j'essairais le "Racing star" a t il autant de charme que le "Good Karma "??? j'etais a Good Karma en septembre dernier et j'ai paye 150 000rp le bungalow p'tit dej inclus ......
Il est vrai que je parle des prix du Good Karma de 2 ans passés, depuis a cause de la crise les prix diminuent, donc autant pour moi pour le good Karma...
J´étais a Amed 2 semaines passés, je confirme, les prix des logements commencent a 70.000 idr, les hotels et restos étaient vide...
Pour le racing star, il n´a pas le charme du Bamboo du Good Karma, il est plus central, il est nouveau, 4 chambres, avec drap propre, sdb propre, piscine d´eau douce, et comme partout souriant et adorables...
Selamat datang di Bali
Comme dit dans un autre poste je suis en ce moment sur gili trawangan etje fais un copie colle.
Par contre les gili, trawangan particulieremetn est vraiment sympa. Les gens y sont 100x plus relax, vous pouvez faire du snorkelling de la plage vous avez directement du recif avec de superbes poissons. Aujourdhui jai nage avec 2 tortues a 100m du bord, vu des poissons perroquet a bosse enormes le tout en sortant de mon hotel.
Une fois que vous avez passe la lignee de resto, shop... Sur 1km vous etes dans la nature.
Ceci dit je ne me risquerai pas a faire cette destination en juillet aout
😛
Pour finir je dirai que les balinais, sassak et autres personnes que j'ai pu croiser pendant mon voyage sont des gens avec une sale mentalité. Ils n'en ont rien a carrer de vous, tant que vous pouvez leur rapporter de l'argent ils vont être hypocrite au point ou ça transpire dans leur discours, " my friend, brother, as long as you are happy I am happy..." mais en définitive ils s'en tappent, des qu'ils voient qu'ils ne feront plus d'argent ils ne vous parlent même plus. Des fois on s'attend après les avoir payés à avoir des rapports plus vrais mais non, ils vous réservent encore des surprises pour vous prendre plus de sous.
Les seules personnes sympas et authentiques ont été des personnes qui ne parlaient pas anglais, des petits dans des villages retirés qui m'ont fait des supers sourires parce que je leur tappais dans la main en passant en moto, quelques touristes que j'ai rencontrés et un infirmier sur le bateau pour aller à lombar qui voulait simplement discuter.
Demain on me paye pour y retourner je n'irai pas.
Encore merci au guide du routard pour toutes ses mauvaises indications, à toutes les personnes qui m'ont indiquées la destination en me disant c'est dans 200m, aux médecins qui ont voulu me taxer de 1.600.000rp pour une consultation, à tous ces gens qui vous harcèlent pour massages, resto, cocaine, marijuana, ecsta, mushroom, transports, moto... À qui vous répondez gentiment no thank you et qui vous traite en indo, à ces policiers qui vous raquettent... À tous ces gens je leur dis merci de m'avoir aide à passer un si agréable voyage.
Heureusement que je n'ai que 3 semaines de congés par an ;-)
Encore un "routard BoBo" qui n´a rien compris a propos de Bali...
" Décidément on va penser que je suis le roi des râleurs" Là tu as tout a fait raison ...
Vous voulez jouer les routards aventurier sac a dos a Bali et voir le "Bali profond" et votre circuit est exactement le même que les milliers d´autres touristes...Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Gili, Sengigi, Amed, kuta Lombok etc...après vous venez pleurer qu´il y a trop de touristes, rabateurs, et vendeurs ambulants...
Qu´est ce que vous croyez, que vous êtes le premier homme blanc a bali, que vous allez rencontrer des pygmés avec un os dans le nez , qui n´ont jamais vu de blondy...
Dans le monde entier, les zones très touristiques ont le même problème, vendeurs de souvenirs, arnaqueurs au bureau de change, chauffeurs de taxi voleurs etc... Vous pensez que a Montmartre le touriste Japonais ne se fait pas arnaquer par tes "brother" ?
Si vous voulez voir un pays profond, sortez des zones touristiques....
Désolé pour vous si vous n´avez pas compris Bali.
Sampai jumpa
Ouai bien que même chez eux les râleurs râlent....
Le pire dans cette catégorie de touristes qui va a Bali en sac a dos soit disant en routard pour "visitez" les sauvages, dépensent en quelques heures ce que le local gagne en 1 mois...et bien sûr n´accepte pas que ce local essaye de gagner quelques roupies supplémentaire uniquement dans le but de nourir sa famille. Il est vrai que c´est tentant pour les locaux de voir tout ces dollars..
Le touriste arrive avec du pognon plein les poches, l´exibe devant le nez des locaux ... et malgré cette différence, les locaux gardent toujours le sourire, ...Une belle leçon pour beaucoup d´occidentaux
Le pire dans cette catégorie de touristes qui va a Bali en sac a dos soit disant en routard pour "visitez" les sauvages, dépensent en quelques heures ce que le local gagne en 1 mois..
....mais non, c'est fini tout ça : le "routard" à Bali, mort de rire....
...c'est fait pour les bobo maintenant, la villa, la piscine, le staff et le diner au Cafe Bali (dont le fondant au chocolat à 5 € est bon, faut avouer).....pouf pouf....
