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Home>Alan

Author: Alan

Baktrax TalesAugust 29, 2025August 11, 2025

Bangkok for Beginners: A Perfect Stopover or Start to Southeast Asia

Bangkok for Beginners: A Perfect Stopover or Start to Southeast Asia Feeling a bit daunted by the idea of arriving in Thailand’s capital for the first time? Trust us, you’re not alone! With its neon lights, endless food stalls, tuk-tuks zipping past golden temples, and …

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Alan0
Baktrax TalesAugust 22, 2025August 11, 2025

Real Thailand: Exploring Isan—The Region Tourists Miss

Real Thailand: Exploring Isan—The Region Tourists Miss Ever heard of Isan? If you haven’t, you’re not alone! Most travelers rush past this fascinating region on their way to Thailand’s beaches or big cities. But if you want to discover the real Thailand, Isan tours are …

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Alan0
Baktrax TalesAugust 15, 2025August 21, 2025

Why Small Group Tours in Southeast Asia Are the Best Way to Travel

Why Small Group Tours in Southeast Asia Are the Best Way to Travel 2

Thinking of exploring Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, or Malaysia? Let’s be honest: planning a trip to Southeast Asia can feel overwhelming. So many places to see, street foods to try, and train schedules to decipher! That’s where small group tours in Southeast Asia shine. If …

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Alan0
Cambodia Laos South East Asia Thailand VietnamFebruary 24, 2020September 12, 2023

Everything you need to know about the Mekong River

Everything you need to know about the Mekong River

Most travellers visiting South East Asia will come across the Mekong River at some stage as it runs through Myanmar, (Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam.  The mighty Mekong really is of major importance to all these countries. As follows is everything you need to …

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Alan0
LaosFebruary 24, 2020September 12, 2023

Official Guide to Vientiane, Laos

Guide to Vientiane

In simple terms;  By far the sleepiest capital city in Asia & possibly the world.   Chill out & drink Beerlao.  Here is our official guide to Vientiane, Laos. History of Vientiane From Lonely Planet; The history of Vientiane began when it was first settled …

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Alan0
VietnamFebruary 24, 2020September 12, 2023

Official Guide to Hanoi, Vietnam

Guide to Hanoi

Hanoi is all about a full-on big Asian city experience like no other.  With a continual sea of motorbikes in the Old Quarter, you will be astounded by it all if a first time visitor.  No other place on earth like it.   Here is the …

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Alan0
ThailandFebruary 24, 2020September 12, 2023

Official Guide to Bangkok

Guide to Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the world’s truly amazing cities. What’s not to like about being in Bangkok? There are very few regular travellers who have never been to Bangkok.  As someone once said, “Only the dullest of people ever get bored in the capital of …

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Alan0
Solo at 60 South East AsiaFebruary 21, 2020September 12, 2023

How to Travel Solo as a 60-Year-Old Female

How to Travel Solo as a 60-Year-Old Woman

Female solo travel is growing all the time and with all the information you need available on the internet, why not?  You can either just pack your bags and turn up or do it the even easier way with an organised group tour.  Or a …

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Alan0
Solo at 60 South East AsiaFebruary 14, 2020September 12, 2023

Tips for Travelling Alone Over 60

Tips for Travelling Alone Over 60

There is no reason to worry about travelling alone over 60 and even less so if on an organised tour.  Once you do it you will wonder why you waited so long. You will then most probably prefer it in the future also.  Follow these …

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Alan0
Solo at 60February 7, 2020September 12, 2023

Solo Travel Statistics and Trends 2020

Solo Travel Statistics and Trends 2020

People have travelled solo since travel began. Over recent years it has only increased due to accessibility; flights have never been more affordable and of course, the internet, having all the information you need. Solo travel in 2020 will only see an increase in the …

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Alan0
Solo at 60February 1, 2020September 12, 2023

4 Reasons You Need to Travel Solo Over 60

Reasons to Travel Solo Over 60

There are a number of reasons why you should travel solo over 60 or at any age.  The only reason for stopping people over 60 travelling solo is their mindset or health.  If you want to travel at this age you will have far more …

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Alan2
VietnamJanuary 28, 2020September 12, 2023

Is Vietnam a Poor or a Rich Country?

