The Best Cycling Tours in Asia for 2026

With such a wealth of natural beauty, awe-inspiring architecture and tantalising culinary delights, Asia is a continent that must be seen (or cycled!) to be believed. In this blog, I'm revealing the best cycling tours in Asia for 2026.

In my opinion, cycling is the best way to discover such a vast and varied destination. Travelling on two wheels with a knowledgeable local guide lets you explore more of the countryside, the food, the temples and the cities and find hidden gems you wouldn't necessarily see on a coach tour or with a single city stay.

Whether you're a fan of flat, scenic bike trails, afternoons on the beach or want to learn more about the rich culture of the East, there's a tour for you below. For more information on any of these tours, or for personal advice from our team, enquire online or call us on (+44) 1273 224066.

Best for Ancient Kingdoms

Bangkok to Chiang Mai Bike Tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant historical tapestry of Thailand on our Bangkok to Chiang Mai Bike Tour, where you'll pedal through the ancient cities and earliest kingdoms of this captivating country.

Historical highlights include the remains of Siam's first kingdom at Sukhothai Historical Park, a 22-metre-high golden Buddha at Wat Chaiyo Worawihan Temple and a visit to Lamphun Museum to learn about the ancient Kingdom of Lanna.

Statue of the Buddha at the Historic City of Ayutthaya
The Kingdom of Ayutthaya used to be one of the wealthiest cities in the East

A group transfer vehicle will take you between the locations where you cycle, so you'll only ride your bike through the most beautiful spots, and you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

We suggest spending your last evening at the lively night markets in Chiang Mai. Your guide can show you the best places to try tasty pad thai, mango sticky rice, and crispy spring rolls!

View tour: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Bike Tour

Best for Leisurely Cycling

Vietnam Bike & Boat Tour

With an average daily distance of just 17 miles, our Vietnam Bike & Boat Tour - the most popular of all our Asia tours! - provides plenty of time to take in the wonder of Vietnam's most beautiful regions. You'll pedal past vast rice paddies dotted with palm trees, sail around exotic coastal waters and explore the jungle-clad banks of the Mekong River.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
The stunning UNESCO site of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

The pinnacle of the entire journey is sailing through the remarkable Ha Long Bay aboard the Garden Bay, a classic 'junk' - a Chinese sailing ship with fully battened sails. The bay consists of thousands of islands covered in lush jungle emerging from the calm, blue-green waters. Day three offers the opportunity for a closer exploration of these islands on a kayak tour.

The rest of this 14-night adventure takes you to the spellbinding cities of Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City and allows you to enjoy gentle cycling in a watery world of wildlife-rich mangroves.

View tour: Vietnam Bike & Boat Tour

Best for Japan's Rich History

Kyoto Bike Tour - Hidden Temples & Hot Springs

Regarded as the cultural centre of Japan, Kyoto is the perfect place to visit for anyone intrigued by Japanese heritage. On our Kyoto Bike Tour - Hidden Temples & Hot Springs, you'll explore the city's ornate and beautiful temples with your guide before zipping through bamboo groves, navigating the narrow streets of Arashiyama, and weaving through geisha neighbourhoods.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple overlooking Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera Temple overlooking Kyoto

After Kyoto, you'll pedal through the lush green hills in the rural areas beyond the city limits. You'll visit Wazuka, one of Japan's leading tea-growing regions and meander through the plantations. Then ride to Ogoto Onsen, a lakeside hot spring town where you can enjoy a soak in a natural bath.

On your route back towards Tokyo, you'll see the Nara Temple Complex, the former capital of Japan, with an extraordinary multitude of temples built over a thousand years ago. To further immerse yourself in all things Japan, stay in a ryokan and try ‘okonomiyaki’ for dinner!

View tour: Kyoto Bike Tour - Hidden Temples & Hot Springs

Best for Cambodia's Rich History

Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Bike Tour

Our Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Bike Tour is yet another great option if you want to explore the deep cultural heritage of the Far East, this time in Cambodia. Day four brings you to Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious structure and one of the pinnacles of Eastern culture. Encircled by a vast square moat, this Hindu temple, adorned with towers resembling lotus buds, is sure to captivate you and your travelling companions.

The reflection pool in front of Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious structure and a masterpiece of Eastern architecture

You'll get to spend three amazing days exploring the historical sites around the city of Siem Reap. As well as the Angkor Temples, you'll see Banteay Srei Temple with its well-preserved stone carvings and the Rolous Temples, the first town to be built by the kings of Cambodia.

