Bonjour à tous
J’ai lu et relu les differents posts sur le Vietnam.. et je suis encore plus paumée..tellement ce pays a l’air magnifique, grand et avec tellement de choses à faire..il faut faire des choix..mais c’est dur..
Je vous explique :
Mon ami et moi arrivons le 12mars à Hanoi et repartons le 26/03 de Ho Chi Minh.
Nous sommes un jeune couple sportif (aimant des voyages à velo) , nous aimons la nature, les randos, les parc nationaux…évitons les endroits habituellement trop touristique.
Dans l’idéal nous voudrions rester une semaine dans le nord puis commencer à descendre..voici une maigre ébauche…
Nous pensons rester 2jours sur Hanoi ( vous me conseillez quoi aux alentours ? jai cru lire la pagode des parfums ?) et dès le lundi attaquer le programme :
*Baie halong terrestre + maritime 2-3jours : vous me conseillez quoi ?tour en jonque avec nuit à bord puis Tam Cuoc ? le mieux serait une agence non ? Histoire de pas perdre trop de temps…
*Sapa - 2-3jours : vous me conseillez de reservez avec une agence ou d’aller à Sapa et voir directement là haut.. ? un conseil sur un hôtel qui organise des excursions ?
Une agence me propose 550USD par tête pour baie halong + trek sapa bac Ha.. tout comris - je ne me rends pas compte si c’est cher ou pas… j’ai demandé à d’autres agences mais pas encore de retourEnsuite retour sur Hanoi et train de Nuit vers Hoi An. On pense y rester 2-3jours puis prendre un vol pour Ho Chi Minh et profiter du delta du Mékong..
Le top aurait été de finir par 3-4jours à Phu Huoc mais là je sais… je rêve. ..ca relève du marathon..
Je suis preneuse de tout vos conseils, bons plans etc…
On part dans un mois et rien n’est booké sauf les billets…
Merci beaucoupp à tous !!!
Ginnie
550 $ ???? eh bien cette agence a un fusil à deux coups - c'est du vol même si on vous dit que... ceci, que ... cela .... - c'est presque faisable tout seul - une petite agence qui vous emmène à Ha - Long, dans les pho co d'Hanoi, et pour Sapa, il y a maintenant un bus qui emprunte la nouvelle autoroute (5 heures) vous amène direct à Sapa - Là, on ne compte plus les possibilités pour vous faire faire des treks sympas, au plus près des Minorités, style Olivier-
Le mieux est de vous rapprocher de Larsay, c'est un expert en la matière, il saura vous conseiller et vous diriger sur des gens qui ne vont pas vous plumer.
Pour le sud, et un appétit éventuel de plage longue et sableuse à souhait, sur le chemin du sud, passez un ou deux jours à Nha Trang : c'est la saison, la gaité, les hôtels sont à10$ la nuit et l'ambiance hyper sympa. -
14 Jours, c'est court pour le Vietnam du nord au sud, il faut donc optimiser.
Hanoi 1j
baie d'halong 2j, avec une nuit en jonque,
Sapa (pas le moins touristique) avec Bac Ha si vous y êtes un dimanche jour du marché 4j, retour Hanoï, Tam Coc baie terrestre 2j et de là train de nuit pour Danang.
Ce circuit demande un minimum de jours 9.....
Train de nuit pour Danang, Hoi An (30km de Danang en taxi ou bus) 2j
Il ne restera que 2 jours pour le delta🤪 plus 1 jour saigon (jour du départ).
Les distances au Vietnam ne font pas en temps record, les transferts sont longs et la vitesse moyenne en montagne au nord est de 30km/h.
En si peu de temps vous allez devoir faire des choix.
J'opterai plutôt pour le nord et le delta faisant hélas l'impasse sur Hoi An, vous auriez ainsi 2 jours sup dans le delta, en 5 jours vous pouvez faire un tour sympa au sud
Demandez d'autres devis.
