Bonjour à tous et bonne année !
Etant nouveau adhérant petite présentation je m'appelle adrien
J'ai 27 ans et je vis à Marseille dans le sud .
Voyageur j'ai deja balader au Mexique et Brésil ;)
J'aimerais avoir quelques petits conseils concernant les phillipines j'ai un peu suivis quelques discussions sur le forum , pris pas mal d'info au top !
Je suis accompagné de ma copine destination les philippines !!
On atterri le 30 février à Cebu on a prévu le lendemain matin un vol interne pour Palawan ( du 1 février au 14 décollage à 16h ) retour sur cebu .
Le retour en France ce fera le 16 février
Du coup j'aimerais avoir vos petit conseil nous somme à sac à dos ( backpackeur ) 2 personnes
On reste sur palawan du 1au 14 on aimerais faire
- Honda bay
- port Barton
-sanbang ( dont la fameuse rivière sous terraine)
- El nido
- coron .. mais je pense que les 8h de bateau nous freine un peu j'en entend pas trop de bon commentaire ...
Vous en pensez quoi ? Je prend tous vos avis et nous savons pas dans quel ordre vraiment commencer
Un autre petit paragraphe nous avons réserver une seul nuit à notre arriver un hôtel sur cebu pour recuperer le lendemain matin l'avion au plus tot
Pour les autres nuits pensez vous qu'il est préférable de réserver à l'avance les nuit ou sur place à el nido par exemple et tout le long de notre trajet , îl et possible de trouver des nuitées à prix correct et beaux établissements ?
Merci pour votre aide à l'avance
Adrien et Manon
Très bonne année également.
Je suis également nouveau mais Je vais essayer de répondre sur ce que je sais :)
Je ne peux pas trop vous conseiller sur l'ordre car je n'ai fait qu'El Nido dans votre liste. C'est dur d'y aller mais vous ne regretterez pas.
Pour un logement confortable il faut réserver en avance. SI vous n'êtes pas trop regardant alors vous trouverez toujours quelques chose. Mais comme vous partez en haute saison j'aurai quand même tenter de réserver.
Votre vol Cebu palawan arrive et repart d'ou deja?
Si c'est un aller retour Cebu - Puerto Princesa allez tranquillement jusqu'a EL nido en vous arrêtant aux etapes "classiques" (Sabang, Port Barton....) y a déjà pas mal a faire niveau iles, snorkelling, plages.....pas besoin d'aller a Coron a moins que vous vouliez vraiment faire de la plongée.
Ca vous évitera l'aller retour en bateau qui est tout de même très long.
Pour les hébergements, y a de tout a Palawan du petit budget a l'hotel de luxe, vous trouverez
votre bonheur de ce coté la. Réservez quand même pour les week end.
honda bay vous pouvez zapper, allez à el nido d'abord puis descendez par port barton, où vous aves de quoi vous occuper et relaxer plusieurs jours , sabang mais sans la rivière souterraine qui n 'est qu'un attrape touristes, profitez plutôt des plages et des mangroves, et retour puerto. el nido et port barton, intérêt à réserver !
bonjour,
je laisserais Honda bay, comme deja dit, les îles sont belles mais cela fonctionne bcoup aux tours operateurs, on suit le mouvement gral des touristes ( beaucoup de filipins des metropoles ), les fonds restent très modestes, sans visibilité; pas ce que recherche un routard
privilégie Sabang, pas mal de petits logements bon marché, underground river ou non , certains aiment et cela attire du monde, quelques petits treks à faire
puis Port Barton qui connait du succès
El Nido bien sur, surtout baie de bacuit
pour les routards: le nord de Nido à faire en scoot vers Nacpan beach et Sibaltan
déja ça, ça vous occupera bien.
si il reste du temps, la grande plage de San Vicente.
à faire dans un sens ou dans l'autre.
Merci doud2 et cottetcottet
J'y avais pensée à faire comme vous nous conseillé , commencer direct par el nido pour redescendre tranquillement sur les autres villes et finir à puerto le 14 pour rentrer sur cebu à partir de puerto
Honda bay je suis vos conseils je laisse tomber :)
Une petite question sur el nido pensez vous que l'on peu trouver une nuit facilement dans un chouette resort ? Sans ce faire piller au niveau du prix ?
Que pensez-vous pour el nido 10 nuits cela semble suffisant ou pas assez ?
10 nuits à el nido ? folie ! à part la baie de bacuit et une ballade au nord, el nido est un village uniquement destiné au plumage des touristes : que des magasins avec des merdes chinoises, restos trop chers et resorts. bruyant et sale !
prévoyez plutot 4/5 jours maxi, le reste à port barton et sabang !
Pour Honda Bay (mentionnée par cottet) je suis mitigé car autant l'etape snorkelling qui est proposée dans les tours est vraiment nulle, mais j'avais eu la chance de passer la matinée sur pandan island qui etait vraiment sympa. (les autres iles étaient fermées a cette epoque).
Pour moi le gros "attrape touristes" ca reste (de loin) la riviere souterraine :) Si vous y allez ne prenez pas le bateau et faites le trek a pied depuis Sabang.
10 nuits a El nido oui c'est beaucoup trop car une fois les tours faits (tour A a faire absolument) y a rien a faire a El nido sauf si vous aimer faire la fete.
