Je vais me rendre en Thailande en février prochain, 9 jours, malheureusement je n'ai pas moyen de faire plus. Les vols de bruxelles -> Thailande sont bookés donc mes dates ne sont pas flexibles et les aéroports d'arrivée et de départ non plus.
Je désire uniquement dormir dans 2 hotels différents, et ne pas faire d'etapes (j'avoue avoir une hésitation tout de meme pour une seule etape à Sukhotai).
Ayant une série de questions, j'ai préféré vous exposer ici mon itineraire en mode ebauche et y intégrer mes questions
12/02 : Depart de BXL
13/02 : arrivée tot le matin (6h20) à BKK. Ne dormant vraiment pas bien dans un avion, je compte dormir un peu une fois posé à l'hotel. Je pense ne pas compter cette journée, tout ce que je ferai ce jour sera du bonus pour les prochains jours et je pourrai toujours caser une activité que j'aurai donc réalisé ce jour, si ma forme me le permet
14/02 : Visite de Bangkok : Wat Arun, parc Lumphini, Grand palais : quoi d'autre me conseillez vous au sein meme de bangkok ?
15/02 : Excursion en train vers Ayutthaya. J'ai lu que c'etait possible et une correspondante thailandaise me le confirme
16/02 : Une journée de plus?? Pas sur... mais sinon le marché flottant de Amphawa ? Est ce le meilleur que je puisse voir à BKK? Quoi d'autre possible aux alentours?
17/02 : Depart pour Chiang Mai en train couchette ou avion.... j'hésite toujours. On m'a parlé de cafard dans le train couchette.... je n'ai pas peur de ces bestioles, mais de la à savoir dormir avec, c'est autre chose... alors si c'est pour arriver fatigué.... Si je prends ce train, c'est tout de même 18h, donc arrivé sans doute dans la nuit ou le lendemain
18/02 : visite de chiang mai (j'avoue ne pas encore etre bien renseigné sur ce qu'il y a à y faire, mais je crois qu'en une journée j'aurai déjà un bon apercu du "centre ville"
19/02 : je comptais la consacrer aux éléphants.... j'aimerais pouvoir en toucher, faire un petit tour sur leur dos... juste une crainte, sans doute un peu parano mais bon.... je vois souvent qu'on les lave dans la riviere, ou bien qu'on traverse une riviere.... je ne sais pas nager....
20/02 : j'ai imaginé aller à Doi Inthanon (aller retour sur la journée). Mais est ce l'excursion nature la plus sympa à faire non loin de chiang mai?
21/02 : depart le soir. Que faire sur chiang mai, sans trop m'eloigner ? (peur de pas rentrer assez tot pour mon vol)
J'aurais aussi aimé voir le pont de la riviere Kwai, et si je ne me trompe pas, c'est souvent inclu dans l'excursion "triangle d'or", mais ou le caser?
J'espère que les spécialistes pourront me donner des éclaircissements, des conseils....
Je ne voulais pas réagir a votre post mais finalement je le fais.. 9 jours , c'est court vous l'avez bien intégré, mais franchement je ne vois pas l'intérêt devenir aussi loin, et de partir avec tous ces aprioris..
Franchement des cafards il n'y en a pas que dans les trains couchettes, c'est à tous les coins de rue que vous en rencontrerez...
Caresser un éléphant c'est certainement jouissif mais franchement, si c'est l’aboutissement de votre voyage, allez dans un zoo prés de chez vous ca vous reviendra moins cher..
C’est pas méchant ce que je dis mais je ne suis pas certain que ce voyage, tel que vous l’avez envisagé vous laisse un souvenir impérissable…. Désolé .
Merci tout de même pour ce message.... J'ai des impératif et malheureusement pas plus de temps. Tout simplement impossible. Donc oui c'est court, mais j'ai toujours fait tous mes voyages au pas de course et j'ai toujours apprécié.
J'ai certes des apriori, et si je pose mes questions c'est pour savoir si ils sont fondés ou non, et quelles sont les solutions alternatives....
