AICR 2012 - Daily Report (Part 5/7)

The 2nd edition of the ASEAN-India Car Rally (AICR) was held from 25 Nov to 21 Dec 2012. Starting from Yogjakarta (Indonesia), the Rally passed through Singapore, Ipoh, Hat Yai, Phuket, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh, Pakse, Savanakhet, Vientiene, Chumphone, Sukhothai, Hpa An, Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay, Ka Lay, Kohima and Guwahati (India). India Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Heads of State of all ASEAN nations witnessed the ceremonial flag-down at the Rally’s final stop in New Delhi.

The following is a daily account of Leslie Chang who is the leader of the Singapore team. 

Photos: Ernest Chua / TODAY

Vientiane to Sukothai, 10^th Dec 2012

Exchange of memento between the Vice Minister of the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism, Mr Chaleun Warinthrasak, and our lady boss Neerja took place in front of Donchan Palace Hotel.

This was followed by the spectacular release of the balloons which signified the official flag-off.

A short drive from the Lao capital, Car # 22 crossed the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.  It was also a switch from left-hand drive to right-hand drive as we arrived at Nong Khai in Thailand.

During the 1st leg in Thailand, we were very fortunate to be provided with the best of refreshments each time the convoy had a break in between drives.  As we returned to Thailand for the 2nd leg, Harmeet Singh from the Mahindra Service Team was all ready to indulge himself in the Thai’s hospitality again.

The convoy travelled on Asian Highway 2 briefly before stopping for a refuel in Chum Phae. We then settled our lunch in a restaurant located within the gas station.  We were visibly very satisfied with our meal as some of us even posed for a photo with the family who runs the restaurant.

It was a scenically rewarding drive to Phitsanulok where the convoy was given a welcome ceremony at a location called Indochina Junction.  As seen in the photo below which was taken at the junction, Tengguo (1st row, left) and Irene (standing, center) were the 2 new faces joining Car # 22.  They replaced Bernard and Lee Huey who left the team at Vientiane.

Dinner was hosted by the Governor of Sukhothai at the Historical Park – a UNESCO Heritage Site.  It was a splendid evening as we dined in an outdoor garden atmosphere.  The Singapore team had the opportunity to present mementos to all participating teams and the Organisers, namely CII and AutoCar.

Into the night, we greatly enjoyed ourselves with the captivating lights and sound performance and the beautiful display of fireworks at the main structure of the park.

The release of sky lanterns may be a novelty for some but the warm hospitality made this a memorable night for all of us.

Sukothai to Hpa An, 11^th Dec 2012

We had a pre-dawn departure and the first 100 km of the route was rather flat.  After passing a town called Tak, we took the mountainous route which is also known as Asian Highway 1.  At higher altitudes of the route, we were driving among the clouds. 

More interestingly, the convoy had the opportunity to experience a gravity-defying act when our cars were pulled uphill by some magnetic force even when our ignition is off.  Locals call this place ‘Magnetic Hill’ or ‘Magic Hill’.

We soon arrived at the Mae Sot Checkpoint where I thanked His Excellency Pradab Piboonsongkharm and ensured him that we had a wonderful time during our stay in Thailand.

There were full of activities on the bridge over the Moei River.  The Thai officials were sending us off while the Myanmar authorities welcomed us with song, dance and balloons.

Meanwhile, immigration officers were seen checking the car and participant lists at Myawaddi Checkpoint.

It seemed the entire population in this border town lined the street to welcome the convoy.

We were served an early lunch at a nearby colonial-style clubhouse before heading out to check out the roads in this part of the country.  As it turned out, we found that the conditions were rather challenging.

However, any true blue rally driver would happily come to this place for a competitive gravel rally.

After a 75-km bone rattling drive, we arrived at a primary school in Ngar Daing village for a tea reception.  The celebrities from Car # 18, Pan Htwar (with dark glasses) and Zar Htwe (holding the tray), played the ‘tea lady’ role for the afternoon.

Meanwhile, Leslie was mistaken by the villagers as Aung Yin - a famous singer from Myanmar.

As the convoy continued, the road conditions improved.  We arrived at Hpa An on schedule. 

For the first time, the rallyists were split into different hotels due to limitations of the facilities in that area.

Hpa An to Nay Pyi Taw, 12^th Dec 2012

Irene and Leslie carried out pre-departure housekeeping tasks.

Pit-style refuelling enabled all 31 cars to be filled up hastily within a span of 20 minutes.

Koyin State Chief Minister U Zaw Min and William exchanged greetings during the morning send-off.

The cheering and waving by the people demonstrated the country’s strong support for the Rally.

We made several stops for photo opportunities.

Along the way, we were astonished by the vehicle load capacity in Myanmar.

Our learning journey continued as we drove through the super highway leading into the country’s new capital - Nay Pyi Taw.  Built for the future growth of Myanmar, this city is presently under-populated and used mainly for diplomatic purposes.  The convoy arrived at Zabu Thiri Hotel ahead of schedule and Poh Heng is seen here at the lobby with Union Minister for Sports U Tint Hsan.

The brand new International Convention Center was the venue for our dinner reception.

As seen in the photo below, the grandeur of the location can be attested from the luxurious design of the ballroom which extends from the grand entrance of the building.

We ended our evening after a visit to the spectacular Uppatasanti Pagoda which was lit up brightly against the dark night sky.

Nay Pyi Taw to Mandalay, 13^th Dec 2012

The convoy left the hotel for the flag-off venue.

Union Minister for Sports U Tint Hsan (seen here with Poh Heng) presided over the ceremony.

Even though Myanmar is a left-hand drive country, the cars are mostly right-hand drive.  We also discovered another strange fact while travelling on this highway i.e. distance markers are shown in imperial miles while speed limits are posted in km/h (metric).

Under the clear blue sky during a coffee break, Leslie was delighted with the sight of 3 passing helicopters.

The exceptionally grand welcoming began at the outskirts of Mandalay.

Most locals were cheering and some were even screaming as the rally cars passed the main streets in the city.

Leslie played the role of a ‘traffic marshal’ during our refuelling stop.

Shortly after, Leslie resumed the position of a team leader at the welcoming reception when we arrived at the 5-star Mandalay Hill Resort.

Leslie posing with Sinthalay, the team leader from Laos.

Leslie posing with Iori, the team leader from the Philipines.

Leslie posing with Thang, the team leader from Vietnam.

The rallyists were taken on an afternoon tour around Mandalay when we came across an interesting sight of many A-shaped wooden stands (secured with basic household items) along the streets.  We were told that the items were to be donated to temples during the Ka Htein Festival.

We also visited U Bein Bridge.   When I did an online search for more information, I was pleasantly surprised by the popularity of this bridge, evident from the great number of articles that appeared from the search engine. I was even more surprised that it is one of the most photographed landmarks in the whole of South East Asia.  Many travellers have posted beautiful pictures of U Bein Bridge on their blogs or website.  Here is one of them - http://shutternomad.com/2010/12/ubein/.  As for Irene, I hope she can pardon me for this handphone shot.