Here’s the itinerary I’ve planned for this new trip to Thailand:
Arrival – 2 nights in Bangkok (any hotel recommendations? Very quiet, near Chinatown or by the river)
Train or taxi (which app should I use for Thailand?) to Phetchaburi – 2 nights (any hotel recommendations?)
Daytime train to Surat Thani – 1 night there (any hotel recommendations?)
Pick up the rental car and head to Khao Sok – 1 night there (any hotel recommendations?)
Drive to Ko Kho Khao – 3 nights – relaxation (any hotel recommendations?)
Drive to Phang Nga Bay – 1 night (any base recommendations?)
Excursion in the bay, then drive to Krabi – 2 nights (any hotel recommendations) or any other spot with beautiful, quiet beaches that you might know?
Return to Surat Thani – overnight train to Bangkok, then Ayutthaya (any hotel recommendations?)
Visit the site and transfer to the airport – sniff, time to head back!
If you have other suggestions, keeping in mind the trip’s vibe: beach time without crowds or entertainment, a bit of nature, a bit of culture, no stress...
No domestic flights and charming accommodations (not at 150 € per night, even though the budget is reasonable!)
Not sure I’ll follow them all, but all your ideas are welcome! 😉
Thanks. 🙂
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hi there,
that’s a lot of driving, so you’ll have less time to enjoy the places mentioned. Renting from Surat Thani for the round trip—have you ever driven in Thailand before?
What are your plans for the day and a half in Phetchaburi?
Ayutthaya with luggage?
Arriving at Khao Sok in the afternoon… activities take place in the morning, so you’ll lose a day from your schedule the next day. A bit ambitious, don’t you think?
No. But I’ve driven a bit all over different continents.
And it’s not my first trip to Thailand. 😉
I deliberately chose not to rent a car starting from Bangkok. A bit too ambitious.
What are you planning to do during 1.5 days in Phetchaburi?
This, for example.
It’ll only take a day. Arriving in the late afternoon, leaving the next morning.
It seemed like a good stopover between Bangkok and Surat Thani. (Plus, I haven’t been there before.)
I don’t want to take the sleeper train twice, so I’ll take a daytime train.
Any other possible stopover suggestions?
Ayutthaya with luggage?
No. One night there.
Arriving around noon, leaving the next evening.
Khao Sok arrival in the afternoon... activities take place in the morning...
I’m not really into group activities. I’m just thinking of doing a short hike. It’s 105 kilometers, so I’ll arrive around noon.
If the park is really tempting, why not add an extra night, then?
In that case, Krabi’s out (I’ve already been there, and Railay was a great memory. Off-season...).
That’s a lot of driving
Barely 600 kilometers??? 😮
In 5 stages.
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I feel the same way—being on the road is part of the journey. It takes on a whole different meaning than just moving from one place to another.
People here often tell me my itineraries are too packed, that there’s too much time spent traveling, that I should take it easy, etc. But I *do* take it easy—on the road ;)
And it’s all relative… while others plan to “do” 4 countries in 8 days!
At the same time, a thousand questions all at once—like asking for hotel recommendations without much detail, while saying you may or may not take the advice—makes you want to respond... or not.
It’s obvious this itinerary is completely unbalanced, with too many stops or stops that are too short. Of course, if "the journey matters more than the destination," then it makes more sense. There’s plenty of that here, with average speeds of 30 km/h on some trains and 60 km/h on buses.
Too bad about not taking flights, especially for trips under three weeks. That said, it could be a phobia or a bad experience, but we assume the person didn’t arrive in Thailand by boat.
For hotels, what can you really ask random people whose tastes might be totally different, when for over ten years you’ve been able to find everything online? I say this because the hotels or guesthouses that are trendy on forums often didn’t suit me at all, for example.
« 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
It says quiet, charming, and that the budget isn’t unlimited (which also means I’m not looking for a 10-euro guesthouse...).
And when the person answering is curious, they check the profile of the one asking the question and see there’s a travel journal about Thailand. They read it and that way, they know what kind of traveler they’re dealing with...
I like very open-ended requests.
I sort through them afterward. (Same for the rest.)
Otherwise, you might miss out on something just because it didn’t fit a request that was too specific...
