I’m so happy Voyage Forum is back—it helped me plan trips (USA, Canada) a good ten years ago, and I love the quality of the discussions and the forum’s vibe.
I’m currently putting together our itinerary for our first trip to Thailand from March 6th to 20th, arriving and departing from Bangkok, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice.
I haven’t booked hotels or transfers yet. We’re traveling as a couple (ages 56 and 58).
Our goal isn’t to "see it all" but to take our time. We love big cities, visiting museums, architecture, soaking up local life, walking, nature, swimming, and a bit of relaxation.
Here’s how I’m envisioning the itinerary:
03/06: Departure
03/07: Arrival in Bangkok, night in Ayutthaya
03/08: Day in Ayutthaya, night in Bangkok
03/09: Exploring Bangkok, night in Bangkok
03/10: Exploring Bangkok, night in Bangkok
03/11: Departure for Ko Chang (flight, minibus, taxi?)
03/12: Ko Chang
03/13: Ko Chang
03/14: Ko Chang
03/15: Departure for Ko Kut
03/16: Ko Kut
03/17: Ko Kut
03/18: Return to Bangkok, night in Bangkok
03/19: Bangkok
03/20: Departure at 1:00 AM
What do you think?
Is it possible to add Khao Yai National Park to this itinerary and shorten the beach stay without rushing too much?
Open to your comments, suggestions, and great tips—thanks in advance!
hi, make sure to check the transportation options and if there’s a bus to get to Khao Yai National Park.
I went there a long time ago—there wasn’t a regular bus service back then, but there might be one now, possibly from Pak Chong.
Also, if you’re hoping to see animals, you’ll need to spend a few days there.
Otherwise, the main things to see are waterfalls near the visitor center.
It’s very dense tropical forest.
There’s a network of trails for walking in the forest (just like Taman Negara in Malaysia).
If you really want to see animals and plants, you should hire a guide.
Yes, if you're okay with shortening the beach time, no problem to include Khao Yai National Park (which needs at least 2 nights). In that case, I’d do the itinerary like this:
- Arrival and 1 night* in Ayutthaya
- Express train 71 to Pak Chong (station for Khao Yai N.P., ask your guesthouse** to pick you up there), 2 nights
- Ask (again!?!) your guesthouse to take you back to Pak Chong at the minivan stop 21 heading to Bangkok Mo Chit minivan terminal, Bangkok, x night(s).***
- From Ekamai bus terminal, bus to the islands, Koh--- x nights
- Return to Bangkok for x night(s).
* 1 night because it’s your choice, but it’s a bit short if your flight arrives after 10 AM.
** Pick one that organizes guided park tours with a wildlife expert. GreenLeaf Guesthouse has a well-deserved good reputation, but there are others.
*** Or, if you're feeling brave, skip the night altogether since minivans leave from Mo Chit for the 9908 to Trat, where you can take a songthaew to the port for the islands. In that case, leave Pak Chong early to arrive at Koh--- roughly 9:30–10 AM later, or around 7:30–8 AM if you spend a night in Trat, which is a nice town.
Hello, make sure to check the transportation options and if there's a bus to get to Khao Yai National Park.
I went there a long time ago—there wasn’t a regular bus service back then, but there might be one now, perhaps from Pak Chong.
Also, if you want to see animals, you’ll need to spend a few days there.
Otherwise, the main sights are waterfalls near the visitor center.
It’s very dense tropical forest.
There’s a network of trails for walking in the forest (just like Taman Negara in Malaysia).
If you really want to see animals and plants, you should hire a guide.
Thanks, Mathews, for these details about the park. I’m not sure if I’ll keep Khao Yai on my itinerary—it would mean staying 2 nights, which would shorten the rest of my stops. Maybe next time.
Yes, if you're willing to shorten the beach stay, no problem including Khao Yai National Park (which requires at least 2 nights). In that case, I'd do the itinerary like this:
- arrival and 1 night* in Ayutthaya
- Express train 71 to Pak Chong (station for Khao Yai N.P., ask your guesthouse** to pick you up there), 2 nights
- ask (again!?!) your guesthouse to take you back to Pak Chong at minivan stop 21 heading to Bangkok Mo Chit minivan terminal, Bangkok, x night(s).***
- From Ekamai bus terminal, bus to the islands, Koh--- x nights
- return to Bangkok for x night(s).
* 1 night because it's your choice, but it's not much if your flight arrives after 10 AM.
** choose one that organizes park tours with a wildlife guide. GreenLeaf Guesthouse has a well-deserved good reputation, but there are others.
