Breathtaking Roads That You Might Want to Take a Drive On
There is nothing quite like setting out on a road trip to blow away the cobwebs and remind yourself what it is like to live. When you're driving along a stunning highway, you might notice how the landscape changes along the way, from lush forests to rolling hills, to steep mountain passes. No matter where you travel, whether it is through the United States, the Andes, or the savannas of Africa, you will find a road that will take your breath away and leave a permanent mark on your memory.
Choosing The Right Car For The Road Is The First Step
Prior to getting on the road, you must choose a safe and comfortable vehicle for you to use. Depending on your level of expertise, the vehicle can range from an SUV to a motorcycle. The option you choose will greatly influence your experience of the roads discussed in this post. Some roads lend themselves to being ridden on a touring bike. On the other hand, you might be more comfortable in a spacious vehicle but sporty ride. If you are traveling with family, then a car will be your best option, but a motorcycle might provide the most fun if you like to live life on the wild side. No matter what vehicle you choose, you are guaranteed to have a blast on these roads as long as you drive safely and follow the country's regulations. In light of the above, let's take a look at some of the most breathtaking roads in the world...
Mandai Road, Singapore
Singapore may be an island nation, but don't let that trick you into thinking it doesn't have breathtaking roads to travel. On the contrary, you will find several routes that will blow your mind in terms of natural beauty and drivability. Although it certainly isn't the longest on this list, it is worthy of mention because of its history (it was built in 1855) and the fact that the Singaporean government considers it as one of five "heritage roads." These roads are deemed to have a tree line that follows the entire length of the road and shields drivers from the rapid urbanization experienced in the country in the past few decades. While you won't be speeding along here, you will certainly enjoy the pleasant ride. You can also combine the road trip with a visit to the Singapore national zoo, whereby this road culminates.
Luang Prabang To Khammouane, Laos
Laos is a country that few people have visited or even know much about. However, this landlocked nation happens to be home to some of the most exciting roads in the world. Only opening for tourism in 1990, Laos is a country shrouded in mystery. Nonetheless, since its tentative opening a few decades ago, it has transformed massively. This can be seen in the expansion of high-quality roads mainly financed by the Chinese government, and the route from the ancient capital of Luang Prabang to Khammouane is an excellent example of this.
Beginning in Luang Prabang and heading south on road 13, you will take three separate routes and pass via five provinces, all with their own unique flavor. The provinces you will pass through include:
- Luang Prabang
- Xieng Khouang
- Xaysomboun
- Bolikhamxay
- Khammouane
This route will take you from the hilly north through a series of steps that culminate in one of the most heavily bombed areas of the Vietnam war. The landscape changes so significantly that you will feel like traveling through different countries. Once you have arrived in Khammouane, you can also choose to visit the famous Konglor cave or the Xe Bang Fai cave, which is one of the world's longest cave rivers and ends in Vietnam! This trip can be done by car but is especially suited for motorcycles like a Honda CRF or similar.
Route 1, Iceland
Route 1 is also known as the Ring Road, Hringvegur. It has been called "the most beautiful road in Iceland." Route 1 starts at Reykjavik and crosses the country from east to west, passing through some of Iceland's most famous attractions along the way. Route 1 was finally completed in 1974. Iceland is already well-known for being blessed with an abundance of beauty that combines a barren solitude with an atmosphere of mystery. Throughout the trip, you will pass spectacular waterfalls, glacial lagoons, picturesque lakes, and many other natural wonders that an array of adjectives cannot do justice to what you will encounter. The best part of this road is that it is a little over 820 miles, making it utterly doable in a few days if you take your time.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
The Great Ocean Road is a scenic drive that winds along the coast from Torquay in the south to Allansford, passing through numerous towns and settlements characteristic of Australia. It passes through limestone caves, surf beaches with white sand dunes, and mountain ranges covered in rainforest. In essence, this road provides you with an exciting view of the land down under while traveling on a comfortable and modern highway.
Ruta 40, Argentina
If you have ever wondered what it might be like to drive on a terraformed version of Mars, Ruta 40 will be right up your street! This 3,100 mile-long stretch of road is one of the longest globally and connects the north and south of Argentina. Passing through some of the most inhospitable locations in the world and reaching heights that will put the word breathtaking into a whole new light (its highest point is a whopping 16,404 feet! ), you will feel a sense of accomplishment that is almost spiritual. Nevertheless, you must be aware that this is also one of the most dangerous roads globally due to its remoteness and high level of accidents. However, if you have the intestinal fortitude to face nature with just a vehicle for transportation, you will have accomplished something that not many people have or ever will do.
From a picturesque drive through Singapore's Mandai Road to traversing via bomb-crated roads Laos, there is an entire world out there that not many people are aware of. However, their uniting feature is that they are all fantastic roads to drive on and leave you with memories lasting a lifetime.