Hello,
After a lot of searching, exchanging ideas, and thinking it over, I’ve decided to go back to my original plan of spending two weeks in Bangkok. From January 19th to February 2nd. I’ll also take a quick trip for one night/two days to Ayutthaya (and return to Bangkok, where I’ll have kept the apartment I booked), and possibly the same for Kanchanaburi, depending on how I feel once I’m there—whether I find something more interesting in Bangkok or nearby.
The key word is: taking my time to take photos, observe, taste, savor (in every sense of the word), and most importantly, not rushing.
Beyond the must-see tourist spots, I’d love to wander around the city and maybe within a 40 to 50 km radius for a day trip to discover unusual and lesser-known streets, houses, temples, markets, gardens, and more.
I’ll also be spending two weeks in Chiang Mai and two weeks in Nan.
I’m open to any suggestions. Thank you so much!
Money-wise, I’ve budgeted 3,000 € for this 14-day trip (12 days on the ground if you subtract arrival and departure). Is that a good budget? Average? Not enough?
Hello! Personally, in modern Thai style, I really like Chang Chui Creative Park—hardly any tourists, and there’s a plane turned into a luxury restaurant right in the middle. Such a fun spot!
Or the more famous Train Night Market, open on weekend evenings behind Seacon Square. It’s huge and crowded, but before it was full of antique dealers—I think there are fewer now. Still pretty great though!
Financially, I’ve budgeted 3000 € for this 46-day trip—44 days on the ground if you exclude arrival and departure. Is that a good budget? Average? Not enough?
Hi there, personally, in modern Thai style I really like Chang Chui Creative Park—hardly any tourists, a plane turned into a luxury restaurant in the middle, such a fun spot...
Or the more famous Train Night Market, open in the evenings on weekends, behind Seacon Square. It’s huge and crowded, but before it was full of antique dealers—I think there are fewer now. Still pretty cool, though...
Beyond the must-see sites packed with tourists, I’d love to wander around the city and maybe within a 40–50 km radius for a day to discover unusual and lesser-known streets, houses, temples, markets, gardens, etc.
The rural river island of Koh Kret is perfect for you too (I’ll share it willingly).
It’s peaceful as soon as you move away from the small main village (popular with Thai visitors on weekends) and quiet everywhere during the week. The biggest motorized vehicle you’ll see is Michael the street vendor’s tricycle—aside from him, you’ll only spot a few motorbikes and bikes. A narrow road, about 5 km long and sometimes slightly elevated above the greenery, circles the island, with other equally narrow paths branching off toward the shore and hamlets. You can rent bikes at the "ferry" dock. There aren’t many places to eat outside the village (most are closed on weekdays). You’ll find a soup stall on the right, about 500–700 m after leaving the village heading north, and—if it’s reopened—another small eatery here: 13°54'10.44"N 100°28'38.63"E (located on the only "road" that lets you skip backtracking to the "main road" before continuing your loop).
From Bangkok, you can reach Koh Kret by bus or taxi via Pak Kret, but I recommend this option: take the orange-flag Chao Phraya river bus to its northern terminus in Nonthaburi (a pleasant, breezy 45-minute ride among locals for 15 baht), then a taxi (~120 baht) to Wat Sanam Nuea in Pak Kret. The pier for Koh Kret is at the back of the temple (a 2-minute crossing for 2–3 baht).
I’ve been there half a dozen times, so I have photos I’ll try to post here.
Financially, I’ve budgeted 3000 € for this 46-day trip, 44 days on the ground if we exclude arrival and departure. Is that a good budget? Average? Not enough?
If you avoid:
-beach resorts
-the "party" scene
-French-speaking spots (accommodation, services, restaurants, etc.)
-renting a car with or without a driver
-excessive beer
-international restaurant chains
and if you mostly eat at local street stalls*, your budget of 66 € per day all-in (excluding airfare) will be more than enough. For reference, with the same criteria, Madame Songsam and I travel on 50 € per day for two.
*which are the best places to discover the incredible variety of Thai cuisine.
The rural river island of Koh Kret is perfect for you too (I’ll share...).
Peaceful as soon as you move away from the small main village (popular with Thai visitors on weekends) and quiet everywhere during the week. The biggest motorized vehicle you’ll see is Michael the street vendor’s tricycle—aside from him, you’ll only spot a few motorbikes and bikes. A narrow road, about 5 km long and sometimes slightly elevated above the greenery, circles the island, and smaller paths branch off toward the shore and hamlets.
Oh! A huge thank you! That’s so nice of you.
It’s really kind—this is exactly the kind of place I love.
Bike rentals are available at the "ferry" pier. Not many places to eat outside the village (most are closed on weekdays). There’s a soup stall on the right, about 500–700 m after leaving the village heading north, and if it’s reopened, another one here: 13°54'10.44"N 100°28'38.63"E (located on the only "road" that lets you avoid backtracking to the "main road" before continuing your loop).
