🙂 Hi everyone!

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.

Thanks everyone, take care and stay happy! ❤️

Hello everyone,

My husband and I are planning a trip to Thailand from January 2 to 10. Departure from Brussels on January 1 – arriving in Bangkok at 6:00 AM on January 2. Departure from Bangkok on January 11 at 2:00 AM, arriving in Brussels at 1:25 PM the same day. For professional and personal reasons, we can’t extend the trip.

I don’t plan on just lounging on a beach in Phuket, so with 9 days on the ground, I know it’s short... But having done this before in Hong Kong and Shanghai, I know it’s doable, refreshing, and enjoyable. We did it with the kids and included a 2- or 3-day stay at Disneyland in each city. Basically, we spent 5-6 days in each city.

Anyway, I’m reaching out because I’ve heard and read so many conflicting opinions that my head is spinning.

Following the saying, "don’t bite off more than you can chew," I’m assuming I should keep it simple. So I’m torn between just Bangkok or Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

If I go with the second option, I’m debating whether to head straight to Chiang Mai on the day we arrive (but given the flight times, we’d lose pretty much the whole day) or spend two days in Bangkok first, then go to Chiang Mai for 3-4 days, and return to Bangkok.

Thanks for your advice!

Hello everyone, we’re planning a trip to Vietnam at the end of June 2026 for at least two weeks. Our goal is to avoid rushing around too much and take our time, focusing on nature, hiking, and getting to know the locals. Here’s my first draft itinerary: Arrival and departure from Hanoi Sapa and its surrounding area Tam Coc – the "land Halong Bay" and Ninh Binh... Halong Bay (maritime) Cat Ba Island... I’d love to hear your thoughts, advice, and feedback. Looking forward to reading your replies. Cédric

Hi everyone, I’m starting to plan my next trip to Southeast Asia this winter (2.5 months, leaving in early December), and here’s a rough outline of my route—I’d love to share it with you and hear your thoughts and tips.

- I’ll start in Bangkok and already have three spots I’ve marked: Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Uthai Thani (I haven’t been to any of these places yet). - Next, I’d like to cross the country from west to east to reach the Laos border. I’d love suggestions for any interesting stops along this route—I don’t know this part of Thailand at all... - Then I’ll head into Laos, probably at Savannakhet (you can usually get a visa at the border). - > I’m tempted to spend a week in Hoi An, Vietnam, since I loved that city and the area when I visited two years ago. No visa needed for Vietnam now, so it could be a nice little detour. On the map, it doesn’t look too far, but I know you’ve got to be careful with these things, and I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. Any opinions on this? - Back to Laos (maybe via Dakta), and I’ll head south along the Mekong, probably doing the Bolaven Plateau loop that I missed last time. Then Paksé, the 4,000 Islands... I’ve been before, but I’d happily go back. - Crossing into Cambodia, I’ll follow the Mekong down to Phnom Penh (I know this area and love how untouristy it is). From there, I’ll probably spend a few days in Kep (quieter than Kampot). Still undecided, though. - Then back to Thailand (BKK), likely by plane from Phnom Penh since the borders between the two countries are currently closed (plus, let’s be honest, Cambodian roads... ;-). We’ll see how things look when the time comes. - After that, I’d like to explore southern Thailand, taking it slow with short hops. I’ve got my eye on Khao Sok National Park, and I’ve heard good things about Krabi... Again, I don’t know this region well, so any info or tips would be great.

So, I think this should be doable in 2.5 months, especially since I prefer short hops of 300 km max to avoid getting too tired, and I like staying 2-3 days in each place to explore. Plus, I’ll take a week off to relax if I find a spot I love—maybe by the sea for some real downtime.

Thanks for your feedback and for sharing your favorite spots! Pascal

Hi there, Big travel year in Asia for me. I’m heading to Southeast Asia for a month in mid-July. The dates aren’t flexible since I’m going primarily for a wedding (Laos). So, I’ll start my trip in Laos for 4 days, then head off... where?

I’ve already done a trip exclusively in Laos a few years ago. I also visited Vietnam for the second time last year, so I’d love to explore something new. I was thinking of Cambodia (but only for Angkor) and northern Thailand, which I haven’t seen yet (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phrae, Phayao, Pa Hin Ngam National Park), and wrapping up with a few nights in Koh Samui. My question is about the weather. From what I’ve seen, Koh Samui seems to be spared during this period. But for Angkor and northern Thailand, I’m not so sure—it feels like a gamble. And I’m really not in the mood for rainy vacations, since I already get enough gray skies where I live 😅.

