Meet and greet at Moreh & Tamu border. From here we start the ride to Kalaymyo capital of Sagaing division (state) in north eastern Myanmar. Driving time to Kalaymyo is approx 4-5hrs. Overnight in town.
Drive to Monywa. There are couple different route options for this day ride. The more dusty and adventurous over hill ranges and heavily potholed road ideal for 4WD vehicles or newer sealed road.
We will arrive to Monywa late afternoon early evening. This will be long day approx 8-9hrs driving.
There are no other places in between to break the journey to 2 days.
Morning ride to Po Win Taung and Shwe Ba Taung cave temples often quoted as the Petra of Myanmar. This site is located 15km outside of town. On the way to Mandalay (1.5hr ride) we can make stops at Bodhi tataung to marvel at nearly 100m tall Buddha and stop at view point in Sagaing, one of the most important monastic centres in Myanmar. After crossing Irrawaddy river over bridge to Amarapura we will make a photostop at the iconic Ubein bridge. Worlds longest teak bridge spanning 1,2km over Taung Tha Man Lake.
In Mandalay we visit the most revered pagoda Mahamuni where pilgrims flock to pay hommage to gold covered Buddha image brought as war bountry from Rakhine kingdom.
We end the day with magnificent sunset from the top of Mandalay Hill overlooking the city and the Irrawaddy River.
We bid farewells to Myanmar's last royal capital Mandalay and head to cooler Shan highlands where Myanmar's premier coffee is cultivated. After 40km ride we take smaller roads and ride through charming countryside villages and over hills to Ywangan and to Kalaw our night stop.
Kalaw hill station was the summer capital of the British during the colonial period and has still many mansions, tennis courts and a golf course left from this era. It is located at cooler 1300m altitude and is surrounded by pine covered hills and forest perfect for hikes and walks.
Early start on this day and tride through the fertile Shan plateau farming region descending down to Inle Lake valley. We ride to Ayethayar where we make a stop to visit Myanamar's premier wine yard a perfect place to sample the harvest perfect by German wine makers.
Riding on we pass through Taunggyi, capital of Shan State and follow old opium smugglers road cutting through heart lands of Shan State travelling east. This is scenic ride on paved roads. The scenery is beautiful with lush green hills, some streams and lots of Pao and Shan minorities villages along the road. Our night stop today is at Namshan village.
Ready for another wonderful riding day through rural Shan state. There will be plenty of turns on this day as we weave through hilly terrain passing small villages on the way. This region hardly gets any visitors so you will be surely talk of the day. We will arrive to Mong Ping our night stop late afternoon.
Travel deeper into Shan state and to Kyaing Tong aka Keng Tung main town of the eastern Shan and one of the former Shan Kingdoms ruled by Saobwa chiefs. Unfortunately the saobwas palace was destroyed by the by the Burmese army but there are some nice old monasteries here to visit and the lively main market of the town.
Early start on this day with a ride approx 5hrs to Tachileik Myanmar's border town north of Thailand. From there we cross to Mae Sai on Thailand side and transfer by car to Chiang Khong Huay Xai border crossing. Time permitting we can make a photo stop at the Golden Triangle view point and stop by at the small opium museum in Sop Ruak village.
After Laos border formalities we arrive to our night stop place, Huay Xai town built on shore of Mekong River.
Ride to Luang Namtha village from Huay Xai. We leave Mekong River behind and venture to forest covered interior of Laos, "land of the green gold". Our destination Luang Namtha is small village in the vicinity of protected nature reserves and by Nam Tha River that flows to Mekong. The road here is all paved and it is pleasant ride with many villages along the way.
Ride to Nong Khiaw from Luang Namtha. This is scenic route on paved roads passing over some mountain ranges and by friendly ethnic minority villages. Our lodge today is located by Nam Ou river with great views to surrounding limestone karst mountains.
Ride to Luang Prabang from Nong Khiaw.
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Laos' highlights. It exudes old world charm, with beautiful colonial architecture, glistening temples and streets lined with high end boutiques, museums and restaurants. It's cooler than the capital Vientiane as it sits at a higher altitude and is surrounded by lofty green hills and two flowing rivers. It's easily one of the most charming towns in southeast Asia and deservedly protected by UNESCO.
Take a massage or Lao sauna to pamper yourself and unwind. This evening we'll gather for a Lao style farewell dinner and celebration of our epic journey coming to an end.
Morning Baci ceremony oarticipating in alms to buddhist monks.
The day begins by exploring the former Royal Capital city on a 'walking tour' which includes visits to the former royal temple Wat Xieng Tong and the unique Wat Visoun which is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang.
Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant where you will have the chance to sample several famous local dishes including Luang Prabang sausage, Orlam (Lao Stew) and Khai Pean (Dried fried river weed - it tastes a lot better than it sounds!) After enjoying lunch the afternoon is spent visiting the fascinating Royal Palace Museum and many different beautiful temples around the city before heading up to the top of Mount Phousi to watch the sun set over the beautiful cityscape and surrounding forests and mountains.
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Luang Prabang airport for your onward flight.