Impressions of Myanmar: after 28 days

January 10, 2017

We are very happy that we detoured into Myanmar. However, our impression is that for cycle touring, given the 28 day visa restriction, to plan decide what you want to see, whether you'll ever be back to Mayanmar, and if other forms of transportation are acceptable. The distances are too great for cycling only for the average cyclist.

1. Money is Kyat

2. Golden pagodas

3. Drive on the right side of the road while most cars have the steering wheel on the left, making visiblity to pass very limited. Trucks and cars use the blinker to let drivers know when safe to pass.

4. Lots of golden pagodas

5. Accommodations are a bit more expensive and getting less value than other SE Asian countries. Price may be quoted in USD but asking to pay in Kyat may get a lower price.

6. Lots of golden pagodas

7. Bagan and Inle Lake are not to be missed!

8. The boat from Bagan to Mandalay is a good experience and worthwhile

9. Other means of transportation are easily arranged: bus, taxi, mini-van, train

10. Roads are tree lined and the surfaces vary mostly from bad to worse.

11. Red lipped vampire look from chewing Bettel nut

12. Plenty of Golden pagodas

13. Food is hit and miss, though sometimes fairly good chinese type food is found, and "western" type food in the touristy area.

14. Bicycles with side car

15. Faces, mostly women, with a yellow paste made from grinding the bark of thanakha for cosmetic reasons

16. Honest people

17. "Welcome warmly and assist tourists" signs. There were "tourist police" at the border crossing to assist with the process and watched our bikes.

18. Plenty of pagodas

Recommendations: We found cycling out of Yangon was a waste given the 28 day restriction. Would recommend cycling close maybe to Bago, then take a day trip into Yangon.

Check out Bill Wier's blog on more particulars about Myanmar

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?page_id=447716

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