Travelling overland in Southeast Asia isn’t just about getting from A to B — it’s about experiencing the region the way the locals do. At Baktrax, we believe that the journey itself is half the adventure. Whether you’re gliding down the Mekong River, watching rice fields roll by from a train window, or sharing snacks with new friends on a local bus, these moments are what make our small-group tours truly unforgettable.
Here’s a closer look at what it’s really like to travel by train, bus, and boat with Baktrax — and why slow travel remains the best way to see Southeast Asia.
The Trains: A Window into Everyday Life
There’s something undeniably romantic about travelling by train in Southeast Asia. From Thailand’s locals-only third-class day trains to Vietnam’s Reunification Express, you’ll get an insight into daily life that planes simply can’t offer. The rhythm of the rails slows you down, offering time to read, chat, or simply gaze out the window as the countryside drifts past — water buffalo grazing, children playing, markets bustling near the tracks.
Baktrax tours often include rail journeys that locals use every day. Maybe 2 locals only trains from Bangkok to Samut Songkram as being one particular local experience with a difference, starting from an almost secret station in Bangkok with its market stalls along the platform to browse as you await the next train. Baktrax will buy you a beer tonight if you see any other tourists on these trains.
The Buses: Where the Real Stories Happen
If trains offer space to reflect, buses offer a front-row seat to local life. Travelling by bus in Southeast Asia is rarely about comfort in the Western sense — but that’s part of the charm. It’s where spontaneous conversations happen, where roadside stops turn into mini adventures, and where you learn that patience (and humour) go a long way.
Baktrax buses are carefully chosen for reliability and comfort, but we still like to keep things real. You’ll share the road with monks in saffron robes, families heading home for festivals, and vendors hopping on to sell grilled corn or fruit. The scenery changes constantly — from misty hills in northern Laos to Cambodia’s flat, palm-lined landscapes. Every bus ride brings a new story, a new friend, and a new appreciation for how connected these countries really are.
The Boats: The Soul of Southeast Asia
Rivers are the lifeblood of Southeast Asia, and travelling by boat connects you to the region’s heart. Few experiences match a slow cruise along the Mekong, watching fishermen cast their nets and children wave from the banks. These boat journeys are peaceful, scenic, and deeply tied to local culture.
On the Laos and Cambodia Combo Tour, for instance, you’ll drift along sections of the Mekong where life hasn’t changed much in decades. In Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, you’ll pass floating markets where traders sell produce directly from their boats — a timeless reminder of how people have always lived here.
It’s slow, scenic, and wonderfully immersive — the kind of travel that leaves you with stories, not just snapshots.
Why Baktrax Travels This Way
While fast travel has its appeal, it often means missing out on what makes a place special. Baktrax tours are built around connection, not speed. Travelling by train, bus, and boat gives you a front-row seat to authentic life, where you can see, hear, and feel Southeast Asia in motion.
It’s about more than reaching your destination — it’s about the smiles exchanged on a bumpy ride, the shared meals, and the realisation that the journey itself is the reward.
Plan Your Journey
Experience the joy of overland travel with our small-group tours in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. With local guides and flexible routes, you’ll discover a slower, richer way to travel.