Pour les éléphants, je ne sais pas ou vous avez lu que c'etait uniquement les carresser que c'etait le but de ce voyage! Je désire y consacrer une journée et non pas juste les toucher (j'en ai déjà touché dans un zoo comme vous le dites). Mais le fait de les monter, de passer pas mal de temps avec c'est encore une autre expérience
J'ai des impératif et malheureusement pas plus de temps. Tout simplement impossible. Donc oui c'est court, mais j'ai toujours fait tous mes voyages au pas de course et j'ai toujours apprécié.
Vus tes impératifs et tes gouts, tu devrais franchement passer par une agence de voyage, ils vont t organiser un truc qui ressemble furieusement à tes projets (très standard pour eux), en prévoyant un transport (eventuellement exclusivement dédié à ton voyage) qui te permettra de multiplier les activités dans chaque journée.
les trains sont très lents en Thaïlande à cause de l'état des voies de chemin de fer, et pratiquement toujours en retard, l'avion, en particulier avec les prix des compagnies Low cost, semble une très bonne option pour toi: les trajets bkk-chiang mai et retour se font en environ une heure, et peuvent se faire tard le soir, sans empiéter sur l une quelconque de tes precieuses et rares journées. Il n'y a pas plus de cafards dans les avions que dans le train à part les dangereux mutants.
J'ai des impératif et malheureusement pas plus de temps. Tout simplement impossible. Donc oui c'est court, mais j'ai toujours fait tous mes voyages au pas de course et j'ai toujours apprécié.
Vus tes impératifs et tes gouts, tu devrais franchement passer par une agence de voyage, ils vont t organiser un truc qui ressemble furieusement à tes projets (très standard pour eux), en prévoyant un transport (eventuellement exclusivement dédié à ton voyage) qui te permettra de multiplier les activités dans chaque journée.
les trains sont très lents en Thaïlande à cause de l'état des voies de chemin de fer, et pratiquement toujours en retard, l'avion, en particulier avec les prix des compagnies Low cost, semble une très bonne option pour toi: les trajets bkk-chiang mai et retour se font en environ une heure, et peuvent se faire tard le soir, sans empiéter sur l une quelconque de tes precieuses et rares journées. Il n'y a pas plus de cafards dans les avions que dans le train à part les dangereux mutants.
Hello, merci pour ta réponse pleine d'humour. En effet, je ne pense pas en voir dans les avions! Le truc avec les cafards c'est juste pour pouvoir dormir.... je n'en ai pas peur.... mais impossible de dormir en les entendant sous mon lit :)
Mais c'est pas demain la veille que je vais passer par une agence... de toute facon mes billets sont déjà achetés ;)
Suis a la recherche d'un voyage a faire du 26 novembre au 4 décembre et javais donc penser a la thaïlande 9 jours en solo... Que pensez vous? Javais penser…
J'arrive a phuket le 1er mars jusqu'au 10 mars. Nous avons environ 9 jours sur place avec 2 enfants de 10 et 7 ans. Nous aimerions aller visiter quelques…
Nous allons partir fin février début mars pour 15 jours en Thaïlande. Les billets ne sont pas réservés ou incessamment sous peu... nous avons épluchés pas mal…
Je compte arriver à Bangkok le mardi 18 juin, retour bruxelles le 27 juin. Cette fois-ci je ne pourrais m'y rendre que pour 9 jours: (. Les dernières fois nous…
Pour fevrier 2018 avec une amie nous aimerions faire Bangkok et tous ses environs en circuit pas trop lourd et un sejour a Phuket ou koh mui mui si vous avez…
Bonjour je souhaite préparer un séjour de 15 jours en Malaisie, l'idée serait de visiter KL sur 2/3 jours puis Bornéo, le reste du temps, qu'en pensez vous? et terminer par les iles Perenthian...je veux bien vos avis vos conseils et je vous remercie
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing
July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao
August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide
August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena
August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands
August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts)
August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk
August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar
August 17: Rammang Rammang
August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
