There is an epic story proving that the Porsche 911 Dakar can transcend its role as a mere sports car and become a true adventure companion.

Nguyen Hoang An, owner of a logistics company in Vietnam, accomplished a round-trip journey of 33,000 kilometers from Vietnam to Mongolia’s Gobi Desert and back in his 911 Dakar.

Meeting the 911 Dakar

In September 2023, An’s 911 Dakar set off from a garage in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). This special 911, the first ever sold in Vietnam, was delivered just six weeks prior but represented the fulfillment of a long-held dream for An. He had ordered this off-road-spec 911 a year earlier, driven by his dream to conquer the Gobi Desert.

As preparation, An conducted 2,000 kilometers of test driving within Vietnam. Although the car was designed for off-road use, he admitted that his 54-year-old body was not quite as prepared. Still, he was thrilled by the challenge of venturing into the unknown.

The Road to the Desert

An began his journey accompanied by two friends driving a pickup truck and an SUV. Using walkie-talkies and smartphones, they stayed connected and coordinated their progress. The first few days took them along the South China Sea coast, then westward across Laos, where breathtaking scenery unfolded. But this was only the prologue. An’s destination was a place no other 911 had ever set foot.

Upon entering China, An had the opportunity to truly test the 911 Dakar’s capabilities.

At Chaka Salt Lake on the Tibetan Plateau, about 3,100 meters above sea level, he was captivated by the deep blue sky and stunning beauty. Further northwest in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, he encountered the sandy and hilly terrain of the Gobi Desert. The 911 Dakar proved its excellence in both climbing and sprinting performance. Along the way, following Chinese custom, they tied fireworks to the back of the car and raced across the grasslands—a unique and memorable experience.

Mongolia and the Frozen Lands

The journey continued into Mongolia.

In the Gobi Desert, they faced a challenge when large rocks sliced their tires, but thanks to a spare tire, they avoided serious trouble. An’s group visited the Kazakh Beken family, traditional falconers, and experienced their culture firsthand. An described his 911 as “my falcon.” Traversing the harsh desert terrain, he became confident that the 911 Dakar could handle any landscape.

In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, the car was serviced at a repair shop staffed by Vietnamese mechanics. Afterwards, the group left the frozen Lake Khövsgöl and returned to China. In northern China’s snowy roads, there were moments of drifting fun in the 911 Dakar, though icy conditions made it dangerous. Later, when caught in traffic jams, they boldly avoided delays by taking off-road routes.

This daring feat went viral on social media, garnering over two million views. In Mohe, China’s northernmost city, they experienced extreme cold below minus 30 degrees Celsius. Later, in Snow Village (China’s snow town), they enjoyed a dreamlike drive through the snow in the 911 Dakar.

Journey’s End and a New Beginning

Near the end of the trip, An visited Dandong, a border city with North Korea, and explored the remains of a bridge that once connected China and North Korea.

Passing through Beijing, they aimed for Shanhaiguan, where the Great Wall meets the sea. As they neared their Vietnamese homeland, many people captured them on smartphones, making them a social media sensation. An and his 911 Dakar became instant celebrities. Upon returning to Ho Chi Minh City, he had completed 33,000 kilometers in 75 days. This journey was the greatest adventure of his life.

One year after the journey, An visited the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, where he met Achim Lampalter, the development lead of the 911 Dakar. Lampalter listened intently to An’s travel stories and shared behind-the-scenes insights into the 911 Dakar’s development.

This story shows that the Porsche 911 Dakar is not just a car but a partner that can make its owner’s dreams come true. An’s journey surely inspired and encouraged many Porsche owners.

The record of this journey expanded the possibilities of the Porsche and stirred the hearts of Porsche enthusiasts worldwide.