Avec ma copine nous allons au Myanmar pour un peu plus de 2 semaines à la fin du mois d'Octobre.
Pas évident de choisir quoi faire tellement tout à l'air magnifique dans ce pays!
Nous avons fait une ébauche d'itinéraires, assez semblables, mais nous hésitons entre Kengtung et Hsipaw car nous souhaitons faire des petits trek et aller à la rencontre des locaux mais nous ne pourrons pas faire les deux hélas.
Nous hésitons aussi sur le mont du Rocher d'or, pour ceux qui y sont allé celà vaut-il le coût?
Itinéraire 1
Dimanche 25: arrivée, AM à Yangon, pagode Shwedagon
Lundi 26: Yangon, centre ville et marché, 17h bus vers Bago, nuit Bago
Mardi 27: Kyaiktiyo (rocher d'or), retour Yangon 14-19h, nuit Yangon
Mercredi 28: vol vers Nyaung U (Bagan) le matin, Bagan AM
ou bus de nuit vers Bagan avec une journée en sup à Yangon
Jeudi 29: Bagan, bus de nuit vers Kalaw ou vol vers Heho
Vendredi 30 - Samedi 31 - Dimanche 1: Kalaw et Trek vers lac Inle
Lundi 2 - Mardi 3: Lac Inle
Mercredi 4: trajet jusque Heho et vol vers Kengtung à 12h (Myanmar national Airlines) depuis Heho, Kengtung
Jeudi 5 - Vendredi 6: randonnée autour de Kengtung
Samedi 7: vol vers Mandalay à 12:40, soirée Mandalay
Dimanche 8: Mandalay, Mingun
Lundi 9: Amarapura, Mandalay
Mardi 10: avion de retour à 12h
Itinéraire 2
Dimanche 25: arrivée, AM à Yangon, Paya Shwedagon
Lundi 26: Yangon, matin promenade dans le centre-ville et marché, 16h bus vers Kalaw (12h)
Mardi 27: Kalaw
Mercredi 28 - Jeudi 29: trek vers lac Inle
Vendredi 30 - Samedi 31: Lac Inle
Dimanche 1: bus à 5h vers Bagan (8h), AM Bagan
Lundi 2: Bagan
Mardi 3: dpt 7h et trajet vers Mandalay (7h), Mandalay AM
Mercredi 4: alentours de Mandalay, Amarapura
Jeudi 5: départ vers Hsipaw, Hsipaw
Vendredi 6 - Samedi 7: randonnée vers Pankam dans les villages
Dimanche 8: retour 5h30-12h vers Mandalay
Lundi 9: alentours de Mandalay, Mingun, marchés...
Mardi 10: avion de retour à 12h
Voilà je sais que ça peu paraitre speed mais si besoin on sautera une étape.
En 15 jours, je privilégierai le circuit 2 en écartant Kengtung car un aller-retour en avion pour un jour et demi sur place ça ne vaut pas le coup.
Pour le trek, essayez donc Hsipaw ou mieux encore à Kyaukme, où il y a nettement moins de touristes et où c'est plus préservé.
Je vois que vous prenez beaucoup de bus en matinée, mais pour gagner du temps, je vous conseille les bus de nuit VIP qui font quasiment toutes les destinations citées. Ils sont très confortables, ils partent en général vers 20 heures et arrivent tôt, voire très tôt le matin. On peut s'allonger dans les fauteuils et dormir assez facilement. ça vous fera une nuit d'hôtel et vous permettra de commencer les visites plus tôt.
Enfin le Rocher d'or, ce n'est pas ce qui se fait de mieux et en plus si vous y allez en couple, a copine ne pourra pas en approcher.
Voilà ce que je peux te dire, sachant que ton circuit reste quand même encore chargé. Je retirerai le trek entre Kalaw et Inle, beaucoup trop touristique, pour me concentrer davantage sur le trek de Kyaukme.
J'ai bien envi de conserver le trek Kalaw-Inle car j'en ai entendu beaucoup de bien et de plus nous partons hors haute saison touristique.
Pour le rocher d'or les femmes ne peuvent pas y monter?
