Hello Hubbers.

My partner and I have a mammoth trip planned for next year...we've taken a year off starting in March to go from London - Moscow (by air unfortunately) then on the Trans Mongolian - Beijing, round China (originally by bike but that's not going to happen) then once we get into Vietnam we're going to buy a bike.

Something that will take the two of us and luggage - I was thinking of a Bonus but if anyone has a better option I'd appreciate it.

From there it's all the way down VN, Cambodia, maybe into Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and to India.

We may try poking about the border to Burma and see if we can scoot across. I've read on here about some people doing it but it might just be worth selling the bike in KL, flying to Kolkata and getting another bike there??

What I would like some assistance with is a route. We're going to enter VN up north, I believe there's a border entrance near Sapa. But from there we've got no set schedule.

Here are some questions:

What route would people recommend?

Are there any places not listed in guide books that you've found to be unmissable?

What bike is best for 2 up? We are going to buy in VN which, I believe is fine to take out of the country and tour SEA.

Would anyone recommend gps? I'm pretty good at reading maps but not sure if gps is worth the money.

Does anyone have a rough guide on budget for the VN to KL part? we're going to be staying with families, friends etc as much as possible with the odd hostel/budget hotel. A rough daily rate would be helpful.

Also, weather...we're going to be hitting Mongolia in March which rocks down to a nut clanging -30degrees apparently but what are things like:
1. Around China March - June
2. SE Asia June - October

I've been to India before (Kolkata & Orissa) and would like to be around that way in Oct/Nov time.

India is a whole other leg which I've yet to plan. Answers to these would be fantastic.

Maybe some of you know about the site already but couchsurfing is an amazing site, the idea is great and I've found some really helpful people who we're going to stay with. That's the extent of my usefulness for the time being.

We're going to put all our tips and experiences onto a blog soon so your help will be passed on!

ta & safe riding

Phil