Road in Vietnam causes surprise in British newspaper

From Vietnam to Pakistan, these stunning landscapes in Asia are best explored by car.

As they say, it’s not the destination that matters, it’s the journey. And for a continent as vast and diverse as Asia, choosing the right road trip is key.

From the vast rice paddies of Vietnam to the rugged coastal cliffs of South Korea, UK newspaper Time Out has compiled a list of the best road trips in Asia, including one in Vietnam. And don't forget, in Asia, you can be as creative as you want with your mode of transport. Whether it's a car, motorbike, bicycle or tuk-tuk, hit the road and explore the most beautiful corners of Asia.

1. Mae Hong Son Loop Route, Thailand

Stretching some 660km, this loop takes travellers from the temple-strewn city of Chiang Mai, through northern Mae Hong Son province and back. It can be done in 12 hours, but where’s the fun in that? The winding mountain roads take four to seven days, including stops at golden temples, visits to hill tribes and hikes to waterfalls.

PHOTO: Suttipron Srithong

2.Karakoram Highway, Pakistan

Dubbed the “eighth wonder of the world ,” the Karakoram Highway (KKH) makes for an epic road trip. Once a key route on the Silk Road, it stretches over 1,300 km, connecting Hasan Abdal, Pakistan, with Kashgar, China. Today, it is known as the world’s highest paved road, an architectural marvel that winds around some of the planet’s most majestic rock formations and at the highest altitude.

PHOTO: L_B_Photography

3. Route 1132, South Korea

Rent a car and drive around this volcanic island on Route 1132 or the 200km Jeju Circle. Or stop by the Manjanggul Lava Cave, climb Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak and swim at Baksugijeong Beach. When hunger strikes, stop in for some famous black pork or grilled abalone...

PHOTO: goeuncorp

4. Ho Chi Minh Trail, Vietnam

While many visitors choose the rail route through coastal Vietnam, the Ho Chi Minh Trail follows the infamous inland supply route used during the war. Part history lesson, part road trip; due to the narrow roads, this historic trip is best done by motorbike. Local companies can arrange everything and take you on the approximately 1,800km journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, or part of it if you don’t have two weeks to complete the entire journey. Pictured is a section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail through the former Quang Binh province

PHOTO: Phong Nha Discovery

5.Xuanzhuang Expressway, China

Also known as National Highway 318, this is China’s longest road, at nearly 5,400 km, passing through numerous provinces and countless biomes. Starting in Shanghai and ending just near the Nepalese border in the Tibet Autonomous Region, the Xuanzang Highway crosses the Hengduan Mountains, past glacial lakes and Tibetan monasteries. The route is also notorious for its high altitudes and unpredictable weather, so be sure to heed warnings.

PHOTO: HelloRF Zcool

6. National Highway 42, Japan

Also known as the Wakayama Coastal Road, this short road trip takes you away from the photo-crazed crowds and into a lesser-known part of Japan. Located on the rural Kii Peninsula, the route starts south of Osaka in Wakayama City and ends in Kumano after a three and a half hour drive. However, this scenic route has so many stops that it could take days to fully explore

PHOTO: Cristi Croitoru

7.Pamir Highway, Tajikistan

Starting in Osh, Kyrgyzstan and ending in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, this extremely remote route can take seven days or up to two weeks if you stop for yak treks. It is also part of the famous Silk Road trade route and the second highest in the world, so beware of altitude sickness.

PHOTO: Nowak Lukasz

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tuyen-duong-bo-o-viet-nam-gay-kinh-ngac-tren-bao-anh-185250919111715104.htm