bonjour, qui connait koh samui?je pars le 3 mars🙂merci de me dire vos avis sur cette ile(j'y suis deja allée en dec 04 mais une semaine donc je n'ai pas eu le temps de fre grd chose )
Salut
Tout n est pas beau a samui mais tout n est pas moches non plus Samui que je connais depuis un bon nombre d annee est devenue au fil du temp avec Phuket la destination de vacances sur sable blanc .4 Mac bidule et une grande surface d origine Anglaise qui va prochainement se faire la concurence avec une autre grand enseigne cette fois si Francaise ne sont pas forcement les signes d un site paradisiaque . C est aussi la partie de la Thailande ou il y a le plus d accident de la route mortel ce qui laisse aussi suposer une forte circulation. Si c est le calme, le sable blanc et la plage qui t attire cela existe encore un petit peu a Samui mais cela deviens tres rare . Ces deux soeurs voisine Koh Tao et Koh Pha Ngan offre beaucoup plus cela aujourd hui
merci yoyothai, oui j'avais vu cela fin 2004, mais comme c'etait ma premiere approche avec la thailande!en ft j'y vais car j'ai un ami qui y vit depuis une bonne 15aine d'années et que comme je pars seule cela me ft un but.les gens qui y viventpreferent le nord qui est moins dingue que le centre de chaweng. la dernier fois il etait a phuket ou il a eu beaucoup de chance....et cette fois ci je verrais autre chose que le circuit touristique😛
La circulation n'est pas forte à Samui, c'est la conduite des utilisateurs qui n'est pas adaptée. La route est assez particulière entre Lamai et Chaweng avec de grandes montées et descentes rectilignes et des courbes aveugles souvent ensablées. Ajoute que les touristes en vacances se croient à l'abri du danger parce qu'il y a du soleil et la mer, qu'ils ne portent pas de casque, et souvent se contentent d'un short et T-shirt, quand ce n'est pas torse-poil. Enfin la teuf du côté de Chaweng et Lamai accroit le danger quand on rentre bien joyeux à son bungalow en pleine nuit.
Et puis comme partout dans le pays en cas d'accident le premier réflexe des locaux c'est de s'enfuir plutôt que de porter secours alors tout ça explique les accidents dramatiques nombreux en comparaison de la population de l'île.
L'île est une victime collatérale du tsunami. Nombreux sont les touristes qui se sont rabattus sur Samui, d'abord dans l'attente de la reconstruction des sites détruits ailleurs, puis par crainte d'un nouveau raz-de-marée sur la côte ouest. Samui défrait la chronique depuis quelques mois à cause d'aggressions multiples commises sur les touristes par des voyous que la police a trop longtemps laissé agir. Le meurtre récent d'une anglaise a réveillé un peu les autorités, mais la consigne est claire : étouffer les affaires pour ne pas nuire au tourisme.
N'hésite pas à monter vers Koh Pang Ngan et Koh Tao pour trouver ton bonheur.
Tout à fait d'accord Mooreanne avec les autres messages, zap sur Samui (ou juste fait un transit) 😐et continues ta route jusqu'à Koh Tao. 🙂L'île est magnifique, des belles plages, une ambiance super sympa et des fonds magiques. On trouve sur Koh Tao de quoi faire rever chacun, soit le calme, l'isolement ou des fêtes, bars et restos animés.
Si tu aimes la plongée ou que tu as envie de t'initier, vas voir mon fils Ilan au New Heaven Dive Shop sur Chalok Baan Kao. Il est instructeur de plonger et il saura te transmettre sa passion et son amour du grand bleu.😎
sawadee tous les Monde
Je viens faire juste un complement concernant les accidents a samui les chiffres parle tout seul
50 % d augmentation du nombre d immatriculation par ans sont exclus de nombreuse mobylette local de location non immatriculees
360 morts par an
12 % implique un etranger (touriste ou residants) en clair les fans de conduite en tenue de plage ne representent que tres peu d accidentes.
80 % des cas sont des garcons ages entre 15-25 ans de nationalite Thailandaise .
Seulement 20 % des cas se produisent apres la nuit tombes ce qui laissent sous entendre que le facteur sortie de bar bourrer n est pas important Alors oui la circulation est de plus en plus dense et certaines routes sont vraimment tres frequentes par les 4 roues ce qui va pas m empecher d y retourner y passer le week end .
Les chiffres que je donne sont des chiffres officiels probablement pas sur-evaluer ils sont donner par la police leur interet n etant pas de les gonfler.
j adhere pas completement a l idee faut zapper Samui si je me mettais a le faire je pourrais le faire pour beaucoup d endroit touristique de la Thailande .
C est une valeur purement subjective si il faut zapper Samui alors Zappons Phuket parceque cela ressemble de plus en plus a un VVF geant
Zappons Pattaya parceque cela ressemble plus a la rue Saint Denis ou au quartier rouge a l echelle d une ville qu a une reel station balneaire paradisiaque.
