Bonjour à tous !
Voilà je suis Audrey et nous partons à 4 cet été (25 jours du 30/07 au 24/08) pour la première fois en Indonésie !! Un rêve !! 😎
A ce jour, nous en sommes au calcul de l'itinéraire et aux moyens de transport sur place, car nous partons avec 3 planches de surf !Et nous sommes un peu perdus (Aîe Aîe Aîe !! déjà ?) 🤪
On arrive à Jakarta et on repart de Jakarta.
Nous souhaitons passer plus de temps sur Sumatra (2 semaines) et nous nous interrogeons à propos des transports , peut on prendre les surfs dans le bus, dans le train ?
En 2 semaines quel itinéraire me conseillez vous ?
On pensait en arrivant, partir en train jusqu'à Surabaya rester 2/3 jours et repartir pour yogyakarta 4/5 jours tout ça en train;
Puis ferry pour le sud de Sumatra, mais il parait que c'est assez rigoureux comme trajet par le sud ?!
Qu'en pensez vous ?
si vous arrivez dans une zone qui contient beaucoup de surfshops, genre kuta-bali, voir meme lombok, il peut etre interessant d'acheter des planches sur place, c'est ce que je fais tous les ans ...
si vous surfez peut durant votre séjour la location peut aussi etre une bonne idée, ça evite de se coltiner des planche pour toutes les trajets dans les terres et simplifie beaucoup le séjour... dans ce cas un simple sac a dos et des mobs permettent de découvrir le pays de façon très sympa, c'est ce que font pas mal de routard ...
sumatra n'est pas forcément la mecque du surf, des spots souvent assez méchant, loin de tout, par contre en aout vous etes certain d'avoir du swell :p...
Merci pour cette réponse, en fait on ne sait pas si on aura le temps de faire Bali,
Et nous souhaitons surfer au maximum tout en découvrant les iles (dès que nous serons sur les côtes)
Vous dites que sur Sumatra, le spots sont difficiles à trouver ?
Sinon la planche dans le train est-ce envisageable ? et le bus ?
Merci encore
peut on prendre les surfs dans le bus, dans le train ?
Oui sans problème c'est assez courant en Indo.
Si vous arrivez à Jakarta il vaut mieux vous rendre directement à Sumatra avant d'aller vers Surabaya qui n'est pas une ville intéressante.
Sur Java il y a pas mal de bon spot de surf; pourquoi aller voir ailleurs?
Par contre à Sumatra il y a/aurait deux spots « intéressants » :
- l’un d’eux à Sipora (île de l’archipel des Mentawai) qui est atteignable par avion depuis Padang (j’ai croisé un surfeur à l’embarquement de l’avion de Singapore à Padang qui m’a raconté tout ça – en Août 2009)
- l’autre est à Sorake (photos) au Sud de l’île de Nias que l’on peut rejoindre par avion ou par bateau.
Si vous allez à Sumatra il n’est pas nécessaire ni même intéressant de passer par Jakarta. Il vaut mieux aller par Kuala Lumpur puis rejoindre l’île de Penang et de là en bateau la ville de Medan ; ensuite bus via le lac Toba (à voir absolument) jusqu’à Sibolga d’où un bateau rapide part le matin pour Gunung Sitoli (4h de traversée) et ensuite à nouveau 4h à 5h de minibus + camion bâché (de Teluk Dalam) pour Sorake
Infos pratiques et itinéraire pour Sumatra : Sumatra: itinéraire de trente-huit jours Padang - Bukittinggi - Maninjau - Nias - lac Toba - Medan
biensûr il y a Nias et les Mentawais ( surtout en boat trip)
mais pour un premier trip surf labas, j'irais à Bali puis graviterai sur Nusa Lembongan, sumbawa...
salut,
j'ai des petites questions pour toi si tu veux bien y répondres bien sur lol
je pars en septembre pour 3 mois, je part le 15 septembre et je dois être impérativement le 15 novembre a kathmandu, j'ai hésité longtemps au départ je voulais faire thailande, birmanie, nord de l inde, mais impossible entrée en birmanie par voie terrestre.
ici , je pense faire indonésie, en particulier sumatra, donc ca serai arrivée a jakarta, puis sumatra passage en malaisie et puis avion jusque delhi et de la visite de l'inde jusque kathmandu
pourrais tu me dire se que tu en pense?
et si c'est les bonnes période(saison) pour visiter ces pays?
que me conseils tu de voir en indonésie?
connais tu des vol pas cher de kuala a delhi?
conseils d'itinéraire de jakarta a kuala lumpur?
merci d'avance🙂
Je crois avoir vu qu'il y avait un vol AirAsia de KL (?) à Trichy dans le Sud de l'Inde.
Je suis à Delhi pour l'instant et je bouffe de la poussière sous une grosse chaleur mais en novembre il devrait faire moins "sec" car la mousson sera passée par là (enfin espérons le pour les Indiens car l'année dernière il n'a guère plus et tout est à sec)
Je te conseille Jakarta - Padang (en bus ça doit faire dans les 2 jours !!) puis en 15 jours/trois semaines rejoindre Medan et de là bateau pour Penang et descendre jusqu'à KL avec ensuite un crochet par Malacca.
Sinon de mémoire il devrait y avoir une liaison en bateau de Jakarta jusqu'à Belawan (port de Medan) toutes les semaines; et ensuite de Medan à Padang ou tout au moins Bukittinggi et de là remonter jusqu'à Dumai puis bateau jusqu'à Malacca et puis KL.
