nous avons passé 15 jours sur place, circuit traditionnel Rangoon - Mandalay - Bagan - Kalaw - Inle - Rangoon voici quelques informations pratiques sur ce circuit. Les prix mentionnés sont pour 2 personnes, sauf indication contraire.
Nous avions réservé les hôtels sauf au lac Inle et les 2 vols intérieurs via l'agence Gulliver.
A noter que cette agence prend environ 20 USD par nuit d'hôtel de commission.
Nous sommes partis avec 2 guides: LP et GdR, suffisants pour nous et complémentaires.
Les prix indiqués pour les hôtels doivent être multipliés par 2.
J1
Arrivée Rangoon sur Vietnam Airlines.
Le change se fait avant ou après le contrôle des bagages, les taux sont équivalents (1 € = 1137 Kiatts)
Taxi pour notre hôtel 8kK (kK= 1000 Kiatts). L'hôtel est près de la pagode Shwedagon.
Hotel MY Hotel. Bon confort. 85 USD. On peut aller à la pagode à pied en 20 minutes. Quelques restos pas trop loin.
Nous sommes allés à la pagode. Remarquable. Y rester à la fin du jour et en début de nuit pour voir les contrastes. Entrée 5 USD/p.
Resto Thai près de l'hôtel. Bon. 8kK.
J2 Rangoon-Mandalay
Départ pour Mandalay via agence Gulliver (perdue dans la cambrousse) pour récupérer vouchers et billets d'avion.
Total taxis 8kK.
Avion 132 USD/p.
Arrivée Mandalay. Taxi-aéroport vers centre ville 4kK/p.
ShweInnGyin Hotel: confortable mais bruyant (à côté de la gare). Demander une chambre à l'arrière. 85 USD.
Diner au Too Too restaurant. 8kK. Correct.
J3 Mandalay
Location d'un taxi de rue pour 30kK la journée.
Avons pris le billet combiné de Mandalay (10 USD/p) pour toutes les visites.
Sommes allés à Amapura et Inwa. A Inwa, nous avons refusé les calèches, le tour prend environ 2h30 à pied visites comprises.
A faire (Mandalay est très poussièreuse, donc la campagne est appréciable).
Au retour, nous sommes passés par l'embarcadère pour acheter nos billets (15 USD/p) sur le slow-boat pour Bagan. Un peu difficile à trouver. Compagnie IWT.
Dîner près des Moustache Brothers, puis spectacle (1h de spectable, plutôt bon enfant).
A noter que le resto Aye Myit Thar, recommandé, a déménagé.
J4 Mandalay
Visite du palais. Endroit au calme dans Mandalay.
Ensuite, visite des pagodes au nord-est du palais, près de la colline.
Tout peut se faire en une bonne demi-journée.
Déjeuner au Green Elephant. 15 kK. Correct sans plus.
Le soir dîner dans un resto de rue Shan MaMa, près de la gare, sûrement notre meilleure expérience de resto en Birmanie.
J5 Mandalay-Bagan
Arrivée au bateau à 5h pour départ réel à 6h.
Environ 1/3 de toutistes, 2/3 de Birmans. Chaises confortables pour les touristes.
Nous recommandons vivement ce bateau. Il s'arrête le long du fleuve plusieurs fois et vous pouvez voir les allées et venues des locaux. Restaurauration simple à bord et nombreuses sollicitations à chaque arrêt.
Arrivée Bagan 21h.
Pick-up pour l'hôtel à New Bagan 7kK (partagé).
Hotel Floral Breeze près de la poste.55 USD.
Bon confort. Petit-déj insuffisant.
J6 Bagan
Avons loué des vélos à l'hôtel pour ne pas nous compliquer. Cher : 5USD/P/jour.
Visite des pagodes jusque Nyaung U et retour.
Dîner au Green Elephant River side. CATASTROPHIQUE.
Cher et nourriture avariée. Avons mangé différemment, et intoxication alimentaire, je vous passe les détails.
A EVITER absolument et à faire savoir !
J7 Bagan
Tour à vélo en fonction de notre état.
Dîner à l'hotel 11USD.
J8 Bagan-Kalaw
Avons réservé à New Bagan le bus. 10kK/p avec pick-up à l'hotel.
Arrivée Kalaw 14h30.
Nous avons beaucoup aimé Kalaw. C'est une gentille ville, pas poussièreuse, à 1300m d'altitude, qui ressemble à nos moyennes montagnes.
Hôtel Green Haven, assez excentré (20 min de marche mini du centre), mais calme. Bon confort, hormis salle de bain et pression d'eau chaude...
Dîner chez Sam's family, correct et pas cher (7kK).
Nous nous sommes renseignés sur les randos pour aller au lac Inle chez EverSmile et Sam's Family.
Finalement, nous avons pris Sam's family parce qu'il y avait 2 nuits chez l'habitant et pas de nuit au monastère surpeuplé de touristes.
Pas très satisfaits de la prestation Sam's family. Ils nous ont envoyé comme guides 2 jeunes filles de 19 et 18 ans, charmantes, certes, mais incompétentes concernant les explications tout au long des 3 jours et surtout ne parlant que très peu l'anglais.
Conseil : exigez de rencontrer les guides avant de partir pour vous assurer de la qualité et de l'anglais.
Coût pour les 2 jours et demi (y compris transport de 2 bagages et bateau retour vers Nyaung Shwe) : 111 kK.
J9 Kalaw-Pindaya-Kalaw
Avons loué un taxi à la journée pour 30kK.
Très belle journée au milieu des champs. Visite de la grotte de Pindaya aux 9000 boudhas. Entrée 5USD/p
Déjeuner au Green Tea: 15kK. Service assez long. J'avais renoncé à attendre 1 h pour un steack, du coup pour un repas birman, j'ai attendu... 60 minutes.