550$ ? on ne sait ce que contient ce tarif, quel parcours exact et quelles prestations, en combien de jours et par quels moyens de transports..... impossible de vous répondre😕.
Bonjour Asia7
merci pour votre réponse...c'est vrai que c'est speed... c'est comme si on se dit "je veux visiter la France en 2semaines"..impossible...
vous pensez que SAPA vaut vraiment la peine?? que c'est un incontournable a ne surtout pas louper? je sais que ma question est compliquée...
je me demandai si l'exclure du voyage..faire baie halong terrestre + maritime..en prenant plus le temps et descendre vers le sud...
Bonjour Kimtwo..
merci pour votre reponse..
oui j'ai envoyé un message privé à Larsay...croisont les doigts 🙂🙂
vous auriez par hasard le contact de Olivier?
Au vu de la configuration géographique du Vietnam (1650 Kms séparent à vol d'oiseau le Nord du Sud) mais également de la saison envisagée, des moyens de transports en commun terrestres (train et bus) qui sont relativement lents, de ses propres centres d'intérêts, et selon bien évidemment le temps dont on dispose, il existe à mon humble avis seulement deux manières de visiter ce pays :
- Avoir assez peu de temps disponible, et le visiter en deux voyages distincts... un premier séjour réservé exclusivement au Nord et un second au Sud, ou vice-versa.
- Avoir beaucoup plus de temps, et tout en tenant compte des éventuels aléas climatiques, le parcourir en un seul et unique séjour, du Nord au Sud.
Tu as personnellement choisi une troisième solution (adoptée je te rassure de suite, par un assez grand nombre de personnes) qui consisterait à visiter ce pays du Nord au Sud, en... seulement moins de 15 jours ?! 😕 Tu devras donc bien évidemment faire des choix parfois draconiens, et c'est d'ailleurs une chose que tu sembles avoir d'ores et déjà intégrée (ce qui est déjà bien) !
C'est donc la raison principale pour laquelle tu es ici venu demander des avis. Or, il me paraît être toujours extrêmement difficile d'avoir à effectuer des choix de visite à la place de personnes plus ou moins indécises, tant cela dépend des centres d'intérêt et des goûts de chacun ! Tu devras donc lire une nouvelle fois les très nombreuses discussions ayant cours, et les carnets de voyage existant sur ce forum (ou ailleurs) pour arriver à cerner ce qui devra être gardé ou pas, par rapport au circuit initialement prévu. Car il me semble que c'est toi et toi seule, qui saura au mieux... réellement le faire ! 😉 Quoi qu'il en soit, un assez grand nombre de personnes pourront tout de même j'en suis sûr te donner ici, des réponses précises à certaines de tes non moins précises questions ! 🙂
Bonne continuation dans ta recherche d'idées, et un excellent séjour en ce merveilleux pays...
Bonjour Kimtwo..
merci pour votre reponse..
oui j'ai envoyé un message privé à Larsay...croisont les doigts 🙂🙂
vous auriez par hasard le contact de Olivier?
merciii beaucoup
ginnie
Bonjour,
Vous avez réagi tôt pour Larsay, c'est bien - pour l'adresse d'Olivier, c'est un de ses amis, donc je pense que vous aurez tout....
Oui Sapa ça vaut le coup : ce n'est pas le grand canyon ..... 🤪 mais si on ne l'a jamais fait, c'est tout à fait charmant, vert, plus frais qu'Hanoi et surtout il y a une ambiance et des treks tout à fait dépaysants sans être excessivement fatigants..... - Mais attendez vous à un hébergement...basique car il n'y a pas si longtemps ça se visitait peine.... -
J'espère qu'on vous répondra et que vous pourrez faire des projets plus ciblés..et plus réalistes...
Je suis un peu dans la même configuration que vous à savoir que je pars au Vietnam mi mars pour 15j sur place.
