Sri Lanka is emerging as the island country to visit, especially after being named as the number one country to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet.

Among some of the unmissable experiences are the tea trails, the gorgeous surf spots, the game reserves, the spectacular birdlife and of course, the food culture – we’re talkin’ food, spice and everything nice.

While civil conflict made certain areas of Sri Lanka off-limits to tourism in the past, travellers are turning to the regional parts of the country, including the stunning north-west area of Jaffna.

“It's an undiscovered area that's still opening up and I think now is the perfect time for anyone to visit,” says TV chef and award-winning restaurateur Peter Kuruvita. “The flavours of Jaffna cuisine are different; they're very spicy compared to the rest of the country.”

Kuruvita, who will be returning to the far north and east coast of Sri Lanka when he escorts a culinary tour, is putting Jaffna in the spotlight and recommends these three must-try foods when in the area.

Jaffna kool

“For me, one of the stand-out dishes of Jaffna would be the Jaffna kool.”

“Made with all the amazing seafood that's pulled out of Jaffna Lagoon, it's thickened with something very unique, which is palmyra.”

Palmyra root flour, which is a bit like arrowroot, gives the seafood soup a beautiful, silky feel which Kuruvita likens to a bouillabaisse of Sri Lanka.

Palmyra palm treacle with buffalo curd

Palmyra palm trees are synonymous with Jaffna and the treacle from this variety of palm offers the perfect amount of sweetness when served with silky, smooth curd made from buffalo milk.

“Now the buffalo curd comes from down south, from Hambantota, but the palmyra palm is endemic to Jaffna area.”

“You can get treacle out of the coconut palm, or you can get treacle out of the palmyra palm. The flavours are incredibly different, so make sure you have a little scoop of palmyra honey as well.”

Ice cream from Rio’s

One point of difference between Sri Lanka’s south and the north are the milk bars which are popular in the north. Families, teens and couples on a date will treat themselves to a visit to a milk bar, so, when in Jaffna, a trip to Rio Ice Cream is a must.

“[It] has made it through the war years… so a scoop of ice-cream at Rio's is a bit of an institution.”

Located near the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Hindu temple, the well-known ice cream parlour is a pleasant treat to help you cool off from the heat, especially after taking in the local sights of the town.

Sri Lanka’s other half: why you should visit Jaffna

According to Kuruvita, Jaffna and the east coast are relatively empty of tourists, with a few new hotels starting to open. The main part of Jaffna town still has its original little market that’s bursting with exotic produce, as well as street stalls run by friendly locals who welcome visitors to the area.

There’s even an incredible strip where old British cars are parked. “It's kind of like a small Havana, except that all the cars are not Chevrolets,” says Kuruvita. “They're more like Austins and Morrises, and most of them operate as taxis.”

“There are very noticeable differences between the country's south and the north: the produce, the landscape, the food and the people, so it's an important part of any visit to Sri Lanka,” he says.

Temples adorned with colourful statues in northern Sri Lanka. Photo: Peter Kuruvita

While many people may think they’ve seen Sri Lanka after visiting the southern areas, the northern half of Sri Lanka is definitely a place to add to your adventure list.

Want to spice up your Sri Lankan adventure? Travel with Peter Kuruvita and open your taste buds to the delectable cuisines of Sri Lanka, as well as experience the amazing wildlife and cultures of remote villages rarely visited.

View Sri Lanka culinary trips

Home to an array of aromatic spices, exotic fruits and the celebrated seafood cuisines, Sri Lanka’s culinary scene can be overwhelming. What should you try first? Where is the best string hopper?

From a best-kept food secret in Kandy’s foothills to must-try street eats, celebrity chef, Peter Kuruvita, shares his top tips and foodie hot spots when navigating Sri Lanka’s food trails.

Just arrived in Colombo? Here’s where to find a nice cuppa to relax

“I think a cup of tea is probably best enjoyed at the Galle Face Hotel on the grass or by the seafront," suggests Peter.

"If you're there around 5:30, there's a quirky ceremony where they lower the Sri Lankan flag to the sound of a bagpipe, because the Gardiners, who own it, have Scottish heritage. It's the oldest hotel in Asia, so it's been going for four, five hundred years, and that tradition goes on every day. So, a cup of tea or a gin and tonic on the grass there is always a beautiful way to end the day, looking at the Indian Ocean.”

