Salut tout le monde, j'arrive a Manille lundi 13 nov. dans la soiree pour une balade de 3-4 mois aux Philippines, quelqu'un peut me renseigner sur le prix de l'hotel Malate pension? Il y a-t-il beaucoup d'autres Guest house dans le coin? moins cheres peut-etre? combien coute environ une course de taxi de l'aeroport Philippines airlines a Malate? elle est fraiche la biere aux Philppines? il pleut pas trop en ce moment?(je monte vers les rizieres dans quelques jours), il y a-t-il encore des Philippins qui parlent espagnol? voila en vrac les questions que je me pose avec angoisse(surtout celle sur la biere...). Merci d'avance pour d'eventuelles reponses.
Denisao.
il y a-t-il encore des Philippins qui parlent espagnol?
tu rigoles !
Les phillipins parlent le tagalog, très souvent un ou plusieurs dialectes, et une partie parle anglais (pas tous, loin de là)
La Malate pension, c'est la plus référencée sur la toile et c'est celle que citent toujours ceux qui vont pour la première fois aux Philippines (moi compris). Les proprios américano-philippins s'y entendent pour la pub, ils possèdent aussi une GH à Boracay.
Renseignements pris, la Malate Pension n'est pas très bien située, assez bruyante et d'un rapport qualité/prix très moyen.
Nous avions été au Copacabana qui a une piscine, mais il y a des GH au centre ville autour d'une rue dont j'ai oublié le nom mais qui est citée dans tous les guides.
Course taxi: si tu prends le taxi a l'aeroport, ca doit etre entre 300 et 400 pesos. Les taxis de l'aeroport n'ont pas de compteur et le prix est en fonction de la destination (c'est le meme prix ou que tu ailles a Malate).
Si tu prends un taxi en dehors de l'aeroport, ca devrait couter environ 150 pesos (avec compteur). Mais c'est le parcours du combattant pour sortir de l'aeroport a pied!
La biere est en general fraiche... Et elle est tres bonne (San Miguel Pilsen est ma preferee).
La saison des pluies est finie. Tu ne devrais pas avoir trop de pluie a Luzon.
Il y a encore de vieux Filipinos qui comprennent l espagnol, mais ils sont principalement localises dans les Visayas et a Mindanao.A Cebu il y en a pas mals, de vieux professeurs qui ont enseigne l'espagnol jusqu'en 1988, date a laquelle cette langue a disparu des programmes officiels.
Bonjour,
Un petit conseil....
Fais un peu de change à l'aéroport, et arranges-toi pour avoir des petites coupures!
Les prix de taxis n'ont rien à voir, selon que tu paies en pesos philippin... en dollars, ou autre monnaie! 😠
Les taxis à l'aéroport se négocient au cas par cas! Souvent au forfait... mais comme par hasard, les chauffeurs n'ont que très rarement de monnaie. 😕
Pour ce qui est de la Malate Pensionne je te la conseille chaudement c'est le meilleur rapport qualité prix
du secteur et de loin, c'est pour ça qu'elle est populaire en dessous tu tomberas dans les nombreux gourbis
du quartier et au dessus ça chiffre pas mal, de plus elle est super placée dans un quartier hyper branché son site : www.mpensionne.com.ph le bémol (au cas ou...hum...) pas de "visites" dans les chambres, moi lors de mes passage dans le quartier je descends au www.rothmanhotel.com plus haut gamme, plus chère aussi .
Sinon comme dans beaucoup d'aéroports de pays en développement le touriste occidental est attendu de pied
ferme par les taxis locaux, au compteur il faut compter à peine 100 pesos jusqu'à Malate, le prépayé est à
350 pesos ! si tu n'est pas trop chargé tu peux marcher à pied en dehors, soit en négociant ou au compteur
mais ça sera difficile pour cette dernière solution, méfiance quand même le pays est un peu voyoux.....
Salut,
Je reviens juste des Philippines, pour Malate Pensionne, les prix: 330pesos en dortoir (chambre de 3 lits) et 670 pesos pour la chambre (c est cher!!), sinon dans la même rue il y a la friendly guest house qui semble moins cher.J'espere que tu as le sommeil lourd car le coin est bruyant et animé, beaucoup de bars et discos avec musique à fond.
Pour la biere, ma préférée est la San Miguel pilsen, la San Mig Light est dégueulasse et la red Horse est plus forte.
Pour la saison des pluies j'étais à Banaue et Batad la semaine derniere et il y avait pas mal de pluie!! Autobus transport a des bus de nuit directs pour Banaue qui partent à 22h.
Pour les taxis, il y a aussi les coupons taxi prépayés, il faut avoir de la monnaie, les chauffeurs en ont rarement (vrai ou faux???).
Voilà, si tu veux d' autres infos n'hésites pas, je te conseille d'aller à Palawan, c'est superbe.
bonjour
partant pour trois semaines a palawan en janvier tes infos m'interressent je vais essayer de trouver un vol cebu puerto princessa (sais tu si c 'est possible )
un gars qui travaille sur coron m'a dit que le traitement anti palu n'etait pas necessaire
honda bay ? peut etre rester quelques jours a port barton pour pecher avec les locaux apres rejoindre el nido (nom d'une bonne guest (700 maxi est ce possible) )par la suite
en restant une semaine on peut faire le tour des iles et apres monter sur les calamian au depart de coron (connais tu as tu des adresses)
je pensais repartir de busuanga (avion) pour manille
ca me semble moins cher que de partir del nido
as tu fais le trajet puerto princessa el nidoen jeepneys (temps tarif)
nous comptons faire bohol (1 semaine) avant
dernier question (c'est un peu bateau) quelle guest a manille pour les deux derniers jours (on m'a dit que malate pensionne ete decevante.
merci pour les news fraiches (je suis preneuse de tes coups de coeur comme des mauvais plans)
encore merci
Voici les endroits dont je peux parler: Puerto Princesa, El nido, Port Barton, Roxas et Sabang, je ne suis pas allé à Coron et Busuanga.
