Top 5 countries to cycle in South East Asia

Looking for a cycling holiday in South East Asia but not sure where to start? Check out our tips and highlights of our best countries to cycle and find the destination that’s right for you!

Cambodia

Best country for your first cycling adventure

If you’ve not been on a cycling holiday before, Cambodia could be the best place to start. There are an abundance of reasons, but the main one, which appeals to most first time cycle adventurers is that Cambodia is completely flat.
The highlights are so much more than the planets largest religious monument, Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. Cambodia is fantastic for cycling due to the remote, off the beaten tracks that navigate rural villages, filled with friendly locals. Stop often and enjoy the Khmer iced coffee from local shops, fill up on fried bananas at random food carts and spot the kids shouting ‘Hello!!!!’ from the tops of trees as you ride passed!
Terrain South East Asia has a perception of crazy road rules, or lack thereof, but due to being so flat, Cambodia has an excellent road network that can always avoid busy highways. These dirt tracks are usually smooth and compact and over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in road infrastructure, enabling more villages to be connected by bridges and tarmac roads.
Go to Cambodia if… you’re looking for an adventure with a great balance of cycling and culture. There’s no need to rush through such beautiful scenery. Cambodia is perfect for your first ever cycling holiday.

Learn more about our 7 and 11 day Cambodia adventures here.

Vietnam

Best country for getting wonderfully lost

The cycling in Vietnam is very much split into two regions. The North and the South, and both are very different. Our favourite part is very much in the South, throughout the labyrinth that is the Mekong Delta.
Highlights. That image you have in your head with the overhanging palm leaves, alongside the sleepy canal with the odd longtail boat, just next to the vibrant green rice fields is spot on. Cycling through the Mekong in Vietnam is just like the postcard. Find the right tracks, and it will just be you and the locals. Get out far enough and it’s easy to feel like you’re the first person to ever cycle through the village.
Terrain. Most of the cycling is on small roads, big enough for motorbikes but not for cars. Often, these roads are closer to that of a footpath which are almost always paved, although sometimes a little broken in parts. The Mekong, like Cambodia, is completely flat. You’re always cycling next to a river somewhere and never raise elevation all the way from the south coast to Saigon.
Go to Vietnam if…. You’re looking for a comfortable, yet challenging cycling experience. The support van does not follow the whole time because the tracks are just too small, so we’re on our own for 15-20km legs. The Mekong is perfect for beginner riders, all the way up to veterans looking for some amazing recreational rides.

Learn more about cycling adventures in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta here.

Thailand

Best country for scenic diversity

Thailand is filled with natural diversity. From the lime stone cliffs and beaches in the south, the majestic mountains and scenic views to the north, and the historic temples that abound throughout. Thailand really is a destination that has it all.
Highlights. There’s something quite magical about the temple ruins of Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital. Located some 70km out of Bangkok, it makes for a easy day trip if you don’t have a lot of time. Spend some time cycling nearby Ang Thong province for a more remote experience, amongst rice paddies and locals. Sokhathai is another incredible region to explore by bike with an great insight into history via ancient temples. For more challenging rides, head further north around the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai regions.
Terrain. Thailand is a little more developed than it’s neighbours of Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. Roads and paths are almost always paved and are generally in good condition, of course there are always exceptions. With a little local knowledge, we can get you off the beaten track and have a knack of finding the most interesting dirt tracks!

Myanmar

Best country for exploring the unknown

Recently opening up to tourism, Myanmar has become a magnet for adventurous travellers, looking for something more than the familiarity of Thailand and Bali. And Myanmar delivers in spades.
Highlights. Spectacular natural beauty of limestone caves and cliffs litter the journey between the borders of Thailand and Yangon, the country’s capital. Not be missed are Golden Rock, a huge boulder covered by over 60 tons of gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff. Myanmar is not short of temples and pagodas either, ranging from majestic and grand, to the sacred and special.
Terrain. Expect Myanmar to be less developed than neighbouring countries. The roads are smaller, more dirt and a network of tracks. Depending on where you go, the terrain can be quite flat, yet some areas can include some challenging climbs.
Go to Myanmar if… you’re the type of person who wants to go beyond the regular tourist trails.

Laos

Best country for remote views and local tribes

The cultural melting pot of South East Asia, Laos is often overlooked as a cycling destination, much to the reward of those who venture out there. Northern Laos is by far the jewel in terms of cycling with epic scenery and stunning views. Choose your route carefully as it’s easy to find yourself facing climb after climb. It’s an area not to be missed, but if you can, get on a supported tour and have your bags carried.
Highlights. Whatever ride you do, make sure you either start or finish in Luang Prabang. This small city is a peaceful retreat to spend more than few days. From there, get to Nong Khiaw and marvel in the limestone caves and cliffs as you cycle through narrow tracks in the jungle. Laos is also home to may hill tribes ready to give you a wave and a smile as you cycle through remote villages.
Terrain. A surprising amount of the roads in Laos are paved and in reasonable condition. The mountain scenery in the north ensures that there aren’t a big variety of roads to choose from, making the main road to be in reasonable condition. Saying that, it’s always worth watching out for potholes and small stretches of gravel sections. Road construction is common and can pop out of nowhere.
Got to Laos if…. You’re looking to get beyond the tourist bubble and see some really remote places in South East Asia. More adventurous that Cambodia or Vietnam but still open and available to new cyclists with a positive mental attitude.

Learn more about our cycling adventures from Luang Prabang to Hanoi here.