Hi all,

After much head scratching and wondering what the future may have in store, I have decided to embark on a life changing adventure.......after all, judging by the type of members of this forum, you all appear to know exactly where I'm coming from. One life, live it.
Initially my wife and I were planning to buy a motor home and travel the whole coastal route of Europe ultimately looking for a destination to emigrate to. However, since this idea, around 18 months ago and a divorce later, I have now retired from the military and feel life is too short not to grab by the horns.
I have come to the conclusion that I want to travel, but not in the masses way of back packing. I want to overland and travel initially to Indonesia, I appreciate this may not be as simple in practice but I think the experience/adventure would be amazing. I'm initially thinking Oct 2018, but that's very flexible.
Since I'm a newbie here I'm seeking advice from all your experience, from which vehicles, equipment, visa's, border crossings, route, what to expect, insurances, spares, etc etc to, where to avoid, common mistakes and time scales. I am mechanically competent and seeking any kind of pointers.
Looking forward to any hints and tips....

My advice would be to leave the UK to travel around the EU ( before UK exit).
Visiting the Alps, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro.

Then head north by way of Poland, Hungary, Poland, Belarus, Latvia.

Head into Russia all the way over to Omsk (Russia) then head south into Kazakhstan and entry China at the Khorgas port border crossing.

So far all you have needed is a Russia visa no Carnet.

Now it cost money, need a Chinese tour company to arrange your transit through China.

But you will be travelling some of the best parts of China (Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.)

If money is on your side then head further east in Russia to Irkutsk, then head south into Mongolia.

Into China at Erenhot border, that way you can experience more of China but at a cost.

You entry Laos at the border town of Mohan in China.

Then travel around Laos on your bike/car and when you decide to entry Thailand, then sell, leave or just dump the bike/car in Laos, don't try and take it into Thailand.

Thailand is just so easy to rent or buy a car/motorbike and the cost involved taking in just don't make any sense now?

This is just a rough plan. (motorbike or car)



Insurances.

Leave the UK with a green card Insurance make sure it covers Russia.
Mongolia buy at the border.
China comes with the tour.
Laos buy at the border.

Visa.

Russia needs to get before you leave the UK I did my visa in Manchester.
EU no visa needed even none EU you can get in nowadays.
Kazakhstan VOA no cost.
Mongolia VOA not sure if free or not now.
China needs to get before you leave the UK
Laos VOA cost $35
Thailand VOA free 30 days only but would advise as you are in Laos get a 60-day visa at the Thailand Embassy 1000 THB

Merhaba,

Just the personal ideas of an old bloke who has met hundreds of travellers moving to far east and had great talks with them including how to save the world.!!!

I guess not planning to come back to UK. and your target is Indonesia.

If both replies are yes, why spend so much money on the road and not fly to your destination at once.Not sure about Indonesia but several westerners discovered opportunities in Thailand and Laos.Travelling/discovering always possible and easier by buying a local vehicle at your target after you redesign your new life.On the other side most of the GB. I ve met, moved to Australia

Also old pensioner here..Generally we have few bullets left when retired..Getting retired seems end of many things but also good start of beautiful things if you dont bet on the wrong horse.

I guess most important question is about the future of your personal life and all will depend on your own choice.If you are keen to drive there, choose your route first among north,mid and south ones.North route needs seafreight from vladivostok, mid route needs 2 escort follows,china and Myanmar, south route needs 2 escort follows,iran and Myanmar while Pakistan escort follow is free...The rest is easy with the information you will get in the forum files and with other travellers you will meet on the road.Being uptodate with the laws for foreign vehicles for SE.Asia is the other important point.

Yes one life live it but in the way that will make your soul happy..Hard decision but I wish Insallah you decide for the best...

Selams and Good Luck.

__________________
Mehmet Zeki Avar
''Borderlines divide countries,HU friendship finds a way to reunited"
https://www.facebook.com/mehmet.avar.12?ref=tn_tnmn

Good luck with your trip,

I would not miss out on the stans, some fantastic countries.

If you have the time and money, go to the places that interest you, if you need a carnet get a carnet.

You will need one for Iran, Pakistan, India, and if you temp import into indonesia.

Also connect with these groups, much more 4wheels orientated, and have lots of information to share:

Overlanding Asia
Overland Sphere

Hi. I saw in your previous message about crossing China by car. Is it possible to cross China without joining a tour group? I have a car in Hong Kong, i'm considering driving it to Malaysia. Do you think it will be difficult taking the car through Thailand?

If you have any information you can give me i would appreciate it.
Thanks