I just planned my itinerary, but I feel like it's too rushed. I’ll have to make some choices, but I don’t know how—everything looks interesting.

Oct 24: Arrival in Bangkok, flight to Chiang Rai (overnight) Oct 25: Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong (overnight) Oct 26: Chiang Khong to Houei Sai (overnight) Oct 27: Houei Sai (Shampoo Cruise boat) to Pakbeng (overnight) Oct 28: Pakbeng (2nd day of cruise) to Luang Prabang Oct 29–30–31, Nov 1–2: Luang Prabang (5 nights) Nov 2: Luang Prabang to Vientiane by train Nov 3–4–5: Vientiane (That Luang) (4 nights) Nov 6: Vientiane to Vang Vieng Nov 7–8: Vang Vieng (3 nights) Nov 9: Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang Nov 10: Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw Nov 11: Nong Khiaw Nov 12: Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi Nov 13–14: Muang Ngoi Nov 15: Muang Ngoi to Nong Khiaw to Oudomxai Nov 16: Oudomxai to Luang Namtha Nov 17–18: Luang Namtha Nov 19: Luang Namtha to Muang Sing Nov 20–21: Muang Sing Nov 22: Muang Sing to Luang Namtha to Houeisai Nov 23: Houeisai to Chiang Rai Nov 24: Chiang Rai flight at 18:55 to Bangkok Nov 25: Bangkok flight at 01:15 to Barcelona

Thanks for your suggestions!

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

I really loved Thailand, but it was too touristy for my taste. So I'm hesitating about going back and wondering if Cambodia or Vietnam would be less crowded with tourists...

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 there, We’re in Laos in March 2025, does anyone know if it’s possible to travel down the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Vientiane? Can you find a private boat? How long does it take? Thanks for your replies_

Hi there,

Does anyone know when I should buy flight tickets to Laos in July and return in August to get the best price?

Can you exchange euros in Laos?

Is it easy to get around Laos using public transportation?

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

Can you go hiking without a guide?

Thanks in advance for your tips to help me prepare for my trip! Nolwenn

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!

Hi, As the title says, I want to get to Chiang Khong after arriving at Chiang Rai Airport at 7 PM. At that time, there are no more buses. So I’ll have to take a taxi. Should I book it in advance? If so, through which service? Or are there taxis available at the airport? What’s the most cost-effective way? And what’s the approximate fare? Booking offers it for 66 euros, but I have no idea what the usual rates are. Thanks for your help! MarieJo

Hello,

We’re an adventurous couple in our 70s starting to plan around 3 weeks in Thailand in January 2027.

We’re not yet at the nitty-gritty stage, but we really don’t like wasting time on luggage, airports, or long journeys.

So, we’ll probably spend a few days in Bangkok, then head up to Chiang Mai by car at a relaxed pace, and fly back to Bangkok.

Any thoughts on this plan and, most importantly, recommendations for the Bangkok to Chiang Mai route that should take about 5 days?

Thanks in advance

Hi everyone, 11/30/2025, what’s the shortest route from Koh Yao Noi to Surat Thani, and is it possible to get there without going through Phuket and Krabi? P.S. Should I buy tickets in advance via Rome2Rio, 12Go Asia, etc., or at the pier? Thanks in advance for your replies, Jacques from Brussels

Hi there,

I’ve planned to visit Koh Chang during my trip in November. I booked the Bangkok to Koh Chang route on 12go Asia with the company: Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, departing from the "Boonsiri Khao San office." Has anyone tried this company before?

Then, on Koh Chang, do you have any tips for keeping busy for 3–4 days?

Finally, I’ll need to return from Koh Chang to Bangkok to catch my flight back to France. What’s the best option?

Thanks in advance! Florent

Hi there!

I think the question’s in the title...

What price can I expect to pay in 2025 for a ride of about two kilometers in the tourist center?

Thanks😉

Hi there,

I have a question about the Rome2Rio app. Can you set it up to show routes using the BTS and MRT (for Bangkok) instead of buses or taxis? For example, I’d like to know how long the trip from Chong Nonsi to Bang Khun Non will take, but the app doesn’t suggest the MRT or BTS, even though it’s totally doable. Any tips on how to fix this?

