Excursion with Ron Taguba to Malaysia

Ron is my friend who has been spending the past 8 months in Thailand. He had to go on a visa run and asked me if I would be interested in meeting him in Malaysia and we could take this trip which he scouted out for us. I said "why not" and here we are! Had an exciting 7 days in Malaysia. We took a 3 day/2 night package to Malaysian Borneo for a very special snorkeling/diving trip to Sipidan. This is one of the top ten dive sites in the world.

1/21/10 - Left Bangkok for flight to Kuala Lumpur and connected to flight for Tawau, Malaysian Borneo. We had a transfer (taxi) that took us to Semporna. We overnighted here at Dragon Inn Resort. This place looked rather nice at first since the rooms are over the water at the harbor. There was air conditioning but bathroom was outside the room on a porch. There was a sink, toilet and shower hose. Was kind of expensive for what it was but it worked out OK.

1/22/10 - Met tour operator in the morning to pay and head out. A boat took us to Mabul Island where we would stayed for the next 2 nights. This was the most basic accommodations I've ever stayed at in my life. We were situated on a pier. Room didn't have air conditioning but did have a fan. Window looked out onto the most beautiful coast you could imagine. The bathrooms were around the corner from the living room. Our shower consisted of a bucket and a scoop. There was a sink but no hot water. There were 3 stalls with toilets. All meals were outside on the veranda that overlooked the sea. Food was good and other travelers were very nice. There were two women that were divemasters who ran the place along with rest of staff (3). This was a guesthouse. We went out in the afternoon for some snorkeling (Ron was diving throughout). Stayed in local area and was very nice coral and fish. Ron was having some trouble here. Developed hives and had a few outbreaks. Gave him some antihistamines that helped.

1/23/10 - We had very special excursion today. Went to Sipidan Island. This is one of 10 top diving spots in world. They only allow 120 people here a day. This was island that was attacked by Phillipine terrorists in 2000 where they held several resort passengers hostage for several months before releasing them. The Malaysian government restricts this island to visiting the reefs in the area now. You cannot walk around the island and access to beach is limited to very small area. The coral and fish here are spectacular. I rented a camera for day and got some good pictures. Ron had a bad outbreak of hives today. There was a couple of doctors that were with the university here to perform circumcisions on some of the young islanders at the church. We went there to have them check Ron out. They were great and gave him some medications.

1/24/10 - Left Mabul Island & went back to Semporna. Decided to stay in Tawau for night so that we would be closer to airport since we were heading back to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow. Stayed at one of best hotels on trip. This was 3-4 star hotel. Had good dinner here.

1/25/10 - Left Tawau and went to Kuala Lumpur. Ron had to leave the next day so we had a foot massage in the afternoon which was great and then walked over to the twin towers.

1/26/10 - Tried to go up the towers but all the tickets were gone at 9am when I arrived. Took the hop on - hop off bus here and really enjoyed seeing the city. That evening had one of best dinners on whole trip at Seri Angkasa Restaurant which was in the Menara (tower) Kuala Lumpur. Views were super and so was food.

Bangkok, Thailand after GAP Adventures Laos Tour - 1/17/10-1/20/10

After leaving GAP group I visited a few sites.

1/18/10 - Went with John and Chowarawat by private car to Muang Boran (Ancient City) which is one of the 'must-do' side trips in Bangkok. It is the largest outdoor museum in world with 116 scaled-down replicas of Thailand's most historically significant structures built on 320 acres of land. It is configured like the map of Thailand. The originators are the couple, Khun Lek and Khun Prapai Wiriyapan, both of whom long passed away. Their heirs have succeeded and been running this enterprise, focusing on improvement and preservation of what the couple started. We spent several hours there and it is a spectacular place to visit. It is privately held without any government funding. A wonderful excursion!!

1/19/10 - Took excursion to Ayutthaya by van up to visit to Pang Pa-in Temple, ruins of Ayutthaya and cruise back to Bangkok.

• 07:45 hrs. : Depart Bangkok by air-conditioned coach
  
• 09:00 hrs. : Arrive Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. Previously lived in by many Thai monarchs from 17 th century. Bang Pa-In has a captivating collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles, encircled by lush beautiful gardens and lake.
  
