In November, President Obama traveled to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, as the first sitting U.S. president to do so. The visit, according to Christian Chumbley, Backroads regional manager of Asia, Pacific and Africa, helps legitimize the democratic process in the country and sends a signal they’re headed in the right direction.

Backroads is giving travelers the opportunity to visit this long closed-off country beginning January of 2013 on the heels of the President’s visit to the country. Long a favorite of Trip Leaders who enjoyed side tours to Myanmar while traveling to neighboring countries, Backroads is excited to finally be able to offer this Myanmar tour to groups looking to discover truly off-the-grid destinations. For the last year, we’ve had many requests to travel to Myanmar and the volume only increased after President Obama’s visit.

We are extremely excited about the itinerary and think you’ll be surprised that Myanmar, also called “the Golden Land,” is such as sunny scenic place. On the bike tour, you’ll participate in an evening candle-lighting tradition at a sacred Buddhist site, travel past 2000 temples and pagodas, hike up 777 steps to the summit of an extinct volcano and visit a cave filled with more than 2,000 Buddha statues and shrines. You also get to interact with its people, many of whom have never met anyone from outside their village, much less their country.

We’ve chosen only our most sought after Trip Leaders to guide you on this Myanmar biking tour. Trip Leader Matt Allen, for example, grew up in the region and lived in what was then Burma for several years with his family as a young man. Matt has been in and out of the country dozens of times and has witnessed firsthand its changes over the last 20 years.

Chuck Bartlet, who comes highly recommended by past guests for his extensive knowledge and above-and-beyond service, has been leading our popular Vietnam biking tour for years along with our India adventure tours and will also be leading the Myanmar tour.

While our January dates are all booked up, we still have room in February and March, but hurry because this bike tour itinerary is filling up fast. This is your chance to explore a country largely undiscovered by outsiders and enjoy its natural charm. “Myanmar’s character has not been all that influenced by travelers and feels really emergent and genuine,” says Chumbley. “There’s something truly authentic about all the villages, towns and people.”

We’re also working on a Myanmar walking/hiking tour for the end of 2013 if you miss this one. Call us today at 800-462-2848 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pacific to discover Myanmar for yourself!

For more than a decade, a tourism boycott persuaded many travelers to steer clear of Myanmar. But things have changed and Backroads can now fulfill the desire of those who’ve dreamt of traveling to Asia to uncover the mysteries of this secluded country.

For 2013, Backroads is offering an 8-day Myanmar biking tour and an 8-day Myanmar hiking tour, both of which will introduce you to Myanmar’s remarkable scenery, fascinating culture and its welcoming people. And it’s already booking quickly and is appealing to those looking to travel to unspoiled destinations and truly off-the-grid locales. It’s a great one to add to your travel bucket list!

First, let’s talk about the people of Myanmar. You may have the impression that with an organized tour, you won’t have much interaction with the local people. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth with a Backroads adventure. We have relationships with locals who are proud to introduce you to their culture. In fact, we arrange exclusive experiences for you in areas rarely seen by outsiders.

On both trips, you’ll be led off the beaten path to experience temples and the landscape. For example, Yangon (previously the capital of Burma) is a distinctive city with colorful streets and hectic open-air markets. In addition to the public areas, you’ll experience a peaceful stroll with a monk through the impressive 6^th-century Shwedagon Pagoda. This pagoda is the most sacred for the people of Myanmar, as it enshrines strands of Buddha’s hair and other holy relics. The sparkling structure has hundreds of gold plates, and the top of the stupa is covered with 4,531 diamonds, including a 72-carat diamond.

You’ll also experience Mount Popa, which is an extinct volcano that towers 4,900 feet above sea level. Along the southwest spur of the mountain is a rocky turret that rises about 3,000 feet above sea level; this is the home of 37 spirits. Inle Lake is another wonderful stop. You’ll explore this freshwater lake by boat, visit silversmiths, silk weavers and a private home — all set on fixed platforms in the middle of the lake.

If you’ve been waiting to travel to Myanmar, we assure you, the trip is worth the wait. The authentic experiences are many and we’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg here. Go ahead and cross it off your bucket list and see this magical land for yourself. Call us at 800-462-2848 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific time today for more information or to book your Myanmar tour.