J'adore les gens comme vous, simple d'esprit, qui parce qu'ils connaissent bien l'endroit, certainement parce qu'ils y vivent se permettent de juger sans connaitre ;)
A partir du moment où dans un pays tu as des organisations de personnes représentant la loi qui sont pretes à t'envoyer en prison à vie si tu ne débourses pas 12000€ tout de suite j'estime qu'il y a un gros malaise. Je cite les vendeurs de drogues qui te proposent ça ouvertement dans la rue avec les flics qui sont à quelques metres plus loin et j'ai meme vu des dealers te proposer ca avec des flics assez prets pour qu'ils voient l'action et qu'ils entendent, donc vraissemblablment qui cautionnent un peu comme toi qui défend ce pays et qui crie que l'on ne comprend pas bali vu que l'on n'en dit pas que du rose.
Je ne consomme plus de drogues depuis bien longtemps et je me mets à la place du pauvre ado qui vient faire la fete et où tout est fait pour que tu consommes, pas averti, si il a pas papa maman pour lacher ( un gars qui habite la bas m'a raconté, c'est 12000 tout de suite et 200 000 plus tard ) bin il se mange le restant de ses jours en prison.
Ca c'est pour montrer la mentalité du peuple.
Aprés ca se retranscris dans pleins de moments dés le matin quand tu ouvres ta fenetre, el mec qui te demande, à peine réveillé ce que tu comptes faire dans la journée pour te vendre un tour et ca continue avec celui qui t'apporte ton petit déj et...
J'ai un peu voyagé, une petite partie de l'afrique, asie, australie, iles diverses, europe ... et j'ai eu affaire à beaucoup de gens dans ce type de contexte, le pays qui se rapproche le plus est pour moi la thailande mais cela se passait 100 x mieux parceque les gens été aimables, souriants et peut etre aussi parce qu'ils ne nous traité pas " d'enc..lé " parce qu'on leur avait dit non merci.
Relisez moi, je n'ai jamais dit qu'il y avait trop de touristes, trop de rabatteurs...
Je n'ai jamais dit que je cherchais un voyage avec des pygmés ou que j'étais en quete d'authenticité, ce que je cherchais simplement, n'ayant que 3 semaines de vacances par an c'était de profiter de ce peu de temps et là bas j'étais tout le temps en alerte.
Meme la plongée sous marine c'était limite, ils ont quasi tout défonsé en pechant à la dynamite, j'ai vu des pecheurs locaux défonser les coraux du bord pour lever des poulpes et impossible de leur expliquer quoique ce soit.
En bref, j'aurai encore pas mal de chose à dire mais ça me fatigue de parler à des gens comme vous qui critiquent 99% des voyageurs, croyant qu'ils ont tout compris et font la promotion d'un pays comme ça, je dirai meme mieux, si vous pouviez ne pluis répondre dans ce sujet, à chaque fois que je vous parle je regresse😄
avec internet, et le nombre de touriste qui passe a bali, vous aviez largement le temps de vous renseigner sur tous ces problemes que l'on rencontre dans tous les pays du tiers monde.(corruption, arnaque, etcetc....)
sur vos relations avec les Balinais, vous n'avez pas su leur dire non.....et c'est votre mentalite qui vous a mis dans la parano.
c'est vrai qu'ils ont tendance a voir ecrit ATM sur nos fronts, mais quand tu le sais, tu fais avec et tout ce passe pour le mieux.
il est vrai qu'en France et autres pays civilises, les arnaques et la corruption sont reservees a l'elite. Moi je prefere quand elle est accessible a tous.....c'est moins hypocrite!!!!!!et ca coute beaucoup moins cher!!!!!!!
allez, il vous reste 11 mois pour preparer les prochaines vacances, mais attention, il y a des pays ou les gorges tombent, et les balles volent bas.......mais ce n'est pas marque dans le guide du routard!!!!!!!!!!!et pas d'actualite a Bali!!!!!!!!!
etttttt j'oubliais un gros details..........sur tous les billets d'avion, les visas, et a l'entree en Indonesie, pour la drogue c'est la peine de mort.......a bon entendeur, salut, mais il ne faut pas se plaindre et ne lire dans les guides que les bons renseignements.
Comme le ton est tellement plus harmonieux, merci Isabellefred ;)
Je ne dis pas que l'on ne soit pas dans notre tort pour certaines mauvaises idées.
Ce pendant pour motiver notre voyage on s'est renseigné auprés de 2 connaissances qui vivent la bas et de pas mal de potes qui y ont séjournés Et hormis un couple d'oz qui m'ont dit que c'était "pourri", tous les autres ne m'ont dit que du + et c'est certainement aussi pourquoi on a été tant deçus ( exemple du film que l'on va voir dont tout le monde ne vous a dit que du bien ) mais pas seulement.
Pour ma part et les personnes avec qui je suis parti on était tous au courant que quiconque se fait chopper avec de la cam fait un détour par la case prison. Ca n'empeche pas que j'ai vu des oz enchanté d'acheter de la coc au vendeur dans la rue.
Tu me reprends sur ce passage et le risque encouru Mais le gros paradox est qu'ils te vendent des champi hallucinogenes et que ca s'est légal, CA PRETE UN PEU A CONFUSION... Imagine le gars qui se shoot aux champi et qui dans son délir de la 4e dimension achete de la drogue, pas qu'il soit innocent mais il y a de sacrées circonstances atténuantes, , , et bin non c'est perpét si t'as pas de sous. Un gars que j'ai croisé est resté perché pendant 3j en faisant le tour de l'ile en calbut'...
Renseignements pris auprés du gdt, lp, trip advisor, forums de plongées....
Préparation de 11 mois pour un autre pays du tiers monde où est née ma compagne, Papeete lol
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.