Is Vietnam a poor or rich country-

The question “is Vietnam a poor or a rich country?” is a complex one depending on who you compare it to… It is a very developing country. Poverty has dropped from as high as 71% of the population to 6% in the last 30 years.  …

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Alan9
VietnamJanuary 21, 2020September 12, 2023

Is Vietnam Safe for Tourists?

Is Vietnam safe for tourists-

“Is Vietnam safe for tourists?” is an often asked question as it is for most foreign countries to some degree… Everyone wants to feel safe when they travel.  But is anywhere less or more dangerous than anywhere else. Crime and accidents happen everywhere. Just in …

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Alan0
VietnamJanuary 14, 2020September 12, 2023

The Best Time of the Year to Visit Vietnam

The best time of the year to visit Vietnam

We think it’s better to ask “what is the worst time” rather than “what is the best time of year to visit Vietnam?”, as then it comes down to two topics only: cultural holidays and the weather. TET The Chinese new year known as TET …

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Alan0
VietnamJanuary 7, 2020September 12, 2023

What is Vietnam known for?

What is Vietnam known for-

To fully answer the question ‘what is Vietnam known for?’ would need far more time and space than we have here…. So many things from the recent bad old days of wars to the current tourist attractions that are as good as anywhere on earth… …

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Alan0
Cambodia Laos Malaysia South East Asia Thailand VietnamDecember 21, 2019September 12, 2023

The Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in South East Asia

The Best Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve in South East Asia

Looking for the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in South East Asia? There are probably no bad places depending on what you want.  From full-on party places to beaches, to cool mountain retreats to far-flung off the beaten track destinations to avoid much …

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Alan0
ThailandDecember 14, 2019September 12, 2023

Do Thai People Celebrate Christmas?

Do Thai People Celebrate Christmas

Do Thai’s celebrate Christmas?  As most Thai’s are Buddhist most do not celebrate it as such, but the smaller Christian community most certainly do! Thai’s being Thai also means that no matter what their beliefs are they will always join in a party.  So you …

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Alan0
ThailandDecember 7, 2019September 12, 2023

The Best Places to Spend Christmas in Thailand

The Best Places to Spend Christmas in Thailand

Unlike new years eve in Thailand, Christmas is far more sedate.   Being a majority Buddhist country it is not widely celebrated at all. There are still numerous choices though on the best places to spend Christmas in Thailand. Although always remember that it is …

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Alan0
Cambodia Laos Malaysia South East Asia Thailand VietnamDecember 1, 2019September 12, 2023

Christmas & Religion in South East Asia

Christmas Religion South East Asia

While the main religion in the region is not Christian, Christmas is still celebrated to some extent in most places in South East Asia.  With all the tourists you won’t have much trouble finding a Christmas dinner or celebration of some kind; just in a …

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Alan0
VietnamNovember 1, 2019September 12, 2023

Everything you need to know about Nha Trang Islands

Everything you need to know about Nha Trang Islands

A boat trip off Nha Trang is the most relaxing and interesting way to explore the nearby Nha Trang islands of Vietnam.  The must-do for most visitors. Nha Trang is the beach and island capital, (71), of Vietnam for locals and tourists alike. The long …

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Alan0
ThailandOctober 25, 2019September 12, 2023

Loi Krathong: Thai Festival of Lights 101

Loi Krathong - Thai Festival of Lights 101

Thailand has numerous festivals, both national and regional.   The biggest and most famous of them all is the Loi Krathong festival which is celebrated countrywide on the night of the full moon in November. It has an amazing feeling of community spirit when Thais …

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Alan0
LaosOctober 24, 2019September 12, 2023

8 Top Things To Do In Luang Prabang

8 top things to do in luang prabang

While there are many things to do in Luang Prabang per se, just being there is the best part. One of the great highlights of South East Asia,  it has an aura of its own. Historic temples and other buildings now blend in with the …

