A bicycle trip to Pakkoku, where you will go through huge farms, rural villages and local markets unspoiled by the modern world, this Bagan day trip is a chance for you to realise the true beauty of Myanmar: not only impressive landscape but also lovely local people.
This morning you will be greeted by your guide at the hotel and be transferred to the Irrawaddy River jetty where the boat is waiting (with bikes and helmets provided). You will be taken across the waterway to the western banks of the river to start pedaling through a short ferry ride.
From the jetty, you will embark on the first leg of our journey to Myitche, a lovely Irrawaddy River village famous for many cottage industries. The morning market, a huge, colourful market where you can find everything from fresh goods to handicrafts is your next stop. This is a very local market, where the vendors witness only a few tourists. As you can find various delicious treats, it is such a good chance to try the local snacks. You will then make a short stop at a small village nearby where you can see the production of weave housewares from rattan (or cane).
Then you will begin the road to Pakkoku, a 40 kilometre ride that is flat and mostly on sealed tarmac. You can see very few cars on the road, only the occasional cyclist, motorbike or ox cart on the streets with large trees providing partial shade. The road is lined with fields growing peanuts, chilli, cotton and tobacco thanks to the extremely fertilised land in this area. Depending on the time of year the locals may be planting, processing or harvesting the crops and you can grab some great chances to make a short stop and interact with the local farmers.
At midday, you will arrive in Pakkoku and make a stop for lunch in a local restaurant.
After the morning's adventure, while taking a break from the midday heat, you will cruise back down the Irrawaddy River by private boat (for around 2 hours). You will put your feet up, have relaxing time and admire this scenic stretch of the river reaching Bagan mid-afternoon where you will be transferred back to your hotel.