I prefer walking to biking. I do 8–10 km every morning and can easily cover 20 km or more in a day when exploring. Plus, I’m better on my feet than on a bike. I love walking—you notice more details, like a huge scorpion on the path this morning or ant processions.
For food and drinks, I’ll pack my small insulated backpack, but anyway, I have a big breakfast and skip lunch. Maybe a snack around 4:30–5:00 PM.
From Bangkok, you can reach Koh Kret by bus or taxi via Pak Kret, but I recommend this option: take the orange-flag Chao Phraya boat bus to its northern terminus in Nonthaburi (a pleasant, breezy 45-minute ride among locals for 15 baht) and then a taxi (~120 baht) to Wat Sanam Nuea in Pak Kret. The pier for Koh Kret is at the back of the wat (a 2-minute crossing for 2–3 baht).
And even the transportation tips! Wow!
I’ve been there half a dozen times, so I have photos I’ll try to post here.
Amazing! I can already picture myself there.
I’m trying to lose the 3 kilos I’ve put on since arriving in India from eating parotha, dosa, uthappam, and more... But I feel like I’m gonna gain 5 kg in Thailand! 😇 Gotta get disciplined ;)
With a one-night/two-day side trip to Ayutthaya (and returning to Bangkok where I’d have kept the apartment I booked) and, depending on time, the same for Kanchanaburi.
In any case, you always have to factor in Bangkok’s monstrous traffic jams: ~6 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 8 PM, including weekends. For example, leaving during those hours, plan for at least 4 hours total to get from central Bangkok to Kanchanaburi—and the same on the way back if you’re traveling in the afternoon. What a joy!… Even the expressways get jammed at those times.
Kanchanaburi (the town and surrounding area) deserves more than 2 days/1 night.
Another day trip: the Mae Khlong railway market. It’s become quite touristy, but getting there by train is still very "off the beaten path." You’ll need to take 2 trains + a ferry in between, and the one-way trip takes half a day, so it’s better to return to Bangkok by bus or spend the night there. In the same area, the floating markets of Amphawa (weekends only) and Damnoen Saduak are both *super* touristy.
uhhh are you sure you want to pick Bangkok as a city to "get off the beaten path"?
Have you ever been to Bangkok?
Bangkok is a megacity of several million people, so it comes with all the downsides—horrendous traffic, pollution...
and the humid heat doesn’t help.
You’d be better off going to La Baule, it’s way more peaceful.🙂
I’ve already told him that. But he loves walking and he’ll be there during a cooler time of year.
After that, he knows that air-conditioned taxis, the Skytrain, and river shuttles exist...
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Bangkok is a megacity of several million inhabitants, so it comes with all the downsides that entails—horrendous traffic, pollution...
It's better to go to La Baule, it's much quieter.🙂
Personally, in December I prefer BKK—the weather’s warmer there.
With a one-night/two-day side trip to Ayutthaya (and returning to Bangkok where I’d kept the apartment I booked) and, depending on how it goes, the same for Kanchanaburi.
In any case, you always have to factor in Bangkok’s monstrous traffic jams: ~6 AM to 10 AM and 3 PM to 8 PM, including weekends. For example, if you leave during those hours, budget at least 4 hours total to get from central Bangkok to Kanchanaburi—and the same for the return trip if you’re coming back in the afternoon. What a joy!… Even the expressways are jammed at those times.
Kanchanaburi (the town and surrounding area) deserves more than 2 days/1 night.
Yeah, I didn’t realize it would take so long. I was planning to go by train...
So either I tweak my plans again, or I skip Kanchanaburi altogether...
Either way, I’ve already booked my non-refundable, non-changeable bus ticket to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, so I’ll have to come back to Bangkok. I’m thinking it over, weighing my options...
For my two-week stay, I’ve booked a small apartment near Lumphini Park.
For the option of only one week in Bangkok, I’ve reserved a room in a guesthouse, pretty close to the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha (4 km away), so I can get around on foot. It’s run by a woman who gets rave reviews and is super helpful.
I need to make up my mind once and for all—one or two weeks in Bangkok—so I can cancel one of the two bookings as soon as possible.
When I initially decided to stay only one week in Bangkok, I organized the extra week like this:
2 days/3 nights in Kanchanaburi and 3 days/4 nights in Ayutthaya.
I think I’ll go back to that plan and drop the idea of two weeks in Bangkok. But I’m worried one week in Bangkok might be a bit too short...
I also think it’s better to cancel the guesthouse room and keep the apartment to better organize my evening meals (if I buy food outside) and my morning teas. But the landlord won’t be happy, and he’ll probably change the price we’d agreed on (long-stay discount).
When I’d decided to stay only a week in Bangkok, I’d planned the extra week like this:
2 days/3 nights in Kanchanaburi and 3 days/4 nights in Ayutthaya.
