Hey everyone,
We're currently in Thailand. I'm opening this thread to share practical info for those planning their trip. As for impressions and feelings—I love it, but I'll let everyone form their own opinions. The goal here is more about: how to do this or that, how to get there, etc.
We took an Air India flight. Contrary to what I’d read about this airline, the flight went smoothly. Since the first plane was 15 minutes late and the connection was reduced to less than an hour, Air India offered to change the second flight on the day of departure, which was really helpful. The screens were working, and legroom on the first flight was great. On the other hand, the food was just okay, but oh well.
We stayed at a hotel near the Chong Nonsi BTS station (3-minute walk). I’ll share reviews of my hotels once I’m back in France. :)
For money: we exchanged a little first at Super Rich in the airport, and later withdrew more using our Boursorama card. It’s more advantageous to withdraw with the card (declining their conversion rate) than to exchange at Super Rich.
We also got a SIM card at the airport for 15 days.
Quick note: I’ll be sharing info for a 14-day school holiday trip with a teen. So, unlike retirees (no offense to retirees, but time management is different), we only have 2 weeks, and teens don’t wake up early.
To get to the hotel, we took the Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL) to the last station and then the BTS. For our trips, we buy BTS / ARL / MRT tickets in cash at the counter.
Day 1: Visited the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun.
We really needed some sleep, so we left the hotel pretty late. To get to the Grand Palace, we took the BTS and then the boat. From Chong Nonsi station to boat pier N9, it took... 1h30!!!
When leaving BTS Saphan Taksin station, you need to go to the pier on the left. We bought boat tickets at the counter, and they put us in the waiting area for our boat (we were sold tickets for the blue line). We waited 15 minutes, the blue boat left first in the opposite direction toward Asiatique and then made a U-turn at Asiatique
There are toilets;
there are clothes vendors—we bought our daughter something to wrap around her waist for visiting the Grand Palace (100 baht).
After visiting the Grand Palace, we walked to Wat Pho.
Water bottles are sold everywhere for 10 baht, but 20 baht at the Grand Palace.
After leaving Wat Pho, we went to the pier (exit N 8) to cross the river and visit Wat Arun. The crossing is easy and costs 5 bahts per person.
After that, we had to cross back to get to the hotel. It's the yellow boat that stops at exit N 8.
So, for 3 visits, you should plan at least half a day.
At the hotel, we swam in the pool with an amazing view of the Mahanakhon tower and other nearby skyscrapers. I think the pool is really essential to recharge after sightseeing!
In the evening we ate at IconSiam, and we also enjoyed the view of Bangkok.
We decided to go to IconSiam by BTS because we were tired of waiting for a boat for 15 minutes every time. But the BTS Gold Line isn’t very frequent either—we waited at least 15 minutes for it too. :)
We went to Ayutthaya by train and came back by minivan.
To get there: we took the BTS to one station, changed at Sala Daeng for the MRT, and got off at Hua Lamphong. The station is signposted—easy to find. We bought our tickets at the counter (15 baht per person) and took the train at 10:15. The train is on the platform 15–20 minutes before departure, so you’ve gotta hurry to grab seats in the shade. With the windows open, the trip is super smooth. We arrived in Ayutthaya at 12:14 (1 hour to cross Bangkok and another hour on the road after Bangkok).
In Ayutthaya, we took a tuk-tuk that took us to the places to visit—it was great. Tuk-tuks are small. So, for 3 people it’s still okay, but I think 4 people will be searching for space for their knees!
We paid 1,300 baht for about 4 hours, which was enough for us.
We were worried we wouldn’t get seats together on the train, so we decided to go back by minivan. We asked the tuk-tuk driver to take us to the bus station, where we bought our tickets (70 baht per person).
Just a heads-up: if you want to return by minivan like we did, use the restrooms near the temples because there aren’t any at this "bus station." There’s a sort of restroom nearby (which I used—it was pretty sketchy, basically just a shower stall)—I’d avoid it.