Hi there, So many things to see that I’m not sure what route to take for my two-week trip at the end of February. I initially thought about spending a few days in Chiang Mai and then heading down to Koh Samui and Koh Tao, but the travel time is long, and the flight from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui is really expensive. So, I’m looking for an alternative after Bangkok while keeping Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Maybe this itinerary, but I’d love your thoughts: Day 1-3: Bangkok (3 days) Day 4-5: Kanchanaburi (2 days) Day 6: Transit Bangkok → Koh Samui Day 7-9: Koh Samui (3 days) Day 10-12: Koh Tao (3 days) Day 13: Return to Bangkok

Dear VoyageForum members,

For the past two months, I’ve been checking flight ticket prices to spend 4.5 weeks in Thailand from early July to early August. I’m traveling from Brussels with a young child, so I want to avoid layovers. That’s why I’m only looking at Thai Airways’ website and only choosing direct flights.

At the end of August, I saw tickets for 955 € per person. On October 1st, they were 1,225 €. Today (October 22nd), the price is the same as on October 1st. (Same dates: Departure: July 4th, Return: August 7th.)

My question is: Is it possible these prices will drop significantly in the coming months?

Note: I clear my browser cache before every search, which I always do during the week and in the evening. This time, I also checked with my work computer, which has a VPN. So, the price isn’t influenced by cookies.

Thanks in advance for your feedback and tips.

Damien

Hello everyone,

A lot of articles and replies about southern Thailand are quite old...

I’m arriving at Trang Airport in mid-November. What’s the going rate for Pakmeng Pier and then for Koh Mook? Also, what’s the cheapest way to get from Koh Mook to Noppharat Thara (Ao Nang)? After that, I’ll be heading from Railay to Koh Yao Noi. Should I buy tickets from a local agency or at the pier?

Thanks also for your great tips! What are the must-see spots during 5 nights on Koh Mook, 3 around Ao Nang, and 3 on Koh Yao Noi? After that, I’m planning to visit Phuket City, Khao Lak, Surat Thani, Ao Khanom, maybe Koh Samui... and Bangkok for 4 nights. I’m retired and looking for places still off the beaten path, away from mass tourism... Thanks in advance, Jacques from Brussels

Hi there, we’re heading to Thailand and Malaysia for 3 and a half months at the start of 2025, and I’m looking for tips on transport and the best route to get from Kuala Besut to Nakhon Si Thammarat. Thanks

Hello, We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang. I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay. But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience. Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.

Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.

Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it? Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?

Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like? We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.

Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien

Hi everyone,

My partner and I are heading to Thailand for three weeks (exactly 21 days there) at the beginning of July for our first trip to Asia. During this trip, we want to discover a new culture, beautiful landscapes, eat well, do some beach time (with snorkeling), all while trying to keep it authentic and close to nature.

After some research, I’ve come up with this itinerary—what do you think?

Arrival in Bangkok on Tuesday, July 7 in the morning = 2 days Ayutthaya = 1 day Travel to Chiang Mai = 1 day (flight) Chiang Mai = 2 days Trek = 2 days Travel to Khao Sok = 1 day (flight to Surat Thani + bus) Khao Sok = 3 days (4 nights total) = For this part of the trip, would you recommend staying in Khao Sok village and doing day trips, or planning an overnight stay on the lake? Travel to Koh Phangan = 1 day (bus + ferry) Koh Phangan = 4 days (we’re thinking of staying in the northeast part of the island) Koh Tao = 2 days Return to Bangkok = 1 day (taking a ferry to Chumphon then a flight) Bangkok = 1 day

Thanks for your feedback!

Hi Forum,

We’re planning a trip to Thailand for January 2027 and I’ve got some questions about visiting Phang Nga Bay:*

-I’ve read on this forum that it’s better to leave from the town of Phang Nga rather than Phuket, which makes sense, but I can’t spot any piers on Google Earth. Could someone tell me where they are? -Do hotels offer excursions that include transfers to the boat?

