What if you can combine adventure, cycling, charity, sightseeing and relaxation all in one trip? Exotissimo’s Charity Challenge – Biking the Mon State is the ultimate tour for multi-taskers. But let us warn you, the ride is intense! But like anywhere else, with hard work comes great rewards. And we promise, you won’t be disappointed!

We will start in Yangon. You’ll have loads of time to do the usual sightseeing rounds, with visits to Shwedagon Pagoda, Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda and the National Museum. A perfect starting point to your Burmese experience.

You must be pumped by now! Fuel your adrenaline with an 80 kilometer bike ride to Bago. Along the way, stop to visit the Allied War Cemetery near the town of Htaukkyant, the final resting place for over 27,000 Allied soldiers who fought in Burma. Bago is home to the world’s second largest reclining Buddha statue (called Shwethalyaung), stretching 31 men long and 9 men high or in other words 55 meters long and 16 meters high. The statue is in Shwemawdaw, with spires taller than Shwedagon in Yangon!

Next, cycle to Kinpun, the base to Kyaithiyo and home of the famous gravity defying Golden Rock. This is a holy pilgrimage site and of course a natural phenomenon as the rock balances precariously on a side of a cliff with a small 7 meter pagoda on top of it. See it all illuminate in the evening sun. One of the highlights here include a stop to visit the orphanage school at Seik Phu Taung and making a difference to these young children with a donation. Now that’s merit making!

Now bike 6 hours to Tha Hton, capital of the Mon Kingdon in the 3rd Century BC. The town is regarded highly by Burmese because it is the historical birthplace of Buddhism in Myanmar. The ride provides you with an opportunity to learn about culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the local people.

After a night in Tha Hton, wake up and prepare for another 6 hour bike ride, this time to Mawlamyaing, a small, charming town on the banks of the Thanlwin River (we told you this tour is intense!).  Upon arrival, enjoy the small town atmosphere and sites, such as Mahamuni Pagoda and Seindon Mibaya Kyaung. Enjoy the setting sun from Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, the highest and most visible pagoda hill in town (we told you the rewards are great!).

Another 6 hour cycle takes you to Set Se Beach, with stops at Kyaik Khami Village and the famous Ye Le Pagoda. The beach is pretty cool, there is absolutely no villages nearby meaning it is tranquil and quiet, perfect for those who want to enjoy the beach in solitude.  Spend the night and next day at leisure.

You are now rested for the final cycling leg of the tour; a journey back to Mawlamyaing with a stop at Kyaikmayaw along the way. Rest up and stretch those legs and pat yourself on the back! Relax sleep well and wake up for the scenic train ride to Yangon. The scenery is gorgeous as you travel through the countryside and through small townships on the way to Yangon. Enjoy a second tour of Yangon.

For more touring options in Burma, visit our Myanmar tours page. Contact us for any questions, suggestions or if you would like to create your own tour.

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