No, because I don’t remember which site I found it on. I just did a Google Images search but had no luck—only maps of the province that aren’t detailed enough and in really low resolution.
When I showed my plan to my landlady based on your advice, she took charge. She organized everything. At first, I was skeptical and even annoyed because I thought: here’s another person who’s going to decide for me. But what she put together seems really smart and well-balanced. Plus, she told me I should spend at least two nights outside of Nan to really enjoy the mountains. And since the driver she’d arranged (her neighbor) wasn’t keen on a trip with two nights away from home, she contacted no fewer than three drivers. First, a lovely young woman (she even came to meet me) from Nan to Bo Kluea. Then another driver from Bo Kluea to Pua. Overnight in Pua. I booked a room in a homestay outside the village, in the middle of the rice fields—it looks super comfortable and affordable. And a third driver from Pua to Chiang Klang/Thung Chang, where I’ll spend the second night. The manager of this homestay will pick me up in Pua and then take me back to Nan on the third day. With all the photo stops, bathroom breaks, meals, and visits at my own pace...
If it goes as she described, it should be amazing all around. But I couldn’t figure out how much it was going to cost.
- You’ll see with each of them, but it won’t be expensive...
😐😊
As someone who’s usually a total skeptic, this time I’m putting my trust in this little lady.
Here’s her plan:
Program that reeks of a touristy package tour, the accommodation owner being all sweet with you from the start and now suddenly acting as the organizer of said program, not being able to know the price before leaving... I fear the pigeon hunt is on.
Program that reeks of a touristy package trip, the accommodation owner being all sweet with you from the start and now improvising as the organizer of said program, unable to know the price before leaving... I fear the pigeon hunt is on.
I hesitated for a long time before sending my itinerary...
I’m sorry to contradict you—you might be right—but I’m an old-school traveler, and I’ve got nearly 20 years of experience traveling in India. The mentality about "touristy" stuff is the same, as is this kind of pigeon hunt. I can sniff them out from 10 km away... But since I’ve got a bad cold and my nose is really stuffed up right now, maybe I didn’t smell anything...
Anyway, it’s too late to back out now...
So I’m wishing myself a great trip through the mountains in the north of Nan Province.
Program that reeks of a touristy package tour, the accommodation owner who was all sweetness and light with you at first and now suddenly fancies herself as the organizer of said program, no way to know the price before you leave... I fear the pigeon-hunting season is open.
If you want to put together a circuit in places like this, you’ve basically got three options:
- you miraculously stumble upon a rare gem who knows everything and really gets the desires of a non-conventional Westerner
- you let yourself be guided by the local organizer
- you prep it like a pro with dozens, even hundreds of hours of online research in the months beforehand
Sometimes we’re quick to throw the first stone, which is easy when you’ve got a fair bit of experience...
Good evening,
I’ll get back to both of you soon. I just got home this afternoon and can’t wait to look at my photos on my computer instead of my camera screen. Last year in February, I didn’t see a single slash-and-burn fire in the mountains I traveled through, but this year, they’ve already started everywhere since January… So, we’re really getting a lot of haze this time around.
It's awful from January to March. Recently, they were lucky in Chiang Mai because the wind was blowing exceptionally in the right direction. Generally, during those few months, it's the most polluted city on the planet.
There's quite a bit of smoke coming from Cambodia that drifts southwest, which means even Hua Hin and Prachuap aren't spared.
There’s a lot of talk about this at the highest levels, but not much action. There’s a phone number where people can report illegal fires. I guess in many cases, it’s just an opportunity for police to pocket a few bills...
Hello,
This discussion isn’t a travel journal, so I’ll keep it short.
No, my nose wasn’t blocked when it came to this plan or these people. My instincts rarely lead me astray—a professional bias and a solid grasp of Indian-Asian attitudes toward tourists.
