Whether you dream of climbing volcanic slopes, weaving through ancient temples or cruising beside jade-coloured seas, cycling tours in Asia deliver a tapestry of riding experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else. From Japan’s snow-capped Mount Fuji to the steamy backwaters of Kerala, the continent rewards every pedal stroke with striking contrasts.
What unites these Asian bike tours is variety. One day you’re sampling street food in Ho Chi Minh City, the next you’re rolling into Cambodia’s tranquil pagoda-dotted countryside or coasting along Taiwan’s wave-lashed Route 1. Each itinerary pairs spectacular scenery with a generous serving of culture, so you see – and taste – far more than you would from a tour bus.
With these tours, expert local guides smooth border crossings, support vehicles carry your luggage, and carefully chosen overnight stops let you rest in style – whether that’s a stilt-house homestay, a beachfront lodge or a heritage hotel.
Ready to discover which Asia bicycle tours should top your bucket list?
Having lived for a year in Singapore and having travelled extensively in both Southeast Asia and the Asian continent more broadly, I am a passionate fan of this part of the world. I believe these journeys showcase the region’s finest riding, from leisurely lake loops to climbs that test seasoned legs, each promising memories – and vistas – that linger long after your tyres leave the tarmac.
Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.
Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.
1. Munnar to Cochin (India)
This scenic cycling tour through Kerala offers an unforgettable journey from the misty hills of Munnar to the coastal charm of Cochin.
Beginning in the cool heights of the Western Ghats, you’ll ride through rolling tea plantations and spice-scented valleys, passing through Vandanmedu and Vagamon – regions known for cardamom, pepper and scenic mountain views.
The route then descends into Kerala’s iconic backwaters, where you’ll explore life along Vembanad Lake, encountering fishing villages, bustling local markets and traditional homes. A standout moment is an overnight stay on a traditional houseboat in Alleppey, offering a peaceful drift through palm-lined canals.
The tour finishes with a coastal ride into the colourful streets of Cochin, blending culture, nature and relaxed riding into a deeply immersive experience.
More information:
- Cycling in India: the inside guide
- More information on India cycling
- Tips for cycling tours in India
This tour is available with Pedal Nation – and you can read our interview with the Pedal Nation team to learn more about this and other India tours.
Happy cyclists in Kerala (photo credit: Pedal Nation)
2. Negombo to Colombo (Sri Lanka)
This cycling adventure offers a deep dive into Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes, ancient history, and vibrant culture. Beginning in Negombo and finishing in Colombo, the route covers the island’s standout highlights – from the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to the dramatic summit of Sigiriya.
As you cycle south through the hill country, you’ll pass tea plantations, pine forests and lush valleys, with opportunities to meet locals working the rice fields or offering fruit from roadside trees.
Evening food crawls in towns like Kandy and Dambulla reveal the country’s rich culinary traditions. Further south, you’ll explore the colonial charm of Galle and ride along coastal roads, with the chance to spot elephants and leopards on safari in Yala National Park.
It’s a journey that balances challenging but rewarding cycling with rich cultural encounters and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
More information:
- Article about this route coming soon!
- Tips on cycling Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka hill country
3. Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes and the Izu Peninsula (Japan)
One of the best cycling holidays Asia has to offer, this route explores the awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji. At 3,776 metres, Fuji is a magnet for cyclists seeking challenge and beauty.
Ride and Seek’s 16-day, 978-kilometre route includes 16,602 metres of elevation, with highlights including the iconic Fuji Subaru Line climb to the Fifth Station and scenic loops around the Fuji Five Lakes.
The route also ventures west through peaceful fishing villages and hot spring towns along the Izu Peninsula. Cultural gems such as Matsumoto’s historic Black Crow Castle and samurai districts add depth to the ride.
While the climbs will suit experienced cyclists, there are also gentler lake routes for riders who prefer a more relaxed pace. This is a demanding tour, but the rewards are unforgettable.
More information:
You can read more about Ride and Seek’s tour options for Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes and the Izu Peninsula in our interview.
Izu Peninsula (photo credit: Ride and Seek)
4. Cycling Route 1 (Taiwan)
Taiwan’s Cycling Route 1 is a 960-kilometre loop around the island, offering some of the most rewarding cycling holidays in Asia.
The route mixes vibrant cities with peaceful rural villages, coastal roads, and dramatic mountain scenery. Riders pass through cultural hubs like Tainan and Kaohsiung, the wild landscapes of the East Rift Valley, and challenging climbs like the Shouka mountain pass.
