The Great Adventure: A 9X Vietnamese’s 15,000km Journey to China in a 34-Year-Old Toyota Land Cruiser

This vintage vehicle, donning a Vietnamese number plate, is believed to be one of the oldest to conquer this challenging route.

Ngô Kỳ Phong is a well-known figure among automotive enthusiasts, having embarked on numerous journeys across Southeast Asia, Asia, and Europe in luxurious vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz ML350, Mercedes-AMG G63, Toyota Land Cruiser 300, Land Rover Defender, and even large-displacement motorcycles. However, in the year 2025, he decided to switch gears and embark on a journey through China in a Land Cruiser 70, a model that first rolled off the production line in 1991.

When asked about his unique choice of vehicle for this lengthy expedition, Ngô Kỳ Phong shared that he wanted to embrace a slower and more immersive journey, allowing him to fully absorb the local lifestyle and culture.

It is worth noting that approximately 90% of the route covered by Phong and his wife consisted of national highways and rugged terrain, necessitating a vehicle with exceptional durability and agile performance.

Prior to embarking on this adventure, Phong thoroughly inspected and serviced the Land Cruiser 1991, upgrading the suspension system, replacing the wheels, installing a winch, enhancing the lighting setup, and stocking up on spare parts to ensure peace of mind during their journey.

The Land Cruiser 70 presented more challenges than its modern counterparts, lacking the conveniences of automatic transmission, traction control (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS), and infotainment screens. Phong humorously described the driving experience as “bumpy like a horse-drawn carriage,” requiring good physical stamina and intense focus, especially when covering distances of 600-800 km per day.

With its manual transmission and modest engine power, overtaking on hilly roads in regions like Xinjiang and Tibet demanded careful calculation, a keen sense of engine power, and adept observational skills.

Despite the challenges, the simplicity of the vehicle offered Phong invaluable experiences. He felt a sense of reassurance when navigating through rough terrain, as the lack of modern technology meant everything was mechanical and straightforward. The compact size of the Land Cruiser 70 also made it easier to maneuver through small village roads.

Moreover, driving this vintage car provided Phong with a wholly unique experience compared to his previous trips. He shared that while the car was relaxing to drive on off-road terrain, it demanded more effort on long stretches of national highways. However, this very challenge allowed him to forge a deeper connection with the vehicle, feeling a sense of unity between man, machine, and the road beneath their wheels.

Phong’s journey was not merely about geographical exploration but also a return to the fundamental values of long-distance travel: embracing the senses, forging deep connections with local cultures, and slowing down to gain a richer understanding of the world around him.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)

Images: FBNV