Even with Myanmar's (Burma's) rapidly growing tourism there's still unique opportunities to tour off the beaten track
This newly inspired guided two day return trip to Salay was born from the desire to showcase the often 'unseen' side of Myanmar only a short journey from the crowds of Bagan, the country's long time tourism drawcard. Although every starry-eyed explorer will make sure to tick the captivating pagoda strewn plain off their bucket list, few venture beyond the town limits to investigate the neighboring communities.
Just beyond the temples and tourist busses lies Salay and surrounding communities, featuring remnants of colonial times and an area of untouched Myanmar just waiting to be explored; and the best way to experience the journey is by bike and boat. Astride two wheels gives you the best vantage point to enjoy the trip at your own pace, following an outbound route, guided along picturesque tree-lined roads and past rolling sandy hills to the charming riverside town of Salay.
This ancient town was established as a satellite community and religious centre around the 12 century at the time of Bagan's dominance. Around 1886 it became home to a British colonial outpost for employees of the Burma Oil Company who established a crude oil production centre in Chauk, about 14 kilometers from the town.
Exploring the atmospheric township of Salay is now like taking a journey to the past, with a charming backdrop of decaying colonial buildings lining the city's main street. Mixed in with this is the 'real' Myanmar, that feels a world away from the bustle of Bagan and satisfies an explorers instinct. If anything you are the attraction, as tourists here are a rare sight to the shy but friendly locals.
After a quiet evening in a tranquil village just beyond Salay it's time for another full day of exploration, this time on a combination of bikes and boats, first crossing the Ayeyarwaddy river to venture along its rarely visited western bank.
Here we are completely off the beaten path and a true spectacle to passersby who will be quite astonished by the sight of travelers in the area. A day cycling through quiet villages and enjoying a hearty lunch in a local town is topped off with a relaxing afternoon boat trip the remainder of the journey back to Bagan.
Relaxing on the deck and taking in the lazy views along the riverbank is the perfect way to end two days of adventurous and satisfying exploration from Bagan to Salay and back again!
The specially crafted unique adventure is the product of many months research and a wealth of knowledge and experience touring the region. Find out more about the Bagan to Salay - Off the Beaten Path adventure here.
