Explore the amazing continent of Asia by bike (or electric bike), with Freedom Treks
From its mighty volcanoes and vibrant jungles to its golden sands and ancient ruins, Asia is a sensation for the senses and an incredible destination to explore by bike. The dry season, between November and February, is considered the best time to travel to Southeast Asia, with cooler temperatures and less rain. Japan, however, is ideal in autumn and spring, which coincides perfectly with seeing the kōyō (colourful leaves) and famous sakura (cherry blossom).
This year, Freedom Treks has added more than 10 new tours to Asia to its enticing portfolio. The cycle routes have been well thought out, following quieter roads, lesser-known tracks and gravel paths, however the distances – and undulating terrain – can sometimes seem daunting to less-experienced cyclists. Therefore, the company now offers electric bikes on all these itineraries, meaning cyclists with varying abilities and fitness levels can take part in these unforgettable journeys together.
So, hop on an e-bike, let the battery do the work and cruise past floating markets, Buddhist temples, tea plantations, dense forests, wildflower meadows, National Parks and sweeping beaches.
NEW: Thailand’s Coasts – Bangkok to Khao Lak
Combining stunning beaches, alluring islands and tropical jungles, leave the bustling city of Bangkok and cycle towards tranquil Khao Lak, via the renowned Mae Klong Delta and floating markets. Guests can immerse themselves in the country, comprising coffee plantations, rolling hills, cascading waterfalls and hot springs. Make a traditional morning offering to Buddhist monks in Anpawa, climb into the caverns above Phraya Nakhon Cave, jump on a speedboat to Ko Talu tropical island and swim at the refreshing Punyaban Waterfall. Spend time in a Moken village and find out about the fascinating life of the sea people. Living on the Andaman coast and islands, between Burma and Thailand, this astonishing group spend most of their lives on, or in, the ocean and have even managed to adapt their eyes to see with amazing clarity underwater. Learn about their interesting traditions before joining in with a cooking course, tasting the result afterwards. The average cycling distance is 35 km along mostly flat terrain each day; this leaves plenty of time for other activities, such as kayaking, snorkelling, indulging in delicious Thai food or relaxing on one of the soft, white beaches.
Level: Easy to Moderate
A 10-night Thailand’s Coasts – Bangkok to Khao Lak Hotel & Bike guided tour, departing 3 November 2019, costs from £2,275 pp (two sharing) and includes full-board accommodation in three, four and five-star hotels and resorts, services of a local English-speaking guide, air-conditioned support vehicle, transfers during the tour, luggage transportation, snacks and water while cycling, cycling jersey and water bottle. Return flights, bike hire, cycle helmets, visas (if required) and drinks with meals extra. E-bike hire costs £494 pp. Hybrid bike hire costs £168 pp.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)
NEW: Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap, Vietnam to Cambodia
Beginning in the energetic Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, cycle through the lush Mekong Delta before finishing at the iconic temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Imagine rich banana and sugarcane plantations, flowing rivers and verdant vegetation and tree-lined streets and Khmer pagodas, all of which can be found in Vietnam. Stop at Cai Rang, a lively floating market and climb Sam Mountain (more of a hill) for vistas of a breath-taking sunset, then board a boat on the Mekong River and drift downstream towards the Cambodian Capital, Phnom Penh. On arrival, climb more than 500 steps up to the city’s famous Udong Mountain for a bird’s eye view across Cambodia, before transferring to the small town of Damdek and cycling to the vibrant city of Siem Reap. The last two days of the tour will be spent discovering the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat. Admire the magnificent Ta Prohm temple and the ruined city of Angkor Thom, home to the Bayon temple and Terrace of Elephants. The cycle routes follow gentle, tarmacked roads and wide, but rough, dirt tracks with the longest bike ride reaching 92 km; this tour is suitable for regular cyclists, especially with e-bikes available.
Level: Moderate
An eight-night Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap Hotel & Bike guided tour, departing 24 November 2019, costs from £1,894 pp (two sharing) and includes full-board accommodation in three-and-four-star hotels, services of a local English-speaking guide in each country, a support vehicle, transfers during the tour, luggage transportation, water, fruit and soft drinks when cycling. Return flights, transfers, bike hire, cycle helmets, visas and drinks with meals extra. E-bike hire costs £372 pp. Mountain bike hire costs £117 pp.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)
NEW: Spice Trails of Sri Lanka
Leave the tourist trails and head into the heart of Sri Lanka on this intriguing tour. Beginning and ending in Colombo, experience the enchanting spice trails, which take cyclists from the spectacular fifth century Sigiriya fortress to the striking hill country and Udawalawe National Park, before finishing and relaxing on the south coast with captivating views of the Indian Ocean. Tea production is one of the main sources of foreign exchange in Sri Lanka, with approximately 320 million kilograms produced each year. See the tea pickers at work and stay in one of the old colonial tea planter bungalows, an experience to cherish. Other highlights include climbing Lion Rock in Dambulla, spotting Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic in Kandy, pedalling to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and tucking into lunch surrounded by spices in Matale. There are plenty of wild animals to see too, such as shy bear monkeys near Hatton and elephants, water buffalo and Sambar Deer in Udawalawe National Park. The terrain follows undulating quiet back roads and gravel paths, with the average distance reaching 60 km per day; making it ideal for confident, regular cyclists.