So, I had another idea: after Laos, I could head to Bali (or another Indonesian island) where it’s supposedly the right season. The flight ticket price is exactly the same, including a one-way to Bali and the return from Bali (with a layover in Bangkok). For those who’ve traveled in July, what do you think? Is there a big risk in trying northern Thailand and Angkor?

Thanks in advance!

Hello,

I’m planning and organizing a wonderful trip to Vietnam from mid-March to mid-April 2026, traveling independently for a month with my wife to enjoy her new retirement. Here’s a summary of our itinerary: We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of Wednesday, March 18, and depart from Hanoi on the evening of Thursday, April 16. First, I’d like to head to Ho Chi Minh City because the temperatures are high in that region in mid-March. After that, we’ll visit Phu Quoc Island and then the Mekong Delta. We’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City and take a flight to Hue for 2 days, then Tam Coc / Ninh Binh (2-3 days), and Cat Ba Island with a visit to Lan Ha Bay (4 days). We’ll spend a few days in Hanoi, followed by 3-4 days in Sapa with some hikes, and then the Ha Giang loop (4 days). (I’m a motorcyclist—I ride a BMW trail bike and have taken care of renewing my international license.) We’re considering renting a motorcycle or bicycles when needed, except in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The weather in northern Vietnam in early April should theoretically be decent. Finally, we’ll return to Hanoi before heading back to Paris and the Pays de la Loire. Unfortunately, I’m skipping Angkor in Cambodia. I’d like to have a guide for 1 or 2 days in Sapa (which typical agency would you recommend?), and I’m wondering if I should book an agency for the 4 days in Ha Giang. I prefer my independence and don’t really like the "group" aspect of agencies. I’ll rent a 150cc motorcycle, and my wife will ride with me. Other questions: What are some good, typical accommodations to book in the places we’ve identified? Thanks for any info. Did I forget anything, or should we adjust our itinerary? Thanks for your help and advice. Pimarguibou

Hello! We’re heading to Cambodia for a month in March. We’re planning to visit Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, the Angkor temples, Kompong Luong, then head down to Kampot, Kep, and finish our trip on the islands of Koh Rong. Has anyone done this trip recently? Any great spots to recommend? Neighborhoods to stay in Phnom Penh (lively but not too touristy)? Tips for getting around between the major cities—bus, train, boat, motorbike? Thanks for all the advice! Fabienne

Hi everyone,

So excited to be back on this forum of fellow travel enthusiasts to ask for advice about my upcoming two-week trip to Thailand in March 2026.

Given that it’ll be the start of the intense heat and burning season, I’m wondering about my itinerary, which would focus on the central/southern part of the country.

Ideally, I’d like a mix of relaxation in a nice setting, culture (temples or old palaces), and I’m keeping six days in Bangkok, which I love :)

I’m planning to get around by train, car (through an agency), or plane if it’s easier.

Option 1: HUA HIN – 3/4 days (day trips to PHETCHABURI + SAM ROI YOT + ARTISAN MARKETS) KANCHANABURI – 3/4 days NAKHON PATHOM – 1 day BANGKOK – 6 days

My doubts: -Will the sky be too hazy (from smoke) for good photos? -Will Kanchanaburi and its surroundings be less enchanting during this period (dry landscapes)?

Option 2: PHUKET (4 days): exploring the island + PHANG NGA Bay HUA HIN (3/4 days) BANGKOK (7 days)

My doubts: -How do I get from Phuket to Hua Hin? It seems like flying isn’t an option, and I’d have to take a long trip up the southern coast or return to Bangkok to catch the train. -Is Phuket even remotely pleasant during this ultra-touristy period? -Is Karon a good base for exploring Phuket?

Option 3: PHUKET KAO SOK SURAT THANI? BANGKOK

My doubts: -I’d like to add a destination with beautiful temples in this area, but maybe Surat Thani isn’t the best idea.

Option 4: SURAT THANI >> HUA HIN (6/7 days) BANGKOK

Doubts: -I’m worried this route might be too tiring if I have to move every two days.

I’m open to any tips—or even a completely different itinerary if you have other ideas.

