I’m about to head to Thailand with my kids and I’ve been put in touch with a French-speaking driver who’ll be with us for 3–4 days (for a little "tour" around the provinces near Bangkok).
I’d love to know what the "going rates" are for this kind of service so I can make sure I’m not overpaying.
So if any of you have used this kind of service recently and could let me know what you paid, I’d really appreciate it!
It depends on the season, the type of vehicle, the route, and the company you choose.
I know a Thai guy near Chiang Rai who’s willing to go as low as 1,000 baht per day because he’s really struggling financially.
I also know another one (this one speaks French) who provides excellent service almost anywhere in the country and charges 1,800 to 2,000 baht/day + gas. The car is a sedan.
There’s also a company I know that offers pretty low rates. For this kind of service, they charge around 2,700 baht in the off-season and 3,000 to 3,200 baht during peak season. That’s also for a sedan—SUVs and 4x4s cost more.
What rate were you quoted, and for what kind of service?
« 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
so let's be reasonable and a bit clever:
taxi, van, and other vehicle drivers here are people from the most remote, poorest provinces who haven’t had any education. Some eventually pick up a bit of English over time with tourism experience. But expecting them to speak a language as obscure as French (which is the 7th most spoken here, and even few guides with master’s degrees speak it)… that’s where you’ve got to realize something’s fishy.
So that means illegal work: no license plates or insurance for tourist transport, making them easy targets for police at tourist sites, which means big trouble ahead and ruined vacations.
Anyway… for a regular driver who speaks a few words of English, you’re looking at 2,000 to 2,500 THB for a taxi and 3,000 to 4,000 THB for a van. Add around 500 THB for an overnight stay.
Think it over.
PS: After checking reviews about him in traveler FB groups (which are positive), it seems he communicates in French using instant translation on his phone but doesn’t actually "speak" French. It was me who misunderstood (he never told me he spoke French but just replied to my messages in French).
I think he’s independent, it’ll be peak season, and he’d accompany us for 4 days through the different provinces around Bangkok (Ayutthaya, etc.).
He told me 3,500 baht per day (gas and tolls included).
PS: After checking reviews about him on traveler FB groups (which are positive), it seems he communicates in French using instant translation on his phone but doesn’t actually "speak" French. It was me who misunderstood (he never said he spoke French but just replied to my messages in French).
CORRECTION: I was recommended this driver and assumed he spoke French because he was writing to me in French, etc. But in a comment I saw on FB (only very positive comments in the groups), it says he communicates in French using his translator...
So apparently he doesn’t actually speak French but uses instant translation with your phone.
(He never said he spoke French—it was me who misunderstood, my bad!)
Hi there,
One thing that makes me smile is travelers asking for opinions on a service they’ve already booked.
It’s like those who ask for reviews on a hotel for a stay or an airline for a flight—after they’ve already paid for both.
I’d simply say to automatically disregard comments from certain Facebook pages or reviews on various forums.
Have a great trip!
If you're not sure they're Thai, be careful: in Thailand, there's NO legal way for a non-Thai to work directly as a driver, escort, guide, etc. Yet despite this, it’s unfortunately not uncommon for some unscrupulous expats to lurk online, hunting for easy targets to offer their services.
No insurance in the world covers illegal activities.
On certain roads near the borders (like Highway 323 in Kanchanaburi Province, for example), police checks are frequent—even if they’re there for other reasons.
Also, keep in mind that, with rare exceptions, non-Thai intermediaries you find online or on-site who connect you with a Thai driver do so for a commission that ultimately comes out of your pocket.
And you probably already know that booking an excursion before you leave via the internet always costs more than arranging it on the spot—it’s pretty much universal.
Finally, in Thailand and many other countries, anything labeled "French-speaking" (tourist services, accommodations) tends to be pricier.
I trust Jojoone1 for any driver/company contacts they might share with you.
I wrote the above before your ERRATUM/PS, but don’t let that stop you from keeping it in the back of your mind.
traveler FB groups (which are positive)
Never blindly trust glowing reviews—it’s a jungle out there ($$$).
If I were traveling alone, as I’ve done a lot in the past, I wouldn’t have even considered booking services in advance online (and I also wouldn’t have hired a driver but taken buses). But with my young kids and a "short" trip—which makes me want to optimize travel time—I don’t see myself improvising on the spot...