But I get you—I also like closed-ended requests when I’m the one answering. 😛
There’s plenty to choose from, with averages of 30 km/h for some trains and 60 km/h for buses.
Well, yeah. That makes sense. It’s like all my previous trips to Thailand. (I lean more toward trains and taxis than buses. You don’t see anything from a bus, and you’re too cramped in there.)
Still a shame not to take the plane,
Planes waste just as much time. Between getting to the airport, leaving it, checking in, waiting for luggage, the flight itself, delays...
After a while as a traveler, you avoid them as much as possible—except for long-haul flights!
too many stops or stops that are too short
You’re saying too much or not enough...
can you find everything that exists on the internet?
Maybe too much...
A few opinions here could highlight something special.
by saying whether you’ll take it into account or not, it makes people want to respond... or not.
That’s my straightforward side.
(Or responding without really responding while still responding...🙂)
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About your hotel in Bangkok…
This forum’s pretty dead—it’s old. Unless you happen to find someone who’s been there recently. But given how slow the rebound is…😕
For me, accommodation is super important. I search on Booking with all my filters, read the reviews, cross-check with the *Routard* or TripAdvisor, and look at blogs with recent info… I’m rarely disappointed.
As for trains in Bangkok, I bought my tickets at the station on the day of departure (overnight train to Chiang Mai). Otherwise, for any trips—whether by car, plane, or train—I check Rome2Rio.
For nice beaches, back then I was advised to go to Koh Lanta instead of Krabi, but that means an extra boat ride.
I’m sharing all this because you said “all ideas welcome,” but you travel way more than I do, and I’m sure you already know everything I just wrote.
I’m only better when it comes to luggage 😛
I’ve always preferred Agoda over Booking. I select the city and get a whole bunch of options, with or without breakfast.
What’s handy is refining the search (downtown or not, pool or not), and it opens up choices that are better suited. That way, YOU get to pick based on the photos and reviews from people who’ve actually tried these places.
I won’t recommend specific hotels because as soon as the stay is over a year old, everything can change drastically.
Over the last 10 years, the offer across Thailand has grown considerably.
You can take a look at my 2015 travel journal for Khao Sok. I had 3 days for 2 nights.
The highlight is a longtail boat ride on the lake by the dam (a must, especially early in the morning). Besides that, there’s an easy trek you can do solo and other treks that require rangers. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you in this region, which is said to be the rainiest in Thailand.
« 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
Yeah, it's true that for now, it's not super lively...
It was lively, though, in the Thailand section.
Sometimes too much, actually...
For the overnight train, I’ll need to book in advance because we want a first-class sleeper with the compartment to ourselves. Apparently, they fill up fast.
For taxis, I saw the Grab app, but if I understood correctly, it’s only on iPhone, and I don’t have one. Gotta look into that!
If I add Lanta to my itinerary, Joël’s gonna strangle me...
All ideas are definitely welcome. 🙂
If it doesn’t help me, it might help others, and plus, it brings some life to the forum (so maybe a little more activity!)😛
(For luggage, you’re cheating—you don’t have any!😠😉)
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I really get the feeling that, accommodation-wise, there have been big changes in Thailand.
More resorts at the expense of small bungalows right on the sand...
And prices have gone up!
That said, I’m traveling in high season this time, whereas I usually went in April-May.
You can take a look at my 2015 travel journal for Khao Sok. I had 3 days for 2 nights.
The highlight is a long-tail boat ride on the lake by the dam (a must, especially early in the morning). Also, there’s an easy trek you can do solo, and other treks that require rangers. Fingers crossed for this region—it’s supposed to be the rainiest in Thailand.
After reading your journal, I’m torn about adding an extra night.
I’m worried the places might feel a bit overrun by mass tourism...
I’ll note that the lake is accessible by car!
For the weather, we’ll be there in March. That should limit the damage.
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We once did a trip with 2 nights on Koh Tao and 2 nights on Koh Phangan. At the time, it was nice, but afterward, I felt a bit silly because it was really just scratching the surface.
For taxis, depending on the area, there’s Grab or Bolt, which are even cheaper.
For trips outside the city, especially long-distance ones, it’s best to discuss a flat rate with taxi drivers or your hotel. Always better without a middleman.