*** or, if you're feeling brave, no night at all since minivans leave from Mo Chit for the 9908 to Trat, where you can take a songthaew to the port for the islands. In that case, leave Pak Chong early to arrive at Koh--- roughly 9:30–10 AM later, or around 7:30–8 AM if you spend a night in Trat, which is a pleasant town.
Good evening Songsam,
Thanks for your reply. In the end, I’m not ready to shorten the beach stay, especially if it means adding a night in Ayutthaya, which I’d like to visit at a relaxed pace. Do you think two full days there is enough?
And what do you think about flying to Koh Chang? If we can save some time on transportation, that’s always a plus, right?
add Khao Yai Park to this itinerary and shorten the beach stay
On 12/07 at 11:20 PM and 11:39 PM:
I’m not sure about keeping Khao Yai—you’d need to stay 2 nights, which shortens the rest of the stops.
(...)
I’m not ready to shorten the beach stay after all
??
And for getting to Koh Chang, what do you think about flying?
There’s no airport on Koh Chang—the closest one is in Trat. A 1-hour flight vs. a 4.5–5-hour bus ride, so realistically, you’d only save about 2.5–3 hours at a pretty steep cost of 80 to 100 € one-way. Does that seem worth it to you?
hi Sissiline, it's up to you...
it's certain that to explore the park, you'll need to spend two days there.
It's like a real open-air tropical greenhouse 🙂
add Khao Yai Park to this itinerary and shorten the beach stay
December 7 at 11:20 PM and 11:39 PM:
I'm not sure about keeping Khao Yai—you’d need to stay 2 nights, which shortens the rest of the stops.
(...)
I’m not ready to shorten the beach stay after all
??
And for getting to Koh Chang, what do you think about flying?
There’s no airport on Koh Chang—the closest is in Trat. A 1-hour flight vs. a 4.5–5-hour bus ride, which realistically only saves you 2.5–3 hours at a non-negligible cost of 80 to 100 € one-way. Does that seem worth it to you?
Thanks Songsam! With one extra night in Ayutthaya and 2 nights in Khao Yai, that only leaves 4 full days for Koh Chang and Koh Kood—too short for my taste.
I’ll follow your advice and add an extra night in Ayutthaya.
And no, you’re right—we’ll go with the bus.
In Ayutthaya, you’ll have time to take a boat ride to some sites at sunset (ask your guesthouse to arrange it for you). For example, on the first day if you arrive early enough, you’ll see the ruins bathed in that beautiful late-day light. Then the next day, you can do the classic daytime visit—under a different light that creates a whole new atmosphere, which justifies going back to see the same ruins you saw the day before. It’s a perk that those who only do a day trip from Bangkok miss out on.
Again, I’d recommend heading straight to Ayutthaya as soon as you land (if your flight arrives before 2 p.m., since after that, you’ll hit Bangkok’s rush-hour traffic—best to avoid that after a long flight...).
Je pars seul à partir du 7 dec pour 15 JOURS. C est mon premier voyage en Thailande et j ai beaucoup de mal à m organiser.Tellement d infos que je ne sais pas…
J’envisage un voyage en Thaïlande pour l’année prochaine (janvier – février 2013) sur une période de 3 semaines. Voici l’itinéraire prévu (une première idée…
Nous partons en couple pour la première fois en Thaïlande pour 3 semaines à partir du 17 février 2013. Nous commençons donc à planifier notre voyage et la…
J'ai déjà lu pas mal de discussions sur ce forum afin de préparer mon premier voyage en Thailande qui aura lieu au mois de mars! J'ai également acheté le…
J'ai besoin de conseils avisés sur ces 2 destinations, en 15 jours
Nous atterrissons à KL on pense y reste 2 jours puis partir sur Bornéo et terminer par une ile pour snorkeling.
Pour ceux qui ont déjà fait quels sont vos incontournables?
on se disait peut être de consacrer 3 jours les derniers aux iles Perenthian, a moins que vous ayez uen ile à me conseiller proche de Bornéo,
Merci pour vos conseils et votre aide
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).
Bonjour à tous,
pouvez vous me donner vos avis sur mon itinéraire de 3 semaines.
nous sommes un petit groupe (famille + amis) 12 personnes, nous envisageons de partir vers le 21 Janvier 2027.
voici mon itinéraire:
3 nuits Bangkok
4 nuits Chang Mai
3 nuits Koh Samui
3 nuits Koh Phangan
4 nuis Krabi
4 nuits Phuket
Si suis également preneur de tout vos bon plan....
Merci à tous, Alain.
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...
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
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! !
