Nous partons trois semaine en Thailande, et dans notre itinéraire nous ésitons entre ces 2 villes.
Nous ésitons pour 2 choses:
la plus belle à visiter?
nous voulons éviter de perdre trop de temps dans les transports. La quelle ville est plus simple à faire en partant de Bangkok puis après repartir sur Chiang mai?
Difficile de répondre Je te donnerai plutot les points positifs et négatifs des deux villes :
Sukhothai :
+ : Calme car c'est en fait un immense parc
Possibilité de visiter le parc en vélo
Architectures
: Un peu exentré géographiquement par rapport à Ayu
Plus loin qu'Ayu : 5-6 h de route de Bangkok
Ayutthaya :
+ : Des tonnes de temples
Architectures
Proche de Bangkok : 1h30 de trajet puis possibilité de reprendre le train pour aller à Chiang Mai
: Plus bruyant que Sukho
Quasiment impossible de se déplacer à pied ou à vélo : distance entre les temples trop importante
Tou dépend : avion, bus, voiture ou train ?
Durée : en une journée, 2, 3 ... ?
Si Avion : Suhko jouable
Train : Ayutthaya car si tu veux aller à Suhko tu sera obligé de descendre à Phitsa et de reprendre un bus pour Suhko
Bus : Ayutthaya
Mais vraimment essais de caser les deux car ces deux lieux sont vraimment complémentaires
Si tu prends le premier train cela te laisse la journée pour visiter Ayutthaya en tuk tuk (location à la journée env 1000 bath)
Et apres tu reviens à la gare (train à 19:20) pour aller vers Chiang Mai où tu arrives le lendemain matin (7:15).
Par contre bien réserver le train 2-3 jours avant en couchette 😉
Je vous envoie notre itinèraire pour que vous compreniez pourquoi nous devons choisir entre Ayutthaya ou Sukhothai.
1er jour: arriver à Bangkok à 12 h 30, départ direct vers la ville suivante(comment fait on pour y aller de l'aéroport?)
2eme jour: départ pour Sukhothai (quel moyen de transport, combien de temps?)
3 et 4eme jour: Sukhothai (attrations, centres d'interets?)
( Ayutthaya ou Sukhothai)
5eme jour: Départ pour Chiang mai (quel moyen de transport, combien de temps?)
6eme jour: Chiang mai nous logeons à la guesthouse "your house guesthouse" (votre opinion pour le logement?)
7eme et 8eme jour: Treck avec cette guesthouse
9eme jour: Chiang mai, train de nuit à 20h30 pour bangkok
10eme jour: 8h30 arrivé à Bangkok et départ directe pour Kanchanaburi (quel moyen de transport, combien de temps?)
11eme au 14eme jour: Kanchanaburi (attrations, centres d'interets?)
Apres le 14eme jour, départ à 0h05 ou 0h50 pour Chumphon par le train de nuit
15eme jour: Arrivé à Chumphon à 6h et départ pour Ko tao en bateau ( C'est fou ce trajet pour aller à Ko tao ou ca se fait?😕)
16 et 17eme jour: Ko tao (attrations, centres d'interets?)
18eme jour: Départ pour Ko phan ngan
19 et 20eme jour: Ko phan ngan (attrations, centres d'interets?)
21eme jour: départ de Ko phan ngan pour Ko Samui afin de prendre l'avion pour Bangkok
( peut on aller directement à l'aéroport et acheter les billets sur place et partir dans l'élan ou faut il réserver
avant car les places ne sont pas si dispo que ca?)
22eme jour: Bangkok (attrations, centres d'interets?)
23eme jour: Bangkok puis départ à 23h55 pour la France
Voilà pourquoi il faut choisir entre les 2 et encore on a enlevé Lopburi!😛
Si vous avez des commentaires, je vous en pris.
Merci
1er jour: arriver à Bangkok à 12 h 30, départ direct vers la ville suivante(comment fait on pour y aller de l'aéroport?)