Pour les vols tu peux aller sur les sites de Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines et PAL (Philippines Airlines), moi j'avais pris des vols Manila/Puerto Princesa A/R.
Pour le palu, je me suis protégé avec répulsif peau, vetements imprégnés et moustiquaire imprégnée mais pas de traitement préventif.
Le trajet PP/El nido dure de 8 à 9h sur une piste poussiereuse la plupart du temps en bus ou en jeepney, c'est plus "confortable" en bus.Départ à 9h de PP, 250 ou 300 pesos???
A Manila, j'ai logé à Malate Pensionne, c'est un peu cher mais sympa.
Pour moi l 'incontournable à Palawan (d'aprés ce que j'ai vu), c'est les boat trip dans la baie de Bacuit à El Nido, pour le snorkeling et le paysage superbe des iles karstiques; Sabang et l'Underground river avec les 2 sentiers dans la jungle pour s'y rendre, Port Barton est sympa pour se relaxer, voir des chutes d'eau et faire un peu de plongee dans la baie, manger au Kalui restaurant à Puerto Princesa, nourriture excellente et décor superbe.Pas de mauvais plans.
Pour des bonnes adresses j'ai logé à Casa Linda à PPrincesa: cadre sympa, 450 pesos, Hadefe's cottages à El Nido (Ca-alang beach à 10 mn d'El Nido à pied), 300 peso le bungalow au bord de l'eau, j'avais passé une nuit au Tandikan cottages au bord de la plage d'El Nido mais c'est bruyant à cause des tricycles, des karaokés et des tv des voisins, 400 P le bungalow, Elsa's cottages à Port Barton, 500 P le trés beau bungalow en bord de plage, resto sympa:Bamboo house restaurant, à Sabang:j'ai logé pour 450 P le bungalow au Mary's beach cottages, trés tranquille et un resto sympa le Green Verde restaurant au milieu de la plage, cadre sympa et bons petits plats. On peut loger pour beaucoup moins cher mais c'est plus rustique et c'est dommage de ne pas profiter des beaux bungalows au bord de l'eau.
Pour des infos supplémentaires tu peux lire le carnet de voyage de Lepiaf qui est allé à Palawan, trés instructif.
Tout d'abord merci a tout le monde pour ces infos bien utiles.
Je suis arrive hier soir a Manille, le ciel est bleu, il fait un poil moins chaud qu'a Bangkok, la san Miguel etait fraiche, mais putain ce que j'ai mal mange, des champignons adobados baignant dans l'huile, ca me reste encore sur l'estom, bon, ca ne sera pas la Thailande. Je suis descendu a l'hotel Pension Natividad (c'est marrant tous ces noms espagnols mais pas du tout prononces a l'espagnole) c'est tres moyen pour le prix je trouve (800P pour une piaule simple) j'essaierai le Malate a mon retour. Si ca peut interesser, j'ai retire 20.000P en une seule operation avec la carte visa au distributeur HSBC, Remedios street, pres de la place rond-point de Malate, j'avais un peu galere avec d'autres qui ne refilaient que 5000 a la fois et dans une banque (la BCI Equitable) ils me demandaient DEUX pieces d'identite pour une cash advance, comme si je me baladais avec 2 passeports!
Bon, demain soir je monte a Banaue, (quelqu'un a une adresse de GH?), j'irai sans doute aussi a Palawan qui semble-t-il fait l'unanimite, merci pour les adresses, et merci a tous les Piaf, Khrapka (ca sent la Thailande ce nom) et tous les habitues de ce forum.
J'ai un peu moins mal a l'estomac maintenant, peu etre qu'une petite San Miguel...
Ah ça, les philippins cuisinent beaucoup moins bien que les thaïlandais, hélas !
Et pourtant, sur les marchés, on trouve à peu près la même chose.
Tu verras que les cultures sont aussi très éloignées.
Si je me souviens bien, khrapka a vécu plusieurs années en Thaïlande, son pseudo est la concaténation des suffixes de politesse masculin et féminin en thaïlandais : khrap et kaa.
C'est vrai que les chauffeurs de taxi sur manille ne font pas de cadeaux avec les touristes... Tu es blanc tu payes le double de la course en gros... A notre arrivée de Cebu, mon amie qui est philippine, a eu toutes les peines du monde pour que le chauffeur mette son compteur et l'a menacé de descendre du taxi... Si pas de compteur, le taxi poeut te mettre le prix qu'il veut... A Cebu, les taxis ont beaucoup plus réglos...
Autrement question boustifaille, moi je me suis régalé... Et pour le prix.... génial... Les meilleurs restaurants pour moi étaient sur Cebu... On trouve de tout à toute heure... Quand à la bière, elle était excellente 😉 San miguel power 😏
je suis d' isle sur sorgue, et je vais me ballader à manille pour la 1ere fois, arrivée prévue vers le 15 mars pour 3 à 4 mois.
je recherche toutes infos sur les logts à manille, budget serré maxi 250 euros mensuel pour un studio. quartier malate ermita ou proche, facile d'accés avec taxi ou transport en commun.
malate pensionne connais-tu?
au philippines impossible de bouffer dans la rue il faut se rabatre sur les food center des centres commerciaux ou ca peut etre pas mal mais min 100 peso par personne, sinon en urgence un jollibee ou macdo
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
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.