Thanks so much / Khob Khun Krap :)

Hi there, I’m planning a trip to Laos in November 2025. I’m not really sure what to visit. I’ve heard there are local festivals around that time. Open to any suggestions for planning my trip. There’ll be 4 or 5 of us. Best,

Hi everyone! Back on this forum!!

I’m planning my trip to Malaysia for June. I arrive in KL on June 3rd and leave on the 19th, also from KL. Here’s my itinerary: June 3: KL to Malacca Days 2, 3, 4: Malacca Evening of Day 4: Malacca to Penang Days 5, 6, 7: Penang Day 8: Flight from Penang to Kota Bharu (I found direct morning flights) Transfer from Kota Bharu to Kuala Besut, then to Perhentian Islands Days 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14: Perhentian Islands (still deciding which one) Day 14: Perhentian Islands to Kota Bharu, then flight to KL Days 14, 15, 16: KL Day 17: Return

What do you think of this plan? Is the Malacca to Penang bus trip late at night?

If you have any suggestions, I’m all ears! 😊

Hello everyone, We’re heading to Vietnam for 14 nights over the Christmas holidays as a family of four—I haven’t booked anything yet. I’d love your insights on Halong Bay (or Lan Ha Bay). We’re torn between going or not and spending an extra night in Ninh Binh (or somewhere else you’d recommend! Somewhere with a more picturesque vibe) given the late-December weather and cost (which agency do you recommend?). The upside might be that we’ll be there during the low season, so maybe fewer tourists? (Even though it’d be New Year’s Eve night.) Here’s our itinerary: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City around 1 p.m. 2nd night in HCMC (no time for the Mekong Delta ☹️) Flight to Da Nang 3 nights in Hoi An Bus to Hue, 1 night in Hue City visit, overnight train to Ninh Binh 2 or 3 nights in Ninh Binh? Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay? 2 nights in Hanoi Departure Thank you so much in advance for your invaluable tips!

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.

Hi everyone, I’m thinking of taking a 20-day trip to Laos in January 2026. I’m currently looking at itineraries, hotels, excursions, transport, etc. For the route, nothing’s set in stone yet, but we’d do: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Champassak - Pakse. What do you think? Anyone have any tips? Thanks, Alain

Hi there,

I’m reaching out not for myself for once😛, but for a family member who’s heading to Bali in a month and has a thousand questions. Since she doesn’t spend much time online and I don’t know this part of the world at all, I thought I’d ask for feedback here. Here’s what she’s planning:

Departure Arrival > UBUD UBUD UBUD UBUD UBUD - PEMUTERAN PEMUTERAN PEMUTERAN - MUNDUK MUNDUK MUNDUK - SIDEMEN SIDEMEN SIDEMEN - SEMINYAK SEMINYAK - DENPASAR - Flight to Komodo FLORES/KOMODO/RINCA FLORES/KOMODO/RINCA Flight to DENPASAR - SANUR Departure

She knows UBUD is very touristy but plans to stay there and take day trips from there. Her main question: is it worth going to Flores just for Komodo? Agencies apparently offer mini-cruises for 2-3 days... Type of trip: 2 adults, no kids. They like taking their time and don’t want to rush. I think they don’t mind touristy spots but still hope to find some authenticity. Thanks for your thoughts!

Hi everyone, I’m a die-hard fan of India, but it’s time I discovered Thailand too to broaden my Asian horizons. I’m heading there on January 19, 2025, for a 46-day trip (no visa needed as I’m French). I’ve pored over a few guidebooks and travel blogs. Based on what caught my interest, I’ve put together a rough itinerary and list of sights. But since I know absolutely nothing about Thailand, I’m kind of flying blind here. Since I’m not exactly a spring chicken anymore, I’ve opted for a few bases where I’ll stay several days in the same place. That way, I won’t have to change locations and hotels every day or so, packing and unpacking my suitcase constantly. Instead, I plan to explore the surrounding area each day, within a maximum radius of 50 to 70 km. So, first question: Is that kind of round-trip distance manageable in a day in Thailand? In India, renting a car for a day—with a driver—currently costs around 35 to 40 € per day. Knowing that 1,300 to 1,500 THB would be my absolute max, and even then, only if I don’t rent a car every single day. Which brings me to my second question: Am I being unrealistic? Otherwise—third question—once I’m settled in the city I’ve chosen as my base, can I get around within that 50–70 km radius using public transport? I’ve already booked all my hotels—with free cancellation—on booking.com at an average price of 950/1,000 THB per night. Does that put me in a good range for value for money? Or am I dreaming?