- >Je te conseil de t'arréter à Bangkok et de décompresser apres un long voyage tu profitera mieux à repartir le lendemain matin.
SI tu veux a tout prix aller à la prochaine ville soit tu prend un taxi pour Ayutthaya de l'aéroport (1h30 cela dépend de la circulation) ou soit tu prend un taxi qui t'enmmene à la gare centrale où tu prends le train : Aéroport <-> centre ville (45min / 1h)
De mémoire le taxi de l'aéroport pour Ayutthaya n'était pas tres excessif (comparé à la France!) ...
Je te conseil vivement de t'arréter le premier jour : histoire de s'acclimater petit à petit : chaleur, bruit, langue et repère .
2eme jour: départ pour Sukhothai (quel moyen de transport, combien de temps?)
3 et 4eme jour: Sukhothai (attrations, centres d'interets?)
( Ayutthaya ou Sukhothai)
- >2ieme jour Tu prends le train (tu n'auras qu'a te laisser bercer) à la gare centrale de Bangkok. De ton hotel (où que tu sois) tout les tuktuks connaissent la gare principale.
1h30 de trajet jusqu'a Ayutthaya. Donc si tu pars à 7h tu sera la bas à 8h30. Tu prends un tuk tuk à la journée et tu auras pleinement le temps de visiter les 3/4 des temples.
Retour en TukTuk à la gare d'Ayutthaya pour 15:58 . Destination Phitsanuloke .
Tu t'arrêtes ensuite à Phitsanuloke (arrivé à 20:55) où tu passes la nuit tranquilement.
(le lendemain) tu as deux jours pour profiter de Sukhothai(3ieme et 4ieme jour) Phitsanuloke <-> Suhkothai 60 Km env 1h de trajet en bus.
Tu peux soit limite le matin visiter Phisanuloke et ces temples -> partir vers les 11:00 /12:00 de Phitsanuloke tu seras à midi / 13:00 à Suhkothai : Tu loues un/des vélos et tu as toute l'apres midi pour vister le parc.
Apres lendemain rebellote tu loues un vélo et tu continu ta viste de Sukhothai historical parc....
5eme jour: Départ pour Chiang mai (quel moyen de transport, combien de temps?)
- >Bus direct de phitsanuloke le jour 5.
OU soit tu prends le train la veille(jour 4) à Phitsanuloke (à 00:23) tu peux en attendant le train la veille faire le marché de nuit et aller te promener le long de la rivière Nan : tres animé le soir.
Des restaurants sympathique ....
En plus il n'y a pas bcp de touriste à Phitsanuloke : thailande authentique.
Dans ce cas ci tu arrivera le lendemain matin vers 7:00 à Chiang Mai (jour 5)
6eme jour: Chiang mai nous logeons à la guesthouse "your house guesthouse" (votre opinion pour le logement?)
- > Je ne connais pas donc pas de commentaire
7eme et 8eme jour: Treck avec cette guesthouse
9eme jour: Chiang mai, train de nuit à 20h30 pour bangkok
- > Honetement je te conseil par contre de prendre l'avion pour redescendre : vu le prix de l'avion ... www.airasia.com -> essai tu verra c'est raisonnable et en plus ca t'évitera de perdre une journée dans le train
Si tu prends un train de nuit ATTENTION LES HORAIRES DES TRAINS ONT CHANGEES ! --> http://www.railway.co.th/English/Time_HTML.asp
22eme jour: Bangkok (attrations, centres d'interets?)
