Je me promène depuis un peu sur le site pour répondre à ma question.... mais j'ai du mal à trouver une réponse !!!!
Normalement... je dois partir 1 mois avec une copine au mois de septembre 2012.... et je resterais 1 mois toute seule par la suite...
Le mois que je fais toute seule.. je le ferais sûrement au Cambodge.. car je connais quelqu'un sur place...
Par contre, pour le mois avec ma copine... Vaut il mieux Laos ou Vietnam ??
Est ce réalisable de faire Vientiane - Luang Parbang - Hanoi - de resdescendre tout au sud.... (et moi je pars pour le Cambodge alors qu'elle rentrerait en France ) en 1 mois ??? ça me parait un long trajet !!!
ou vaut il mieux faire le nord du Laos + nord du Vietnam.... 😏
ou que l'un des 2 du nord au sud ??
Beaucoup de questions... mais j'ai un peu de mal à dégrossir tout ça !!
Ce que je recherche c'est le contact avec les gens... des petits villages... de la tranquillité... et découvrir les coutumes du pays...
Salut !
Déjà il faut savoir que là bas "tout est possible", everythingz possibeul comme ils disent. Ou presque...
Tu peux encahiner Nord Laos - Nord Viet Nam par le passage frontalier de Dien Bien Phu (Viet Nam) mais je ne me rappelle plus exactement le nom du bled qui fait poste frontière... Toutefois, renseigne toi bien, car selon la mousson le passage n'est pas forcément ouvert, quoiqu'en septembre tu as plus de chances qu'en juillet/aout.
Le Laos et le Viet Nam n'ont rien à voir. Le Laos est tranquille et lent (dans sa globalité, tu pourras trouver une agitation trépidante à vang vieng par exemple...). Le Viet Nam est lui plein de monde et encombré. Il faut s'éloigner de la cote et rester sur les plateaux et les montagnes du Nord pour trouver du calme.
En un mois, oui c'est possible de faire Ventiane - Luang Prabang - Hanoi - Hué - Saigon puis filer au Cambodge en remontant le Delta. Passe comme je t'ai dit plus haut la frontiere. Si elle est fermée, tu as des vols Luang Prabang - Hanoi. Mais après tu dois te poser la question de la manière dont tu veux voyager... 1 mois pour faire ce circuit c'est techniquement faisable.
Découvrir les coutumes du pays c'est mignon mais pas si simple. Tu as deux types de population (surtout au Laos) ; les "citadins" et les habitants des petits vilalges perdus dans la montagne. Rien à voir. Tu trouveras un peu partout des treks clé en main de 2jours 1 nuit, 3jours 2 nuits... avec nuit dans les villages en montagne. C'est un petit aperçu meme si c'est du clé en main pour touriste. Dans les villes, poses toi quelques jours et papotent avec les gens. Mis à part dans les grosses villes (tout est relatif) les laos remarqueront et s'amuseront du "falang" (= le blanc) qui reste dans leur bled... et ils seront tres sympa pourvu que tu te montre ouverte (ce dont je ne doute pas !!). Au Viet Nam tu seras quasi inexistante...
Donc à toi de voir !! Tu sembles arriver par Bangkok (si tu proposes Ventiane en premier...). Si tu veux faire ca plus tranquile (ce que je te recommande) passe par le nord et entre au Laos par Huay Xai. Puis tu descends le pays dans le sens Nord Sud. Prends ton temps (quel que soit ton itinéraire !!). Tu peux lacher ton amie un peu partout sur la route 13 (la route Luang Prabang - Ventiane - Thakek - Paksé) pour qu'elle rejoigne la Thailande. Les villes sont distantes d'une journée de bus. Et toi tu entres au Cambodge par Paksé - Stung Treng puis Phnom Penh (la route suit le Mékong en fait..;).
Poses toi bien la question : veux tu bouffer du kilometre et accrocher des visas dans ton passeport, ou bien faire un beau voyage ? En un mois c'est possible au Laos (meme si tu vois pas tout, tu verras quand meme de tres belles choses). Et encore une fois, "l'authentique" (ou e ntout cas le pas trop touristique) est plus accessible au Laos qu'au Viet Nam.
Enfin voila !
si tu as d'autres questions, que tu souhaites des compléments et tout et tout, n'hésites pas !!
une derniere précision : ce n'est que mon opinion personnelle et mon ressenti. Tu trouveras 20 personnes pour te dire le contraire ! Et c'est l'interet de ces forums...
Premièrement.... je vais essayer de décaler mes dates de vacances !!!!
Je pense faire le mois d'octobre au Cambodge (malgré que le guide du routard indique 17 jours de pluie !!) et le mois de novembre nord-Laos + nord Vietnam !
