bonjour a tous, je pars avec ma fille en aout pour 20 jours
nous débarquons a bkk et voulons aller au cambodge en bus
si je pouvais avoir des infos pratique, ou se trouve la gare routiere, et des petits plus qui pourons nous servir
nous partons pour la premiere fois en asie et en sac a dos!🙂
aller dans le coin dit kaosan, a bangkok très connu, appréciée par certains, détesté par d'autres, 🤪 mais la il y a une multitude de petites agences qui proposent ce trip, bkk cambodge,
faire plusieurs agences et comparer les prix, et services, 😉
nous partons pour la premiere fois en asie et en sac a dos!🙂
sa ne seras pas la dernière, , , , , , 😉
bonjour a tous, je pars avec ma fille en aout pour 20 jours
nous débarquons a bkk et voulons aller au cambodge en bus
si je pouvais avoir des infos pratique, ou se trouve la gare routiere, et des petits plus qui pourons nous servir
nous partons pour la premiere fois en asie et en sac a dos!🙂
Bonjour voudeux,
Tu peux partir par le Car, comme indiqué par thuan, en allant à KhaoSan road en rentrant dans une agence de voyage et leur disant ton itinéraire (je n'ai jamais fait).
En revanche, tu peux faire toi-même en allant à Mochit (gare routière) prendre le bus jusqu'à la frontière Aranyaprathet (côté thai), puis check point pour demander le visa cambodgien et traverser le pont pour entrer au Cambodge dans la petite ville de Poipet (côté khmer) puis prendre un bus pour Siemreap ou Phnom Penh.
Attention, on ne cesse de répéter ici que le trajet POIPET-SIEMREAP est vraiment fatiguant et pénible (c'est vrai !) car la route n'est pas refaite pour une histoire de corruption entre les compagnies aériennes thaies et l'administration khmère, cies qui veulent avoir l'exclusivité dans le ciel khméro-thai, etc... c'est juste une parenthèse pour que vous compreniez.
Donc, de BKK à Aranya, il faut compter 5 h + demande visa (45mn environ) + chercher bus pour Siemreap (30mn) et hop départ Siemreap environ 3h...en gros il faut compter pas loin de 10 heures en temps.
Si vous partez directement par le car affrété par les agences de voyage, cela me semble plus facile pour une 1ère fois bien que je ne l'aie jamais fait, j'ai pris le Bus à Mochit.
Attention à la vision côté khmer, il y a bcp de mendiants et de gamins digne de la cour des miracles dès que tu traverses le pont. Je te dis ça pour ta fille car la mienne, 15 ans il y a quelques années de cela a fondu en larmes et s'est senti mal.
Une fois à SR, il y a plein de GH sympa. Mais dès l'arrivée à la gare routière, tu as plein de chauffeurs de tuk tuk qui vont te rabattre vers les hôtels ou GH.
Une fois installées, tu négocies un tuk tuk (ou le mm qui t'a trouvé la GH) pour la journée ou les journées à venir, saches que le prix à la journée est de 15$ environ peut-être un peu plus vu l'augmentation incessante de l'essence car c'est le mot-clé maintenant pour justifier une augmentation .
Attention ne pas visiter trop en une seule journée car vous allez être crevées par la chaleur ; il faut partir tôt (voire 6h du mat) ou 5h si tu veux profiter du lever du soleil du côté de Sras Srang (petit lac) ou Angkor Vat puis rentrer déjeuner à SR et vous reposer un peu pour repartir vers 15h. Si vous en avez envie, refaire un tour jusqu'à 17h-17h30.
Voilà en gros... comme tu seras accompagnée de ta fille (quel âge a-t-elle ?) il faut tenir compte de son âge qd mm dans tes préparatifs et si vous avez un Kway, je vous le recommande en août, les pluies sont assez violentes à SR en aout.
Maintenant tu veux peut-être faire aussi Phnom Penh ou Sihanoukville (plages), il faut le préciser.
durant le mois d'avril avec mon fils nous avons visité le Cambodge pour finir à Siem Reap (Angkor) puis avons decidé d'aller en Thailande en bus donc de Siem Reap à Bangkok
le debut fut tres penible c"est à dire la partie du Cambodge jusqu'à la frontiere de la Thailande. En effet la route ce n'est que de la piste, pas goudronée, des trous tout le long du voyage.
donc peut être avec un meilleur bus qui a de meilleurs amortisseurs, ce sera surement tenable sinon un taxi ou l'avion.
j'espere que vous allez passer un bon sejour bien chaud.JP
Bonjour,
Je vais donner mon expérience même si pas mal d'infos ont été données au dessus.
de BKK pour aller a SR en bus il faut demander a l'aéroport a un taxi de vous conduire à la station de bus MORCHIT (Northern Bus Terminal) pour prendre un bus pour Aranyaprateth (ville frontiere Thailande Cambodge). Ca coute pas tres cher je crois 200 baths environ.Ya des départ réguliers, ca prends 6 heures environ. La route est excellente. L'idéal c'est de le faire en mini bus VIP climatisé (10 personnes max) ca va vite et ca coute pas tres cher.
