They say "it's about the journey, not the destination". Well, in the case of our 'Going Further Together’ drive to Bangkok with Porsche Malaysia, it was both. With over 1,500 kilometres ahead of us and the Porsche Cayenne as our
ride, we were in for a voyage more spectacular than most. Across four days of driving, the iconic all-wheel drive sports car brought us through the various terrains of Northern Malaysia and Southern Thailand. The winding roads,
loose gravel, beating hot sun, and never-ending straights were no match for the car and we, along with three carmates, were behind the wheel for it all. Below, BURO's Lifestyle Editor Amanda Fung will take you through the corners,
straights, and turns of her drive up to Bangkok in the Porsche Cayenne.
They say "it's about the journey, not the destination". Well, in the case of our 'Going Further Together’ drive to Bangkok with Porsche Malaysia, it was both. With over 1,500 kilometres ahead of us and the Porsche Cayenne as our
ride, we were in for a voyage more spectacular than most. Across four days of driving, the iconic all-wheel drive sports car brought us through the various terrains of Northern Malaysia and Southern Thailand. The winding roads,
loose gravel, beating hot sun, and never-ending straights were no match for the car and we, along with three carmates, were behind the wheel for it all. Below, BURO's Lifestyle Editor Amanda Fung will take you through the corners,
straights, and turns of her drive up to Bangkok in the Porsche Cayenne.
Our day began not so bright and very early (AKA well before sunrise) at Porsche Centre Ara Damansara. As we were admiring the Martini Racing livery that was installed just for this trip, we were also making sure our bags were stacked
securely in the rear trunk. Four check-in bags, three hand luggages, and multiple duffle bags filled with Thai snacks later, everything fit in the 772-litre space with room to spare! Once everything—and everyone—got cosy in
the car, we were headed north for the official flag off at Porsche Centre Penang. Upon arrival, we were amongst some of the sleekest cars in Malaysia from the 718 Boxster and 911 Carrera to the GT4 and more. Our Porsche Cayenne
fit right in, fierce as ever, fitted with the Exclusive Manufaktur Package. Its look was complete with 22-inch Sport Design wheels, a Sport Design Package bodykit with matching exterior colour components, and a tinted tail
light. With photos and videos added to all of our camera rolls, we were finally off to the border and started our drive through Southern Thailand.
Lasting about 12 hours, this was set to be our longest drive day yet as we rolled into the town of Trang just around sunset. Prior to this, I didn't know what to expect of the long hours I would spend in the car and carsickness was a top concern. Thankfully, with the Porsche Active Suspension Management system and spacious interiors, I didn't have to worry too much about needing to "take a break". With the PASM at work, we could roll through potholes, windy roads, and gravelly stretches with ease as the system dampened all sorts of terrain. Plus, the electronic roll-up sunblinds added an extra layer of comfort and privacy in the back seat. Eventually, we made it to Trang with a few snack/coffee stops along the way and zero hiccups. Oh, and mind you, we hadn't even fuelled up once… hello, fuel efficiency!
Lasting about 12 hours, this was set to be our longest drive day yet as we rolled into the town of Trang just around sunset. Prior to this, I didn't know what to expect of the long hours I would spend in the car and carsickness was a top concern. Thankfully, with the Porsche Active Suspension Management system and spacious interiors, I didn't have to worry too much about needing to "take a break". With the PASM at work, we could roll through potholes, windy roads, and gravelly stretches with ease as the system dampened all sorts of terrain. Plus, the electronic roll-up sunblinds added an extra layer of comfort and privacy in the back seat. Eventually, we made it to Trang with a few snack/coffee stops along the way and zero hiccups. Oh, and mind you, we hadn't even fuelled up once… hello, fuel efficiency!
