The Ultimate Guide For A Road Tour From India to Thailand

You may have spent hours looking for the right air fare or the most feasible budget travel when planning a foreign excursion. Fortunately, this is no longer a problem, especially if your holiday plan is to pack your bags and head to the magical plains and temples of Thailand, by road.

There is nothing more amazing in this world for a ‘road runner’ than the vast, empty spread of sun-kissed highway road, a bike or a car and some good music. The destination comes 2nd.

But what if the destination this time, took you to a land sprayed with azure beaches, pristine pagodas and culture steeped in history?

That’s right, you can now pack your floral shirts and duffel bags, your sunglasses and cameras and head towards the beautiful country of Thailand, via Myanmar, all thanks to the Indian Government. The good news; there is a trilateral highway being built from Moreh in Manipur, India to Mae Sot in Thailand and is expected to be ended by 2016. Imagine the sheer joy you will feel whilst driving or railing past the jade plains and hills of Myanmar, the rich culture breezing by as you cross Mandalay and Myawaddy before you make your way to Thailand and her transcendent beauty!

Here are a few facts that would gear you up for the one week (approximately) drive to Thailand from India:

Where the highway embarks: Known as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, this road tour will begin from Moreh in Manipur, India.

Distance from India to Thailand: Approximately Trio,200KM

Where the highway completes: Mae Sot, Thailand

Best season to travel: November-February

For Visa on arrival: (Documents required for Non-Indians)

– Passport or travel document with validity not less than six months.

– Visa application form fully packed out.

– One latest photograph (Four×6 cm).

– Myanmar Kyat for paying fines (if any), toll charges etc. One MMK is around 0.05 INR, so ensure you carry enough cash for the road ahead. There are ATMs in towns like Bagan and Yangon.

– For Thailand: Evidence of adequate finance (Ten,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family).

Documents for Indians to carry:

– Valid passport, with at least six months validity, from the date of arrival.

– One application form.

– Two colour photos (35mm x 45mm), not older than three months, taken against a white background.

– Photocopy of credit card with original credit card statements of last six months.

– Last six months bank statement with original bank seal & a minimum balance of INR 20,000/person.

– Original currency exchange slips of at least USD five hundred (five hundred USD)/person/week with applicant’s name.

– For Myanmar, ensure you carry a Visa or a MasterCard debit card as the country now has a large collection of ATMs in certain towns, therefore you need not worry about carrying a lot of Myanmar Kyat in your wallet while crossing the borders.

– Before injecting Myanmar, ensure you have applied for a visa on arrival by downloading the online form. A step by step guideline has been provided by the Myanmar Visa authorities and you can refer to the following link for further updates : www.myanmarvisaco.com

– You can register online and pack in the Travel and Health documents required for the tour by clicking on this link: www.iatatravelcentre.com

– There are twenty one countries that can apply for visa on arrival, namely: Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Czech, Estonia, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Maldives, Mauritius, Poland, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan, and Ukraine.

– Passport holders of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Egypt, and Palestinian States will need to file for an application at the Thai Embassy/Consulate-General where they have their permanent residence (home country).

Transportation documents: International Driving Permit

– An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recognized worldwide as a valuable and sometimes essential document identifying motorists as legally-licensed drivers, in the country they are travelling. The International driving Permit (IDP) is recognized in many countries, some of them being Myanmar and Thailand and IDP could facilitate convenience when renting a car in your country as well.

– If you are in Thailand on a holiday, you will not get a Thai driver’s license, so your Indian license will do, as long as it is valid. However, it is advisable to maintain an International Driver’s Permit with you in order to avoid any legal hassle with the cops in Thailand.

– For Myanmar, the highway does not call for an IDP from Indian citizens, however it is better that you carry your International permit in order to avoid any situation with the Myanmar authorities or political groups. Carry your Indian driver’s license as well, since the permit will not be held valid without a license.

– Refer to the website below to issue an International Driver’s Permit from India: www.wiaaindia.com

– Driver’s license: Always carry your driver’s license handy as you will need to showcase it to authorities at every check point.

– Vehicle Documents: For those who have rented a vehicle from India, ensure that you carry the rental agreement forms with you on your way as proof of ownership of vehicle. Carry photocopies of your driver’s license and passport along with originals of the vehicle’s papers including its registration and legal papers.

– Travel Insurance: Ensure that you have travel insurance with you while driving down from Myanmar to Thailand via India. There should be no stone left unturned on your journey, and travel insurance can help and protect you in unpredictable and unforeseen situations. Download or apply for travel insurance by referring to this website: www.worldnomads.com

– Prescribed medicines (if any): Make sure you have taken vaccinations to protect yourself from diseases like Malaria or Yellow Fever that are prevalent in certain forested regions of Thailand.

– Guidebooks for both countries: In order to converse with the locals or know the places that you would want to visit, it would be advisable to carry a guidebook that will help you around.

– Bottled water and snacks: Emergency food for the road ahead is always a must. Stock up well.

– Cameras and backpacks: Of course, there will be places, people and an amazing series of road journey wonders you want to capture, so make sure to pack your camera and charger. Also, ensure you carry weather proof sturdy backpacks that can take a lot of weight as well as bear harsh conditions if you determine to deviate and go trekking for a bit.

Route:

Moreh – Tamu – Mandalay – Myawwady – Mae Sot Tak

Alternative Route :

Highway routes:

Asian Superhighway (AH1) route:

Clashing with Modi Government’s ‘Act East’ policy campaign, the AH1 road will be further linked with Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam by March 2016. Accessible for cities such as: Moreh, Kohima, Imphal. Dimapur, Nagaon, Jorabat (Guwahati), Shillong, Sylhet, Dhaka, Kolkata, Kanpur, and Fresh Delhi

Asian Superhighway two (AH2) route:

Accessible for cities such as: Moreh, Imphal, Kohima, Dimapur, Nagaon, Shillong, Dawki, Kakarbhitta,and Fresh Delhi.

