Driving to Malaysia,Thailand and Laos  - a guide

Whether it be a quick jaunt over the causeway to Johor Bahru or an epic journey to Bangkok or even Vientiane, this guide is meant to help you prepare for the journey.

Before the Asian Crisis of the late 1990s, Asean members discussed enthusiastically the opening up of the Mekong region. Amongst the many plans was the development of a road infrastructure. The potential was there for a continuous land link from Singapore to Kunming, Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh. Roads that would open up commerce in the South East Asia region and link North Asia with the South.

This of course is still yet to happen but some parts of the journey exist now, The North South Expressway in Peninsula Malaysia and the Friendship bridge built between Thailand and Laos.

For the avid motorist it is now more possible than ever to drive to Malaysia,Thailand and even Laos. Malaysia with its new North South Expressway and developing tourism plus Thailand's relaxation of car importation restrictions mean that not only is a road trip now possible but also enjoyable.
Planning the basics, licence, maps , using a hire car?
Are we there yet? How far and how long
Fuel types and availability
User pays - How much and where
Guide to local conditions and routes
Guide to local conditions and routes
That Luang, Vientiane, Laos
Guide to local conditions and routes
Guide to the crossing, the procedure, the paperwork and what to expect
Guide to the crossing, the procedure, the paperwork and what to expect
Guide to the crossing, the procedure, the paperwork and what to expect
Common sense and other tips
Other sites on the same subject
Back to the home page
Near Phuket, Thailand
So what is all this? In November 1999 we did the journey from Singapore to Laos by car and since then we've done a number of journeys to Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui (as well as Penang, Ipoh and KL).
Before that when we were in HK we did a number of trips into China by car as well. Over time talking with others and doing these trips we have accumulated a large amount of data on the subject so we thought it would make interesting reading.		 Still have a question? Email me at:
asiaoverland2000@yahoo.com.sg
©2002 Asiaoverland2000
But just ask me if you need something