- > Le grand palais, le wat arun, le boudha couché, le parc Dusit, le quartier de chinatown, les klongs ..., MBK : le temple de la consommation à Bangkok
Voila si tu n' as pas compris un truc (j'ai tappé ce texte en vitesse !) .. n'hésites pas
Enfin dernière remarque j'ai lu que souvent tu fais des "départ direct" : Je serais toi je penserai à faire à chaque fois un arret : ne serais ce que pour les retards (train ou bus ou avion) puis correspondance difficile ... attente ... On est pas à l'abris d'imprévus (baggage livré en retard par exemple le jour 1) alors mieux vaut avoir une journée de battement entre chaque grand trajet .... cela te met moins de pression et tu aura l'esprit tranquil . Cela te donnera moins l'impression d'être toujours en train d'attendre un bus ou un train (en plus j'imagine chargé !) mais bon ce n'est qu'un conseil qui ne tiens qu'a moi !
Ce qui donne en résumé :
Jour 1 Arrivée Bangkok
Jour 2 BANGKOK
Jour 3 BANGKOK / AYUTTHAYA / PHITSANULOKE
Jour 4 PHITSANULOKE / SUKHOTHAI
Jour 5 SUKHOTHAI / PHITSANULOKE / CHIANG MAI
Jour 6 CHIANG MAI
Jour 7 Trek
Jour 8 Trek
Jour 9 CHIANG MAI
Jour 10 BANGKOK
Je ne peux répondre à ta question tout de suite. Il y a trop d'informations à gérer et je ne connais pas tout de la Thaïlande. Toutefois, j'effectue une recherche et je te reviens là-dessus plus tard.
Je sais que rien n'est si compliqué, ni très coûteux pour ce genre de voyage, il suffit de s'organiser.
Tu aurais pu te faire aider et guider par une agence de voyages, c'est gratuit! Ainsi il t'aurait organisé un voyage à la carte
Y as-tu pensé?
Il faut que tu achètes ton billet d'avion quelque part de toute façon.
Tout est possible, suffit d'avoir les bonnes informations.
Je te reviens là-dessus.
Isis
N.B. Tu auras sans doute des nouvelles d'autres vfistes aussi.
Le parc de Sukhotai est à environ 12 kms du centre ville .
J'y suis allé en songtaew, c'est vrai que c'est etendu .
Voir les autres reponses plus à jour car j 'y suis allé il y a longtemps
en Mai 2007 je suis allé à Ayuttayah qui ne m'avait jamais attiré à voir photos et cartes postales.
Et j avouerai que j'ai preféré à sukhotai ;
Bus terminal Mochit : depart toutes les 30mns, 1H30 de trajet
Terminus Bus sur une large avenue en plein centre, cabanes autour . tu n as pas l'impression d'etre en ville, A 600m tu as le Ayothaya hotel ch AC SdB 1200B avec petit dej et piscine
Je te conseille de prendre un mototaxi, les gars proposent des prix corrects et il n'y a pas besoin de trop discuter ou alors un tuKtuk local ( 120 B à 200B de l'heure )
Entrée des sites : 20B en general
Sans etre fana de ruines, certaines sont splendides et bien mieux que sur les photos;
Les bords de la riviere sont pas desagréables non plus et coté nord il y a des possibilités de louer une pirogue à moteur.
Il y a pas mal de tours operators qui s'arretent mais les bus continuent sur le Nord ou Bangkok
Pour bien faire, il faut rester combien de jour sur Ayutthaya et/ou Sukhothai?
Le train nuit Bangkok-Phitsanulok passe t il par Ayutthaya? Et est il possible de le prendre de Ayutthaya pour aller au nord et combien de temps pour aller à Phitsanulok?
Pour bien faire, il faut rester combien de jour sur Ayutthaya et/ou Sukhothai?
- > Une journée Ayu et une ou deux à Suko
Le train nuit Bangkok-Phitsanulok passe t il par Ayutthaya?
- > Tous les trains en direct du nord passe par Ayu
Et est il possible de le prendre de Ayutthaya pour aller au nord et combien de temps pour aller à Phitsanulok?