To cut a long story short, my first driver, a charming young woman, didn’t charge me anything at all from Nan to Bo Kluea. The kind, completely illiterate farmer—but who knew how to count—who took me from Bo Kluea to Pua via Route 1256 first asked for 1800 baht, then added 500 baht for fuel at the last minute (right before leaving, though), bringing the total to 2300 baht. That seemed entirely reasonable to me since he’d made himself available just for me at my helpful driver’s request and had to make the return trip home. The third driver—the owner of the resort where I was staying the second night—charged me 2500 baht to drive me around Doi Phu Kha all day. He didn’t charge me anything at all to take me back from Thung Chang to Nan the next day.
And since I asked for a cheaper room—there were some—than the 1000 baht one he’d reserved for me, he lowered the price to 800 baht. Keeping the same room, of course. That was a real steal because even the 1000 baht price was a bargain given the beauty and quality of the accommodation, not to mention the natural surroundings that many hoteliers use as an excuse to inflate their rates. And the next morning, I woke up to the lovely surprise of a delicious and hearty breakfast included in the nightly rate. A bit too Western for my taste—the breakfast, that is—since he clearly wanted to please me, as 99% of his clientele is Thai or from neighboring Asian countries...
Since this isn’t a travel journal, I won’t go on and on about how amazing this resort and its magical surroundings are.
One thing’s for sure: I promised him I’d come back to stay for three weeks next year. There’s plenty to keep me busy with trekking, car trips, swimming—in the river flowing below the gorgeous teak bungalows—and lazing around, all while stuffing myself with excellent food cooked by his wife.
Unfortunately, after a flare-up of my coughing, sneezing, and breathing problems, I’m wondering if the agricultural burning isn’t to blame...
In conclusion: Instead of "pigeon hunting," they kindly "scattered grain for the pigeon."
You mentioned an unforgettable memory? That’s definitely the case...
A program that screams "cookie-cutter tour" from miles away, the accommodation owner being all sweet with you from the start and now suddenly playing tour organizer, not being able to know the price before leaving... I fear the pigeon hunt is on.
When planning a trip to places like this, either:
- you miraculously stumble upon a rare gem who knows everything and really gets the wishes of a non-conventional Westerner
- you let the local organizer take the lead
- you prepare like a pro with dozens or even hundreds of hours of online research in the months before
Sometimes we throw the first stone, which is easy when you’ve got quite a bit of experience...
I’m going with the first option...
And when a non-conventional Western traveler meets a non-conventional Thai resort owner, it’s a total win.
And in the non-conventional category, you’ve got to include the place itself: neither a hotel, nor a homestay, nor a resort...[;]
To keep it short, my first driver—a charming young woman—didn’t charge me anything at all from Nan to Bo Kluea. The kind, completely illiterate farmer (but who knew how to count!) who took me from Bo Kluea to Pua via Route 1256 first asked for 1,800 baht, then added 500 baht for fuel at the last minute (right before leaving, though), bringing the total to 2,300 baht, which seemed entirely reasonable since he went out of his way for me at my helpful driver’s request and had to make the return trip home. The third driver—the owner of the resort where I was staying the second night—charged me 2,500 baht to drive me around Doi Phu Kha all day. He didn’t charge me anything to take me back from Thung Chang to Nan the next day.
And since I asked for a cheaper room—there were some—than the 1,000 baht one he’d reserved for me, he lowered the price to 800 baht. Same room, of course. That was a real steal because even the 1,000 baht price was a great deal given the beauty and quality of the accommodation, not to mention the natural surroundings that many hoteliers use as an excuse to inflate their rates. And the next morning, I was pleasantly surprised to find a delicious and hearty breakfast included in the nightly rate. It was a bit too Western-style for my taste—clearly, he wanted to please me, as 99% of his guests are Thai or from neighboring Asian countries...
Since this isn’t a travel journal, I won’t gush about this resort and its magical surroundings here.