Our day began not so bright and very early (AKA well before sunrise) at Porsche Centre Ara Damansara. As we were admiring the Martini Racing livery that was installed just for this trip, we were also making sure our bags were stacked
securely in the rear trunk. Four check-in bags, three hand luggages, and multiple duffle bags filled with Thai snacks later, everything fit in the 772-litre space with room to spare! Once everything—and everyone—got cosy in
the car, we were headed north for the official flag off at Porsche Centre Penang. Upon arrival, we were amongst some of the sleekest cars in Malaysia from the 718 Boxster and 911 Carrera to the GT4 and more. Our Porsche Cayenne
fit right in, fierce as ever, fitted with the Exclusive Manufaktur Package. Its look was complete with 22-inch Sport Design wheels, a Sport Design Package bodykit with matching exterior colour components, and a tinted tail
light. With photos and videos added to all of our camera rolls, we were finally off to the border and started our drive through Southern Thailand.
Lasting about 12 hours, this was set to be our longest drive day yet as we rolled into the town of Trang just around sunset. Prior to this, I didn't know what to expect of the long hours I would spend in the car and carsickness was a top concern. Thankfully, with the Porsche Active Suspension Management system and spacious interiors, I didn't have to worry too much about needing to "take a break". With the PASM at work, we could roll through potholes, windy roads, and gravelly stretches with ease as the system dampened all sorts of terrain. Plus, the electronic roll-up sunblinds added an extra layer of comfort and privacy in the back seat. Eventually, we made it to Trang with a few snack/coffee stops along the way and zero hiccups. Oh, and mind you, we hadn't even fuelled up once… hello, fuel efficiency!
Lasting about 12 hours, this was set to be our longest drive day yet as we rolled into the town of Trang just around sunset. Prior to this, I didn't know what to expect of the long hours I would spend in the car and carsickness was a top concern. Thankfully, with the Porsche Active Suspension Management system and spacious interiors, I didn't have to worry too much about needing to "take a break". With the PASM at work, we could roll through potholes, windy roads, and gravelly stretches with ease as the system dampened all sorts of terrain. Plus, the electronic roll-up sunblinds added an extra layer of comfort and privacy in the back seat. Eventually, we made it to Trang with a few snack/coffee stops along the way and zero hiccups. Oh, and mind you, we hadn't even fuelled up once… hello, fuel efficiency!
The second day on the road started a little later than our first, but early nonetheless. I was first on the roster to drive, so I made it a point to get situated in the car a little earlier than our intended time of departure.
Indicator stock on the left, windshield wipers on the right. Apple CarPlay (or Android Auto) sorted and air-conditioning set to just the right temperature. Most importantly, my seat, side-view mirrors, and steering wheel were
comfortably adjusted to fit my driving position. The seat, in particular, was a delight to explore with the comfort 14-way option, which meant I could adjust everything from height and angle to lumbar support and seat squab
depth. Everything—from media and maps to car controls and settings—was easy to navigate and control on the 12.3-inch central Porsche Communication Management display, which made every pre-drive prep session incredibly smooth
and quick! All that was left to do was crank up the Bose Surround Sound System and get going.
When we finally got going, the ease of driving this car was immediately apparent. Despite its size, it was incredibly easy to handle, even for an anxious driver like myself on the rather narrow roads between Trang and Ranong. Our first stop of the day was a gas station for both us and the Porsche Cayenne to fuel up. Lunch was a scenic one by the Bo Saen River for our dose of Thai river prawns. After licking our plates clean, we resumed our drive on Route 4, headed straight for our next destination. During this stretch, we decided to give Sport mode a try, allowing for the car to shine with quicker pickups in acceleration and less roll on the bends. It was a true masterclass in balancing sporty playfulness with comfortable elegance. We rolled into Ranong just in time for dinner by the sea, where we found out just how much being in a car for hours on end could work up an appetite!
