Group Size: Minimum 1, Maximum 8

Guaranteed to depart

English speaking tour coordinator

Visiting
BANGKOK - ROI ET - KALASIN - MUKDAHAN - SAVANAKHET - PAKSE

Accommodation

• Three star hotels, (5 nights).
• One to two star guest houses and hotels, (8 nights).
• Overnight sleeper train, (1 night).

Transport
Bus, Train, Taxi.

Day Trips

Wat Phu Champasak, ( half day).

Entry Fees

All included when part of the itinerary.

Meals
14 meals included as per itinerary.
B = Breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Tonight your Isan, Insects & Laos small group tour will stay in;  BANGKOK - Your Isan, Insects & Laos small group tour officially starts when you check into your Bangkok accommodation. A welcoming dinner will be had in the evening. If you arrive early enough your free time could be spent visiting the enormous Chatuchak weekend market and/or Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, MBK or Siam shopping centres or take a ride with the locals on the Chao Phraya express to some local shops in Nonthaburi.
A few of the dozens of other options may be Vimanmek Teak Mansion, Chinatown, Wat Traimit, Jim Thompsons House, Silom or Sukumvit shops.

OR? Maybe just lay back and have a traditional thai massage. A month in the capital wouldn't allow enough time to see it all. D.

Day 2:

Tonight your Isan, Insects & Laos small group  tour will stay in; Roi Et - An early start today to the Mor Chit bus station to catch a bus to Roi Et and your first taste of Isan life. With it's long history Roi Et, (literally one hundred and one), is a great place to begin. A few tourist attractions include the Roi Et national museum and the almost seventy metre high standing buddha being hard to miss above the roofline at the ornate temple of Wat Burapha. Another tall walking buddha and the city pillar dominate  the island in the centre of lake Beung Phlan Chai which has some leisurely walking paths to stroll around on.  But it will be the huge indoor night market that you will most likely never forget about Roi Et. One of the largest undercover food markets in all the kingdom with an innumerable amount of food choices. From pizza and sushi to  local sprecialities not known to visitors will keep you guessing. No need to guess though when you see the large piles of fried insects, (malaeng in Thai) on display. Insects are but one of the local specialities in this part of the world so don't miss  the chance of a taste test.  Squid, chicken or pork on a stick and dozens of other stir fries and curries will be a taste treat to behold. B.

Day 3:

ROI ET - A free day at leisure to explore Roi Et and the local Isan way of life. B.

Day 4:

ROI ET - Another free day to further explore this very pleasant Isan town. A local shopping plaza will give you even more dining options as you get a view of an Isan department store  B.

Day 5:

Tonight your small group Isan, Insects & Laos tour will stay in; KALASIN - A short trip by local bus  today will see your small group tour in the smaller town of Kalasin for an overnight stop.  No real tourist attractions as such, just another chance to see how the locals live on a day to day basis. This is the real Thailand with no other tourists in sight. A local restaurant or another market may give you another insight on Isan dinning tonight. B

Day 6:

Tonight your small group Isan, Insects & Laos tour will stay in MUKDAHAN. -  Another short bus trip today with the locals will see your small group  tour arrive in Mukdahan. One of the prettier Isan towns besides the Mekong river Mukdahan is now a trading town of sorts with a bridge across to Laos connecting it with trade routes to Indochina. Walking along the riverside market stalls is more of interest to see the local produce and odds and ends rather than being a tourist market as such. Mukdahan also has locals temples and a short distance out of town is Ho Khao Mukdahan a sixty five metre high tower with great riverside views and a small museum. A large open air market in the evening will again give you another chance to dine with the locals although large westerners may have to stand up as the chairs in this market are more suitable to small locals or a childs play house  than large or overweight tourists. B.

Day 7:

MUKDAHAN - A totally free day to stroll around town at leisure. As Mukdahan does see a few tourists these days it now also has some regular restaurants with western food and regular chairs for those requiring some comfort food. B.

Day 8:

Tonight your small group Isan, Insects & Laos tour will stay in; SAVANAKHET - An international bus across the bridge into Laos this morning will see you in Savanakhet. Savanakhet is another of those quiet Laos riverside towns where one of the favorite pass times is having a Beerlao beside the Mekong. Traces of the French still remain with colonial era buildings lineing some of the quiet wide streets. Some of the tourist attractions include the Provincial Museum, a small Dinosaur Museum and the two temples of Wat Sainyaphum and Wat Rattanalangsi among other temples and old churches. For the most part though just strolling around this charming town is one of the best ways to enjoy it. B.

Day 9:

SAVANAKHET - A free day to do all of the above as well as have another Beerlao or coconut juice beside the river. CHEERS!

Day 10:

Tonight your small group Isan, Insects & Laos tour will stay in : PAKSE - Today by a very local bus for a six hour or so trip south will see your small group tour in Pakse the capital of Champasak province. Like Savanakhet Pakse now has a bridge over the Mekong to Thailand  meaning it has grown into a bit of a trading town also. But with the usual Laos laid back style it also makes for a more than relaxing stay. Only a young town by Laos standards it was founded by the French in 1905. Some minor attractions in town are a small History museum and the usual array of Wats.  But only forty six kilometres out of town is the the reason so many tourists now arrive in Pakse. World Heritage listed  Wat Phu Champasak is one of the highlights of Laos.This fifth century Khmer religious complex is tiny in comparison to the Angkor kingdom but is no less intricate in design. If you can't make it to Angkor then Wat Phu Champasak is a more than worthy alternative. B.

Day 11:

PAKSE - A half day tour of Wat Phu Champasak is included today. B.

Day 12:

PAKSE - A free day in Pakse to relax or stroll with numerous good restaurants and a Beerlao never to far away. B.

Day 13:

Tonight your small group Isan, Insects & Laos tour will stay on; OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN -  Today your small group tour will head back to Thailand and Ubon Ratchathani to catch an overnight sleeper train back to Bangkok. B.

Day 14:

Tonight your small group Isan, Insects & Laos tour will stay in;  BANGKOK - Your small group tour will arrive a.m. in Bangkok for a final night. Rest of the day is free. In the evening a farewell dinner will be had. D.

Day 15:

Your Isan, Insects & Laos small group tour is officially over after you check out of your Bangkok accommodation. An airport transfer is included also. B.

Tour Departure Dates

2012
03 Mar, 17 Mar, 07 Apr, 21 Apr, 05 May, 19 May, 02 Jun, 16 Jun, 07 Jul, 21 Jul, 04 Aug, 18 Aug, 01 Sep, 15 Sep, 06 Oct, 20 Oct, 03 Nov, 17 Nov, 01 Dec, 15 Dec

2013
05 Jan, 19 Jan, 02 Feb, 16 Feb, 02 Mar, 16 Mar, 06 Apr, 20 Apr, 04 May, 18 May, 01 Jun, 15 Jun, 06 Jul, 20 Jul, 03 Aug, 17 Aug, 07 Sep, 21 Sep, 05 Oct, 19 Oct, 02 Nov, 16 Nov, 07 Dec, 21 Dec

Any other date on application. (Minimum two people).

Price

USD $1,150
Single Suppliment: USD $575

Group Size: Minimum 1, Maximum 8

Guaranteed to depart

English speaking tour coordinator

Visiting
BANGKOK - ROI ET - KALASIN - KHON KAEN

Accommodation

• Three star hotel, (2 nights).
• One to two star guest houses and hotels, (6 nights).

Transport

Transport
Bus, Train, Taxi.

Day Trips

None included on this trip.

Entry Fees

All included when part of the itinerary.

Meals
10 meals included as per itinerary.
B = Breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Tonight your Isan with Insects small group tour will stay in; BANGKOK - Your  small group tour officially starts when you check into your Bangkok accommodation. A welcoming dinner will be had in the evening. If you arrive early enough your free time could be spent visiting the enormous Chatuchak weekend market and/or, Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, MBK or Siam shopping centres or take a boat ride with the locals on the Chao Phraya express to some local shops in Nonthaburi.       

