Asia’s Top 5 Travel Destinations for Cyclists

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A cycling holiday is the ultimate feel-good travel experience, and here are just a couple of the reasons why.

First, exercise is, of course, good for you. Endless studies have shown that physical activity can improve your overall health and fitness, promote quality sleep, and decrease feelings of anxiety and the risk of developing depression. Sounds good so far!

But perhaps more importantly, you can feel good about your travels because you’re having minimal impact on the planet while doing it! Pedalling produces no carbon emissions — and you’ll find yourself engaging with the country you came to see far more deeply on a bike, than you will looking at it through the windows of a fume-belching bus!

In terms of the best places to do a cycling trip, Asia is right up there. It’s a trove of diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes — making this part of the world a fabulous prospect for exploring on two wheels. Many Asian nations also have well entrenched bike riding cultures and the infrastructure to match.

Ready to roll? Here are five of the best cycling destinations in Asia.

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1. Thailand

There’s a growing culture of sustainability in Thailand and a government push to improve liveability in its major cities. Both have seen manual bike sales in this country of 71 million people remain strong by world standards. According to Statista, there’s also been significant growth in the purchase of electric bicycles. The stats bode well for those wanting to get off the beaten tourist trail and explore this fascinating country by bike. Expect to find relatively good amenities for cyclists (for example, bike lanes are slowly being introduced in the capital Bangkok) and a high level of awareness amongst motorists for the safety of bike users.

If you’re not sure where to begin, a Thailand bike tour may be the answer. Itineraries usually combine easy daily riding with stops at key cultural attractions, and you’ll stay in clean and comfortable accommodation along the way. Bangkok is a hub for bike tours through the mostly flat terrain of Central Thailand, while the northern hill country around Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is a magnet for mountain bikers.

Just a note on preparation for a cycling tour in Thailand (or anywhere else in Asia for that matter). Seasoned riders will know the importance of having the right gear, but casual cyclists may not! This particular writer once embarked on a cross-country journey through Thailand and Cambodia with only a pair of denim shorts to ride in — and paid the price in terms of some pretty serious chafing! Invest in comfortable, good quality cycling wear for your trip.

2. Mongolia

When considering Asia travel options, Mongolia might not be one that immediately springs to mind. But if you’re looking for plenty of wide-open space and a unique cultural heritage to immerse yourself in on two wheels, it’s definitely a country to consider. One of the big advantages of a cycling holiday in Mongolia is that this is one of the least densely populated places on the planet, so there’s virtually no traffic to contend with. And from the sweeping expanse of the steppes grasslands, to the rugged mountains of the Altai Range — you’ll find almost endless opportunities for pedal-powered adventure.

Given its remote location in Central Asia, this is another spot where it may be worth putting yourself in the hands of local experts. On a Mongolia bike tour, you can leave the logistics to those in the know on the ground and simply enjoy the experience. Look for an itinerary that visits the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Orkhon Valley, which yields epic views and is dotted with ancient monasteries.

3. Cambodia

Despite the level of trauma suffered by Cambodians over the decades, you’d be hard pressed to find a population that’s warmer and more welcoming. And exploring by bike will reduce your impact on what remains an extraordinarily fragile environment. Expect to experience incredible lows as you delve into the country’s horrifying past under the Khmer Rouge — and incredible highs as you gaze upon the magnificent temples of Angkor for the first time. It’s a moment that will likely stay with you forever.

The Angkor complex is located close to tourist mecca Siem Reap — making this a logical spot to touch down and hit the road by bike. Make sure you do a sunrise ride out to the temples: it will be well worth the early start. Beyond Angkor, the central Cambodian countryside is fairly flat and easy to pedal across. Many cycling tour itineraries connect Siem Reap with the capital Phnom Penh — 320 kilometres to the south-east. The roads and footpaths you’ll be riding on are often fairly basic and it can be a dusty business. But the surprises revealed at every turn will more than make up for that.

4. Vietnam

Figures vary, but it’s estimated that there are a staggering 50+ million motorcycles, mopeds, and motorised scooters chugging around Vietnam today. Prior to the 1990s, it was pushbikes that dominated the roads — a remnant of French colonial rule in the first half of the 20th century. Bicycles even played a role in logistics during the Vietnam War. Times have changed, but can you still explore Vietnam by bike? Absolutely! Sales and repair shops remain widespread — and as long as you take it slow and steady, sharing the road with your bike’s petrol-fueled cousins is doable — if a little hectic at times.

Our top tip is not to bite off more than you can chew. It’s generally hot and humid in this part of the world, the traffic will invariably slow you down, and there are myriad attractions to stop and see along the way. So, be conservative about how much distance you can cover on any given day or over the course of your entire holiday.

Top cycling spots in Vietnam include Ho Chi Minh City and capital Hanoi, the countryside around captivating Hoi An and former imperial capital Hue in central Vietnam, the watery Mekong Delta down south, and for adventurous riders — the mountainous Sapa region up north. Hanoi also offers cyclists easy access to some stunning and lesser-known parts of the country, including Ninh Binh (a region defined by towering limestone karsts, rice paddies and winding waterways), and Mai Chau — a rural area peppered with small ethnic villages.

5. Japan

At first glance, Japan looks like a mixed bag for cyclists. Tokyo, for example, has almost no dedicated bike lanes. However, once you get out into the countryside, things improve dramatically. The roads are good, motorists are unfailingly polite, and you can make use of any of the six official national cycling routes established across the country to date. To be recognised as such, a route must be at least 100 kilometres long, use standardised road markings to designate safe zones for riders, and feature purpose-built cycle stations every 20 kilometres. Accommodation must be available every 60 kilometres, and information for riders is provided in both Japanese and English.

The longest and arguably most impressive of the routes is the Pacific Cycling Road, which follows the coast for 1,500 kilometres from Choshi City east of Tokyo, to Wakayama City near Osaka. It passes many of Japan’s must-sees, including soaring Mount Fuji and the plunging Nachi Waterfall.

This post was published thanks to Art of Bicycle Trips.

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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best cycling destinations in Asia? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.

The information contained in this story is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice in any way. We make every effort to ensure this content is accurate, but we do not guarantee it. You should do your own research and seek the advice of professionals before acting or relying on any of the information provided in this story.

Additional images: Depositphotos, Bigstock, and Envato

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