I have no reason to think he’s not Thai (though, of course, I don’t have any guarantee of that yet either).
But if @JoJoone1 has contact details for drivers/companies to share, I’m totally interested! !
I don’t know anyone in Thailand, so I’m not sure how to find a driver
(...)
but with my young kids and a "short" trip (which makes me want to optimize travel time), I can’t see myself improvising on the spot...
Do you absolutely need French? English—which, don’t worry, won’t be anything like what’s spoken at Oxford—wouldn’t be enough? Because a car and driver (more or less English-speaking) is the kind of service any accommodation owner could find* for you quickly. You can sort it out on the day you arrive (including haggling), and the next day, you’re on the road.
I speak English well, it was mostly that I thought it would be nice for my kids if he spoke French. But since it seems he doesn’t speak French, a driver who speaks English would work just fine for me!
Hello,
I know Thailand quite well (around fifty trips over 35 years of traveling).
During my stays, I’ve very rarely met Thai people who speak French—only occasionally some tour guides.
These days, with technology like smartphones and translation apps for written or voice messages, it’s really easy to make yourself understood and have conversations.
I use them regularly myself.
So, grab your phones and get translating!
I know another one (this one can communicate in French) who provides excellent service almost anywhere in the country and charges 1,800 to 2,000 baht/day + gas. Car = sedan.
So with gas, that comes to around 3,000 baht per day. Based on my very recent experience, that’s the going rate these days.
Hey there, since I see you’re online at this late hour
Like a huge number of Thais, this driver lost a big part of what he’d spent decades building during Covid.
He couldn’t pay for his license anymore, nor the rental for the vehicle he used as a taxi. He also had to sell his house to move into what’s basically a cottage, and he sold off part of his fields.
Françoise and I were really touched by his story. After that, we can debate for ages about choosing one Thai driver over another.
Back to the rate you mentioned—don’t forget your price experience was in Chiang Rai during peak season, so rates were higher.
Plus, trips around Chiang Mai (see, this time I didn’t abbreviate 😛) often involve mountains, which means extra charges.
You can find companies charging 1,600 THB all-in for a trip like Bangkok to Hua Hin, for example. That’s 200–220 km… And just to be clear, that’s the price for a regular car.
« 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
So let's be reasonable and a bit clever:
taxi, van, and other vehicle drivers here are people from the most remote, poorest provinces who haven’t had any education. Some eventually pick up a bit of English over time with tourism experience. But expecting them to speak the unknown language of France (7th here, with even very few guides holding a master’s degree)… that’s where you’ve got to realize there’s something fishy.
So this means illegal work: no license plate or insurance for transporting tourists, making them easy targets for police at tourist sites, which means big trouble ahead and ruined vacations.
There you go… for a normal driver who speaks three words of English, they’ll charge 2000 to 2500 baht for a taxi and 3000 to 4000 baht for a van. Add about 500 baht for an overnight stay.
Think carefully.
I don’t want to be too contrary, but in the outskirts of Phitsanulok, a young woman working at a slightly risqué karaoke bar had no problem telling us the bill total (something like five hundred seventy-five) without any issue. Well, yeah, there are universities there too...
As for the idea of being easy to spot at tourist sites, I’m skeptical. In my experience, as soon as police see foreigners in a car, they wave them through. Clearly, they’re interested in other things. The only times there were interactions and questions was when the driver was Thai.
Besides, right now, you have to really look to even see Thai police. I don’t know where they’re hiding.
Generally, they’re active when there’s a big operation ordered by the hierarchy due to repeated abuses, and it’s usually limited to places like Samui or Phuket.
But yeah, you’ve got to see the scene there...
« 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
If I were traveling alone, as I’ve done a lot in the past, I wouldn’t have even considered booking services in advance online (and I also wouldn’t have hired a driver but taken buses instead). But with my young kids and a "short" trip (which makes me want to optimize travel time), I just can’t see myself winging it on the spot...
I have no reason to think he’s not Thai (but at the same time, I obviously don’t have any guarantee he is yet...).
But if @JoJoone1 has contact details for drivers/companies to share, I’m totally interested!
The one I know, to make it worth it, only accepts bookings for 10 days to 3 weeks, as far as I know. Well, people do live somewhere, have families, and aren’t going to cross the country for just a few days.