I think I’ll go back to that option and drop the idea of two weeks in Bangkok. But I’m worried one week in Bangkok might be a bit tight...
And I think it’s better if I cancel the guesthouse room and keep the apartment to better organize my evening meals (if I buy food outside) and my morning teas. But the landlord won’t be happy, and he’ll probably change the price we’d agreed on (long-stay discount).
I would’ve swapped it: 2 days/3 nights in Ayutthaya and 3 days/4 nights in Kanchanaburi.
Whether you do 1 or 2 weeks in Bangkok really depends, in my opinion, on whether you plan to come back.
If you’re thinking of returning, obviously just do one week.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
That’s also what I thought, but you also told me there’s so much to see in Ayutthaya that 3 days wouldn’t be enough...
Whether you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Bangkok depends, in my opinion, on whether you plan to come back.
If you do, obviously just take a week.
How am I supposed to know today if I’ll come back in a year...
If you check the link I sent you (which I’d posted on VF at the time), you could easily spend a full week there if you want to explore thoroughly. But not everyone’s into history or archaeology.
Two full days to see a few sites, visit the museum, and take a boat tour—you can start with that.
Again, everyone has their own pace and saturation point.
For exploring around Kanchanaburi, there’s more traveling than in the city, so that extra day won’t be too much. Beautiful landscapes in the area.
Finally, especially for those who love Thailand, how can you imagine someone *not* wanting to come back?
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
I have another concern I hadn’t thought of—the language barrier. Used to English in India, I stupidly assumed I’d manage the same in Thailand, forgetting India’s historical background that explains why a large part of the population speaks English. That’s not the case in Thailand.
Will a voice translator on my phone be enough for hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist sites? I don’t think I’ll need to have long conversations with Thais.
I do read essential words and phrases here and there, but I forget them almost as soon as I’ve read them—and even then, you still need to know how to pronounce them to be understood.
Indeed, I didn't think it would take so much time. I was planning to go by train...
For Kanchanaburi, I’d strongly advise against the train. First, because you have to catch it at Thonburi station, which is in... Thonburi. Then, because it’s always one to two hours late, and finally, because it’s a third-class local train (so no reservations) that stops everywhere.
From Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by public transport (other than the train), you’ve got three options:
- **Bus 81 a/c**: 2-hour trip, departs every 20 minutes from Sai Tai bus terminal. It’s the farthest from the center, but it’s the best choice if you’ve got a lot of luggage since you can check it into the hold.
- **Minivan a/c from Sai Tai Guo minivan station**, a bit closer than Sai Tai. No luggage hold—you carry your bags on your lap* or buy an extra seat* (around 130 baht for this route) to put them there. Some don’t have headrests*. On the way, the minivan stops for LPG*, and all passengers have to get out*. Make sure to note your van’s license plate number so you can find it again—minivans tend to stop at the same gas stations and all look alike*.
- **Minivan a/c from Mo Chit minivan station**, the most accessible and the one that’ll save you the most time in traffic jams.
All the transport options mentioned above (not the train) leave every 15 to 20 minutes, so there’s no need to book ahead. Just go to the ticket counter—if there’s no space on the next departure**, they’ll put you on the next one, and that’s that.
* Info applies to all minivans leaving Bangkok, no matter the station.
** No more passengers than seats available.
or I give up on Kanchanaburi...
Bad idea.
Anyway, I’ve already bought my bus ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai—non-refundable, non-changeable—so I’ll have to come back to Bangkok.
That’s a shame since there are really good direct a/c buses from Kan to Chiang Mai—one in the morning and one around 2 PM. If you’re doing Kan → Chiang Mai via Bangkok, take a minivan from Kan to Mo Chit, then use the walkway to the "regular" Mo Chit terminal where your Chiang Mai bus leaves. That’ll save you 2 hours of crossing Bangkok.
Will a voice translator on my phone be enough in hotels, restaurants, shops, and places to visit? I don’t think I’ll need to have long conversations with Thais.
In all these places, at worst, you’ll always find someone willing to make an effort to speak a few words of English—they won’t leave you stranded. In tourist sites, the written explanations are mostly available in English too.
From your questions about this trip, I think you’re worrying a bit too much. I’ve been to India a little, and if I had to compare the two countries, I’d say traveling in Thailand is much easier.
- Take bus 81 a/c1 (2-hour journey, departures every 20 minutes) from Sai Tai bus terminal. It's the farthest from the city center, but this bus is the best option if you have a lot of luggage since you can put it in the hold.
I prefer this option over cramming into a minivan with all the luggage.
It's a shame because from Kan to Chiang Mai, you have great direct a/c1 buses—one in the morning and one at 2 PM. If you're doing the Kan-Chiang Mai route via Bangkok in one go, take a minivan from Kan to Mo Chit, then use the walkway to the "regular" Mo Chit terminal where your bus to Chiang Mai will leave. That’ll save you 2 hours of crossing Bangkok.