• 10:30 hrs. : Arrive Ayutthaya the world heritage city. Ancient Capital City of Thailand. Visited Wat Phra Sri San Phet, the largest temple in Ayutthaya that was built in the 14 th century and used as the Royal Temple-cum-palace by several kings; Viharn Phra Monkol Bopit; Wat Chai Wattanaram built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong, a replica of Angkor Wat with a huge prang surrounded by smaller ones, symbolizing mount Meru, the abode of the heavenly gods.
  
• 13:00 hrs. : Welcome on Board to the Grand Pearl at Wat Chong-lom Pier (Nonthaburi). A buffet lunch was served which includes a variety of oriental and western cuisines. I relaxed and enjoyed the fascinating scenery on the River of Kings. The boat passed Nonthaburi province before reaching BANGKOK CITY
  
• 15:00 hrs. : There was a coffee break while enjoying the enchanting sights along the river banks such as the Royal Barges, Thammasart University, the Royal Grand Palace and the graceful Temple Of Dawn.
  
• 16:00 hrs. : Arrived at the River City Shopping Complex Pier. There was a guide with us throughout the day. Another great day!
  

GAP Adventures Roam Laos

1	Jan 6/10	Arrive Hanoi
2	Jan 7/10	Lac Sao
3	Jan 8/10	Vientiane
4	Jan 9/10	Vang Vieng
5	Jan 10/10	Vang Vieng
6	Jan 11/10	Luang Prabang
7	Jan 12/10	Luang Prabang
8	Jan 13/10	Pakbeng
9	Jan 14/10	Chiang Khong
10	Jan 15/10	Chiang Mai - Train
11	Jan 16/10	Bangkok
12	Jan 17/10	Depart Bangkok

Day 1
Hanoi

Arrive in bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) or Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Museum. The Mausoleum houses the remains of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of the unified Vietnam (the mausoleum and museum is closed in October-December). Or take a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter – a maze of street, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. There are no planned activities for today but please check at the hotel for the time of your welcome meeting - usually at 6pm.

Day 2
Lac Sao

Today is a long travel day (approx 12hrs). We travel through spectacular mountains before crossing into Lao.
Lac Sao is a sleepy border town with a great local market. The pace of life is dramatically different from Vietnam. We’ll arrive in the evening with a chance to walk through the market before enjoying a cold Beer Laos.

Day 3
Vientiane

A 4-5 hour drive takes us to the capital city.
There is a wealth of cultural delights to discover - on foot, by bicycle or, for the less energetic, by songthaew. Visit Laos' most important national monument, Phat That Luang, or meander down the dusty riverside tracks to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. A visit to Vientiane's vibrant, colorful morning market (which incidentally is open all day!) is worth it to find plenty of local treasures. A great way to round off the day is to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong at one of the many stilt restaurants along the riverbank.

Day 4
Vang Vieng

A 4 hour drive north takes us to beautiful Vang Vieng. This quiet town is set along the Nam Song River amidst rice fields and limestone karsts. Explore some of the caves by bicycle, or float down the river in a tire tube stopping off for a cold drink and zip line ride at one of the numerous bamboo bars. In the evening, soak in the beauty of Vang Vieng as the sun sets over the river, rice fields, and limestone karsts.
Day 5
Vang Vieng

Day 6
Luang Prabang

Today we take the bus from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang (approx 7 hours)
Luang Prabang has a magical feel about it. Nestled in the hills of northern Laos on the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, it is studded with ornate temples and French colonial architecture. A visit the Royal Palace Museum, which has remained untouched since the royal family departed in 1975, is sure to impress.

Day 7
Luang Prabang

We will also have an option to hop on a songthaew to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations.

For a small additional cost there is also the option, for those who feel active and want to stretch their legs, to take a 3 to 4-hour walk through the countryside to the falls (in wet season it may be too slippery).

Day 8
Pakbeng

We board our boat for the 2-day journey up the mighty Mekong River to Chiang Khong. The journey is relaxed, as we experience the slow pace of village life and the breathtaking scenery along the river. We dock at the small town of Pak Beng to spend the night (approx 8 hours). The standard of accommodation in this trading port is basic but comfortable

Day 9
Chiang Khong

The following morning we re-board our boat and cruise leisurely up the river before arriving at the Laos/Thai border and crossing in to Chiang Khong in the late afternoon (approx 7 hours).