  A few of the  dozens of other options may be Vimanmek Teak Mansion, Chinatown, Wat Traimit, Jim Thompsons House, Silom or Sukhumvit road shops.        

OR? Maybe just lay back and have a traditional Thai Massage. A month in the capital wouldn't allow you enough time to see it all. D.

Day 2:

Tonight your Isan with Insects small group  tour will stay in; Roi Et - An early start today to the Mor Chit bus station to catch a bus to Roi Et and your first taste of Isan life. With it's long history Roi Et, (literally one hundred and one), is a great place to begin. A few tourist attractions include the Roi Et national museum and the almost seventy metre high standing buddha being hard to miss above the roofline at the ornate temple of Wat Burapha. Another tall walking buddha and the city pillar dominate  the island in the centre of lake Beung Phlan Chai which has some leisurely walking paths to stroll around on.  But it will be the huge indoor night market that you will most likely never forget about Roi Et. One of the largest undercover food markets in all the kingdom with an innumerable amount of food choices. From pizza and sushi to  local sprecialities not known to visitors that will keep you guessing. No need to guess though when you see the large piles of fried insects, (malaeng in Thai) on display. Insects are but one of the local specialities in this part of the world so don't miss  the chance of a taste test.  Squid, chicken or pork on a stick and dozens of other stir fries and curries will be a taste treat to behold. B.

Day 3:

Day 4:

Tonight your small group Isan with Insects tour will stay in; KALASIN - A short trip by local bus  today will see your small group tour in the smaller town of Kalasin for another look at Isan culture.  No real tourist attractions as such, just another chance to see how the locals live on a day to day basis. This is the real Thailand with no other tourists in sight. A local restaurant may give you another insight on Isan dinning tonight. B.

Day 5:

.

KALASIN - A free day to  just wander around town and check out the local way of life.Check out a temple or two and  get the feel of Isan culture in general. This is a real cultural experience seen by few other tourists. In fact for every western tourist you see in Kalasin Baktrax will buy everybody in the group a big bottle of beer everyday for the remainder of the trip. B.

Day 6:

Day 7:

KHON KAEN: Your last day in Isan will give you ample opportunity to see the attractions and maybe you will find another market for a final plate of malaeng. B.

Day 8:

Tonight your small group Isan tour will stay in BANGKOK -

An early start will see your Isan small group tour return to Bangkok by train for a final night in the capital.  The rest of the day is free. In the evening a farewell dinner will be had. B D. 

Day 9:

Your Isan with Insects small group tour is officially over after you check out of your Bangkok accommodation. An airport transfer is included also. B.

Tour Departure Dates

2012
03 Mar, 17 Mar, 07 Apr, 21 Apr, 05 May, 19 May, 02 Jun, 16 Jun, 07 Jul, 21 Jul, 04 Aug, 18 Aug, 01 Sep, 15 Sep, 06 Oct, 20 Oct, 03 Nov, 17 Nov, 01 Dec, 15 Dec

2013
05 Jan, 19 Jan, 02 Feb, 16 Feb, 02 Mar, 16 Mar, 06 Apr, 20 Apr, 04 May, 18 May, 01 Jun, 15 Jun, 06 Jul, 20 Jul, 03 Aug, 17 Aug, 07 Sep, 21 Sep, 05 Oct, 19 Oct, 02 Nov, 16 Nov, 07 Dec, 21 Dec

Any other date on application. (Minimum two people).

Price

USD $675
Single Suppliment: USD $345

Once you arrive in Bangkok you will only need a few extra dollars to cover your arrival transfer, 25 meals not included and any drinks you require. (As always your tour coordinator will tell you the cheapest and best places for these also). The transport and accommodation are certainly not the most comfortable available on this trip but it is still adequate enough to get us, along with the locals, where we want to go and you will still get a good nights sleep in a clean room also.

PRICE IS THE BOTTOM LINE ON THIS TRIP RATHER THAN COMFORT. This means giving more people the chance to experience other cultures while still having a relaxing holiday and a real travel experience.

Group Size: Minimum 1, Maximum 8

Guaranteed to depart

English speaking tour coordinator

Visiting
BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI - CHIANG KHONG - PAKBENG (Laos) - LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE

Accommodation

• One to two star hotel, (2 nights).
• Simple guest houses, (8 nights).
• Basic guest houses, (2 nights).
• Overnight sleeper train, (2 nights).

Transport
Bus, Train, Boat, Taxi.

Day Trips

None included

Entry Fees

All included when part of the itinerary.

Meals
20 meals included as per itinerary.
B = Breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Tonight your cheap Laos small group tour will stay in; BANGKOK - Your cheap Laos small group  tour officially starts when you check into your Bangkok accommodation. A welcoming dinner will be had in the evening.
If you arrive early enough your free time could be spent visiting the
enormous Chatuchak weekend market and/or, Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand
Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, MBK or Siam shopping centres or take a boat
ride with the locals on the Chao Phraya express to some local shops in
Nonthaburi.
           A few of the  dozens of other options may be Vimanmek Teak Mansion,
Chinatown, Wat Traimit, Jim Thompsons House, Silom or Sukhumvit road
shops.
           OR? Maybe just lay back and have a traditional Thai Massage.
A month in the capital wouldn't allow you enough time to see it all. D.

Day 2:

Tonight your Laos small group tour will stay on an OVERNIGHT TRAIN - A free morning in Bangkok for some more of the sights before catching an overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai. B. L.

Day 3:

 Tonight your Laos small group tour will stay in; CHIANG MAI - Your small group tour will arrive a.m. in Chiang Mai with the rest of the day free to explore the Northern Thai capital.
Just a few of the easy to visit sights by foot or Sawngthaew, (share
taxi) include Wat's Phra Singh, Chedi Luang, Jet Yot and Phan Tao
among dozens of others.
For shoppers it doesn't get much better than Chiang Mai. After a day
at Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Centre, Worowat Market, and/or dozens of
other speciality shops all over the place you can barter hard at the
famous Night Bazaar. Arts and crafts, textiles, silver and clothing
are but a few of the great bargains to be had in Chiang Mai.
A budget trip to a dentist is another possiblity as well.  B.

Day 4:

 Tonight your Laos small group tour will stay in; CHIANG KHONG - Today by Mini bus your Laos small group tour heads to the Thai border town of Chiang Khong for an overnight stop and your first look at a Mekong riverside town. Chiang Khong has one minor attraction for temple addicts in Wat Luang but for most it will be  the first of many chances to relax with a bite and a beer Mekong riverside with Laos on the other side. B.D.

Day 5:

Tonight your Laos small group tour will stay in; PAKBENG - MEKONG RIVER TRIP; An early start across the river sees your small group tour in Laos. After immigration duties we take a slow boat to the interesting Laos riverside village of Pakbeng for the night. The  scenery along the way is fantastic. If time permits on arrival  there are  two temples of interest in Wat Khok Kho and Wat Sin Jong Jaeng. In  general though Pakbeng is only an overnight stop and most travellers  find a walk around town at dusk is the most interesting thing to do.  You may see some Hmong or Thai minorities along the way also. There is  also the chance of a massage and sauna if you need to limber up after  the long boat trip. B. L.

Day 6:

 Tonight your Laos small group tour will stay in; LUANG PRABANG - Another day on the slow boat and more great scenery before your Laos small group tour arrives in  the wonderful UNESCO World Heritage  City of Luang Prabang.
The best way to see Luang Prabang is with a leisurely stroll.
WHERE TO START? Just about anywhere as Luang Prabang is one of the great travel destinations in Asia today. First up, while you stil lhave the energy, try walking up the hundred or more steps to Phu Si Temple with fantastic views as the reward. Then on to, in no particular order, The Royal Palace Museum, Wat Ho Pha Bang, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visoun, Wat That Luang, Wat Manolom or another dozen or so other Wat's.
Cooking courses can be found  at; Tamarind or Tamnak Lao Three Elephants Cafe.
Massage and Spa's are another way to enjoy Luang Prabang for the not so energetic. Markets and other great eateries will see you get enough nourishment to complete the task at hand whatever you decide on. Dinner by the Mekong with a Beerlao being the perfect way to finish the day. B. D.

