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The program, organized by the Otosaigon forum, is called the Summer Caravan 2014. The total distance for the round trip is 3,600 km, following the route: Ho Chi Minh City – Phnom Penh - Koh Kong – Huahin – Phuket – Chum Phon – Battamban - Phnom Penh – Ho Chi Minh City. Through the various locations the convoy passes, participants will have the opportunity to drive from Vietnam through Cambodia to Southern Thailand from June 14th to June 22nd, 2014.
On the first day of the journey, June 14, 2014, the group set off at dawn to the Moc Bai border gate in Tay Ninh. Thanks to the professional organization, the immigration and customs procedures for both people and vehicles went very quickly.
It only takes about 15 minutes to complete immigration procedures for both people and vehicles at the Moc Bai and Bavet border crossings in Cambodia.
Upon arriving in Cambodia, the excellent road conditions, coupled with the superior performance of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles, made the journey very comfortable for the entire group. Excitement was evident on every face, from members over 60 years old to children who had just turned 6.
In particular, the safety of the journey was ensured by the CLA 200 acting as a "navigator." Meanwhile, the GLK, carrying Mercedes-Benz Vietnam's technical staff, always followed at the rear of the convoy to provide technical support.
Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 in the role of lead caravan
From Phnom Penh to Koh Kong, follow Highway 48. Along both sides of the road are vast fields and lush green forests. Occasionally, you'll encounter a sparsely populated area; otherwise, both sides are covered in pristine forest and winding mountain passes, creating a very beautiful landscape.
The good road surface, combined with the superior performance characteristics of the renowned Mercedes-Benz products, meant the entire convoy frequently traveled at speeds ranging from 100km/h to 140km/h. The convoy always headed west, so the sunset was constantly visible, creating a fascinating sight…
The roads in Cambodia are ideal for Mercedes-Benz vehicles to showcase their performance characteristics.
The car arrived in Koh Kong province as dusk was falling. Koh Kong is a small Cambodian city located in the southwest, about 300 km from Phnom Penh. This small city is about 7 km from the Cambodia-Thailand border.
Upon arriving in Koh Kong, we were also captivated by the many pristine beaches on the island and the resorts nestled among the coastal mangrove forests along the Ta Tai River. Like other Cambodian border crossings, there are very grand casinos right along the border.
Koh Kong is a relatively new and undiscovered destination, yet it holds significant potential for ecotourism and adventure tourism. The 1.6 km long Koh Kong bridge, also known as the Thai Bridge, spans the river and is so named because a 7 km stretch leads to the Cham Yeam border crossing in Cambodia, connecting to the Khlong Yai border crossing and the town of Had Lek in Trat province, Thailand.
Koh Kong is also attractive because of its many pristine beaches.
The rainforest rains have brought a wonderful cool breeze to Koh Kong, and a good night's sleep at the border will be a refreshing boost for the whole group, ready to embark on the nearly 500 km journey to Hua Hin, Thailand tomorrow.
Memorable moments from the first day of the MBFC Caravan journey:
The Mercedes-Benz "doctor" of the entire MBFC Caravan 2014
A view along the road from Phnom Penh to Koh Kong.
When traveling on the road, be mindful of animals such as cows and elephants.
The MBFC convoy moved continuously at high speed.
The cars automatically pulled over to the side of the road to make way for the convoy.
Traffic signs on Cambodian roads are very easy to see.
A roadside gas station.
The older members of the group
Many of the young members were very excited about the trip.
The "monster" Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG participates in the program.
Break time bOn the road, the "navigator" leads the CLA 200 convoy.
The ribbons of cloud-like silk appeared after the rain.
