Section - Moscow to Bangkok

1DE

Russia | Kazakhstan | China | Laos | Thailand

Russia, Kazakhstan and China – not many people have traversed these countries on a motorcycle.

Traveling from Moscow, our first rest day will be in historic Stalingrad, before we enter the little-traveled country of Kazakhstan. After a stop at Astana we will reach the former Alma Ata, now Almaty. One night later we enter China – one of the biggest countries on the planet.

We will spend our first rest day in Urumqi to get used to the Chinese lifestyle, then it’s back on our bikes to explore the little-known landscape on our way to the famous Terracotta Army at Xian. Continuing southwest, we pass through Chengdu before reaching the wonderful towns of Lijiang and Dali, where we will spend some time before crossing the border into Laos.

 

Laos is also not a typical tourist country. It would be quite surprising to meet other motorcycle tourists here. A couple of days of riding through the northern edge of Laos leads us into Thailand, where we play around in the mountains of Chiang Mai. After nearly two months, we reach our journey’s end in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

For details on pricing and services please contact us at expedition@edelweissbike.com.

Testimonial

At my age of 76 it might seem odd that I participated in the last Around the World tour as a section rider from Bangkok to Mieming. Prior to this nine week trip I had serious concerns about riding a motorcycle through all these countries and surviving the overall distance of 11,800 miles. However, the preparation went well and the route had been ridden the year, so I easily overcame my concerns. The overall organization, the group experience and, especially, the expedition itself, were all wonderful. We saw many in poverty and I appreciate now, more than ever before, how and where I live.


Franz-Josef Miebach, 2010 Discover our Earth section rider, Germany

My most memorable impressions were to do with humanity. Generousity transcends culture, creed or age and everyone appreciates respect. Simple acts - a friendly smile, a kind word, a helping hand - are what keep humanity alive. One day, we happened upon an interesting open air restaurant in China. Huge vats of oil bubbled with exotic morsels in one corner, as chickens were cleaned in another. We were hot, tired and hungry. We sat down at a couple of big round tables and said we wanted food. And did they bring us food! Locals gathered around to watch how these funny strangers dressed and ate. They taught us how and what to eat, as we all exchanged laughter. Cameras came out and they were taking pictures of us, and we of them. Whole families were introduced to us and the food kept on coming. Finally, after a lot of fun, we had to go and we had to pay for this feast. They wouldn't hear of it. It was their treat. Another time in Mariupo, Ukraine, we unexpectadly met a member of a local motorcycle club. The club met with us in the evening to talk and look at the bikes. They even arranged an escort for us next morning. Arriving at 7AM, we took group photos and then, very professionally, safely and quickly, the members of the club escorted our whole contingent to the outskirts of the city. With a farewell wave, we left, warmed by the friendship and cameraderie of fellow motorcyclists.

 

Martin Sally, 2010 Discover our Earth section rider, Canada