Bali ou thailande...c est comparer une ile à un pays 🤪 donc forcement incomparable.
Mais pour connaitre les 2, plus ou moins bien, je les aime autant.😛
J’ai rien compris ! flipflop, pas de message subliminaux STP, je ne suis pas un mec dès plus malin…🤪🤪🤪
Ce que tu veux me faire comprendre, c’est comparer La France avec la Sardaigne, OK mais je comprends toujours pas ???
Peut-être la capacité de découverte, du pays comparé à une Ile. ? Si c’est cela effectivement Bali est-elle assez grande pour satisfaire une visite de quinze jours ??
À toi de m’en dire plus…😛
MERCI
TU SOUHAITES EXPERIENCE MEKONG voila je te donne 2 experiences parmis tant d'autres qui sont dans mon site. COPIER/COLLER de mon site, BALI ou THAILANDE les 2 mon colonel. J'adore les 2. BONNE ROUTE HOUEISAI LAOS
De CHIANG KHONG THAILANDE, il faut passer par l'immigration pour sortir de la THAILANDE, ensuite prendre un petit bateau pour traverser le MEKONG et on arrive a HOUEISAI LAOS. Immigration pour rentrer au LAOS. Les rues jonchees de KAPOK comme si l'on venait de plumer un troupeau d'oies. Il faut prendre un TUK TUK pour aller a l'embarcadere, prendre le slowboat qui descend le MEKONG en direction de PAKBENG. C'est merveilleux tour a tour etroit, puissant, desert, cisaille de paravents de rocs noirs, de feuilletages, de recifs, au passage les tribus HMONGS, des plantations de cacahuetes. MAGNIFIQUE, tu oublies ton mal au dos.
PAKBENG
Apres 6 heures de slowboat l'arrivee à PAKBENG. DUR DUR il faut escalader 3 bateaux pour arriver au bord, escalader des rochers, un escalier gigantesque OUF mais la galere n'est pas terminee, il faut trouver une guesthouse, elles sont toutes FULL. Heureusement un porteur qui avait mon sac a dos m'a emmene dans une guesthouse, au moins 1 kilometre sous le soleil dans la poussiere. Il restait une chambre, pour 2 euros c'est une paillasse. Il faut en vouloir pour arriver a PAKBENG, ce village possede un gout indeniable de BOUT DU MONDE. C'est une bourgade de HMONGS jete sur un flanc de montagne.
Leve 7 heures, mon porteur vient me chercher pour retourner au slowboat. Heureusement qu'il etait LA. Il m'a beaucoup aide a descendre les rochers. Nous redescendons le MEKONG pendant 7 heures pour cette 2e journee. DES PAYSAGES FABULEUX.
Je suis tres emue de faire cette traversee, tu imagines toute l'histoire avec tous les pepes qui y sont restes.
Cette traversee sera un SOUVENIRS MERVEILLEUX.
JINGHONG CHINE
Cette ville est plus sympa, enfin une personne super sympa qui parle anglais au MEI’S MEI’S CAFE c’est ORCHID, elle me donne les infos pour prendre un cargo de fret afin de rejoindre la THAILANDE.
J’ai trouve un pousse-pousse sympa avec le sourire, nous avons du mal a nous comprendre mais on rigole bien. Mon pousse-pousse m’emmene au port afin de trouver un cargo de fret. Et la je tombe sur une autre femme tres sympa de l’emmigration, elle va beaucoup m’aider pour trouver le cargo.
Et maintenant l’esperience cargo, enfin en guise de cargo moi j’appellerai cela une tres grosse peniche. Normalement le voyage doit durer maxi 2 jours… C’est un cargo de fret il doit transporter des crevettes, plus votre tintina.
Port de JINGHONG CHINE le MEKONG, dimanche 25 avril 2004, 8 heures du matin, mon driver pousse-pousse me depose a cote du bateau avec qui les negociations avaient eu lieu 2 jours auparavant, 400 yuans ou 50 dollars, le voyage, la bouffe, et la couchette inclus.
J’embarque, c’est facile, on m’installe dans une cabine ou l’on peut mettre 4 personnes, mais je serai toute seule. Un demi-heure apres on part, ALORS LA DES PAYSAGES DE REVES, meme pas tu peux imaginer. Ce MEKONG me fait vibrer, c’est encore plus beau que la partie HOUESSAI ==> LUANG PRABANG qui m’avait deja tres emu. C’est ponctue de nombreux rapides, entre des rives encaissees d’une vegetation luxuriante.
Vers 12h on arrive a QUAN LEI frontiere chinoise, le commandant me fait comprendre qu’il faut reparer des pieces du bateau et que l’on repartira le lendemain. Je mange avec l’equipage, le cuisto est tres sympa, d’ailleurs si ma memoire est bonne dans un Tintin, il y a un cuisto chinois qui lui ressemble avec ses dents en avant. Ils boivent du sake en mangeant et ma copine Claude m’a dit de ne jamais vexe un chinois, donc pour ne pas les vexer je bois un verre a moutarde de sake… du tord boyaux…
ENFIN DES CHINOIS SYMPAS, je ne partirais pas de la CHINE avec une mauvaise impression des chinois. Maintenant je maitrise le langage des sourds et muets. Le matin soupe avec des pates le midi riz avec du poulet ou du poisson et tous les jours idem.
Les TOILETTES dans le cargo sont les memes que dans les toilettes publics sauf qu’elles sont propres et en plus elles font douches OUI mais avec de l’eau chaude et une porte, tu as ton intimite.
Lundi 26 avril toujours en rade
Mardi 27 avril impossible de partir il n’y a pas assez d’eau dans le MEKONG, heureusement il pleut donc on pourra partir le lendemain.
