Burma’s decades of isolation have meant that its unique way of life has remained largely untouched by western influence.
This is a country where traditional garments are still worn, where people travel by horse and cart, and where Buddhism influences are very much ingrained in everyday life.
1. The leg rowers of Inle Lake
The local Intha people,
standing on one leg with a boat laden with fishing nets, perform dextrous sideways kicks as they sweep their oars through the water. The finesse in which they move through the water is almost poetic.
Get an intimate glimpse of the Intha on the Burma Adventure or Discover the Shan Hills by Bicycle (NEW TOUR).
2. The ancient city of Bagan
Between the 11th and 13th centuries over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries were built on the Bagan Plains. Over 2,200 temples and pagodas still survive to the present day. Each temple is different with its own fascinating story. Exploring by bicycle is the perfect way to soak up the history of this breathtaking area.
Discover this ancient city on the Burma Heritage Cycle and Burma Adventure tours
3. The U Bein Bridge
This teak bridge stretching close to 1,200 metres across the Taughaman Lake is thought to be the longest and oldest teak bridge in the world. The ageing teak wood was part of the Royal Palace but was later turned into a bridge by the mayor, U Bein. The sunsets over the bridge are spectacular, but equally special is meeting the locals who use this bridge as part of their everyday life.
Ride past this magnificent bridge on the Burma Adventure and Burma Heritage by Bicycle tours.
4. Colonial History
In the times when Burma was ruled by the British, Maymyo (May-Town) was founded as a place for the British colonial administration to escape the Mandalay heat. After 1948 when the British departed the name changed to Pyin Oo Lwin, but the architecture of numerous colonial buildings still remains. Escape to this colonial town on our Cycling the Burma Road tour.
5. The sacred Golden Rock
One of the three most sacred religious sites in Burma. Pilgrims come here from far and wide to worship and add gold leaf to the huge rock with a gilded pagoda on top. The rock somehow seems to withstand gravity by delicately balancing on the edge of the 1,100 metre high mountain while looking out over spectacular panoramic 360 degree views of the surrounding Mon State mountains.
Get up and close to this sacred site by Biking from Bangkok to Yangon (NEW TOUR)