According to Booking.com, whether pedaling along a serene river in the countryside or freewheeling down mountainous terrain, some of the most beautiful places on earth are best explored on two wheels. Cycling allows travelers to move at their own pace, stray far from the tourist trail and engage more deeply with a destination.
By conducting an online survey in January 2022 on 48,413 respondents across 31 markets, Booking.com came to the conclusion that nearly one-fifth (17%) of US travelers said they would like to take an active trip in 2022. It is stated that in order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once for business or leisure in the past 12 months, and planning to travel in 2022 and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel.
It is written on Booking.com’s website that while it may seem like hard work at first, cyclists are guaranteed to be rewarded for their efforts with the most incredible views and hidden gems. From the salt flats in Bolivia to the bustling capital city of Vietnam, here are six of the best places to go on a cycling vacation – whether travelers are seeking a challenge or to mosey along the flat.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Experience the culture of Vietnam in a way that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. The capital city of Hanoi is one of Asia’s most popular cycling destinations, known for its centuries-old architecture, lakes, parks and over 600 temples and pagodas, the city offers a network of fantastic cycling paths that allow travelers to explore amongst locals on bicycles and scooters. Visitors can park up in the city’s colorful Old Quarter and refuel on delicious Vietnamese street food such as beef noodle soup and shrimp cakes.
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| Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi. (Photo: Booking.com) |
For those who fancy a day trip out of the city, a Tour of Hoa Lu with Boat & Bike Ride explores the ancient city followed by a traditional sampan sail alongside rice fields and a leisurely cycle around a local village. Sleep soundly for very little cost at the bright Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel for a sociable stay with the opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
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| Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel. (Photo: Booking.com) |
Besides Hanoi, Booking.com also listed 5 other places recommended for a cycling tour: Uyuni (Bolivia), Valencia (Spain), Moab (USA), Riva del Garda (Italia), and Carretera Austral (Chile).
Uyuni (Bolivia)
For a truly unique experience, the Uyuni Salt Flats in southwest Bolivia are the largest in the world. Left behind by prehistoric lakes, they are an unbelievable natural phenomenon to behold. Stretching more than 6,200 miles, the reflective mirror effect of the salt flats creates an otherworldly beauty where it’s hard to tell where the land ends and the sky begins.
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| Hotel Palacio de Sal. (Photo: Booking.com) |
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| Hotel Palacio de Sal. (Photo: Booking.com) |
The surreal landscape is a popular spot for cyclists to explore the flat terrain and experience the heavenly views that can feel like flying through the clouds. For an extra special visit to Uyuni, visitors can book a stay at the Hotel Palacio de Sal, the world’s first salt hotel where salt is incorporated into every area of the design, from the ceilings to the furniture. The ideal base to explore the salt flats, its remote setting boasts dramatic views through the floor-to-ceiling glass. Guests can warm up at night in the luxury heated swimming pool and hot tub and feast on Bolivian cuisine at the onsite restaurant.
Valencia, Spain
This port city on the southeastern coast of Spain where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea, is manageable in size and boasts nearly 50 miles of bicycle paths, explaining its appeal to those with a passion for cycling. Valencia also enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, making the sun-drenched city ideal to explore by bicycle during any season.
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| Valencia. (Photo: Booking.com) |
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| Flatsforyou. (Photo: Booking.com) |
For travelers who want to learn about the city’s bike path network, 48-hour Bike and E-Bike rental gives information and recommends the most picturesque routes; past contemporary buildings, a long stretch of beach, and the characterful old quarter.
Moab, United States
More experienced cyclists can pack their mountain bikes and helmet and head to Arches National Park just outside of Moab, Utah to explore the many adventurous slick-rock trails, which come highly endorsed for mountain biking by Booking.com travelers.
Considered southern Utah’s adventure base camp, Moab also offers an assortment of easy and scenic trails through beautiful canyons, red rock formations, and flat-topped mountains. While kicking up dust on these world-class trails, visitors can discover dinosaur tracks and fossils and the ever-more modern Native American rock art.
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| The Aarchway Inn. (Photo: Booking.com) |
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| Arches National Park. (Photo: Booking.com) |
The Aarchway Inn, a unique stay located just a five-minute drive from the Arches National Park entrance, offers spacious rooms, and a hearty complimentary breakfast and barbecue facilities for guests to refuel. With regular shuttles to the National Park and an outdoor pool and hot tub, it’s an ideal spot to relax after an intense day on the road.
Riva del Garda, Italy
A bustling Italian town located on the northern tip of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda sits on the shore with a backdrop of lake, valley and hills. With multiple trails for all abilities, breath-taking scenery and unparalleled natural beauty, the area is a mountain-biking lover’s dream.
In April, Riva del Garda opens its doors to the mountain bike season with 40,000 visitors and 3,000 athletes tail whipping into the town for various bike fairs, marathons, and exhibitions. Visitors can even bike along the ‘floating’ cliff edge cycle path, part of the 87-mile trail which encircles the entire lake and is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.
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| Agritur Fiore d’Ulivo. (Photo: Booking.com) |
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| Agritur Fiore d’Ulivo. (Photo: Booking.com) |
Bike rental is available at farm stay Agritur Fiore d’Ulivo, a short cycle away from the glorious Sabbioni Beach, and with an outdoor swimming pool and charming garden lined with bay and lemon trees. Visitors can head to the Thermal Park to soothe tired muscles in the warm geothermal water after a day’s activity around the lake.
Carretera Austral, Chile
Known as Chile’s Route 7, the Carretera Austral is a road that runs 750 miles through southern Chile and rural Patagonia. Offering breathtaking views, this scenic Patagonian route is located in one of Chile’s least inhabited and ecologically diverse regions and cyclists travel from all over the world to experience this adventure.
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| Yelcho en la Patagonia. (Photo: Booking.com) |
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| Yelcho en la Patagonia. (Photo: Booking.com) |
Visitors can unwind at Yelcho en la Patagonia, a picturesque alpine-style lodge with a charming garden and lakeside views just a stone’s throw away from the beach. The property is also a Travel Sustainable stay and invests a percentage of revenue back into community and sustainability projects – as well as providing bike rentals for cycling enthusiasts.
Ha Giang: One of Asia’s Top Bike Trips in 2024
In their latest article, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) of Hong Kong (China) has listed the top five Asian destinations for bike trips in 2024. Among these destinations is the renowned Ha Giang Loop, located in Vietnam’s picturesque northern mountainous region. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrain, Ha Giang Loop offers a thrilling adventure for cyclists seeking an unforgettable experience. With its winding roads, towering mountains, and vibrant ethnic cultures, Ha Giang Loop has captivated the hearts of many travelers and continues to be a must-visit destination for bike enthusiasts.
