KOTA BHARU: Malaysian biker Chin Voon Chuen fulfils his wish of riding a 63-year-old Italian-made Vespa to Boten, a  Laos-China border town in 29 days.

The completion of 5,321km journey on the vintage motorcycle was the best birthday gift for Chin, 39, from Mantin, Negeri Sembilan.

Also known as Mr Half Glass on Facebook, Chin took the challenge of riding from Malaysia to Thailand where he reached Boten, a border of northern Thailand and Laos.

He also rode to the Golden Triangle and Mae Sai, the northern tip of Thailand.

Chin’s journey began on June 5, taking him through northern Malaysia, southern and central Thailand, and over mountainous terrain all the way to the Golden Triangle before reaching Boten,  the Laos-China  border town.

The Vespa was later shipped from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, then to Hat Yai, before he rode it back home to Mantin, arriving home on July 3.

He changed the original destination from Cambodia to Boten due to the Thai-Cambodia conflict.

Speaking to Sin Chew Daily in Kota Bharu, Kelantan during his return to Malaysia, Chin explained that this trip was on his bucket list.

The journey wasn’t smooth. On the second day, the Vespa suffered a major breakdown and had to be transported by support vehicle to Songkhla in southern Thailand.

By the third day, it was sent to Hat Yai for a full engine overhaul.

Chin credited the father-son team at YoonHang Motor Hatyai for generously helping him in repairing the motorcycle.

“If it weren’t for them, I probably would’ve had to turn back on the second stop,” he said.

Recalling the most heart-pounding moment, Chin said it happened just 10 kilometers from Boten. He encountered floodwaters over 0.6m deep and muddy terrain, causing the Vespa to stall. With the help of local passersby, he managed to push the bike out, cleaned the spark plug, and—miraculously- it started again to complete the challenge.

At the northernmost border town of Boten, Chin raised the Malaysian flag and proudly waved it while shouting, “Saya Anak Malaysia!”—showcasing Malaysian pride on foreign soil.

Chin’s full route:

Mantin – Bukit Mertajam – Songkhla – Hat Yai – Krabi – Surat Thani – Chumphon – Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi – Nakhon Sawan – Mae Sot – Mae Sariang – Mae Hong Son – Ban Rak Thai – Pai – Mae Sai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Khong – Laos – Boten – Chiang Khong – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Bangkok – Hat Yai – Kelantan – Mantin

Chin also expressed heartfelt thanks to his Vespa club teammates for their care and technical support, and to his family for granting him the freedom to embark on this adventure.

He also extended special thanks to his mentor from Jerantut, Pahang, who served as his road advisor and spiritual guide—planning his daily routes and offering encouragement.

“Finally, I want to thank myself—for having the courage to take that first step, because that’s what made this unforgettable journey possible.”

The journey cost him RM6,000.