When we finally got going, the ease of driving this car was immediately apparent. Despite its size, it was incredibly easy to handle, even for an anxious driver like myself on the rather narrow roads between Trang and Ranong. Our first stop of the day was a gas station for both us and the Porsche Cayenne to fuel up. Lunch was a scenic one by the Bo Saen River for our dose of Thai river prawns. After licking our plates clean, we resumed our drive on Route 4, headed straight for our next destination. During this stretch, we decided to give Sport mode a try, allowing for the car to shine with quicker pickups in acceleration and less roll on the bends. It was a true masterclass in balancing sporty playfulness with comfortable elegance. We rolled into Ranong just in time for dinner by the sea, where we found out just how much being in a car for hours on end could work up an appetite!
The second day on the road started a little later than our first, but early nonetheless. I was first on the roster to drive, so I made it a point to get situated in the car a little earlier than our intended time of departure.
Indicator stock on the left, windshield wipers on the right. Apple CarPlay (or Android Auto) sorted and air-conditioning set to just the right temperature. Most importantly, my seat, side-view mirrors, and steering wheel were
comfortably adjusted to fit my driving position. The seat, in particular, was a delight to explore with the comfort 14-way option, which meant I could adjust everything from height and angle to lumbar support and seat squab
depth. Everything—from media and maps to car controls and settings—was easy to navigate and control on the 12.3-inch central Porsche Communication Management display, which made every pre-drive prep session incredibly smooth
and quick! All that was left to do was crank up the Bose Surround Sound System and get going.
When we finally got going, the ease of driving this car was immediately apparent. Despite its size, it was incredibly easy to handle, even for an anxious driver like myself on the rather narrow roads between Trang and Ranong. Our first stop of the day was a gas station for both us and the Porsche Cayenne to fuel up. Lunch was a scenic one by the Bo Saen River for our dose of Thai river prawns. After licking our plates clean, we resumed our drive on Route 4, headed straight for our next destination. During this stretch, we decided to give Sport mode a try, allowing for the car to shine with quicker pickups in acceleration and less roll on the bends. It was a true masterclass in balancing sporty playfulness with comfortable elegance. We rolled into Ranong just in time for dinner by the sea, where we found out just how much being in a car for hours on end could work up an appetite!
When we finally got going, the ease of driving this car was immediately apparent. Despite its size, it was incredibly easy to handle, even for an anxious driver like myself on the rather narrow roads between Trang and Ranong. Our first stop of the day was a gas station for both us and the Porsche Cayenne to fuel up. Lunch was a scenic one by the Bo Saen River for our dose of Thai river prawns. After licking our plates clean, we resumed our drive on Route 4, headed straight for our next destination. During this stretch, we decided to give Sport mode a try, allowing for the car to shine with quicker pickups in acceleration and less roll on the bends. It was a true masterclass in balancing sporty playfulness with comfortable elegance. We rolled into Ranong just in time for dinner by the sea, where we found out just how much being in a car for hours on end could work up an appetite!
Come sunrise on day three, we were back on the road and making for our penultimate stop on the drive: Hua Hin. Unlike the previous days, the skies were gray instead of the usual blue with cotton candy clouds. This meant embracing
a slower speed for the drive, which was no problem considering we had tonnes of views to take in as we snaked through the mountains. Thanks to the Porsche Cayenne's enhanced chassis, what would have been a dizzying drive ended
up being rather comfortable. Whatever the road and passengers needed, the Cayenne delivered. By the time we stopped for lunch, the clouds had cleared and we were back on a sunny schedule.
