Northern & Southern Shan State - 10 Days

Today is the first day of our motorbike journey. We will get out of the busy streets and roll up to the mountainous area of the Northern Shan State which shares the border with China. We will ride about 20 km before reaching the Shan plateau. 

Firstly, we will head off to Pyin Oo Lwin and then pay a visit to Dee Doke - the 9 mile waterfalls & the elephant camp where you can take a short break and feed the elephants. Next, we will continue driving up and down the mountain trails surrounded by scenic view and less busy roads to Ye Ywar Dam. We will have lunch at the local restaurant before hit the tracks of so many twist and turns (more than 1000 meter above the sea level). 

After riding through the twisty Gode Dwin Road, we will stop for a while to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Northern Shan Plateau and the refreshing beverages before heading off to Hsipaw.

Overnight at Northern Land Hotel in Hsipaw.

The little town of Hsipaw located on the banks of Duthawadi River, is one of the most pristine regions in Myanmar which is locally and internationally famous for trekking through the tribal villages. 

At first, we pay a visit to the Central Market which is one of the best markets to explore in Burma. Shan, Kachin and many other ethnic groups come here to trade regularly. You can find a wide range of products here from radios, spare parts to diverse foodstuffs, and of course, Shan clothing like trousers, hats or sandals. 

Then, we will go out of the town to visit Myit Son - the confluence of the Legendary Dokehtawaddy river. 

On the way, we will stop at a very untouched Shan village called Sone Long by passing through beautiful paddy fields, lush plantations and some railway tracks. This village offers you an opportunity to visit the tiny train station and a relaxing walk around the area to experience the different life styles of the tribal people and their unique & traditional houses.

As we return to Hispaw, we get back to the hotel and collect our stuffs for loading on our bikes. Enjoy your lunch at a good local restaurant in Hsipaw.

After that, our next adventure will begin with a ride up to Palaung Tribe Village (also known as Pan Kham Village) located on the high mountain of more than 1,400 above the sea level.

Overnight at local house in the village.

Wake up early this morning and walk around the village to experience the local life as well as interact with the people. After finishing your breakfast at the local house, say good bye to the people here and continue our journey to Pyin Oo Lwin. 

We will ride through up and down routes of Shan Plateau until we get to Baw Gyoe Pagoda which is one of the famous and historic pagoda for Shan tribe where to have a lunch break. Continue to ride on the zigzag routes of the mountains approaching to the British hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin.

Overnight at Dahlia Motel, Pyin Oo Lwin.

Have your breakfast at hotel in Pyin Oo Lwin and then start riding around the colonial town before we make our way down to the countryside of Myanmar. 

We will stop to have a lunch break at Kyauk See. Then, continue to ride straight to Myin Gyan by passing through some local villages.  

Pha Yar Gyi village in Na Htoe Gyi is an interesting place to come where you can observe the traditional technique of making the beads out of petrified woods. 

A small commercial town of Myin Gyan is our last stop today where we will spend a night at Kaung Kaung Hotel.

Just 02 hour ride from Myin Gyan, we arrive to our next destination - Bagan. This is one the must - see destination in Myanmar bearing the great Burmese archaeological and religious monuments dating back to thousand years ago. 

Upon arrival in Bagan, we will check in and leave all our luggage and riding stuffs at Bagan Emeral Hotel. Take a refreshing shower and replace your protective gears with normal outfits. 

After that, your private driver will be ready at your hotel to taking you to an exploration around Bagan by car. The tour comes with Nyaung Oo Colorful Market in Nyaung Oo region and a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples in Bagan. 

For example, Shwezigon Pagoda, a prototype of later Myanmar stupas, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century; Wetkyi Inn Gubyaukgyi, fine mural paintings of Jataka scenes; and Htilominlo Pagoda, noted for its plaster curving; Ananda Temple, the best preserved masterpieces of Mon architecture and the Tharaba gate.  

Next, pay a visit to the lacquerware workshop to see how the people here create the masterpiece of lacquer products.

And the magical sunset from the best corner of Bagan will end your exhilarating sightseeing day. 

Overnight stay at Hotel in Bagan.

It’s time to hop on the back of your bike for another incredible riding adventure to the twisty trails of Shan mountain range to Kalaw. This is an old hill station with a laid back atmosphere, refreshing climate and scenic view. Here still remains many original colonial buildings and it is also known as Myanmar’s trekking mecca.

We will start riding from Mt.Popa to Meikhtila via Kyauk Padaung. Then, driving up to Kalaw through the uphill road after passing through Thazin. 

Upon arrival to Kalaw, check in hotel and overnight stay at hotel in Kalaw.

Another full day ride awaits you ahead.  This fantastic day offers exceptional riding on Shan mountains trails, incredible scenery as well as a chance to interact with friendly locals and many children who are excited to see their first foreigners. 

We will pass through some small villages which are unknown by foreigners like you. Have fun and spend time interacting with local people. Then, enjoy the picnic lunch at the village on the way to Inle. 

In the late afternoon, we arrive at hotel in Inle. Relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight stay at hotel in Nyaung Shwe.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to jetty and take a boat ride for full day sightseeing in Inle lake. You can start your lake exploration to one of the market in the local five-day markets (if market day is coincided with your stay in Inle lake). 

Other highlights include Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda which enshrines the famous five Buddha statues who are totally covered by gold and lost their shapes, the unique leg rowers and floating gardens, silk weaving village (Inpaw Khone Village).

Lunch break at good local restaurant in Inle lake.

Then, the boat trip will take you to the hand - rolled cigar factory and black smith factory. The Nga Phae Chaung monastery is another interesting place to visit which is well known for its ancient Buddha images made of teak, bamboo and lacquer and the nickname of “Jumping Cats Monastery” for its trained cats by monks to jump through the hoop. 

You can also visit the stilt houses and floating gardens on Inle lake. After that, return to your hotel.

Overnight stay at Hotel in Nyaung Shwe.

We will have an awesome day trail riding today. So, prepare to be amazed by the incredible scenery and colorful plantation on the way to Pindaya. 

Upon arrival, we will have lunch before driving up to Ya Sa Kyi village - the village of Pa Laung Tribe where we will spend a night at the village monastery. 

When in Ya Sa Kyi village, you are free to hang around and interact with local people.

After breakfast at the village monastery, it is time to say goodbye to the local people and start our journey back to Mandalay.

We will pass through lots of villages and endless beautiful plantation that are still ploughed by water buffalo. Stop at some viewpoints to relax and record the intact nature of Myanmar through your heart and camera.

Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant on the way back to Mandalay. 

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel (book by yourself) or to Mandalay airport for your onward flight home.