I’ll do as you say, but that means I’ll have to cram into the minivan with my backpack and suitcase. No big deal since it’ll save me from crossing Bangkok.
Thanks
2 days/3 nights in Kanchanaburi and 3 days/4 nights in Ayutthaya.
Same opinion as Jojoone: rather the opposite.
I’ll do as you suggest. I’ll cancel the second week in Bangkok, but I’ll stay in the apartment instead of the guesthouse, even though it’s closer to the tourist center. I’d feel more independent coming and going.
And I’ll book the rooms in Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya.
Thanks to both of you. You must be tired of my questions 😉
I once took a taxi to the Sai Tai Mai bus terminal, and from there we bought tickets to Kanchanaburi or Songkhla Buri, opting for the blue-and-white government buses—back then, the best value for money. Especially price-wise.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
In tourist sites, the written explanations are most of the time also available in English.
I was reading what you wrote on another forum about meals, restaurants, dishes... You mention dish names, words, phrases, but I know I won’t remember them. Now I *have* to write absolutely everything down since I got sick. And then there’s pronouncing those words...
Through your questions for this trip, I think you’re worrying a bit too much. I know India a little, and if I had to compare the two countries, I’d say traveling in Thailand is much easier.
You’re absolutely right, and I’m aware of it. It’s precisely because I know how complicated India is that I’m imagining Thailand will be the same.
But mostly, it’s because in India, I’m as comfortable traveling as if it were my own country. I know all the difficulties (well, almost) and how to avoid them—or at least deal with them.
But this is my first trip to an unknown country, with a language I don’t know at all, and even though I’m still upbeat and determined, I’ve lost a lot of my physical and mental sharpness since I got sick two years ago. More « neuron » aftereffects than physical ones. And then there’s my age, which I tend to forget. But I don’t like saying it, admitting it, or accepting it. There, now you know everything...
I once took a taxi to the Sai Tai Mai bus terminal, and from there we bought tickets to Kanchanaburi or Songkhla Buri, opting for the blue and white government buses—back then, the best value for money. Especially price-wise.
Okay, thanks for the info.
Given what I let slip earlier, I now prioritize quality and comfort over price. As long as it stays within my budget as a retiree who isn’t exactly rolling in money. 😉
I’ve got another question for you two. Sorry about that!
You mentioned going round trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. But I’m also heading to Ayutthaya after Bangkok. I’d originally planned to go to Ayutthaya first, then Kanchanaburi.
Do you think it’d be better to return to Bangkok after Kanchanaburi and then head back out to Ayutthaya? I think Thierry forgot about Ayutthaya
Here’s the updated plan:
- January 19–25: BANGKOK
- January 26–29: KANCHANABURI
- January 30–February 1: AYUTTHAYA
- February 2: Return to BANGKOK and depart the same day at 7:25 PM, overnight bus to CHIANG MAI
Thanks to both of you. You must be tired of my questions 😉
I’ll never get tired of it—I really enjoy it. Preferably by giving the clearest and most direct answers possible so they don’t sow doubt in the "questioner’s" mind.
Quote from Jojoone1: "Sai Tai Mai, and from there we bought tickets to Kancha or Songkhlaburi, opting for the blue and white government buses—back then, the best value for money. Especially price-wise."
End of quote.
Unless I’m mistaken, I don’t recall Sai Tai-Sangkhlaburi buses ever existing. However, for about ten years, there were around ten buses a day from Mo Chit to Kanchanaburi (via a different route), with four continuing to Sangkhlaburi. They were really handy as the only direct option from Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi—unfortunately, the route seems to have been discontinued.
The blue and white bus is the 81 a/c bus I mentioned earlier: departures every 20 minutes from Sai Tai, 2-hour trip, and now the only bus option from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi (the 81 thamada and 81a/c2 lines were discontinued long ago).
* *thamada* bus: regular bus that stops anywhere on request for boarding and alighting, no A/C but fans (watch your head if you’re over 1.75m), 5 seats across. Increasingly rare on medium and long distances.
I was reading what you wrote on another forum about meals, restaurants, dishes... You give names of dishes, words, phrases, but I know I won’t remember them. Now I have to write everything down since I got sick. And then you have to know how to pronounce those words
What you really need to remember are the useful phrases if you don’t like spicy food (if that’s the case, you must be miserable in India...). The rest is secondary.
As much as possible, I wrote the words as they’d be spelled in French to pronounce them like they do there.
As long as it stays within my retired budget—I’m not exactly rolling in money. 😉
I’ll repeat what I already told you earlier (I get the feeling you didn’t see it): with the conditions I listed, your budget will be enough.
Do you think it’d be better to return to Bangkok after Kanchanaburi and then head to Ayutthaya? I think Thierry forgot Ayutthaya
Here’s the new plan:
- January 19–25: BANGKOK
- January 26–29: KANCHANABURI
- January 30–February 1: AYUTTHAYA
- February 2: Return to BANGKOK and departure the same day at 7:25 PM, overnight bus to CHIANG MAI
No, I saw it, but I thought you wanted to visit each of those two destinations as round trips from Bangkok.