Mais cadre très agréable en bordure du lac.
Visite au retour de la fabrique d'ombrelles.
Dîner à l'Everest, bon. 7kK.
J10-11-12 Randonnée vers lac Inle.
Avons vraiment vu la Birmanie de l'intérieur en dormant chez l'habitant et nous lavant à côté des cochons.
La randonnée n'est pas techniquement difficile (peu de dénivelé) mais longue (7h de marche réelle le 2ème jour).
Mais franchement, si vous le pouvez c'est à faire.
Arrivée à Nyaung Shwe. Hotel Mingalar Inn. 60 USD dans le nouveau bâtiment, et 40 USD dans l'ancien.
Nous avions trouvé cet hôtel recommandé dans les forums. C'est assez moyen et bruyant (chiens). Le petit-déj est excellent et le personnel très aimable.
Diner au Green Chili. Cadre très sympa, assez occidental. 12kK + vin local.
J13 A vélo
Avons loué des vélos (1kK/p) et sommes allés faire la visite et dégustation du vignoble. Ensuite marché puis jardins flottants et repas au bord de l'eau, très sympa.
Ensuite traversée du lac (7kK) pour rejoindre les sources chaudes. Entrée 8 USD/p dans le minuscule bain mixte. Ca ne vaut le coup que si vous restez plusieurs heures à vous délasser et à lire.
Retour en vélo à Nyangshwe.
Dîner au Viewpoint. Correct mais cher (36kK avec le vin).
J14 Tour du lac en bateau.
Nous avons réservé via l'hôtel, tous les prix sont identiques. 15kK.
Avons fait le tour classique (saud Indein). Fabriques de tissus, cigares, etc... et monastère du chat sauteur (bof).
Mais journée très sympa quand même.
Dîner au Lin Htett, très correct pour 6kK.
J15 Heho-Rangoon
Taxi pour Heho réservé par l'hôtel (15 kK)
Retour à Rangoon.
Avons voulu manger au Golden Duck près de la pagode. Sur 20 serveurs, aucun ne parlait un mot d'anglais, nous avons renoncé.
Nous sommes retournés à la pagode Shwedagon, c'est tellement beau et reposant.
Le soir, dîner près de l'hôteldans un autre restau Thai Sabai@DMZ 15kK.
J16 Rangoon
Avons fait le tour de ville recommandé par le LP.
Puis direction marché et restau local dans la 29ème rue.
Retour vers la France
En conclusion, un très beau pays, avec des difficultés à communiquer, à visiter sans trop tarder. Le tourisme commence à influer sur les prix. Les hôtels ne sont pas bon marché, mais le reste, si.
Nous avons dépensé moins de 1000 Euros par personne pour 16 jours sur place (sans compter l'avion depuis la France).
Je me permets de réagir a votre message pour éclaircir peut être les voyageurs qui s'apprêtent a visiter ce fabuleux Myanmar.
Vous avez très bien détaillé vos 15 jours, ce qui m'amène a rectifier certaines infos sur les prix.
Je suis resté 28 jours en Birmanie et j'ai dépensé 450 €.
En effet l'hébergement est un peu cher pour la prestation des services mais je n'ai jamais dépensé plus de 20 $ par nuit et sans vouloir être offensant je n'ai jamais réussi a dépenser plus que 4000-5000 kyats dans un repas ( je dépensais entre 1500 et 3000 en moyenne ), alors je ne connais pas votre appétit mais quand je vois que vos repas peuvent monter a 36000 kyats je frémis légèrement.
Bref je ne vais pas reprendre chaque détails de votre budget mais je tenais juste a redresser un peu le tir, on peut passer 15 jours en Birmanie pour 300 $ en vivant bien :)
ceci me permet de préciser.
En premier lieu, tous les prix mentionnés pour les repas sont, comme indiqué en introduction, pour 2 personnes.
Ensuite le fameux repas au Viewpoint a été agrémenté d'une demi-bouteille de vin (12 kK), donc nous revenons à un prix de repas hors boisson de 12kK / personne. (cher, mais le cadre est magnifique)
Pour les autres repas, nous avons souvent pris une bière pour 2, donc effectivement, le prix que vous indiquez est tout à fait possible.
D'ailleurs, notre "moyenne" est de 5kK/ repas/ personne, boissons et extras compris.
Pour les hôtels, nous avons voulu passer par une agence pour sécuriser nos réservations, ce qui majore grandement le coût, mais au vu de la galère de certains touristes que nous avons rencontrés, c'était une sage décision.
Oui je pense en effet que l'agence a dû majorer en bonne partie le coût de votre voyage, mais comme vous le précisez il est pas toujours évident de se loger sans résa, même si en étant un peu débrouillard on peut s'en sortir sans trop de pépin ( avec un petit facteur chance ;)
Pour revenir sur le budget repas, méa culpa j'avais pas lu que c'était pour 2 personnes, donc on revient a quelques chose de plus raisonnable. Evidemment comme partout, les coûts dans un restaurant commence vers 2000 - 3000 K le repas, tandis que dans un ptit bouiboui en coin de rue on commence pour 700 - 1000 K.
Je pense qu'avec nos messages certains lecteurs pourront s'y retrouver dans l'un ou dans l'autre ;)
Nous allons en Birmanie pour 3 semaines et nous fonctionnons en independants come toi j'imagine (resto locaux, hotels bons marchés..). Grande question : doit-on tjs payer les hotels en dollars ? Peut on retirer des dollars aux ATM ou doit-on en avoir d'avance ?
Merci pour ta reponse rapide
bon road trip
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.
