Explore Asia by bike, on these brand-new cycle tours with Freedom Treks
Discover the spectacular sights, exotic spices and blissful warmth when exploring Asia by bike, with Freedom Treks.
After expanding into Vietnam and Japan last year, Freedom Treks now offers brand-new itineraries in Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Cycle in a small group next to meandering rivers, through lush rice paddies and past hill-top temples, taking in the vibrant colours of the region. At the end of each exciting day, tuck into delicious fresh food and drink a refreshing ice cold local beer.
All Freedom Treks tours in Asia benefit from the services of a local English-speaking guide, high-quality mountain, or hybrid, bikes and an air-conditioned support vehicle, should anyone need to take a break.
The bike routes have been carefully selected so they follow quieter rural backroads; allowing visitors to see the main tourist attractions away from the path well travelled. The accommodation in a highlight of these tours, with options ranging from beachfront rooms and cosy guesthouses, to colonial and boutique hotels and tree-top lodges in the jungle.
Pedal past local fishing villages, vast jungles and bustling markets; meet the friendly locals and learn how to barter when purchasing souvenirs; and settle down to watch the spectacular sunsets across the hills.
Here are five new tours to whet your appetite:
NEW: Angkor Wat to Hoi An
Leave the tourist trails and cycle from Angkor Wat in Cambodia to Hoi An in South Vietnam. The rides follow quiet roads and winding dirt trails, which lead to beautiful temples, tiny hamlets and riverside ports. Ride to the ACCB Wildlife Conservation Centre in Cambodia to meet rescued animals, and pedal up the Dangrek Mountains to the ancient Prasat Preah Vihear Hindu Temple and admire the panoramic views. Drive north towards the Lao border, then jump into a kayak and paddle down the renowned Mekong River, meeting many of the locals who use the waterway to trade their goods. Once in Vietnam, pay respects at My Lai Massacre site, where a memorial now sits to commemorate the killings of Vietnamese civilians during the US-Vietnam war. Finish the tour in the picturesque city of Hoi An, stopping off at its UNESCO-listed Old Town, a short bicycle ride from the hotel.
Level: Moderate to Challenging
A 13-night Angkor Wat to Hoi An tour costs from £2,633 pp (two sharing) and incudes full-board accommodation (apart from three meals) in a selection of stylish to comfortable hotels and guesthouses, well-maintained mountain bike with handlebar bags, the services of a local English-speaking guide, air-conditioned support van, transfers during the tour, luggage transportation, water and snacks when riding, entry costs and attractions listed on the itinerary, cycling jersey and a water bottle. Return flights, transfers, visa, alcohol, soft drinks and tips extra.
Departures: November to December
NEW: Best of South & Central Vietnam
Beginning in Ho Chi Minh, in the south of Vietnam, take a short flight to the French-colonial villas in Dalat, before cycling up the coast towards the graceful World Heritage city of Hoi An, where the tour finishes. Drink in the incredible views: from the scenic towns scattered along the sea front to the sand dunes, mountain passes and varied wildlife. Spend the nights staying in a selection of villages, from the tiny Tam Quan to the larger cities of Quy Nhon. Pause to visit a traditional rice-paper maker and mat weaver in Tam Kyr, experience an authentic Vietnamese market where fresh fish are sold from woven baskets in Hoi An and pedal past fields of rice with water buffalo keeping watch. The bicycle routes range from 16 to 60 miles each day plus a rest day; ideal for regular cyclists.
Level: Moderate
A six-night Best of South & Central Vietnam tour costs from £1,626 pp (two sharing) and includes full-board accommodation in three to five star hotels or best accommodation, internal flight from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat, well-maintained mountain bike with handlebar bags, the services of a local English-speaking guide, air-conditioned support van, transfers during the tour, luggage transportation, water and snacks when riding, entry costs and attractions listed on the itinerary, cycling jersey and a water bottle. Return flights, transfers, visa, alcohol, soft drinks and tips extra.