It’s a good option as long as you negotiate well. Like someone mentioned recently, depending on where you are, you can pay as little as 1,500 baht for 200 km. Of course, if you're out in the middle of nowhere with no competition, the price can easily double.
« 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
For beautiful beaches, back in the day I was advised to go to Koh Lanta rather than Krabi, but that means an extra boat trip.
I’d recommend even further south. Koh Muk, Koh Libong, and Koh Lipe, with one or two nights on Tarutao, the Robinson Crusoe island.
Back in 2017, Koh Muk was one of the few still spared from mass tourism. You’ll find a luxury hotel and a few small hotels with pools, plus, of course, modest bungalows.
A great restaurant: Hilltop Restaurant!
Bike and kayak rentals (to visit the "Emerald Cave" before the tourists arrive around 9 AM) and also to picnic alone on small secluded coves.
A few hikes on steep trails...
Koh Lipe was great, especially for diving and snorkeling (boat trips) or the Sunset Beach. Is it too crowded now?
Tarutao: https://aurorevoyage.com/2018/01/14/thailande-pourquoi-se-rendre-a-koh-tarutao/
No luxury accommodations there, and only one restaurant!
I read reviews, cross-check info with Le Routard or TripAdvisor, and consult blogs with recent updates... And I’m rarely disappointed.
I followed your advice for Jimbaran (Bali) and wasn’t disappointed either!
I really liked Koh Phangan, liked Koh Tao a bit less, and liked Koh Samui much less.
It worked out well, since I ended up staying the longest on Koh Phangan!
Back to hotels—unfortunately, I think an essential filter is missing for me: silence!
And charm too.
I don’t care about stars, the gym, the sauna, or the pool (especially when it’s by the sea for that last one...).
But I *would* like to know if I’ll hear snoring from the next room, the boom-boom of a nightclub or partying youngsters, or the shouts of inconsiderate travelers...🤪
You have to dig through the reviews to figure it out.
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Phetchaburi: only the Astronomer King’s Temple on the outskirts of town… transportation?... Otherwise, the bamboo market on weekends—really interesting, but only on weekends, 40 km away—and Monkey Island at the dam (the second-largest in the kingdom, also 40 km away), so you’ll need a van or taxi with a driver. The town itself has uninteresting main roads and shuts down by 6:30 PM.
Khao Sok: what’s actually interesting is the Rachaprapha Lake with morning activities (boat trips, wildlife spotting, kayaking, floating bungalows). Khao Sok itself is a small village turned tourist trap with four treehouse hotels and a bit of nightlife… The two are connected by regular vans and buses, 60 km apart.
Phang Nga and its 500 km of coastline and 300 islands: how can I recommend just one night????
I’ll say it again: this plan is too scattered. Good luck!
You have to sift through the comments to sort them out.
Yep! Like you, once I’ve found a good price and it looks charming, I check the location, cleanliness, and how quiet it is. But watch out for fake reviews too. When 10 Thais give it an "EXCEPTIONAL" rating and a French traveler (or someone who’s not a local) says to run for the hills, I tend to take that into account ;)
Ayutthaya was flooded when we tried to go there :/
Some online posts seem overly enthusiastic about this city.
My paper guide is too.
Worth seeing in person!
khao sok:
I’m noting not to stay in Khao Sok Village! I’m considering a second night.
Still, I’m worried it might feel a bit too touristy for my taste.
phang nga and its 500km of coastline and 300 islands: how can you recommend just 1 night????
I’m looking for something classic. A starting point to organize a boat trip for a few hours.
What’s available from Phuket but on a smaller, more low-key scale—less partying, alcohol, and selfies... A boat with just a few passengers.
Plus some viewpoints accessible by car from my previous stop.
If Khao Sok wins me over for 2 nights, Krabi gets cut. I could then spend a second night in the bay.
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When everyone gives the max rating, it’s suspicious—and anything below 8 too...
I don’t know if it wasn’t simpler before the internet... Well, there were a lot fewer hotels too...
I’ve booked the flight ticket. I’m starting to look for what’s safe, the hotel for the first few nights in Bangkok!
I think I’m going to skip the riverside since prices have skyrocketed in Bangkok.
