The Saigon Classic Car Club, established in 2011 by vintage car enthusiasts in Vietnam and the Vietnamese diaspora, organized the trip. Since its founding, the club has arranged numerous domestic road trips, but this marks its first international expedition.

In September 2024, the club received an invitation to participate in Thailand's motorsports and vintage car festival, held on November 23-24. Two months of meticulous planning culminated in the journey, involving five classic cars and one retro Honda JDM model from 1988.

The classic vehicles include two Volkswagen Bus T1s (1960s), a Ford Customline (1950s), a Mercedes-Benz 220S (1960s), and a Ford Mustang (1960s). The journey began on November 18 at the Continental Hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, the club's regular meeting spot.

The convoy made its first stop in Tay Ninh province for vehicle inspections before crossing into Cambodia. Nguyen Xuan Thuy, a club member, explained that the team chose to split the trip to Siem Reap into two days, as the nearly 400-kilometer journey posed challenges for vehicles over 50 years old.

Initial mechanical issues, including wheel bearing, brake, and tire problems, were promptly addressed before the convoy resumed. In Siem Reap, the group enjoyed a day exploring Angkor Wat and continued to resolve vehicle issues with help from local mechanics.

The convoy’s first stop in Thailand was Khao Yai, known for its national park and scenic attractions. The journey continued to Buriram, the festival's host city, located over 200 kilometers from Bangkok.

The festival, though lasting just two days, was a large-scale event that attracted enthusiasts from Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia. Participants included professional racers and vintage car owners. The event featured racing activities open to all, following safety and skills training by organizers.

Club member Thuy shared the story of David Chan, an 80-year-old friend of the Vietnamese group, who drove his 1966 Mini Cooper Wagon over 2,000 kilometers to attend the festival. His determination exemplified the passion uniting vintage car enthusiasts.

The Vietnamese delegation showcased their vehicles and participated in a parade on November 23, leaving lasting impressions at the festival.

This journey builds on previous collaborations with international car clubs. Earlier this year, the Saigon Classic Car Club supported the "Road to Hanoi Marathon," a cross-border rally involving 27 cars from 10 countries and 60 local vehicles. These efforts have spurred interest in long-distance, cross-country expeditions for vintage car enthusiasts.