Moi j'etais arrivé a BKK le matin a 7h00 j'ai demandé un taxi pour aller a Morchit mais finalement il m'a conduit directement a Aranyaprateth pour environ 40 €. Certains diront que je me suis fait avoir mais bon j'etais seul dans le taxi, claqué par ma nuit dans l'avion ... J'etais arrivée a Aranyaprateh vers 12h00/12h30.
Apres il faut marcher jusqu'a la frontiere de Poipet. (ou prendre un tuk tuk ...mais bon ... ca doit couter 50-60 baths max)
IMPORTANT faire le VISA ELECTRONIQUE!!!!!! c'est rapide, simple on gagne un temps précieux a la frontiere!!! ya un site internet, ca coute 20$. Je le conseille fortement!!!
On passe la frontiere thai on arrive a poipet. Là ya un gars des douanes qui vous suit et qui vous fait faire les formalités (c'est normal au départ je me demandais ce qu'il voulait mais l'est une mesure du gouvernement cambodgien pour aider les touristes) il vous conduit apres a un navette GRATUIT qui vous emmene au local des taxis/bus. ca prend 2 minutes. Filer qq pieces au gentil cambodgien ca fait toujours plaisir.
Acheter ensuite un billet pour Siem Reap. Ya plusieurs tarifs. C'est un taxi collectif, en gros une voiture normale où tu mets 4/5 personnes. Dans mon souvenir ca coute 12/15 $. Là il faut attendre pour qu'il y ait assez de gens pour remplir la voiture. Ca peut prendre du temps!!! Je n'ai attendu qu'une petite demi heure. (ou alors payer 40 / 50$ pour avoir un taxi seul, ou alors le bus collectif c'est 10 $ mais met plus de temps!!)
Ensuite ca devient marrant. 4 personnes dans le taxi et bienvenue sur une des routes la plus pourrie du monde. Des creux, des bosses, des ornieres, ca double dans tous les sens, ca secoue pendant 5-6 heures environ. Apres coup c'est rigolo. Arrivée a Siem Reap le taxi vous lache et vous etes assailli de tuk tuk. Dites leur où vous avez réservé.
J'ai du arrivé vers 18h a ma Guest house. Un peu éprouvant quand meme. Tout dépend du style de voyage que vous avez choisi. J'avais choisi un voyage un peu routard. Clairement on peut preferer l'avion mais ca coute un peu cher.
Preferer la route c'est plus long et un peu tape cul sur le tronçon poipet Siem reap. Le 1er troncon BKK-Aranyaprateth c'est du velours.
sinon tu fais comme moi : prend un vol BKK - Phnom penh via air asia ( 60 euros ) arrivé 1h30 plus tard, visa sur place ou e-visa beaucoup plus simple apparement .
Apres je peux me faire traité de voyageur bobo ou de pollueurs, je m'en moque car je suis en Asie pour 4 semaines, et qu'apres le vol international + Decallage horaire j'ai pas envie d'arriver a Siem reap completement errinté !
Salut,
Je suis actuellement a Seam Reap,
Pour completer tes infos >>> si tu prend un package attewntion il y a des arnac ( sur les services a la frontiere et le prix des guest des tuk tuk), bien lire ton guide avant de prendre une decision.
Concernant les tuk tuk, tu peut les louer a la journee, a la distance ou au voyage. Pour ceux qui parlent anglais et aui ne font que te deposer compte entre 8 et 15 dollard. Pour le guide en francais voir le nom donne sur le forum, mais je crois que nous sommes ses dernier clients en tant que tuk tuk il passe guide dans 3 mois (3 mois de classes).
Pour la guest en MP je peut te donner les ref de la notre ou une gentille famille t accueil.
Tu peut aussi prendre des cours de cuisine Khmer pour pas trop chere..., pareille adrese en MP.
