Think Cycling Asia's not For You? Think Again!

We have selected six tours below which offer the perfect introduction to cycling in Asia, with options for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Cycling with a friendly local guide is one of the best ways to absorb all this other-worldly splendour. The guides on all of our Asia tours are some of the most knowledgeable and friendly we’ve ever had the pleasure of pedalling with and have a real passion for introducing foreigners to their countries, cultures and cuisines.

On the hotel & bike tours, you'll be accompanied by an air-conditioned support van stocked with cold refreshing drinks and snacks including fresh fruit. You'll also have the option to take a well-earned break while enjoying the views if you don't want to cycle.

We’ve focused on routes with shorter daily distances which take you over largely flat terrain, and if you need a little extra push, e-bikes are available to make the undulations all that more manageable!

Take a look at our selection below, and if one of the tours catches your eye, enquire online or call +44 (0)1273 224066 to speak to our friendly team.

Our Vietnam Bike & Boat Tour is the easiest of our Asia cycling holidays. You’ll travel by bike, boat, train, plane and even kayak on an epic 14-night itinerary from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh in the south.

With an average daily distance of 17 miles, you have plenty of time to take in the wonder of Vietnam's most beautiful regions along the way. You'll pedal past vast rice paddies dotted with palm trees, fly between the fascinating cities of Haiphong, Hội An and Ho Chi Minh and sail around exotic coastal waters.

Perhaps the highlight of the entire trip is cruising around the extraordinary Ha Long Bay on a classic 'junk' (a type of Chinese sailing ship with fully battened sails), named the Garden Bay.

The bay is made up of thousands of jungle-covered islands rising out of glassy blue-green water. You can even get a closer look at the islands on a kayak tour on day three before returning to your boat for helpings of tasty, traditional local cuisine in the elegantly furnished restaurant.

Freedom Trekkers say:

"This is literally the holiday of a lifetime. The trip is organised so meticulously, the logistics of boats, kayaks, beaches, bikes, hotels, lodges, lunches, villages, cities, historic sights and flights are beyond compare. We were led by the hand top to tip of Vietnam and enjoyed every second of the incredible sights, sounds and diversity of experiences. Our amazing guides Hoang and Shauny filled us with the most fascinating information to bring Vietnam to life. It is truly a trip like no other and we would recommend it without hesitation. Beautiful Vietnam is in our hearts forever." - Jane Birchenough

View tour: Vietnam Bike & Boat Tour

Our Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Bike Tour is a fantastic option if you want to explore the deep cultural heritage of the Far East.

You'll begin in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's bustling capital and explore its intricately decorated temples before pedalling off into a lush countryside past rice paddies and stilted houses. The cycling is on largely flat terrain along a mixture of quiet tarmac and dirt roads, and with no more than three hours or so in the saddle each day, you can feel totally relaxed.

On day four you'll have the pleasure of visiting Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world and one of the pinnacles of Eastern architecture. Surrounded by a giant square moat, this Hindu temple, with its lotus bud-shaped towers, will certainly stop you in your tracks.

You'll then pedal on to the Rolous, the first town built by the kings of Cambodia and home to more fascinating temples, before visiting a floating village and a sunset cruise on Tonle Sap Lake. The lake is only a short distance from the fascinating city of Siem Reap, where we recommend you visit the famous Pub Street, with its dazzling array of colourful decorations and exciting pubs and bars.

View tour: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Bike Tour

Absorb Thailand in all its richness on our Bangkok to Chiang Mai Bike Tour, as you cycle between the country’s oldest cities and earliest kingdoms. Flat dirt tracks alongside emerald paddy fields make way to undulating terrain in the northern hills, but it’s all fairly easy-going and there's always the option of an e-bike.

Daily road transfers cover the greatest distances on this tour, so you’ll only cycle the best bits and will have plenty of time out of the saddle to relax and take in the views.

Both Bangkok and Chiang Mai are highlights for visitors to Thailand so getting to see them both on the same tour is a real treat. We highly recommend spending your final evening of the tour exploring the night markets in Chiang Mai, where your guide will be able to point you in the direction of the best pad thai, mango sticky rice, and crispy spring rolls!