If this is the start of a story that will continue, it might be better to post it in the "travel journal" section, since that one lets you come back to your posts without any time limit (unlike the 2-hour window in the "regular" sections). That way, you can edit your texts, add to them, or upload photos later on.
In the first row of the minivan, it was impossible to stretch my legs. Plus, the AC was blowing right at me (I turned it the other way after because I was cold). Anyway, I preferred the train. But the minivan works too—the driver dropped us off at BTS Mo Chit station, which was great for getting back to the hotel.
Visiting Ayutthaya can easily be done in a day, so if you have 2 weeks of vacation like we did, I don’t see the point of staying overnight in Ayutthaya and moving around with all your stuff, checking in and out of hotels, etc.
Honestly, I don’t know.
I didn’t want to make a real travel journal with descriptions and impressions, but really just give practical info to those preparing their trip. I’m not going to add photos. So, I don’t know what’s best.
If it’s not meant to be a travel journal, don’t change a thing.
Good call taking the train to Ayutthaya from Hualamphong instead of Aphiwat—saved you from paying the unnecessary Rapid or Express supplement on such a short trip, plus no need to book ahead and more frequent departures.
Waiting for the "Bangkok to Kanchanaburi route" part...
We took an Air India flight. Contrary to what I’d read about this airline, the flight went well. Since the first plane was 15 minutes late and the connection was under an hour, Air India offered to change the second flight on the day of departure, which was really helpful. The screens worked, and the legroom on the first flight was great. On the other hand, the food was average, but oh well.
I recently read a very negative review about this airline on VF, which matched what I experienced 10 years ago.
Maybe we shouldn’t rush to recommend this airline.
My question is: why not choose airlines that are always highly rated, like Emirates or Qatar?
Oh, and I almost forgot the most important part: thanks for this feedback—it’ll definitely help some folks out!
« 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 don’t recommend Air India—I just said that for us the flight went well, we’ll see about the return. We took Air India for the price: 820 € per person from Saturday to Friday during school holidays with only one stop. The airlines you’re talking about had prices over 1000 € for the same dates (buying 11 months in advance).
After Ayutthaya—the pool, then we went out to eat. We didn’t feel like taking the metro or anything, so we stayed in the neighborhood. That’s how we ended up at the Patpong night market. A tiny market with food and knockoffs, and constant pitches to check out a ping pong show, even though we were with a teen!
Day 3: Mahanakhon SkyWalk, Lumpini Park, Chinatown
Our hotel doesn’t do laundry, but they provide a washing machine (70 baht per cycle) and a dryer (60 baht per cycle). I did a load, and while it was drying, I got a massage: 1 hour of full-body Thai massage. The hotel’s price for this massage is 395 baht.
If you and/or your teen aren’t afraid of heights, the Mahanakhon SkyWalk is a great attraction. For us, it was a 2-minute walk away. The SkyWalk costs 1,000 baht, and SkyWalk + tilt (our daughter’s choice) is 1,300 baht. I don’t recommend buying in advance since these attractions depend on the weather.
You buy tickets at the entrance for a half-day. They asked us our daughter’s age—she’s 13, so it was fine. I don’t know if there are any restrictions for kids under 13, maybe for the ride.
After the Mahanakhon Tower, we headed to Lumpini Park, which is just one BTS station away from the skywalk (Chong Nonsi - Sala Daeng). Then we took the MRT from the same station (Si Lom) for two stops (Hua Lamphong) to visit Chinatown.
A small backpack to carry water bottles—we drink constantly. We forgot ours and had to buy one at the Décathlon near Si Lom station.
For women: tampons, as they’re hard to find here. No problem with sanitary pads, but tampons are scarce.
Day 4: Travel to Kanchanaburi / Visit to Wat Ban Tham
I looked at several options for getting to Kanchanaburi. I considered the train, but you’d have to wake up really early since there are only two trains a day—the first one leaves at 7:43 AM. There was also the option of taking a minivan from Mo Chit. In the end, we decided to take a bus from the Southern Bus Station.