Bangkok-Kanchanaburi-Ayutthaya-Bangkok—given your situation, that’s how I’d do it too.
However, there’s no direct public transport from Kan to Ayutthaya. To avoid going back via Bangkok, you’d first need to take the yellow *thamada* bus (only option) from Kan to Suphanburi, then another *thamada* bus to Ayutthaya—about 5 hours total.
But there’s another option: the Kan-Ayutthaya tourist shuttle run by local agencies. It’s about twice as expensive (500 baht, I think), but faster (3–4 hours) and saves you the detour through Bangkok. I can’t tell you much more about it since I’ve never taken it, but it’s highly likely tourists are packed in (often the case with tourist-focused public transport run by agencies), and there’s probably a luggage storage area. If you’re interested, check with the local travel agencies on the touristy Thanon Mae Nam Kwae the day before, or ask your guesthouse.
No, this message definitely slipped through the cracks—I didn’t see it!
Financially, I’ve budgeted 3,000 € for this 46-day trip (44 days on the ground, excluding arrival and departure). Is that a good budget? Average? Not enough?
If you avoid:
-beach resorts
-the "party" scene
-French-speaking spots (accommodation, services, restaurants, etc.)
-renting a car (with or without a driver)
-excessive beer
-international restaurant chains
and if you mostly eat at local street stalls*, your budget of 66 € per day (all-inclusive except airfare) will be more than enough. For reference, with the same criteria, Madame Songsam and I travel on 50 € per day for two.
*which are the best places to discover the incredible variety of Thai cuisine.
I just emptied my pockets: I’m at 3,200 €, so 71 € per day. All my hotel bookings add up to less than 1,200 €. That leaves 2,000 €.
I’d like to rent a car (with a driver) from time to time...
Here’s the new plan:
- January 19–25: BANGKOK
- January 26–29: KANCHANABURI
- January 30–February 1: AYUTTHAYA
- February 2: return to BANGKOK and departure the same day at 7:25 PM, overnight bus to CHIANG MAI
I’m guessing that if I leave AYUTTHAYA by bus in the morning, I’ll have plenty of time to catch my evening bus to CHIANG MAI. Unless there are more trains on that route and it’s better to return to Bangkok by train?
I just emptied my pockets: I’ve got 3,200, which works out to 71 per day. All my hotel bookings add up to less than 1,200. That leaves 2,000.
I’d like to rent a car (with driver) from time to time...
That gives you an average of 1,000 baht per day for accommodation without beach resorts—it’s great, you’ll have really decent rooms. Under the same conditions, I spend around 700/day with AC, a private bathroom, and a bit of decor and comfort, so yours will be even better.
For the car with driver, you’ll be able to afford it occasionally for full-day trips. Anyway, from what I know of your itinerary so far, only the in-depth exploration of Nan Province (not the city) will really require a car, because aside from the Nan-Huay Kon route (Laotian border) served by regular minivans, public transport is extremely rare*. Everywhere else on your route, you’ll always find transport options, even songthaews ready to turn into taxis**.
About cars with drivers, just know that for it to be legal, the driver (and any guide) must be Thai. In Thailand, there’s no legal way for a foreigner (even if legally settled) to work in tourism, even occasionally. At least for this reason, refuse any offer from a non-Thai who might propose their services under the table, whether in person, by email, or PM (to them, you’d be the "ideal client"). Also be careful with expats who recommend a Thai driver—most of the time, they do it to earn a commission from the driver.
* No problem, though, getting to Nan from other provinces (e.g., Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Rai, Phrae, Phayao—a city worth 2-3 nights).
** Songthaew turning into a taxi: as long as you know how to haggle.
I assume that by leaving in the morning by bus from AYUTTHAYA, I’ll have plenty of time to catch my evening bus to CHIANG MAI. Unless there are more trains on this route and it’s better to return to Bangkok by train?
Yes, you’ll have plenty of time, even if you leave around 1 PM. Personally, I’d leave around 3:30 PM (1.5 hours by minivan + 10-minute walk to reach the "normal" Mo Chit + 40 minutes to grab a bite and get to the bus platform, leaving me with 1.5 hours of "buffer time"). But I get the feeling you’d prefer to leave before 1 PM...
I’m not sure if buses are still running, but consider a minivan too (more frequent departures than trains).
By train: The tourist schedules (the ones you find online) show about a dozen Express or Rapid trains per day (both with a supplement) coming from far away* (all trains stop at Ayutthaya) and terminating at Aphiwat. In reality, there are also 17 others not listed on those schedules because they’re "commuter trains"** (suburban trains). They don’t stop at Aphiwat and terminate at Hualamphong. If you take one of these commuters, get off at Bang Sue Junction. From Aphiwat or Bang Sue***, it’s just a short taxi ride to Mo Chit.