Zappons aussi Koh Tao parceque par periode y a tellement de plongeur qu on entend plus parler que plonger que l on bouffe au restaurant au milieu uniquement de plongeurs et votre voisin de bungalow qui vous parle que de site de plongees a la longue y a de quoi zapper si c est pas son truc
Zappons Koh Pha Ngan parceque c est l ile des fetars fumeur de joint et qu il y a regulierement des soirees qui pourrais a la longue donner envie de zapper
et puis certains quartier de Bangkok car c est tellement touristique que tu pourrais y voir ton voisin de palier et si t as fais 12 000 km c etais pour aussi le zapper
etc etc
Ne voyez pas d attaque dans mon discour c est une facon de faire ce contre quoi je me refuse . Dans un voyage je crois que c est soit meme qui fait toute la difference et pas forcement le lieu
Objectivement des touristes vont a Samui y retourne et y passe un agreable sejour preuve en est de son taux de frequentation tout au long de l annee . Dire va y ou n y vas pas n est pas mon discour on peux malgres quelques defauts y passer de tres belle vacances comme partout en Thailande
si vous etes sage je vous dirais ou se cache a Samui c ette petite crique
Je m'excuse Yoyothai si je t'ai blessé, 😕 et tu as tout à fait raison en disant que c'est soi même qui fait la différence dans un voyage. Quand on voyage et on part pour découvrir des endroits on ne peut pas éviter des endroits "touristiques" et cela n'enleve rien au plaisir.🙂 Moi je vis à Paris et c'est sûr, on ne peut pas venir en France sans venir à Paris. Et cela m'est complètement égal car je m'emerveille toujours autant devant la beauté de Paris et de tous les autres endroits que j'aime comme la Thailande où je suis déjà venu au moins 5 ou 6 fois. J'ai toujours autant de plaisir de me retrouver à Bangkok. A coté de ça quand on voyage et on est limité par le temps, il y a des choix à faire et nous avons tous nos preferences. J'ai peut être un faible pour koh Tao car mon fils y vit et donc j'ai decouvert à Tao le bonheur des îles d'une façon moins selective des hôtels 5 étoiles.
ou c? ou c? j'avais lu entre les lignes merci pour vos reponses.de toutes façons je voyage pas mal donc je c fre la part des choses!!et puis cette fois ci j'aurais une ancienne connaissance qui sera a koh donc comme il y vit il pourra me guider.la 1ere fois, j'ai du suivre un peu le circuit touristique, ex:le povre singe qui passe sa vie a aller cueillir une noix de coco(hihi heureusement que ça a une vie dure la noix de coco)mais bon si ça ft du boulot pour les gens alors !!je me suis baladée aussi en vedette rapide jusqu'aux iles c'ett magique! mais alors merci pour la secouade dans le bateau.par contre g trouvé que l'eau n'ett pas tres claire a koh😐mais bon je compte les jours.
merci, je note l'adresse pour fre le bapteme
bonne nuit et journée au ft quel temps fait-il?gardez-moi le soleil please please
Il etait pas necessaire de t excuser Michele je n avais pas mal pris ton post j essaye juste d exprimer que je n adherais pas toujours au discour va pas la parceque ....
Mooreanne pour la plage 😎je te propose un deal 😎 😎 tu me ramene du saucisson et je t y emmene dans cette crique 😎😎
Si l eau n est pas clair c est a cause des vagues qui soulevent les algues et autre vegetaux qui sont souvent nombreux sur certaine partie de la region en mars avril periode ou il y a pas trop de vent du bateau tu vois jusqu a parfois 10 ou 15 metre de profondeur
quand au climat d e la region en ce moment je n en parlerais pas je pourrais te decevoir
Peut être ne le sais tu pas mais je suis très sage ! et j'aimerai que tu me dises où est cette si jolie plage ! car je vais pour la 2ème fois à KS sur Lamai en Mai et malgrès plein d'endroits déja magnifiques je ne crois pas avoir vu cette plage ! puis je savoir comment s'y rendre ? merci beaucoup par avance !!
🙂🙂michele un truc, si tu veux savoir ou ça se trouve, le prix est :2 saucissons, hihihi eh oui moi je dois en emporter un mais bon ya l'inflation!!! a plus tard et bon w-end😏😏
te fo t il du saucisson pour avoir l'endroit, il parait qu'avec ça tu dis tout ! c'est vrai ? lol dis moi je pe t'aider dans ta quête de saucisson si tu me dis où ?
😉en ft comme tu es au canada tu auras plus de difficultés a en trouver du sauss mdrrrrrr en ft comme tu as bien compris c un joke. tu dis que ton fils vit a koh tao, c super car en plus ça te fait l'occasion d'y aller pour le voir. moi je vis en belgique depuis pas mal de temps mais je suis originaire de lyon. c bien la belgique mais le temps n ' est pas terrible mais bon je vais chercher le soleil ailleurs
a plusssss🙂
je pense que tu t'es trompée de destinataire, car mon fils à moi vit à marseille, j'ai déja vu quelques messages de cette personne dont je ne me souviens pas du nom, qui m'a moi aussi proposé d'aller voir son fils sur KT, ce que je ferai ptre en mai puisque je reste 5 sem à KS.
🙂je viens de te relire que c joli ce que tu dis je n'ajouterais rien d'autre sauf un coup de patte mdr (je suis un chat) mdr car je pense exactement comme toi ouvrons les yeux ok mais laissons les ouverts a plusss🙂
Holalal ma petite crique fais des Fans .. Avec tout le sauss que je vais avoir je vais pouvoir ouvrir une charcuterie 😎😎
Un tout petit peu de patience a ceux qui m ont demander le lieu via MP Cela fais longtemps que je n y suis pas aller il faut que j y retourne car si je sais a quel endroit il faut tourner sur la route il y a un repere facile a trouver puisque cela menne a un hotel mais j ai oublier le nom de cette guest house . Laissez moi juste quelques jours que j y retourne pour reepere le nom .
Pour ceux qui comme moi on pas peur de chercher tout seul elle est situe sur la cote entre chaweng et lamai . La fameuse Guest house est Francaise et fort repute voila pour un peu vous guides ... N hesitez pas parfois a penetrer dans les petits chemin sur cette route la cote est parfois pas toujours facile d acces mais regorge de coin comme celui ci . Pensez aussi a verifier les marees sur maree montante certaines disparaissent
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.