At this post-meal point, we were ready to make a beeline for our hotel, but the opportunity arose for a scenic stop by a vineyard that we simply couldn't pass up on. I also wouldn't be the first in the car to admit that I had no idea a vineyard even existed in this region. And before you question us, no drinking was involved! Our visit was purely for the scenery and vanity of it all. But immediately upon arrival, it cemented itself as one of those places I'd tell anyone driving this route to make a detour for. The rolling hills and seemingly endless vine rows were the perfect backdrop for getting in some fresh air...and beauty shots of the Porsche Cayenne. We stayed until the early minutes of sundown and finished off the remaining 45 minutes of our journey into Hua Hin. Even though the drive was a dark one with only a few street lamps in commission, we had no problem navigating the route thanks to the LED Matrix Headlights that did its job perfectly. Not only were we safer, but we were also more comfortable taking on an unfamiliar road with maximum visibility and minimal glare thanks to the micro-LEDs. After yet another Thai dinner (we couldn't get enough), it was time to turn in and get some shuteye before the grand finale of our drive.
At this post-meal point, we were ready to make a beeline for our hotel, but the opportunity arose for a scenic stop by a vineyard that we simply couldn't pass up on. I also wouldn't be the first in the car to admit that I had no idea a vineyard even existed in this region. And before you question us, no drinking was involved! Our visit was purely for the scenery and vanity of it all. But immediately upon arrival, it cemented itself as one of those places I'd tell anyone driving this route to make a detour for. The rolling hills and seemingly endless vine rows were the perfect backdrop for getting in some fresh air...and beauty shots of the Porsche Cayenne. We stayed until the early minutes of sundown and finished off the remaining 45 minutes of our journey into Hua Hin. Even though the drive was a dark one with only a few street lamps in commission, we had no problem navigating the route thanks to the LED Matrix Headlights that did its job perfectly. Not only were we safer, but we were also more comfortable taking on an unfamiliar road with maximum visibility and minimal glare thanks to the micro-LEDs. After yet another Thai dinner (we couldn't get enough), it was time to turn in and get some shuteye before the grand finale of our drive.
Come sunrise on day three, we were back on the road and making for our penultimate stop on the drive: Hua Hin. Unlike the previous days, the skies were gray instead of the usual blue with cotton candy clouds. This meant embracing
a slower speed for the drive, which was no problem considering we had tonnes of views to take in as we snaked through the mountains. Thanks to the Porsche Cayenne's enhanced chassis, what would have been a dizzying drive ended
up being rather comfortable. Whatever the road and passengers needed, the Cayenne delivered. By the time we stopped for lunch, the clouds had cleared and we were back on a sunny schedule.
At this post-meal point, we were ready to make a beeline for our hotel, but the opportunity arose for a scenic stop by a vineyard that we simply couldn't pass up on. I also wouldn't be the first in the car to admit that I had no idea a vineyard even existed in this region. And before you question us, no drinking was involved! Our visit was purely for the scenery and vanity of it all. But immediately upon arrival, it cemented itself as one of those places I'd tell anyone driving this route to make a detour for. The rolling hills and seemingly endless vine rows were the perfect backdrop for getting in some fresh air...and beauty shots of the Porsche Cayenne. We stayed until the early minutes of sundown and finished off the remaining 45 minutes of our journey into Hua Hin. Even though the drive was a dark one with only a few street lamps in commission, we had no problem navigating the route thanks to the LED Matrix Headlights that did its job perfectly. Not only were we safer, but we were also more comfortable taking on an unfamiliar road with maximum visibility and minimal glare thanks to the micro-LEDs. After yet another Thai dinner (we couldn't get enough), it was time to turn in and get some shuteye before the grand finale of our drive.
At this post-meal point, we were ready to make a beeline for our hotel, but the opportunity arose for a scenic stop by a vineyard that we simply couldn't pass up on. I also wouldn't be the first in the car to admit that I had no idea a vineyard even existed in this region. And before you question us, no drinking was involved! Our visit was purely for the scenery and vanity of it all. But immediately upon arrival, it cemented itself as one of those places I'd tell anyone driving this route to make a detour for. The rolling hills and seemingly endless vine rows were the perfect backdrop for getting in some fresh air...and beauty shots of the Porsche Cayenne. We stayed until the early minutes of sundown and finished off the remaining 45 minutes of our journey into Hua Hin. Even though the drive was a dark one with only a few street lamps in commission, we had no problem navigating the route thanks to the LED Matrix Headlights that did its job perfectly. Not only were we safer, but we were also more comfortable taking on an unfamiliar road with maximum visibility and minimal glare thanks to the micro-LEDs. After yet another Thai dinner (we couldn't get enough), it was time to turn in and get some shuteye before the grand finale of our drive.
