Day 10: Mon 9 Nov - Hpa-An to Kyaikto

Day 7: Hpa - An to Kyaikto (117km) Breakfast at the hotel. We cycle to Thaton, the former Kingdom of Lower Burma from 9th to 11th century. We stop for lunch in Bilin, the home to the famous Kyaikhteesaung Pagoda located on a laterite stone hillock near Zoke Thoke village. After lunch cycle to Kyaikto. 

105km, 29 to 40deg, 91% humidity, cloudy patches but fine

A few showers overnight made it a tad (more) humid early but it soon dried out. Due to the distance today we planned to ride away a little earlier than normal, but by the time we fiddled with the bikes we only got away at 7:45am. 

This part of the country was the capital of the old kingdom of Lower Burma, at its prime during the 9-11th century, although we saw no evidence from that period in our travels. First stop was a monastery built around the base of a cliff and over a hot mineral spring. The monkeys and chooks had the run of the place and we saw one monkey jump in the water for a swim and deliberately dive underwater. 

Other than marvelling at the passing parade of strange transport vehicles the day was fairly straightforward. Finished the 105km at 2:30pm. It was possible to do it in the time because the road today was smooth hot mix. Our backsides were very grateful for the improvement in road conditions. The fast group hooked along at 30km/h, not a bad effort in the heat on a heavy MTB. The thermometer briefly hit 40deg, but a nice breeze came up and clouds rolled in during the last 20km causing the temperature to drop to 30. Downright Arctic!!

Our hotel this night until recently was a small boutique place but they are currently undergoing rapid expansion in order to cope with the increase in tourism throughout the south. I had a whole hut/room to myself. The place is named Eternity, I've finally made it. 

As we were waiting in the foyer for our bus to go to dinner the management and staff had their eyes glued to the TV coverage of the election. They were very excited about the prospect of the Military being kicked out of absolute power. We wished them good luck, at the same time knowing that these sort of despots relinquish power very reluctantly. 


Dinner in town at one of the local restaurants was lovely. They served a selection of Thai/Chinese/Indian and Burmese food. Some liked the chili hot Burmese stuff but I prefer the more traditional Asian.  Another great day on tour.

Surrounds of our hotel this morning

Hot Springs Monastery

This guy opened the packet himself!

Buddhist 'Nuns'

Nice truck

40 deg C!

Bright lights



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