7 Most Popular Road Trips In Asia With Scenic Routes

7 Most Popular Road Trips In Asia With Scenic Routes

It is always said that journeys are important, not destinations.

 

Traveling through the continent of Asia has always something distinctive to offer and it has a diversity and wide range of surroundings.

 

Asia boasts about some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and the most difficult terrains to travel through when going around the world.

 

Asia has many options for beautiful drives because it is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

 

Many attractive roads are ideal for a day trip that ranges from the dramatic mountains of Japan to the lush green hills of Vietnam.

 

The Hakone day trip from Tokyo is a great place to go if you want to see the breathtaking vistas of Mt. Fuji and experience the hot springs of the nation.

 

The journey passes through the picturesque Hakone National Park where ride the cable car and take in the sights of the famous mountain and the woods around it.

 

Similarly, Leh-Manali, Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh Road has a lot to offer.

 

So let's dive in!

Leh-Manali Highway, India

Leh Manali highway

The Leh Manali Highway which stretches for over 480 kms passes through rocky, lifeless hills and a bleak of never-ending high-altitude plains.

 

This road is undoubtedly a delight for motorists who enjoy taking their vehicles on challenging roads that push the boundaries of human and mechanical capability.

 

The road's picturesque splendor is just breathtaking and unmatched. 

 

The route has been available since 1989 to be used by public vehicles.

 

You will pass through Changthang which is one of the highest grasslands in the world and a semi-desert plain while driving on this roadway.

 

The route is open for a short period from September and continuing into October if the weather permits.

 

While it is possible to detour to Tso Kar and Tso Moriri lakes, keep in mind that these are restricted regions, and that entry requires an inner line pass.

 

This high-altitude road trip connects Leh in Ladakh to Manali in Himachal Pradesh, crossing some of the world's highest motorable passes amidst the stunning Himalayan landscape. 

 

The Ladakh bike trip is a dream for all bike enthusiasts to cover once in their lifetime.

 

Upon reaching there you can also opt for different Ladakh tour packages to explore the city which have different monasteries that are years old, city life, culture, and stunning beautiful landscapes.

Hokkaido, Japan

Highway to the sky

Driving in Japan is quite simple for those who are accustomed to driving on the left side of the road.

 

The well-known Shiretoko Peninsula in northeastern Hokkaido is also well-known for being included on the World Heritage List because of its diverse environment.

 

From Minehama, which is a place on top of a hill in the town of Shari-cho, this straight route continues National Routes 244 to 334 for approximately 28.1 kms. 

 

Known as the "Road to the Sky," the route appears to go straight up into the sky when viewed from the hill.

 

At the end of the route is the breathtaking sight of the sunset if your timing is right.

 

As soon as you arrive at Furano, which is in the center of Hokkaido, you will see an endless expanse of vibrant flower fields. 

 

Lavender fields in Furano are extremely well-known especially at Farm Tomita where the brilliant purple blossoms occur from late June to early August.

 

Also, the region is home to a wide range of other flowers, such as sunflowers, lilies, and poppies, which combine to create a patchwork of hues that varies with the seasons.

Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh Road

Vietnam

One of the most picturesque motorbike routes in Asia which is quickly gaining recognition as the Ho Chi Minh Road.

 

The Ho Chi Minh Road which will eventually run from Vietnam's southernmost point to its northern border with China is nearly 2,000 kms that passes through some of the country's most breathtaking scenery.

 

The road was completely paved from Saigon to Hanoi in the year 2016.

 

The most breathtaking views are found in the middle portion which comprises an unending expanse of limestone mountains sliced by crystal-clear blue rivers and a thick layer of tropical rainforest.

 

Make sure to travel this section of the Ho Chi Minh Road if you just ride one.

 

While traveling the entire length of the Ho Chi Minh Road from south to north is an amazing experience and most people like to alternate it with a few coastal routes.

 

Start at Kon Tum and travel north to Pho Chau if you want to experience the best that the Ho Chi Minh Road has to offer.

 

This is one of the best rides in Vietnam and includes the breathtaking Western Ho Chi Minh Road.

 

The Ho Chi Minh Road is now connected to the coast by dozens of east-west routes.

Taiwan's East Coast

Taiwan

The area is renowned for its relaxed culture and temperature, both of which are best enjoyed while traveling.

 

Taiwan's unparalleled natural beauty must be explored by skirting the eastern coast from the huge rice terraces of the East Rift Valley to the geological wonders of Taroko National Park and Qingshui's precipitous cliffs.

 

The natural beauty of the east coast is unmatched. 

 

Take the advantage of Kenting's tropical white sand beaches to start your southern adventure and consider going diving and snorkeling as well.