Hitting the fruit markets? Try these local produce

“If you're there [around] October: mangosteen. The mangoes are just starting to come out.”

Fresh local Mangosteen at the Pettah Market in Colombo. Photo: Sophie Panton.

“Wood apple's another very interesting fruit. It looks a cricket ball, smells like an old rag, but inside when you crack it open is this knotted, brown, stringy mass, which you mix with coconut cream and make a drink or ice cream out of it, which is amazing.”

“[Also try] one of the 38 varieties of bananas, guavas... and rambutan,” he adds.

Go-to street food?

For Peter, it’s a godamba roti first thing in the morning.

“It’s like a paper roti, and I just have it with egg. Find any street-side stall that's making it fresh and get them to put two eggs into it. They fry it, chop it up, and then give it to you with some gravy and a little bit of coconut sambal. It's just amazing!”

Also give dodol a try - it's a popular sweet in Sri Lanka made from coconut cream and cashews and cooked for hours. Photo: @whoislexiconnors

A restaurant Peter Kuruvita always sees himself returning to...

Ministry of Crab. He recommends the black pepper mud crab, jumbo prawns and kottu roti as some must-try menu items.

“It's modern Sri Lankan, and that's kind of very close to my heart and they use the freshest ingredients, so it's a great way for people to see and taste Sri Lankan food cooked in a modern way, but still keeping to the tradition.”

Stopping over at Kandy? Check out this best-kept food secret

“Kandy has a large Muslim population, and Muslims love their biryani… Pillawoos restaurant does a cracking biryani!”

READ MORE: Peter Kuruvita's Sri Lankan Ridged Gourd Curry recipe

From street stalls to some of Sri Lanka's best restaurants, where’s the best place to experience Northern cuisine?

World Expeditions' Sri Lankan culinary experience escorted by award-winning chef and restaurateur, Peter Kuruvita, is your best bet to get the most out of your Sri Lanka food adventure. Yes, you read correctly; Peter himself will be on the tour with you every step of the way for a culinary exploration of the island's remote regions.

“People are going to learn a lot, and they're going to think about Sri Lankan food in a totally different way... The first thing people say to me is when they put something in their mouth, is ‘Wow! I thought it'd taste like Indian, and it doesn't at all.’ So, get ready for a really amazing experience,” he says.

Learning traditional recipes is a feature of our culinary trips to Sri Lanka with celebrated chef Peter Kuruvita.

The new tour combines Sri Lanka's must-see highlights, exciting culinary experiences and hands-on cooking classes, where you learn to cook authentic Jaffna crab curry from the locals; make tea infused drinks; and grill up your catch of the day at a special beach BBQ prepared by Peter!

“We're a small group. It's very personal... [and] I'm with the tour 24/7. I'm actually sitting in the bus, totally engaged, telling stories and chatting with everyone. And at the front of the bus is Jeremy, who is highly knowledgeable, who can answer 99% of any questions that are thrown at him. Between the two of us, we ensure the comfort, the safety, the happiness, and all the rest of it,” adds Peter.

Enjoy your catch of the day on the exclusive culinary tour of Northern Sri Lanka with Peter Kuruvita.

The bottom line: try everything!

The last thing you want to be is over-cautious and miss out on heaps of great food as a result. So, if you’re wary about approaching some street food vendors, Peter suggests checking that the oil they are using is clean, looking for stalls that use fresh ingredients, have a look at the person who's making it and make sure their hands are clean. Peter stresses that Sri Lanka is a very clean country and hygiene is taken seriously.

A snapshot of some traditional starters for breakfast. Photo: @whoislexiconnors

“As long as you can see it being made, it's great. Go into the tea houses and have the curry of the day. In the morning, have a string hopper. In the evening, have an egg hopper. Try a Kottu roti. In the afternoon, all you have to do is just follow the sound of the clanging on the griddle.”

So, be adventurous, explore flavours you haven’t thought of trying and dive in!

Peter's culinary adventures regularly book out, so secure your place today.

It hit us like a tuk-tuk driving 100km per hour around a blind corner as we stepped through the doors of Colombo Airport. That smell. The one that took him straight back to the dusty streets of Kathmandu, and me to the back roads of Bangkok. Don’t get me wrong, though; we both love that smell. It was like a hit of adrenaline. We’re back.