This was it: the last stretch! The drive from Hua Hin to Bangkok was our shortest stint yet, clocking in at only three hours. With the aim of making it to the city by the afternoon, we made a quick pit stop to fuel up and then
it was highway cruising for the morning. Despite some blocked lanes and minor obstructions on the road, Lane Assist came in handy, keeping our lines in check and ultimately, our car safe! We eventually knew we were hitting
Bangkok territory as the traffic started to build up, but even so, the ride didn't feel jerky at all. By the grace of the Porsche Cayenne, this chronically carsick writer emerged from the four-day drive practically unscathed!
After successfully parking the car and thanking it for bringing us this far, we made it to our hotel rooms for some downtime.
As the sun went down, we got dolled up, all ready to head to the Porsche Clubs Night. The regional event was held at Curvistan Bangkok, a multi-dimensional destination for Porsche lovers to come together and appreciate its motoring heritage while enjoying some coffee and drinks. The space doubled as a gallery as all five of the cars that starred in the recent Expedition Porsche—a whopping 22,000-kilometre drive from Bangkok to Stuttgart—also made their respective appearances for the exclusive night. Being surrounded by a crowd celebrating the Porsche spirit was undoubtedly energising and, quite honestly, heartwarming. After four hours of mixing and mingling, we headed back to turn in for the night with excitement levels for the next day through the roof.
As the sun went down, we got dolled up, all ready to head to the Porsche Clubs Night. The regional event was held at Curvistan Bangkok, a multi-dimensional destination for Porsche lovers to come together and appreciate its motoring heritage while enjoying some coffee and drinks. The space doubled as a gallery as all five of the cars that starred in the recent Expedition Porsche—a whopping 22,000-kilometre drive from Bangkok to Stuttgart—also made their respective appearances for the exclusive night. Being surrounded by a crowd celebrating the Porsche spirit was undoubtedly energising and, quite honestly, heartwarming. After four hours of mixing and mingling, we headed back to turn in for the night with excitement levels for the next day through the roof.
This was it: the last stretch! The drive from Hua Hin to Bangkok was our shortest stint yet, clocking in at only three hours. With the aim of making it to the city by the afternoon, we made a quick pit stop to fuel up and then
it was highway cruising for the morning. Despite some blocked lanes and minor obstructions on the road, Lane Assist came in handy, keeping our lines in check and ultimately, our car safe! We eventually knew we were hitting
Bangkok territory as the traffic started to build up, but even so, the ride didn't feel jerky at all. By the grace of the Porsche Cayenne, this chronically carsick writer emerged from the four-day drive practically unscathed!
After successfully parking the car and thanking it for bringing us this far, we made it to our hotel rooms for some downtime.
As the sun went down, we got dolled up, all ready to head to the Porsche Clubs Night. The regional event was held at Curvistan Bangkok, a multi-dimensional destination for Porsche lovers to come together and appreciate its motoring heritage while enjoying some coffee and drinks. The space doubled as a gallery as all five of the cars that starred in the recent Expedition Porsche—a whopping 22,000-kilometre drive from Bangkok to Stuttgart—also made their respective appearances for the exclusive night. Being surrounded by a crowd celebrating the Porsche spirit was undoubtedly energising and, quite honestly, heartwarming. After four hours of mixing and mingling, we headed back to turn in for the night with excitement levels for the next day through the roof.
