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Best cycling destinations in Asia

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Shikoku
Pilgrimage trail, gorges and hot springs
8.1
The Shimanami Kaido links Shikoku to Honshu across six small islands and seven bridges over the Seto Inland Sea. A dedicated blue line marks the 70-kilometre route the entire way. Citrus groves and fishing villages line the islands between each crossing. The Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, the final crossing, ranks among the world's longest suspension bridges.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in Dōgo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring
  • 🌊 Admire the whirlpools of Naruto Strait from the Ōnaruto Bridge
  • ⛩️ Complete the 88 Temple Pilgrimage across Shikoku
Taipei
A vibrant blend of old and new
9.0
Riverside paths trace both banks of the Xindian and Tamsui Rivers through Taipei. Bike-share stations make it easy to grab and drop a bike anywhere in the city. Riders can pedal from downtown to the coast at Bali District in an afternoon. Night markets near the paths make for a good stop after a ride.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax and soak in the Beitou hot springs
  • 🍢 Wander through the bustling Shilin Night Market and try local snacks
  • 🏙️ Take in the skyline views from the Taipei 101 observatory
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
9.3
Wide, quiet roads cross Hokkaido's farmland, passing lavender fields near Furano and Biei each summer. Cyclists can ride for hours without much traffic across the island's open countryside. Dairy farms and rolling hills define much of the scenery along the way. Cooler summer temperatures make Hokkaido a popular escape from the heat elsewhere in Japan.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore historic Otaru Canal and its shops
  • 🏂 Ski or snowboard in world-famous Niseko resorts
  • 💧 Visit the spectacular Shirogane Blue Pond
Karuizawa
Cool highland resort at the foot of Asama
7.5
Karuizawa has drawn cyclists to its cool, forested lanes since becoming Japan's favourite summer resort in the 1880s. Rental shops near the station offer regular and electric bikes for touring the town. Mossy, stone-hedged roads wind past old Western-style summer homes beneath larch and birch trees. A popular loop passes Kumoba Pond, nicknamed Swan Lake.
Highlights:
  • 💧 Visit Shiraito Falls and admire its delicate cascades
  • 🛍️ Shop at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza’s upscale outlets
  • 🚴‍♀️ Cycle through the forested paths of the Kyu-Karuizawa area
Chiang Mai
Ancient temples and mountain escapes
8.1
The Mae Hong Son Loop winds through nearly 600 kilometres of mountain roads west of Chiang Mai. Cyclists pass hill tribe villages, coffee farms and misty valleys along the route. A shorter ride up Doi Suthep rewards riders with a hilltop temple and city views. Rest stops serve noodle soup and mountain fruit.
Highlights:
  • 🛕 Visit the sacred Doi Suthep temple atop the mountain
  • 🍲 Join a traditional Thai cooking class with locals
  • ⛩️ Explore the ancient temples of the Old City
Vietnam
Ancient charm meets natural wonder
7.7
Cyclists in the Mekong Delta ride past floating markets and canals lined with fruit orchards. Further north, the Ha Giang Loop climbs through limestone mountains near the Chinese border. Rice terraces and hill villages line much of the route through the northern highlands. Coastal roads elsewhere offer flatter riding past fishing villages and rice paddies.
Highlights:
  • 🍜 Taste authentic Vietnamese pho at a bustling street stall
  • 🏮 Walk the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An at night
  • ⛵ Cruise through Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts at sunrise
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
8.2
Cyclists can coast downhill from the Kintamani volcano through rice terraces and mountain villages. Jatiluwih's UNESCO-listed terraces unfold in bright green tiers along quiet country roads. Rice farmers and temple offerings appear along nearly every route through the countryside. Guided rides often end with a swim or a plate of fresh fruit.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit Uluwatu Temple perched high on a seaside cliff
  • 💦 Swim beneath the cascading Tegenungan Waterfall
  • 🌋 Watch the sunrise over Mount Batur volcano
Nikko
Tokugawa shrines, waterfalls and hot springs
8.6
Winding mountain roads climb from Nikko's shrines up the switchbacks of Irohazaka towards Lake Chuzenji. Forested slopes turn bright red and orange each autumn along the route. Kegon Falls, near the lake, offers a scenic rest stop after the climb. Cedar-lined avenues near the shrines make for a gentler ride before the mountain roads begin.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Admire the majestic Kegon Falls viewpoint
  • 🌉 Cross the striking vermilion Shinkyo Bridge
  • ⛩️ Visit the ornate Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex
Sri Lanka
Ancient cities, tea hills and surf beaches
7.3
Cyclists climbing into Sri Lanka's hill country pass tea plantations stacked in green terraces up steep slopes. Workers pick leaves by hand along roads that wind past colonial-era towns like Nuwara Eliya. Misty mornings often give way to clear mountain views by midday. Lower routes near the coast offer flatter, easier riding through palm-lined villages.