Here’s my plan:

BANGKOK (13 days, 14 nights): 1 week for exploring Bangkok – Kanchanaburi/Erawan National Park? – Ayutthaya/Lopburi? – Muang Boran – Samut – Songkram/Amphawa

Bangkok -> Chiang Mai by overnight train in first-class sleeper

CHIANG MAI (6 days/6 nights): Mae Hong Son – Hot springs – Chiang Dao – caves – Lamphun – other places to be decided on the spot based on what’s worth seeing and transport options

Chiang Mai -> Chiang Rai

CHIANG RAI (7 days/8 nights): Fang – Tha Ton – Chiang Saen – Doi Tung – Chiang Khong – Doi Ang Khang, Phu Chi Fah, etc.

Chiang Rai -> Phrae

PHRAE (4 days/5 nights): Lampang and surrounding areas, depending on what’s interesting to see

Phrae -> Loei

LOEI (4 days/5 nights): Phu Kradung – Chiang Khan and surrounding areas, depending on what’s worth seeing

Loei -> Buriram

PHIMAI (Nakhon Ratchasima/Khorat) (5 days/6 nights): Phimai – Prasat Muang Tam – Phanom Rung – Prasat Phanom Wan

Phimai -> Khorat (airport or train station) -> Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)

Day 46: BANGKOK -> KOCHI

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice!

Hello, I’m starting to plan my adventure in Cambodia. I’ve read a lot of your posts and really appreciate all your articles. Now it’s my turn to share my plans with you: 12/01 arrival in PP 13/01 arrival in SR where I’ll meet up with 2 friends for 6 days exploring the temples and surrounding areas 19/01 I’ll leave and finish the trip solo. I fly back on 29/01 at 8 PM, so I’ve got 10 days for a little immersion. The dilemma is whether to: # head to Battambang, then make my way to PP, Kampot, and 2 nights by the sea # go to Kratie and head down to Kampot with 2 nights by the sea (or, to cut down on kilometers, go via Kampong Cham to Kampot). Option 2 is my preference. I’m almost 70 and not too keen on rushing 😅 Thanks in advance for your time and any helpful tips! Françoise

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

Thanks for any suggestions or help!

Hi everyone,

We’re heading to Vietnam in February as a family (2 adults and 2 kids) for 9 full days, and I was thinking of this itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi Day 2: Halong Bay (Lan Ha) Day 3: Halong Bay (Lan Ha) Day 4: Hue Day 5: Danang Day 6: Danang Day 7: Hoi An Day 8: Hoi An/My Son Day 9: Hanoi

After reading almost all the discussions about Vietnam, I don’t see anything about transportation options for getting from Hue to Danang, then from Danang to Hoi An. Any ideas (train, bus)? From the map, it looks like Danang is close to Hoi An—easily accessible by taxi, right?

Also, after reading lots of comments and websites, I’ve noticed that Danang, aside from being a big developing city, seems to be more about hotels for relaxing on the beach—very laid-back, isn’t it? Not really a place to visit like Hanoi or Hoi An.

Generally speaking, if you have any recommendations for the itinerary or tips, I’d love to hear them.

I’ll post a trip report when we get back.

Merry Christmas to all!

Alex

hi fellow travelers,

I'm "finalizing" a trip with my adventurous family (wife + 3 kids aged 16, 14, and 8) for this Easter break in Thailand (we'll be there from 04/19 to 05/01).

I'm going through the site and wanted to thank you all for the tips and insights you share on the forum. They're really valuable. But boy, it's tough to sketch out an itinerary

Of course, my backpacking route might be debatable, but I'm trying to target this path to get a first taste of the country's different "facets" and keep everyone in the family happy 😛

For this first trip, we're sticking to the classics and planning to explore a different side of the Land of Smiles in the future:

- arrival in BKK at 4 PM on 04/19 ==> leaving the same day at 7 PM for Chiang Mai (I "hesitated" with the 5:30 PM flight but was worried we wouldn't have enough time to switch from British AW to Thai Airways + airport fees + baggage + customs, etc. )

- from 04/20 to 04/23 ==> Chiang Mai with the main highlights (we've picked: Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat, elephant sanctuary, Doi Inthanon, the old city, Wat Chedi, Wat Phra Singh).

==> For the elephant sanctuary: any recommendations? Morning or afternoon visit?

