Nous sommes deux étudiants Strasbourgeois qui partons pour 1 mois et demi visiter le Vietnam et le Laos. Ayant eu l'occasion de discuter avec un couple partie l'année dernière au Vietnam, nous ne nous étions pas rendu compte de la difficulté de voyager seul dans le Nord du Vietnam. En effet, nous aimerions consacrer une quinzaine de jours à cette région afin d'aller visiter les endroits les plus authentiques tels que la région du lac Ba be, et surtout l'extrême nord ( de Cao Bang a Ha Giang), la région de Sapa. Nous souhaiterions vivement pouvoir échanger avec les locaux, dormir chez l'habitant, découvrir leurs coutumes. Est ce que quelqu'un est déjà partie seul dans cette région et à réussi à se déplacer et se débrouiller sans guide ?
Nous aimerions trouver un guide local (budget étudiant) qui soit d'accord de nous faire visiter les recoins du Nord du pays ou alors de nous tracer un itinéraire qu'il serait possible d'effectuer seul.
Nous arrivons à Hanoi le 5 juillet et pensons partir vers le Nord deux jours après notre arrivée.
Si d'autres aventuriers souhaitent faire un semblable périple, on pourrait faire un bout de chemin sympa ensemble.
le mieux c est a moto, se faire un itineraire puis de temps en temps quand cela vaut le coup prendre un guide pour faire des randos sur plusieurs jours avec nuit chez l habitant. Cela vaut pour le Vietnam et le Laos.
Louez des scooter style Honda Future 125cc avec des racks pour les sacoches. Facile a trouver a Hanoi.
Bonjour, je suis d'accord avec l'avis ci-dessus. Le mieux est de faire le périple a moto. Cependant, je conseillerais cela a des personnes qui ont déjà l'habitude 1/de faire de la moto et de 2/ de faire de la moto au Vietnam... Ayant fait moi-meme Hanoi-Ha Giang-Sapa-Hanoi a moto je peux personnellement dire que la route peut être "difficile" a appréhender pour quelqu'un qui n'a pas l'habitude (surtout la section Sapa/Hanoi qui est magnifique mais très très empruntée par les camions). Surtout si vous partez juillet-août, il peut aussi y avoir des pluies très fortes dans le nord...
Pour un premier voyage la-bas, je conseillerais plutôt train et bus pour les longues distances puis guide local sur place.
??? c est depend vaiment de la route. Si c est la RN32 oui c est magnifique et il n y a pasde traffic a part les 80 derniers km avant d arriver a Hanoi.
Ohh on voyage ou on semet les doigts dans le c... ? Becane c est le top !!!
??? c est depend vaiment de la route. Si c est la RN32 oui c est magnifique et il n y a pasde traffic a part les 80 derniers km avant d arriver a Hanoi.
Ohh on voyage ou on semet les doigts dans le c... ? Becane c est le top !!!
la becane c est le top, surtout quand on ne se fait pas chopper par un flic gourmand et qu on n a pas d accident: au vietnam, le permis international francais n est pas valable, donc louer une moto qd tu es touriste implique de conduire sans permis
consequences possibles:
1) amende + saisie de la moto par les flics sur simple controle
2) tous les frais a ta charge en plus de l amende si tu as un accident (degats materiels+ soins pour toi bien sur, mais aussi pour toutes les victimes de l accident
ce sont de petits details qu il est utile de connaitre avant de se balader a moto la bas
PS: depuis qq annees, les permis des pays de l asean devraient etre valables au vietnam, (la Birmanie, le Laos, le Cambodge, le Vietnam, Brunei, la Malaisie, l’Indonésie, Singapour et les Philippines, qui avec la Thaïlande, constituent les 10 pays de l’ASEAN)
voir ici pour des details: http://voyageforum.com/discussion/passer-permis-auto-moto-en-thailande-permis-valable-ensuite-dans-toute-asean-d6052736/
pas encore de retour sur la validite d un permis d un autre pays de l asean au vietnam a ma connaissance sur VF
C'est sympa de recommander la moto, mais à mon sens et pour l'avoir pratiqué, c'est à éviter si c'est un premier contact avec l'Asie et notamment les routes du Vietnam. Le réseau des bus est très développé et vous n'aurez aucun mal à bouger au Laos comme au Vietnam.
Si vous voulez vous faire une partie du trip en moto, le Laos sera très bien. le Vietnam est hardcore pour la majorité des routes et peut se réveler être un piège à pognon comme dit plus haut.
Nous nous sommes déplacés sans aucuns guides au Laos et au Vietnam. Nous avons passé un mois dans chaque pays, et c'est trop court !
Si vous avez "que" un mois et demi vous allez devoir faire des choix. Je m'explique...
Au Laos, les transports sont souvent longs (Luang Prabang - Phongsali, de mémoire 18h de bus pour faire 450 km). Pour moi ca a été l'un des plaisirs du voyage : le temps qu'on passe dans les bus et les rencontres que l'on y fait. Par contre cela veut dire qu'il faut savoir faire des choix pour pouvoir se poser parfois et profiter des lieux ou l'on est sans avoir à repartir dès le lendemain !
Sapa est une jolie bourgade, très touristique mais néanmoins sympa. Mon conseil serait de faire l'ascension du Mont Fansipan, le point culminant d'indochine. Avec un peu de bol vous aurez un temps pas trop brumeux et une vue grandiose ! Le trajet Hanoi -Sappa en train (la fin du trajet se fait en bus) est un grand moment aussi !
Profitez en, bougez seuls mais pas en moto sauf si vous êtes très expérimenté niveau deux roues et que vous avez des sous à donner aux flics !!
Bonjour Thimothée,
Nord Laos et Nord Vietnam: transports en commun sans problème particulier.