Je dois aussi effectuer des choix. Pour ma part et avec regret, arrivant sur hanoi, je vais faire l impasse sur le nord et les treks et aller directement sur la baie d halong.
Dans mon cas précis, même si je pense que c est bien différent, j ai fait un trekk dans le nord de la Thaïlande à la frontière birmane.
Du coup je vais passer plus de temps dans le delta du mekong, style de paysages différents et que je connais moins.
J en profiterai pour passer qqes jours à Phu Quoc et profiter de la chaleur du Sud ☺
Oui je me tâte aussi...
parce que Phu Huoc me tente bien..pour finir en beauté ..et se relaxer!🙂
vous avez déjà organiser la baie d'halong? vous faites avec qui (sans indiscrétion..)?
Oui je me tâte aussi...
parce que Phu Huoc me tente bien..pour finir en beauté ..et se relaxer!🙂
vous avez déjà organiser la baie d'halong? vous faites avec qui (sans indiscrétion..)?
Non je n ai pas encore réservé, même si j ai cru comprendre que ce n est pas la haute saison, je pense le faire tout de même avant de partir.
quelques forumistes dont Larsay ont je crois donner des noms d agence sérieuses
Merci a tous pour vos précieux conseils..le départ est dans une semaine..j'ai trop hate!!
une dernière question me vient a l'esprit..j'ai essayé 40fois de parler avec quelqu'un de l'ambassade du VN a Paris, reussi à avoir personne..
Vu que nous restons 15jours pile sur le territoire Vietnamien nous n'avons pas besoin de Visa.
or nous terminons par 3jours à Phu Quoc. En faut-il un du coup?
PHu Quoc est une ile vietnamienne non? du coup on devrait être exemptés de visa.. non??
merci beaucoup!!
Ginnie
Merci Beaucoup!! c'est bien ce que je me disais...
L'ambassade m'avait dit que la presentation des billets retour suffisait comme preuve d'exemption de visa.... ce n'était des betises j'espere?? 🙂🙂
Cest un programme marathon...mais bon...
J1 hanoi
J2 baie dalong nuit sur jonque
J3 au retour de la baie train de nuit pour sapa
J4 journee libre a sapa
J5 et6 trek
J6 soir train de nuit pour hanoi
J7 matin bus pour tam coc
J8 tam coc
J9matin retour hanoi vol pour can tho
J10 delta
J11 apres midi bateau pour phu quoc
J12et 13phu quoc
J 14 vol PQ /HCM
J 15HCM et a 23h vol international
Pour phu quoc nous navons pas encore réservé dhotels...je regarde un peu les differents avis..me suis pas encore décidée. .dailleurs si vs avez d suggestions..hihi
Voilou...🙂
Merci à tous encore pour votre aide et votre patience..
Ps: le vol hanoi/can tho nest pas encore booke. .jhesite a descendre ds le delta un jour avant...
Merci Beaucoup!! c'est bien ce que je me disais...
L'ambassade m'avait dit que la presentation des billets retour suffisait comme preuve d'exemption de visa.... ce n'était des betises j'espere?? 🙂🙂
Bonjour,
Mais non l'ambassade vous a dit le vrai - ...La Loi de juin 2015, portant effet au 1er juillet, ne mentionnait nullement la présentation d'un billet de retour....😕 mais dans les faits, et d'après de nombreux retours de voyageurs, on le demande... sans doute a-t-on connu des soucis de "profiteurs" ou autres...Quoi qu'il en soit, en descendant de l'avion on vous demandera aux contrôles si vous avez un billet de retour pour la France....sans préciser que c'est de votre aéroport d'arrivée... on ne vous demandera pas forcément de le montrer...quoique ..... - Il semblerait qu'il n'y a pas de problème au niveau frontières terrestres, sachant qu'elles ne sont pas toute habilitées à appliquer l'exemption de15 jours - Il y a une liste, mais je ne l'ai pas....
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
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...
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!
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.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
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.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
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.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
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.
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.
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
