Best Cycling Experiences In The Far East

Here is our pick of the most popular cycling experiences in the countries we feature. These are not in any way strenuous and are suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit and able to ride a bicycle. We can also recommend more challenging biking trips, please don't hesitate to get in touch for ideas.

Yangshuo China: This small rural town in southern China is a haven for cyclists of all abilities thanks to the flat terrain and network of established trails. The karst limestone mountains form a beautiful backdrop to the cycle friendly paths which criss-cross the paddy fields and traditional villages. As featured on this tour.

Battambang, Cambodia: The Soksabike tours in Battambang provide an insight to life in rural Cambodia, and make a positive impact on the local communities. The cycling guides are students at the city's university, and will encourage you to learn a few words of Khmer so that you can interact with the locals you meet who make rice wine, Prahok (fermented fish paste) and a local style of cake. As featured on this tour.

Prambanan, Indonesia: If you are planning a trip to Java don't miss the short but sweet ride from Yogyakarta to the temples of Prambanan. The route takes you through rural villages giving a glimpse of the daily farm life. When in season it is possible to see locals planting, tending and harvesting all by hand. As featured on this tour.

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan: Taiwan is one of Asia's most exciting destinations for cycling enthusiasts, with an extensive network of on and off road trails. The bicycles available for hire are top quality as leading manufacturers including Giant have factories in Taiwan. Surrounded by forest-clad mountains, Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of fresh water on the Island and a good place to start. An easy going 33km route around the shores takes in Wenwu Temple and Holy Monk Shrine. As featured on this tour.

Hoi An, Vietnam: The flat countryside around Hoi An is a delightful area to explore on two wheels. The route we offer takes you to a morning market then through village roads and past paddy fields. Learn how the rural people earn their living looking after animals such as buffalo, cows, pigs, and poultry. At the end of the ride board a boat with the bicycles and head back to Hoi An, passing small hamlets on the banks of the river. As featured on this tour.

Bagan, Myanmar: Bikes are a great mode of transport to explore the ancient temples of Bagan. The plains of Bagan are home to around 2200 temples, stupas and pagodas of varying shapes and sizes. Our local guides know the area inside out, and know secret routes to get you off the beaten track to small temples only accessible on two wheels. This can be included on any of our recommended tours of Myanmar.

Galle, Sri Lanka: If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka and enjoy cycling why not include a ride with Idle Bikes. Explore verdant paddy valleys, coastal paths and look out for birdlife such as electric blue kingfishers & brilliant white egrets. There is a choice of routes available ranging from gentle 1.5 hour trips to half and full day adventures. We can include one of these rides on any of our recommended tours of Sri Lanka, or as part of a bespoke tour.