Freedom Trekkers say:

 "An authentic cycling adventure! An excellent way to be introduced to Thailand. A total of 5 cyclists (two from the UK, two from Australia and one from the United States, a super group). Two excellent guides and a driver/catering manager. Good accommodation with aircon (which was needed in July). Food good once I had been told how to experience Thai food (eat one dish at a time to experience the different flavours at their best). Just book this trip!" - Amanda Barton

View tour: Bangkok to Chiang Mai Bike Tour

Spend an exciting ten days pedalling between Southern Thailand’s stunning beaches, islands and jungle on our Thailand's Coasts - Bangkok to Khao Lak Bike Tour.

On this stunning tour, experience coastal cycling with a fresh breeze beside the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, sandy beaches, rubber plantations, waterfalls and hot springs. Plus, stay in 5* beach resorts, authentic guesthouses and on a tropical island, adding an extra dimension to your cycling holiday.

From Bangkok, leave the bustling city behind and head south via the Mae Klong Delta and floating markets. The cycling is rated as Easy to Moderate, with an average daily distance of 35km, leaving time for other activities such as kayaking and snorkelling, meeting the locals, indulging in delicious Thai food, or just relaxing on the beach.

Freedom Trekkers say:

"The entire trip was fantastic. From the cycling to the food, to the culture to the knowledge of our guide leader, everything was superb. Top tip: This is partially a cycling holiday and partly a dining holiday. Plan to enjoy daily Thai food." - Don Clayton

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

Take the famous Shimanami Kaido cycling route over a series of suspension bridges between the islands of the Seto Inland Sea on our Shikoku and the Shimanami Kaido Bike Tour.

The sea has almost 3,000 islands and you'll enjoy near-constant views of them as you pedal on tarmacked cycle paths on days one and two of the tour. If you think you'll find difficulty in managing the moderate terrain, we recommend an e-bike, which especially makes routes along dedicated cycle paths and quiet countryside roads require less output.

When heading halfway around the world to cycle, you’ll likely also want a dose of Japan’s unique and fascinating culture and you can find plenty of that on this tour.

On day three, you have a free morning to explore Matsuyama and visit the hilltop castle there with its classic Japanese style, and on day four you can even take part in a workshop and learn about the ancient art of making 'washi' paper.

And if you want to take in even more of the Land of the Rising Sun then we highly recommend adding an extra night in Hiroshima before your tour or in Kyoto, once you've completed the route.

View tour: Shikoku and the Shimanami Kaido Bike Tour

Spend four days exploring the surrounding countryside and historic towns on this short break in central Thailand. You'll cycle through fruit plantations, coconut palms, temples, caves, and palaces to name a few.

Sales Consultant Andy cycled this tour in December 2018, here's what he thought: 

"What really struck me was how much was packed in to a short time, both on and off the bikes. For a first-time visitor, this tour is a perfect introduction to Asia. It also makes a fantastic add-on for anyone starting or finishing a trip in Bangkok, or for someone who’s travelling in the region and wants to fit in some cycling as part of a longer holiday."

If you want to find out more about Andy's experience, read the rest of his Bangkok Short Break Cycling Tour trip report.

Experience the perfect blend of sightseeing and leisurely cycling, averaging 30km each day on flat roads, canal paths and hard-packed trails. An air-conditioned support van follows at all times with water and snacks, allowing you to take a break whenever necessary.

Your local guides will bring each location to life with their passion and enthusiasm, telling stories and explaining the cultures and traditions of their country.

Freedom Trekkers say:

"Six Star Review. We have just spent 4 days with our guides on the Bangkok and the River Kwai Bike Tour. The programme was excellent. Our guide was very experienced with excellent English who has given us an outstanding introduction to Thai culture and history. He is a delightful gentleman who was extremely courteous, informative and respectful. He made all the necessary arrangements effortlessly and this in turn made the whole experience very smooth and enjoyable for us. Our driver, was also absolutely excellent. He drove very safely and confidently. He catered for our every need with his delightful smile and laugh, and arranged for a wonderful selection of fresh fruit and other refreshments for us at every stop. They both also made an excellent team, helping each other seamlessly and working calmly and harmoniously together throughout. We felt safe and secure at all times, due to the excellent service they provided. Overall we feel they have given us a wonderful experience which has far exceeded our expectations." - Dr David and Maria Ratliff

View tour: Bangkok and the River Kwai Bike Tour

If we’ve convinced you that cycling in Asia sounds like something you'd like to try, our friendly team will be delighted to help you book one of our tours. Just enquire online or call +44 (0)1273 224066.

Or if you know exactly which tour is for you, you can view dates and prices and book online through our secure website.

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