With jetlag on our side, we woke early and headed to the beach outside our room at Rani Beach Resort, which had been veiled in darkness when we arrived the night before. Greeted with a game of beach cricket, wooden catamarans covered in colourful sails, and some “very good salesmen” trawling the beach, we already felt accomplished. And it wasn’t even 9am.

Buffet breakfast. Tick. First shower of the day. Tick. Ready for more action. Tick.

After meeting the guide for our World Expeditions tour that would start that afternoon, we headed off to the main fish markets via a tuk-tuk that was nicely haggled down in price by him. Thank god he’s here, I’m hopeless at that stuff.

We could smell it before we arrived. A stark contrast to the fish markets we’d visited in Tokyo; while store owners lined the road, spruiking their offerings, the beach was covered in meters of hessian topped with neatly arranged fish. I wondered how they stopped the birds from eating it until I saw a bird swoop down and score a small fish. The answer to my question: they don’t.

Sellers at Negombo's main fish market. Photo: Emma Breislin

After a friendly toothless man excitedly told me that I could watch the markets from my television, thanks to a visit from Rick Stein a few years back, we wandered through the fruit and vegetable markets. The only way to describe it was colourful, which coincidentally happens to be a pretty good summation of Sri Lanka overall so far.

Colourful fruit and vegetables on display at the markets. Photo: Emma Breislin

We headed to the Dutch Canal, spanning a whopping 240km for a boat ride with a bit of wildlife spotting. Monitor lizards, kingfishers, herons, owls and the occasional bit of rubbish. It was as if our guide had arranged a meeting place with each bird, as he was able to spot things our amateur eyes simply couldn’t.

The banks of the canal were littered with tin shacks sheltering small smiling children, next to large concrete complexes containing the very apparent disproportion of wealth. Breaking into more open water, we headed across the lagoon to the Muthurajawela Nature Reserve, a tropical wetland known to home crocodiles, sea eagles, monkeys, and all manner of birds. While we unfortunately (or fortunately?) didn’t see any crocodiles, we did manage to be boarded by some pirates who liked the look of our afternoon tea.

A life of austerity and meditation

The next morning, we headed off to the rural mountain town of Salgala, to the monastic complex housing 19 Buddhist monks. Leaving the comfort of touristy Negombo, we finally got a glimpse of the real Sri Lanka, in all its nitty-gritty-ness. Streets littered with dogs, the brightest bunches of bananas hanging from the awnings of crumbling straw huts, colourful buses charging down thin streets, and fields of rice bordered by the tallest coconut trees. As the roads got bumpier, the excitement only grew.

Once we made it to the monastery, an 88-year-old gentleman, sari-wrapped and thong clad, with only a few teeth and not a word of English, led us around the complex and up through the forest. He explained to our guide, who translated, that there were 18 caves in the forest that the monks reside in, but that they were originally built for the King when he fled to the mountains to avoid Indian invasions in the second century.

The Salgala Buddhist monastery is a haven for monks. Photo: Emma Breislin

The monks now use the caves for meditation, of which they perform from 1pm each day until the following sunrise. We walked bare foot and admired temples hidden in stone and stupas entangled in vines, but not so much as our utter admiration for the elderly gentleman who led us, using nothing but the end of an old broom as a walking stick to take him all the way up to the lookout at the top, which swept across from Colombo Harbour all the way out to Adam’s Peak and beyond. I was a sweaty mess by the top, but I swear I still saw a spring in his step up there. Age is just a number, folks.

Elephant Bay Hotel in Pinnawala

That afternoon we headed to our hotel for the night, stepping over the sleeping guard dog through to the grand colonial style entrance. The view directly across the lobby opened onto a magnificent river, dotted with rocks in a way that the water sparkled as it trickled over its obstacles. If you look over the balcony you’ll notice a bright blue infinity pool, overlooking the gushing river. Now look a bit closer and you notice one – no two – no, make that a herd of elephants bathing in the river.

The hotel provided a stunning spectacle of elephants bathing. Photo: Emma Breislin

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was just across the road, and a few times a day they walk the elephants across the road, down the small side streets, and into the river for a release from the heat. They eat 300kg of foliage a day and need 250 litres of water. Needless to say, we watched them all night: from our balcony, our bed, the pool and over the dinner table.

