All You Need to Know about the India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway

If you still haven’t heard about it, we have some epic news for you: the 3200-kilometre India-Myanmar-Thailand highway will open up in 2016, which means an incredible India-Thailand road trip is now a reality like never before!   Part of a peace pact among the country who are party to this, the India-Myanmar- Thailand Highway is an all-weather road that weaves through all these countries allowing you to travel a longer and a more scenic route through to your destination. 

The 26.5-kilometre Myawaddy-Thinggan Nyenaung-Kawkareik stretch of the Asian Highway is now operational. This has reduced the travel time between Thinggan Nyenaung and Kawkareik from three hours to only about 45 minutes!  

Post the inauguration of the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway in 2016, a bus service connecting Imphal, Manipur and Mandalay may be introduced to make it all the more easy for you to take this one-of-a-kind road trip! 

An International Drivers’ Permit is recommended if you are planning to self-drive. Travelling from India to Thailand by road promises to be one of the most exhilarating experiences ever.

From the serene hills of Shillong…

You could enjoy panoramic views of the verdant lush hills of Shillong, while driving on the highway. The route is truly beautiful and allows the tourist to experience area as they travel through. Shillong is considered as one of India’s favourite holiday destinations because of it’s cool climate (It’s called the Scotland of the East) and the untouched beauty of the hills. Shillong is comparatively pollution free and is considered a great for people who are looking to getaway from the concrete jungles of the plains. Shillong is absolutely marvelous during the monsoons, which set in during June.

Places to visit in Shillong:

​1) Elephant falls – Situated on the outskirts of the city, they are twin falls that are set in dells of fern covered rocks.

2) Shillong peak – This is the highest point of the state and is a much sought- after picnic spot.

3) Wards lake – This is an artificial lake that has boating services available throughout the year.

4) Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum – provides an insight into ethnic tribal culture and tradition of the area.  

to the old world charm of Myanmar’s ancient city, Bagan;

Myanmar was previously a Colonial centre of power and has thus adapted aspects of their culture and architecture into their own.  The rising pagodas, exotic cuisine and the breathtaking vistas prove Myanmar to be must-see destination on the way to Thailand. Myanmar’s economy thrives on tourism because of the multiple tourists attractions in the country. Bagan has an array of temples, each one uniquely  built and possessing various architectural differences. You can take Balloon trips over the city to fully appreciate the beauty of the monuments. Also, the Sunset in Bagan is a spectacular sight that shouldn’t be missed!

Things to do in Bagan:

​1) Temples Galore – Bagan possesses a large variety of temples that are all worth a visit.

​2) Bupaya – Situated on the banks of  Ayeyarwaddy River, This example of Pyu style of architecture boasts of being the oldest construction in Bagan

3) Tharabar gate – Said to be a part of a 9^th century wall, the gates contain two niches with with images of the protective spirits or the guardians of the gate. 

from the endless shades of green and beautiful Buddhist temples in Mandalay 

Mandalay is a bustling and busy centre of Myanmar and is considered a centre of Burmese culture. Mandalay is considered a popular city because of the variety of available to engage tourists. You can experience typical Burmese life and you cant help but enjoy the authenticity of the city itself.  The city has much to offer and a lot more to like. 

Things to do in Mandalay:

1) Eat at one of Mandalay’s street food joints – The city provides a wide range of mouth-watering food available at cheap rates.

2) Stone carving district – Visit and observe the traditional methods of stone carving that are still prevalent in this district.

3) Gold pounder’s workshops- King galon and Golden Rose are two prominent workshops where you can observe the craft of gold pounding that is still practiced in Mandalay.

4) Maha Muni Pagoda – This is a religious centre for the people and is the second holiest place in Myanmar after the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. 

Or you could just rent a bike or a cycle and explore the city on your own. The people are friendly and the environment is condusive for tourists who visit all around the year.

to the culturally rich Thailand village, Mae Sot...

 

...there’s a lot for you to see and soak in.

And that’s not it, you’ll be welcomed by Bangkok’s countless attractions, its mouthwatering cuisine and happening nightlife at the end of this extraordinary road trip. 

Still wondering where your next big holiday will be to? It’s going to be one road trip that changes your life.