POUR QUELQUES JOURS A EL NIDO EN JANVIER
A LA RECHERCHE D' UN HOTEL SYMPA ET BIEN PLACE .
PEUT ON RESTER AU VILLAGE OU FAUT IL DORMIR SUR UNE ILE
DE L ARCHIPEL DE BACUIT
FAUT IL RESERVER A L AVANCE?
MERCI DE VOS CONSEILS
🙂 rosannas cottage face a la mer tout neuf et pas chére vu la qualité 14 euros pour 2 personnes des images de el nido sur mon site www.jpaventure.com philippines 4
Salut,
Il y a le choix pour dormir à El Nido.
Moi, j'ai d'abord logé au Tandikan Cottages (sympa, 400pesos) puis je suis allé à Ca-alang beach (à 10min à pied du village) où j'ai logé dans un des deux bungalows de Hadefe's cottages (pour plus de tranquilité).
Au village d'El Nido, il y a aussi le gloria's beach cottages qui a l'air pas mal, Lepiaf peut t'en parler.
Pour loger sur les îles de l'archipel, c'est pas le même budget!!
Si ils ont un site internet tu peux réserver mais internet est rare à El Nido.Et si il faut, réserve aussi à l'avance pour le ferry ou le vol.
Pour la fréquentation et les vacances des philippins il vaut mieux demander à getehem, Alice ou krapka qui vivent aux Philippines.
de retour de Palawan et en particulier d'EL NIDO attention au DOLAROG qui embrouille avec des réservations non respectées, des notes à contrôler, des histoires pas possibles quand on discute les notes (menaces de nous laisser nous dém... dans la jungle) ALFREDO est un arnaqueur, sa femme une teigneuse.
louent des bungalows simples à ceux qui ont payé les plus chers par agence et ne s'en aperçoivent qu'à la fin (au mieux) essaient de refiler des bungalows de luxe à ceux qui ont commandé des simples, etc.... personnel pas aimable (rare pourtant aux philippines) dommage ! car le cadre est magnifique
Y étais en nov-déc : Pr le logement, je ne sais lequel te conseiller mais par contre je sais lequel te....déconseiller!!! : j'ai été chez Laly and Abbet, pas top du tout. Patronne très désagréable (c la seule à m'avoir demandé une caution pr la clé de la chambre ! caution qu'elle garde si tu perds...le reçu de la caution !), les chambres franchement pas très bien entretenues....et tarifs elevés en + alors......
Par contre, pr le resto je te conseille le squido, ds la rue principale, tenu par un français qui a aussi un centre de plongée (resto un peu + loin que son centre de plongée).
Tu as eu du nez sur ce coup-là !!!! En +, difficile de négocier les tarifs avec elle !!!! Mais bon, j'arrivais de l'aéroport, j'étais fatigué et je ne me la sentais pas de faire le tour des hotels...et là, le touriste est "mûr" à point pr se faire avoir....;-)
Marrant (enfin...) que vous disiez avoir eu des problèmes -ou au moins des déconvenus- avec des Occidentaux qui tiennent des resorts aux Phils...
C'est en effet exactement ce que j'ai ressenti : pas de pb avec les locaux (Sunset Lover's point à El Nido, très sympa) mais quasiment tous les occidentaux qui ont une affaire à Palawan et que j'ai croisé m'ont laissé une impression désagréable et c'est bien la première fois que ça m'arrivait !
Pas très sympa (Coconut Island resort à Cacnipa Island), voir franchement désagréable (Sea Dive et Coscos-nuss à Coron, El Nido boutique à El Nido). Seul Bruno de Bistrot Coron à Coron Town nous a donné des infos et conseils sur les Phils.
Des amis Allemands que nous avons rencontré là-bas nous ont dit la même chose, même de la part d'un compatriote Allemand propriétaire d'une GH à Coron (il voulait les charger 18% pour leur CB au lieu des 6% deja chers) et ne leur à donné aucun renseignement, aucun conseil en plus d'être désagréable avec ses hôtes (dont nous).
Bref, étrange... Attention à ne pas généraliser, ce n'est que mon expérience et elle ne converne que les Occidentaux, aucun soucis avec les locaux.
bon blague à part, j envisage aussi les phils, mais j ai l impression que l improvisation est moins aisée que les autres pays d asie du S/E, et qu il faille reserver à l avance les vols interieurs ?
de meme pour les logements ?
sinon par principe quand je voyage, je ne vais jamais dans des Resorts tenus par des occidentaux, je privilegie toujours les locaux, et le sourire est toujours gagnant😉
j attends d acheter la nouvelle version du ROUGH GUIDE fin sept, pour me faire une idee.
Pour les vols intérieurs, on va laisser parler les pros.
Je ne pensais pas ça.
Par contre, pour nous arrivant à Hong Kong et voulant faire Macao, on m'a conseillé de prendre les billets pour les Phils de là-bas plutôt que de France.
J'ai très peu de renseignements sur les Phils (si ce n'est avec V.F. ce qui est déjà beaucoup), nous allons sans doute acheter le petit futé - pas le choix (le seul existant en français). On est very very mauvais en anglais.
Pour quand envisages-tu ton voyage ? Nous, c'est 14 Nov-14 Décembre.
janvier ou fevrier
ou une autre destination suivant la lecture que j aurais du pays avant, mais j aime plus l improvisation...et les phils ne semblent pas tres aisees...alors je doute un peu à partir la bas.