Trekking, tea and 'glamping'

Adam’s Peak rests at 2224m above sea level, and with almost 20,000 steps done before 8am, we climbed it for sunrise. Setting out shortly after two in the morning, I must admit, it was a challenge for me. I blame all the curry. But then again, he managed much better than me and he’s had just as much curry. Deciding to put the camera down and just enjoy the sunrise, it was a pretty special moment.

Watching the sunrise from Adam's Peak. Photo: Emma Breislin

And then we had to go down. With the sun up though, the view of the rolling hills below us was enough to distract me from my shaking knees. If you are thinking of hiking Adam’s Peak, bring a pole.

The early morning ascent was well worth the views from Adam's Peak. Photo: Emma Breislin

We were welcomed back into town like war heroes. It was eggs or eggs for breakfast, as my body needed some radical refuelling.

Just out of Nuwara Eliya, we headed for Pedro Estate Tea Plantation. For a staggering R200 (less than two bucks), we were taken around the tea processing factory, which has been in operation since the 19ᵗʰ century. Each day, eight tonnes of fresh tea is picked and processed in the factory, producing two tonnes of the dried leaves we love.

Trekking through the tea plantation. Photo: Emma Breislin

Next time you sit down with a cup of the good ol’ green stuff, raise it to those who pull off back-breaking work day in, day out, to get it to you. Absolutely amazing.

The next morning, we headed to Ohiya, where we were to embark on our six-hour hike to Bambarakanda Falls, the tallest in Sri Lanka. We stayed at Sri Lanka’s Eco Team Campsite in Beilhuloya. And when I say campsite, I mean glampsite. There were proper beds, pillows, doonas, and some delightful chairs out the front. The bathrooms were all modern concrete and timber, and we were served a four-course meal under the light of the flame torches that surrounded us. It was like a scene from Survivor, but with more food and much more comfort.

Our campsite in Beilhuloya. Photo: Emma Breislin

Earlier in the afternoon, we’d figured it would be a good opportunity to fly the drone he gifted me for Christmas, and after asking permission, we stood in a clearing metres from our tent, with most of the staff looking eagerly over our shoulders and sent it up. Filming over the tents, trees and down to the glistening lake surrounded by folding mountains, it was breathtaking. The best part, without a doubt though, was that one young staff member was so taken aback by the footage we showed him later, that he asked us to send it to him. He explained, in broken English, that he had lived in the area since he was a small boy. He had hiked all over it and seen it from every angle, but never from the top.

Taking in our beautiful campsite views. Photo: Emma Breislin

The standard of service at the camp was absolutely without fault, and so there was no hesitation from us that we would get him the footage. And we did. Watching him stop in his tracks as he walked back to the kitchen, fingers clutching his phone, eyes glued to the screen, was a small but pretty touching moment.

On safari

This may just be me, but when I thought of Sri Lanka initially, I didn’t even realise you could do a safari. But you can, and you should.

Picked up in our jeep, fitted out with canvas canopy, weighty wheels and snug seats, we climbed aboard and headed for the national park. Dusty roads and shrub for miles, our driver expertly weaved his way through unmarked roads, over potholes and through low-hanging branches. Not long down the road we saw a herd of buffalo bathing in a swamp, one in particular, was keen to have his photo taken, lolling around in the mud in front of us.

A herd of buffalo bathing in the swamp. Photo: Emma Breislin

Further on we saw our first elephant, once an orphan, now roaming the park freely. Then some lounging monitors massaging each other in a tree. Peacocks strutting their stuff, eagles soaring above us, crocodiles, a snake, a jackal, and the list goes on.

Spot various wildlife during your safari at the prolific National Parkland. Photo: Emma Breislin

At one point, our driver turned down a small path, and suddenly we lost sight of any other jeep in the park. In the distance, on the road ahead, we saw a looming grey figure. Before we could make it out, we heard the trumpet of the elephant and saw it running at full pace away from us. Slowly, we rolled forward and it wasn't long until we came upon the most magnificent of moments.

Turning the engine off, I sat speechless, and only managed to look over at him to make sure what I was seeing was real. It was. There in front of us, two grown female elephants stood side by side, trunks linked. Between their bodies were two calves, one a few years old and one a newborn calf. Once they were sure we were safe, they slowly unlinked, revealing their gorgeous young to us. It was surreal. It was breathtaking. It was so utterly… human. We sat there for a good 10 minutes watching, seeing what they say about elephant’s emotions in action. They feel love, they feel fear, they feel safety.