Mercredi 28 avril, apres les formalites d’emigration on reprend le MEKONG.
J’ai sympathise avec l’equipage ils sont supers sympas une dizaine de gars pour moi toute seule ils me bichonnent tous.
LES PAYSAGES SONT FABULEUX. D’un cote MYAMAR de l’autre la CHINE qui ensuite est suivi du LAOS.
Mercredi 28 avril 20h on arrive en THAILANDE a QIMSHEN MAIS COMME L'EMMIGRATION EST FERMEE ON A PAS LE DROIT DE QUITTER LE BATEAU.
Jeudi 29 avril 2004, 9h du mat l’emigration ouvre. L’emigration vient sur le bateau, passeport rempli doc et verifie que tu n’es pas malade, ils te prennent la temperature dans l’oreille et vlan me voila avec une quinte de toux car je me suis chopper la creve a KUNMING, j’ai bien failli etre refoulee. Enfin le Commandant a dit que j’avais un petit rhume mais que tout allait bien OUF…
Il est 11h quand tout a ete inspecte. On peut enfin quitter le bateau et partir.
Apres 5 jours me voila a CHIANG KONG en THAILANDE
J’ai ouvert un post des différences entre la Thaïlande et la Birmanie…tes commentaires y seraient précieux.😛
Je sais c’est nul, mais je ne peux m’imaginer le pays qu’en prenant une référence que je connais. Il y a quelques jours, j’ai demandé la même comparaison avec le Vietnam…suite aux réponses de certain, et certaines j’ai compris que ce n’était pas ce que je recherchais…même a cause ou grâce à certain petits détails.🤪
Tu as raison!je pensais ile :pas de pluie, pas en thai, 15 jours ...Phu quoch et delta du mekong super en fevrier ...et j'ai dit Chau doc, ville frontiere sur le mekong...Desolé!
C'est vrai que comparer une ile à un pays est difficile, d'un avis personnel Bali est culturellement plus
intéressant que la Thailande surtout sur une si petite surface, de plus les habitants comme partout
en Indonésie sont plus agréables que les Thailandais, c'est vraiment le pays du sourire....je visite et aime
toutefois les 2 endrois régulièrement pour mon plus grand plaisir.
J'ai eu la chance de faire les 2.
Pour Bali, plein de choses à voir, que ce soit au niveau culturel ou les paysages. Etant sur une ile tu te poses quelque part et tu visites à partir de ce point. Les balinnais sont adorables.
Pour la thailande, j'ai fait un passage de 3 jours à bangkok et 7 jours sur Samui (plage de Maenan). Tu as cette option si tu ne désires pas faire un circuit, bangkok étant sympa à voir (la ville en elle meme, ces temples, différents marchés...) et ensuite un séjour balneaire pour le repos avec un peu de visite (par contre en fonction de ce que tu recherches, calme ou ambiance, tu as interet à bien choisir le lieu). Les thailandais sont accueuillants aussi.
dans les 2 cas la vie n'est pas tres cher sur place.
Selon vous, quels sont les différences entre ces deux pays qui vous font préférer l'un par rapport à l’autre.
Merci.
.pas de préférence entre l'un et l'autre, c'est tout simplement pas pareil.....et puis, comme il a déjà été dit, on ne peut comparer un pays entier à une ile............c'est comme si tu demandais "c'est quoi le mieux entre l'Italie et la Corse ?".....
..........pas de préférence entre l'un et l'autre, c'est tout simplement pas pareil.....et puis, comme il a déjà été dit, on ne peut comparer un pays entier à une ile............c'est comme si tu demandais "c'est quoi le mieux entre l'Italie et la Corse ?".....
Bien dit, comme autant une personne va adorer le Vietnam et pas du tout la Thaïlande et c'est valable pour tous les pays, les goûts et les couleurs à chacun sa vision des choses et son idéal .😉
Salut! Tout d'abord, Bali n'est pas un pays, mais bien une île faisant partie de l'Indonésie😛. Pour les différences, oui il y en a beaucoup!
Bali c'est comme une mini-communauté, car elle se différencie d'une part du reste de l'Indonésie par sa religion, hindouiste, d'autres parts par sa culture, ses arts, sa nourriture, son propre dialecte, comme chacune des îles d'Indonésie d'ailleurs. On parle la bahasa indonesia partout en Indonésie, mais plusieurs dialectes existent encore un peu partout. Les balinais se ventent que Bali est mieux que le reste de l'Indonésie, vice et versa....On les écoute, on en prend et on en laisse....
Bali c'est le surf aussi, ce que tu ne trouves pas vraiment en Thailande, à part Phuket un peu. Bali c'est une culture particulière, tandis que la thailande c'est plus généralisé partout dans le pays, culture, religion, etc.
Moi j'ai bien aimé ces deux endroits, mais tant qu'à aller en Indonésie, ne va pas seulement à Bali, ce serait une grave erreur. Il y a aussi Java, Flores, Sulawesi, les Gili, etc.
Pour le style et l'architecture je préfère Bali.
Pour la décontraction, je préfère la Thaïlande.
Pour la variété des types de commerces je préfère la Thaïlande.
Pour l'artisanat et les coutumes, je préfère Bali.
Pour la plage je préfère la Thaïlande.
Pour les paysages je préfère Bali.
Pour l'exotisme, je préfère Bali.
Pour le continuel étonnement, je préfère la Thaïlande.
Mais comme dit plus haut, c'est tellement perso, ça ne vaut que pour moi;
bali mieux pour le surf, , et le parapente, , beauté des paysages tradition religieuse son art
thailande pour son dynamisme ses gens le sanook
( avis très personnel)
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
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, 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.