Highlights:
  • 🚂 Take a scenic train ride through the tea plantations to Ella
  • 🐘 Spot elephants on safari in Minneriya National Park
  • 🪨 Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and admire its ancient frescoes
South Korea
Tradition meets modern innovation
8.7
The Four Rivers Bike Path stretches roughly 633 kilometres from Incheon to Busan on dedicated cycling lanes. Riders collect stamps at certification centres along the way as proof of progress. The path follows the Han and Nakdong Rivers through farmland, forest and city outskirts. Completing the full crossing typically takes a week or more.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Explore vibrant Myeongdong shopping and street food
  • 🌇 Climb N Seoul Tower for panoramic city views
  • 🏯 Visit the historical Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul
Luang Prabang
Laid-back charm by the Mekong River
7.5
Cyclists can follow quiet roads along the Mekong River past temples and traditional wooden houses. Saffron-robed monks collect alms each morning along streets that riders often pass at dawn. Rural villages outside town offer a glimpse of rice farming and weaving. Kuang Si Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall, makes a popular turnaround point for longer rides.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Climb Phousi Hill for panoramic sunset views
  • 🏛️ Explore the historical Royal Palace Museum grounds
  • 💦 Visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls and swim
Jeju Island
Nature's Island Paradise
8.6
The Jeju Fantasy Bicycle Path traces roughly 234 kilometres around the island's volcanic coastline. Cyclists pass black lava rock, beaches and small fishing villages along the flat coastal route. Riders who complete all ten sections can collect stamps towards a certificate. Hallasan, South Korea's tallest peak, rises inland above much of the ride.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Visit the colorful Jeju Folk Village Museum
  • 🦇 Explore the stunning Manjanggul Lava Tube caves
  • 🌄 Watch sunrise from the volcanic Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
Xiamen
Coastal Charm and Island Adventures
7.2
A dedicated cycling path circles much of Xiamen's coastline, separated from traffic for most of its length. Riders pass beaches, parks and views of Gulangyu Island along the way. The car-free island is best explored on foot or by rental bike once visitors arrive by ferry. Banyan trees shade long stretches of the coastal path.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Visit Nanputuo Temple and hike Wulao Peak behind it
  • 🌄 Climb Sunlight Rock for panoramic city and sea views
  • 🏝️ Explore colonial architecture on Gulangyu Island
Gyeongju
Ancient Treasures in a Modern World
8.1
Bike paths wind past the grass-covered royal tombs of the ancient Silla capital in Gyeongju. Cyclists can pedal from Cheomseongdae Observatory to the temple of Bulguksa in a single afternoon. Cherry blossoms line several of the routes each spring. Gyeongju's flat, historic core makes it one of Korea's easiest cities to explore by bike.
Highlights:
  • ⚱️ Wander among royal tombs at Daereungwon Tumuli Park
  • 🪨 Admire the ancient stone pagoda at Seokguram Grotto
  • 🏯 Explore Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO masterpiece of Buddhist architecture
Guilin
Karst Mountains and Serene Rivers
7.2
Karst limestone peaks rise abruptly from flat farmland along the roads outside Guilin. Cyclists can follow the Li River south towards Yangshuo, passing water buffalo and rice paddies. Small villages along the route offer noodle stalls and simple guesthouses. Bamboo rafts drift past on the river as cyclists pause to take in the scenery.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Climb Xianggong Mountain for sunrise views
  • 🦩 Explore the colorful Reed Flute Cave’s limestone formations
  • 🛶 Cruise the scenic Li River through karst peaks
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