes and cycle along Moat Road south of the former Royal Palace. We then cross through the heart of Mandalay city to Zegyo Market, home to hundreds of food and clothes stores.

We continue to Strand Road, with the chance to observe busy life along the Ayeyarwaddy River with its various ports and merchant activities. 

Then, proceed to Bagan by car (around 4 hrs) and transfer to hotel.

Lunch is at a local restaurant and dinner is at hotel.  

Overnight in Bagan. 

Day 7 : Bagan (B / L / D) 

After breakfast, our bike adventure takes us to the town of Nyaung Oo to visit the local market. Next is Old Bagan on ancient roads overshadowed by shady trees. First we visit Shwezigon Pagoda built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious shrine; followed by Ku Byauk Gyi, a temple with superb murals of Jataka scenes; and Ananda Temple with its four magnificent standing Buddha images. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

As it gets very hot in Bagan at noon, we recommend returning to the hotel for a rest. Mid-afternoon we commence with a cycle to Myinkaba Village where you will visit one of the famous lacquerware craftsmen’s workshops. Next is Manuha Temple, built in a Mon style in 1059, followed by Nanbaya Temple. Finally, we enjoy the sunset view from the Bagan viewing hills. The return to the hotel is by bike. Dinner is at the hotel.

Lunch is at a local restaurant and dinner is at hotel.

Overnight in Bagan.  

Day 8 : Bagan (B / L / D)

Today’s bike adventure introduces us to some of Bagan’s most treasured spots. After breakfast, we bike cross country through small lanes and walkways to Min Nan Thu village. The village sits close to the unusual sights of Tayokepyay Temple, Phaya Thone Zu and Nandamanya Temple – noted for their exquisite murals from the 13th century.

We will have time to explore these temples but the option exists to cycle through the countryside to further off-the-beaten-track temples and pagodas. En route, we can see Kyat Kan Cave Monastery, a famous meditation retreat.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before we visit more pagodas, such as Shwegugyi Temple, Sulamani and Dhammayangyi temples, all of which are located in Old Bagan. Alternatively, we can choose to cycle to some of the local farming villages to get a glimpse into local life. 

Lunch is at a local restaurant and dinner is at hotel.

Overnight in Bagan.  

Day 9 : Bagan - Yangon (B / - / -)

Today sees us trade in Bagan’s tranquillity for the hustle and bustle of Yangon. After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, we have the rest of the day at leisure for relaxing, shopping or sightseeing. Once known as Rangoon, this city boasts the largest number of colonial era buildings in South-East Asia.

The jewel in the crown is the 2,500-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda, a magnificent gleaming, gilded temple that dominates the landscape with a 99-metre-high golden spire studded with 4,351 diamonds and 2,317 rubies. The site truly springs to life at dusk when devotees flock to the site.

When it is time, we head to the airport for our departure flight, bringing this intrepid tour to an end. 

Lunch is charged to your own account.

End of our services.