Start cycling at 7.30 am, starting from your hotel and going through the center of Mandalay towards the outskirts of the city to escape the traffic and urban sprawl. Before leaving the confines of the city itself we will make a stop at Nan Shae Zay, a local market where various fruits, vegetables, and commercial goods are on sale. It is always at its busiest in the morning. After exploring the market, ride through a maze of tiny lanes which give you a unique insight into the everyday lives of people in Mandalay – grandmothers bathing young children, families going about their morning chores, peddlers selling their wares on foot. This is as local as it gets in a city of over 1 million inhabitants.

Then it is time to really leave the city life behind and get a taste of the countryside on the outskirts of Mandalay as we head towards the agricultural village of Patheingyi. The route passes through small villages and tranquil green rice fields where local villagers are working hard. We will stop at a local tea shop in Patheingyi for a break and to refuel with a traditional Myanmar sweet tea or soft drink. Local people meet at such establishments at all times of day for a chat over a cup of tea.

Feeling re-energized, we’ll continue cycling through paddy fields along a canal flowing from a local reservoir. We can stop off along the canal for a scenic photo. After traveling a bit further, we will turn off to the right onto Yay Tagon Taung Golf Resort Road which is lined with even more green paddy fields. The fresh air and beautiful view as you ride will invigorate the soul, as will the inviting smell of chicken being fried at restaurants along the road. When you can’t resist any longer, we’ll stop at one of those restaurants for a lunch of traditionally-cooked chicken with garlic and ginger. Rice, salads, dry mutton, and tamarind sauce will be available to complement your main meal.

Evening:

Cycling west edges of Mandalay