Trip Issues 10 - How to Get Through Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a very difficult part of the world to travel through by means of a personally owned motor vehicle.  The rules concerning document requirements and under what conditions vehicles are allowed entry into Asian countries are continually changing in the region.  As such, I have assembled the following map to keep things straight in my head (14-Oct-2018).  Please note, these requirements are in addition to the standard required documents (drivers license, international drivers licence, vehicle registration, passport and visa if applicable).

Carnet de Passage (Carnet)

Countries:
Required - India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal
Recommended - Laos, Cambodia

What is it?  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnet_de_Passages_en_Douane

Carnets can be expensive and costs vary by country.   Additionally, the carnet book and coupons MUST be returned to the issuer on time (365 days) or cash bond ($10,000 in my case) is forfeited.

Note:  Do not rely on the map in Wikipedia, I know for a fact that it is incorrect.

Must be on a Tour
Countries: Myanmar, Thailand

Two countries require all overlanders (ie, motorcycles, cars, etc.) that are passing through their respective countries to be on a tour, with a registered tour agency, a tour guide, and possibly a representative from the government to be in attendance.  One thing to note is that the more people that you can gather together, the cheaper the per/person price.  The Horizons Unlimited bulletin board (HUBB)(http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/) is a good place to find people.  I have found groups in less than a day.

Note:  Burma requires a permit. The permit is day and participant specific and a change in either will push your permit date out.

Extreme Difficulty 
Country: Bangladesh

I had been advised by many people (Bangladeshi residents and Overlanders) that the trip through Bangladesh is not worth the hassle.  As such, I decided, as most overlanders have, to bypass the country.

Note:  Rumor is that a carnet is also required in Bangladesh.

Not Gonna Happen
Country: Vietnam

Vietnam will not allow outside vehicles into the country...period.  However, they have very relaxed laws on who can buy and operate a motorcycle within the country, and insurance, registration, ownership papers, etc, seem to be a non requirement.  As such, there is a thriving bike swap/sales community in the country, and you should have no problem buying and disposing of a used bike, very inexpensively, while in country.  Most reports are that you can buy and sell a bike for the same price.

Laos-Thailand Border

Due to lack of Border Control. there is no way to legally to pass between Myanmar and Laos.  Overlanders MUST pass through Thailand.  The shortest route through the Country is 100 km in length and should take approximately two hours, but you must be on a tour and pay all fees associated with the tour including customs and registration fees (less than $200).  (https://www.google.com/maps/@19.8124294,100.5428134,7z)

UPDATE:  A border Just opened mid-November 2018.  At this writing, only locals are permitted through, but it will b a fully functional border in the not so distant future, or so I am told.