Salut,
Je suis bien conscient que la Birmanie de part ses nombreux attraits est très intéressante à visiter et à découvrir, mais est-ce vraiment une destination qui doit être absolument retenue ?
Cette destination est somme toute soumise à de nombreuses contraintes, bien que les choses tendent à se simplifier.
Pas de frontières terrestres.
Le cirque des dollars immaculés.
Les prix qui flambes.
Les prestations ne suivent pas.
Les infrastructures ne sont pas à la hauteur.
Les routards ne semblent pas les bienvenus.
De plus en plus de cas de vols et d'arnaques en tous genres sont régulièrement rapportés.
Le sentiment d'engraisser une junte. (même si on se donne beaucoup de mal à nous faire croire le contraire)
Le sentiment de cautionner des génocideurs d’ethnies (Rohingyas, Moken, Karen et autres) et des "tortureurs" d'enfants. (Tortionnaires pour ne pas heurter les sens de la maîtresse)
C'est vrai que les Birmans sont sympas, que les temples sont beaux, les plages paradisiaques, la bouffe délicieuse, mais quand même, je ne peut pas m’empêcher de penser à tout ça.
Quel est votre avis?
Pas très couillus les forumeurs. Quand il sagit de se bouffer le nez pour connaitre l'ortographe d'un mot ou trouver une guest à kaosan, ya du monde, par contre pour prendre position sur un sujet plus sensible, ya plus personne.
Pour ne pas te laisser seul à prendre position, je dirais que tu n'as pas tort. Nous non plus, pour plus ou moins les mêmes raisons, nous ne cautionons pas ce simulacre de démocratie.
C'est avec un grand regret que nous avons banni cette destination.
Bonjour,
je découvre ce post à l'instant, effectivement ce pays fait l'objet de l'éternelle question: Faut'il y aller ? pour notre part nous avions fait le choix de visiter. Nous ne regrettons pas ce choix Depuis le pays s'ouvre de plus en plus. Plus il y aura de contacts avec la population (avec les précautions bien sur) mieux cela sera.
Voir mes notes sur mon blog et dés l'ouverture le préambule à ce sujet
En effet, bonne question. J'y suis allée en pleine période des élections législatives partielles qui ont eu lieu en avril dernier. Par simple curiosité et parce que ici et ailleurs, on me vantait un pays magnifique, au dessus de tous ses voisins.
Je suis revenue mitigée. Ou ai-je simplement "raté" quelque chose? Je suis partie sans rien réserver, mis à part la 1ere nuit à Rangon, ai utilisé que des transports routiers pour aller d'un endroit à l'autre, n'ai pas eu à payer de taxe d'entrée ni à Bagan, ni à Inle car toujours arrivée aux aurores complètement HS et j'ai regretté tous les US$ laissés à Mandalay, Rangon et ailleurs, à cause justement de cette impression constante d'engraisser la junte.
Certes, les Birmans sont sympas mais pas plus que les Laos ou les Cambodgiens, voire même les Thais quoiqu'on en dise que j'ai eu la chance de croiser lors d'autres voyages, les temples sont beaux et bien dorés (les moines bien dodus) mais pas plus que le Wat Pho ou ceux d'Ayutthaya, de Luang Prabang ou Angkor - qui eux ne sont pas tous en béton armé-, les plages paradisiaques...euh, boof, hein si on doit comparer avec celles de Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai et autres îles du Détroit de Malacca, la bouffe délicieuse mais incomparable à celle du Vietnam ou de la Thailande et là-bas, à moindre coût.
Avec du recul, je ne regrette pas d'y avoir fait un saut même si je n'y ai pas trouvé cet "émerveillement" dont on parle tant. Mais je n'y retournerai pas, pas tant que "l'aube d'une ère nouvelle" s'avère positive.
C'est avec un grand regret que nous avons banni cette destination.
C'est fort dommage car les birmans ont besoins des touristes et le pays s'ouvre de plus en plus, même la presse n'y est plus muselée c'est dire 😉 par contre les prix flambent c'est vrai et les services et infrastructures sont les mêmes. Mais que souhaiter sinon que les birmans soient plus libres quitte a payer plus pour cela? 😛
boah tu sais, engraisser la junte, si on va dans des petits hotels et des petits restaus, et qu on change ses dollars au black, on engraisse rien du tout, a part les 20 dols du visa.
tout ca ce sont des betises a la lonely planet, les specialistes de l hypocrisie et du pourrissage de la planete, qui parlent de ceci et cela mais vendent quand meme leur guide...
si on veut rien engraisser on va ou alors?
en afrique?
ben non, on engraisse les dictateurs locaux.
au moyen orient?
ben non, la bas aussi on va engraisser des dictateurs.
en indonesie?
ah ca non, on va pas engraisser ce gouvernememt qui colonise les molluques et la papouasie et dont les exactions sont legions.
en chine?
surement pas vu ce qu ils font au tibet et au xinjiang.
en inde?
ben non, y a le cashemire...
aux usa?
jamais de la vie, regarde ce qu ils font en irak et en afghanistan, et ce qu ils ont fait au vietnam et ailleurs.
en australie (le pays des auteurs de lonely planet messieurs les donneurs de lecon qui feraient mieux de balayer devant leur porte)?
tu rigoles, t as oublie les aborigenes?
au canada?
ben non encore, z ont massacre les peaux rouges jusqu a quasi extinction.
en amerique latine?
ah non, parce que la aussi ca a massacre dur, y a meme des coins ou il ne reste plus d amerindiens, et la ou il en reste ils sont traites comme des citoyens de seconde zone.
zut, on va ou alors? en suisse?
tu rigoles? la machine a laver mondiale du pognon sale qui pue le sang, la corruption et la souffrance?
bon on reste en france alors?
ouais mais on va engraisser son gouvernement qui fait des saletes en afrique (et oui, les droits de l homme c est pour les blancs, et encore, pour le reste de la planete c est une autre histoire), qui vend des armes a des dictateurs (dont khadafi y en a encore pas si longtemps) et soutient des presidents pourris parce qu ils donnent des contrats juteux a nos entreprises (dont total, qui en a fait de belles en birmanie justement).
attend, je sors mon lonely planet, y a surement l info qu on cherche...
