Thailand, the magnificent island nation recognized for its sparkling temples, hospitable locals, noodle stalls, and expeditions along the opulent shoreline, is one of the most popular destinations in Asia. However, when determining the length of the trip, air travel is the preferred method of transportation. This vivacious Land of Smiles is also accessible by road through the India Myanmar Thailand Trilateral Highway, a renowned highway spanning 1360 km that connects Moreh in Manipur to Mae Sot in Thailand, passing through Myanmar’s Mandalay and Naypyidaw. Now, embarking on an India to Thailand road adventure is a journey that presents opportunities to explore the terrains of three nations. If you desire to undertake this voyage with your personal vehicle, continue reading to acquire all the necessary details.
About India to Thailand Road Adventure
The India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway provides connectivity between India and Bangkok via Myanmar along the Asian Highway. However, it is essential to obtain permits and permissions in advance to avoid obstacles. The journey commences from Moreh in Manipur, and you must travel towards Siliguri in West Bengal from your city, followed by Assam to access the gateway to Moreh. As you voyage through Myanmar, you will traverse the jade plains and rocky formations, while catching glimpses of the cultural cities of Mandalay and Myawaddy before crossing into Thailand.
Route
Upon arriving in Moreh, a Kuki town situated on the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur, proceed towards Mandalay, the previous capital in the north of Myanmar. The next stop will be Naypyidaw, the modern capital of Burma. Bago, which is approximately 97 km from the former, will be your subsequent destination. Myawaddy is located in southeastern Myanmar and acts as a gateway to the town of Mae Sot in Thailand. The journey takes you through the verdant forests of Tak. Bangkok is approximately 435 km from Tak, and the road adventure allows you to capture the captivating landscapes as you travel from the northern region to the centrally located capital city.
Moreh (India) ⇨ Mandalay (Myanmar) ⇨ Naypyidaw (Myanmar) ⇨ Bago (Myanmar) ⇨ Myawaddy (Myanmar) ⇨ Mae Sot (Thailand) ⇨ Tak (Thailand) ⇨ Bangkok (Thailand)
Places to Explore During India to Thailand Road Adventure
1. Chandel, India
Chandel is situated in the southeastern part of Manipur and shares boundaries with Myanmar to the south and east. Moreh serves as the southernmost area of this district, acting as a gateway to Asian countries. Langol Peak Garden is a revitalizing spot to unwind before embarking towards the international borders.
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2. Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan, a historic city in Myanmar, is well-known for being a UNESCO world heritage site as it showcases over 3,500 ancient Buddhist temples and other religious sites. The vast Bagan Archaeological Zone provides opportunities to witness remarkable archaeological wonders that are approximately 800 to 1,000 years old and serves as a reminder of the glorious past of the former royal capital.
3. Yangon, Myanmar
Formerly known as Rangoon, Yangon is geographically the largest city in the country and offers a delightful blend of British colonial-era structures, modern infrastructure, and serene Buddhist temples, creating a unique and relaxing atmosphere. The most prominent dazzling temple complex in the city is Shwedagon Paya, followed by Botataung and Sule temples.
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4. Mae Khasa Hot Springs, Thailand
Mae Khasa or Khachan Hot Springs is situated in Wiang Pa Pao of Chiang Rai province. Here, you can delight in the soothing thermal waters found in various locations. It is located beside the Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai Highway, making it an ideal stopover after a long journey.
5. Pha Wo Shrine, Thailand
Pho Wo is the renowned shrine in Tak and is also known as the Tiger God Shrine in English. This attraction showcases a unique architectural style influenced by Southern Chinese designs. It is a perfect destination for history enthusiasts.
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6. The Grand Palace, Thailand
The Grand Palace complex in the capital city boasts numerous attractions, including royal and throne halls, government offices, and the prominent temple of the Emerald Buddha. Established in 1782, the palace spans an area of approximately 218,000 square meters.
India to Thailand Road Trip Duration and Costs
The entire journey will be divided into different stops, and you have the option to choose the cities or towns where you want to pause. The complete expedition, with thorough exploration, takes a minimum of 12 to 15 days. However, this duration may vary depending on your driving speed and the number of stops you make. The approximate cost of the trip would range from INR 4.5 to 5 lakhs, excluding any additional charges for documentation and permits.
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Optimal Time for Road Trip from India to Thailand
It is advisable to plan your expedition during the winter season, which falls between November and February. The temperature remains relatively cool in all three countries during these months. The road conditions are favorable for driving, allowing for hassle-free sightseeing without being bothered by the intense heat of the region.
Permits and Other Essential Papers
You need to obtain the following permits and documents to ensure a smooth journey.
1. Global Driving License
Having an International Driving Permit is a crucial requirement for road trips from India to Thailand. A fee of INR 1000 is levied for this permit. It should not be confused with your regular driving license, so make sure to carry both documents with you.
2. Visa
To travel through Myanmar and Thailand, you must possess valid visas for both countries. It is advisable to obtain a tourist visa before entering these nations. You can apply for eVisas for both countries, and the entire documentation process takes no longer than a week.
3. Carnet Fees
While embarking on your road trip from India to Thailand, you will need to pay carnet fees to exit and reenter Myanmar in your personal vehicle. The cost for this may vary between INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000 per car, and the amount covers the security of your vehicle. The carnet pass remains valid for one year.
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Essential Items to Carry
1. Travel Papers:
- Passport: Ensure that you carry your passport and keep it easily accessible throughout the road trip. Make sure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.
- Visa: Complete all your visa procedures well in advance, at least 7-8 days before your travel, to avoid any last-minute complications. If you are applying for a visa on arrival in Thailand, ensure that you have all the necessary documents with you.
- Photographs: Retain at least 5-6 colored pictures with you on a white background.
- Travel Insurance: Ensure that you possess travel coverage and carry all the compulsory documents associated with it.
- Reservations for Accommodation: Pre-book all your lodging arrangements and carry all the reservation documents with you.
- Driving License: Keep your Indian Driving License easily accessible. Your International Driving Permit will not function without your license.
- International Driving Permit: You must have an International Driving Permit to drive across borders.
- Vehicle Insurance: Verify that your car is fully insured and keep the papers easily accessible.
- Vehicle Registration Document: Keep the original Registration Certificate (RC) of your car easily accessible along with other registration-related documents.
- Carnet Documents
- Camera
- Smartphone with GPS
- First aid kit and medical kit
- Tool kit for your vehicle
- Necessary clothing
- Snacks, food, and water
- Your original credit card with the details of the past 6 months.
- Bank statement for the past 6 months.
- Cash in respective currencies.
2. Vehicle Papers:
What to Pack
The subsequent checklist might be useful while packing your bags for a road trip from India to Thailand:
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A road trip from India to Thailand is an adventure that will provide unforgettable experiences to cherish with your fellow travelers in the years to come. You can plan your future Thailand trip with Fred and Fuzzys and appreciate the captivating encounters of this tropical country in your preferred manner.
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Frequently Asked Questions about a Road Trip from India to Thailand
How far is the distance by road between India and Thailand?
India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway is a 1360 km long stretch that connects Moreh in Manipur to Bangkok by road.
Is it safe to embark on a road trip to Thailand from India?
You need to meticulously plan your trip to ensure a safe travel experience. Carry all the permits and necessary documents to avoid any obstacles in your journey ahead.
Where should I stay during the road trip to Thailand from India?
You need to create an itinerary and plan your stops accordingly to make your journey comfortable. Moreh, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Bago, Mae Sot, and Tak are the major halts for a night stay or relaxation before proceeding further.
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