1

So...are you going or not?.

2

Burma everything is forbidden, but nothing is impossible.

Love this. Whether or not it's actually true, this is my new phrase of the month. Thanks!

3

Well actually..." not eveything is forbidden and a lot is impossible" would be more accurate..

4

And the end of the fight is a tombstone white with the name of the late deceased,
And the epitaph drear: 'A fool lies here who tried to hustle the East.'

5

scott lazar did it a couple of years back and with a permit but still refused, we would all love to boat dowbn to Loikaw but still a no no . since it was bombed by govt 11 years ago

6

A few years ago I pedaled from Aungban to Pinlaung, that's half way to Loikaw.
Very interesting ride, some hill tribes I had never come across before. Friendly. Nobody harassed me, no checkpoints.

When I wanted to check into a guesthouse in Pin Laung all hell broke lose. Police, Immigration, Secret service.
Long story... Finally I got repatriated with police escort to Aungban. No other punishment, I could convince them I was NOT a journalist, just a mad old cyclist.
I think if I had avoided the guesthouse I could have gone a lot further before being sent back.
Why don't some young adventure - minded cyclist try it nowadays??
All I read on this forum is people going to Bagan, Mandalay, Inle.

And then they seek ADVICE!

Are there only conformist sissies left ??

7

no arguseye, I tried to do it on motorbike a few years back but as soon as it was discovered, where I was heading I was blocked. Its dangerous stuff not for you but for those who rented you the bike, and Inseln is not a happy place while you are gently nudged to the airp[ort. Democracy rules but still with an iron fist ask the Rohyngha and Kachin, Tan shwe and Maung A still pul the string and now thye have a new puppet to Blame, ASSK
report your adventure back lgel

8

Hi Monty,
the bycicle was my own, taken from BKK by plane, no renter involved.

Another funny excursion of mine was to Mokok by the way, from Kyaukme.
Maybe I share my experience: A real laugh in the end...

It was 3 days pushing the bike through the mountains, spending 2 damn cold nights in the open. Obviously, I did not see a single check point. Beautiful countryside, genuine natives.
I was not caught right away after I entered the town, could get something to eat and drink first.
When I tried to check into the hotel (of course a government one), of course also hell broke lose... I had expected that.
Hours of interviews, searches, more interrogation. To cut the story short, I was put under house arrest in that hotel, could use the room service to get food.
Over the time the police and immigration people were super friendly, the repeatedly apologised for giving me all the trouble. Had the feeling they admired me. The restaurant manager served the food in my room himself: "So sorry sir, so sorry sir..."

Next morning 5am I was put on a pickup with police to Mandalay immigration, bicycle on top. More interviews all day...
In the end they decided I did not pose any danger and released me, the police even drove me to the hotel of my choice. "So sorry sir, can I be your friend??" were their last words.
I'll never forget those words.
I have to add I had NO camera on me and no other suspicious things. I could also name all my accommodations during the time in Burma, something they surely checked.

9

Fun story, but I want to know how your answered their final question...