A pair of elephants interlinking. Photo: Emma Breislin

Confident we would not surpass that moment, we drove on, discovering more and more wildlife as we went. We often never went longer than five minutes without spotting something new.

And then it happened. ‘STOP!’ ‘GO BACK!’ ‘DID YOU SEE THAT?!’

In a flash our guide was on the roof of the jeep. I’m sure it almost rolled as we all threw ourselves over the left-hand side of the vehicle. He‘d seen the face, I’d seen the spots slinking away through the shrubs. It definitely was. No way. It really was. We’d seen a leopard.

We had been told outright that we wouldn’t see a leopard. Our guide had never seen a leopard, only tracks. They were incredibly rare and incredibly shy. Plus, there are only about 700 remaining in the country. But we saw one. And it was mind-boggling.

Sri Lanka, in a word, you’ve been swell.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emma Breislin is a twenty-something who started writing about travel when she was nine – forced to by her mum on family holidays. Now addicted to it, she travels the world archiving her adventures and sending stories home to mum … and anyone else that may want to read them along the way. She was fortunate enough to travel to Sri Lanka as the winner of our co-sponsored Lonely Planet competition.

Experience it yourself

Go on a 14-day adventure tour through the remote regions of Sri Lanka and immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Ascent the famous Adam’s Peak, canoe down the Kalu Ganga and sit in close range with elephants on a wildlife safari. View full trip details >

Have you been to Sri Lanka? Share your highlights in the comments below.

There are many reasons why UNESCO World Heritage Sites are best discovered by bicycle.

The steady pace of cycling allows you to access less touristed areas to gain a very unique and memorable perspective of an iconic site. Pedalling under your own steam also lends itself to meeting locals, stopping for a chat or a bite to eat along the way.

With more than 1,000 awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit, we’ve narrowed down some of our favourites to experience at handlebar level.

1. Nepal - Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley

A unique way to visit UNESCO protected Bhaktapur Durbar Square is by bicycle

Several kingdoms resided in the Kathmandu Valley and each had its own Durbar Square (royal square). The square in Bhaktapur is one of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal and rich with temples, monasteries and palaces.

Explore the Kathmandu Valley by Bike

On the 16-day Annapurna Mountain Bike trip you will explore by bicycle a few of the Durbar Squares that are located in the Kathmandu Valley. Then continue into the Himalaya mountains and cycle sections of the Annapurna Circuit around Jomsom and Gorkha.

Find Out More

2. Cuba – Old Havana, Vinales Valley & Trinidad

Explore the photogenic streets of Havana in Cuba.

With palm-studded tropical beaches and streets lined by rows of faded colonial buildings painted in muted candy colours - Cuba is an outrageously photogenic destination. It also has nine UNESCO sites including Old Havana, Trinidad, and Vinales Valley, that can be explored by bike.

Experience Cuba on Two Wheels

Soak up Cuba at handlebar level and explore some of the highlights of this Carribean gem on the 12-day Cuba by Bike trip. World Heritage sites visited on this trip include the vibrant Havana, colonial Trinidad and the limestone karsts in the Vinales Valley.

Find Out More

3. India – Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Jaisalmer Fort & more

Stunning views over Jaipur from the walls of Amber Fort.

There are 36 World Heritage sites in this melting pot of vibrant cultures and traditions, diverse landscapes and breathtaking architecture. There is no better way to appreciate the diversity of India than by bike, allowing you properly take in the mind-blowing colours, sites, smells and sounds.

Get Active in North India

Discover some of North India’s top World Heritage sites on the 12-day North India Adventure which includes visits to the Taj Mahal, Jaisalmer Fort, Jaipur and Fatehpur Sikri.

Find Out More

4. Ecuador – The Galapagos Islands

Native giant tortoise on the Galapagos Islands. Photo by Ken Harris

The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s greatest treasure troves. The awe-inspiring diversity of this archipelago was what inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Famous for its exceptional and fearless wildlife, the ancient landscape and rare inhabitants of the Galapagos Islands give visitors a unique view of the natural world.