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Alan0
CambodiaOctober 22, 2019September 12, 2023

History of Angkor Wat (1113 – 1150)

monk-in-angkor-wat-cambodia-ta-prohm-khmer-temple

The fact that you can still see the history of Angkor Wat today as it was in the glory days of the ANGKOR empire shows in itself that is up there with any of the great historical sites on earth… While visiting Cambodia you will …

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Alan0
VietnamOctober 15, 2019September 12, 2023

History of Hoi An, Vietnam

japanese-bridge-at-hoi-an-vietnam-22156459

Meaning of Hoi An: Peaceful meeting place Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined …

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Alan0
Baktrax Tales Malaysia South East AsiaDecember 3, 2018September 10, 2019

Who Do You Trust, The News or Experience?

street-food-in-kuala-lumpur-chinatown-40565996-1024x683

While I may be well travelled compared to many I don’t consider I am well travelled overall compared to many others. The trouble is that I was a late starter at 38 years of age. So while Google tells me there are 197 countries on …

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Alan0
MalaysiaDecember 3, 2018August 29, 2019

Never Judge a Book (or Food Court in Malaysia!) by its Cover

georgetown-penang-malaysia-circa-october-2015-street-art-and-graffiti-paintings-on-the-walls-of-the-building-in-old-georgetown-64312217 Malaysia

I first arrived in Kuala Lumpur (K.L.) as an apprehensive first-time Asian traveller 22 years ago. Dark, dirty and dangerous I was led to believe. 110% lies. Clean, Safest place and friendliest people on earth. After K.L., it was then onto the Cameron Highlands before …

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Alan0
MalaysiaNovember 28, 2018August 29, 2019

12 Reasons You Need to Visit the Real Malaysia

Malaysia, along with Thailand, is where it all began for Baktrax…Twenty-two years later it is still our favourite country in the world.  There are so many reasons you should visit Malaysia, but here are 12 for you:1. Malaysia is probably the safest country in one …

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Alan0
South East AsiaAugust 27, 2018August 29, 2019

Are you a traveller or a tourist?

image of map for multi country travel

We have read many articles on the net recently as to what is the difference between a traveller and a tourist. I think i am qualified to be a traveller as I may be the only person on earth to have been to 74 of …

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Alan0
Cambodia Laos Malaysia Thailand VietnamMay 10, 2018August 29, 2019

The mostlaid back baktrax destinations.

Baktrax consider that most of our destinations are chilled out and laid back to some extent. Even a welcome drink in the Gecko bar in Bangkok is a relaxing start among the  nearby chaos .   Just two of the more famous places are Hoi An …

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ThailandMarch 18, 2018August 29, 2019

Some of the Best Thailand Places Baktrax Don’t Have On Regular Tours

There is really nowhere bad to visit in Thailand. So many choices and not enough time. Baktrax has most of the super best places covered already but there are still lots more especially if you want to get even further off the tourist trails. There …

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AlanLeave a Comment on Some of the Best Thailand Places Baktrax Don’t Have On Regular Tours0
MalaysiaJanuary 1, 2018August 29, 2019

Baktrax in Malaysia

Small Group Tours of Malaysia SEE ASIA IN A NUTSHELL | MALAY, INDIAN, CHINESE AND ETHNIC CULTURES Tour Malaysia with Baktrax and meet the warm and friendly people of this wonderful country and cherish the warm memories you will take away. You will be captivated …

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CambodiaDecember 26, 2017August 29, 2019

Baktrax in Cambodia

Asian boy sitting on elephant

BAKTRAX IN CAMBODIA: Small Group Tours of Cambodia SEE AWE INSPIRING ANGKOR WAT, HORRORS OF THE KILLING FIELDS and S21 then CHILL AT SIHANOUKVILLE Cambodia has had a pretty bad run of luck for the last half-millennium or so. Ever since the fall of Angkor …

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LaosNovember 29, 2017August 29, 2019

