After breakfast we start cycling out of downtown Mandalay to the small town of Amarapura, home of the U-Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world. Continue on to Mingun, a small riverside town situated at the base of an enormous, uncompleted temple. Originally designed to be 152 metres high, Mingun's stupa, had it been completed, would have been the world's largest. According to local legend, work on it was halted when a local astronomer prophesied its completion would spell end of the country. From Mingun we board a boat for a cruise along the Ayeyarwady back to Mandalay, where we leave our bikes behind and take private transport to visit Mahamuni Pagoda. Other stop-ins for the day include a gold leaf workshop and Mandalay Hill, where Lord Buddha is said to have left a footprint. Stay here for sunset and be treated to superb views over city's lake and glittering stupas. For some evening entertainment, consider catching a traditional show by the Mandalay Marionettes, or a non-conformist comedy show by the Moustache Brothers. Riding distance: approx. 40 kms
