It’s so convenient to jet between Asia’s cities, that we sometimes forget the romance of traveling on wheels, whether by train, bike or automobile. Asia offers many types of road trip driving experiences including coastal routes, scenic countryside and treacherous mountain passes. Here’s a selection of eight to suit every driver from novice to thrill-seeker. Unless otherwise indicated, all you need is a valid international drivers’ license.
1. Clearwater Bay Road to Po Toi O, Hong Kong

Arrive at a picturesque fishing village at the end of the drive.
Driving in Hong Kong can be a stressful affair with constant bullying by mean taxi and mad minibus drivers. But head just outside of the bottleneck areas, and there are some great roads for weekend cruising. For a great afternoon excursion, take Clearwater Bay Road all the way to Po Toi O. Be sure to arrive at Po Toi O just before sunset; it’s a picturesque little fishing village where you can feast on delicious, fresh seafood Canto dishes. And just before hitting Po Toi O, on Tai Au Mun Road, one might catch sight of a row of cars parked off to one side. The drivers are likely flying their model airplanes on the cliff overlooking the beautiful bay.

2. Hokkaido Scenic Byway, Japan

This is not Provence.
You don't need to fly to Europe to admire fields of lavender stretching to the horizon. There are six designated scenic byways in Hokkaido offering landscapes not unlike those in the Swiss Alps or Provence in France. Just go for a drive on the Taisetsu-Furano scenic byway. This route trumps Provence in one very important way -- it has hot spring baths. To soak your cares away, check into the onsen resorts of Highland Furano or Furano La Terre. For a bit more country charm, check out the quaint, little Hutte Barden Kamifurano.

3. Jeju Island coastal drives, South Korea

Cherry Blossoms in full bloom.
South Korea’s resort island of Jeju offers vacationers an easy-going leisure drive along its coastal Ilju Road (Road 12). If staying at The Shilla, cruise the 5.6 kilometers from Mount Songaksan to the base of Mount Sangbansan. Drive up Mount Songaksan for beautiful ocean vistas. The island’s inactive volcanoes, Mount Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong and lava tubes at Manjanggul Cave, have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

4. Phuket Northeast Loop, Thailand

Spectacular Phang Nga Bay.
Tired of lazing around the villa pool? Then go for a road trip on Phuket’s Northeast loop. From Heroines Monument, head east along highway 4027. Along the way, pass by fishing villages and shrimp farms, admire the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay with its James Bond island (named because it appears in "The Man With The Golden Gun") and other islands in the distance. You can also take a drive past Mission Hills Golf Course.

5. Tibetan Highlands, China

A dramatic journey into Tibet.
On the Road in China organizes a 16-day drive from Kunming, Yunnan or Chengdu, Sichuan through the eastern Tibetan Plateau onto Lhasa. Try yak butter tea, picnic by the side of remote glacial lakes and join crowds of colorful Tibetan pilgrims, murmuring prayers as they circumnavigate the Jokhang Temple. Driving in China requires a Chinese driver’s license, which On the Road in China can arrange.

6. Hai Van Pass, Vietnam

Read more: 8 spectacular driving adventures | CNNGo.com http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/play/8-asian-driving-adventures-910776?hpt=Sbin#ixzz2yBtrbfG9

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