Bonjour, pour compléter la réponse de Roger, en utilisant la voie du sud. Arrivée à l'aéroport de BKK, aller à la gare routière de l'aéroport. Prendre un Bus pour Trat (n° 9908)- trajet environ 5 heures. Dormir à Trat et le matin tôt prendre un minibus qui amène à la frontière Cambodgienne. Si vous n'avez pas le visa il faut passer la frontière tôt le matin- Attention la dernière fois que j'ai passé la frontière ils ne voulaient plus de dollars il a fallut négocier, je ne sais pas ce qu'il en est aujourd'hui . Par contre ils acceptent le paiement en Baths. Une solution facile : les guest houses proposent souvent d'organiser pour vous le trajet trat - sihanoukville en mini bus.
pour info etant rester un bon petit moment sur bangkok surtout sur khao san road tu trouve des agences qui te fon le billet pour pas tres cher pour moi aller retour en bus vip 450 bath je trouve sa tres raisonnable c est une amie a moi qui a une agence sur bangkok, tres sur aucun probleme apres il te faut compter le prix du visa arriver au cambodge qui est de 1200 bath et voila bangkok poypet 5 heure de route
merci pour toutes ces infos, il faut que je prenne des notes!
j'ai envie de dormir la premiere nuit a bkk puis depart le lendemain matin, motivées en bus un peu tap cul mais apres tout ca fait parti du voyage.on verra le retour via l'itineraire de roger.ma fille aura 18 ans le mois de notre retour!je vais prendre les visa de france, ça nous evitera quelques galeres
j'ai vu sur le net un gh qui me parrait bien a sreap le get lucky gh.apres on va descendre jusque dans le sud et si on a le temps aller faire un tour au vietnam
enfin ca va se faire tranquillement mais surement
merci roger
en effet pour notre retour ca peut vraiment le faire!il y t il des bus a la frontiere pour remonter jusqu'a bkk.si tu a des infos, je suis prenante
et sans abuser toi qui a l'air d'etre de la bas aussi une petite gh sur bkk pas tres loin de la gare routiere
merci
coucou
tu n'as pas completement tort mais je vais prendre le bus
peut etre qu'a notre retour je me dirais ..a si j'avais su.
peut etre un petit phum phen on verra.
Il y a bien mieux a faire que de coucher a Trat : Prendre le bus Bangkok-Pattaya a Ekkamai, puis le taxi Pattaya-jomtiem afin de ne pas coucher ds la poubelle de Pattaya. Tres belle plage -propre-, pts hotels sympas pas cher (Chanagan sur Soi 6, ma 2e maison!), un tas d'excellent restaus sur le front de mer, et une clientele qui n'est ni alcoolique ni sexuellement taree. Un minibus part de Jomtien a 8h du matin (reserver 3 jours a l'avance aupres de BV Golf Tour & Travel - portable 089-099-4797, tel 038-757-381 et vs emmene au poste frontiere; a la frontiere, achat du visa (1500 baht) et bus ou taxi pour Phnom Penh (excellente route tte neuve du debut a la fin - 4h). Vs partez de Jomtiem a 8h du mat et vs etes a PP a 18h. de tte facon, laisser tomber le Bangkok-Poipet, c'est un ignoble racket de A a Z!
PS. Drole d'idee de conseiller Kao San a un pere et sa fille! C'est pas la classe!
Si je comprends bien...tu envisages le retour par la voie sud...(had lek)...et un aller par poipet ...et donc debuter ton periple par les sites d'angkor au Cambodge ...C'est celà ? Et pour la gh tu demandes sur BKK pas loin de la station de bus (sud) c'est à dire Ekhamai ..OK ?
Nous venons d arrive a bangkok. La route entre Siem Reap et Poipet est vraiment un enfer, sana deconne. Ils sont entrain de la refaire petit bout par petit bout (en faite surtout les pont) et l arrive ( ou la sortie) de Poipet est dantesque.
Depuis le cote thai un bus par pour KC a 15h30 et te depose a l embarcadaire pour 550 bath ( ferry compris), l agence est juste a la sortie de la frontiere.
oui roger c'est a peu prés l'itinaire que l'on se fixe
aller au nord puis redescendre via le lac dans le sud et donc prendre le bus pour rentrer a bkk ou l'on resterai 3 jours pour découvrir.une petite adresse pas loin de la station a bkk
merci pour tes réponses
Ok Pour une GH pas loin d'ekamai, pose la question en "nouvelle discussion" plus de lecteurs...moi je ne sais pas! Mon conseil est de couper en deux le trajet PNH-BKK donc arret à koh kong ou trat ... (ce qui relativise la question d'une gh proche d'ekamai...) BY !
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.
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...