C'est sur que consacrer du transport et un jour et demi juste pour Kyaiktyo ça fait beaucoup...
Si si elles peuvent monter, mais ensuite elles ne peuvent pas approcher le Rocher.
Pour le trek Kalaw-Inle, si c'est hors saison touristique, pourquoi pas alors !
Est-il réellement nécessaire de réserver les hotels/guesthouses à l'avance?
C'est ce qu'ils disent sur les guides...Peut être pour les lieux touristiques Yangon/Bagan/Mandalay?
Après m'être replongé dans les guides j'ai refait un itinéraire avec les choses que j'aimerai faire le plus.
C'est clairement trop speed mais je n'arrive pas à me décider sur une étape à enlever.
Vos avis?
Dimanche 25: arrivée, AM à Yangon, pagode Shwedagon
Lundi 26: Yangon, centre ville et marché, Bus 00h30 pour Mawlamyine
Mardi 27: Mawlamyine
Mercredi 28: trajet Hpa-An (bateau), grottes
Jeudi 29: Mont Hpan Pu, 19h bus vers Yangon (arrivée 2:30)
Vendredi 30: Tôt le matin avion vers Bagan, journée Bagan
Samedi 31: Bagan
Dimanche 1: Bagan, bus 19h-3h vers Nyaung Shwe
Lundi 2: Lac Inle
Mardi 3: Lac Inle
Mercredi 4: Trek vers Kalaw
Jeudi 5: Trek vers Kalaw, bus de nuit vers Mandalay
Vendredi 6: journée à Mandalay
Samedi 7: Bus vers Kyaukme
Dimanche 8: Trek Kyaukme
Lundi 9: Retour en train à Mandalay via Pyin Oo Lwin
Mardi 10: vol retour vers 12h
Bon je vous sollicite une toute dernière fois afin d'établir mon itinéraire définitif et commencer à réserver certaines guesthouses.
Après avoir relu des guides j'ai envie d'intégrer une petite partie du sud dans mon voyage.
Deux itinéraire possibles avec en gros les mêmes choses, un plus speed qui nous ferait passer un peu moins de temps à chaque endroit et zapper un peu Mandalay, et un plus cool mais qui nous obligerait à zapper la région de Kyaukme/Hsipaw et le trek qui va avec...
Je privilégierai le premier mais selon vous ça parait vraiment trop speed?
Itinéraire complet
Dimanche 25: arrivée, AM à Yangon, pagode Shwedagon, Bus 21h30 pour Kyaik Hto - Kinpun
Lundi 26: Rocher d’or - bus dans l’après-midi pour Hpa-An
Mardi 27: Mont Hpan Pu, grottes
Mercredi 28: Kyauk Kalap, bus retour vers Yangon à 19h (arrivée 3h)
Jeudi 29: Tôt le matin avion vers Bagan, Bagan J1
Vendredi 30: Bagan J2
Samedi 31: Vol Nyaung U-Heho, Kalaw
Dimanche 1: Trek Kalaw-Inle J1
Lundi 2: Trek Kalaw-Inle J2
Mardi 3: Lac Inle J1
Mercredi 4: Lac Inle J2, bus le soir vers Mandalay (7h-4h)
Jeudi 5: Bus/ pickup jusque Hsipaw ou Kyaukme
Vendredi 6: Trek Hsipaw/Kyaukme
Samedi 7: Trek Hsipaw/Kyaukme
Dimanche 8: Retour en train à Mandalay via Pyin Oo Lwin, nuit Mandalay
Lundi 9: Mandalay, pont U Bein
Mardi 10: matin Mandalay, vol retour vers 12h
Itinéraire plus cool:
Dimanche 25: arrivée, AM à Yangon J1, pagode Shwedagon
Lundi 26: Yangon J2, Bus 21h30 pour Kyaik Hto - Kinpun
Mardi 27: Rocher d’or - bus dans l’après-midi pour Hpa-An
Mercredi 28: Hpa-an J1, Mont Hpan Pu, grottes
Jeudi 29: Hpa-an J2, Kyauk Kalap, bus retour vers Yangon à 19h (arrivée 3h)
Vendredi 30: Tôt le matin avion vers Bagan, Bagan J1
Samedi 31: Bagan J2
Dimanche 1: Bagan J3, bus 19h-3h vers Kalaw
Lundi 2: Kalaw
Mardi 3: Trek Kalaw-Inle J1
Mercredi 4: Trek Kalaw-Inle J2
Jeudi 5: Lac Inle J1
Vendredi 6: Lac Inle J2
Samedi 7: Inle J3 bus de nuit vers Mandalay
Dimanche 8: Mandalay
Lundi 9: Mandalay, pont U Bein
Mardi 10: matin Mandalay, vol retour vers 12h
Etes vous certains de vouloir aller au rocher d'or? A mon avis, cela vous fera perdre du temps, et de l'argent. On croise énormément de petites répliques du rocher d'or dans toute la Birmanie et ceux-là, les femmes peuvent l'approcher ;). C'est une étape plutôt coûteuse (guesthouses coûteuses, trajet uniquement pour cela car détour et prix d'entrée pas bon marché non plus).
