London to Mumbai by Road 2016 – Revisited
Day 50 – 16 October 2016
Farewell China, Hello Myanmar
Today marked the end of a truly remarkable chapter of our London-to-Mumbai adventure.
Since entering China on 27 September, Team Kontiki had travelled thousands of miles across one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Tomorrow, on 17 October, we would leave China and cross into Myanmar (Burma), opening the door to an entirely new set of experiences and challenges.
As we reflected on our time here, there was no doubt that China had been one of the highlights of the journey so far.
It had also been the most expensive country we had travelled through, largely due to the permits, temporary driving licences, vehicle registrations, and compulsory guide requirements. Yet every pound spent had been worthwhile.
We had driven on some of the finest roads we had ever experienced, crossed countless spectacular bridges, passed through hundreds of tunnels, explored ancient Silk Road cities, ridden camels in the desert, stood before the Terracotta Army, visited giant pandas, climbed the Great Wall, and met some truly wonderful people along the way.
One person who deserved special mention was our guide, Abby.
From the moment we entered China, she had looked after us superbly. Whether dealing with official paperwork, finding accommodation, translating conversations, organising sightseeing, or simply helping us navigate daily life, she had always been cheerful, patient, and helpful.
Travelling with Abby felt less like travelling with a guide and more like travelling with a friend.
So, on behalf of Team Kontiki, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Abby and everyone at NAVO Tours for making our journey through China such a memorable experience.
Tomorrow, however, a new adventure would begin.
We had already heard plenty of stories about Myanmar. Unlike China’s smooth highways and modern infrastructure, we had been warned to expect rough roads, difficult driving conditions, and a few surprises along the way.
Naturally, Team Kontiki was looking forward to the challenge.
After breakfast, we left Dali at around 9:00 am and began our drive towards Ruili, our final stop in China before crossing the border.
The drive south was pleasant, and we made a couple of stops along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery. The countryside continued to be beautiful, with rolling hills, farmland, and small villages scattered across the landscape.
As the day progressed, there was a growing sense of anticipation inside Kontiki.
Every mile brought us closer to another border crossing and another country.
At around 5:00 pm, we finally arrived in Ruili.
Before doing anything else, we decided that Kontiki deserved a little pampering.
Over the previous 9,000 miles, she had carried us faithfully through rain, mountains, deserts, cities, and countless adventures. She had earned a good wash.
So our first stop was a local car wash, where years of road grime—or at least several weeks’ worth—were thoroughly cleaned away. Before long, Kontiki was gleaming once again and looking ready for the roads of Myanmar.
Only then did we check into our hotel.
With the practicalities taken care of, Ramesh and I headed out for one final shopping trip in China. We stocked up on supplies, picked up a few last-minute essentials, and took in the atmosphere of this bustling border town.
Meanwhile, Dayal wisely chose the more comfortable option and stayed back at the hotel to relax.
As we wandered through the streets, it felt strange to think that this was our final evening in China.
Only a few weeks earlier, entering the country had seemed a daunting challenge filled with paperwork and uncertainty. Now, we were preparing to leave with wonderful memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the country and its people.
Back at the hotel that evening, Team Kontiki spent time preparing for the border crossing ahead.
Passports were checked, documents organised, and plans discussed.
Tomorrow would be another important milestone.
China would be behind us.
Myanmar awaited.
And with it, the next chapter of our extraordinary road journey from London to Mumbai.
Distance travelled so far: Approximately 9,000 miles
Location: Ruili, Yunnan Province, China
Route: Dali to Ruili
Highlights: Reaching China’s border region and preparing for entry into Myanmar
Special thanks: Abby and NAVO Tours for their outstanding support throughout China
Most memorable moment: Giving Kontiki a well-deserved wash before the next stage of the adventure
Mood of the day: Reflective, grateful, and excited for the challenges ahead
Join us tomorrow as Team Kontiki says farewell to China and crosses into Myanmar, where rougher roads, new cultures, and fresh adventures await on our epic London-to-Mumbai road journey.
