After much back and forthing, I have decided to ride to Darwin from Sydney, then fly the bike to KL or Vietnam. I have been to Malaysia and Thai. before, but never to Viet. Cam. or Laos, so don't mind missing there.
I would like to go through China, maybe India and into Russia. After that, whether I go through Iran, or continue into Eastern Europe, I don't know yet.

Somewhere along the (crooked) line I need to go into Egypt, having lived there for a few years, then down through Africa. I was planning to ride from Cape Town to Egypt, but I have since turned this into an RTW.

I will be doing this on my '08 BMW f650 gs after the bugs are ironed out and and I am equipped with what (I think) I need. I figure I could be ready around Sept./Oct '09. But, will I hit the wet season in Oz on my way to Darwin.:confused1:

There are some things I will need to know, like getting my bike to KL or Ho Chi Minh. Other practical matters concerning equipping of the bike I hope to have well sorted out by the time I get to Darwin.

Travelling is not new to me, but by bike, this is a first. I don't have a time schedule, I only need to come back to Oz next year to apply for the pension (extra funds to keep me on my merry way). This trip will continue until it ends, wherever that may be, because after numerous attempts to settle down, I have given up. While I was travelling South America, I realized, you cant' see it all, but you can cover more on a bike.

So, I will be coming with more questions as time nears, but for now, any opinions on whether is better to go Nam, China, Russia or Laos, Bangkok and ship to India (or somewhere).

Thanks

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One man's fear is another man's adventure.

We are 4x4 travellers so can't comment on equipment BUT we have just completed a 30 country, 2+year trip.
Our top 3 countries were; India, China, with Malaysia and Turkey sharing 3rd place.
China was fantastic but very expensive to travel thru with agent and guide costs.
May we suggest, if your budget is up to it, that you ship to Malaysia, ease yourself into your bike trip on 'familiar territory' with good smooth asphalt, then into China, out via Pakistan and then into India??
Would be our dream re-do!!
Good luck and happy miles wherever you go!
Rose

Hi there.

Don't think October will be very wet up north, at least it wasn't when I visited Darwin at that time of year.

However it is the period known as the build-up, when the humidity can cause physical and psychological stress.

Vern, I think you will struggle obtaining approvals to bring your bike into Vietnam. Port Klang in Malaysia should be your best bet, I did it years ago shipping from Melb to Port Klang without problem, but do allow ample time for the ship to arrive and container to be unpacked.

Garry from Oz.

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Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman

Last week I heard that two Norwegians on a GS had made it into Vietnam, but only with help from their embassy, other than that I have not heard of anybody taking a bike into Nam. Thailand Cambodia and Laos no probs.

Thanks for that guys. I didn't know you weren't allowed into Nam with a bike. I will look into that more. My question was going to be, which is the best way into China, through Laos, or Nam. So, I guess it must Laos. Did the Norskes come in via China or some other way??

Hey Monster, do you think the cost of the agent and guides outweighs the cost of flying the bike to Kathmandu or elsewhere to get through to the onward journey?

If I have to skip Nam, I guess I could enjoy Thai. Cam. and Laos. I know visas for Thai. are for a month, what about Cam. and Laos? I want spend time there to enjoy the food before heading West

I read somewhere else about Perkins shipping in Darwin who run to Singers. I work in the Aust. merchant navy and will be flying there on Monday to join a ship for a few weeks, so I will try and get some info from them then. Maybe I can work my way over and go with the bike. As far as Port Klang and a container ship, I don't think I have ever seen a container ship in Darwin, but I will check that out too. I would rather start from Malaysia than Singapore.

Cheers

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One man's fear is another man's adventure.