Day 7:

LUANG PRABANG - A  totally free day to explore this highlight of Laos. Just being here should see you on fire with excitment as the atmospere is just about as good as it gets for all travellers. B.

Day 8:

 LUANG PRABANG - Another day to enjoy Luang Prabang and soak up the atmosphere of this wonderful destination. B.

Day 9:

 Tonight your Laos small group tour will stay in; VANG VIENG - Today  your Laos small group tour goes by local bus  through some of the loveliest scenery in all South East Asia as you approach Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng itself is surrounded by stunning limestone karst scenery and on arrival you can sit down and relax with the sunset. B. D..

Day 10:

 VANG VIENG - A free day to wander around this friendly little town. For the more active you may wish to take a tube down the river, go rock climbing or cave exploring. Coffee and cake in a local cafe sounds ok too. B.

Day 11:

Tonight your Laos small group tour will stay in; VIENTIANE - A short drive today sees your Laos small group tour arrive in what surely must be South East Asia's smallest and sleepiest capital city. With only a little bit of the usual Asian big city hustle and bustle beside the Mekong lies Vientiane.
Sightseeing begins with a short Jumbo ride to the most important temple in Laos of Wat That Luang. After that most sights can be seen on foot and include  Wat Si Saket, Wat Si Muang or wat Mixai among others. Then the Arc De Triomphe look alike of Patuxai, Lao National Museum or enjoy a drink at the cosmopolitan Central Fountain Circle. B.

Day 12:

 VIENTIANE - A free day to explore this sleepy hollow capital city. Don't miss the Morning Market, (open all day). You can again  enjoy a Beerlao beside the Mekong, with the spectacular sunset over Thailand, as the perfect way to make a final toast to Languorous Laos. B.

Day 13:

 Tonight your Laos small group tour will stay on; OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN - Today we cross back into Thailand via the friendship bridge to NTonight your Laos small group tour will stay in;ong Khai. With an early start there should be enough time to visit  the weird and wonderful temple of Sala Kaew Su before taking the overnight sleeper train to Bangkok. B.

Day 14:

Tonight your Laos small group tour will stay in; BANGKOK -  Your Laos small group tour will arrive a.m. in Bangkok for a final night. The rest of the day  is free to explore and/or shop. A farewell dinner will be had in the  evening. D.

Day 15:

Your cheap Laos small group  tour is officially over when you check out of your
Bangkok accommodation. An airport transfer is included also. B.

You can now head home with your bank balance less of a worry than if
you had travelled with somebody else other than Baktrax and you still
had an awesome time while experiencing other cultures and relaxing in
some fabulous destinations.

Tour Departure Dates

2012
05 May, 19 May, 02 Jun, 16 Jun, 07 Jul, 21 Jul, 04 Aug, 18 Aug, 01 Sep, 15 Sep, 06 Oct, 20 Oct, 03 Nov, 17 Nov, 01 Dec, 15 Dec

2013
05 Jan, 19 Jan, 02 Feb, 16 Feb, 04 May, 18 May, 01 Jun, 15 Jun, 06 Jul, 20 Jul, 03 Aug, 17 Aug, 07 Sep, 21 Sep, 05 Oct, 19 Oct, 02 Nov, 16 Nov, 07 Dec

Any other date on application. (Minimum two people).

Price

P/P, Land only.
USD $930
Single Suppliment: USD $350

This Malaysia Cash Before Comfort small group tour is aimed primarily at the under forty fives, (but certainly not restricted to), who may still have to worry more about cash and less about comfort. While Baktrax always prides itself with providing better value for the essentials in your up front price than any other budget or adventure operator this Malaysia small group tour is even better value again if you can live without a bit of comfort. As always the great Malysian food on offer will more than compensate.The tour takes in K.L, Melaka, Penang, Cameron Highlands and has a touch of Bangkok at both ends. Once you visit Malaysia you will only want to return again and again as it is possibly the most addictive country in the world for both food and even more so for the friendly faces.

Group Size: Minimum 1, Maximum 8

Guaranteed to depart

English speaking tour coordinator

Visiting
Bangkok, Penang, Cameron Highlands, (Tanah Rata), Melaka, Kuala Lumpur.

Accommodation

• One to two star hotel, (3 nights).
• Basic Guest Houses, (10 nights).
• Overnight sleeper train, (1 night).

Transport
Bus, Train, Boat, Taxi, Plane.

Day Trips

• None included.

Entry Fees

All included when part of the itinerary.

Meals
20 meals included as per itinerary.
B = Breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Tonight your  Malaysia small group tour will stay in; BANGKOK - Your Malaysia cheap small group tour officially starts when you check into your Bangkok accommodation. A welcoming dinner will be had in the evening.
If you arrive early enough your free time could be spent visiting the enormous Chatuchak weekend market and/or, Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, MBK or Siam shopping centres or take a boat ride with the locals on the Chao Phraya express to some local shops in Nonthaburi.
A few of the  dozens of other options may be Vimanmek Teak Mansion, Chinatown, Wat Traimit, Jim Thompsons House, Silom or Sukhumvit road shops.
OR? Maybe just lay back and have a traditional Thai Massage.
A month in the capital wouldn't allow you enough time to see it all. D.

Day 2:

 Tonight your Malaysia small group tour will stay on; OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN - A free morning in Bangkok before your Malaysia small group tour catches the always enjoyable overnight sleeper train to Butterworth. B. L.

Day 3:

 Tonight your Malaysia small group tour will stay on;  PENANG ISLAND - Your small group tour will arrive around midday at Butterworth and then take the short ferry trip across the Melaka Straits to Georgetown the big and busy capital of Penang Island. Georgetown has an atmosphere unlike any other place known to Baktrax in Malaysia and possibly all of S.E. Asia. It's one of our all time favourite destinations. Go back in time as you walk the fascinating streets of the state capital. Streets being the way to go much of the time as the footpaths are often owned by the resident house or buisness and as such are often blocked off for public use.
Just a few of the main attractions include; Fort Cornwallis, Penang Museum Khoo Kongsi Chinese Clan House, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion,  Acheen Street Mosque or Hainan Temple and dozens more mosques, temples  and colonial buildings or head up to Penang Hill at 800 metres to get  some great views of the island. Do this either by a long  hard walk or take  the historical Funicular Train where a monkey or two is  often seen  scampering around the tracks. Lastly, but not the least, maybe a  budget visit to a local dentist to offset some more of your holiday costs. D.

Day 4:

 PENANG ISLAND  - A free day to explore some of the above.
But without doubt the main purpose of coming to Penang is the FOOD! Your accommodation is within a few minutes walk of a multitude of Malay, Chinese or Indian restaurants. Penang's Curry Laksa or Indian Tandoori chicken with Garlic Nan bread are just but 2 of the better known local favs. This will also be your first  chance to eat the local way with a  Banana Leaf Meal and it doesn't get much better than a bottomless one at Krsna Villa restaurant in  Little India. B.

Day 5:

 PENANG ISLAND - Another day to continue to take in the atmosphere of Georgetown or maybe get out and explore more of the island itself. The snake temple, small villages, beaches and more gastronomic delights will reward you again today. B.

Day 6:

Tonight your Malaysia small group tour will stay in; TANAH RATA - A chance to cool down for a while as your small group tour heads by bus to the hill station town of Tanah Rata, the main town in the Cameron Highlands. At 1800 metres above sea level it's blankets year round at night with cooler but not cold days most of the year. Some of the attractions include the Tea Estates. Sam Poh Temple and the Sri Tehnadayuthapany Swamy Temple. Check out the enviromental awareness in the highlands at www.reach.org.my because with the cooler climate the major pastime for most visitors is hiking along the mountain trails of which there are numerous marked ones. Once again another foodies delight awaits in Tanah Rata with some of the best South Indian restaurants in Malaysia. Just one worth a mention is Restaurant Number 14 with their Honey Chicken just about as good as it gets. Lots of Arts and Craft shops nearby to tempt you also. B.