For Ayutthaya, I went there about twenty years ago. It was really great. Back then, long-haul flights landed at Don Mueang, and the railway line went through both. So convenient!
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There’s a general misunderstanding about the geography of Khao Sok and the surrounding area.
1/ Khao Sok is a national park in the forest with a tourist village and hotels/bungalows in the trees.
2/ 50 km away is Cheow Larn Lake (regular transfers), where the activities take place. Arrival at the pier: nothing to do except board for the tours bought from agencies. So no hiking—plan for at least 1 night/1 day of discovery activities.
This lets me see that I wasn’t very precise. In my previous reply, after talking about the boat ride on the lake, I jumped straight to the treks in the national park without reminding you that they’re absolutely not in the same place. That’s why I opted for 3 nights back then.
Search online for something like “Khao Sok boat ride price” and you’ll get an idea. Around 2,000 baht. Be careful—if you go through certain providers, you can easily end up paying double or triple that.
Also keep in mind the park entrance fee, which should be around 300 baht.
« 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
There’s a general misunderstanding about the geography of Khao Sok and the surrounding area.
Nope. I actually found a map of the park online.
I think I just didn’t explain myself well, and you misunderstood what I meant.
50 km away is Cheow Larn Lake (regular transfers), where the activities take place. Arrival at the pier: nothing to do, just board for the tours bought from agencies. So no hiking.
That’s exactly where I’ll be staying (tons of options at all price points). And my goal is to rent a boat for a lake tour without spending the night in the floating bungalows. I read there are several programs available, from 2 hours to almost a full day. The small boat fits 10 people crammed in—4 is much more comfortable...
Just missing the current price (for the boat—I know it’s then split based on the number of clients).
Thanks for answering my question about hikes from that spot. (Most hikes advertised on websites do start from the other side, but some travelers also mention hikes in the lake area.)
In the forest with a tourist village and hotels/bungalows in the trees.
Yep, I’ll avoid sleeping there, which is why I chose the lake area for the night.
I’ll stop by on day 2 for the hike since there aren’t any in the lake area.
That way, it flows nicely! 😛
Route: Surat Thani departure → lake boat → sleep by the lake → road → hike in the forest near the village (the one possible without a guide) → road → sleep at the beach.
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I hope to find 2 other people there, otherwise, too bad.
Also think about the park entrance fees, which must be around 300 baht
Apparently, it's valid for 24 hours.
We should take the boat ride around 2 PM so the ticket is still valid for the hike the next day.
But the lake is quieter in the morning if I understood correctly... Less risk of fog too, apparently...
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If you leave as early as possible, you can be the only boat on the lake. It's less noisy and you get to enjoy it more.
Given the temperatures, the mist is the nighttime dew rising. Since this region is very rainy, you need to be lucky for the conditions to be optimal.
About the entrance ticket, I doubt you can count on the full 24 hours. When a new day starts and you want to enter, they usually charge you. You’ll have to check on-site. That said, if someone spent the night in the national park, it’s a different story.
« 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
It's a season I systematically avoid because many waterfalls are low on water.
On the other hand, for Cheow Larn Lake, there’s indeed one that might be stunning...
« 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
Hello, from what I remember—it’s been a good ten years now—the boat tours on the lake are run by a cooperative. They wait until the boat is more or less full (we left with 5 or 6 people), and it was really great!!
Anyway, it might be "the same but different" these days…
Hi, from what I remember—going back a good ten years or so—boat tours on the lake were run by a cooperative. They’d wait until the boat was more or less full (we left with 5 or 6 people), and it was really great!!
Okay, it might be “the same but different” these days...
Hi,
Around the same time, we’d booked through a friendly restaurant owner in Khao Sok who knew someone. She totally understood what we were after.
A minivan picked us up early in the morning, took us to the boat, and left us in the hands of the young guy who took us out—just the two of us. A little romance now and then, please 😉
I wrote in my travel journal that on the way back from our long ride (over 2 hours), it wasn’t until the very end of the return trip that we ran into all the other boats carrying tourist groups.
« 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
Yeah, it's definitely not super lively right now...
You two—Kate and you—are cracking me up! Feels like you're everywhere, and it's just the two of you... and Joël 😉
I'm also planning a trip to Thailand... but I'm not getting many responses. Maybe I didn’t ask my questions right?