Thanks in advance for your replies. JauneSoleil

Hi there,

I’d love to explore the Thai peninsula: I’m looking for ideas for things to discover between Bangkok (which I know a bit) and the southern part of the peninsula down to Ranong. I’ll be arriving around 6 AM at Suvarnabhumi and want to head south right away. I’ll end my trip with 4 nights on Koh Phayam. Given that I’ll have a full week before reaching KP, do you have any suggestions for stops, discoveries, a nice hotel, etc., along the way? I’ve already thought of: - the Maeklong Market south of BKK - Damoen Saduak (I know it—nice but too touristy) - Phraya Nakhon Cave - Hanging out in Bang Saphan, which looks nice - ????? Thanks in advance for your suggestions! PS: I’m not sure yet what my mode of transport will be… we’ll see.

Hi there, I’m arriving in Thailand with my family on February 9th (2026). We land at BKK that day and then take a direct flight to Krabi.

My first little question is this: We’ve booked a hotel 4 km from the airport (B2Krabi). Should I reserve a taxi through an app (which one?) to get there, or do you think I’ll easily find a taxi/tuk-tuk on the spot, considering we’ll arrive around 8/9 PM? Any idea of the expected price (for three people) for this short trip?

For the Krabi/Ko Phi Phi route, I’m not entirely sure where the departure point is—I’ve attached a photo of the map. Which company is the most affordable? Do you think I can buy my ticket the day before departure and still be sure to get seats? Is it better to book in advance (and if so, on which site)? Same question for the return trip from Ko Phi Phi to Krabi!

Hi there, I’m arriving in Thailand with my family on February 9, 2025. We land at BKK that day and then take a direct flight to Krabi. My first little question is this: we’ve booked a hotel 4 km from the airport (B2Krabi). Should I book a taxi through an app (which one?) to get there, or do you think I’ll easily find a taxi/tuk-tuk on the spot, considering we’ll arrive around 8/9 PM? Any idea of the price to expect (for three people) for this short trip?

About the Krabi/Ko Phi Phi route, I’m not entirely sure where the departure point is—I’ve attached a photo of the map. Which company is the most affordable? Do you think I can buy my ticket on the day just before departure and still be sure to get seats? Is it better to book in advance (if so, on which site)? Same question for the return trip from Ko Phi Phi to Krabi!

Hi there, We're heading to Thailand at the end of February, and after landing in Bangkok, we need to catch the overnight train to Chiang Mai. Could you tell us how to make the transfer? Thanks

Between Siam and Khao San Road (Democracy Monument): which buses are available? Thanks in advance!

Hi, We’re supposed to cross this border at the end of July on our way from Siem Reap, and we just found out it’s closed. Is it easy to find a flight ticket from Siem Reap to Bangkok? Aren’t there really any other options? Thanks

Hello, I’m traveling with 2 adults and 2 kids for the Christmas 2025 holidays. Here’s my plan: - 2 nights in Bangkok - 1 night in Ayutthaya (then an overnight train) - 3 nights in Chiang Mai (flight to Krabi) - 4 nights on Koh Lanta - 2 nights in Railay (flight back to Bangkok) - 1 night in Bangkok I have a few questions: 1) For Bangkok: how do you organize a visit to the klongs? Can I easily find an agency on the spot? 2) Do I need to book the bus or train to Ayutthaya in advance? 3) Chiang Mai. I’m planning one day for temple sightseeing + Doi Suthep, and I’m debating between two options for the other two days: - Option 1: Day 1: Doi Inthanon day trip + Day 2: elephant experience for the kids. - Option 2: 2 days/1 night for a trek, staying in a village, and seeing elephants. Whichever I choose, should I book in advance? Any tips or suggestions for good, affordable activities? What do you think of Get Your Guide excursions? Thanks for your advice!

Hi, How long does it take to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok? Thanks! Car, metro?

Hi, I’m really interested in the "SUPREME bus" and especially the "Wiang Ping Super VIP Class Bus" with Sombat Tour for traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. But you can only book through their website, and it’s entirely in Thai. No agency allows booking for these buses from this company either. I haven’t found any way to make a reservation for either of these two buses... Has anyone traveled from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on one of these buses? Thanks so much

Hi there,

We (5 adults and 1 child) want to travel from Battambang to Chanthaburi via the Ban Pakkad border crossing. I’d like to know what transport options are available (bus, taxi, songthaew). Are there any direct buses from Battambang to Pailin (I haven’t found any) or from the Thai border to Chanthaburi? If you know of any taxi companies that might cover these routes, I’d really appreciate the info.

Thanks in advance!