==> It might seem ambitious, but we're considering a day trip to Chiang Rai—though it's not a must. Yes, we know it means ~6 hours of travel in one day.

- direct flight on the morning of 04/24 to Krabi ==> Railay - Phang Nga ==> this part isn't finalized yet (we won't stay in Krabi).

For those who've been there, which part of the south would be best weather-wise during this period?

We'd stay in the south until 04/28 and take a 8 PM flight to BKK.

- BKK on 04/29, 04/30, and part of 05/01 before our flight to London at 11 PM.

We'll hit the must-see/classic spots there.

If you have time to share some insights, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks a million to everyone!

Hédi.

Hi there, After visiting southern Sumatra in 2020 (Padang area, Bukkitinggi, Lake Maninjau), we’re heading north in two weeks to explore. We’ll arrive in Medan after Singapore. Then we plan to go to Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, and Lake Toba before finishing up on Pulau Weh. Yeah, I know three weeks is short, but we like taking our time now that we’re in our fifties 😄. My questions: - Which direction should we do the loop: Medan → Bukit Lawang → Lake Toba → Medan (we’ll be traveling by taxi)? - Can I buy the Medan/Banda Aceh flights just 10 days in advance while we’re there? Any airline to prefer? Thanks in advance to anyone familiar with this part of the world 😊

Hi, I’m traveling with my 13-year-old son in June and July 2025 for 6 weeks—2 weeks in Flores and 4 in Sulawesi. I don’t want a super "roots" trip because long transport times eat up too much time, so I’d prefer to use only private or shared drivers whenever possible since I’ve read that public transport really slows you down. That said, I don’t want to hire the same driver for the whole trip because I think it’d be way over budget.

My first question is about transport times and approximate costs. I’d like to double-check the times I’ve seen because it’s not clear to me whether they’re for private vehicles or public buses: - Labuan Bajo – Denge (Wae Rebo): 5–6 hours ???? - Denge – Ruteng: 3 hours ???? - Ruteng – Bajawa: 4 hours ???? - Bajawa – Moni (Kelimutu Volcano): 3.5 hours ???? - Moni – Koka Beach: 1.5 hours ???? - Maumere – Koka Beach: 2 hours ????

My second question is about the Maumere–Makassar ferry. It’s impossible to find a clear answer—PELNI’s website shows only about 2 ferries per month, but Rome2Rio mentions a daily departure (with a return the next day, like the Labuan Bajo–Makassar route, I assume). I’d really like to avoid flying since it’s so expensive on this route.

My third question: I’ve read that flight tickets are more expensive when bought from France than from Indonesia. Has anyone else heard this?

Thanks so much for your help! This is my first post on the forum in ages, so I hope the length doesn’t scare anyone off.

Best, Vanessa

Hello and happy to be back on this forum! We’re planning our trip to southern Vietnam in February. We visited central Vietnam two years ago. For now, based on reading various posts, we’ve drafted the following itinerary, keeping in mind that we travel by public transport and rent bikes or motorbikes when needed. We also like to take our time! So far, we’ve only booked our flight tickets: 1 Paris – HO CHI MINH 2 & 3 Visit HO CHI MINH 4 Day trip to Cu Chi 5 Transfer Ho Chi Minh / Cat Tien 6 & 7 Cat Tien 8 Transfer Cat Tien / Cai Be 9 & 10 Cai Be 11 Transfer Cai Be / Vinh Long or Binh Island 12 Vinh Long or Binh Island 13 Day trip to Sa Dec 14 Bus transfer Vinh Long / Can Tho 15 & 16 Can Tho 17 Transfer Can Tho / Chau Doc 18 & 19 Chau Doc 20 Transfer Chau Doc / Ha Tien 21 & 22 Ha Tien 23 Boat transfer to PHU QUOC 24, 25 & 26 PHU QUOC 27 Flight to Paris

Actually, we’re on a rhythm of 1 transfer day and 2 visit days, which doesn’t fully satisfy us. That’s why we’re wondering: Is it possible to stay in one accommodation for visits to Cai Be, Binh Island, and Vinh Long (including our day trip to Sa Dec)? Do you see any other ways to adjust the itinerary? Any oversights? We also still need to look into the transfer details. Thanks for your tips! fg

Hi everyone... I apologize in advance if some of my questions have already been answered on this forum—I didn’t have time to read through everything.

