The search function didnt give much recent info on this, so....

Im now near Chennai, looking to get my bike east across Burma. Been in contact with some freight agents, who say they are able to offer sea- or airfreight to Kuala Lumpur. Will find out more about those options, once Im in Chennai.

But for some reasons, I would like to get the bike shipped to Bangkok. Preferably by air, as I hear Bangkok harbour is best avoided. So far no-ones offered to do that, though Ive asked this from all freight companies Ive found. Not all of them seem very keen to respond to e-mails.

Looking at the map, Bangkok is not much further away from Chennai than KL (could be its even closer), so is there some specific reason, why everyone would ship to KL, and nobody's offering Bangkok? Theyre both big international air hubs, with lots of cargo companies operating to them, right? Or have I just not been in contact with the right companies or persons yet?

Ive heard that several people have shipped between Bangkok and Kathmandu. That is a long way from here, and we've already ridden over 5000 kms in India (enough of the National Highways & traffic already!) so I would preferably ship from where Im now, or nearby.

Any suggestions, where to go & who to ask, once in Chennai, would be warmly welcomed!

Some generalities, that may be of help:

air is always better than sea. Airports are more modern and have international standards to maintain. Ports have been a world of their own for centuries. It is worth paying the extra to fly the bike if you can.

Transport out of India is pretty hard at the best of times.

Lots of people fly bikes into Bangkok all the time. No reason why you can't from India.

Bangkok exit is pretty straightforward - a day's work, often a lot less.

I would keep trying frieght agents until you find one you like.

If you have no joy, then the option of putting the bike on a train northwards, with you in an A/C sleeper, is always there. I did this, and quite enjoyed the expeience. But I think you'll find something that works where you are.

Simon

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Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp

Yes, thank you for these, I also believe that airfreight could be my best bet. Strange that everyones offering KL and no Bangkok... but I'll just keep asking.

Even if I dont find a good option to Bangkok, then going to KL would be no catastrophe, just a few thousand extra kilometres.

I also thought about that bike-on-a-train option earlier here, but it seemed kind of complicated... they recommended I'd put the bike on one train, and then go myself on a second 1-2 days after, then i'd pick it up at a city's parcel office (where it is hopefully top be found). Good to hear its actually worked.