Day 7:

 TANAH RATA - One short walk along a stream and around a golf course will see you in the nearby village of Brinchang. For anyone not wishing to do this leisurely 1 hour walk a local bus will have you there in 15 minutes. Explore this peaceful village before returning to Tanah Rata for a traditional Chinese Steamboat dinner. B. D.

Day 8:

  Tonight your Malaysia small group tour will stay in; MELAKA - Two long bus rides today from will have your small group tour in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Melaka. Melaka has one of the richest histories in all of Malaysia.  Start at Melaka's most well known pink
landmark of Stadthuys (Town Square) in the historic town centre which maybe the oldest Dutch building in the East.
A large number of museums in the area include the Islamic, Architecture,
Peoples,History & Ethnography and Literature Museum among others.
Then maybe, St Paul's Church, 8 Hereen St, which is a Heritage trust
of Malaysia restored Dutch Era residential house, Cheng Hoon Teng
Temple (circa 1646), which is still in use today by the local Buddhist
community or the oldest functioning mosque in Malaysia of Masjid
Kampung Hulu, (circa 1728). Melaka has far to many attractions to list
here. Nonya food is one of the different styles more famous in Melaka
but you will find a plethora of others, both local and international
. Between sightseeing and eating you can also browse at the many shops along
the famous Jonkers street now called Jalan Hang Jebat or at the modern
shopping mall of Dataran Pahlawan. B. D.

Day 9:

MELAKA - A free day to explore any of the above which is centred around todays Chinatown. Maybe another Banana Leaf meal in nearby  Little India? B.

Day 10:

 Tonight your Malaysia small group tour will stay in; KUALA LUMPUR - A short bus ride today will see you in the Malayasian capital of Kuala Lumpur, better known to all as simply K.L.
 A bit like a smaller version of Bangkok is K.L. with loads to see and do. The Petronas Twin Towers is the must see for most.
 For an even higher view of the city try the 421 metre high Menara KL (KL Tower) built on top of the Bukit Manas Forest Reserve. Then in no particular order it may be the colonial Kuala Lumpur Train Station, Merdeka Square, Masjid Negara (National Mosque), Masjid Jamek (Friday Mosque) or stroll around the Central Market or Lake gardens where the K.L. bird Park is the worlds largest walk in aviary with almost 200 species of birds.
 But just like Bangkok; A month wouldn't allow enough time to see all the sights.   B. D.

Day 11:

KUALA LUMPUR - A totally free day to explore K.L. The city centre is reasonably compact  which makes for an interesting meander initself. Nearby is Petaling street , the heart of Chinatown, which is full of  life during the day before picking up the pace even further in the evening  with restaurants and market stalls to tempt you as always. B.

Day 12:

KUALA LUMPUR - Another free day in the capital to shop, eat and see some of the above.  Well worth a visit also is the Batu Caves, a short bus ride out of town. Walk up the 272 steps to the impressive Temple Cave. The Batu Caves is where the yearly, three day Thaipusan festival is centred around. B.

Day 13:

 Tonight your Malaysia small group tour will stay in;  BANGKOK - A short international flight will see your small group tour back in Bangkok for a final two nights. The rest of the day is free for  more  exploration of the Big Mango. B.

Day 14:

BANGKOK - A final day to explore shop or just relax. A farewell dinner will be had in the evening. B. D.

Day 15:

Your cheap Malaysia small group tour is officially over when you check out of your
 Bangkok accommodation. An airport transfer is included also. B.

You can now head home with your bank balance less of a worry than if
you had travelled with somebody else other than Baktrax and you still
had an awesome time while experiencing other cultures in the as always
relaxed  style of Baktrax travel.

Tour Departure Dates

2012
04 Mar, 18 Mar, 08 Apr, 22 Apr, 13 May, 27 May, 17 Jun, 08 Jul, 22 Jul, 12 Aug, 26 Aug, 16 Sep, 30 Sep, 21 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Nov, 19 Dec

2013
13 Jan, 20 Jan, 10 Feb, 24 Feb, 10 Mar, 24 Mar, 14 Apr, 28 Apr, 12 May, 26 May, 09 Jun, 23 Jun, 14 Jul, 28 Jul, 11 Aug, 25 Aug, 08 Sep, 22 Sep, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 10 Nov, 24 Nov, 08 Dec, 22 Dec

Any other date on application. (Minimum two people).

Price

/P, land only; (Included is one way flight from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok)
USD $950
Single Suppliment: USD $450

Gorgeous china: 14 Days, From USD$2350

Visiting: BANGKOK - THE RIVER KWAI - KUNMING (China) - DALI - LIJIANG - WALNUT GARDEN amid TIGER LEAPING GORGE.
Focus On: History, Local minorities, Shopping, Old world Dali and Lijiang, Scenery with a capital S.

Gorgeous China & Laos: 28 Days, From USD$3790

Visiting: BANGKOK - THE RIVER KWAI - KUNMING (China) - DALI - LIJIANG - WALNUT GARDEN amid TIGER LEAPING GORGE - JINGHONG - MENGLA - UDOMXAI (Laos) - LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE - NONG KHAI (Thailand).
Focus On: History, old world charm, Scenery with a capital S, Shopping, Local minorities, Laid back Laos

Indochina Highlights: 28 Days, From USD$2850

Visiting: BANGKOK - LUANG PRABANG (Laos) - MEKONG RIVER - VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE- SAVANNAKHET - HUE (Vietnam) - HOI AN - MUI NE - HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI TUNNEL COMPLEX - MEKONG DELTA - PNOM PENH (Cambodia) - TONLE SAP RIVER - SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT.
Focus On: Luang Prabang, Laid back Laos, Hue, Hoi An, Mui Ne beach break, Mekong Delta, Cu Cu Chi Tunnels, Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat.

Group Size: Minimum 0, Maximum 0

Visiting

Accommodation

Transport
.

Day Trips

Entry Fees

Meals
0 meals included as per itinerary.
B = Breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Itinerary

Tour Departure Dates

Any other date on application. (Minimum two people).

Price

USD $0
Single Suppliment: USD $0

Languorous Laos: 19 Days, From USD$1650

Visiting: BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI - CHIANG KHONG - PAKBENG, (Laos) - UDOMXAI - LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE - NONG KHAI, (Thailand).
Focus On: Mekong river trip, Scenery, Relaxed way of life, Luang Prabang, Vientiane.

Laos Cambodia Combination: 19 Days, From USD$1850

Visiting: BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI - CHIANG KHONG - PAKBENG (Laos) - LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE - PHNOM PENH (Cambodia) - SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT.
Focus On: Mekong river boat trip, Laid back Laos, History, Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat.

Malaysian Masala: 21 Days, From USD$1650

Visiting: BANGKOK - PENANG - TAIPING - KUALA KANGSAR - CAMERON HIGHLANDS, (Tanah Rata) - PANGKOR ISLAND - MELAKA - KUALA LUMPUR, (K.L.).
Focus On: History,Cameron Highlands, Island Beaches; Culture,Food and Shopping with capitals C,F and S.

Meander in Malaysia: 15 Days, From USD$1250

Visiting: BANGKOK - KUALA LUMPUR, (K.L.) - LUMUT - PANGKOR ISLAND - PENANG ISLAND.
Focus On: Slow paced touring amid Multicultural Malaysia, Tropical Island Relaxation, Food. Shopping.

Kuala Lumpur & Melaka Stopover: 8 Days, From USD$780

Visiting: KUALA LUMPUR, (K.L.) - MELAKA.
Focus On: A brief taste of what Malaysia has to offer. Sightseeing, history, shopping and food.

Penang & Langkawi Stopover: 10 Days, From USD$940

Visiting: BANGKOK - PENANG ISLAND - LANGKAWI ISLAND.
Focus On: A brief taste of what Malaysia has to offer. Sightseeing, history, island relaxation shopping and food. A passing look at Bangkok also.