 

After that you can travel to Hualien along the coast to experience Taroko Gorge, the greatest hiking trail in all of Taiwan.

 

Additionally, the travelers should keep in mind that a road trip doesn't always require a car as Taiwan is well known for being bike friendly that allows guests to leisurely pedal the entirety of the People's Republic of China. 

 

A bike will take you somewhere a car cannot, even though it is slower.

 

The road adventure concludes in the ultramodern metropolis of Taipei where travelers of five-star hotels will have no shortage of options.

 

The hotel group took eight years to construct the Mandarin Oriental, which has the biggest spa on the island and a French Renaissance-style architecture.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan

Known as "the land of the Kyrgyz," Kyrgyzstan is a tiny gem in the heart of Central Asia.

 

This small mountainous nation is home to extensive wilderness regions stretched in a millennium-old nomadic culture.

 

Starting from Bishkek the self-drive road tour through Kyrgyzstan offers an array of exciting adventures like conquering the Boom Gorge and exploring the enchanted Lake Issyk-Kul to taking a boat ride into the dusk. 

 

It's not just a drive, but rather an exploration of the genuine charm of Central Asia that completes with seeing eagles in action, discovering more about Kyrgyz carpets, and soaking in the breathtaking views as you go along desert paths.

 

Known for its dramatic mountain scenery, the Pamir Highway (M41) offers an epic road trip through the remote landscapes of Central Asia, passing through high-altitude passes and picturesque valleys.

 

The Pamir Highway which runs from Bishkek to Osh is a well-liked road because it provides breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, lakes, and mountains.

 

Discover the pristine Ala-Archa National Park, the chilly Issyk-Kul Lake and the isolated yurt camps situated in the Tien Shan mountains.

 

Along the way there are chances to encounter Kyrgyzstan's richly traditional and hospitable nomadic culture.

 

Traveling the Pamir Highway is an exciting and fulfilling experience because of its difficult terrain and high-altitude passes.

South Korea's East Coast

Busan

Seoul is filled with skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife with an amazing history that spans for more than two millennia.

 

The city offers a diverse range of palaces, traditional marketplaces, historic shrines, and culinary delights within its contemporary cityscape.

 

In contrast to Seoul's fast-paced atmosphere, Busan offers a relaxed atmosphere with its immaculate beaches and vibrant markets. 

 

You can lose yourself in the coastal splendor here, listen to the waves, and feel the breeze from the water.

 

Busan is the quiet place like a reflective buddy who is always ready with a consoling word whereas Seoul is like the exuberant friend who is always up for an adventure.

 

Traveling by car from Seoul to Busan is like creating your own travel itinerary.

 

Smooth driving is made possible by the well-maintained and clearly marked highways, complete with modern color-coded lanes for easy navigstion.

 

You can stop off at undiscovered jewels, sample regional cuisine, and get a true sense of Korea's countryside along the route.

 

This helps to set your own pace, visit off-the-beaten-path locations, and stop where you wish.

 

The constantly shifting landscape, which features both coastal and highland views, is delightful.

 

The nights in Seoul are lively with K-pop music resonating across the city.

 

On the other hand, the sounds of the waves and traditional Korean ballads fill Busan's evenings with melody.

Tibetan Plateau, China

Tibetan plateau

The Everest Base Camp (5200 m) on the northern slope of Mount Everest in Tibet is a popular tourist attraction having amazing views.

 

Traveling via China's most picturesque National Highway 318 which leads to Tingri County and then Everest Road one can drive from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp.

 

As of today, the entire route is completely paved and offers a smooth, well-maintained road surface with minimum bumps and guarantees a hassle-free and comfortable trip. 

 

Also, there are very strict speed restriction laws on Tibetan roads to safeguard driver safety.

 

The route contains a lot of mountainous and riverbank roads because of Tibet's topography and because of rising river levels during the rainy season there might be road closures.

 

It takes roughly two days to travel from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp. 

 

You will travel from Lhasa to Shigatse on the first day, stopping at sites like Tashilhunpo Monastery and Yamdrok Lake en route.

 

You will leave Shigatse on the second day and stop for lunch in Tingri County then arrive at Everest Base Camp late in the afternoon.

 

Enjoy the views of the beautiful sunset at Everest if the weather stays clear!

These Asian Road trips offer unparalleled views and an adventure filled with rich culture, diverse experiences.

 

Leh-Manali Highway in India known as the Ladakh bike trip offers the thrill to the riders passing high altitude passes and pristine valleys.

 

Similarly, the coastal serene routes of Taiwan and Korea gives picturesque views with idyllic villages and beautiful beaches.

 

If you are looking for an adrenaline fuelled adventure or peaceful escape, the routes of these Asia will give you an unforgettable experience keeping you in awe!