If it’s not peak season, if it’s not a super luxurious vehicle, if it’s in the plains, and if the workdays aren’t excessively long, I’d say a reasonable range is 2,500 to 2,800 baht. Especially if you hire someone for several days.
« 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
Like an astronomical number of Thais, this driver lost a large part of what he had spent decades building during Covid.
He could no longer pay for his license or the rental of the vehicle he used as a taxi. He also sold his house to move into what can only be described as a cottage and had to sell part of his fields.
Françoise and I were really moved by his story. After that, we can debate for a long time about the choice of hiring one Thai over another.
But I completely agree. I just mean (it’s worth saying to someone who’s asking, right?) that without his license, the passenger is taking risks in case of an accident or a police check. You know I took that risk and decided to do it again during my 3 weeks in Chiang Rai.
Going back to the rate you mentioned, let’s not forget that your price experience was in Chiang Rai and during peak season, so rates were higher.
You meant Chiang Mai, I assume? Slip of the tongue. Since in Chiang Rai, I used the driver I mentioned above.[;]
You meant Chiang Mai, I assume? Slip of the tongue. Since in Chiang Rai I used the driver mentioned above.😉
Exactly! What a relief, isn’t it, to see we’re not the only ones getting older? 🙂
« 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
The young woman you met probably hung out with a French guy for a few months, maybe even a year or two... and the first thing they learn is how to count—especially in a karaoke bar 😉
As for university, I have serious doubts in this specific case.
When it comes to the police, they’re always nowhere to be found, especially with tourism down this year. But at the slightest order, the tourist police go overboard near the sites, as you mentioned. Three years ago, during a meal with the consul, he told us about 800 cases of French travelers caught breaking the rules—20% of them didn’t even have enough money left to finish their trip. Everything was paid upfront to fake Thai or farang guides without a license, proper tourist transport plates, or adequate insurance. So I always warn people to be *very* careful with those "kind French guys" or locals who speak French and "offer help" for a fee... .
There’s no correction needed about what I experienced. My wife heard it just like I did.
Yeah, well, this young woman learned French at university—it’s not like I said she flew in from the Magellanic Cloud in a flying saucer! 🙂
As for the rest, paying for an entire service upfront abroad means you’ve got to accept the risks. And honestly, it’s still less serious than having an accident without insurance.
I should add that neither the consul nor the authorities would have the means or the information to mention the thousands of cases where everything went smoothly.
That said, I rarely use services offered by foreigners, if only because they’re usually significantly more expensive than those offered by Thais—assuming the same quality, of course.
« 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
That said, I’ve rarely used services offered by foreigners, if only because they’re usually much more expensive than those offered by Thais. For the same quality, of course.
Totally agree! I boycott all of them—whether it’s hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, or car rentals. This applies in Thailand, India, and probably elsewhere in Asia... and the rest of the world too.
When I went to Bali, I heard that these "tourist businesses" were heavily regulated or even banned to prevent them from financially harming local entrepreneurs.
Ah, right—if you actually heard she learned it at university, that’s different. Rare case, but it happens. ...especially in a karaoke. We’ve got 3-4 friends of my wife who did learn French (it’s the 7th language here, after all!) and work as guides or translators. One of her former professors even writes in French... he used to be Thaksin’s translator. But you’ve got to look for them...
As for farangs who dare to offer their services, don’t be fooled—off the books, they undercut prices. Some lurk on forums to lowball tourists with their "friendly French-speaking" act... I think there are quite a few around Chiang Mai.
There are some really great ones, and some that don’t have the best reputation—definitely true.
I won’t dive too deep into the topic because there’s a legality question involved. Let’s just say I’ve had excellent surprises with less official drivers and less pleasant experiences with some official ones.
« 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
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Bonjour, je serai en vacances en malaisie en novembre, je vais rester 5 jours à penang. Je voudrais ensuite visiter quelques temples et lieux à butterworth ou autour et découvrir aussi la ville. En sachant que je me déplace souvent à pied, quel quartier serait le mieux pour moi, c'est à dire à moins de 30'minutes à pied des lieux d'attraction, de stands de street foodi, de lignes de bus etc... Merci d'avance pour votre aide
Francoise
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.
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!
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!
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
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.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
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.
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...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