Departures: All year (Wednesday and Saturday)
NEW: Family Sri Lanka
Gear up for a family holiday to remember, with seven days of leisurely cycling in Sri Lanka. Starting in Colombo, known as the gateway to Sri Lanka, pedal across and then down through the heart of the island towards Galle, all the while looking out for various wildlife, beautiful villages, rows of tea plantations, colonial towns and spectacular vistas. The bike routes have all been chosen for their quiet or traffic-free nature, allowing everyone to relax and make the most of the magnificent scenery. Children can enjoy a treasure hunt at the top of a rock fortress in Sigiriya, and the whole family can admire the complex and colourful Buddhist statues in Dambulla, learn about the fascinating history of Nuwara Eliya, sample delicious fresh tea at a small factory and go wildlife spotting in Sinharaja Forest. Accommodation ranges from colonial or boutique hotels to comfortable resort complexes, all of which are family-friendly.
Level: Easy to Moderate
A six-night Family Sri Lanka tour costs from £1,359 pp (for a family of four sharing) and includes full-board accommodation in a selection of hotels, well-maintained mountain bike with handlebar bags, the services of a local English-speaking guide, air-conditioned support van, transfers and train journey during the tour, luggage transportation, water and snacks when riding, entry costs and attractions listed on the itinerary, cycling jersey and a water bottle. Kids 12 and under can benefit from a 20% discount. Return flights, transfers, visa, alcohol, soft drinks and tips extra.
Departures: April, July, August, October and December
NEW: Highlights of Northern Thailand
Become immersed in the striking scenery, fascinating history and intriguing local life in Northern Thailand. After meeting the knowledgeable guide at Bangkok’s main railway station, travel up to Uttaradit on the sleeper train before starting the cycle. Meet local potters and watch artisans weaving gold into cloth, pedal around the temples and palace ruins at Si Satchanalai Historical Park, take a dip in the natural hot springs at Ramkhamhaeng National Park, visit a bee-keeping centre near Lamphun and ride around the Royal Flora Botanical Gardens, breathing in the delicate scents of the colourful flowers. The tour finishes in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s chilled northern capital, which is home to misty mountains and vivacious hill tribes; a delight for adventurers.
Level: Moderate
A seven-night Highlights of Northern Thailand tour costs from £1,510 pp (two sharing) and includes full-board accommodation in three to five star hotels or best accommodation, well-maintained mountain bike with handlebar bags, the services of a local English-speaking guide, air-conditioned support van, transfers and sleeper train during the tour, luggage transportation, water and snacks when riding, entry costs and attractions listed on the itinerary, cycling jersey and a water bottle. Return flights, transfers, visa, alcohol, soft drinks and tips extra.
Departures: February, August and November
NEW: Highlights of Myanmar
Step back in time and cycle around the engaging country of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). Encounter men wearing skirt-like longyi, betel-chewing grannies and trishaws pootling between the traditional villages. Fly from Yangon to Inle Lake: the sparkling fresh water houses more than 20 species of marine creatures found nowhere else in the world. Jump onto a boat to see the famous leg-rowing fishermen, silk weavers and houses on stilts, all of which rely on the lake for their livelihood. Bike to Kalaw and meet the diverse population of Bangladeshi Muslims, hill tribes and Nepali Gurkhas, before continuing to Pindaya to see the famous Golden Cave. On arrival in Bagan, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites, visit the incredible temples of Shwezigon, Dhamagyangyi and Anada alongside other 14th to 19th century sites. Throughout the tour, get to know the locals, who are gentle, humorous, engaging, considerate, inquisitive and passionate. Plus, visitors can book an optional experience (weather dependent): a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over Bagan, available between 1 October and 15 April, from $360 pp approximately.
Level: Moderate
A seven-night Highlights of Myanmar tour costs from £2,052 pp (two sharing) and includes full-board accommodation (apart from two meals) in two to five star hotels and a guesthouse, well-maintained mountain bike with handlebar bags, internal flight from Yangon to Heho, the services of a local English-speaking guide, air-conditioned support van, transfers during the tour, luggage transportation, water and snacks when riding, entry costs and attractions listed on the itinerary, cycling jersey and a water bottle. Return flights, transfers, visa, alcohol, soft drinks and tips extra.
Departures: February, May, July to December
To find out more about any of these new tours visit www.freedomtreks.co.uk, call 01273 224 066 or follow them on Facebook (Freedom Treks).