Baktrax in Laos (Lao)

Low Cost Small Group Tours of Laos. (Pronounced LAO). Lao PDR should stand for Lao – Please Don’t Rush Laos is among the very poorest countries in the world. Lao is the most laid back country in S.E. Asia. One of the trademarks of Lao …

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ThailandNovember 13, 2017August 29, 2019

Thailand: Undiscovered Baktrax Destinations

Bangkok is the worlds second most visited city after Hong Kong. With good reason obviously. A fascinating place where the tourists attractions are amazing and where you can still experience life with the locals. After Bangkok most visitors go to only 5 of the other …

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South East AsiaAugust 1, 2017August 29, 2019

Tipping in South East Asia

Tipping in others countries can be a problem for some visitors. In S.E. Asia it should be no problem at all. It is not expected anywhere as a general rule and it is most certainly not compulsory. In certain favorite places I will tip as …

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Cambodia LaosJune 7, 2017August 29, 2019

Reasons to Travel in Laos & Cambodia

REASONS TO TRAVEL IN LAOS & CAMBODIA: Many people see these two countries as dark and dangerous, especially Cambodia with it’s more recent history. Nothing could be further from the truth. Having been to both countries numerous times I can only say I feel much …

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AlanLeave a Comment on Reasons to Travel in Laos & Cambodia0
South East AsiaFebruary 9, 2016August 29, 2019

Reasons to Travel in South East Asia

REASONS TO TRAVEL IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: The main reason is aimed at those who think the world revolves around their own posterior. I also thought this until I travelled. I was never a racist or bigot like many of my fellow Australians but I had …

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AlanLeave a Comment on Reasons to Travel in South East Asia0
Cambodia Laos Malaysia Thailand VietnamJune 30, 2015August 29, 2019

Baktrax Food!

The following are my prognostications on food in S.E. Asia after twenty years of living and travelling in the region. It is in no particular order in any way shape or form. It is written from memory only and some of it closer to twenty years …

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AlanLeave a Comment on Baktrax Food!0
Baktrax TalesSeptember 8, 2014August 29, 2019

On Fire with Excitement – 5 of the Best Travel Times

Angkor Wat Temple Cambodia

1: The first best day of my life had nothing to do with travel apart from a short train trip to the MCG and was to eventually pale into total insignifigence. Go back to September 1975. I got off the train at Windsor station to walk …

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LaosAugust 19, 2014August 29, 2019

Bus Tales from Laos

Having travelled around S.E. Asia for most part of the last 19 years I was recently reminded of the most illogical travel i have ever encountered. I refer to Laos. That wonderfully friendly land locked country which i have visited many times. Always a joy …

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AlanLeave a Comment on Bus Tales from Laos0
Baktrax TalesAugust 18, 2014August 19, 2025

How Baktrax Travel Came into Being and Evolved: The Middle Years – Part 2

wat-sainyaphum-monastery-and-colonial-houses-at-savannakhet-laos-28527498

From around 1990 I continued long hours and big wages delivering air freight around Armadale, Malvern, Prahran, Windsor and East Malvern doing around 120 deliveries or pick ups daily. This meant running for almost 12 hours a day followed by a five K run around …

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AlanLeave a Comment on How Baktrax Travel Came into Being and Evolved: The Middle Years – Part 20
South East AsiaJanuary 8, 2013August 29, 2019

8 of the Most Scenic Destinations in South East Asia

8 OF THE MOST SCENIC  DESTINATIONS IN S. E. ASIA. There is rarely a dull moment for visitors to the region especially when you bus around with the locals . Whether it be the totally unlawful way vehicles are driven to witnessing  the poverty of tiny villages as you pass …

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AlanLeave a Comment on 8 of the Most Scenic Destinations in South East Asia0
Baktrax TalesSeptember 25, 2012August 19, 2025

Into Africa, 93

Into Africa, 93

Let the real travel begin. In 19993 my workmate Vince who had been to all the main continents apart from Africa was thinking about it for his next trip. So as i hadn’t been to any of them and after seeing a kids show one …

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AlanLeave a Comment on Into Africa, 930
Baktrax TalesSeptember 15, 2012August 19, 2025

Overseas for the first time. New Zealand.