Centuries in Cambodia: 14 Days, From USD$1450

Visiting: VISITING: BANGKOK - THE RIVER KWAI - SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT - PHNOM PENH - SIHANOUKVILLE - TRAT (Thailand).
Focus On: SIEM REAP & ANGKOR WAT - PHNOM PENH & THE KILLING FIELDS. SEASIDE RELAXATION IN SIHANOUKVILLE

Vietnam South: 17 Days, From USD$1450

Visiting: HO CHI MINH CITY, (SAIGON) - MEKONG DELTA - DANANG - HOI AN - NHA TRANG - NHA TRANG OFFSHORE ISLANDS - MUI NE - CU CHI TUNNELS.
Focus On: Ho Chi Minh City, History, Mekong Delta, Cu Cu Chi tunnels, Hoi An, Beach breaks.

Vietnam North: 12 Days, From USD$1050

Visiting: HANOI - TAM COC - SAPA WITH SOFT TREKS TO MINORITY VILLAGES - HALONG BAY - CAT BA ISLAND.
Focus On: Hanoi, History, Tam Coc, Sapa & Halong Bay scenery, Hilltribe minorities.

Vietnam: Head to Toe: 22 Days, From USD$1650

Visiting: HANOI - HALONG BAY - SAPA WITH SOFT TREKS TO MINORITY VILLAGES - HUE - HOI AN - NHA TRANG - NHA TRANG OFFSHORE ISLANDS - HO CHI MINH CITY - MEKONG DELTA - CU CHI TUNNELS.
Focus On: scenery, culture, halong bay, heritage listed and historical towns, beach break and history.

Cash Before Comfort Malaysia: 15 Days, From USD$950

Visiting: Bangkok, Penang, Cameron Highlands, (Tanah Rata), Melaka, Kuala Lumpur.
Focus On: More affordable travel, culture, food, shopping, history & sightseeing.

Cash before Comfort Laos: 15 Days, From USD$930

Visiting: BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI - CHIANG KHONG - PAKBENG (Laos) - LUANG PRABANG - VANG VIENG - VIENTIANE
Focus On: More affordable travel, relaxed culture & way of life, Mekong scenery, Luang Prabang, Vientiane.

Group Size: Minimum 0, Maximum 0

Visiting

Accommodation

Transport
.

Day Trips

Entry Fees

Meals
0 meals included as per itinerary.
B = Breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Itinerary

Tour Departure Dates

Any other date on application. (Minimum two people).

Price

USD $0
Single Suppliment: USD $0

South Thailand Destresser: 14 Days, From USD$1250

Visiting: BANGKOK - THE RIVER KWAI - KOH SUKORN - TRANG - HAD YAI - SECLUDED BEACH IN PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN PROVINCE.
Focus On: Relaxation, beaches

North Thailand Explorer: 15 Days, From USD$1300

Visiting: BANGKOK - THE RIVER KWAI - SUKOTHAI - SUKOTHAI HISTORICAL PARK - CHIANG MAI - PAI - VARIOUS HILLTRIBE VILLAGES.
Focus On: History, Pai chill out scene-ery, Hill tribe trekking. Shopping.

Pure Central Thailand: 14 Days, From USD$1290

Visiting: BANGKOK - LOPBURI - KANCHANABURI and all its attractions including THE RIVER KWAI and TIGER TEMPLE - RATCHABURI - PHETCHABURI - PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN.
Focus On: Local culture, Elephants, Tigers, Monkeys, History, Seaside break.

Thai Meanderer North: 14 Days, From USD$990

Visiting: BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI - PHITSANULOK - CHAI NAAT - LOPBURI.
Focus On: Slow paced touring amid Northern Thai culture. Shopping, History, Monkeys.

Thai Meanderer South: 15 Days, From USD$1150

Visiting: BANGKOK - SAMUT SONGKRAM - CHA-AM - CHUMPON - KOH SAMUI
Focus On: Slow paced touring amid Southern Thai culture, Marine national park, Beaches, Relaxation.

Thai Meanderer All: 28 Days, From USD$2050

Visiting: BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI - PHITSANULOK - CHAI NAAT - LOPBURI - SAMUT SONGKRAM - CHA-AM - CHUMPON - KOH SAMUI.
Focus On: Slow paced touring amid Northern and Southern Thai cultures, shopping, history, monkeys, marine national park, beaches, relaxation.

Bangkok & More: 9 Days, From USD$690

Visiting: BANGKOK - KANCHANABURI and all its attractions including THE RIVER KWAI and TIGER TEMPLE - LOPBURI .
Focus On: Bangkok, Shopping, Tigers, Elephants, Monkeys, History.

Thailand and Malaysia: 29 Days, From USD$2750

Visiting: BANGKOK - THE RIVER KWAI - SUKOTHAI - SUKOTHAI HISTORICAL PARK - CHIANG MAI - PAI - VARIOUS HILLTRIBE VILLAGES - PENANG (Malaysia) - TANAH RATA - LANGKAWI ISLAND.
Focus On: History, Pai chill out scene- ery, Hill tribe trekking, Island beach break; Culture, Food & Shopping with capitals C,F & S.

Adventure Before Dementia: 14 Days, From USD$1650

Visiting: BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI - PAI - VARIOUS HILL TRIBE VILLAGES and a JUNGLE CAMP.
Focus On: Adventure, Hill tribe trekking, White water rafting or horse riding, Relaxing in good quality accommodation in between, Pai chill out scene-ery, Shopping.

Cash Before Comfort: South Thailand: 14 Days, From USD$850

Visiting: BANGKOK - KANCHANABURI and all its attractions including THE RIVER KWAI and TIGER TEMPLE - PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN - CHUMPON - KOH SAMUI - MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Focus On: More affordable travel, tigers, elephants, marine national park, beaches, relaxation.

Cash Before Comfort: North Thailand: 14 Days, From USD$770

Visiting: BANGKOK - KANCHANABURI and all its attractions including THE RIVER KWAI and TIGER TEMPLE - PHITSANULOK - CHIANG MAI - PAI - VARIOUS HILLTRIBE VILLAGES.
Focus On: More affordable travel, Tigers, History, Shopping, Hill tribe trekking, Pai chill out scene-ery.

Isan with Insects: 9 Days, From USD$675

Visiting: BANGKOK - ROI ET - KALASIN - KHON KAEN
Focus On: A real look at real Thailand. Far away from the tourists hordes is Isan

Isan, Insects & Laos: 15 Days, From USD$1150

Visiting: BANGKOK - ROI ET - KALASIN - MUKDAHAN - SAVANAKHET - PAKSE
Focus On: This new tour is aimed at showing you the real people of the countries you visit. Visiting Isan takes this to a new level sgsin. Add Southern Laos and Wat Phu Chamoasak and you have thye odd tourist attraction also.

Group Size: Minimum 0, Maximum 0

Visiting

Accommodation

Transport
.

Day Trips

Entry Fees

Meals
0 meals included as per itinerary.
B = Breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Itinerary

Tour Departure Dates

Any other date on application. (Minimum two people).

Price

USD $0
Single Suppliment: USD $0

Start with as good as it gets scenery in Halong Bay and Sapa and end up in the Mekong Delta. In between will be Hanoi, Heritage listed Hoi An, Historical Hue, a beach break in Nha Trang before ending in frenetic Ho Chi Minh City. After all the friendly faces, special sights and culture you will have only the fondest lifelong memories of Vietnam.

Note: After careful consideration we concluded it was in your best interests to start this small group tour of Vietnam in Hanoi and finish in Ho Chi Minh City rather than our usual philosophy of starting and ending in the same city.

NOTE: Breakfast in Vietnam while filling and tasty is often short on choice and may be limited to bread, eggs and jam etc. with the occasional banana pancake. Noodle soup with the locals is the other option also. Meals provided as part of the itineraries with local operators, while substantial and tasty also, are either totally set meals or limited to only a few choices.

Group Size: Minimum 1, Maximum 8

Guaranteed to depart

English speaking tour coordinator

Visiting
HANOI - HALONG BAY - SAPA WITH SOFT TREKS TO MINORITY VILLAGES - HUE - HOI AN - NHA TRANG - NHA TRANG OFFSHORE ISLANDS - HO CHI MINH CITY - MEKONG DELTA - CU CHI TUNNELS.