It was pretty active, though, the Thailand section.
There's definitely something going on between Kate and me—like late mutual respect or a budding friendship. Pure happiness!
« 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
« 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
😏😏😏
Not enough emojis here to express how hilarious this is!
It’s 9:40 PM here, I’m heading to bed. I get up at 5 AM to start walking at 6 every morning.
Good night to the three of you
New forum, new friends, I’ve forgotten everything since the pandemic 😛
Must be the vax effect.
« 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
Between fellow travelers from Hérault, we can definitely allow ourselves this. And besides, it's better to tease friends than strangers!
« 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
Consciente que ce sujet ait été traité plus d'une fois, ça n'a pas toujours été clair pour moi et j'ai tout de même besoin d'éléments récents pour partir avec…
Je pars 15 jours en Thailande du 21 déc 2013 au 6 janvier 2014 avec mon mari et ma fille de 13. J'ai pas mal parcouru le forum pour avoir des infos sur les…
Je suis en train d'organiser un circuit pour ma famille avec 2 ados (14 et 17) pour la mi-août. Nous prévoyons Bangkok jusqu'à Chang Mai, puis ensuite aller…
Ca y est, je suis décidée et m'apprête à faire le voyage le plus important de ma vie: "Le retour au source!!!" J'ai pas tellement envie d'être déçu malgré que…
Nous préparons notre deuxième voyage en Thaïlande (2 semaines sur place, fin avril/début mai) en famille avec nos enfants de 5 et 7 ans.
Lors de notre premier voyage, nous avons visité Bangkok, Ayutthaya, la rivière Kwaï, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi et Khao Lak. Nous avons particulièrement adoré Koh Phi Phi pour ses falaises calcaires et sa végétation luxuriante, ainsi que Koh Lipe pour ses eaux cristallines et son snorkeling.
Cette fois, je pense passer 7 jours sur les îles. Je pensais à koh tao et koh Phangan ngan. On voudrait du relief, du snorkeling à partir de la plage, un peu d'ambiance mais pas trop (pour manger le soir).
Pour l'autre partie du voyage on hésite entre Chiang mai et khao sok. L'un ou l'autre... L'un et l'autre? On a pas envie de courir mais on est vraiment axés nature donc on ira pas trop dans les temples...
Merci d'avance pour vos conseils et retours d'expérience !
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.
Nous préparons notre deuxième voyage en Thaïlande (2 semaines sur place, fin avril/début mai) en famille avec nos enfants.
Lors de notre premier voyage, nous avons visité Bangkok, Ayutthaya, la rivière Kwaï, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi et Khao Lak. Nous avons particulièrement adoré Koh Phi Phi pour ses falaises calcaires et sa végétation luxuriante, ainsi que Koh Lipe pour ses eaux cristallines et son snorkeling.
Cette fois, nous aimerions un voyage davantage axé sur la nature. Nous ne souhaitons plus visiter de villes (éventuellement un marché flottant si cela vaut vraiment le détour).
Nous recherchons :
- une jungle spectaculaire ;
- des animaux dans leur milieu naturel ;
- de belles randonnées ou balades en bateau ;
- des plages paradisiaques ;
- une eau turquoise avec un excellent snorkeling, si possible directement depuis la plage (tortues, poissons tropicaux...).
Nous pensons intégrer Khao Sok, mais nous hésitons sur les îles à combiner avec ce parc. Nous hésitons aussi à intégrer Chiang mai.
Auriez-vous des suggestions d'itinéraires de 2 semaines avec des temps de transport raisonnables ? Nous privilégions avant tout les paysages, la nature et la mer.
Merci d'avance pour vos conseils et retours d'expérience !
Bonjour, je serai en vacances en malaisie en novembre, je vais rester 5 jours à penang. Je voudrais ensuite visiter quelques temples et lieux à butterworth ou autour et découvrir aussi la ville. En sachant que je me déplace souvent à pied, quel quartier serait le mieux pour moi, c'est à dire à moins de 30'minutes à pied des lieux d'attraction, de stands de street foodi, de lignes de bus etc... Merci d'avance pour votre aide
Francoise
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.
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!
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!
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...
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.
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
