Hi there, We're thinking of spending 3 weeks in Koh Samui at the start of 2026. Where can we find accommodation close to a pretty beach that's not too touristy but not isolated either, near a small town or village? We've already been to Surin Beach on Phuket Island. We really liked that spot, but we've heard Koh Samui is great too. Thanks for your tips!
I still recommend BAAN TAI beach. You’ll find places to stay with your feet in the water. There’s a nice beachfront restaurant with lots of people in that area, but just 100 meters before or after, it’s much quieter. The water’s crystal clear and the sand is white.
Just a heads-up: you’ll need transportation for the evenings—either a car or a scooter (be *very* careful). Wear a helmet, even if people stare at you like you’re aliens.
The nearest 7/11 is 700 meters away, and Mae Nam is about 4-5 km if you’re looking for restaurants and live music bars.
Anyway, make sure to book well in advance. Check out Ko Phangan—it’s not as ultra-touristy.
« 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
I'm curious...
First, if it's FULL, why wouldn't Baan Tai be too?
Baan Tai is the small beach in the north of the island, just before Mae Nam, right?
I first visited Samui back in 1974—no permanent (concrete) buildings at all, except in the village/port. Just a few rare palm-thatched "bungalows" on Lamai and Chaweng, one of which was called "First Bungalows."
I went back in '87 or '88 after the airport was built, and everything had changed—concrete everywhere! So what's it like now?🙁
I’m having a bit of trouble understanding your question...
You go on Booking.com and see a map of the island with all the accommodations listed there.
There are dozens, if not hundreds, right by the sea.
Baan Tai seems like a good option—I see 3 or 4 "hotels" or guesthouses right on the beach there,
including Mali House...
I’d avoid Chaweng and Lamai Beach, in my opinion—they’re the most crowded, but if they’re so busy, it’s because they’re (or at least used to be) the island’s most beautiful beaches!
... Baan Tai is the small beach in the north of the island just before Po Phut, right? ...
Between Bang Por and Maenam.
Here we go, in pictures and words:
"At Keaw’s grocery store, I meet my neighbors in the evening over a beer. Olaf, Sven, Colonel Kurt. Sometimes Skippy, a German guy who lives in the big house.
In the late afternoon, we head to the end of the path, by the sea. Paï thale.
We watch the horizon, the island across from us, and the kids playing in the gentle waves of the reef.
The rain started two weeks ago. The croaking of the frogs makes conversations tough.
I wade through the water with a headlamp to get back to the grocery store."
Perfect, I have a blog to read—and it’s a really interesting one at that. Thanks!
« 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
Hi! Of course I’ve checked Booking.com and others, but my question was: where’s the best spot for what I’m looking for. I found a place in BOPHUT that might fit my needs, but I read a comment—somewhere—that the beach there is “muddy.” Is that true?
Yes, Bo Phut Beach should match what you're looking for. You won’t be isolated—there’s a village right nearby.
When Samui started attracting more visitors, this beach was the most peaceful on the island, but I don’t know how it’s changed since then. Those who’ve been there recently can give you more details.
From this spot, you can also easily walk to a large Buddha statue by the sea (best done in the morning).
At the start of 2024, I wanted to try something new, so instead of Maenam, I chose Bophut for 3 months, from mid-January to mid-April. Not in a hotel, but in a studio rented monthly, right on the beach.
We were at the very beginning of Fisherman Village (coming from the airport).
The beach isn’t great: very muddy seabed, quite a few rocks. But the worst part is the daily pollution, especially in the morning. Some days, we couldn’t even swim, yet strangely, it didn’t bother everyone—some people didn’t hesitate to dip into that "broth"...
Apparently, the sea looks cleaner on the part of the beach starting toward the end of Fisherman Village.
As for Fisherman Village itself, you either love it or you don’t—I’m definitely in the latter camp. So, since we’d rented a car, every evening we’d drive to Maenam to eat, where we have our favorite spots and restaurants.
This year, we’re heading back to Maenam—we actually arrive the day after tomorrow.