Please note that the river boat is of a basic standard. Your leader will help arrange the purchase of food and drinks for the boat journeys. It can also be quite cold from November to February so make sure you have some warm gear packed!

Day 10
Chiang Mai/overnight train

Leaving Chiang Khong in early in the morning we drive to Chiang Mai (approx 5 hours). You'll have the afternoon to explore. In the evening, we board our fan cooled overnight train for Bangkok (approx 12 hours).

Day 11
Bangkok

We'll arrive early in the morning to Bangkok, Thailand's capital city. The day is free to explore the many sights of Bangkok. The Grand Palace, Wat Po, National Museum, and Jim Thompson's House are just a few suggestions. A trip along the Chao Praya river and through the canals (or Klongs) gives you a different perspective of daily life in this busy city. In the evening we'll say good bye as we enjoy a Thai meal, some of the world's best food!

Day 12
Depart Bangkok

Halong Bay, Vietnam Excursion

I decided to go back to Halong Bay since it was so beautiful. I booked a 3 day/2 night excursion from my hotel in Hanoi on board the Opera junk. The trip included transfer from Hanoi to the vessel, all meals & excursions for 2 days including kayaking. The junk was relatively new & beautiful.

Settled in Hanoi, Vietnam!

I booked a hotel online (Rising Dragon Hotel) for $22/night. The location was fantastic. Right near Hoan Kiem Lake. You get what you pay for and room was OK but I was spoiled by the hotel that GAP uses. I'm staying here 4 nights. Weather has been overcast and drizzling whole time in Hanoi. Wandered around and visited Hao Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) where Americans and Vietnamese political prisoners were held during the war. Only small portion of prison still stands. Interesting but not great. There was a special annual floral exhibition around Hoan Kiem Lake which was really something and the crowds were nonstop throughout the day and night. Had a very good dinner at Bar 69 Restaurant before seeing the sights of this bustling city at night on New Year's Eve. There were large screens and performers all around the lake. This is a jumping city. Went to a bar and met some nice people for New Year's. Had a great time.

1/1/10 - Don't know if I mentioned before but my primary backpack keeps tearing and have been sewing it up a few times so decided to get new backpack. Searched around last night but didn't find anything I liked. Today I went to largest market in Hanoi - Dong Xuan Market where I found a great backpack for $21. Then decided to take an excursion to the primary pottery village in the area - Bat Trang. Took a public bus for 1/2 hour to this rural village. Cost $.16 each way. Very special place. All kinds of factories and shops. Found a decorated tile at an off the beaten path shop for around $2 that was lovely and had Pho Bo (Beef soup) for lunch before returning back to Hanoi. Great excursion. Had best dinner on trip at Green Tangerine Restaurant. I had 5 course Prixe Fix Dinner for $21. This is considered expensive according to Vietnamese standards but well worth the price.

1/2/10 - Took an excursion that I booked through hotel to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc. This was a full day trip starting at 8am. Hoa Lu was capital of Vietnam during Dihn dynasty (968-80) and Le dynasty (980-1009). We visited 2 temples dedicated to the rules of that time before heading to Tam Coc. Known as "Halong Bay on the Rice Paddies", this lovely oasis is know for its sampan (metal) boat rides through the limestone karst caves. Had a buffet lunch which had goat as one it's dishes before I took a 1.5 hr trip on the sampan that was rowed by a man with a helper. Some of the rowers alternate using their feet to row. It was a great experience. The group for the day consisted of a young couple from France, couple from Montreal, guy from UK, couple from India, group of friends from China & Malaysia. I was only American in group. I shared a boat with one of Chinese guys that is working in Singapore. Guide was very good but English was difficult to understand and driver drove back to Hanoi from Tam Coc at 25-30 km/hr. Didn't get back til 7:30pm but all in all a great day. Went to Al Fresco's Restaurant for dinner. Recommended in Lonely Planet. Went to original location but they moved. Had ribs. Largest and best tasting ribs I've had in long time. They also had wonderful Chocolate Mud Pudding Cake for dessert. Yummmm! Very tired after dinner and went back to room and crashed.