Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
WHAT ARE THE BEST CYCLING DESTINATIONS IN ASIA?
Asia is a dream playground for cyclists. With vast landscapes ranging from tropical beaches to alpine passes, the continent offers routes for every level and taste. Whether you're a road cyclist chasing high-altitude climbs, a gravel enthusiast seeking quiet countryside, or a leisure rider looking for scenic loops, Asia delivers diversity, hospitality, and unforgettable views. This article showcases the top cycling destinations across Asia and what makes each route worth the ride, including terrain types, local culture, and when to go.
Cycling through the mountains and highlands
Epic climbs and breathtaking descents
Asia’s mountainous terrain is a paradise for experienced cyclists who thrive on altitude, switchbacks, and dramatic views. The Himalayas in India and Nepal offer legendary rides like the Manali to Leh highway—considered one of the highest and most challenging routes in the world. These routes combine spiritual landmarks, snowcapped peaks, and thrilling descents.
Japan’s Japanese Alps are another prime destination for road cyclists. Routes like the Norikura Skyline and the Noto Peninsula deliver smooth tarmac, disciplined traffic, and striking seasonal color changes—from cherry blossoms to fiery autumn leaves. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Taroko Gorge and Wuling Pass serve up world-class elevation gains with stunning jungle-to-summit transitions.
Planning your mountain route
Highland routes often require acclimatization, support vehicles, and off-season research. Many high passes are only open between May and October, and weather conditions can change rapidly. It’s best to go with local guides or organized cycling tours that provide logistics, equipment support, and route-specific insights.
India: Manali to Leh (Rohtang & Khardung La)
Nepal: Annapurna circuit (gravel + MTB focus)
Taiwan: Taroko Gorge to Wuling (105km climb)
Japan: Norikura Skyline, Noto Peninsula
Kyrgyzstan: Tian Shan Mountain routes (bikepacking)
Mountain cycling in Asia is both physically demanding and spiritually rewarding—ideal for riders who want more than just kilometers. It’s about pushing limits and soaking in natural beauty that few travelers get to see.
Scenic coastal and island rides
Sea breezes, sunsets, and smooth roads
If you prefer ocean views to mountain passes, Asia’s coastal routes and island circuits offer unforgettable experiences with a tropical twist. The Shimanami Kaido in Japan is a world-renowned 70km route connecting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea via a series of breathtaking bridges. It's beginner-friendly, well-maintained, and offers rental bikes along the route.
Thailand’s coastal roads, especially from Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan, combine lush scenery with low traffic and excellent food stops. Vietnam’s Hai Van Pass, made famous by “Top Gear,” is another coastal gem offering panoramic bay views and curvy, cyclist-friendly terrain.
Island circuits for leisure and exploration
Bali, Indonesia, offers scenic loop rides through rice terraces, temples, and volcanic landscapes. For those looking for a longer journey, the Philippines has multi-day routes across Palawan and Bohol that combine cycling with snorkeling, island hopping, and cultural immersion. Sri Lanka’s southern coast also offers gentle coastal roads with tea plantations inland for variety.
Japan: Shimanami Kaido island route
Thailand: Hua Hin to Prachuap route
Vietnam: Hai Van Pass loop
Indonesia: Ubud to Mount Batur via rice fields
Sri Lanka: Galle to Tangalle coastal ride
Coastal cycling in Asia combines beauty, relaxation, and culture. It’s ideal for those who want a scenic workout paired with local exploration, delicious cuisine, and oceanfront lodging.
Urban and cultural cycling experiences
Cycling through history and daily life
Asia’s historic cities and cultural regions offer immersive cycling experiences for those more interested in discovery than speed. Kyoto, Japan, is a cycling-friendly city where riders can explore temples, bamboo forests, and geisha districts on well-signed cycle paths. It’s one of the best examples of how urban planning and tradition can blend to create a cyclist’s dream.
In China, the city of Yangshuo offers surreal limestone landscapes and relaxed cycling routes along the Li River. Rent a bike and ride past ancient villages, rice paddies, and karst mountains for a truly cinematic experience. Meanwhile, in South Korea, the 4 Rivers Bike Trail connects Seoul to Busan—over 600 km of protected bike lanes with well-marked facilities, campsites, and cultural stops.
Urban cycling in Southeast Asia
Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur are evolving as cycling hubs, with growing infrastructure and weekend group rides. While urban cycling in Asia can be chaotic, more cities are investing in bike-sharing systems and segregated lanes. These provide tourists and residents alike with more sustainable mobility options.
Japan: Kyoto cultural bike loops
China: Yangshuo countryside exploration
South Korea: Seoul to Busan 4 Rivers Trail
Vietnam: Hanoi's Old Quarter and West Lake circuit
Singapore: East Coast Park to Marina Bay ride
Cultural cycling in Asia offers a slow, deliberate way to experience everyday life, hidden corners, and historic treasures. It’s ideal for those who value stories, architecture, and food as much as fitness.
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