* Delays of 1–2 hours are common, and you have to take the one specified on your ticket.
** These are trains (often self-propelled) with only 3rd class. With your 3rd-class ticket, you can take the first commuter that comes along.
*** Sue: pronounced somewhere between "seu" and "sé".
Yes, you’ll have plenty of time, even if you leave around 1 PM. I’d personally leave around 3:30 PM (1.5 hours by minivan + 10-minute walk to reach "normal" Mo Chit + 40 minutes to grab a bite and get to the bus platform, and I’d still have 1.5 hours "as a buffer"). But I can tell you’d rather leave before 1 PM...
You really made me laugh! You nailed it. 😏😉
I don’t know if buses are still running, but consider a minivan too (more frequent departures than trains).
By train: The tourist schedules (the ones you find online) show about a dozen Express or Rapid trains per day (both require a supplement) coming from far away* (all trains stop in Ayutthaya) and terminating at Aphiwat. In reality, there are also 17 others not listed on those schedules because they’re "commuter trains"** (local trains)—they don’t stop at Aphiwat and terminate at Hualamphong. If you take one of these commuters, get off at Bang Sue Junction. From Aphiwat or Bang Sue***, it’s just a short taxi ride to Mo Chit.
* Frequent delays of 1–2 hours, and you must take the one specified on your ticket.
** These are trains (often self-propelled) with only 3rd class. With your 3rd-class ticket, you can take the first commuter that comes along.
*** Sue: pronounced somewhere between "seu" and "sé."
I’ll decide on the spot at the last minute... Well, not *the* last minute—two days before 😉
...
For Kanchanaburi, I strongly advise against taking the train. First, because you have to go pick it up at Thonburi Station, which is in... Thonburi. Then, because it’s always one to two hours late, and finally, because it’s a third-class local train (so you can’t reserve seats) that stops everywhere.
From Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by public transport other than the train, there are 3 options:
- Bus 81 a/c (2-hour trip, departures every 20 minutes) from Sai Tai bus terminal. It’s the farthest from the city center, but it’s the best choice if you have a lot of luggage since you can check it in the hold.
Hello,
While I think you have great knowledge about Thailand, some of your info is a bit outdated.
That said, I don’t entirely agree with your take on transportation options.
- First, you say you have to take the train at Thon Buri and that you have to go to Thon Buri—well, that’s stating the obvious. But the station is actually easy to reach, especially with the Chao Phraya River boat, which you’ve already mentioned. The station is right behind Siriraj Hospital, which is along the river and served by those boats.
- Then, you mention Sai Tai bus terminal (full name: Sai Tai Mai-Taling Chan), more commonly known as the Southern Bus Terminal, which is also in... Thon Buri, but much more out of the way than the train station.
- Minivan a/c from Mo Chit minivan terminal, the most accessible and the one that’ll save you the most time stuck in traffic.
I’m not convinced it’s faster, even if the minivan uses expressways. After all, those routes still cross Bangkok, since Mo Chit is on the east side of the city and Kanchanaburi is to the west.
I actually found a minivan from Transport Co Ltd (a government company), No. 9918, that makes stops in Bangkok on the way to Kanchanaburi, while the return trip seems to be direct between Kanchanaburi and Mo Chit...
If you’re making the Kanchanaburi-Chiang Mai trip via Bangkok, take a minivan from Kan to Mo Chit, then use the walkway to the "regular" Mo Chit terminal where your bus to Chiang Mai will depart. That’ll save you 2 hours of crossing Bangkok.
Beyond what I’ve already mentioned about traffic, it’s worth noting that Mo Chit has undergone major organizational changes this past year. I’d strongly advise our friend to take the time to scope things out beforehand to travel stress-free.
...
By train: the tourist schedules (the ones you find online)
Unfortunately, this statement is false. SRT (State Railways of Thailand) has entered the 21st century. Besides having a fairly comprehensive website largely translated into English, they’ve developed mobile apps that let you buy tickets and also find all the schedules you want—both for long-distance and commuter trains.
There’s even a dedicated site for tracking train positions in near real-time, which lets you check the delay of any train live, if needed.
That said, they used to offer a downloadable timetable that was really useful, but it hasn’t been updated since it was created in April 2023, even though some schedules have changed since then. I find that pretty disappointing.
They list about a dozen Express or Rapid trains per day (both with a supplement) coming from far away* (all trains stop at Ayutthaya) and terminating at Aphiwat. In reality, there are also 17 others not shown on those schedules because they’re "commuter trains"** (local trains). They don’t stop at Aphiwat and terminate at Hualampong. If you take one of these commuters, get off at Bang Sue Junction station.