Salut,
j'ai eu exactement le même ressenti que Barefoot. Le pays est beau (mais pas exceptionnel), la population adorable (tout comme dans beaucoup de pays d'Asie), mais je n'ai pas été plus emballée que çà malgré les atouts que peut avoir le pays.
Du fait des soucis actuels (inflation, hotels overbookés...), je ne conseillerai pas aux gens d'y aller actuellement , mais de privilégier plutôt le Cambodge, le Laos, le Sri Lanka...
Après, si la Birmanie est pour toi une destination que tu veux absolument découvrir, fonce, et tu te feras ton idée. Beaucoup en reviennent enchantés...
Après chacun fait comme il le sent. Il est certain que la population est enchantée de voir des étrangers. Il existe beaucoup de possibilités de voyager à la locale, et de rencontrer les habitants, mais il est illusoire de penser qu'on n'enrichira en aucun cas le gouvernement. La plupart du pays est sous leur contrôle (transports notamment) est ce une raison pour boycotter, je ne pense pas.
Sans doute que dans quelques années, le pays aura évolué positivement pour les droits de l'homme, mais négativement pour l'authenticité et le tourisme. Et à ce moment là, tu te diras "mince, j'aurai du y aller y'a 5 ans". 😛
Je reviens tout juste de Birmanie et te donne mon sentiment:
Globalement bien mais sentiment bizarre et mitigé.
- Pas si facile de sortir des sentiers battus a moins d avoir plus de temps ou de sacrifier des endroits. Du coup, tous les touristes font les meme choses et on perd un peu le sentiment de voyager. Dans cette "bulle" touristique, difficile de se rendre compte vraiment de la situation sur place autant qu on le voudrait.
Malgré cela il y a toujours des rencontres sympa et des supers experiences.
Pas de frontières terrestres.
une raison pour pas y aller? Indonésie, japon....?
Le cirque des dollars immaculés
oui, mais ce qui est le plus contraingnat c est de devoir prevoir exactement le budget total a l avance
Les prix qui flambes
surtout guest house et taxi. Pour la bouffe, bus et le reste, ca reste pas cher
Les prestations ne suivent pas
Les infrastructures ne sont pas à la hauteur
seulement les guest house ou c est abusé. Les bus sont tres bien finalement
Les routards ne semblent pas les bienvenus
Ah bon? pas d accord
De plus en plus de cas de vols et d'arnaques en tous genres sont régulièrement rapportés
Pas d accord
Uniquement pour l echange de billet dans la rue a Rangoon
Le sentiment d'engraisser une junte. (même si on se donne beaucoup de mal à nous faire croire le contraire)
Ca depend des choix que tu fais, les petits commerces beneficient aussi du tourisme. Mais effectivement, une partie vas a la junte. Ca vaut peut etre quand meme le coup pour la population.
Comme pour tous voyage, ce n ai pas le fait d y aller ou pas qui compte, c est comment on y vas et comment on se comporte sur place qui est le plus important.
J'ai été en Birmanie, j'ai parlé aux gens, on nous a super bien accueilli. oui mais... On s'est fait voler tout notre argent en debut de voyage sur les plages, ok, on a surement fait des erreurs, mais ils ont été fort.
Malgré cette mésaventure (et le fait qu'on ai du faire demi tour en changeant des devises qui restaient dans le fond du sac par "miracle") et le fait que parfois, tout comme vous j'ai pu ressentir ce sentiment de "contrôle" permanent, je n'ai qu'une chose à vous dire.
Vous subventionnerez bien sur la junte, et malgré tout, vous n'y couperez pas, mais les birmans ont besoin de vous, ont besoin de vous parler, de vous raconter leurs histoires (car ils commencent a pouvoir discrètement), et surtout surtout, ils nous l'ont tous dis, que vous racontiez ce que vous avez vu dans leur pays en rentrant chez vous et que vous ne les oubliez pas.
On a eu cette mauvaise expérience, mais j'y retournerai sans aucun souci.
Seule chose... Je n'y retournerai JAMAIS tant que les ATM ne seront pas en marche, car il nous a été impossible de recuperer de l'argent par aucune voie... Le consulat ne vous depannera jamais de plus de 35€ pour changer votre billet....
voila ce que j'en pense, et n'oubliez pas que vous donnez de l'argent a la junte mais qu'ils n'ont nullement besoin de vous pour faire survivre leur suprématie...
Bonne réponse, j'adhère entièrement à ce texte.
Déjà, poser la question "intérêt de la Birmanie ?" me heurte quelque part...
L'intérêt si il y a UN c'est déjà de voyager et de changer d'air...
C'est vrai, c'est pas aussi CLEAN que la Suisse !!!
J'y ai passé un mois en 2009, en mode backpacker, sous le régime de la junte, et alors ? Ben j'ai aimé le pays et les gens
Et pour ça aussi, leurs sourires :
Whitefeet, notre ami vaudois, lance-t-il un énième débat sans fin sur la Birmanie dans le but de voir flamber son post ?
Quel intérêt, pour le coup, de cette nouvelle polémique stérile ?
On y va ou on n'y va pas. Et si on y est allé, après on peut, si on le désire, donner ses impressions. Sinon c'est du vent ...
Allez, à plus
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
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...