As the sun went down, we got dolled up, all ready to head to the Porsche Clubs Night. The regional event was held at Curvistan Bangkok, a multi-dimensional destination for Porsche lovers to come together and appreciate its motoring heritage while enjoying some coffee and drinks. The space doubled as a gallery as all five of the cars that starred in the recent Expedition Porsche—a whopping 22,000-kilometre drive from Bangkok to Stuttgart—also made their respective appearances for the exclusive night. Being surrounded by a crowd celebrating the Porsche spirit was undoubtedly energising and, quite honestly, heartwarming. After four hours of mixing and mingling, we headed back to turn in for the night with excitement levels for the next day through the roof.
There's no Sunday like a Das Treffen X Sunday! We were beyond ready to finally immerse ourselves amongst some of the most extraordinary Porsches in the region. The rush we felt when entering Impact Speed Park can be compared to
the sheer thrill of walking into a theme park as a child. Everywhere we turned, there were Porsches, both classic and modern, in our field of view. Being able to display our Porsche Cayenne as one of the 734 cars in attendance
also made the experience all the more special. Just standing there truly felt surreal as it was the culmination of the entire journey, although it was really just a fraction of the five days I had already spent on the road.
I spent my time wandering through the park, admiring the beautifully maintained cars, checking out the retail vendors' merchandise, tucking into local bites from food trucks, and bumping into fellow Malaysians who also made the drive up. Having Porsche Malaysia credentials also meant I had access to the Porsche Thailand hospitality suite, where I could sit and admire the view from above. We stayed well into the night, only departing the park just minutes before closing. With my flight set for the following afternoon, the only thing left on my itinerary was a moment of gratitude for this trip, a long packing session, and a good night's sleep.
I spent my time wandering through the park, admiring the beautifully maintained cars, checking out the retail vendors' merchandise, tucking into local bites from food trucks, and bumping into fellow Malaysians who also made the drive up. Having Porsche Malaysia credentials also meant I had access to the Porsche Thailand hospitality suite, where I could sit and admire the view from above. We stayed well into the night, only departing the park just minutes before closing. With my flight set for the following afternoon, the only thing left on my itinerary was a moment of gratitude for this trip, a long packing session, and a good night's sleep.
Spend this amount of time with a Porsche Cayenne and the line between want and need will blur with every passing day. Born in Stuttgart and assembled in Malaysia, the car is one of poise, comfort, and versatility. It may look like
an SUV but it has the heart of a sports car, ready and willing to take on any terrain. Within the few days of our drive, it displayed all of its best qualities and more from the moment we embarked on the journey. Not many people
can brag about snagging a first class-like seat in a Porsche Cayenne for a road trip all the way to Bangkok but I am now proud to say that I have! And hopefully, you will soon be in one of your own too.
Your Porsche Cayenne dreams of driving to Bangkok (and beyond!) can come true and it all starts here with a test drive on your calendar!
Your Porsche Cayenne dreams of driving to Bangkok (and beyond!) can come true and it all starts here with a test drive on your calendar!
Spend this amount of time with a Porsche Cayenne and the line between want and need will blur with every passing day. Born in Stuttgart and assembled in Malaysia, the car is one of poise, comfort, and versatility. It may look like
an SUV but it has the heart of a sports car, ready and willing to take on any terrain. Within the few days of our drive, it displayed all of its best qualities and more from the moment we embarked on the journey. Not many people
can brag about snagging a first class-like seat in a Porsche Cayenne for a road trip all the way to Bangkok but I am now proud to say that I have! And hopefully, you will soon be in one of your own too.
Your Porsche Cayenne dreams of driving to Bangkok (and beyond!) can come true and it all starts here with a test drive on your calendar!
Your Porsche Cayenne dreams of driving to Bangkok (and beyond!) can come true and it all starts here with a test drive on your calendar!
TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY / AMANDA FUNG
CONCEPT & LAYOUT DESIGN / EVE LYN LAU
CONCEPT & LAYOUT DESIGN / EVE LYN LAU
CREDITS
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