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Uncategorized / January 1, 1970

See Burma now... before it's too late

explore burma




BikeTours.com marketing coordinator Lindsay Nash recently visited with partner operator, SpiceRoads, in their homeland of Thailand. While there, they chatted about the wide variety of tours they offer, including Burma (Myanmar). See below what Daniel Moylan, the COO of SpiceRoads, had to say about this exciting and emerging destination. See our Burma tours here: Burma Heritage by Bicycle and Burma Adventure in the Himalayan Foothills of Southeast Asia. All photos provided and taken by Daniel Moylan. 




Lindsay: Tell us about how you got involved with bicycle touring and SpiceRoads.

Daniel: Having started my career in sales, I spent summers working in the UK, and winters traveling the world. These travels culminated in 2007, when I completed a transglobal overland expedition in my Land Rover Defender. The adventure changed my life, and moreover my career path. I spent the following years working in an exiting events company, at the end of 2012 I left London and joined SpiceRoads at their Thailand head office.

The advert I had responded to on Linkedin was for a Sales Manager, but Struan Robertson, our CEO, recognized my talents in operations, and offered me the position as Chief Adventure Manager. My role was to oversee all elements of the adventure tours and company operations, from purchasing bicycles, to guide training and the raft of Health and Safety practices. In 2015, with the company growing fast, I was promoted to COO. This promotion elevated me to a senior position, and placed the SpiceRoads smaller branches under my care and development. The first of these branches I visited was our small sub-office in Burma.

LN: Tell us about your first trip to Burma. What were your impressions?Daniel Moylan - DSC_1557e

DM: This first trip to Burma was filled with preconceptions. I had been told how quickly it was developing, and that construction work and infrastructure was desperately scrambling to keep up with demand. Secondly, I knew it as the place where my grandfather had served during the 2nd World War as an officer in the South East Asia command. His tales of Japanese soldiers, buying gems and smuggling monkeys on a plane had been the stuff of my boyhood dreams.

The reality was quite different. As I landed in Yangon, it came across as underdeveloped and only just emerging from some kind of time warp. Ox carts and tractors jostled for position in the city streets, and although there was a strange beauty to it, the city was crowded and noisy as most Asian cities usually are. The real Burma appeared for me as soon as we left the bustle of the towns to the rivers, forests, farmland and mountains.

LN:  What makes this country special? What makes it stand out from other SEA destinations?Daniel Moylan - IMG_3332e

DM: One of the striking differences in Burma is the sheer number of pagodas and shrines. They are literally everywhere, dotting the landscape in farmers fields, and lining hills on the skyline. There is something peaceful and spiritual about the almost constant presence of the spires. Built by some of the earliest civilisations, right through until recent times. It was only on later trips that I started to see some of the more incredible Pagodas, such as Schwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, or the ruins of the unfinished 150meter tall Pahtodawgi Pagoda in Mingun near Mandalay. These huge monuments command the awe and presence of the Pyramids in Egypt, and open your eyes to the incredible civilisations that once ruled the region.

Possibly the greatest of these sites is the Bagan archaeological zone, an area which has seen over 10,000 pagodas, shrines and monasteries built on its plains. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bagan still contains around 2200 of its historic buildings, which are so numerous on the skyline that they are often likened to trees in a forest. Its shear breathtaking beauty and ingenious construction is comparable to Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Farther North, the rich tribal heritage of Myanmar is abundant, with 135 distinct tribal groups, and almost as many languages. In the notorious Golden Triangle, the Shan State - once a no-go zone for foreigners - is fast opening up to intrepid explorers wanting to experience the last frontier.

LN: Why is now the time to visit the country?

Daniel Moylan - IMG_2985eDM: There are many great reasons to visit Burma. Some would say to head there soon and experience the authentic country before mainstream tourism takes a hold. Others visit for the historic significance, especially those who had family in Burma during the war. I even saw a group who traveled far north to the base of the Himalayas to summit South East Asia's highest mountain, at that time never climbed.