One thing’s for sure: I promised him I’d come back to stay for three weeks next year. There’s plenty to keep busy with—trekking, car trips, swimming in the river that flows below the beautiful teak bungalows—and just relaxing while stuffing yourself with the excellent food his wife cooks.
So, to summarize (and correct me if I’m wrong):
Day 1: Nan to Bo Kluea (+ exploring the area) with the young driver, then the 50 km on Route 1256 to Pua with the farmer who knows how to count, overnight in Pua.
Day 2: No exploring around Pua. The resort owner from Thung Chang picks you up at your Pua accommodation, takes you for a day trip to Doi Phu Kha National Park, then heads to Thung Chang for a night at his resort.
Day 3: The same owner drives you back to Nan—it’s at his place that you promised to return for three weeks next year.
Does my summary check out?
No little detour around Thung Chang before heading back to Nan?
Is the Thung Chang resort in town? (It’d be easier if you shared its name.)
Could you sum up your impressions of Doi Phu Kha National Park in one or two lines, please?
No short walk around the Thung Chang area before heading back to Nan? Is the Thung Chang resort in town? (It’d be easier if you mentioned its name.)
Could you summarize your impressions of Doi Phu Kha National Park in one or two lines, please?
This was replying to "the first stone" Joël was talking about...
Just to say the pigeon wasn’t shot because there were NO pigeon hunters at all.
This discussion isn’t a travel journal...
You should’ve realized by now that I’m—supposedly—a pain in the neck who’s hard to please. If I say it was unforgettable, it’s because it was unforgettable. I intentionally don’t give any details; I was just saying it wasn’t a "program that reeks of a cookie-cutter tour" and that I didn’t get ripped off...
I’ve got nothing else to add on this topic.
I want to thank you again for pointing me toward Nan last year. And even if I neglected it last year, I hadn’t forgotten, and I followed your advice this year...
No short walk around the Thung Chang area before heading back to Nan? Is the Thung Chang resort in town? (It’d be easier if you mentioned its name.)
Could you sum up your impressions of Doi Phu Kha National Park in one or two lines, please?
This message was replying to Joël’s “first stone”...
Just to say the pigeon wasn’t shot because there were NO pigeon hunters around.
This discussion isn’t a travel journal...
You should’ve realized by now that I’m—supposedly—a pain in the neck to please. If I say it was unforgettable, it’s because it was unforgettable. I deliberately didn’t give any details; I was just saying it wasn’t a “program that reeks of a cookie-cutter tour” and that I didn’t get ripped off...
I’ve got nothing else to add on this topic.
I want to thank you again for pointing me toward Nan last year. And even though I neglected it last year, I hadn’t forgotten, and I followed your advice this year...
No short walk around the Thung Chang area before heading back to Nan? Is the Thung Chang resort in town? (It’d be easier if you mentioned its name.)
Could you sum up your impressions of Doi Phu Kha National Park in one or two lines, please?
This was replying to "the first stone" Joël was talking about...
Just to say the pigeon wasn’t shot because there were NO pigeon hunters.
This discussion isn’t a travel journal...
You should’ve realized by now that I’m—supposedly—a pain in the neck who’s hard to please. If I say it was unforgettable, it’s because it was unforgettable. I deliberately don’t give any details; I was just saying it wasn’t a "program that reeks of a cookie-cutter tour" and that I didn’t get ripped off...
I’ve got nothing else to add on this topic.
I want to thank you again for pointing me toward Nan last year. And even if I neglected it last year, I hadn’t forgotten, and I followed your advice this year...
For once, it was me asking someone for info...
It’s unlikely I’ll write a travel journal about this second trip to Thailand, but I’ll answer any practical questions via PM about the places I visited and accommodations. I do have three great spots to recommend.
Someone recently wrote—I can’t remember which thread—that as soon as an off-the-beaten-path place is posted online, it instantly loses its off-the-beaten-path status.