J'y étais au mois d'avril. Manille, palawan, coron et retour. Improvisé du début à la fin, et pas de difficulté sauf durant la semaine sainte ou tout était bondé. A el Nido, je logeais au Magos cottage à Corong-Corong, 150 pesos, à 5mn d'el Nido en moto et 15 mn à pieds. Dans un village de pecheurs, plage sale( celle d'el Nido l'est aussi), un bungalow divisé en chambres simples mais propres. Un lit, un petit meuble pour tes affaires une mousticaire et c'est tout. Douche au mandi. Le tout au milieu d'un petit jardin. M.victor, le patron, est trés sympa et les villageois trés gentils.
J'ai bien aimé.
😊 Salut Toulouse où réside mon fils
Nous avons dormi au Rosanna's Cottage, au rez-de-chaussée, face à la mer, quasiment les pieds dans l'eau, emplacement idéal et chambres correctes, pour 2200 PHP en chambre triple ; dans l'archipel des Bacuit, il n' y a que des hôtels haut de gamme et l'on s'y retrouve isolé ; il vaut mieux être à El Nido, petit bourg où il fait bon déambuler.
Il y a aussi des bungalows sur la plage au nord, plus loin de la ville et moins cher.
Nous sommes arrivés sans réservation (janvier 2010).
Salut,
honnetement il y a tellement d`endroits ou dormir je trouve ca inutile de reserver . On y etait en pleine saison et on a trouve sans trop de soucis. Faut tourner un peu et etre patient mais en general il n`y a pas de soucis. On a dormi au `Marikit`, c sympa , les chambres sont toutes neuves(800pesos avec le cafe du matin lol). C`est a 2min de la plage (mais bon la plage d`EL nido beurk), toute petite , a peine un arbre ou deux pour se mettre a l`ombre.. Celle au sud est pleine de mouches des sables d`apres les locaux .. Le top c au nord , enorme plage deserte et super propre. On a demande un tricycle on a achete un jack fruit , un superbe lapu lapu , des boissons et hop on a passe la journee la bas c`etait genial !! En bas de la rue en allant du marakit vers la plage il y a une agence qui fait le coin pour aller faire le tour des iles (rainbow tours), Le type s`appele john Garcellano et est tres sympa. Ils ont a peu pres tous les meme prix pour les tours des iles (Si je me rappele bien on a fait les tours A et C, apparement les meilleurs). Quand vous aurez brule au soleil en vous emerveillant de la beaute des plages, de l`eau, des poissons lol , allez dans un des nombreux salon de massage et choisissez le traitement Aloe vera ca vaut toutes les cremes du monde! Et pour bien manger pour pas cher, dans un joli cadre avec de la bonne musique allez au Lonesome Carabao loundge(on a teste pas mal de resto dont le resto francais super cher et assez bof malgre un cadre sympa avec musique acidjazz/triphop, et finalement le carabao c devenu notre resto pour le sejour la bas).SInon n`hesitez pas a aller acheter vos fruits et poissons au marche et allez vous faire un barbecue sur une des iles ou la fameuse plage au nord!
A oui si vous etes a puerto Princessa il y a un resto exellent, super beau et pas cher ds la rue de l`aeroport qui s`appele Kain-ato (super baby back rib et karekare au fruits de mer).On a fait la visite de la prison ct assez nul, en fait vous ne pouvez plus visiter les celules , ils vous emmenent directement au magasin de souvenir..vraiment bidon.. On a un peu parle avec les detenus genre `ha salut dis moi pourquoi tu es ici?` `heu ben j`ai tue ma femme qui me trompait et mon ami avec qui elle me trompait` , le tout avec le sourire lol. Pas mal de gens en prison pour des histoires d`adultere qui ont mal tourne.. Bref sinon Palawan ct vraiment le paradis. Notre trajet a ete puerto princessa (on a pris le permis pour visiter la riviere souterraine de sabang ici, l`oubliez pas sinon apres c la m..)-->Sabang en jeepney sur le toit pendant a peu pres 3heures mais super fun, on aurait pu prendre un van pour plusieurs milliers de pesos mais ct bien plus fun comme ca ! Apres sabang et sa superbe plage(d`ou le beurk pour celle d`el nido, si vous faites le meme trajet vous comprendrez :) ), la riviere souterraine bof bof, mais sympa de marcher a travers la jungle pour y aller et voir les varans et les singes, et revenir en bateau apres. Les guides recitent tous le meme truc et donne la lampe de poche pour eclairer la grotte a celui qui est a l`avant du bateau(le type qui avait la lampe quand on y est alle n`arrivait pas a rester plus de 10secondes sur le meme endroit, pas moyen de prendre une photo correcte..). Voila en esperant que ca aide, profitez bien ! :)
bonjour a tous !! en arrivant sur el nido a la gare des bus les tricycles abusent sur le prix du transport !!il vaut mieux marcher un peu!! attention quand ils vous proposent une adresse ou dormir ils vous enmenent pas necessairement ou c est le mieux !! c est plutot la ou ils touchent le plus de commissions!! j ai atterit sur l effet du hasard le matin au snack la choupeta dans la rue du centre ! bon petit dej!! en face il y a un hostel -www.labanane-hostel.com -c est sur la plage pas cher avec un staff sympas et honette -ils ont tous les bons ^plans.....c est genial et bonne ambiance - bises tous profitez bien!!
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.
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