Actually, there are 16 long-distance trains and 11 commuters serving Ayutthaya. However, since commuters are primarily meant to transport students and workers, they’re concentrated in the morning for the Ayutthaya→Bangkok route. The last one that might interest our friend is at 12:40 PM—after that, the next commuter isn’t until around 6 PM.
Of course, there are long-distance trains serving Ayutthaya in that time frame.
From Aphiwat or Bang Sue*** it’s just a short taxi ride to Mo Chit.
You can also take one of the many buses that serve both locations for a bargain price. (Wait + bus takes 15/20 minutes max.)
*Frequent delays of 1–2 hours, and you must take the train indicated on your ticket.
While it’s still far from perfect, SRT has made a lot of progress, especially with the construction of double tracks.
I’ll do as you say, but I’ll still have to squeeze into the minivan with my backpack and suitcase. No big deal though, since it’ll save me from crossing Bangkok.
Thanks
Hello,
If I understood correctly, you’re going to Kanchanaburi before Ayutthaya, so you can easily leave your non-essential luggage at your Bangkok accommodation—unless you’re heading straight to Ayutthaya without stopping in Bangkok. In that case, since you’ll be passing through Bangkok again for your bus to Chiang Mai, I’d recommend leaving your extra bags in a locker at Mo Chit (3rd floor) before heading to Kanchanaburi and picking them up when you return from Ayutthaya.
This way, you can travel lighter on the Kanchanaburi-Ayutthaya leg.
- to start, you say you need to take the train at Thon Buri and that you need to go to Thon Buri, which is a truism
It’s not *that* much of a truism. If I wrote it that way, it’s because the station is called Thonburi—since in Thonburi, there are other stations with different names (like Bang Ramat, for example).
because the station is right behind Siriraj Hospital
Did you know that Siriraj Hospital (actually an annex) was built about thirty years ago on land donated by the SRT, where the original terminus station, called Bangkok Noi, used to be? It was demolished for a reason, but I still remember it from the first (and only, believe me!) time I went to Kanchanaburi in 1985. The current Thonburi station, which has since become the *de facto* "terminus," was the first stop when leaving Bangkok Noi.
station is easily accessible, especially with the Chao Phraya river boat
Easily... if you’re already on one side of the river. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with transportation, traffic jams, and crossing a bridge whose approaches are often congested.
you mention the Sai Tai bus terminal by its full name, Sai Tai Mai-Taling Chan
Thais say "Sai Tai," and taxi drivers say (and understand) "Sai Tai," so there’s no need to remember or use its full name. At most, you might need to say "Sai Tai Gao" if you’re talking about the minivan station (which is itself at the old location of the bus terminal*). Also, the "Mai" can be confusing for a taxi driver because in Thai, it also means negation—so if you mispronounce it, they might think you *don’t* want to go to Sai Tai. They won’t admit they don’t understand (due to cultural reasons), will smile, and you’ll end up driving around Bangkok for hours without ever reaching Sai Tai...
* The Sai Tai bus terminal has moved three times. The very first location (which I also remember...) was right by the Chao Phraya, until it was decided to relocate bus terminals far away to "ease" traffic.
I’m not convinced it’s faster
You’re not convinced—which implies you’ve never taken this train, right? If so, try it one day, and after that, you’ll take the bus or minivan. For non-touristy reasons, I used to hang out at Kanchanaburi station daily, and every day, I saw the train from Bangkok arrive—always one to two hours late (sometimes three). The passengers getting off always looked exhausted.
it’s still true that they cross Bangkok, since Mo Chit is east of the city and Kanchanaburi is west.
No, Mo Chit is in the *north*—Ekamai is in the east. The minivans leaving Mo Chit for Kanchanaburi don’t cross Bangkok; they take the expressway heading west right away, more or less bypassing the city. I’ve made that trip at least fifteen times in each direction.
I even found a Transport Co Ltd (government) minivan, No. 9918, that stops in Bangkok on the way to Kanchanaburi
For about a dozen years now, public minivans to/from the provinces have been banned from passing through Bangkok. That’s why terminals were built near Sai Tai and Mo Chit specifically for them. The 9918 is the regular minivan that leaves Mo Chit every 15 minutes, which I already mentioned above. For info, there’s also the 81, which leaves Mo Chit every 30 minutes for Lad Ya and also serves Kanchanaburi via the same route.
It’s not as obvious as it seems. If I wrote it that way, it’s because the station is called Thonburi—because in Thonburi, there are other stations with different names (like Bang Ramat, for example).
Hello,
Saying that Thon Buri station is in another city makes sense, just like saying Bang Ramat station is in Thon Buri makes sense. It’s like clarifying for a non-French person that Gare de Lyon is in Paris, not Lyon, which might be confusing.
But the way you seemed to present it—especially with the ellipsis and a negative tone—made it sound like Thonburi was some "middle of nowhere" where only a fool would venture. Meanwhile, you didn’t mention the bus terminal at all, even though it’s in the same area.