Renting a bike/car from India:

For those who wish to rail bikes/drive cars from their kicking off point on their own vehicles or drive down from their place of stay need not worry about this. This is for those who choose renting out cars or bikes from a city or town closest to the Asian Superhighway. Those taking flights and landing in the city of Guwahati (we recommend you do) can rent from the car or bike rentals that are well-known and well-established there. After research, Thrillophilia narrowed down a few rental places you could call in order to travel with convenience to Thailand:

Safety measures to consider while driving down:

Thailand and Myanmar are two enormously beautiful countries with breathtaking landscapes and culture that can pack volumes of your travel diaries. However, since this road excursion is literally providing you that once in a lifetime chance to cross two countries, you will need to keep in mind the political, religious, and legal stances that the countries go after so that you are never at the grace of authorities who could grapple you with unnecessary rule violating claims. Ensure that you make note of the following few guidelines to have a slick rail/drive to your destination:

– Cash: Ensure you have enough liberate cash with you on your road excursion, whether it is Myanmar Kyat, USD, Thai Baht or the Indian Rupee.

– Phone numbers: Write down phone numbers from your cell phone in case of battery dying out unexpectedly or no network. There will undoubtedly be payphones that you can use in a nearby town and all you need to do is ask for help. The locals are friendly and most of them speak English.

– Route Map: Make sure you also have a route map which has highlighted the different places you can stop by for a day or two before you proceed the journey ahead.

– Alert Authorities: Ensure that you alert Myanmar authorities a month in advance before your tour commences.

– Contact info: Make sure you have the phone numbers of travel authorities or travel agencies ready, in case you need to make a few calls in need of help.

– Minimum four people: While driving down to Myanmar from India via the Super highway, make sure you are travelling in a group of minimum four people, as this is the law in the country.

– Photocopies: It would be wise to keep a photocopy of your passport, your driver’s license, your credit card or PAN card to demonstrate officials at any check post.

– Political Situation: Make sure that you are aware of the political situation of Myanmar before you plan your excursion there. The situation is pretty stable right now, but there are riots or strikes that take place pretty often and due to this, there will be strenuous security in these places at those times.

– Safety in numbers: Do not frequent around in places that are deserted or seem a tad isolated for a tourist place. Stick to groups as much as possible.

– Food and Water: Keep yourself hydrated at all times and stock up well on road snacks or food staples.

– Valuables: Take care of your valuables and do not leave them unattended in your car or bike at any point of time.

Travel agencies in Myanmar and Thailand:

Every traveller’s helpline in times of a quick GPS need or hotel fare skill, here are a few names of agencies and travel authorities that you can keep for reference or save in your cell phones in case you have any query related to the route, the place, or the journey itself.

– Exotic Myanmar Travels and tours

– Seven Diamond Express travel

– Ayuda Myanmar Travel

– Shooting starlet Travels and Tours Ltd.

Why the highway is a bliss for Indian travellers:

Indians choose travelling in style on a budget, or rather the most feasible ways possible. Opening the Asian Superhighway to travellers will promote youthfull bikers and provide that extra nerve of venture to pack their tanks and bags and head out! No more expensive air fare and the broad open up of clear, non-potholed roads are nothing brief of a wish come true for most of the on-road travel junkies. The scenic beauty of Myanmar and Thailand is worth taking in and this can be best experienced when you hit the road. The Indian government has tactfully done their homework and realized that opening this highway and constructing a trilateral roadway is the best manner in which India can enhance trade and business prospects inbetween the different countries. It is only a matter of time before we see a boost in tourism and economy for all these countries.

Few glances you can see around Manipur

Since the highway commences from Moreh in Manipur, why not take in the beautiful glances around the place to begin your journey to Thailand on a wanderlust note! Here are few amazing places in Manipur you can visit during your road tour to Thailand:

Bishnupur

This is a breathtaking place for those who love temples and archaic architecture. You can see and explore exotic temples such as Jorebangla Temple, Pancha Ratna Temple, Dal Madol, Radha Shyam Temple, and Shyamraj Temple among others.

Chandel

Known as the gateway to Myanmar, this land is rich in flora and is a unspoiled treat for the photographer in you! Close to Moreh, you can pay a visit to the Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary and detect many unique forms of wildlife while you are here.

Churachandpur

Rich in natural beauty, this place is located amongst hillocks and valleys and has some breathtaking waterfalls and caves you can visit. Visit the Ngaloi Falls, Tuibuong Tribal Museum, Tonglon Cave, Khuga Dam, and Tipaimukh on your way here.

Ukhrul

A visual delight, Ukhrul is a land sprayed with heavenly valleys, waterfalls, and flows. A wish made true by Mother Nature, you can visit the Khayang Peak, Shirui Kashung Peak, Kachouphung Lake, Khangkhui Cave, Hundung Mangva Cave, Nillai Tea Estate, and Ango Ching on your road journey pit stop here.

Myanmar

During your long road excursion, you will be spending most of your time driving past the rich foliage and serene streets of Myanmar. Steeped in culture and heritage that boasts of a touch of the almighty himself, Myanmar is home to some of the world’s most untouched and beautiful temples. While on your road tour, ensure that you visit the famous and breathtaking ruins of Bagan, which is located near Mandalay. Stroll through the aromatic streets of Nyaung U Market. Take a peek into the largest book in the world when you visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay. The golden temples, the emerald plains and the azure skies make for a series of colours that make you feel like royalty.

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