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.
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."
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 everyone, I m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi,…
Hello fellow travelers, and thanks to everyone for keeping this blog alive!
It’s my turn to ask a question.
For our trip to Laos next year, I’m torn between using a local agency or organizing everything myself with the Lonely Planet guide and tips from VoyageForum.
If I plan it myself, will I still be able to find French-speaking guides on the spot or book excursions in advance?
Thanks for sharing your experiences, and if you have any recommendations for local agencies—just for excursions or even transportation—that’d be great!
Sylvie
Cinefil67
Hi,
We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅
Thanks for your experiences/tips!
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes.
I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights?
Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi?
I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have.
Thanks so much! !
Hi,
Is it useful to rent a car from Puerto Princesa to get to El Nido? Are there any nice stops along the way?
I read that once you arrive in El Nido, most of the beaches and sights are accessed by boat, so I'm wondering if this rental is really worth it...
Thanks for your help
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places.
We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok).
We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th.
We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok...
Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya.
From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th.
On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed?
Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip?
Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
Hello.
We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).
18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC
20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land
20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding
23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing)
27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City
1/1: Return flight to France.
What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots.
I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary.
For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists.
So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice:
1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City.
2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay
3- The Heritage Town of Taal
4- Banaue and Batad
5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town)
6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan
7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon)
8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island
I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees.
Thanks in advance
Hi,
We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam.
What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots?
Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night?
Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites?
Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.
Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!
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!
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of markets. No matter where I go, in every country or city I visit, I won’t leave without having seen one. I’m mostly talking about food markets. I love the smells, the colors, and watching people from all walks of life stroll around. It’s like a mirror of a country’s culture, and I love soaking it all in.
Thai markets are particularly appealing to me. In my province, there are so many. Maybe more than elsewhere—I’m not sure—but every day, you can find a "Talat Nat." These are traveling markets that set up in specific places on specific days. They only stay open for a few hours. Some attract more shoppers than others because they have more stalls and a wider variety of products. Sometimes, they’re set up in pretty unusual spots: temples, roadside, even on train tracks...
On top of these, there are also markets in the city that stay open all day.
I’d love for you to share your photos of markets, local product stalls, and why not, let’s talk about gastronomy and cuisine too!
I’ll start with my favorite market—it’s 8 kilometers from my place and happens every Tuesday from 2 PM to 5 PM. I never miss a Tuesday unless there’s a downpour... 😉 It’s located in the countryside, in a village famous for its coffee (ThamSing), and inside the grounds of a slightly unusual temple. It’s easy to get to—over the past 10 years, the roads have been paved, which wasn’t the case before and made the trip a bit risky when it rained...
In the first two photos, you’ll see the temple courtyard on a normal day, without the market.
Hi there,
We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach.
The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?
From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.
Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar?
Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total.
Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel?
Thanks, Françoise
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,
After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter).
Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333?
I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!
Hi there,
We’re planning a backpacking trip to Northern Malaysia and northern Sumatra in February/March 2027. It’ll be our first time in these areas (we’re pretty familiar with the rest of Asia). Thanks in advance for your favorite spots and diving recommendations! It’s still very open-ended—we haven’t set anything in stone yet.
Thanks,
I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dayi
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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 everyone.
I’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
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
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 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.