Level: Moderate to Challenging
An 11-night Spice Trails of Sri Lanka Hotel & Bike guided tour, departing 10 November 2019, costs from £2,022 pp (two sharing) and includes full-board accommodation (apart from two meals) in three-and-four-star hotels, services of a local English-speaking guide, a support vehicle, transfers during the tour, luggage transportation and water, fruit and soft drinks when cycling. Return flights, bike hire, visas, cycle helmets and drinks with meals extra. E-bike hire costs £411 pp. Mountain bike hire £206 pp.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)
Best of South & Central Vietnam
Ideal for travellers who want to see this incredible country but do not have much time to spare, this six-day trip encompasses a lesser-travelled side of Vietnam made all the more interesting with a knowledgeable local guide. Board an internal flight (included in the tour price) from Ho Chi Minh City to the picturesque highland town of Dalat to start the cycle tour. Comprising French colonial villas, the sweet smell of wildflowers and plenty of surrounding farms cultivating strawberries and coffee, spend a day taking everything in before continuing north along the south coast towards Hoi An. Sample local beer in Nha Trang, relax in the coastal city of Quy Nhon, see water buffalo in Tam Quay and visit a traditional rice paper maker and mat weaver at Tam Ky. The last leg of the tour sees guests boarding a boat and meandering towards Hoi An’s ancient city port. The graceful, historic, car-free and UNESCO World Heritage Town of Hoi An showcases grand architecture, boutique bars and plenty of colourful lanterns. Every month, when the full moon shines, hundreds of paper lanterns are lit and set into the river as an offering to their ancestors as well as the God of the land. With some longer days and small hills, regular cyclists will enjoy this tour. Level: Moderate
A six-night Best of South & Central Vietnam Hotel & Bike guided tour, departing 10 November 2019, costs from £1,583 pp (two sharing) and includes full-board accommodation in three, four and five-star hotels, internal flight from Ho Chi Minh to Dalat, services of a local English-speaking guide, Hybrid bike hire, air conditioned support vehicle, transfers during the tour, luggage transportation, water and snacks when riding, all entry costs and attractions listed in the itinerary, cycling jersey and water bottle. Return flights, transfers, cycle helmets, visas, alcohol and soft drinks extra. E-bike hire costs £308 pp.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)
Kyushu Coast to Coast, Japan
Ideal for regular cyclists, visitors will ride across Kyushu, from Fukuoka in the west to Beppu in the east. This tour is excellent during the autumn, when the leaves turn stunning shades of red, orange and gold called kōyō, and spring, with the renowned cherry blossom, or sakura, flowering. Pedal along quiet roads and trails, combining culture, cuisine and nature before reaching Beppu, one of Japan’s best-known hot-spring resorts. Take a break from the saddle and admire Komzoyen-ji temple, famous for its Zen stone garden, visit Usa Shrine, dating back 1,200 years and dedicated to the Hachiman warrior god and stop at Tendai Temple beneath Mount Futago – it’s the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu having been built in the 11th century. Plus, look out for the engineering masterpiece of Kurehashi Bridge with its amazing thatched roof. On arrival in Beppu, explore the ‘Hells of Beppu’ steaming sulphuric ponds and bubbling mud pools then soak in a well-deserved onsen bath. Stay at a range of hotels and unique ‘ryokan’ inns, many of which have their own hot springs; ideal for relaxing and recharging those leg muscles. The cycle routes, reaching an average of 55 km per day, weave through quiet villages and forested hills.
Level: Moderate
A five-night Kyushu Coast to Coast guided Hotel & Bike tour, departing 11 November 2019, costs from £2,031 pp (two sharing) and includes full-board accommodation in three-and-four-star hotels and inns, Hybrid or road bike hire, services of a local English-speaking guide, support vehicle for assistance, transfers during the tour, luggage transportation and snacks and drinks when riding and airport drop off at the end of the tour. Return flights, airport transfer on arrival, visas, cycle helmets and drinks extra. E-bike hire costs £280 pp.
Freedom Treks (01273 224 066, www.freedomtreks.co.uk)
To find out more about any of these tours visit www.freedomtreks.co.uk, call 01273 224 066 or follow Freedom Treks on Facebook (Freedom Treks).