Hpa An en revanche, mérite bien que l'on s'y arrête deux jours. J'ai bien dit Hpa An et non Mawlamyine. Le trajet en bateau de Hpa An à Mawlamyine (et vice versa) serait plutôt sympathique. Mawlamyine n'est pas très grande, nous ne nous y sommes pas sentis bien (mais c'est une impression personnelle et puis nous avons eu quelques problèmes sur place) mais la colline aux pagodes est sympathique, pour quelques heures.
Entre Nyaung U et Nyaungshwe, je vous conseille plutôt de prendre le bus de nuit. L'aéroport n'est pas tout à côté de Nyaungshwe :).
En revanche, je ne comprends pas : vous souhaitez prendre l'avion pour Heho (soit vers le lac Inle), mais vous rendre depuis Heho jusqu'à Kalaw pour ensuite faire le trek et revenir sur le lac Inle? Je n'y trouve pas la logique. Pourquoi ne pas à ce moment là prendre un bus de nuit de Bagan à Kalaw? cela doit certainement exister ;). Depuis Bagan, on peut se rendre réellement partout, que ce soit en train, en minibus, en bus ou en avion. Attention: il y a deux gares routières.
Bon, je continue de déconseiller, comme les autres voyageurs qui t'ont répondu ici, le trek de Kalaw à Inle mis à part si vous êtes fan des treks en troupeaux de touristes (peu importe la saison) et si vous souhaitez fair eun trek à Kalaw, je conseille réellement celui des alentours de Kalaw, qui est très sympa, avec beaucoup de monde et d'aussi beaux paysages. Se rendre à Inle depuis Kalaw est simple en transports en commun et bon marché (pick up ou taxi-gros van partagé puis un court changement et de nouveau pick-up/taxi partagé --> entre 2500 et 3500 le tout).
A choisir entre Hsipaw et Kyaukme, je prends Kyaukme :). Un peu plus cher mais beaucoup moins touristique, plus rural et guides plus professionnels. J'ai fait les deux, tu peux regarder les articles/photos sur mon blog si ça t'intéresse.
Que veux-tu dire par "train pour Mandalay en passant par Pyin U Lwin"? Vous souhaitez vous arrêter à Pyin U Lwin? car il n'y a pas de changement de train sur la ligne Lashio-Mandalay qui passe par Hsipaw et Kyaukme.
Mon avis au niveau des 2 itinéraires :
je prendrai le 2ème en zappant le trek Kalaw-Inle qui vous fait perdre du temps pour rien. A la place, je ferais un trek de 2-3 jours à Kyaukme (ou à Hsipaw si vous y tenez vraiment). La belle nature, les paysages magnifiques et les beaux villages, ce n'est pas vraiment sur le trek Kalaw-Inle que vous le vivrez. C'est devenu une usine malheureusement avec plusieurs groupes de touristes parcourant cette route tous les jours et dormant dans les mêmes maisons.
L'avantage de votre 2ème itinéraire est également que vous resez une 3ème journée sur Bagan et ce ne devrait pas être de trop :-). Et puis, on ne se lasse pas d'un lever/coucher de soleil en plus :).
Bon, j'enlèverais également Kyaik Htio mais là, c'est très personnel... et puis, je suis une femme...