Galapagos by Land and Sea

Mix it up on the 8-day multi-activity Galapagos Bike, Hike and Kayak. You’ll cycle to the pristine El Garrapatero Beach which is fantastic for swimming, relaxing and observing flora and fauna.

Find Out More

5. Laos – Luang Prabang

Sunset on the Mekong River, Laos. Photo by Ken Campbell

Lush, languid and welcoming, it's easy to see why travellers are lured back to Laos. The World Heritage listed tranquil river city of Luang Prabang in is northern Laos, sitting at the sacred confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan. With its quaint French colonial streets, saffron-robed monks and vivid green surrounding mountains Luang Prabang is an excellent place to explore on two wheels.

Combine the Best of Laos and Cambodia

Combine the best of Laos and Cambodia on the 12-day Bike, Hike and Kayak Laos and Cambodia. Starting with a ride through tranquil Luang Prabang, you will cycle and hike between its exquisite golden temples to nearby caves and waterfalls.

Find Out More

6. Cambodia – Angkor Wat Temples

Cycling the hidden paths of Angkor Wat. Photo by Rob Keating

Exploring the Temples of Angkor by bike is a great way to get away from the tourist fray. Riding along the quiet, shady tree-lined dirt trails from temple to temple, you’ll almost feel like you’re alone in one of the world’s most visited ancient marvels.

Cycle the Hidden Paths of Angkor Wat

Embark on the 4-day Angkor Wat Cycle, exploring the ancient Khmer temples as well as the lesser known Rolous group of temples.

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7. China – Lijiang

Beautiful World Heritage Lijiang in Yunan Province

With cobblestone streets, rickety wooden buildings and gushing canals – it’s no wonder the time-locked World Heritage city of Lijiang is a highlight of the Yunnan Province. Cycling to a surrounding village is an ideal way to escape the tourist crowds and discover the less visited corners of this quaint and magical town.

Discover the 'Old Town' Lijiang

The 14-day Yunnan Cycle and Tiger Leaping Gorge combines some of the top attractions in the Yunnan Province. It includes a ride through the surrounding ancient villages of Lijiang and a hike through the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge.

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8. Sri Lanka – 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without seeing at least one of it's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On the cycling holiday with World Expeditions, you'll even discover five of them! Take in the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, the Golden Temple of Dambulla and Dutch colonial heritage in Galle. Kandy is a sacred city and a stronghold of the Sinhala Kings. At 488m, it's also Sri Lanka's hill capital, so you may want to exercise your legs ahead of this trip!

See them all in Sri Lanka

Yield to the cadence of Sri Lanka from the seat of a bicycle on the 11-day Sri Lanka by Bike cycling holiday. From capital Colombo, get on your bicycle to venture first south along the coast and then inland via rain forest, hill stations, religious monuments and colonial heritage.

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9. Peru – Cusco

Festival in Cusco, Peru. Image by Donna Lawrence

Step back into the cosmic realm of the ancient Andean culture in the World Heritage listed city of Cusco in Peru. It’s a place where old traditions are not forgotten as pagan tradition mixes with Catholic ritual at colourful and vibrant festivals. Hop on your bike to explore the more remote dust-worn corners of this culturally rich city.

Embark on a Family Adventure in Peru

Take the whole family on a 16-day multi-activity adventure of a life-time on the Family Adventure in Peru. On this tour you will gain a unique perspective of Cusco and take a 3-hour ride in the open fields surrounding the city.

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10. Vietnam - Halong Bay

Gorgeous sunset at Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Image by Julia Xiao

With its striking landscapes, gripping history and rich culture, Vietnam is an outstanding destination on all fronts. The World Heritage-listed Halong Bay is a bucket list destination. Many travellers flock here to witness firsthand the breathtaking turquoise waters and limestone islands. Cycle through the forested mountains, fertile farmlands and down scenic backroads as you travel to Halong Bay by bike.

Ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay

This is the ideal active adventure for those short on time in Northern Vietnam. On the 5-day Hanoi to Halong Bay by Bike trip you will experience some of the top sites of the region by bike, as you cycle from Hanoi to the picturesque Halong Bay.

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Why cycle with us?

World Expeditions began organising its first cycling holidays in India in 1978. Today, we operate a broad range of cycling holidays to suit all levels of abilities around the world. Our cycling trips include comfortable geared bikes, support crew and a backup vehicle. In addition, you'll ride at a steady pace, so you are free to enjoy the scenery along the way.