Comme dit précédemment pour le Viet Nam: train et bus (réservation à l'avance) économique et fiable. Pour de plus longs trajets au Viet Nam, préférez l'avion, budget accessible en vol intérieur et gain de temps énorme. sur place location de scooters sans formalité contraignante.
une adresse parmi les innombrables agences de trek pour le nord Vietnam: Etnic Travel: fiable, compétent, bon rapport qualité prix. ( mais évidemment il y en a bien d'autres!)
Nord Laos: mini bus, et scooter ( pas cher, on laisse le passeport au loueur).
Passage du Nord Viet Nam au Nord Laos ( ou vice versa): si vous faites le choix du bus, attention c'est long et éprouvant!
vol par exemple de Luang Prabang à Hanoi (1 heure) autour de 130 euros ( on peut trouver moins cher).
Concernant l’authenticité des villages du nord de ces 2 pays: le tourisme a bien colonisé ces régions mais les paysages restent magiques...Le nord Laos est bien moins visité que le nord du Viet Nam...
Ces 2 pays ne se comparent pas, 92 millions d'habitants d'un côté et sur l'autre versant des montagnes moins de 7 millions de Laos "colonisés" par l'ogre Chinois...
En un mois et demi de voyage il ne faudra pas vous disperser, mais ça vous laisse quand même une très bonne perspective de visite si vous vous organisez de façon cohérente....
Pour info, articles et photos si vous le souhaitez sur: http://marie-alain.blog4ever.com le Ranquet en vadrouille, une année sur la route.
très bonne préparation de voyage!
Alain
Bonjour ALAIN
apres avoir regardé ton blog (tres sympa , belles photos ) je voudrai te poser une question : ou as -tu trouvé ta sympatique guide de trek , par l' intermédiaire d' une agence ?
Les prix de ces treks par agence me paraissent tres cher en comparaison a l' equivalent dans d' autres pays d' Asie .
Merci d' avance pour ta réponse
Bonjour ALAIN
apres avoir regardé ton blog (tres sympa , belles photos ) je voudrai te poser une question : ou as -tu trouvé ta sympatique guide de trek , par l' intermédiaire d' une agence ?
Les prix de ces treks par agence me paraissent tres cher en comparaison a l' equivalent dans d' autres pays d' Asie .
Merci d' avance pour ta réponse
Bonjour,
May, notre guide a grandement participé à la qualité de notre approche de la région de Sapa.
Quelques temps avant d'arriver en Asie, nous avions rencontré en Afrique du Sud des routards Allemands qui nous avaient conseillé cette agence.Après quelques infos glanées sur le net et différents contacts par mail, nous avons donc fait le choix d'Ethnic travel:
Concernant les prix pratiqués par cette agence et au regard de la prestation fournie, il n'y a rien à dire; prix négociable, qualité de service, petite agence rodée et efficace s’adaptant au planning souhaité...
portrait de May sur http://marie-alain.blog4ever.com rubrique "en route 2 Asie du Sud Est"/Viet Nam 2, May, guide Mhong,30 ans, 3 enfants, veuve....
Juste un petit message pour te mettre en garde contre la moto... C'est effectivement le moyen le plus pratique pour visiter le nord du Vietnam, mais par contre il faut savoir que tu ne seras pas assuré!!!!
Car même si tu disposes d'un permis moto en France, celui-ci n'est pas reconnu au Vietnam. Et si tu regardes dans les petites lignes de absolument TOUTES les compagnies d'assurances alors tu verras que tu es couvert dans tous les pays dans lesquels ton permis est reconnu --> pas au Vietnam! On a parlé plus en détail de ce sujet ici
Mais je te rassure il existe des possibilités (que nous ne connaissions pas lors de notre passage, mais des lecteurs nous ont éclairés dans les commentaires de l'article). Apparemment tu peux passer ton permis au Vietnam, et ensuite rouler en toute légalité et assuré. Après je ne te cache pas que plein de gens le font, et même si ce n'est pas "légal" la police vietnamienne ne viendra jamais t'embêter avec ça... Mais c'est en cas de pépin ou accident que la note pourrait devenir salée! Bref à faire, mais en connaissance des risques!
Sinon pour ce qui est de l'authentique je te recommande vraiment un trek au lac Babe, et si vous avez l'occasion de passer par chez Mister Linh alors vous serez servis niveau accueil, sympathie et authenticité. Notre article sur ce trek hors du commun est ici
Par contre j'ai appris à grand regret que la femme de Mister Linh était décédée dans un accident de la route depuis notre visite donc je ne sais pas où en sont les choses pour lui, et s'il organise toujours les treks, mais je pense que oui.
Pour ce qui est des transports c'est effectivement un peu chaotique dans le nord en transports publics, mais c'est faisable! Pour le lac Babé c'est "relativement" simple, et une fois sur place tu peux toujours demander aux guesthouses de t'aider à trouver le meilleur itinéraire pour ta prochaine destination Nous avions trouvé les vietnamiens vraiment adorables et serviable dans le nord (contrairement à certains autres échos que nous avions eu).
Lorsque nous étions au Vietnam, nos parents nous ont rejoint et nous avons temporairement quitté le trip tout seul sans guide pour prendre 15 jours peinards avec les parents.
Notre choix s'est vite orienté vers Ethnic Travel et nous ne l'avons pas regretté. C'est une très bonne agence, aux tarifs relativement compétitif mais avec surtout une vision du tourisme qui nous allait bien : ne pas emprunter les grandes routes touristiques, privilégier des petites guest houses ou pensions de famille et surtout adapter le programme à nos envies.
Nous avions eu un guide au top qui parlait super bien français et anglais. Il nous a appris beaucoup de choses sur son pays, ca a été un vrai plaisir pour tous.
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
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 trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
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.
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