Hello,
Thanks for your feedback. It seems our rental is more to the west than where you were. The accommodation looks okay, but since I booked through Booking.com, I have free cancellation until the end of 2025. We’re renting a car, and I think from Bophut to Maenam isn’t far, so if the beach isn’t clean, we can move to Maenam. I couldn’t find any affordable rentals in that area. There are two of us, and we have an entire place with one bedroom in a small residence with a shared pool for the 8 villas, about 500m from the sea (800 € plus electricity). If you have any names or addresses of small, everyday restaurants (or almost), we’d love to hear them. And if by any chance you have rental addresses in Maenam that match what we’re looking for, I’d take those too. Another small request: which airline and flight did you take? We flew to Phuket with Emirates from Lyon, and it was great. I saw you’re from Draguignan—we have a place in Fréjus.
Looking forward to hearing from you, and I wish you a great day and a safe trip.
Florence
Why Baan Tai??? Simply because most tourists flock to Chaweng, Chaweng Noi, and Lamai and Crystal Bay. Whether before or after the new beachfront restaurant, you’ll find tranquility on the sand;
It’s well located, between Nathon and Mae Nam, just 4 km from the entrance to MN.
There are plenty of quiet spots on the island with turquoise water and white sand—no tourists in sight. You just need to have your own wheels!
Hi,
It’s tough to recommend accommodation since everyone’s expectations and criteria are so different...
We’ve been in Maenam for a week now, and we’re not completely happy with our place, even though we spent weeks researching before choosing it...
Maenam has really changed in the past year... lots of new businesses (even a food center), but prices are skyrocketing...!
- A grilled corn on the beach went from 50 baht to 80 baht (+58%)
- At our favorite "canteen," dishes that were 70 baht are now 100 baht (+43%)
Luckily, not everything is getting more expensive, and in the end, we’re not complaining... the cost of living is still pretty low if you stay reasonable.
We’re not having much luck—our area is suffering from a proliferation of certain plankton, so the water near the shore is green all morning and into the early afternoon! Apparently, this happens when freshwater flows into the sea, and sure enough, our hotel is right near the mouth of the Maenam River...
Last year in Bophut, our place was near the mouth of a small stream, and it was polluted almost constantly... some kind of whitish foam.
Some people rave about Ban Tai beach, but we’ve never liked it—there’s not enough depth (you have to go really far out to get waist-deep water), and there are quite a few rocks.
Despite all these annoyances, we can’t even imagine going anywhere else, especially not Chaweng or Lamai...
But for us, the worst kind of pollution is the proliferation of a certain population with unimaginable (and unbearable) behavior... I’m talking about the Russians...! This year, it’s way beyond the "submersion" our prime minister mentioned...
We lived here for 10 years, near Ban Tai, from 2005 to 2015, and one of the few reasons we went back to France was this Russian invasion. Even back then!
Anyway, it’s not all bad... that’s why we come back every year to spend winter in the warmth!
We can’t do without Thai food, massages, the climate, etc...
To answer another of your questions, after flying Emirates for years, we now take Qatar, always departing from Nice.
I can confirm what you're saying about the price increases. I have friends who are in Mae Nam too, and they’ve noticed the same thing as you. Samui is really popular—just look at how every year, the coconut trees are being replaced by concrete and cinder blocks🏴☠️.
It was me who recommended Baan Tai beach. Sure enough, if you stay at the start, the water is shallow and there are a lot of rocks on the bottom… head toward the beach retreat, and you’ll see it gets deeper more quickly
We love little restaurants that often don’t look like much but are good and clean. Can you recommend a few spots in Bophut, Maenam, or Lamai? Places that could become our go-to spots. Thanks
Hi,
I don’t know any small restaurants in Lamai—we rarely go there.
In Bophut, our favorites have closed, and the others we tried didn’t convince us or make us want to go back, except maybe Pichet on the main road.
At Fisherman Village, there are only tourist traps and overpriced restaurants—it’s just for a stroll!
In Maenam, since two of our favorite spots closed, we now often go to the same places in soi 4, especially the excellent Mayom.
