Hi. I'm thinkging about cycling for two weeks in December in north of Myanmar or in the north of Vietnam (to Sapa). I already visited Mandalay, Pagan and Inle and also Vietnam (Saigon to Hanoi) and would like to get some advices where to cycle and what kind of bicycle to take. Would you maybe know also where could I rent it?
Warm regards from Slovenia. Robin
Myanmar or Vietnam
Sun, 2016-09-04 06:01
#1
WS Member
Myanmar or Vietnam
Hi Robin - from your profile you obviously have enough experience to know which bike is suitable in SE Asia. All types are ridden but I prefer a fairly light hybrid as I don't carry a lot of weight (personally and in panniers). Put on some medium tyres and you can still ride in most conditions. As far as renting Hanoi should not be a problem but I would think it very difficult to find any sort of touring bike in Myanmar so better bring your own. Finally remember it's likely to be cool / cold in the northern mountains during December.
If you decide on Myanmar let me know as three of us shall be touring around Mandalay from 5 - 20 December and we could possibly meet up?
Richard
Hey Richard,
When are you going to be in Vietnam?
I'm planning on being there (Hanoi) with a Russian friend in early November.
We want/need to buy bikes there and want to tour North Vietnam for 3 weeks, then Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, over the winter.
Ignacio
Hola Ignacio - we shall not be in Vietnam this trip. Our schedule is;
Myanmar: cycling in and around Mandalay from 1 - 20 December
Thailand: probably fly to Chiang Mai then cycle east towards the Lao border and Luang Prabang 20 - 27 December
Laos: Lunang Prabang then down to Vientiane 27 December to 5 January
Thailand: Cross back in to Thailand then ride / train to Bangkok to arrive about 7 January
If you think you'll be in the same area as us during any of these dates keep in touch.
Richard
Hi Robin, I'm not sure how far north you are considering, but I doubt you will get far on your own. Things change fairly rapidly in Myanmar, but as of February most of the north had restrictions for gringo movement. Many areas are permit only, and with a local guide. In general, the guides are set up by western handlers and that gets expensive...
I do know one great guide in PutaO who is actually a keen cyclist, but I am on the road and don't have his details here. I can track it down if you are truly interested. Robert
Thanks Robert
No, I don't intent to go so far nort as Putao b'cos, I will have only two weeks.
Rgds. Robin
You can rent good touring bikes in Myanmar. We left our two touring bikes there for rent. You can contact Yan Nain: [email protected] Tell him greetings from Anita and Bruno from Switzerland. He can rent out the two bikes from us.