Did you know that Siriraj Hospital (actually an annex) was built about thirty years ago on land donated by the SRT, where the original terminus station, Bangkok Noi, used to be? It was demolished for a reason, but I still remember it from the first (and only, believe me!) time I went to Kanchanaburi in 1985. The current Thonburi station, which later became the "terminus," was the first stop after leaving Bangkok Noi.
Thanks for this additional info.
Easily... if you’re already on one side of the river. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with traffic, jams, and crossing a bridge where the roads are often congested.
Based on our friend’s choice of accommodation (Sukhumvit), which I looked into, the BTS and MRT are the fastest ways (since they avoid rush-hour traffic) to reach a "pier" (dock) for the Chao Phraya River boat, which also isn’t affected by the traffic issues mentioned.
Thais say Sai Tai...
My point wasn’t linguistic (I don’t think Thai linguistics is a priority for our friend) but geographical. When you search for "Sai Tai," dozens of places come up. With the full name—or better, the common name—it’s much clearer.
Also, "Mai" can be confusing for a taxi driver because in Thai, it’s also the word for negation...
*Mai* is a negation at the start of a sentence but becomes a question at the end, like in *Sabai dee mai?* (How are you?). And *mài* means "new." Just saying—it’s really hard to summarize Thai that simply.
I’m not convinced it’s faster
You’re not convinced, which implies you’ve never taken that train...
This quote was from a paragraph where I was talking about Mo Chit and minivans—not the train...
Is that the case? If so, take it one day, and next time you’ll take the bus or minivan. As for Kanchanaburi, for a non-touristy reason, I used to hang out at the station daily. Every day, I saw the train from Bangkok arrive—always one to two hours late (sometimes three)...
I stand by the fact that things have improved for the reasons already mentioned. Proof I couldn’t give last night: today, I checked the available data, and the train was only 18 minutes late—far from the daily one, two, or even three hours you mentioned.
No, Mo Chit is in the north...
My mistake—the late hour of my post is probably to blame for that mix-up...
They take the expressway that heads west right away, more or less bypassing the city.
The "more or less" you added this time makes all the difference. Nonthaburi, where the expressway you mentioned passes through, is a very close and densely populated suburb of Bangkok, with heavy traffic during rush hour.
I even found a minivan from Transport Co Ltd (a government company), No. 9918, that goes to Kanchanaburi with stops in Bangkok
For over a dozen years now, public minivans to/from the provinces have been banned from passing through Bangkok.
The route info I gave is current, but I haven’t verified it personally.
If our friend takes this option—which I also suggested because of the luggage storage at Mo Chit, letting him travel lighter on the Bangkok-Kanchanaburi-Ayutthaya-Bangkok route—he can easily confirm how it works.
Clearly I’ve found a "proofreader" to check my posts...
Not too swamped?
Clearly you’re "way off," but feel free to think you’re some kind of "prophet"—seems like they’ve been popping up everywhere since the forum reopened...
Je pars en Thaïlande au moi de mars avec ma chérie pour deux semaines. C’est notre premier voyage et malgré de nombreuses heures passées sur le net et à lire…
Je pars Deux semaines fin février en Thailande en famille. J' y suis allé il y a de cela 20 ans. j'aimerai avoir votre avis pour un séjour de deux semaines…
Nous sommes deux copines et nous avons décidé de partir à Bangkok en décembre. nous partons 2 semaines. la question est celle-ci: 2 semaines a Bangkok est-ce…
Ma copine et moi partons en janvier 4 jours à Bangkok et 10 jours à Phuket et nous nous posons quelques questions... Concernant BANGKOK: - Quels sont les…
Nous nous sommes enfin décidés!! 1 semaine à Hong Kong 27 décembre au 2 janvier 1 semaine à Singapour 2 janvier au 10 janvier 2 semaines à Bangkok 10 janvier…
Bonjour
J'envisage un voyage en famille (ma femme et moi, 47 ans et nos 2 fils de 5 et 12 ans en juillet 2027) en Malaisie pour la dernière semaine de juin et les 2 premières de juillet 2027.
Nous avions l'habitude des road-trips à 2, puis à 3, mais depuis l'arrivée du 2ème, nous avons fait une parenthèse "camping village".
Voici venu le moment de reprendre nos bonnes vieilles habitudes, tout en adaptant le rythme avec des enfants.
Nous avons envie d'Asie. Nous avons déjà eu la chance de visiter auparavant la Thailande, l'Indonésie (Bali et Lombok) et le Sri Lanka.
Des amis nous ont bien vendu la Malaisie donc cela nous tente carrément.
Pour les fans et connaisseurs, quel pourrait être un bon itinéraire depuis Kuala Lumpur avec 3-4 points de chute maxi, combinant culture, nature et détente (je précise que nous ne sommes pas particulièrement fan de la plage). Le tout sans faire la course bien entendu.
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
However, I’m not quite sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
Hi there, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
�� Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
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!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
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! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
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...