Je suppose que tu as lu mes infos pratiques dans mom message Mes quatre itinéraires en Indonésie
Sinon je trouve que du 15 septembre au 15 novembre tu as peu de temps que pour visiter "correctement" l'Indonésie, la Malaisie et surtout l'Inde. Envisage peut être un vol KL-Katmandu ou Singapore (tiens on ne parle pas de Singapore !) - Katmandu et puis ensuite l'Inde (les meilleures mois étant de Novembre à Février - ensuite c'est trop chaus - surtout dans la plaine du Nord)
merci beaucoup pour ces précieux conseils.
pourrais tu me dire quels sont les endroits a ne pas rater a sumatra?
en fait j'aurais voulu faire 1 mois complet a sumatra ne faire que passer en malaisie pour prendre l'avion, ensuite un mois complet dans le nord de l'inde( sur air asia il y des vol de kl-delhi), pour terminer mon dernier mois au népal
pourrais tu me dire les endroits a ne pas rater dans mon parcour merci d'avance
Salut,
Ben finalement, on a surfé a Cimaja, à coté de Pelanbuan Ratu au sud de Java, une petite plage de sable noir, au calme dans un décor de rêve, peu de touristes à part quelques surfeurs, et une ambiance très locale, on a séjourné au Daun Daun à quelques pas du spot, (on a réussit à négocier car il y avait plein de chambres libres )douches très cleans ambiance sympa, certains jours les vagues étaient vraiment grosses et puissantes.
On a fait aussi Pandangaran, plus touristique et pas de vagues durant notre séjour, on a logé a la villa Angela, mais toutes les pensions de cette rue sont pas mal .
Pour les visites, les trajets en bus, train ou voiture sont déjà une aventure et t'en prend plein les yeux, avec le recul, on serait resté plus longtemps à Cimaja pour l'ambiance..les locaux sont vraiment sympas.
Sinon sur java on a visité Yogyakarta, ville vraiment agréable, Le volcan Kawah Ijen à faire absolument !! et le Bromo magnifique et 2 jours à Jakarta .
Vol de Yojya karta à Bali,
Plage de Canggu Pererenan, 4 petites chambres avec terrasse et jardin un resto trop bon juste au bord de la plage (si ca t'intéresse je rechercherai le nom) sur le spot, nettement moins de monde à l'eau qu'à Echo Beach juste à coté et bien plus de frimeurs,
Enfin on est resté un long moment à Medewi ( mythique...) dans une pension familiale en haut d'une rizière qui mène à un spot peu fréquenté (alors que sur la plage même de Medewi il y a un monde fou à l'eau )
A Bali, on s'est beaucoup balladé à moto (petit scooter ), si tu maitrises c'est ce qu'il y a de plus pratique, même avec une board ! la prochaine fois, on loue une moto à Denpasar et on fait toute l'île comme ça !
Sinon, pour les planches en bus c'est tout à fait possible moyennant un petit supplément (sauf quelques rares fois) en train par contre ça dépend du train.
Mais je sens qu'on y retournera ne serait-ce que pour les indonésiens !!
Salut à tous et merci encore !!
Bonjour a tous
Voila j aurais quelques questions a vous poser a tous. On compte partir pendant 3 semaines en indo pour faire du surf, de mi avril a début mai. On sera entre 7 et 10. On pense faire noter trip en itinérance enter Bali et Sumatra.
Est ce que vous penser qu'il sera difficile de trouver des logements en guest house? Est ce facile de passer de Bali a Sumatra?
On pense aussi faire des treks sur les différents volcans et profiter au maximum de la culture. Qu'est ce que vous nous conseillé de faire. Toutes les idées sont bonnes a prendre!!!
On cherche des vagues tous niveaux quels spots vous nous conseiller??
merci pour tout
bonne journée
Je pars bientot faire deux semaines de surf en Indonésie (mi octobre départ).
On comptait en rentrant sur Jakarta s'arrêter à Cimaja, turtles... : ça semble pratique, parce que pas trop loin (moins d'une demie journée de voyage).
Est ce que quelqu'un pourrait me renseigner sur la fréquentation des vagues dans ce coin? Est ce que c'est blindé, est ce que vous pensez qu'on peut être tranquilous?
Qu'est ce qu'il y a à faire pas loin, quand on est sorti de l'eau?
Je ne suis pas surfeur, mais au sud de Banyuwangi, a l'est de Java, il y a de bonnes vagues et 2 camps de surfeurs. Chaque annee, ils organisent des competitions nationales et internationales. Cela s'appelle G-land.
Cette annee, c'etait a Red Island a l'ouest de G-Land.
a voir:
www.G-land.com Joyo's surf camp
www.grajagan.com Bobby's surf camp
www.banyuwangitourism.com
On a vu cet endroit, mais on pense qu'il y a plus de monde et c'est plus loin de Java. Après les vagues ont l'air plus rapides et plus techniques donc on hésite.
Mais sinon personne n'est allé surfer du coté de Cimaja et Turtles?
Nous partons surfer à Java avec mon copain dans 15 jours.
Nous sommes à la recherche de spots sympas sur Java uniquement.
Cimaja a l'air plutôt sympa d'après mes lectures.
Merci de me faire part de vos retours!
Hi there, My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It ll be our first time in Asia, and we re thinking of hitting the…
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Hi there, Bali was a huge crush for me: the kindness of the local people, the culture, the rice terraces, the volcanoes, the beaches... Everything comes…
We're a family with two kids aged 15 and 12 planning to visit Malaysia and Borneo. We'd like to travel from 23/07/2025 to 20/08/2025, which is almost 4 full…
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.