>> Browse all Cycling Journeys

The simple pace of cycling lends itself to meeting the locals, accessing remote monasteries and experiencing the exhilaration of freewheeling in vast valleys. It provides the ultimate immersion into the landscape and culture of a country, and are some of the reasons why World Expeditions traveller, Greg Packer, has been on six group cycling trips with us in Asia since 2011.

We sat down with Greg to ask him what it is about cycling in Asia that he loves so much and what makes him keep coming back for more.

Greg on the Chang Mai to Vientiane Cycle

Where have you embarked on a cycle journey with us?

I have done six cycling trips with World Expeditions since 2011. These include Vietnam by Bike (2011), Yunnan Cycle and Tiger Leaping Gorge (2012), Thailand to Laos (Change Mai to Vientiane) (2013), Sri Lanka by Bike (2014), Ho Chi Minh City to Ankgor Wat Cycle (2015) and Along the Mekong River by Bike (2017).

What was the most memorable moment on your recent cycle along the Mekong River?

The most memorable part was the home-stay in a small village in Cambodia near the Laos border. The food was fantastic!

You can bike across Europe but you seem to prefer pedalling across Southeast Asia. What is it about the region that keeps you coming back for more?

I do some cycling in the UK but I like Southeast Asia because cycling is reasonably slow and often on backroads, so you get to see things that most tourists don’t. Also, it's close to Australia and good value.

Other things that keep me coming back include the culture, the very friendly people, the food and the cold beer. We feel safe on the roads in Asia and every ride with World Expeditions has been very professionally run.

Vietnam by Bike

What do you like about cycling in a group rather than solo?

Group riding is important because out on the roads it feels safer. You have back-up support with a bus and truck if it’s too hilly, too hot or you don’t feel well. We spend every evening eating, drinking and laughing... and that's hard to do by yourself.

Why do you prefer to cycle your way through a country rather than walk or bus?

Most of my friends who come along with me are keen cyclists in Australia so it's our preferred mode of transport. However, my wife Libby has done a lot of walks with World Expeditions and in 2015 we did the Cornwall Coast Walk with UTracks.

What advice would you give to someone who’s never done a cycle holiday but wants to give it a go?

It’s best to be fit, but if you don’t feel fit enough you can always go on the bus and still have a great time. The accommodation is good and is always clean and tidy with friendly staff.

I have always organised friends to go with me and usually get 6 to 12 people to go. Not everyone will know each other and we don’t make it private. These sorts of trips are good for new people to join but if they don’t want to mix socially with others then these trips are not for them. On this last trip there were 6 of us and 3 other males from Sydney, Perth and the UK and we all got on really well plus we ensure we swap roommates on all trips to mix it up.

Embark on your own cycle journey

Whether you’re a first timer or an experienced cyclist, our cycling holidays open up a world of adventure and self discovery. View our Cycle Journeys in Asia >

Cycling holidays give you the advantage to immerse in a destination with all your senses while also being able to cover longer distances compared to travelling on foot. 

Fantastic destinations to explore by bike are the Andes Mountains of Peru, various parts of Vietnam, Costa Rica, Australia's rail trails, and diverse Sri Lanka which is rich in cultural heritage and wildlife. 

China is a great place to discover by bike because you can see highlights of the Great Wall, the limestone landscape of Guilin, or the Forbidden City in Beijing. Or follow in the footsteps of ancient traders of the Silk Road on a cycling trip in Uzbekistan.

Cycle the Andes Mountains | Peru

The Andes Mountains in Peru offer a unique backdrop for a once in a lifetime cycling adventure. You may think, this is too much for you, but the advantage of an organised trip is that we can take you to drive up high passes in the morning, from where you can then spend the day cycling downhill into the beautiful valleys of the Andes with snow-capped peaks and Inca ruins as backdrop. The Peruvian mountains offer the opportunity for off-road cycling and fairly steep and exciting descents.

