Burma

Burma by bike: overview

Burma now officially goes by the name of Myanmar and is bordered by many countries that are popular with visitors including Thailand, Laos, the People’s Republic of China, India and Bangladesh. Once a great kingdom that left a legacy of temples and palaces for today’s visitors to admire, Burma has fallen on tough times under repressive military rule. However this shouldn’t discourage tourists from experiencing a unique country that has plenty to see, including ancient sites, lovely scenery and an atmosphere that seems forever trapped in the yesteryear. Exploring it by bike is particularly enjoyable and safe.

Adventure travel around the country offers visitors the chance to explore unique landscapes and cultural aspects that date back through several centuries. This is particularly evident at Bagan, an ancient site befitting of World Heritage status, but the timeless appeal of Burma can also been seen in Mandalay’s old streets. In fact, in many ways, Burma is a land in which time appears to have forgotten, and part of its appeal is the old ‘frozen in time’ character that 50 years of dictatorship has bestowed on this country.

Despite negative publicity arising from the poor political situation, the country and its people get on with their lives and provide a fascinating and safe backdrop for tours. In fact, it provides an atmosphere quite unlike any other Southeast Asian country. Inland, there are many great places to discover including mountain ranges, lakes and national parks. There are endless temples and shrines to see and while the weather is particularly hot in the coastal regions, the northern reaches enjoy cooler climes.

The local Burmese people are friendly and welcoming, and most speak English. Must-do activities include temple hopping, exploring the countryside and discovering the coastline. Many of the tribal people inhabit small villages where visitors are welcome to go and purchase locally made handicrafts as well as tour the area.

Best attractions in Burma

Our bike tours take in many of the best attractions of Burma, both urban and rural. Burma is a vast country and there are some fantastic and unique sites, although some areas are off-limits. Starting in Rangoon (Yangon), the Shwedagon Pagoda is the mother of all Buddhist temples in the region, dominating the city with its lofty gilded chedi. Numerous Buddhist pagodas dot the landscape of Bagan, in the upper plains, and this vast ancient site is a marvel at sunset with its numerous ancient spires.

There is also delightful heritage on display throughout Mandalay, the former royal capital further north, and a wander among the lanes and old teak houses of this sleepy regional town is relaxing. To truly kick back, Inle Lake is a pretty and serene destination with its popular houseboat accommodation. The coast and islands are another area that has appeal though they remain undeveloped and these unspoilt Andaman beauty spots receive fewer visitors than you would expect.

Weather and tourist seasons

The weather in Burma matches that of northern Southeast Asia’s monsoons, where it remains dry from October to May and wet from June to September. Even in the wet season it is pleasant, for the showers are short lived but the scenery lushly green. Late in the rainy season a patina of green rice paddies covers the landscape while the dry period immediately afterwards, during the last months of the year, is the coolest and best time to visit. In December it can be quite cold in the highlands of the north, but towards the end of the dry season this area becomes brown and hazy, ruining the views. March through May is the hottest and least pleasant time to visit.