The real danger is travel agencies and other tourism service providers who now use "off the beaten path" as their main selling point. In less than a year, a magical place, a hidden gem, can turn into something completely ruined by sudden crowds. A magical place, a gem, should be shared with those who deserve it—not thrown out there for anyone and everyone. And definitely not served up on a public forum.
So if you want, I’ll tell you all about it in a PM (as long as you unblock me 😅😊).
I myself used to run guest rooms and an upscale guest table back in the 80s. Some enthusiastic and friendly guests wanted to be nice and promote me. They put up tons of posters with glowing reviews about me all over the (5-star) campsite. A year later, I saw rude, uncouth, ill-mannered people showing up at my place in swimsuits, behaving like pigs at the table... Just because you’ve got money doesn’t mean you’ve got class or refinement... And I ended up a victim of too much haphazard publicity aimed at just anyone...
For now, here are some photos from my trip.
Highway 1256 offered stunning landscapes, but the haze from the burn-offs kept me from getting decent photos, even after post-processing.
I had better luck wandering around the countryside near Pua in the late afternoon.
And the next morning before heading to Doi Phu Kha (Doi Sakat).
That said, Thierry, I’m sending you this message because you mentioned a daily bus to Chiang Rai, so I didn’t look into that detail. Which is no longer a detail but a real thorn in my side—no buses to Chiang Rai, only taxis... at least 2,500 baht for the cheapest one. I’ll go check directly at the bus station tomorrow because online, it’s only taxis, no buses.
Me:
Update: as of 01/22/2026, the Nan-Chiang Rai bus still runs daily except on Thursdays*. Departs at 9 AM, 250 baht, arrives at Chiang Rai’s downtown terminal. ~5h30 trip. Buy your ticket the day before.
For the first half of the trip, the bus heads straight north to Tha Wang Pha, then turns west onto a road that more or less follows the Laotian border, passing through some gorgeous mountain scenery. The second half descends into the plains heading northwest, passing through Chiang Kham and Thoeng.
*Except on Wednesdays in the opposite direction.
So how did you end up making the trip? The 2,500-baht taxi or the 250-baht bus as described above?
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of markets. No matter where I go, in every country or city I visit, I won’t leave without having seen one. I’m mostly talking about food markets. I love the smells, the colors, and watching people from all walks of life stroll around. It’s like a mirror of a country’s culture, and I love soaking it all in.
Thai markets are particularly appealing to me. In my province, there are so many. Maybe more than elsewhere—I’m not sure—but every day, you can find a "Talat Nat." These are traveling markets that set up in specific places on specific days. They only stay open for a few hours. Some attract more shoppers than others because they have more stalls and a wider variety of products. Sometimes, they’re set up in pretty unusual spots: temples, roadside, even on train tracks...
On top of these, there are also markets in the city that stay open all day.
I’d love for you to share your photos of markets, local product stalls, and why not, let’s talk about gastronomy and cuisine too!
I’ll start with my favorite market—it’s 8 kilometers from my place and happens every Tuesday from 2 PM to 5 PM. I never miss a Tuesday unless there’s a downpour... 😉 It’s located in the countryside, in a village famous for its coffee (ThamSing), and inside the grounds of a slightly unusual temple. It’s easy to get to—over the past 10 years, the roads have been paved, which wasn’t the case before and made the trip a bit risky when it rained...
In the first two photos, you’ll see the temple courtyard on a normal day, without the market.
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 planning to go to Koh Lipe.
Do you know a good site to book a boat ticket from Phuket?
And if you’ve visited any nice islands around Koh Lipe, I’d love to hear about them.
I’d like to go diving.
Thanks
We’re planning to spend two full days in Phnom Penh next January.
We really love markets, and I’d love to know which one you think is the most interesting in the capital? The Central Market (Psar Thmei) and the Russian Market are often mentioned.
Thanks in advance for your tips.
Have a great day,
I’m planning our summer vacation for August 2027.