The cycling on this tour takes place on predominantly flat terrain, traversing a blend of easy tarmac and dirt roads. With no more than three hours spent in the saddle each day, the tour allows you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the astounding cultural heritage of this small and remarkable area around Siem Reap.

View tour: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Bike Tour

Best for Coastal Cycling

Thailand's Coasts - Bangkok to Khao Lak Bike Tour

Lots of people prefer the beach to a thousand-year-old temple complex. If you’re one of them (be honest!), then our Thailand's Coasts - Bangkok to Khao Lak Bike Tour might be for you. Embark on a spellbinding ten-day adventure as you pedal your way amongst the breathtaking beaches, islands, and jungle of Southern Thailand.

I cycled this tour with my family in December 2024. We had wonderful weather with blue skies daily, experienced authentic Thai culture including visiting a coffee plantation, and witnessed the most incredible views - the climb up to Phraya Nakon Cave was certainly a highlight! Plus, of course, we were fuelled by delicious Thai food. We had the most fantastic time and really couldn't recommend it more.

My son James cycling with our brilliant guide
My son James cycling with our brilliant guide

Departing from Bangkok, you'll instantly escape the hustle and bustle of the city as you journey southward towards the serene Gulf of Thailand coast, passing through the picturesque Mekong Delta with its vibrant floating markets. Then follow the coastline, meandering along palm-fringed sandy beaches and charming fishing villages.

With an average daily distance of 35km, the cycling is rated as Easy to Moderate, providing ample time for relaxation. Kayak, snorkel, meet the locals, or simply lay about on the beach. The choice is yours!

View tour: Thailand's Coasts - Bangkok to Khao Lak Bike Tour

Best for A Short Break

Bangkok and the River Kwai Bike Tour

Our Bangkok and the River Kwai Bike Tour is a three-night tour that showcases how quickly you can escape the urban sprawl of Bangkok and pedal into the lush jungles of central Thailand. Four action-packed days in the saddle on this tour make for incredible sightseeing - expect rivers, railways, temples, waterfalls and markets all combining for an unforgettable adventure.

Not to mention the cinematic backdrops that make every moment feel like a scene from a film. Our Chairman, Richard Rice, cycled this tour with Andy Evans back in December 2018. Read our Bangkok short break trip report for a first-hand insight into the tour a for a look at the stunning visuals and views on offer.

Cycling with a stunning backdrop on our Bangkok and the River Kwai Bike Tour
Cycling with a stunning backdrop on our Bangkok and the River Kwai Bike Tour

This is a perfect short tour for anyone in Thailand as part of a longer holiday, or as an ‘add-on’ to any of our cycling trips starting or finishing in Bangkok.

You'll average 30km each day on flat roads, canal paths and hard-packed trails. Your local guides are fantastic and are the beating heart of this tour. They'll bring each location to life with their passion and enthusiasm, proudly telling stories and explaining the cultures and traditions of their country.

View tour: Bangkok and the River Kwai Bike Tour

Best for Seeing As Much as Possible

Spice Trails of Sri Lanka Bike Tour

Experience Sri Lanka's alluring spice trails on our eleven-night Spice Trails of Sri Lanka Bike Tour, which leads you from the magnificent fifth-century Sigiriya fortress through the stunning landscapes of the hill country, renowned for its tea plantations.

Highlights along the way include seeing wild elephants in the Udawalawe National Park, cycling to the historic Galle Fort, and climbing to the top of Lion Rock to admire the fantastic views. Add lakes, reservoirs, beaches, Buddhist relics and cave temples into the mix, and this tour is one that will leave a lasting impression.

Seeing elephants in the Udawalawe National Park is a real highlight
Seeing elephants in the Udawalawe National Park is a real highlight

The cycling on this tour is nine days of mostly undulating terrain, with the comfort and assistance of a support vehicle on some longer days. Some days you'll cycle hotel-to-hotel, while on others you'll take a transfer to avoid busy main roads. This keeps the distances manageable and focuses on the most enjoyable parts of the route.

The scenery constantly changes, from coastal vistas and coconut plantations to rice paddies, large reservoirs, dense jungles, small villages, bustling towns, and tea-covered mountains. Topping it all off, your English-speaking guide will make sure that every stop is a moment to remember and a memory made.

You won't have to worry about food, as this is a full board tour (apart from two meals).

View tour: Spice Trails of Sri Lanka Bike Tour 

Book Now for 2026

If you've spotted a cycling holiday in Asia that ticks your boxes, click through to your tour of choice to view prices & dates and book online. For personal recommendations or just a little more inspiration, enquire online or call our team on +44 (0) 1273 224066.

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Tours featured in this post