10 jours c'est trop ? Je ne penser pas du tout ... et si je fait coron sa peu être possible a votre avis je me tâte toujours ...
d'ailleurs j'ai pu voir sur internet qu'il exister 2 types de bateau qui aller sur coron d'on un plus rapide que l'autre .. connaissez vous ? Savez vous ou faut t'il prendre les ticket pour coron ? Faut t'il les prendre à l'avance ou sur place ?
Merci d'avance pour vos conseil je vous ferais partager ce voyage par la suite :)
Si vous allez a coron il faudra faire la traversée aller-retour puisque vous devez retourner à pp pour votre vol sur ce but. Si vs aimez le bateaux pourquoi pas. Mais restez plus longtemps à port Barton, vs ne regretterez pas
Les tickets pour Coron vous pourrez les acheter a El nido beaucoup d'agences les vendent. Mais comme le dit cottet faut aimer le bateau :)
Vous aurez largement de quoi faire en 14 jours sans aller a Coron :) et puis vous atterirez surement dans des endroits dont vous ne voudrez plus partir (Port Barton :o )
je me permets d'ajouter mon grain de sel!!
El nido est très belle (ballade en scoote + les deux grandes plages accessibles en scoot à coté) les tours en bangka pour voir les lagons c'est 1500 pesos par personne, ou plus en tour privé (juste deux sur la bangka)
selon nous et bien des voyageurs, Coron est largement aussi belle voire mieux qu'El Nido.moins de touristes, les tours en bangka sont deux fois moins chers, et les lacs kagayan et barracuda sont juste uniques au monde.Le snorkeling (en bateau et pas depuis la plage) est largement mieux (plus de coreaux, plus de poissons) et surtout il y a quand meme moins de touristes.Les 6 a 8h de bateau (ou vous vomirez surement!!) valent le coup.
Pour nous qui avons fait près de deux mois la bas (ce qui n'est rien en réalité), on aurait préféré éviter palawan et nous concentrer sur les iles inconnues..En gros, c'est sur Palawan qu'on a croisé les seules racailles francaise sur 6 mois de voyage en Asie.(d'ailleurs, j'ai failli me bastonner, c'etait vraiment génial en vacances!!!)
merci aux émissions télé de TF1 entre autres!!
Apo island à faire absolument (en restant sur place quelques jours) pour les tortues.A cebu vous n'etes pas loin..
Sur Cebu , Oslob pour les requins baleines mais attention à la foule.
Il y a également Moalboal ou vous pourrez snorkeler avec des bancs de milliers de poissons.
sinon el nido regorge de guest house et hotels, c'est pas necessaire de reserver, mais peut etre c'est bien la première nuit, histoire de ne pas perdre du temps à chercher.Les plus bas prix à El Nido sont de l'ordre de 450-500 pesos, mais en général c'est plutot 700 -1000.
à El Nido, le petit village de corong conrong offre plus de tranquillité qu'El Nido meme, et c'est à 5 min en tricycle.Le mieux à El Nido c'est vraiment de louer un scooter car les paysages sont magnifiques.A Palawan vous croiserez énormément de francais!!
oui...mais il ne dispose que de 14 jrs
il faudra qu'il revienne, notre ami.
moi, à Corong-Corong je me suis accroché avec des Espagnols qui rentraient à l'aube à l'hébergement, en parlant haut et fort comme dab et téléphonant à Madrid pour raconter leur vie😕
ils ont fini par se taire et la proprio et le garde sont venus me donner raison...mais ce n'était pas mon boulot.
Curieusement, les espagnols étaient nombreux à ce moment-là .
j'ai survolé tes textes, je me suis marré avec les généralités sur le budget et le coût de la vie😏
B
Merci pour tes conseils virtualtrip et doud2 a raison faut qu'on rentre par la suite meme si je ne vais pas avoir envie....
Le depart approche !!! :)
Quelque petite question ou peu on trouver une carte SIM pour téléphoner ( utilisé le plan ainsi que le traducteur dû téléphone , à partir de cebu lieu ou j'arrive à l'aéroport .
Pour les hôtels nous avons réserver 2/3 petite nuit , pour les survivantes dans les hôtels comment payer vous ? carte bleu ou uniquement en billet ( leur money local ) histoire que je sache pour les retrait au changes car sur palawan apparement c'est très dur de retirer si je me trompe pas
Et d'ailleurs petite derniere question pour le change d'argent savez vous ou peu on faire le changement d'argent sans trop ce faire avoir a l'aéroport ou dans les environs
carte sim à l'aéroport, smart ou globe. sinon dans les 7eleven ou la plupart des sarisari. et vous avez de la wifi dans presque tous les établissements
on paie en espèces sinon avec carte il peut y avoir des commissions. bon change à cebu à l'yala center à coté de rustan supermarket, sinon au rajah park sur fuente osmena circle. si vous avez une visa premier retirez à hsbc qui ne vous taxe pas de 200 pesos à chaque retrait, quelque soit le montant ! et à palawan il n'y a aucun problème pour retirer à puerto princesa. il y a des atm à foison ! plus compliqué à el nido
En gros, c'est sur Palawan qu'on a croisé les seules racailles francaise sur 6 mois de voyage en Asie
Ah, les fameuses racailles « françaises »... 😇 Un régal.
El Nido est un endroit magnifique mais déjà victime de son succès. En effet, j'ai préféré Coron (surtout question fonds marins) et, surtout, Port Barton.
Southeast Asia › Indonesia / Philippines · 28 replies
Hi everyone! Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon! For those familiar with SOUTHEAST…
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.