For me though, I would say that right now is the pivotal moment in Burma's modern history. Many are familiar with the story of Aung San Suu Kyi, known by locals as 'The Lady.' Aung San Suu Kyi spoke out for Burma, standing against the regime and was placed under house arrest for almost 20 years. She was the daughter of General Aung San, once the de facto prime minister, assassinated along with 9 others at his offices when his daughter was a child. Although she hardly knew her father, her followers say that Burma is in her blood, as she suffered long for her country, even winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. When Burma finally opened its borders for trade and travel in 2010, Aung San Suu Kyi was released, but was imprisoned again missing the first elections. Many people felt at the time that the regime had not gone but simply changed their military fatigues for suits of government.

At the end of 2015, all that began to change, as Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD party won the elections, effectively bringing 'The Lady' to power. The air of anticipation and excitement is palpable everywhere now, a feeling that the world is watching as an old wrong is made right and the balance shifts after years of oppression under military rule.

LN: How do your tours showcase the country? 

Daniel Moylan - DSC_1748e
Our tours are designed with the cultural heritage of Burma in mind, but also with an eye to the future. We know that visitors will be keen to learn about the historical and religious story of the region, but also how Burma and its people will fit into the world now that the doors have been opened. Our guides are key to this experience, and all of them have been selected for their ability to impart their knowledge and stories of Burma's rich history.

A good example of this is our 'Burma Heritage Tour,' which begins in Mandalay, a city famed as much for Kipling's colonial verse as its incredible monasteries and walled palace. From Mandalay we ride to Mingun, to gaze at the immense Pahtodawgi Pagoda and to ring the Mingun Bell, the largest ringing bell in the world. From there we ride through farms and forests to Monywa, with its ancient cave Buddha images and frescos. Most life in Burma revolves around the river, and on Day 4 we join the mighty Irrawaddy to sample life on its banks, and even take a boat to see river dwellers from the inside perspective.

It's on Day 5 that we arrive in Bagan, the sprawling forest of temple spires, with 4 distinct styles, all of which we experience on this tour before watching the sunset across a thousand pagodas. From Bagan we ride to Mount Popa, to a mountain retreat, nestled in the jungle high above the incredible Popa Taung Kalat Monastery, where 777 steps climb up to the monastery perched on a rock face. Its mystical appearance is reminiscent of mountain temples in Tibet or Bhutan. From Nyaung U we fly to Yangon, and the humbling Shwedagon Pagoda, a perfect end to this brief but comprehensive cross section of Burma.

For those wanting a bigger slice of the country and culture, I have just completed and thoroughly recommend our Burma Adventure tour, which runs for 14 days and takes in most of the above mentioned places as well areas of Shan State, Pindaya and Inle Lake.

LN: Who is the ideal traveler for this tour and country? 
An adventurous nature is recommended, but I would say open-minded is the more important attribute. Things don't always go to scheduled in Myanmar, but that can just as easily be a blessing. The riding is relatively easy, with distances between 25-80kms per day, but there are some hills to contend with so some physical preparation is required. All our tours are fully vehicle-supported, so there is always an option to jump in the van if needed.

Our accommodations are generally very comfortable, an essential element after a hard day in the saddle! However it is likely that riders may experience electricity outages in Burma, which can also affect hot water supplies. Food-wise I think it helps to be open to trying different cuisines, as I found Burma to be an incredible mix of food cultures, with dishes from China, India, Thailand and of course their own wonderful native creations.

LN: Any tips for first-time travelers to Burma?

Daniel Moylan - IMG_2863e
First, get your e-visa online. It is very easy with the new website, and most nationalities can get this within a few days. Check on vaccines and travel medical advice and get up to date on any of these required.

Do some reading about the destination and especially the recent history, there are some wonderful books written about the region, and I always find that this brings a place to life.

Finally, learn a few words in the local language. There is nothing so heart warming as the sight of smiling children running out to see you and calling 'Mingalabar' as they wave and laugh!
See Daniel's collection of photos from Burma on Flickr.





Thank you, Daniel, for this great insight! Be sure to check out our Burma tours now, during this incredible time to visit this unique destination.

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