Abu Mahendra

So, let's said I flew into Yangon and had three weeks to tour Myanmyar. Where would you go? Looking for unhurriedt, scenic roads.

btw, i've there before, but that was in 2006.

saddlesores

went for a month about 5 years ago. so many changes, so some of my info may be out of date.

where did you cycle? no point in recommending routes you've already done....

Abu Mahendra

i didn't cycle in 2006. Plus it's been 12 years so everything will be new, again. I don't want to be awakened by the police in the middlw of the night because overnighting is not allowed.

saddlesores

when i went there were no land border crossings except for the local day pass at mae sai, now at least one land border that can by used by cyclists and one or two others supposedly set to open soon-ish.

back then only about 200 guesthouses in the entire country for foreigners. would have to plan the route guesthouse-to-guesthouse. should have been some impressive tourism infrastructure buildout by now.

back then almost all the roads were quiet due to lack of vehicles. routes were limited to a small section of the country.

definitely ride bagan temple area, worth several days, but watch for mesquite thorns and goatheads. north of there, cross the river at pokuku for some quiet (but very dry) roads if heading towards mandalay.

the ride from mandalay to lashio had some great scenic areas. might be possible to ride thru to china by now; before required permits and guide. take the train over the goktiek viaduct (old brit steel bridge) one way, then cycle back.

some nice hills between thazi and kalaw (take the train one way). i did not continue to inle lake.

Abu Mahendra

...though, i may just go back to Taiwan instead. Direct 5.5-hour Denpasar-Taipei return flight for $425. Zero hassles there (yes, I've grown soft). Hard to pass up...

spinnaker

You flew into a foreign country without having any idea of where to go ahead of time? Why?

Abu Mahendra

well, no. I haven't flown there yet. But when I flew in to Taiwan, I only had a general sense of where to go. I did not have exact routes, and I improvised along the way. I never knew where exactly I would sleep each day.

saddlesores

overall it's worth the hassle. it's been some time, and there are more lodging options now, and fewer restrictions.

boomhauer

+++awesome^^^^^^^^

jefnvk

No input, but if you go, I want to hear about it. Now that Tajikistan is likely to be vetoed on any solo trip I may do, I may as well fall back on Myanmar, which I have long wanted to go see!