Accommodation

• Three star hotel, (3 nights).
• One to two star guest houses and hotels, (5 nights).
• Simple guest houses, (9 nights).
• Overnight soft class sleeper train, (3 nights).
• Simple private cabin on boat, (1 night).

Transport
Bus, Train, Boat, Taxi.

Day Trips

• Sapa; Three nights and two days.(All inclusive with local operator as per itinerary).
• Halong Bay; Two days and one night. (All inclusive with local operator as per itinerary).
• Cu Chi Tunnels, (half day).
• Mekong Delta, (full day).
• Nha Trang islands tour, (full day).

Entry Fees

All included when part of the itinerary.

Meals
30 meals included as per itinerary.
B = Breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Itinerary

Day 1:

 Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; HANOI - Your Vietnam small group budget tour officially starts when you check into your Hanoi accommodation. A welcoming dinner will be had in the evening. D.

Day 2:

 HANOI - A totally free day to get the feel of this amazing city. Be careful crossing the roads is the best advice here. Shops and local culture abound.

The millenium old, Old Quarter is the best place to start and get a feel of the local way of life along with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Pay your respects at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum as you start to explore the many sights and attractions. A few being the Ho Chi Minh Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Dien Huu Pagoda, Tay Ho Pagoda among many other pagoda's and temples as well as St Joseph Cathedral. Another museum or three may include the History, Fine Arts, Womans, Army, Air force, Loa Lo Prison or Museum of Vietnamese Revolution.     

For Foodies; start with a bowl of Pho. This bowl of noodle soup plus is the complete meal which the locals enjoy day and night, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Rice paper spring rolls are another of the popular choices, available in meat or vegetarian varieties. Lots of other local choices as well as International and other Asian cuisines are readily available also. Wash it all down with a USD $0.40 glass of Beer Hoi, ("fresh" draught beer), and alls well in Hanoi.   B.

Day 3:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay on; HALONG BAY BOAT - An early start  with a local operator will take your small group tour for an all inclusive tour for two days and one night to the UNESCO world heritage listed Halong Bay. Firstly by bus to Halong City where you will board your comfortable cruise boat for an afternoon of cruising, cave visiting and swimming in spectacular Halong Bay. Overnight will be on board your boat with a small but private en suite cabin. (An optional visit to another cave by a smaller local boat during the afternoon is not included, approximately USD $2.00). B. L. D.

Day 4:

 Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; HANOI - In the morning you will again cruise among the limestone karsts back to Halong City. After lunch your small group tour will continue by bus back to Hanoi, arriving late afternoon. B. L.

Day 5:

 Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay on; OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN - A free day in Hanoi before another local operator takes care of you for the next 3 nights and 2 days on a fully inclusive visit to Sapa. Firstly an overnight soft class sleeper train to Lau Cai. B.

Day 6:

 Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; SAPA - Your small group tour will arrive a.m. in Lau Cai and transfer by bus to sensationally scenic Sapa. Check into your hotel and have breakfast. After breakfast a local guide will take you on a three hour trek to visit some local minorities with the main two groups in the area being the Hmong and Dzao. While the walking is generally gentle and on man made paths there are still a few decent uphill heart starters so a general good level of fitness is required. The afternoon is free to explore little Sapa town. Some of the minorities ladies selling tourist souvenirs around town are the most persistant vendors on earth so please stay chilled as they don't understand "no thankyou". B. L. D.

Day 7:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay on; OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN - Again after breakfast you will check out and leave your bags in storage while a local guide takes you on another trek of approximately five hours to visit some more minority villages amongst some of the most sensational scenery imaginable. Lunch will be in a local village along the way. Arrive back in Sapa mid afternoon where you will be able to get a towel and take a shower at the hotel. An optional massage is available to help those with any sore legs. After an early dinner your small group tour will transfer back to Lau Cai for the soft class sleeper train back to Hanoi. B. L. D.

Day 8:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; HANOI - Your small group tour will arrive early a.m. in Hanoi. A free day after that at leisure or to explore Hanoi. No meals.

Day 9:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay on; OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN -  A last free day in the capital before boarding the last of your three overnight train trips to historical Hue. B.

Day 10:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; HUE - Your small group tour will arrive a.m. in Hue with the rest of the day free to see the sights . Maybe the Citadel, a Pagoda, Church or Museum? Far to many sights to list here. Hire a cyclo or stroll is the way to go. No meals.

Day 11:

 HUE - Another free day to continue your exploration of Hue. B.

NOTE: For a few dollars there are some optional day trips from Hue which can be booked on arrival. A trip on the Perfume River with some tomb visits along the way or a visit to the DMZ are just two available.

Day 12:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; HOI AN - From Hue your small group tour will continue south today via Danang to the quaint and charming UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Hoi An. If anybody wishes to have a short stop in Danang along the way to visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture and/or the Danang Cathedral we can do that also. B.

Day 13:

 HOI AN - Hoi An is also the place to look out for that tailor made suit you were thinking about or just relax with a coffee by the Thu Bon River. Hoi An is a favorite with all travellers. For sightseeing there are numerous attractions on an easy half day meander around     town. Start at the Phac Hat pagoda followed by the Truong family chapel, the assembly hall of the Fujian Chinese congregation, the Quan Cong Temple, the Quan Am Pagoda and history museum, the museum of Sa Huynh Culture, the Hoi An Church, the Japanese covered bridge and finish with a local coffee or USD $0.40 glass of beer Hoi ("fresh", draught beer),  riverside. The above sights are only a few of the many available. Most places are free to visit while a few charge a small entrance fee or ask for a donation. B.

Day 14:

 HOI AN -  Another free day to soak up the atmosphere of Charming Hoi An. Checking out the local markets along the river is yet another option today. B.

Day 15:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; NHA TRANG - After a lazy morning your small group tour will transfer back to Danang for an afternoon train to Nha Trang. Arriving late in the evening. B.

Day 16:

 NHA TRANG - A free day to relax or explore this large but pleasant city by the sea. Apart from lazing on the nearby scenic beach there are numerous sightseeing options around town. Remember to take off your shoes before entering the Po Nagar Cham Towers which were built before the 12th century for Hindu worshippers and are still in use today by Buddhist followers. Then it could be on  to the Long Son Pagoda or the small Khanh Hoa Museum which houses some of Ho Chi Minh's personal affects among other things. Again there are too many  sights to list here but those who don't want the beach will not become bored. B.

Day 17:

 NHA TRANG - This morning a local boat operator will take your small group tour on a full days tour to some of the many offshore islands. There will be the chance for a swim and a snorkel as well as seeing some local life on an island or two. B.L.

Day 18:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; HO CHI MINH CITY - Today again by bus your small group tour heads to Ho Chi Minh City. Hopefully by now you will have mastered how to cross the roads so seeing more of the attractions will not hold as much fear of the teeming traffic chaos. There is lots to see and do. The War Remnants Museum is a truely gruesome look at the utter futility and horrors of war or on a lighter note the History, Fine Arts or museum of Ho Chi Minh City will keep you fully occupied. Any free time in between could be used to visit the nearby Ben Thanh Market or the Huynh Thuc Khang street market. A taxi ride to Cholon will see you in either the Binh Tay or An Dong markets with the latter particularly good for clothing and cheap local eats. B.

Day 19:

 HO CHI MINH CITY - A  free day for shopping, sightseeing and trying some more of the great food on offer. More rice paper or fried spring rolls, another bowl of Pho, aromatic curries and numerous other local specialities often cooked in coconut milk. Vegetarians wont be short on choice either as most things come in vegie options also.  B.

Day 20:

HO CHI MINH CITY -A full days tour with a local operator by bus and boats to the Mekong Delta to get a close up view of the lifestyles of the locals. Firstly by bus to the town of My Tho, seventy kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City. Then by boat you will visit Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands. Sights along the way include a fishing port and stilt houses. Lunch will be had riverside in an orchard. Then it will be by a small local rowing boat through some smaller jungle shrouded channels to try some local fruits and honey as well as be entertained by some island villagers performing Southern Vietnamese folk music. B. L.

