Today inloved travelling from Old Bagan to Taungoo, a distance of approx. 360km. The ride took us along the Yangon – Mandalay Expressway which is a multi-laned top class toll way heading North/South. Our guides advised that we were the first motorcycles they were aware of that had been given permission to use the road, as bikes are typically banned from this high speed road as the typical 100cc motorcycle would be a danger due to their lack of speed.

All aspects of our tour were subject to  being granted permission by the government which involved copious amounts of paperwork prior to our arrival by the tour company that did such a great job of looking after us.

The day was hot (mid 30’s) but fortunately the roads were easy going. We stopped for a break at one stage and was shown some the traditional farming techniques which involved milking a local coconut sized plant for its sweet juice that is then dried and used as a sweetener. We were also shown how the local “home brew” spirit was distilled.

As we made it to our hotel for the end of the day, a group of around 12 Ducati Multistrada motorbikes road by in the opposite direction on what appeared to be some sort of group organised tour. It was an exciting moment seeing other bikers riding by in such a country, unfortunately they did not stop so and we have been unable to work out any details which was a pity.