As the heat of day softened into a balmy evening, stars emerged overhead to dance upon the night sky. A campfire crackled in the midst of our lively gathering, casting its warm glow on faces both familiar and new. Laughter intertwined with tales of daring exploits, inventive vehicle repairs, and above all, an abiding passion for Land Rovers. This year marked the tenth anniversary of the Rovernuts—a decade of shared quests, steadfast camaraderie, and friendships born of an unwavering zest for exploration and these iconic machines.

I first encountered the Rovernuts in 2019 during The Last Overland expedition, when their generous assistance guided our convoy—comprising Oxford the Series I, Enterprise the Defender 90, and PAC the Defender 110—across the breadth of Malaysia. Returning to them now in Thailand stirred fond recollections and renewed my gratitude for the warmth of their fellowship. I was delighted to find Dr Sil, a companion from that unforgettable journey, though we missed our Singaporean friend Larry, who had been summoned to Paris at the last moment. Nevertheless, the Rovernuts’ indomitable spirit shone through, making our reunion feel much like the joyous homecoming of a far-flung family.

Who are the Rovernuts?

The Rovernuts are far more than a simple collective of Land Rover devotees—they form a family, bound by the shared thrill of adventure. First established in 2011 by Vigneswaran “Vicky” Karthigesu, their ranks have grown to encompass an international community stretching from Malaysia and Singapore to the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, France, and beyond. Through their travels, they exchange laughter, culture, and stories in the grand tradition of overlanding. “Once a Rovernut, always a Rovernut,” they say, and this year’s gathering confirmed it: over eighty Land Rovers, from stalwart Defenders and Discovery 2s to Range Rovers old and new, rolled together in a spirited caravan—a grand tribute to the marque’s enduring heritage. Each vehicle arrived with its own narrative, weaving a tapestry of shared memories and fresh adventures yet to unfold.

Bangkok to Khao Kho: Where it all began

Our journey commenced in Bangkok, where the Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel’s car park resounded with the lively rumble of engines and the cheerful commotion of last-minute preparations. Before we set out, we indulged in a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River—a glittering affair filled with stories, laughter, and mounting anticipation. Against the illuminated skyline of Thailand’s capital, it was a fitting prelude to all that awaited us.

Thailand itself holds a storied connection to Land Rovers, owing to King Rama IX’s admiration for the brand—one of his own Land Rovers even graced the nation’s banknotes, a revered symbol of resilience and adventure. Venturing into this landscape with the Rovernuts felt like stepping into living history, carrying forward a tradition of exploration. Upon departing the city, our convoy wended its way to Khao Kho, a region known for its verdant hills and refreshingly cool mountain air. There, at the Blue Sky Resort, we found ourselves immersed in the serene beauty of local rubber plantations, a man-made waterfall, and even a dried-up bog ripe for off-road exploration. By nightfall, over a hearty meal, the friendships among us grew stronger, setting the stage for the days ahead.

Challenges and triumphs in Chiang Khan

Our next destination was Chiang Khan, a tranquil riverside town brimming with old-world charm. The drive itself proved an adventure: midway, the clutch on our borrowed Defender 110 surrendered. Undaunted, my Belgian travelling companion, Antoine, deftly guided the vehicle onward despite its mechanical shortcomings, a fine example of the resourcefulness Land Rover drivers so often display. Ultimately, we reached Chiang Khan with a little assistance from our Singaporean comrades, who kindly offered a tow.

In true Rovernuts fashion, adversity swiftly transformed into opportunity for fellowship. We gathered in the car park to repair the clutch together, sharing not only tools and expertise but also a keen sense of community. Later, we roamed Chiang Khan’s bustling walking street, its traditional wooden houses brimming with local delicacies and handcrafted wares. That evening, alongside the gently flowing Mekong, we dined on mookratha, a traditional Thai barbecue. Lively conversation drifted through the night air like the river itself, carrying with it stories of distant travels—from East Asia to Europe and Australia—woven into the bonds of our cross-border camaraderie.

Loy Krathong: A celebration of gratitude

On 15 November, we partook in the Loy Krathong festival, a quintessentially Thai custom. Standing by the riverside, we released intricately adorned krathongs, each bearing a flickering candle that drifted downstream as a symbol of thankfulness and renewed hope. It was a moment of quiet reflection—an occasion to honour enduring friendships and celebrate how far we had come together.

That evening, we gathered for a special feast to celebrate Rovernuts’ tenth anniversary. Guests from near and far shared their own stories, painting vivid pictures of the remarkable places their Land Rovers had led them. We also took a glimpse at future voyages on the horizon. Antoine, beaming with delight, claimed a prize in the Rovernuts Lottery, while a Land Rover-shaped cake was presented to Ake, the president of Rovernuts Thailand. With laughter, music, and heartfelt speeches echoing beneath the stars, the night became one of those treasured memories destined to endure.

The spirit of Land Rovers

As the festival drew to a close, we lingered over a final breakfast, stirring our coffee and spinning plans for forthcoming adventures. For anyone who calls themselves a Rovernut, these gatherings transcend the ordinary—they are a shared celebration of life on the road, enduring friendships, and the vehicles that bring each journey to life. Land Rovers, with their timeless design and legendary capabilities, serve as trusty companions in these pursuits. Yet it is the connections formed—over open flames, in spirited repair sessions, and along rugged trails—that define the true essence of our community.

Will you join us?

If you have ever dreamt of guiding a Land Rover across distant horizons, the Rovernuts invite you to heed the call. From breathtaking mountain passes to riverside sojourns, this community ensures that with every turn of the wheel comes fresh camaraderie, discovery, and merriment. The road stretches out before us all—shall you answer its call?

Enjoy your grand adventures and may the Rovernuts spirit follow you wherever you roam!