To get there, we took a taxi.
Bus trip to Kanchanaburi: uh, I don’t recommend it... It was a small bus (between a coach and a minivan), so everyone had to keep their luggage with them. It was okay for me, but my husband and daughter were really uncomfortable.
For the return trip, we took a Grab—1,500 baht from the hotel in Kanchanaburi to the hotel near the airport (so, crossing through Bangkok).
In Kanchanaburi, we stayed at Good Times Resort—it was great. I really liked the hotel and its restaurant. We ended up booking a day trip organized by the hotel, which is a really good option if, like us, you're short on time. Everything was well organized, no complaints.
We stayed at Lilac Relax Residence, and I think it's a good hotel for spending a night before your flight. The hotel offers free shuttles to Suvarnabhumi Airport (every 30 minutes from 6 AM to midnight), and we're taking the 7 AM shuttle tomorrow.
We also discovered a really great all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue place. Yeah, it doesn’t make sense to eat Korean while in Thailand, but we really wanted meat, and I loved this spot: Gangnam BBQ Lat Krabang. They don’t take reservations—you just show up and wait. They give you a number in the queue, and you wait until you’re called. Bring mosquito repellent. We were the only foreigners in the restaurant. We paid about 29 € (a little over 1,000 baht) for the three of us (all-you-can-eat). So if you're near the airport, I’d definitely recommend this place.
Songsam, I stand corrected: it was Bolt, 260 bahts.
Disappointed 😕🙁
Trip to Kanchanaburi by bus: uh, I don’t recommend... it was a small bus (between a coach and a minivan), so everyone had to keep their luggage with them. It was okay for me, but my husband and daughter were uncomfortable.
So you took this:
For better comfort, it’s best to take the real bus. Same number (81), same price, same frequency, same travel time, same departure points, and luggage compartments:
For the return trip, we took a Grab, 1500 bahts from the hotel in Kanchanaburi to the hotel near the airport (so, crossing Bangkok).
Agencies in Kanchanaburi offer airport shuttles, but it’s not cheap (around 500 bahts per person) and tourists are packed in like sardines.
Songthaew, yes, but it was the only option offered (or we didn’t understand). When we arrived at the station a little after 9 AM, the ticket counter told us there was only a bus at 11 AM. We tried to take a Bolt (displayed price around 1,100 baht), but the driver wanted double the price for the return trip. We said no and waited for the bus.
We were given a meet-up at 10:30 AM at the counter and followed the bus driver to his bus. So, how do you take bus 81? It’s too late for us, but maybe useful for others.
In Kanchanaburi we stayed at Good Times Resort—it was great. I really liked the hotel and its restaurant. We ended up booking a day trip organized by the hotel, which is a really good option if, like us, you're short on time. Everything was well organized, no complaints.
Great choice. Though, the rooms facing the pool do get some noise.
The restaurant is really good and lets you choose the spice level on a scale from 0 to 10 when you order.
« 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
Yes, but it was the only option offered (or we didn’t understand). When we arrived at the station a little after 9 AM, the ticket counter told us there was only a bus at 11 AM. We tried to take a Bolt (displayed price around 1100 baht), but the driver wanted double the price for the return trip. We said no and waited for the bus.
I’m not sure what to tell you, especially since in recent years for Bkk-Kan I’ve mostly taken minivans, reserving the blue-and-white bus 81 for Ban Pong <-> Kan trips, which I also do often. That said, I’ve taken the Bkk-Kan route on the blue-and-white bus 81 several times and never had an issue buying my ticket at the proper counter. Maybe you unknowingly went to the minibus counter (they’re different counters)?
The fact that they gave you a meet-up time and the driver was waiting at the counter is strange... How much did you pay per person, and were there Thai passengers in your minivan?
