KoreaTimes- Bicycle trips give tourists a chance to feel a sense of freedom while pedaling around in cities and among nature.
Two-wheeled adventures are also regarded as a relatively safer type of travel amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, as they make less contact with others during the trip.
The following destinations have been selected by online travel agency Booking.com, as the cycling destinations most endorsed among Korean travelers.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is a port city located 30 minutes away from Da Nang, one of the hottest travel destinations among Koreans.
The well-preserved small city used to be a busy international commercial port from the 16th to 19th centuries, as merchant ships from many different countries, including India, France and China, passed by there.
A good way to explore Hoi An is to pedal around slowly, and therefore it is easy to spot bike rental shops around the city. Many hotels also offer free bike rental services.
Allegro Hoi An ― A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa, located within 10-minute walking distance from the city's landmark Old Town, has the look of a historical mansion, offering free bike rentals, as well as many other services such as babysitting and day tour arrangements.
Gyeongju, South Korea
Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province is a bustling historic and cultural travel destination, with overflowing tourist spots such as the Daereungwon royal tomb complex and the Cheomseongdae astronomical observatory.
The city is also known as a perfect cycling destination because it is well-equipped with bike paths and other infrastructure.
For those who want to enjoy an easy bike ride while being immersed in complete relaxation, Lahan Select Gyeongju, a hotel situated within the Bomun Tourist Complex, is recommended.
The hotel is located right by Bomun Lake, offering a stunning view of the water. Many bike rental shops can be found within the tourist complex, so guests can easily rent one to ride along the lake.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Cycling is a daily mode of transport for many people in Amsterdam.
Since the city is mostly flat and well-equipped with infrastructure such as bike lanes, travelers can enjoy a bike ride without much hassle.
Tourists will be able to feel the romantic vibes of Amsterdam by renting a bike and riding along the canals to visit major attractions, such as Dam Square and the Van Gogh Museum.
Those who are looking for accommodations offering bicycle rentals should consider Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, which is located in the city center.
This property boasts great accessibility as Amsterdam Central Station is close by.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is considered one of Asia's best cities for cycling, as the city has many attractions to enjoy and its streets are laid out in a grid pattern.
Travelers can easily rent a bike, and there is always space for them to park their bikes near major tourist attractions, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Tourists will be able to see the real Kyoto when pedaling through the streets and encountering Japan's unique traditions and culture in every corner of the city.
The Hotel Mastay Jingumichi is recommended as it provides easy access to various historical landmarks in Kyoto within cycling distance from the hotel. Guests can even rent a bike at the hotel for an extra fee.
Jeju, South Korea
Jeju Island, which boasts superb natural landscapes, including turquoise waters and white sand beaches, is an ideal spot for a bike trip.
The Jeju Fantasy Bike Path, which runs along the coastline, will allow tourists to feel the beauty of the island and the cool sea breeze.
The entire length of this circular path is approximately 234 kilometers, and it is made up of 10 routes.
Astar Hotel, located 10 minutes from Jeju International Airport, offers excellent accessibility for its guests. This property is highly recommended for bike travelers, as it is close to the first route of the Jeju Fantasy Bike Path.
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Kaohsiung, a port city located in the southern part of Taiwan, is beloved by global travelers with its warm weather all year round, except for the hot and humid summer.
The Ai River, or Love River, is one of Kaohsiung's main tourist attractions, and it is perfect for bike tourists to cycle along.
This place is especially beautiful around sunset when colorful lights are lit along the river, offering amazing night views.
Kaohsiung also boasts a variety of attractions, including restaurants and street cafes, as well as a special arts district full of performances and art.
Located near the Ai River and the Liuhe Night Market, Papo'a Hotel has various room types, including twin, double and quadruple rooms, making it suitable for those traveling with their loved ones or friends. This property will be a particularly good option for young travelers as the room rates are very reasonable.
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Indonesia's Gili consists of three small islands: Trawangan, Air and Meno.
One of the filming locations for the famous Korean show, "Youn's Kitchen," Gili Trawangan is special not only because it is the best-equipped spot among the three islands with its tourist infrastructure, including accommodations, restaurants and convenience facilities, but also because it has various charms. It offers leisure activities in a pristine natural setting consisting of the blue ocean and white sand beaches.
Gili Eco Villas is a beachfront villa that boasts a high review score of 9.3 on Booking.com. The hotel offers many facilities and services, including an outdoor pool, massage and bike rentals.
As Gili Trawangan is small enough that it only takes two to three hours to walk around the entire island, your trip will become even more romantic and relaxing if you rent a bike and cycle around the island.
(Koreatimes.co.kr)