Février 2013, projet d'un voyage de 19 jours pour dépaysement au Cambodge et Laos.
Nous hésitons quand à comment organiser les étapes et par ou commencer.
Au Cambodge: Siem Reap, descente de la riviére en bateau vers Battambang, Shinoukville ou Kep
Au Laos: Siem Reap, Van Vieng (?), 4000 îles (Don Khong)
Par quel pays et régions devrions nous commencer pour optimiser le temps des trajets, et le sens à prendre en fonction des moyens de transport?
Nous souhaiterions que ces trajets se fasent le plus possible en avion?
Si vous avez des infos ou conseils sur ces différentes destinations...
le moyen d'y accéder (avion, bus, bateau, taxi)...
Les guests houses ou hôtels au Laos dont le nom apparait sur les pages du web, nous paraissent "chers", si vous en connaissez des calmes, acceuillantes, dans un joli environnement...
Ton projet est louable, mais 19 jours pour 2 pays, tu vas passer un max de temps dans les transports, tu ne verras pas grand chose de ce qu'il y a à visiter dans chacun de ces 2 pays et tu ne feras que courir.
Un conseil très personnel : passe tes 19 jours dans l'un des deux et reviens l'an prochain pour l'autre.
Pour le Laos, nous y avons passé un mois plein en 2011, et encore en devant faire des choix. Si cela t'intéresse, notre carnet de route ICI.
Mais ce n'est que mon avis bien sûr, chacun est libre.
Oui effectivement 19 jours, ca fait short...donc je me concentrerais peut-être sur une zone, parce que sinon tu peux perdre le côté "relax" de ton voyage.
J'ai fait un tour du monde en 2009 et suis passé par le Cambodge avant de filer au Laos et de finir au Vietnam.
Siem Reap et l'Angkor Wat peuvent se faire entre 2 et 4 jours selon moi (moi je l'avais fait en 3😛).
Ensuite si tu décides de partir vers Sihanoukville (j'en ai pas entendu que du bien), je te conseille l'île de Koh Rong (à 2h30 en bateau), encore relativement libre de touristes et ma-gni-fi-que.
Je n'ai pas fait Battambang et Kep, par contre j'ai bien aimé Pnohm Penh, mais j'ai eu des avis différent de compagnons voyageurs.
Ensuite le Laos...ah le Laos, c'est le pays que j'ai préféré lors de mon tour du monde.
Moi j'étais parti en bus depuis Pnohm Penh jusqu'à Kratie (au Nord du Cambodge). J'avais dormi une nuit dans ce village assez moche et le lendemain croisé la frontière jusqu'au Laos et jusqu'aux 4000 îles. Les 4000 îles j'y étais resté 6 jours tellement j'avais aimé et pour le côté relax, y a pas mieux.
Ensuite le reste du pays peut se visiter en bus, mais 19 jours ca va être vraiment vraiment short...
Bon allez, je me lance...moi je ferais un truc comme ca:
Siem Reap: 3 jours
Voyage à Koh Rong (bus et/ou bateau): 1 ou 2 jours
Koh Rong: 3 jours
Voyage à Pnohm Penh: 1 jour
Vol Pnohm Penh-Vientiane: 1 jour (2h, 200 dollars)
Vientiane: 1 jour
Vol Vientiane-Pakse: 1 jour (1h, 130 dollars)
Pakse et Plateau des Bolovens: 3 jours (louer une moto, environ 10 euros par jour, coucher à Tad Lo)
Pakse-4000 iles: 1 jour (bus, 4h, de 5 à 10 euros)
4000 iles: 3 jours
Retour 4000 iles-vol Pakse-Vientiane-vol de retour: 1/2jours (4h de bus, 1h de vol + retour, mêmes tarifs qu'avant).
Ca ce serait l'option la plus relax au niveau des transports (et encore...) mais la plus chère aussi.
Sinon le voyage économique ca ferait:
Siem Reap: 3 jours
Voyage à Koh Rong (bus et/ou bateau): 1 ou 2 jours
Koh Rong: 3 jours
Voyage à Pnohm Penh: 1 jour
Voyage Pnohm Penh-Kratie:1 jour (bus, 6h, entre 5 et 10 euros)
Kratie-4000 iles: 1 jour (bus, 4h, entre 5 et 10 euros)
4000 iles: 3 jours
4000 iles-Pakse: 1 jour (bus, 4h, entre 5 et 10 euros)
Pakse et Plateau des Bolovens: 3 jours (louer une moto, environ 10 euros par jour, coucher à Tad Lo)
Pakse-Vientiane: 1 jour (bus, 10h environ, entre 10 et 15 euros)
Vol de retour
Voilà, j'espère avoir pas dit trop de conneries, et j'espère que ca t'aide un peu...
Merci à vous tous.
Pour 1 fois que nous pouvons cumuler 3 semaines consécutives nous voudrions bien sur en voir le maximum.
Les occasions de voyager se fesant rare...
Il est vrai que nous souhaiterions aussi nous reposer un peu donc allons devoir prendre une décision définitive.
Le Cambodge nous parait plus "touristique" mais peut être plus facile de se déplacer et peut être moins "cher".
Je ne pense pas que le Cambodge soit beaucoup plus touristique, hormis Siem Reap et l'Angkor Wat et peut-être Pnohm Penh, mais je n'avais pas vraiment ressenti la foule comme en Thailande par exemple.
Au niveau des prix le Cambodge et le Laos sont trés proches: je n'avais pas vraiment noté de différences en 2009 (ca a peut-être changé).
