Are you an avid traveler seeking the ultimate road trip experience? Picture this: driving from the bustling streets of Singapore, climbing up to the breathtaking heights of 4,200 meters, and braving everything from freezing cold to sweltering heat.
A man from Singapore, Able Wang, took to Facebook to document and share his journey of a lifetime, travelling a whopping 11,000 kilometres from Singapore all the way to China and back.
The Journey Begins
The adventure starts with Wang’s return to Singapore after an awe-inspiring 27-day road trip that spanned over 11,000 kilometers. The journey led them through a remarkable spectrum of landscapes, from sea level to the towering heights of 4,200 meters. They encountered freezing temperatures as low as 0°C, and then ventured into scorching heat that reached 35°C. But what truly sets this journey apart is the sheer diversity of the terrain they traversed.
From Storms to Splendor
The road wasn’t always smooth and inviting; they faced thunderstorms and snowflakes on one hand and horrible, broken roads on the other. Yet, these hurdles only added to the charm of the journey, for they were balanced by the sheer pleasure of driving on splendid, well-maintained roads.
The journey was a fascinating mix of experiences. It included long stretches of perfect tarmac highways with thrilling bends, offering a chance to test the limits of their driving skills. On the flip side, they also encountered hours of exciting B-roads, where every turn presented a new adventure.
From Valleys to Peaks
One of the highlights of this expedition was the transition from valleys to peaks. Wang took in breathtaking views as they ascended to the lofty heights, experiencing the world from an entirely different perspective.
As with any grand adventure, there were moments of frustration. But, ultimately, the journey was a testament to the boundless joy that comes with exploring new horizons.
Driving into China
Now, let’s get to the practical details. Can you drive into China with your own vehicle? Yes, it’s possible, but there are some key requirements to meet:
- Provisional Chinese Driving License: To drive in China, you’ll need to obtain a provisional Chinese driving license.
- Provisional Vehicle Number: You’ll also need a provisional vehicle number.
- Tour Guide: A tour guide capable of handling foreigners is a must. They’ll accompany you from the day of entry until your departure.
- Tibetan Local Guide: If you plan to visit Tibet, a separate Tibetan local guide is required.
Planning the Trip
The process of getting a provisional Chinese driving license and vehicle number isn’t straightforward. You can’t just apply for them and drive into China whenever you wish. You’ll need to submit an application with your fixed itinerary, including the date of entry and departure.
There are two main methods for driving to China:
- Road Trip Packages: Search online for road trip packages to China. These packages typically come with fixed itineraries, departure times, and prices. Many adventure companies from China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand specialize in these road trips. They handle all the necessary paperwork, so you can simply pay and prepare to travel. Fees are often charged on a per-person basis, with additional charges for the car application.
- Custom Road Trip: Alternatively, you can gather a group of friends and contact specialized tour companies in China to arrange a custom road trip for you. If you’re not an experienced planner or familiar with China, it’s advisable to leave the trip planning to the tour agent.
Preparing for the Journey
To embark on this thrilling adventure, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- Driving License
- Passport
- Log Card
- Road Tax
While many follow tour groups, Wang chose to plan their own itinerary for the Thailand leg of the journey, from Singapore to Chiang Khong and back. This choice allowed them to savor more time in Nan, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son, relishing the beautiful B-roads and making the trip uniquely their own.
Joining the Convoy
For the China section, Wang joined a Thai adventure group. They met the group in Chiang Khong and embarked on a thrilling journey from Laos to China and back to Chiang Khong. However, they don’t endorse this option for English speakers, as the convoy leader and guide primarily communicate in Thai. For convoy travel, effective communication is crucial, especially when navigating right-hand drive cars on left-hand drive roads.
This article aims to provide a glimpse into the incredible journey of driving to China. Wang plans to share more details on their Facebook page when time permits. After a well-deserved rest, they’ll start preparing for their next auto adventure in Thailand and China. It’s clear that this journey has provided them with invaluable insights into the art of driving to China, and they’re eager to encourage others to embark on this remarkable road trip.
A Life-Changing Experience
Is it worth driving in China? According to Wang, absolutely. They encourage everyone to take the plunge while they’re still healthy. The trip’s incredible experiences are a testament to the affordability, accessibility, and diversity of destinations that China offers to road trip enthusiasts.
To navigate in China, it’s essential to learn how to use Amap (高得) or Baidu Map, as Google Maps is largely ineffective in the country. These local alternatives provide up-to-date information on roads and establishments, ensuring a smooth journey.
Wang’s Facebook post (SIC)
I am back in Singapore after 27 days and 11,000km on the road. From sea level to 4,200m altitude. Freezing 0°C to scotching 35°C heat. Drove through thunderstorms and snowflakes, horrible broken roads to absolutely splendid roads. Hours of perfect tarmac highways with fast bends. Hours of exciting B-roads. From valleys to peaks. There were frustrations and happiness. Ultimately, it was joy and more joy.
You can drive into China with your vehicle. You need 1) a provisional Chinese driving licence, 2) a provisional vehicle number, 3) a tour guide who can handle foreigners will be with you from the day of entry until your departure and 4) a separate Tibetan local guide if you are going to Tibet. I will not go into the minute details here; you can go to my page.
You cannot apply for 1 and 2 hopping to drive into China and go anywhere and anytime you wish. To apply for 2, an application with your fixed itinerary, date of entry and departure must be submitted. There are 2 main methods to drive to China. You search online for road trips packages to China that have fixed itinerary, time of departure and price. There are adventure companies from China, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand that specialise in this type of road trips. They will arrange all the documents for you; just pay and get ready to travel. Normally, they charge on per person basis and fees for the car application.
Alternatively, you can gather a group of friends and contact the specialised tour companies in China to arrange a road trip for you. Unless you are an experienced planner and knows China very well, you should leave it to the tour agent to plan the trip for you.
You only need to send them 1) driving license, 2) passport, 3) log card and 4) road tax.
I planned my own itinerary for Thailand, from Singapore to Chiang Khong and back to Singapore. I drove and travelled alone in Thailand. Many asked the number of days for my trip. I did not really want to answer because it varies from person to person. If you follow the tour group, it is likely a straightforward drive to Chiang Khong and back. I have driven to Thailand for the 7thtimes already, I like to spend more time in Nan, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son because I love driving on the beautiful B-roads. That is why my trip took longer than the tour packages would.
I joined a Thai adventure group for the China section. I met them in Chiang Khong and travelled with them from Laos to China and back to Chiang Khong. I do not endorse and recommend because the convoy leader and guide only speak in Thai language. If you have experienced travelling in a convoy, you will know the value of the instructions from the convoy leader through the walkie talkie. Bear in mind our cars are right hand drive and that makes overtaking on left hand drive roads difficult for the inexperienced drivers without the assistance from the convoy leader.
I try to give you an understanding of driving to China. I will add more details in my Facebook page when time permit. After a few days’ rest, I will have to start preparing for my next Auto adventure for Thailand and China. I have learnt a lot about driving to China in this trip. I had lived in China for 10 years and had driven in Yunnan. I will plan my own trips (with the assistance of the Chinese guide) for China in future. Those who read my page know my plans.
Yes, it is worth driving to/in China. Do it when you are still healthy. Two old men died in Yading two weeks ago due to high altitude. My motivation for posting here is to encourage more people to drive to/in China, and it is reasonably affordable for the destinations, distance and time. I also want to dispel the often-heard rumour that only SUV is capable. That is why I often say second hand news from people who have not done it themselves are very dangerous. But do not get me wrong, not all non-SUV. I would not suggest small engine under 2L and super low-profile tyres. That is for another topic in my page.
Learn to use Amap (高得) or Baidu Map in China. Google Map is useless in China, it does not show the new roads and establishments.
I thank the admin for allowing me to post non-Malaysia road trip here. I know the rules that road trips must only start and end in Singapore, but I will not post too many non-Malaysia trips here. And thank you all for the “likes”.
If you love and enjoy driving, just do it.
PS. Allow me to dispel some false information. There is no need to pass any tests to apply for the provisional driving licence. The Chinese agent will do the conversion for you assuming you already have a driving licence from your country. There is no requirement for “right connections” and special permits for each province. The exception is Tibet where the agent will apply permit for your vehicle and you to enter the special zone. Any vehicles can enter China, not just diplomatic vehicles. Any type of vehicles can go to China, not only SUV and trucks. There is no requirement to report your income.
Source: Able Wang