Day 21:

HO CHI MINH CITY - A local operator will take your small group tour on a half day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, 30 minutes away by bus. You will see a ocumentary film on the legendary tunnel system which is  over 220 ilometres long. For the slim and brave you may wish to limbo along a short tretch of tunnel to experience it first hand.  Above the ground you ill see some of the booby traps and other ingenious contraptions used to  survive in this tunnel city. A last free afternoon on your return before a farewell dinner in the evening. B. D.

Day 22:

Your Vietnam small group budget tour is officially over when you check out of your Ho Chi Minh City accommodation. An airport transfer is included as always. B.

Tour Departure Dates

2012
03 Mar, 07 Apr, 05 May, 02 Jun, 07 Jul, 04 Aug, 01 Sep, 06 Oct, 03 Nov, 01 Dec

2013
05 Jan, 02 Mar, 06 Apr, 04 May, 01 Jun, 06 Jul, 03 Aug, 07 Sep, 05 Oct, 02 Nov, 07 Dec

Any other date on application. (Minimum two people).

Price

P/P, land only;
USD $1,650
Single Suppliment: USD $550

Note: After careful consideration we concluded it was in your best interests to start and finish this small group budget Tour of North Vietnam in Hanoi rather than Bangkok.

NOTE: Your time in both Sapa and Halong Bay will be totally organised from Hanoi by local operators and guides who are experts in these areas.

NOTE: Breakfast in Vietnam while filling and tasty is often short on choice and may be limited to bread, eggs and jam etc. with the occasional banana pancake. Noodle soup with the locals is the other option also. Meals provided as part of the itineraries with local operators, while substantial and tasty also, are either totally set meals or limited to only a few choices.

Group Size: Minimum 1, Maximum 8

Guaranteed to depart

English speaking tour coordinator

Visiting
HANOI - TAM COC - SAPA WITH SOFT TREKS TO MINORITY VILLAGES - HALONG BAY - CAT BA ISLAND.

Accommodation

• One to two star guest houses and hotels, (7 nights).
• Simple guest house, (1 night).
• Overnight soft class sleeper train, (2 nights).
• Simple private cabin on boat, (1 night).

Transport
Bus, Train, Boat, Taxi.

Day Trips

• Tam Coc, (full day)
• Sapa; Three nights and two days.(All inclusive with local operator as per itinerary).
• Halong Bay; Three days and two nights. (All inclusive with local operator as per itinerary).

Entry Fees

All included when part of the itinerary.

Meals
24 meals included as per itinerary.
B = Breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; HANOI - Your Vietnam small group budget tour officially starts when you check into your Hanoi accommodation. A welcoming dinner will be had in the evening. D.

Day 2:

HANOI - A totally free day to get the feel of this amazing city. Be careful crossing the roads is the best advice here. Shops and local culture abound.    The millenium old Old Quarter is the best place to start and get a feel of the local way of life along with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Pay your respects at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum as you start to explore the many sights and attractions. A few being the Ho Chi Minh Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Dien Huu Pagoda, Tay Ho Pagoda among many other pagoda's and temples as well as St Joseph Cathedral. Another museum or three may include the History, Fine Arts, Womans, Army, Air force, Loa Lo Prison or Museum of Vietnamese Revolution.

For Foodies; start with a bowl of Pho. This bowl of noodle soup plus is the complete meal which the locals enjoy day and night, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Rice paper spring rolls are another of the popular choices, available in meat or vegetarian varieties. Lots of other local choices as well as International and other Asian cuisines are readily available also. Wash it all down with a USD$0.40  glass of Beer Hoi, ("fresh" draught beer), and alls well in Hanoi.   B.

Day 3:

 HANOI - A full days tour with a local operator to the  Ninh Binh region with the spectacular scenery of Tam Coc being the highlight. Best described as the Halong Bay of the rice paddies. B. L. D.

Day 4:

 Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay on; OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN - A free day in Hanoi before another local operator takes care of your small group tour for the next 3 nights and 2 days on a fully inclusive visit to Sapa. Firstly an overnight soft class sleeper train to Lau Cai. B. D.

Day 5:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; SAPA - Your small group tour will arrive a.m. in Lau Cai and transfer by bus to sensationally scenic Sapa. Check into your hotel and have breakfast. After breakfast a local guide will take you on a three hour trek to visit some local minorities with the main two groups in the area being the Hmong and Dzao. While the walking is generally gentle and on man made paths there are still a few decent uphill heart starters so a general good level of fitness is required. The afternoon is free to explore little Sapa town. Some of the minorities ladies selling tourist souvenirs around town are the most persistant vendors on earth so please stay chilled as they don't understand "no thank you". B. L. D.

Day 6:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay on; OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN -  After breakfast your small group tour will check out and leave your bags in storage while a local guide takes you on another trek of approximately five hours to visit some more minority villages amongst some of the most sensational scenery imaginable. Lunch will be in a local village along the way. Arrive back in Sapa mid afternoon where you will be able to get a towel and take a shower at the hotel. An optional massage may be available to help those with any sore legs. After an early dinner you will transfer back to Lau Cai for the soft class sleeper train back to Hanoi. B. L. D.

Day 7:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; HANOI - Your small group tour will arrive early a.m. in Hanoi. A free day after that at leisure or to explore Hanoi. B.

Day 8:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay on; HALONG BAY BOAT - An early start again with a local operator will take your small group tour for an all inclusive tour for three days and two nights to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Halong Bay. Firstly by bus to Halong City where you will board your comfortable cruise boat for an afternoon of cruising, cave visiting and swimming in spectacular Halong Bay. Overnight will be on board your boat with a small but private en suite cabin. (An optional visit to another cave by a smaller local boat during the afternoon is not included, approximately U.S.$2.00). L. D.

Day 9:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay on; CAT BA ISLAND - . After an early breakfast your small group tour will be put ashore at Cat Ba Island for the day. After checking in, for those wishing it, a local guide will take you on a short but very strenuous walk up a mountain to take in the views. The rest of day at leisure on this busy little island. B. L. D.

Day 10:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; HANOI - After breakfast your small group tour will again board the boat for the three hour cruise back to Halong City. After lunch you will continue by bus back to Hanoi, arriving late afternoon. B. L.

Day 11:

HANOI - A last free day in Hanoi for shopping or sightseeing. A farewell dinner will be had in the evening. B. D.

Day 12:

Your Vietnam small group budget tour is officially over when you check out of your Hanoi accommodation. An airport transfer is included also. B.

Tour Departure Dates

2012
10 Mar, 24 Mar, 14 Apr, 28 Apr, 12 May, 26 May, 09 Jun, 23 Jun, 14 Jul, 28 Jul, 11 Aug, 25 Aug, 08 Sep, 22 Sep, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 10 Nov, 24 Nov, 08 Dec, 22 Dec

2013
12 Jan, 26 Jan, 09 Mar, 23 Mar, 13 Apr, 27 Apr, 11 May, 25 May, 08 Jun, 22 Jun, 13 Jul, 27 Jul, 10 Aug, 24 Aug, 14 Sep, 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 26 Oct, 09 Nov, 23 Nov, 14 Dec

Any other date on application. (Minimum two people).

Price

P/P, land only;
USD $1,050
Single Suppliment: USD $290

This South Vietnam small group tour focuses on history, culture, scenery, beaches, food and relaxation. This exceptional value small group tour starts and ends in Ho Chi Minh city and takes in all the fabulous destinations South Vietnam has to offer. Two seaside destinations and a domestic flight means even more time to relax.

NOTE: After careful consideration we decided it was in your best interest to start and finish this small group tour in Ho Chi Minh City rather than Bangkok and an arrival transfer is included on this tour also.

NOTE: Breakfasts in Vietnam, while filling and tasty, are often limited on choice to bread, eggs, jam etc with the occasional banana pancake or you can always join the locals with noodle soup, (Pho). Buffet breakfasts at the three and four star quality hotels will be the exception. Meals on day trips are provided by third parties and may be limited on choice also.