We’re a family of 4, and here’s what I had in mind:
- Arrival in Surabaya (one or two stops, including Jakarta). 6 nights on Java Island (private driver, nights split between Bromo and Yogyakarta)
Budget airline.
- 7 nights in Bali: 4 in Ubud, 3 in Amed (with a rental car)
- And a 3-night stopover in Singapore.
During my trip to Thailand, I’ll be spending 2 nights at Tonsai Beach, near Ao Nang Beach, close to Krabi. Tonsai Beach is only accessible by boat, so I was wondering where I could safely leave my car at Ao Nang Beach for 48 hours?
Alternatively, at Ao Nam Mao Beach (on the other side), if there are shuttles to Tonsai Beach.
We’re planning a two-week trip to the Philippines in August (unfortunately, we don’t have a choice on the dates...) and we’ve seen, especially through many posts here, that a large part of the Philippines is advised against visiting. However, some areas might still be okay for this month.
Based on that, we’re considering the following itinerary:
• D1–D2: Flight from France to Manila, overnight transit in Manila.
• D3–D5: Camiguin — beaches, Mantigue, White Island, and a volcanic tour (staying at Balai sa Baibai)
• D6–D9: Anda — beach, snorkeling, rice terraces, Can-Umantad Falls, Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, waterfalls, and adventure activities (staying at Anda White Beach Resort)
• D10–D14: Siquijor — snorkeling, whale shark excursion in Oslob if possible, Apo Island, and sunset fishing (staying at Coco Grove Beach Resort)
• D15–D16: Return via Cebu and Manila, then international flight back to France.
We’ll be two families of four with kids over 20...
I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this itinerary is feasible, and I’m open to suggestions for other islands or activities from those who know the destination well.
Thanks for your help! :slight_smile:
Hi there,
We’re thinking of spending a month in the Philippines at the end of February and the beginning of March. What’s the tourist crowd like during that time—is it super busy? We’re not really used to booking accommodations, transport, etc., in advance.
Thanks in advance!
Hi,
We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅
Thanks for your experiences/tips!
Hi everyone.
I’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
Hi there,
We’re planning a backpacking trip to Northern Malaysia and northern Sumatra in February/March 2027. It’ll be our first time in these areas (we’re pretty familiar with the rest of Asia). Thanks in advance for your favorite spots and diving recommendations! It’s still very open-ended—we haven’t set anything in stone yet.
Thanks,
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 fellow travelers, and thanks to everyone for keeping this blog alive!
It’s my turn to ask a question.
For our trip to Laos next year, I’m torn between using a local agency or organizing everything myself with the Lonely Planet guide and tips from VoyageForum.
If I plan it myself, will I still be able to find French-speaking guides on the spot or book excursions in advance?
Thanks for sharing your experiences, and if you have any recommendations for local agencies—just for excursions or even transportation—that’d be great!
Sylvie
Cinefil67
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes.
I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights?
Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi?
I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have.
Thanks so much! !
Hi,
Is it useful to rent a car from Puerto Princesa to get to El Nido? Are there any nice stops along the way?
I read that once you arrive in El Nido, most of the beaches and sights are accessed by boat, so I'm wondering if this rental is really worth it...
Thanks for your help
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places.
We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok).
We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th.
We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok...
Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya.
From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th.
On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed?
Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip?
Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
Hello.
We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).
18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC
20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land
20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding
23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing)
27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City
1/1: Return flight to France.
What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots.
I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary.
For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists.
So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice:
1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City.
2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay
3- The Heritage Town of Taal
4- Banaue and Batad
5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town)
6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan
7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon)
8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island
I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees.
Thanks in advance
Hi,
We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam.
What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots?
Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night?
Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites?
Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.
Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!
Hi there,
We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach.
The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?
From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.
Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar?
Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total.
Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel?
Thanks, Françoise
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,
After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter).
Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333?
I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!
I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dayi
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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
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!
