As soon as Delhi – Naypyidaw – Bangkok Highway became operational, my fellow amateur and professional travellers have started making plans. Going from India to Thailand by road has never been easier than it is today.

Everyone is just making plans and dreaming driving 4,350 kms long mega road trip via Myanmar, full of adventure, driving in Guwahati between the clouds, crossing down mighty Brahmaputra river, taking a nap close to the highway, passing by the signboards that say “welcome to India-Myanmar friendship road”.

Well, It all looks adventurous!! Indeed it is but not as easy as it looks. There are many disappointing aspects of this road trip too.

Myanmar

Reasons You will hate Delhi Bangkok Road Trip Via Myanmar

Let’s just talk about Myanmar first.

1. You will still need an Agent prior to the Road Trip

It’s not like to pack your bags, start your bike and start riding. You will still need to contact local agents. While entering into Myanmar, you will need to get a special overland permit and for that, you will have to start preparing for this 40 days prior to the trip. A road trip could be dangerous too if it is raining there especially from May to October. So watch out!! There are many chances that you will constantly have to stay in contact with your agent.

2. It sucks when your IDP doesn’t work

Myanmar is a country that will not allow either of your licences. Neither your Indian licence nor your International Driving Permit (IDP). So, what now? Go ahead, get through with all the formalities and attain a temporary driving licence. Once you get a temporary licence then drive carefully. It’s because according to Myanmar’s law if you hit any pedestrian or any pedestrian hits you then no one is going to hear your excuses. Myanmar’s law is made in their favour.

3. Be prepared, Your International GSM might not work

Be advised International GSMs doesn’t work in Myanmar. I am just not sure about Indian GSM cards. So, if you are a travel blogger, freelancer programmer or someone who continuously needs to stay online then arrange to get their local card. Or if you have any card from Thailand or Singapore then it will work well.

Read more: Is it safe to travel to Bangkok right now?

4. Locally licensed tour operator is mandatory

If you are thinking that after attaining licence now you can travel without any hassle then you are wrong. Locally licensed tour operator is mandatory. The Burmese government charges high prices if you travel there with your own vehicle. These prices can be reduced significantly if enough SUVs/bikes (people) can be found to join the convoy.

5. Forget Couchsurfing here

You are not entitled to stay at any place other than the registered hotel. Couchsurfing is not legal here. So, if you are looking to save some money by staying with locals then you might get disappointed here again.

Read more: 10 Solo travel hacks to turn you into a fearless adventurer

Thailand

Thailand

Those were some reasons that could disappoint you in Myanmar. Now take a turn for Thailand.

6. Get ready to pay 200 per cent Carnet fees

You will have to apply for Carnet De Passage. A carnet is simply a document that allows you to take your personal vehicle into a particular foreign territory. What sucks is – its carnet fees. To enter Thailand you will have to deposit an amount equal to two hundred per cent of your vehicle’s value. It hurts, though it is refundable. Contact automobile association of India in this regard.

7. Keep in Mind that a Return Road Trip could be boring

It is always exciting to explore the unseen but when you start your return road trip then it gets a little boring. Especially if it is 15 days, 4500 kms long Road trip. Plan your itinerary in such a way so that you find it exciting during your return trip too. I mean you can leave natural places like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries for the return trip and just watch historical monuments at the beginning or vice versa. Or maybe keep watching all the places and once you reach to Bangkok, you may want to get a mobile phone service and just ship your bike or SUV back to the Indian port. (Hit me a mail for custom made itinerary)

Useful links for this Road trip

Well, those were some reasons that could disappoint you for this road trip but I must also say that it is once in a lifetime road trip that you must do. If you are a desperate traveller then those obstacles can’t stop you. Here I am mentioning some links for your help –

1. Myanmar Tourism’s official site

2. Myanmar Embassy

3. Thailand Tourism’s official site

4. Customs Department of Thailand

P.S. – Don’t forget to make a checklist for carrying the essential items before the road trip. And we don’t want to discourage you to take the trip but always know that you have an option to take a budget airline like AirAsia too.