Group Size: Minimum 1, Maximum 8

Guaranteed to depart

English speaking tour coordinator

Visiting
HO CHI MINH CITY, (SAIGON) - MEKONG DELTA - DANANG - HOI AN - NHA TRANG - NHA TRANG OFFSHORE ISLANDS - MUI NE - CU CHI TUNNELS.

Accommodation

QUALITY:

• Four star hotel, ( 3 nights).
• Three star hotels, (13 nights).

BUDGET:

• Three star hotel, (3 nights).
• One to two star hotels (6 nights)
• Simple guest houses, (7 nights).

Transport
Bus, Train, Boat, Taxi, Plane.

Day Trips

• Ho Chi Minh City tour, (half day).
• Cu Chi Tunnels, (half day)
• Mekong Delta, (full day).
• Nha Trang islands tour, (full day).

Entry Fees

All included when part of the itinerary.

NOTE: An airport day one arrival transfer is also included on this tour.

Meals
20 meals included as per itinerary.
B = Breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; HO CHI MINH CITY -(More often than not still called SAIGON by  the locals). On your arrival at  Tan Son Nhat airport you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Your South Vietnam small group budget or quality accommodation tour officially starts when you check into your Ho Chi Minh city accommodation. A welcoming dinner will be had in the evening.

Any free time in between could be used to visit the nearby Ben Thanh  market or the Huynh Thuc Khang street market. A taxi ride to Cholon  will see you in either the Binh Tay or An Dong markets with the  latter particularly good for clothing and cheap local eats. D.

Day 2:

 HO CHI MINH CITY - A lazy morning will be followed by a half day  city tour which will include  the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame  Cathedral, Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, the Post Office and a Handicraft  workshop. A great chance to get the feel of this truly Asian city. B.

Day 3:

HO CHI MINH CITY -A full days tour with a local operator by  bus and boats to the Mekong Delta to get a close up view of the  lifestyles of the locals. Firstly by bus to the town of My Tho, 70  kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City. Then by boat you will visit Dragon,  Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands. Sights along the way include a  fishing port and stilt houses. Lunch will be had riverside in an  orchard. Then it will be by a small local rowing boat through some smaller  jungle shrouded channels to try some local fruits and honey as well as  be entertained by some island villagers performing Southern Vietnamese  folk music. B. L.

Day 4:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; DANANG - After breakfast your small group tour will transfer to the airport for the short domestic flight to Danang. After checking into your hotel the rest of the day is free. The main tourist attraction in Danang is the Museum of Cham sculpture. The Danang cathedral and Cao Dai Temple are other places you may like to visit after that. Danang also has a nice promenade along the river for a relaxing meander. B.

Day 5:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; HOI AN - A short taxi ride after breakfast will see your small group tour in the UNESCO World Heritage listed  Hoi An.  If ever a Vietnamese town should be called charming or quaint then surely it must be Hoi An. This extremely likeable and laid back town is the perfect place to stroll around and check out the local shops and  sights. B.

Day 6:

 HOI AN - Hoi An is also the place to look out for that tailor  made suit you were thinking about or just relax with a coffee by the  riverside. Hoi An is a favorite with all travellers. For sightseeing  there are numerous attractions on an easy half day meander around  town. Start at the Phac Hat pagoda followed by the Truong family  chapel, the assembly hall of the Fujian Chinese congregation, the Quan  Cong Temple, the Quan Am Pagoda and history museum, the museum of Sa  Huynh Culture, the Hoi An Church, the Japanese covered bridge and  finish with a local coffee or  glass of beer Hoi by the river.  The above sights are only a few of the many available.  Most places are free to visit while a few charge a small entrance  fee or ask for a  donation.  B.

Day 7:

 HOI AN -  Another free day to soak up the atmosphere of Charming Hoi An. Checking out the local markets along the river is yet another option today. B.

Day 8:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; NHA TRANG - After a lazy morning your small group tour will transfer back to Danang for an afternoon train to Nha Trang. Arriving late in the evening. B.

Day 9:

 NHA TRANG - A free day to relax or explore this large but pleasant city by the sea. Apart from lazing on the nearby scenic beach there are numerous sightseeing options around town. Remember to take off your shoes before entering the Po Nagar Cham  Towers which were built before the 12th century for Hindu worshippers  and are still in use today by Buddhist followers. Then it could be on  to the Long Son Pagoda or the small Khanh Hoa Museum which houses some  of Ho Chi Minh's personal effects among other things. Again there are  too many  sights to list here but those who don't want the beach  will not become bored. B.

Day 10:

 NHA TRANG - This morning a local boat operator will take your small group tour on  a full days tour to some of the many offshore islands. There will be  the chance for a swim and a snorkel as well as seeing some local life on an island or two. B. L.

Day 11:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; MUI NE - An early start today by bus will see your small group tour early afternoon on a spectacular stretch of the Vietnam coast at little Mui Ne. B.

Day 12:

 MUI NE - A more relaxing beach resort would be hard to find.  So with book and beach chair just relax and enjoy. The more energetic  can take lessons in Wind surfing and/or Kite surfing if conditions  prevail. (not included). Mui Ne is the capital of Vietnam when it comes to these two sports. In  the evening sup on seafood with a Tiger beer or glass of the local  Dalat red. B.

Day 13:

MUI NE - Another relaxing day or maybe hire a motor bike taxi  for a dollar or two to take in the nearby fishing village, the famous  sand dunes where local children rent out boards for those wanting to  try sand sleding. Heading the other way towards the larger town of  Phan Thiet  you can visit the small Po Shanu Cham  tower with some great scenery from the hill it occupies. B.

Day 14:

Tonight your Vietnam small group tour will stay in; HO CHI MINH CITY - Today again by bus your small group tour return to Ho Chi  Minh City. Hopefully by now you will have mastered how to cross the  roads so seeing more of the attractions will not hold as much fear of  the teeming traffic chaos.

There is still lots to see and do. The War Remnants Museum is a truely  gruesome look at the utter futility and horrors of war or on a lighter  note the History, Fine Arts or museum of Ho Chi Minh City will keep   you fully occupied. B.

Day 15:

HO CHI MINH CITY - A local operator will take your small group tour on a half day tour of  the Cu Chi Tunnels, 30 minutes away by bus. You will see a  documentary film on the legendary tunnel system which is  over 220  kilometres long. For the slim and brave you may wish to limbo along a short  stretch of tunnel to experience it first hand.  Above the ground you  will see some of the booby traps and other ingenious contraptions used to  survive in this tunnel city. B.

Day 16:

HO CHI  MINH CITY - A last free day for shopping, sightseeing  and trying some more of the great food on offer. More rice paper or fried spring rolls, a bowl of Pho,(rice noodle soup), aromatic curries and numerous  other local specialities often cooked in coconut milk. Vegetarians  wont be short on choice either as most things come in vegie options also. In  the evening a farewell dinner will be had. B. D.

Day 17:

Your Vietnam small group budget or quality accommodation tour is officially over when you check out of your Ho Chi Minh City accommodation. An airport transfer is included as always. B.

Tour Departure Dates

2012
10 Mar, 24 Mar, 14 Apr, 28 Apr, 12 May, 26 May, 09 Jun, 23 Jun, 14 Jul, 28 Jul, 11 Aug, 25 Aug, 08 Sep, 22 Sep, 13 Oct, 27 Oct, 10 Nov, 24 Nov, 08 Dec, 22 Dec

2013
12 Jan, 26 Jan, 09 Mar, 13 Apr, 27 Apr, 11 May, 25 May, 08 Jun, 22 Jun, 13 Jul, 27 Jul, 10 Aug, 24 Aug, 14 Sep, 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 26 Oct, 09 Nov, 23 Nov, 14 Dec, 28 Dec

Any other date on application. (Minimum two people).

Price

P/P,Land only; (Included is one way flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang).
Budget: USD $1,450
Single Suppliment: USD $590
Quality: USD $1,750
Single Suppliment: USD $950