2026 - Another Road Adventure...

"When goods do not cross borders, soldiers will..." - Frédéric Bastiat

(Our trusty Hi-Lux)

This year, we did not waste much time between journeys. Barely a week after returning from our wonderful trip to Labuan Bajo, we were already back on the road again - this time in our trusty Hi-Lux pickup.

Our plan is rather ambitious: crossing into Thailand and travelling along the borders of Cambodia, Laos and probabaly travelling into Vietnam, moving from place to place until sometime in early October 2026. Another long road adventure awaits, and as always, we are looking forward to discovering what lies beyond the next bend.

With Malaysia behind us now and Cambodia, Laos and maybe, Vietnam waiting ahead, we wondered what stories this journey would bring.

Our 4x4 Road Trip itinerary:

(13/09/26 - 07/10/26)

Day 01: Hat Yai - Ready For The Road...

Day 02: Chumphon - Another Route, A New Plan...

Day 03: Samut Sakhon - Soaking Wet On Arrival...

Day 04: Nakhon Ratchasima - A Night Market Visit...

Day 05: Nakhon Phanom - Moments Of Uncertainties 

Day 06: Udon Thani - A Chapter Ended Before It Began...

Day 07: Phitsanulok - Landslides And Flooding...

Day 08: Chiang Mai - Time To Pause...

Day 09: Chiang Mai - Free And Easy...

Day 10: Nakhon Sawan - A Long Monotonous Drive...

Day 11: Bangkok - The Hustle And Bustle...

Day 12: Bangkok - Every Street Tells A Story...

Day 13: Bangkok - A Lazy, Raining Day...

Day 14: Da Lat - Unexpected Challenges...

Day 15: Da Lat - Cool Highland Charms...

Day 16: Da Lat - Quirky Attractions...

Day 17: Da Lat - Markets, Murals And Coffee...

Day 18: Da Lat - Cable Cars, Monastery  & Lake...

Day 19: Bangkok - Flight Delays & Baggage Chaos...

Day 20: Bangkok - A Rest & Recovery Day...

Day 21: Prachuap Khiri Khan - Nong is typing...

Day 01: Hat Yai - Ready For The Road...

“Every journey begins with a single turn of the wheel - and a heart ready for the road...”

(Sadao new Custom House)

Date: 13 September 2026, Sunday
Route: Kuala Lumpur - Hat Yai
Hotel: Golden Crown Hotel, Hatyai

We left Bidara House at about 7.30 am, stopping for breakfast at D’Maju Restaurant before continuing north towards the Malaysia–Thailand border at Bukit Kayu Hitam. The journey was relaxed, with a few short breaks along the way.

By 1.30 pm, we stopped in Changlun for lunch at Cik Jah Nasi Ayam Bakar. It was a welcome break before the final stretch towards the border.

At around 2.00 pm Thai time, we crossed through Sadao CIQ. Thankfully, the border formalities were smooth and we were soon on Thai roads once again.

We reached Hat Yai and checked into Golden Crown Hotel around 4.00 pm. After a long day behind the wheel, there was little desire to venture far for dinner. We simply walked next door to Ayutthaya Halal Noodles and settled for a comforting plate of roti pisang.

And then came the perfect ending to our first day - a good one-hour foot massage. After nearly 550 kilometres on the road, our tired feet certainly deserved it!

By nightfall, we were ready for bed.