 
How do I plan a route?
LONG ANSWER: There are many things which can dictate your route, from places of special interest to the availability of accommodation. In the modern internet age you can plan your route and find most information before you depart. There are also a number of sources away from the internet which can help you. The first port of call should always be a map. I use a variety of maps, from lonely planet maps to more sophisticated maps from specialist vendors. I find myself using Stanfords more and more.After maps I will then search the internet for blogs, route information or forums. I use the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree often and also my forum. Most rides in the region have been covered either fully or partially before. There are a number of websites which give good, accurate information. However, be warned, some websites are not up to date. I find Mr Pumpy's site excellent, however some of the ride information is old and there have been developments in roads and accommodation since then. I also tend to find a lot of information from books such as guide books. I use Lonely Planet guides. Many people have issues with these books, but I have always found them helpful. I never rely on the information to be 100% correct and therefore I am never disappointed. I try to carry a guide book on each journey I make.
There are
some classic journeys and routes through South East Asia. The ride
from Hanoi down through Ho Chi Minh, across Cambodia and down to
Malaysia and Singapore is probably the most traveled route by world
cycle tourers. There is also the route from China, down through
Laos, into Cambodia and then into Thailand. There are so many
permutations that it is impossible to list them all here. You must
pick a route then look for the information available. About the only
place where there isn't a wealth of information available is Myanmar
(Burma to some). Everywhere else will be covered on blogs, forums,
in guide books and in books.
Here is a list og helpful blogs, websites, maps and forums: - |
|