There’s also Lilikoi, but if you want slightly spicy dishes, they struggle to understand...
At the end of the street, near the "pseudo lighthouse," there’s Seaview.
If after a few weeks you crave European food, you should check out the BBQ buffet at Austrian Corner on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at the corner of soi 4 and the main road.
Just across the street, on the other side of the main road, there’s a brand-new food center—it’s pretty good and really handy when everywhere else is packed.
As for our "go-to spot," which we’ve been going to regularly for 18 years, it’s Kai on the main road, at the corner with soi 5. They recently raised their prices (by +30 to +50%), but it’s still quite affordable overall.
Hi Albru,
It's tough to find recent posts about Thailand—yours is one of the most up-to-date!
I saw that you're a regular in Koh Samui. Could you share some tips for our stay on the island? We initially planned to spend 7 nights in Chaweng (after 4 nights in BKK). Based on reviews, it seems a shame not to visit Koh Phangan, the island across the way? We're a group of 4, with two grown sons, 35 and 29.
In your opinion, would staying in Chaweng be convenient for exploring Koh Samui’s vibe, especially on foot for the guys (I’m thinking about nightlife)?
I’m hesitating between staying in Maenam (which hotel?) or Boh Put for the practical side if we want to spend 2 or 3 nights in Koh Phangan. Is it doable? Is it worth it? How do we get there? Should we leave our luggage at the hotel and just take the essentials?
Do you know Ang Thong National Park? How do we visit, and how much time does it take?
Our domestic flight back to BKK is from Koh Samui.
Thanks in advance for your reply!
Hi Lucie,
It's hard to give you an effective answer... everyone's tastes and expectations are so different!
Yes, I know Samui a little since I spent several years there, but honestly, I don’t think it’s evolving in the right direction anymore—we wouldn’t want to live there again.
That said, we still spend our 4 winter months in Thailand (and neighboring countries), and year after year, our stay in Samui gets shorter—barely 2 months this year! And probably even less next winter.
But of course, we still enjoy it—it’s not all bad...
Our favorite spot has always been Maenam, so it’s hard to give an objective opinion on the other parts of the island.
Staying in Chaweng for "the nightlife"? Sure, but if you want to "discover the real life of Koh Samui," you’ll need to escape it...
Bophut: One of the main attractions is Fisherman’s Village—just going there for 1 or 2 evenings is enough.
We don’t like this place anymore. It seemed charming and original at first, but it no longer reflects the authenticity of Samui. And it’s getting worse—it reminds us of the worst spots in Phuket...
Maenam: As I mentioned, it’s our favorite area, but some might find it too small compared to Chaweng or Lamai—you could get bored after a while.
But that’s where our favorite beaches, little restaurants, and all our routines are...
Last winter, we stayed at Baan Fah Resort—we really loved it, right on the beach.
Maenam is also the perfect spot to take the boat (Lomprayah) to Koh Phangan. We’ve only been there twice, but it’s great to go for 1 or 2 nights with minimal luggage and explore by moped.
As for Ang Thong Marine Park, we’ve never visited... but all our friends say it’s a beautiful excursion—leave early in the morning and return in the late afternoon. Just make sure to pick the right boat company and have good weather.
That’s another factor—you shouldn’t go to Samui at just any time. Some periods aren’t ideal.
Happy trip planning!
Thanks Alain for the valuable info—it really helps us get a sense of the Koh Samui area.
We’re thinking of spending 2 or 3 nights in Koh Tao (on our way down from BKK) instead of Koh Phangan (which we’d originally planned)—what do you think?
Then, on the way back, we’d stay 4 or 5 nights in Koh Samui (Chaweng, the northeast, or Maenam?).
I’m guessing you can eat outdoors and there’s nightlife everywhere?
Or should we do the reverse because of our luggage?
Funny—I’m in Fréjus right now, not far from you! 😊
The weather’s lovely in June in the south—fewer crowds and perfect weather… and we’re planning Thailand from November 1st to 15th, hoping for not too much rain.
Lucie 😊
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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!
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.
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
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
