Driving through Asia to Europe

I have no real idea about these things, but using Google maps there is a border crossing from Laos to China at Mohanzhen, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China. Viewing images from the region, it looks like an impressive crossing point.

Arranging visas etc etc etc., is a whole different story - one I've not explored. There is a blog on here for a small group that did a similar trip several years ago that makes a great read. I've not gone back to review it lately.

Tim

The people I asked advice told me that often the few crossing points get shut with no reason for an indefinite time. As waiting at the border with no certainty of getting through is not an option the next thing to do is try to reach the next border gate and they're not close by. Some regions also need a special permit that can be obtained only from an invitation from a citizen. Then each Country have different border issues, I'm not going to write a book here but crossing borders in Asia is not as easy as crossing the QLD/NSW border. And certainly not as straight forward as presenting the valid passports and documents required. The safety issue is another thing. Definitely a mouth watering adventure.

The Chinese government now insists on the services of a guide for the entire period od travel in China. A company who offers these services is Navo. They assist with all the paper work and visas and a guide travels with the Group/ vehicle until departure from China. Of course this comes with a cost payable to Navo and also the accommodation and meals for the period of travel for the guide must be paid. Being able to share this cost across more than one vehicle (often 4-6 vehicles) makes this much more affordable.

Thanks for your suggestion. Ron and Viv wrote a blog which we have read and it was very enlightening. They didn't cross China as far as I know but certainly extensive travel in Russia and parts.

Vladivostok is an option but not our first choice. We also have a number of contacts in Russia as our son lived in Moscow for nearly six years until recently. Taking the train has been of any interest to us. Thanks for your comments.

We found reading Jon Faines's book inspirational as well and have since ready many blogs including those of three couples currently crossing China.

We have not been to South Africa so great suggestion for the future. We have a copy of a DVD on a trip made by a group from Victoria and fortunately have a mutual friend of one of the couples. We agree with you how important it is to carefully pick the vehicle and equipment. The potential for fuel issues concerns us after an experience with dirty diesel bought in Australia. Lots of decisions to be made and research undertaken. We wish you could come as well! Perhaps sometime in e future your turn will come.

Their trip made a great movie too. Thank you for the reminder.