I’m planning a family trip to Thailand in July for 6 people: - 4 adults, 1 child aged 14, and 1 aged 9. We’ve started looking into travel agencies that specialize in the country and offer custom trips.

Our initial idea was a budget of 2500 € per person for a stay of around 14 days, including:

- 3/4 days in Bangkok (visiting temples, floating markets, Chinatown, river cruise, etc.) - Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya - 3/4 days in Chiang Mai (elephant sanctuary, rice field visits, temples, etc.) - Then a domestic flight to finish the trip in Krabi for 3/4 days (free time + excursions to Koh Phi Phi and/or Phang Nga, for example).

I’d also have liked to visit Chiang Rai, Lopburi, and Sukhothai, but we’ll have to make some choices.

So, my question is: - Is it better to go through well-known agencies to plan our trip, or is it possible to use local agencies for visits with French-speaking guides (if needed) and book flights and hotels on our own?

Does a budget of 2500 € per person seem reasonable for this kind of classic itinerary?

I’ve received (or will receive) quotes from agencies like Evaneos, Tourlane, Havas, Sawa Discovery, Nomade Aventures, etc. They all seem very professional but offer rather high-end services.

If any of you have recommendations for local agencies, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Also, is it possible to organize this kind of trip to Thailand on your own?

I know I’m not being very original, but I really want to make this a fantastic vacation with the best tips possible to avoid cutting the trip short to fit my budget.

Wishing you all a great day, and thanks in advance for your replies! Best regards, Julien

Hi there,

I’m looking for a beach spot within 3 hours max of Bangkok for the end of my trip (January). I know full well I won’t find that postcard-perfect vibe of the more remote islands! But I don’t have a choice. If you’ve got any ideas... no high-rises, obviously not Pattaya, somewhere quiet, swimming possible, a hotel right on the beach (and not too dirty, the beach itself!) I’ve looked at hotels around Ko Samet or, across from it, on the mainland. I spotted the Bann Pae Cabana. But nothing really exciting on either side. New ideas welcome! 🙂

Hi everyone, We’re planning to return to Cambodia in July 2026, as a family, for the third time. Since we’ve already visited Siem Reap and Battambang, we’re not considering going back this time. Instead, we’d like to travel more slowly and take the time to settle in. We’re thinking of an itinerary around Mondulkiri, Kampot, and Koh Kong (Tatai waterfalls, mangroves, etc.). For those who know the Koh Kong province and Mondulkiri well: are these areas still accessible and enjoyable during the rainy season? We’d also like to spend 2 or 3 days on an island, but we’re not sure if it’s really feasible at this time of year (sea conditions, boat crossings…). If it’s doable, which one would you recommend? We’re planning to spend only a short time in Phnom Penh, then a few days with family near Koh Thom. If you have any other ideas, firsthand experiences, or suggestions for stops that work well for a trip in July, we’d love to hear them. Thanks in advance !

Hi there, During our Thailand trip, we're planning to arrive in Bangkok and then head up to Chiang Mai. So far, so good. But after that, we'd like to go to the islands—either Krabi or Koh Samui. However, the flights listed on 12go.asia seem complicated, with a layover of about 1 hour in Bangkok where we'd have to collect our luggage and check in for the second flight. That feels way too tight.

So, I'd love to hear about your experiences with this route and any tips you might have. Thanks everyone!

Hello everyone! :)

Our next trip to Thailand is coming up, and we just can't wait! We talk, eat, drink, and dream Thailand 😏

Our itinerary is mostly set, and we’ve found quite a few new things to explore, but I’d still love to hear your recommendations for Bangkok. Just so you know: we love this city, and every time we visit, we spend several days there without ever feeling like we’ve seen it all. So this year, we’re staying for 8 days! Here’s what we have planned this year: * Exploring Nonthaburi * A day trip to Nakhon Pathom (to test out our basic Thai skills 😛) * Khlong Lat Mayom floating market (we went 10 years ago—it’s probably changed a lot!) * The Erawan Museum (we visited Muang Boran on our last trip) * Finally taking the time to check out Wat Phra Sri Maha Mariamman and Wat Yannawa (we’ve planned to go several times but never made it—are they worth a visit?)

This is what we’ve picked so far, but I’d love to hear about the favorite spots and recommendations from travelers who, like us, adore Bangkok.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Laetitia and Benjamin.