Want to join? You have several opportunities to go cycling in Peru:

Cycle the Andes departs in April, May and June or later in the year between July and October >> and Peru – Raft, Hike and Bike departs on several dates between March and August and again in October >>

Follow the Great Wall on Two Wheels | China

China’s Great Wall offers a unique trail to follow by bicycle. Step on your bicycle to Shanhaiguan, the start of the Great Wall on the shore of the Bohei Sea and start your exploration of this remote part of China’s Great Wall. From here you can follow the wall to sections that have remained untouched and unrestored. At times, you get off your bike to explore sections on foot and learn about the reasons for building the wall, how it was built and see ancient walled cities. At night, you can park your bicycle outside restored quans, originally military barracks, that are now serve as attractive guest houses.

Want to join? You have several opportunities to take a cycling holiday in China:

Hike and Bike the Untamed Great Wall departs throughout the year >>

Or go for a China by Bike trip, cycle the Backroads of Yangshuo or take a Hike and Bike China holiday.

Explore Classic Australian Scenery by Bike | Australia

A multi-day cycling trip is a fantastic way to become immersed in Australia. Being such a wide and diverse country, there are many great cycling routes to discover in Australia. There are the historic rail trails of Victoria's High Country and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, coastal cycling from Sydney to Jervis Bay, and the ever-popular bike tracks of Central West NSW and Munda Biddi in Western Australia.

Browse all of our Australian cycling tours that let you experience the real Australia. View trips >>

Coast to Rain Forest Under Your Own Steam | Sri Lanka

Covering a relatively small area, Sri Lanka basically has it all: tropical jungles, colonial heritage, charming beaches, tea plantations, national parks teeming with wildlife, and a living culture that mixes Buddhism, Hinduism, Muslim and Christian religions. Explore the country by bicycle to immerse yourself in this rich environment and see Kandy, Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa, Negombo and Minneriya National Park.

Want to join? You have several opportunities to go cycling in Sri Lanka on our Sri Lanka by Bike trip that departs throughout the year >>

Along the Silk Road by Bike | Uzbekistan

Explore Uzbekistan by bicycle and discover at handle bar level this friendly land that was on the famous trade route of the Silk Road. We believe that cycling is a fantastic way to appreciate the contrasting desert and mountain landscapes that characterise this fascinating region between Tashkent and Bukhara. Journey by bicycle across the red sand desert of Kyzyl-Kum, spend nights in tents after a days’ cycling, and discover the traditional way of life of the local people in the Nurata Mountains. Cycling with World Expeditions means you have a backup support vehicle and comfortable geared bikes available.

Want to join? You can go cycling in Uzbekistan in May or June this spring on our Uzbekistan by Bike holiday, or if you prefer to go later in the year, travel in September >>

Cycle from Coast to Coast | Costa Rica

From Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast to the Caribbean Sea on the north under your own steam? It is possible on a journey that takes you through farmlands, foothills and mountainous regions. As you may well be aware of, Costa Rica is home to unique wildlife and as you travel by bicycle you may spot the bright green tree frog, tucan, sloth, snake, and primates. For those who like to include extra diversity, combine your cycling with hiking and kayaking or combine a visit to Costa Rica with Nicaragua and Panama.

Want to join? You have several opportunities to go cycling in Costa Rica this spring:

Costa Rica Traverse departs in Spring from March-May, and again between September & December >>

Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama Multi Activity departs 17 April, and again in October >>

Pedal Alongside Cyclos | Vietnam

Instead of hailing a traditional cyclo pedicab, you can hit the roads of Vietnam yourself. Several areas of the country are excellent to explore by bicycle and we believe it is one of the finest ways to discover Vietnam. Cycle in Ninh Binh, dubbed the Halong Bay on land, discover the ancient capital of Hue with its tombs and pagodas and pedal on to Hoi An. The rural landscapes of Vietnam offer trails along rice paddies and coffee plantations or explore national parks like Cuc Phuong by bicycle. For those who like to combine multiple countries on their holidays, Vietnam offers fantastic cycling opportunities combining Laos or Cambodia.

Want to join? You have several opportunities to go on a cycling holiday in Vietnam:

Vietnam by Bike departs throughout the year >>

Or take a Ho Chi Minh to Angkor Wat Cycle, travel from Luang Prabang to Hanoi by Bike or find out more about the Bike, Hike and Kayak Northern Vietnam trip.

If you are interested in discovering by bicycle other destinations around the world, have a look at our complete overview of cycling holidays. For the true adventurers who like to go cycling off track, have a look at these seven unusual cycling destinations.