In Kanchanaburi, we stayed at Good Times Resort—it’s great. I really liked the hotel and its restaurant. We ended up booking a day trip organized by the hotel, which is a really good option if, like us, you're short on time. Everything was well organized, no complaints.
Great choice. Though, the rooms facing the pool do get some noise.
The restaurant is really good—you can choose how much chili you want on a scale from 0 to 10 when ordering.
Where exactly is it located? (Kanchanaburi is quite spread out.)
I suggest you check Agoda and type the hotel name. There’s always a map that shows where the place is in relation to the rest of the city.
Given how spread out Kanchanaburi is, I’m not sure you can really say any hotel is well-located.
At least this one’s on a river.
« 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
Bangkok to Koh Yao Noi travel.
Since it was my first time in Asia, I didn’t want to take too many risks, so I booked the transfer from Phuket Airport to the hotel in Koh Yao Noi via 12GoAsia. In Bangkok, we took the hotel shuttle to the airport at 7 AM for our Thai Airways flight at 9:40 AM. We were well ahead of time. The flight went smoothly. The flight ticket cost us 45 € per person—twice as expensive as low-cost airlines—but I wanted to ensure the transfer and was worried about potential delays with budget carriers. No delays with Thai Airways, though we had a 1-hour wait at Phuket Airport since our car was booked for 12:30 PM. When I made the reservation on 12GoAsia, I provided my French phone number and was regularly contacted via WhatsApp with updates like where the car would be and when it was arriving, etc.
We paid 180 baht per person and there were Thais on the bus, even two monks.
The price is a bit higher but not excessive, so at first glance nothing really abnormal. Unless you might have gone to the wrong counter, I don’t see how you could have ended up in a minibus. But hey, you arrived safely—that’s all that matters.
Koh Yao Noi: I really liked the Koh Yao Seaview Bungalow hotel.
If you're looking for super beautiful beaches, you shouldn't come to Koh Yao Noi: there's a very strong tidal effect, the sea retreats 100-150 m. During low tide, you can watch crabs—it's fun.
We came to this island for the excursions. The hotel offers two types of excursions: one to nearby islands for 4-5 hours (I recommend it), price: 2500 baht for the longtail boat just for you and 300 baht per person to enter the national park; the second is in Phang Nga Bay, for a full day, 4500 baht/boat + 300 baht/person to enter the parks + 600 baht/kayak if you want to do that.
During the first excursion, they give you masks and snorkels for snorkeling, and during the second excursion, they provide headlamps for exploring the caves.
I preferred the first excursion. The second one is half-interesting, half "tourist trap." I really enjoyed visiting caves and swimming on an island where we were alone! The "tourist traps": kayaking (or canoeing?), the floating village (restaurants for tourists and souvenir shops), James Bond Island—way too crowded and souvenir vendors on the already tiny beach. I don’t regret doing both, but if you’re short on time and have to choose, I recommend the first one (at 2500 bahts).
The Koh Yao Noi to Phuket transfer. I found a boat + minivan transfer to the hotel in Phuket on 12goasia. So, we asked for a taxi (tuk-tuk) at our hotel since neither Bolt nor Grab are available on Koh Yao Noi. The tuk-tuk was on time, 100 bahts per person. The other connections were cheap—I just showed the reservation to one of the speedboat guys. In Phuket, a minivan labeled "Kamala + Patong" was waiting for us.
The hotel in Patong: Thanthip Beach Resort. 300 m from the beach (3-minute walk), pool, a large triple room. I love swimming in the sea, but I don’t like sunbathing, so it was exactly what I wanted: I’d wake up early, swim, and then head back to the hotel. In the morning, Patong Beach is really pleasant, but in the afternoon, it gets too crowded.
I chose this route for the return because it’s pretty easy to get back to France from Phuket. For the hotel-to-airport trip, we took a Bolt for 530 baht.
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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,
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,
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?
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
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 trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
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!
