Myanmar cycling, birdwatching & culture tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

The tour minimizes the number of flights by including only two essential internal flights. This reduction in air travel helps lower the overall carbon footprint of the trip. Human-powered transport is a significant part of the itinerary, with cycling and walking. On Day 2, guests will enjoy an evening bike ride in Yangon, and from Day 3 onwards, there are multiple days of cycling tours around Nyaung Shwe, Inle Lake, and Kalaw. Additionally, bird-watching activities are conducted on foot, further reducing carbon emissions.

Vegetarian food options are available throughout the trip. The tour emphasizes the use of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, particularly in the meals provided at local villages and during home-cooked lunches.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Accommodations are carefully selected in which their adherence to strict environmental policies, ensuring minimal ecological footprints.

The tour includes entry fees to several protected areas, such as Inle Lake. These fees support conservation efforts and the maintenance of these natural habitats.

Our expert nature guides are from the local community, ensuring that the guests receive knowledgeable and insightful information about the place and natural surroundings. These guides are well-qualified, and they play a crucial role in enhancing the conservation awareness among travelers.

Travelers are provided with information on how to minimize their impact on the natural environment. This includes guidelines on responsible wildlife viewing, waste reduction, and respecting local ecosystems.

Here below are some examples of carbon reduction and environmental sustainability.

On Day 2: Explore downtown Yangon on foot and evening bike riding to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation. Discover hidden heritage buildings in Yangon while respecting historical and architectural significance.

On Day 4: Eco-friendly trekking options that minimize environmental impact and respect wildlife habitats. Engage in responsible bird-watching practices, such as maintaining a safe distance from wildlife and refraining from disturbing their natural behaviours. Visit historic sites like Kan Bar Ni Cave with respect for its cultural and natural significance.

On Day 5: Paddling to Inle Lake allows travellers to enjoy the natural beauty of the area without disturbing wildlife habitats, promoting responsible interaction with local ecosystems.

On Day 6: Bird watching activities contribute to wildlife conservation efforts, supporting the preservation of migratory and indigenous bird species within the Inle Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary.

On Day 7: Opting for cycling reduces carbon emissions compared to motorized transportation, contributing to lower environmental impact.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

All the accommodations are locally owned, providing direct economic benefits to the local rather than international chains.

We only use local guides and nature guides throughout the tour, ensuring that travelers benefit from their deep knowledge and experience while supporting local employment. Guests will visit various local markets, such as the weaving and handcraft workshops in Inle Lake, where they can purchase unique handmade goods directly from artisans, supporting local craftsmen. This tour includes visits to several villages, such as the Shan Snack Making workshop in Khaung Dei village and the Pattu Pauk village, where guests can interact with locals, learn about their culture, and contribute to the village economy through purchases and participation in local activities.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY, AND DIVERSITY

100% of our operating partners in Myanmar are from the country, with a significant number coming from the local communities we visit. This ensures that the economic benefits of tourism flow directly to those who live in the areas we explore. This tour also actively provides the income opportunities for woman in the textile workshop in Inle Lake.

We pay our workers far above the minimum wage and encourage our partners do likewise.

Within our Employment Handbook we have a workplace diversity strategy that nurtures equal employment which does not allow discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation or nationality. Additionally, our partnerships include working with cooperatives that support people with disabilities, offering them meaningful employment and economic independence.

This trip is LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring that all guests feel welcome and respected regardless of their sexual orientation. Although, as a socially conservative region, discretion is advised to both heterosexual and homosexual couples when on tour.

Here below are some examples of community involvement:

On Day 2: By visiting local tea shops, street food vendors, and heritage sites, tourists contribute directly to the local economy, supporting small businesses. Engaging with local culture through food, historical sites, and community activities promotes understanding and appreciation of Myanmar's diverse cultural heritage.

On Day 4: Tourism activities such as trekking tours and bird-watching expeditions create job opportunities for local guides, drivers, and service providers, fostering economic growth. Visiting historical sites like Kan Bar Ni Cave with respect helps preserve local history and culture for future generations.

On Day 5: Meeting locals and experiencing a home-cooked lunch in Pattupauk village directly supports local employment opportunities, enhancing economic livelihoods within the community. Engaging with locals fosters inclusivity by embracing cultural exchange and celebrating diversity. It encourages mutual respect and understanding between travelers and local communities.

On Day 6: Visiting local villages, travelers contribute to job creation within the community. This includes supporting artisans involved in handcrafts and traditional weaving, preserving cultural heritage while providing livelihood opportunities.

On Day 7: Exploring by cycling encourages spending in local businesses such as bike rentals, cafes, and handicraft shops, directly benefiting the economy of locals in Nyaung Shwe and surrounding villages.