The Best Cycling Tours in Asia for 2025

With such a wealth of natural beauty, awe-inspiring architecture and tantilising culinary delights, Asia is a continent that must be seen (or cycled!) to be believed. In this blog, we're revealing the best cycling tours in Asia for 2025.

In our 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 Seeing Multiple Countries on One Tour

Ho Chi Minh to Bangkok Bike Tour

If you’re travelling halfway around the world to cycle, you'll want to squeeze as much out of your trip as you can. So how about seeing three countries on one tour?

On our Ho Chi Minh to Bangkok Bike Tour, you'll explore Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, cycling first through Vietnam’s rice bowl before cruising along the Mekong River to Cambodia and ending your tour with a relaxing couple of days on Thailand's pristine beaches.

Cyclists meet the locals in Cambodia
The people of South East Asia are some of the friendliest you'll find

This tour offers plenty of opportunities to take in the rich history of the region. Along the way, you'll visit the adorned palace in Phnom Penh and the magnificent temples of Angkor Watt, the world's largest religious structure and a masterpiece of Eastern architecture.

View tour: Ho Chi Minh to Bangkok Bike Tour

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 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 is probably for you. Embark on a spellbinding ten-day adventure as you pedal your way amongst the breathtaking beaches, islands, and jungle of Southern Thailand.

The pristine coast of Thailand
Thailand is a popular location for holidaymakers, partly because of scenes like this

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, indulge in delicious Thai food, or simply lay about on the beach.

View tour: Thailand's Coasts - Bangkok to Khao Lak 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 Cycle Paths

Shikoku Bike Tour

Embark on our Shikoku Bike Tour, where you'll ride along the renowned Shimanami Kaido cycling route, crossing a chain of suspension bridges connecting the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea.

With nearly 3,000 islands in the sea, days one and two of the tour treat you to uninterrupted views as you pedal. Navigating the moderate terrain is a breeze with the dedicated cycle paths and peaceful countryside roads on the route.

Cyclists on E-bikes on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route
The Shimanami Kaido is one of the best cycling routes in the world - perfectly smooth with fantastic views too

Freedom Treks' very own Saul explored this route in early December and this is what he had to say about the trip:

"I loved the spectacular views across the inland sea as you cycle along quiet roads and cycle paths. Along the way you see fascinating temples on the pilgrims trail, traditional hot spring Onsen baths and of course the wonderful hospitality and welcome of the Japanese people. The support van makes this tour achievable for less confident cyclists."

If this sounds like your kind of tour, then don't hesitate to pick up the phone and speak to Saul himself for some first-hand experience.

View tour: Shikoku Bike Tour

Book Now for 2025

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