Enfin, par rapport à ta remarque sur les hôtels, je crois que notre plus grosse erreur fut de réserver certains hotels à l'avance, sur internet. La première nuit est "obligatoire", pour le visa. Heureusement, nous n'avions pas réservé toutes les nuits par le biais d'internet. Certes, tu te retrouves alors dans de très beaux hôtels équivalents européens de bon standing. Mais il est tellement simple de trouver un hôtel sur place, d'écouter les conseils des voyageurs, de découvrir l'un de ces nombreux hôtels qui viennent d'ouvrir tout récemment et ne sont pas encore recensés, et puis, au niveau du budget, c'est tout simplement le jour et la nuit.
A noter aussi qu'il te sera bien plus simple, si nécessaire, de réserver d'un jour sur l'autre, par téléphone (les hôtels chargent très rarement pour un coup de fil vers un autre hôtel dans une autre ville), comme lorsque tu arrives tard dans une ville ou pour Inle où les hôtels biens et bons marchés sont vite partis (Aquarius Inn par exemple, excellente guesthouse !).
Merci pour les infos. Ca fait vraiment plaisir d'avoir des réponses aussi complètes!
J'ai modifié un peu l'itinéraire plus calme.
Donc on vire le rocher d'or qui apparemment ne mérite pas spécialement le déplacement.
On vire Kalaw qui a l'air trop touristique, à la place on va essayer de se trouver un petit trek aux alentours du lac Inle.
On garde comme base de trek Kyaukme pour une rencontre avec des ethnies.
Selon vous Yangon mérite d'y passer un jour et demi vu le peu de temps qu'on a ou alors juste une après-midi pour la pagode Shwedagon et un petit tour suffit?
Dimanche 25: arrivée, AM à Yangon J1, pagode Shwedagon
Lundi 26: Yangon J2, Bus 21h30 pour Hpa-An
Mardi 27: Hpa-an J1, Kyauk Kalap, grottes, mont Hpan Pu
Mercredi 28: Hpa-an J2, Mont Zwe Ga Bin, bus retour vers Yangon à 19h (arrivée 3h)
Jeudi 29:Tôt le matin avion vers Bagan, Bagan J1
Vendredi 30: Bagan J2
Samedi 31: Bagan J3
Dimanche 1: Vol NyaungU-Heho, Lac Inle J1
Lundi 2: Lac Inle J2
Mardi 3: Trek aux alentours du lac Inle J1
Mercredi 4: Trek aux alentours du lac Inle J2, bus de nuit vers Mandalay (19h-4h)
Jeudi 5: Mandalay, Amarapura et pont U Bein
Vendredi 6: Bus/ pickup jusque Kyaukme
Samedi 7: Trek Kyaukme J1
Dimanche 8: Trek Kyaukme J2
Lundi 9: Retour en train à Pyin Oo Lwin, pickup jusque Mandalay, nuit Mandalay
Mardi 10: matin Mandalay, vol retour vers 12h
Juste 2 ou 3 indications.
Il ne faut surtout pas faire de trek autour d'Inle, il n'y a quasiment rien à y voir.
L'autre alternative pour éviter le trop touristique trek entre Kalaw et Inle, ce sont tout simplement des treks autour de Kalaw. Il y a de chouettes endroits notamment au nord de Kalaw qui est habité par des Palaungs.
Et si vous restez à Kalaw, profitez en pour vous rendre à Aungban où se tient (tous les 5 jours) l'un des plus beaux marchés de la région.
Le Rocher d'Or peut en effet s'éliminer.
Yangon en 1,5 jour, c'est bien. La pagode Shwedagon vous prendra déjà du temps et pourquoi pas un tour de Yangon avec le train circulaire et un arrêt au surprenant marché de Dahynigone.
Je vous laisse lire le commentaire de Christophe, j'aurais écrit à peu près la même chose ;-)
Concernant Yangon, y rester plus d'une demi-journée vous permettra aussi une adaptation au pays. J'ai adoré le train circulaire, suis descendue au mauvais arrêt du marché dans un petit village campagnard et n'en ai pas été déçue! Superbe moment.
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.
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...