With excellent infrastructure, (mostly) clear signage, and good road surfaces, Route 1 is ideal for adventurous cyclists keen to explore Taiwan’s diversity. Whether you complete the full circuit in nine to fourteen days or ride just a section – such as the scenic east coast – you’ll find welcoming communities, fantastic food, and ever-changing views.
For those looking to cycle Asia with a blend of natural beauty and cultural depth, Route 1 should be right up at the top of your list.
More information:
- Cycling in Taiwan: the inside guide
- Taiwan’s Cycling Route 1: what you need to know
- Taiwan KOM Challenge: what you need to know
- More tips for cycling Taiwan
We spoke to the team at Giant Adventure in Taiwan about Cycling Route 1 and their bike hire options.
Gorgeous green landscapes in Taiwan
5. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
This spectacular cycling tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes you through Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes, cities and cultural landmarks.
Over two weeks, you’ll pedal past tea plantations, karst mountains, and coastal roads, while exploring ancient temples, war history, and local markets.
Highlights include riding through the rice paddies of Mai Chau, conquering the legendary Hai Van Pass, and relaxing on a houseboat cruise off Nha Trang.
You’ll also explore the atmospheric towns of Hue and Hoi An, spot wildlife, meet local families, and sample delicious Vietnamese street food.
The journey finishes in Ho Chi Minh City, where French colonial architecture stands alongside modern skyscrapers – a fitting finale to a trip that blends tradition and transformation at every turn.
More information:
- An article about this route is coming soon!
- Tips on Vietnam bicycle tours
- 17 of the best long-distance cycling routes in the world, including Highway One in Vietnam
Vietnam street life
6. Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap (Vietnam to Cambodia)
Cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia offers an unforgettable Southeast Asian adventure. This 12-day, 500-kilometre journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City and ends in Siem Reap, combining cultural discovery with peaceful rural riding.
The mostly flat route follows village roads through coconut groves, rice paddies, and water-laced landscapes of the Mekong Delta, before crossing into Cambodia’s wide plains and temple-filled countryside.
Tours offer the chance to meet farmers, explore floating markets, and stay in homestays, with highlights including the lush Tra Su Forest and iconic Angkor Wat at sunrise.
With smooth roads, gentle daily distances, and meaningful local encounters, it’s an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a relaxed pace, rich cultural immersion, and the satisfaction of crossing an international border by bike.
More information:
We spoke to Mr Biker Saigon about their Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap cycling tour holidays and why they believe it’s one of the best cycling tours Asia – and the world – have to offer!
The legendary Angkor Wat temples (photo credit: Mr Biker Saigon)
7. Trans Borneo (Borneo to Brunei)
An iconic Asia bike tour, this 14-day, 1,300-kilometre road tour explores the wild and diverse landscapes of Borneo, taking in Sarawak, Brunei, and Sabah.
Starting in Kuching, the route hugs the island’s northern coastline through mangrove forests, paddy fields, and bustling coastal towns. Riders visit key cultural and natural landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Niah Cave and remote national parks.
The tour includes a scenic beach break in Miri before crossing into Brunei’s rolling countryside.
From there, the challenge ramps up with a dramatic ascent into Sabah’s Crocker Mountain Range – one of the toughest climbs of the journey.
It all ends with a thrilling descent into the coastal city of Kota Kinabalu. Expect a mix of culture, wildlife, tropical scenery and tough but rewarding days in the saddle.
More information:
- Cycling in Borneo – itinerary + tips
- Tips on cycling the Sarawak region of Borneo
- 8 best cycling holiday destinations in the world 2025 – with Borneo included!
You can also learn more about cycling Borneo in our interview with JC Chua of Paradesa Borneo, who offers this Trans Borneo tour.
Road cyclists exploring Borneo’s tropical landscapes (photo credit: Paradesa Borneo)
What’s next
- Take a look at the 8 best cycling holiday destinations in the world – including 3 that feature in this guide to Asia cycling holidays!
- Love spotting wildlife? Don’t miss these 7 best destinations for cycling safaris – including several destinations mentioned in this guide to Asia cycling holidays.
- Prefer Europe? We’ve got you covered with 11 of the best bike tours across the continent.
- And read our guide on how to plan a bike tour or cycling holiday on a budget, to help keep those Asia cycling tours as affordable as possible.
Please support Epic Road Rides
A huge amount of time and effort goes into the article you’ve just read, all with the aim of helping you!
If you found what you’ve read useful, I’d really appreciate it if you dropped something in the tip jar here.
It’s a way you can say thank you and help us carry on creating top quality content with no annoying ads and no pay wall.
Looking for an organised cycling trip?
If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours where possible)!Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.
Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.
The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and risk assessments and take professional advice. Views expressed by interviewees or other users of this website do not necessarily represent our views. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here.
Comments