- > Déja répondu voir ma réponse plus haut : 5h en moy mais ca dépend du train (express ou pas)
> Toutes les réponses sur le site officiel des trains Thai : Horaires départ arrivé et ville durée des trajets ...
Sukhothai me fait prendre beaucoup de temps dans les transports.
Car on arrive par avion à Bangkok à 12h30 puis on part direction à Ayutthaya.
On dort sur place puis une journée à Ayutthaya.
Le soir on prend direction: Chiang mai 12h de train de nuit en couchette
ou Phitsanulok 6h de train de nuit en couchette puis bus jusqu'à Sukhothai. Cette solution risque de nous fatiguer, c'est ca qui me fait peur. Pour repartir le lendemain soir pour Chiang mai (bus, train).
ne serait-il pas plus simple et plus rapide, pour toi, de prendre l'avion(qui n'est pas trés cher), vue la brièveté de ton séjour ? par ex:BKK/Sukhotai, Sukothai/Chiang-Mai et autres .Tu gagnerais du temps, et ce gain de temps te permettrais de prendre un taxi(pour la journée)qui te conduirait à Ayuthaya et t'en ramènerait, le soir.Trés sympa à Ayuthaya:louer une barque à moteur, qui te fera visiter le site par les canaux.
Pense, quand meme, à regarder attentivement les heures d'arrivée des avions ou des bus, car généralement, dans les hotels, les"check-in"se font à 12h00.Et perso, j'ai une sainte horreur de glander dans le hall, au milieu de mes sacs, en attendant que ma chambre soit accessible.Surtout, aprés douze heures de bus !
Je me permet, par contre, de te dire, qu'à mon avis tu fais trop de choses et d'endroits différents.Bien sur tu ramèneras des photos de pleins de coins....mais, tu n'en auras pas vu grand-chose ! faute de temps passé sur place.Peut-etre, vaut-il mieux moins planifier(on dirait un pland'invasion de la Thailande 😎), rester plus longtemps dans moins d'endroits, mais mieux les apprécier.Enfin, ce n'est qu'un avis perso.
j'aurai tendance à de dire personellement Sukhotai même si Ayutthaya est à voir mais s'est tellement developpe ces dernieres annees ....et puis tu peux y faire un aller-retour dans la journée a ton retour si tu as le temps et apres avoir vyu le reste de ce qui t'interesse et puis comme quelques cliches valent mieux que ....
La gare routière ou tu arriveras....
Mêlme si Ayuthaya est repute pour sa tres bonne bouffe, on trouve aussi ici quelques bonne surprises....😉
et oui, on te le dit, c'est magique ..... meme si tu finis au "poste", tu sera pas si mal non ???? (je blague evidement ...)
ah lalalala moi j ai vraiment prefere Sukothai dont je ne connais pas l ortho ceci dit, c est bien plus magique sauvage et mystique qu ayutaya toute betonnee (le site je veux dire) et tres visitee car proche de BKK etc
enfin ayutaya est magnifique aussi mais ce n est pas le meme ressenti...
Salut tout le monde
Tout d'abord, ca fait super plaisir d'avoir tant de réponses à mes questions.
Merci Yama pour tes sugguestions.
Il faudrait peut etre faire:
Arriver Bangkok 12h30, départ direct à Ayutthaya et nuit sur place.( bus ou train?) Lendemain Ayutthaya puis fin d'après midi départ pour Phitsanulok et nuit sur place. (où?) Lendemain matin bus pour sukhothai + journée Lendemain journée à Sukhothai + avion pour Chiang Mai ( avez vous les heures et tarifs? )
Solution pas très couteuse, moins fatiguante et gain de temps.
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’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
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.
La gare routière ou tu arriveras....
Mêlme si Ayuthaya est repute pour sa tres bonne bouffe, on trouve aussi ici quelques bonne surprises....😉
et oui, on te le dit, c'est magique ..... 
meme si tu finis au "poste", tu sera pas si mal non ???? (je blague evidement ...)