Hi there, I’m so glad the VoyageForum is back up. Reading 'Montagnard74’s' Laos trip report (which I read yesterday) made me want to share my own (which I already posted a year ago on another forum). Here’s a little recap of our 3 weeks in northern Laos, plus a few days in Vientiane. By the way, we could easily go back to the north—there’s so much to see and do; probably in a few years.

This was our 3rd trip to Laos after having already done:

1st trip in 2012 (3 weeks), a quick overview: Vientiane Vang Vieng Luang Prabang Plain of Jars

2nd trip in 2017 (1 month): Vientiane all the way to the 4,000 Islands via Thakhek, Kong Lor, the Bolaven Plateau, Savannakhet, Pakse...

Our 2023 itinerary (1 month): Vientiane Luang Prabang Muang Ngoi Nong Khiew Luang Namtha Muang Sing Boten Vang Vieng Vientiane

Some general info (2023): For those who’ve already been to Laos: everything has gone up a lot—I think prices have almost doubled for transport, accommodation, meals... everything. But Laos is still a budget-friendly country for us. As a couple, we spent 1,100 € for a month, all included (and we definitely didn’t skimp on massages :)).

Don’t trust the transport signs posted everywhere—at travel agencies, bus terminals, hotels... THEY’RE ALL WRONG (especially the schedules). They haven’t been updated since before Covid.

There are hardly any bikes for rent anymore, but scooters are easy to find everywhere. We switched our mode of transport toward the end of our stay: from bikes to scooters, which let us go farther. In Vientiane, we only saw one bike rental place, near Ong Teu Pagoda.

BCEL bank doesn’t charge a commission on foreign currency exchanges. Using ATMs is expensive due to fees. Outside Laos, Lao kip are basically worthless. There’s so much inflation that I couldn’t find a single bank or exchange office willing to swap the kip we had left. So, don’t exchange too much toward the end of your trip.

Some little tips from our experience (2023): The Muang Koua to Muang Ngoi boat still runs daily. At the dam, you have to get off and take a bus, then get back on the boat.

The boat from Muang Ngoi to Nong Khiew only leaves at 9:30 AM (don’t miss it or you’ll pay a lot for a private boat). From Nong Khiew to Muang Ngoi, there are at least two boats a day.

From Luang Namtha to Muang Sing: 4 to 5 buses a day, the last one leaves around 3:30 PM.

From Luang Namtha or Muang Sing to Nateuy or Boten (to catch the new train): 3 to 5 buses a day.

The new train is really hard to book—it’s often fully booked 48 hours in advance, even the local train (5 hours from Boten to Vientiane instead of 3 hours on the high-speed train). (That makes it tough to travel day by day, which we love... too bad.) For baggage checks: don’t bring anything flammable (sprays...) or sharp. My mosquito repellent (flammable but in a small plastic bottle) got through. Water bottles and a tiny pocketknife are okay. But it seems to depend on the station.

Some guesthouses prefer to be paid in dollars, otherwise the price is much higher.

If you’re entering Laos from Vietnam via Dien Bien Phu, you have to get your visa at the embassy in Hanoi—otherwise, you’ll be refused at the border (no e-visa or visa on arrival).

Apart from Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Muang Ngoi/Nong Khiew, there are very few tourists.

Some bus prices (in addition to those mentioned in my trip report) (with pick-up) 2023: Luang Prabang to Luang Namtha: 320,000 kip per person, 9h LP to Phonesavan: 250,000 kip per person, 7h LP to Phongsaly: 450,000 kip per person, 13h LP to Huay Xai: 420,000 kip per person, 14h Train Nateuy to Vientiane: 400,000 kip per person LP to Chiang Rai: 780,000 kip per person, 18h LP to Hanoi: 900,000 kip per person, 24h LP to train station: 50,000 kip per person LP to airport: 100,000 kip per person Vientiane from train station: 180,000 kip by taxi

Boats: LP to Pak Beng: 300,000 kip per person, 1 day LP to Houay Xai: 500,000 kip per person, 2 days LP to Pak Ou: 180,000 kip per person, 5h

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!

Hi everyone,

I’m about to head to Thailand with my kids and I’ve been put in touch with a French-speaking driver who’ll be with us for 3–4 days (for a little "tour" around the provinces near Bangkok).

I’d love to know what the "going rates" are for this kind of service so I can make sure I’m not overpaying.

So if any of you have used this kind of service recently and could let me know what you paid, I’d really appreciate it!

Thanks in advance and have a great week! 😉

Amy