Siem Reap, et le Nord du Laos (surtout Luang Prabang) sont les zones les "plus" chères (ca reste quand même trés abordable, et pour tous les budgets).
Un peu comme d'autres ici, je trouve que 19 jours pour 2 pays ça fait short..
J'ai traversé le Cambodge en février 2012 de Siem-Reap à Sihanoukville puis suis passé en Thaïlande. Tout cela en 1 mois, avec transports en bus.
Siem Reap est à voir (4 ou 5 jours faciles). Angkor, les magnaneries etc.. Fais y tes achats car à Phnom penh, c'est plus cher. Un superbe village flottant peu visité des touristes: Kompong Chnang (2 jours maxi). Phnom penh.. Bof. Ensuite Kampot plutôt que Kep où il n'y a rien. Si tu aimes le style Robinsonnade, tu peux coucher à l'île du lapin autrement va plutôt à Kampot, que j'ai adoré. Il y a des hôtels sympas, des restaus et si tu supportes le confort local, des guesthouses, en dehors de la ville, donnent directement sur le fleuve où tu peux te baigner.
Sihanoukville, j'ai détesté.
Pour le Laos, je ne sais pas car j'envisage d'y aller cette année, moi aussi.
Le parcours continue à évoluer mais n'est pas encore arrêté.
Siem Reap: des conseils, guest house, bons plans...
Comment vous vous êtes rendus jusqu'à Shianoukville (bateau/bus): nous pensons nous rendre sur Koh Rong.
Pouvez vous m'en dire un peu plus sur Kampot car d'aprés quelques lectures, l'endroit n'a que "peu d'intérêt" mais si beau paysage, vie au bord du fleuve animée et jolis coins, pourquoi pas.
Salut,
On était au Mékong Angkor palace, à cause de la piscine. C'est bien situé et calme à la fois et je payais 30$/jour. Pour les repas, tu peux manger dans la rue le soir pour 2-3 $ ; il y a un immense restau de rue qui s'installe vers 18 heures. A angkor, prends tes billets sur le site, le soir vers 4 heures (valables à partir du lendemain) cela te permettra de rentrer gratuitement le soir même et de faire le premier et principal temple. Après tu as 3 jours pour faire le reste et il faut bien cela. On a fait la rivière aux mille lingas (assez loin, en tuk tuk), et on a bien aimé.
Pour Sihanoukville, on a pris le taxi de Kampot (réservé par l'hôtel les columns), je ne sais plus à quel prix mais je crois que ça coutait 30$ aussi.
A Kamnpot, c'est une vraie ville, un peu endormie au bord d'un fleuve. Il y a plusieurs restaus tenus par des européens (anciens bab cool probablement), plusieurs hôtels corrects en ville et autour. C'est sûr que c'est une ville plus calme que Siem Reap ou Phnom penh mais tu peux te distraire un peu le soir après ta douche. A Kep, je n'ai vu que des baraquements le long de la plage et des hôtels éloignés du centre, pas de vraie ville ou de magasins..
Ce que j'ai aimé à Kampot ce sont les excursions (une qui regroupe tout) dans le marais salant (superbes photos à faire), la plantation de poivre et surtout la sortie des pêcheurs sur le fleuve, le soir. On avait pris l'excursion avec une agence conseillée par Lonely. Correct. C'est en bateau sur le fleuve que j'ai découvert les autres Guesthouses sympas le long du fleuve, occupées par des Français qu'on avait déjà vus à Phnom Penh.
Voilà. J'espère que ça pourra vous aider.
+1
Eh pourquoi pas 19 jours au Laos?
j'ai séjourné 3 années de suite au Cambodge.....eh bien c'est fini....Siem Reap Magnifique....quand au reste(sans commentaires)...il va bien falloir qu'à un moment ou un autre, tout ce petit monde de corruption se calme...au risque de voir les voyageuses et voyageurs que nous sommes se tourner vers des destinations plus paisibles, plus sensibles et donc plus justes que sont la Birmanie et le Laos(mes deux pays préférés). Je vais me faire insulter sur ce forum, mais tant pis, le bon sens parfois engendre l'insulte gratuite.
Au plaisir de vous renseigner si vous avez besoin.
Le modeste voyageur que je suis.Cordialement
Bonjour,
C'est vrai que 19 jours ça fait court pour 2 pays, mais si c'est ce que vous désirez, faites vous plaisir. Ça sera une première approche.
J'espère ne pas tout embrouiller, mais voici une autre suggestion.
Si votre vol international arrive à Bangkok et selon l'heure vous pouvez
prendre un vol pour Chiang Rai + bus (2h30, 3h) pour Chiang Khong, passer le
Mékhong et arriver au Laos. Possibilité de prendre votre visa.
De là vous pouvez descendre le Mékhong jusqu'à Luang Prabang si le niveau de l'eau le permet. Cela se fait sur 2 jours (nuit à Pakbeng) et c'est vraiment une balade très agréable même si touristique.
De là vous pouvez prendre le bus ou l'avion (l'avion est peut-être préférable si vous avez peu de temps) pour Vientiane, puis pour Pakse (plateau des Bolovens,
4000 îles).
Retour sur Pakse et avion pour Siem Reap.
Siem Reap/Battambang est très agréable à faire en bateau.
Kampot et Kep, je ne connais pas.
Voici 2 liens pour le transport au Laos et au Cambodge.
http://www.seat61.com/Laos.htmhttp://www.seat61.com/Cambodia.htm
Comme je ne sais pas si c'est de la pub ou pas je vous envoie en MP quelques adresses.
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.
