Cars are for driving. Whether you are driving a luxury rental car in Dubai or going on a road trip within Australia, there are times when you only want to get away from it all, or see how far you can go. No rules, just you, your car, and the open road.
Perhaps you have a few free days to explore the area before the next business meeting, or maybe you are testing how your new car drives. Whatever the case may be, there are roads that are perfect for unleashing your rebellious spirit. An expert on luxury car care with an Audi garage in Dubai shares some ideal places for taking your baby out for a spin.
1. Khardung Pass, India
Relish the sights from the highest point in India, the Khardung La. First opened to the public during the late 1980s, the road spans almost 40 kilometers in length. With such distances, you can enjoy panoramic views of the valleys of Nubra and Shyok while pushing your car’s odometer to its limit.
Driving at such a high altitude is not for the weak of heart. With a steep altitude change from 3,500 meters to 5,600 meters above sea level in just a few hours, don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling dizzy after the drive. So, make sure to take some altitude or motion sickness tablets before your trip.
2. Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand
Some drivers are not content with a drive that lasts for only a few hours. If you are looking for a place that will let you lose yourself driving for days on end, try this remote area in Southeast Asia. With a road that spans 600 kilometers, there is enough open road for you to chill or test out how far your car engine can go.
Along the way, you will pass by havens for backpackers such as Pai and Mae Sariang, several falls, temples, and caves. Test your driving skills on the way to the country’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, where the curves going to the top will keep you on your toes for hours.
3. Guolian Tunnel Road, China
Literally translated as the “road that tolerates no mistakes,” the short ¾ mile road will make you think twice about speeding. Carved along the side of the Taihang Mountains, it provides a thrilling driving experience unlike any other.
Much like the other roads on this list, the Guolian offers spectacular views of cliff faces and mountains. But make sure to always keep your eyes glued to the road, or drive slowly if you wish to enjoy the views. This is a drive reserved only for the skilled and brave.
4. Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Drivers who love learning about history, majestic architectural landmarks, and local culture should not miss the Golden Road to Samarkand. Better known as the Silk Road, the more than 300-kilometer roadway features several artifacts from the past.
Travel to this city in Central Asia and witness remnants of the ancient routes connecting the west, east, and south. There are many places to see here, including the Mausoleum of Gur-Emir, the Bibi Khanum Mosque, and the Sherdor Madrasah, among others. Driving through this area is truly a treat for the eyes, at the very least.
5. Kawazu-Nanadaru Loop Bridge, Japan
Japan is a haven for drift drivers from all over the globe. In this country alone, you will find plenty of examples of roadways that will test your drifting and driving skills, so that a separate list may be needed to cover them all. For one, there is the Touge Road that goes all the way to Mount Fuji, the highest point in the country, and an active volcano at that.
The winding roads at Iroha-zaka in the Tochigi Prefecture may not have the same charm as the Touge, but the 48 hairpin turns are sure to get you just as excited as drifting anywhere else. Then there is also the iconic Hakone Hill Climb, the place where drifting is rumored to have originated. With roads resembling racing tracks than your average street, it is the place to go to test your racing skills.
But even with all the incredible roads, Shizuoka Prefecture’s manmade passageway is a sight to behold. Given the steep mountain slope, constructing a road that traverses along the side was not a practical or safe option. Instead, what the experts did was create a separate spiraling path that closely resembles a top.
With the extreme curves on this structure, driving speeds are limited to 30km/h at the most. If you want to put the pedal to the metal, do it elsewhere.
6. Jebel Hafeet and Liwa Oasis, UAE
The UAE is one area that should not be missed if you love to cruise and drive. With some of the world’s best roads for driving, it is the place to drive your heart out, especially if you own a luxury or exotic supercar.
Pick your choice of road and views, from desert dunes to rugged trails to hundreds of kilometers of smooth asphalt. Places such as the Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain boasts an almost 12-kilometer smooth asphalt road with 60 corners that meander around the mountain. However, its popularity during the weekends can dishearten drivers who are looking for an empty roadway to break racing records.
Not the Liwa Oasis, though. If you don’t mind driving through deserts and barren areas, the long stretch of highway makes for an ideal spot for cruising or racing. With dunes on both sides, the Liwa Oasis is also great for dune bashing or riding a camel.
7. The Nha Trang-Quy Nhon, Vietnam
Mountains on one side and white sand beaches on the other. With such majestic surroundings, what’s there not to love about this roadway in Vietnam? Time your trip and drive during the Trang Sea Festival in June every other year, and you have added another highlight to your driving experience.
Staying or traveling around any of the countries mentioned here?
Take your car out from the garage, have it checked, and start getting ready for that next drive on your bucket list today.