Overseas for the first time. New Zealand.

Now 1992 and all i thought about apart from work and the punt was travelling. So in mid 92 i booked a 10 day bus tour of New Zealand. My well travelled friends scoffed as they suggested it would be like going to Adelaide. Yes, the …

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AlanLeave a Comment on Overseas for the first time. New Zealand.0
Baktrax TalesSeptember 9, 2012August 29, 2019

Australia first up.

My first big trip was in Australia as i decided to drive from Melbourne to Cairns and back during my three weeks holidays in 1991. A week to get there via outback New South Wales before a week in Cairns and a week back along …

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AlanLeave a Comment on Australia first up.0
Baktrax TalesSeptember 7, 2012August 19, 2025

How Baktrax travel came into being and evolved: The early years. Part 1.

Hi, my name is Alan C. Foster and this the incredible story of how travel can turn your life  in unknown directions through totally unpredictable and spontaneous events. No one could have possibly foretold that when i left Melbourne bus station with Europe in mind …

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AlanLeave a Comment on How Baktrax travel came into being and evolved: The early years. Part 1.0
Baktrax TalesSeptember 2, 2012August 19, 2025

Spontaneous Travel Tales & Other Things

Spontaneous Travel Tales and Other Things

Hi, my name is Alan C. Foster and I am currently the owner of Baktrax;  Budget small group tours in S. E. Asia. www.baktrax.com. I am an ex-pat Aussie who has spent most of the last fifteen years in S.E. Asia. During my travels over that …

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Activities

  • Beach Time
  • Best Local Markets
  • Cultural Discovery
  • Food
  • Having a Cold Beer
  • Live Music Venues
  • Local Experiences
  • Local Transport
  • Overnight Train
  • Shopping
  • Trekking

Trip Types

  • Best for Shopping Tours
  • Foodie Tours
  • Historical Exploration Tours
  • Local Culture Experience Tours
  • Seaside Holiday Tours
  • Short Break Tours
  • Slow Travel Tours
  • Soft Adventure Tour
  • Solo at 60
  • Trekking Included Tours

Destinations

  • Cambodia
    • Angkor Wat
    • Banlung
    • Battambang
    • Kratie
    • Phnom Penh
  • Indochina
  • Laos
    • Huay Xai
    • Luang Prabang
    • Oudomxay
    • Pakbeng
    • Pakse
    • Vang Vieng
    • Vientiane
  • Malaysia
    • Cameron Highlands
    • Georgetown
    • Kuala Kangsar
    • Kuala Lumpur
    • Langkawi
    • Lumut
    • Melaka (Malacca)
    • Pangkor Island
    • Penang
    • Taiping
    • Tanah Rata
  • Multi Country
  • Thailand
    • Bangkok
    • Cha-Am
    • Chainat
    • Chiang Mai
    • Hilltribe Villages
    • Hua Hin
    • Kalasin
    • Kanchanaburi
    • Kon Khaen
    • Lopburi
    • Mukdahan
    • Pai
    • Petchaburi
    • Phitsanulok
    • Prachuap Khiri Khan
    • Ratchaburi
    • Roi Et
    • Samut Songkhram
    • Sukhothai
    • Trang
    • Ubon Ratchathani
  • Vietnam
    • Cat Ba Island
    • Cu Chi Tunnels
    • Danang
    • Halong Bay
    • Hanoi
    • Ho Chi Minh City
    • Hoi An
    • Hue
    • Mekong Delta
    • Nha Trang
    • Nim Bih (Ninh-Binh)
    • Sapa
    • Pursat
    • Sen Monorom
    • Siem Reap
    • Savannakhet
    • Thakhek

About Baktrax

Baktrax is a joint Australian-Thai operation, in partnership with David Vuong Travel, NSW, Australia, and May World Travel, Chiang Mai

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