Enter custom title (optional)
This topic is locked
Last reply was
82

Am looking at cycling from Kolkata to Thailand via Bangladesh and Burma.
As I'm just at the beginning am trying to get my head around it.

I know I'll need a double entry for India which I can easily get in Oz, but where can I get the other visas.
The Bangladeshi Consulate in Australia state I need to get one in Oz but it doesn't state Validity. Its good for 30 days but their fee is $150. It may sound expensive but if I'd have to hang around Calcutta for 10 days may as well just get it at home. I can't get one at the border?
What about getting my Burma visa? Best in Calcutta? Where?

I just discovered that AIrasia is now flying to Dhaka. this way I could fly in and maybe get my VOA. Can I get my Burma visa in Dhaka.

Has anyone got some current info?

Am looking at starting in March. Not the best time but........

Thanks

Report
1

I think the most difficult thing to arrange is crossing Burma where I believe you need to be part of an organized trip with a guide. I know a few people who have done it with cars and motorcycles but not by bicycle although I don't see why not. There only place I know of where you can read of other people's experience is here.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/southern-asia/

Report
2

Mark, if you read this branch regularly you will see a few cyclists who have crossed Burma. If a a few have posted here, then you can bet there are plenty who have done it and don't post.

The times ( in Burma) are a changing!

Report
3

The border between Bangladesh and Myanmar is still closed to foreigners. It may also be problematic to cycle on into core Myanmar from it, I've never heard of anyone getting to Mrauk U by bicycle.

There is reference on this forum to the sole border crossing between India and Myanmar that is open to foreign travellers, and you can find blogs where people explain just what you have to do to get across this border with your bicycle and cycle into core Myanmar.

Whilst there are now several border crossings open with Thailand, I think there's only one that it is practical to cycle to from core Myanmar and over the border. Similarly, you can find accounts of how to do this. I have read accounts of someone trying and failing to cycle to another one - it was practical by bus, but not bicycle, and he learned the difference from a man with a gun.

Report
4

A very good, several years old, webjournal covering much of Bangladesh and areas of India that you may be going through ...

Song of the Little Road by Graham Finch

Highly recommended!

Report
5
In response to #4

I love his work, and spend too much time looking at his photos.

He didn't go east through to burma though, which is what I'm seeing is possible or not.
I may have not asked the question properly.

I do want to cross India to Burma, not Bangladesh to Burma.

Report
6

Well you can do that. But you should appreciate you still can't ride your bike just anywhere in Myanmar. There are extensive areas, especially around the edges that are just too insecure, and you will be impeded from going into them. And then there is the practical problem that where you can stay the night is still somewhat regulated, (though it is getting looser) and if such places are too far apart, you might be impeded for that reason (which is why Rakhine is problematic). The route from the Indian border to core Myanmar does seem to be rideable by bicycle, as several people have done it. Also at least one route to a Thai border post. Be aware also that there isn't a lot of tarred road in Myanmar, and unorthodox routes may involve very bad roads.

Report
7

Wow, that is so cool. I had no idea this route was open! Sounds like a great trip.

Report
8

Just found one.
Done just a few weeks ago in June 2015. From India into Burma
http://www.puncturesandpanniers.com

Report
9

Contact Chirag Singal, young Indian guy that managed to cross from India to Burma this year, did attempt 3 times and only on 3rd time was allowed. I travelled with Chirag for a month in South-East Asia so know the story well. It is different for Indian citizen though to cross. Good luck.
https://www.facebook.com/events/530992907034335/

Report
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner