Driving from London to Hong Kong?

Question

Hi. I am considering a driving trip from England to Asia. I would preferable like to get to Hong Kong or Shanghai. I own a 1995 Land Rover Discovery.

Was just wondering if anyone can recommend a decent route, any helpful websites, or any information how I would go about getting the car back once I get there. Also, very interested what type of time people may think it would take.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I disagree with the prev post - go for it...just make sure you have spares and a general mechanical knowledge of how to fix your vehicle.

Some of the border crossings could be tricky, but it should be quite possible. For a route, try checking out some of the overland companies' websites...if they can do it, you can. There's a new backpackers bus that will take you from London to Australia/HKG/somewhere in that region. I can't remember what they're called but an internet search ought to bring it up. If you're in London and can find a copy of TNT (outside many tube stations, esp in West London) - that will give details of overland companies if you don't know any.

Then I suggest using Lonely Planet's website - post specific questions on the Thorn Tree under the different countries that you are interested in and ask for feedback from people who have taken vehicles over borders. LP's guidebooks will also give you indicators on what paperwork you need....you'll gte mroe detailed info from the individual guidebooks rather than the ones that cover half the continent in one book.

Also, try contacting the AA.

I did an organised overland trip (many years ago) from Kathmandu to London, including a dip down into Syria, Jordan, & Israel. The trip took 11 weeks, but I thought that was quite rushed. I've ended up going back to Iran, Jordan & syria just to see the bits that we bypassed. A few years later, I happily spent 4 months backpacking from Thailand down to Indonesia. A lot will depend on how much of a country you want to see. You could spend months in India alone - or you could concentrate on the northern parts - Amritsrar, Jaipur, Delhi, Agra, Varanasi - in just a few weeks.

I really hope you make this trip.

Answer 2

Man, I gotta agree with Strutter67's advice. GO FOR IT! Of course it's an absolutely crazy idea; the other posters are absolutely right that you will have visa and border-crossing problems; maybe you'll be beset by bandits; you will certainly experience mechanical troubles miles from anywhere ... But, hey, if not now, when? And if you live through it, think of the stories you'll have to tell at the pub and to your grandchildren. I'm serious. Quit thinking so much and do what your heart tells you is an excellent adventure. Send me a couple of postcards!

Answer 3

i think your out of your mind. the roads in many parts of Asia are not well maintains, many lawless areas, visa requirements for all the countries you will travel through.

Answer 4

Well I am not quite interested in answering the question, just wanted to encourage you to go for it :)

Answer 5

don't even think about...
countries are not friendly and your Land Rover is to old for that trip