ça me semble pas mal !! mais encore le temps .....
en fait Nicolas, j'ai écrit Ventiane en 1er... mais je n'ai pas encore regardé où je vais atterrir.... Peut être à Phnom Penh.... en passant par Bangkok je pense !!!
puis je remonte la route qui suit le Mékong....(comme tu m'as dit )... et Ventiane....Luang Prabang... Dien Bien Phu.... les hauts plateaux....Hanoi.... et la baie d'Halong.....
j'aurais préféré l'autre sens.... finir pas le Cambodge.... mais c'est + facile de faire le Cambodge toute seule et le reste à 2.....
Ce que je cherche... c'est vivre un magnifique voyage, au fil du temps... prendre mon temps et en profiter pour rencontrer des gens.... je suis plus petits villages en montagne que
les " citadins".. comme tu dis !! je suis peut être plus le style du Laos.... mais je vais quand même profiter d'être là bas pour faire le Vietnam !!!
Ouah.... ça me fait déjà rêver de parler de tout ça.... tu y as été +ieurs fois ?? je connais déjà un peu la réponse... mais pas de souci si je pars tte seule dans ces pays là ???
Je pense faire le mois d'octobre au Cambodge (malgré que le guide du routard indique 17 jours de pluie !!) et le mois de novembre nord-Laos + nord Vietnam !
ça me semble pas mal !! mais encore le temps
c est une saison difficile de toute facon, mais commencer par le nord serait plus judicieux, statistiquement tu risqueras moins (plus de typhons au cambodge en octobre, plus d inondations, de glissements de terrain) et mieux vaut voir les rizieres des montagnes du nord avant/pendant les recoltes plutot qu apres, avec un peu de chance, tu en auras encore quelques unes bien vertes en octobre
en novembre, ca peut se raffraichir serieusement dans les montagnes du nord, alors qu il fera moins lourd qu en octobre au sud et au cambodge
perso il n y aurait pas photo: le laos pour eviter le harcellement mercantile, les arnaques, le cote rugueux des vietnamiens, et me delecter des sourires, de la tranquilite et de la douceur laotienne
perso il n y aurait pas photo: le laos pour eviter le harcellement mercantile, les arnaques, le cote rugueux des vietnamiens, et me delecter des sourires, de la tranquilite et de la douceur laotienne
perso il n y aurait pas photo: le laos pour eviter le harcellement mercantile, les arnaques, le cote rugueux des vietnamiens, et me delecter des sourires, de la tranquilite et de la douceur laotienne
Autant de clichés en si peu de lignes! Chapeau!
Pas tant que ca. Cela fait 4 mois que je suis au Laos, le seul probleme que j ai eu c etait avec... un Vietnamien qui voulait me faire payer, du cote de Muang Khua, 5 fois le prix normal pour traverser 50 metres de rivieres. J ai vecu 5 ans au Vietnam et franchement on ressent la difference.
C'est dit certes crument, mais le fond est tout à fait vrai à mon sens...
Le Laos (Cambodge aussi) est beaucoup plus paisible que le Viet Nam et la Thailande. On n'essaiera pas de vous arnaquer à chaque fois que vous aurez besoin de quelque chose...
Bien sur, vous pourrez me sortir une tonne de contre exemple, mais dans l'ensemble c'est vrai...
Bonjour,
Connaissant les deux pays , je choisirais LAOS sans hésiter, et ce pour toutes les bonnes raisons expliquées par les forumistes à ce sujet.
Cordialement
moi qui rêve de vie paisible et tranquillité... je pense que ce voyage va me faire un bien fou !!😉
Je pense aller au Vietnam pour la baie d'Halong.... et peut être restée + longtemps sur le Laos alors ....
Le guide du routard dit que le palu y est très présent.... est ce vrai aussi dans Nord ?? encore + à cette saison ???
les traitements ont l'air assez lourd (comme d'hab... )et ce ne sont pas mes préférés !!!
Le problème est que dès que je pars qq part... si on est plusieurs et qu'il y a des moustiques... ils sont pour moi !!!! alors... ça me frène un peu !!!
je suis allée 1 mois à Bali.. et était recouverte tout le temps d'une 20 / 30 aine de piqures sur les jambes....🤪 (même avec protections ++ et moustiquaires la nuit !!)
moi je dirais (en connaissance de cause) que les 2 pays VN+Laos sont agreables.
la difference, le Laos est endormi et le VN est actif..ce sont les vietnamiens qui font+encouragent l'economie au Laos.
mais quelquefois la tranquilite est benefique.
alors choisis ton camp.
mais il me semble qu'on en a deja bcp parle dans des discussions precedentes, actionne la fonction "rechercher"
Il n'y a pas énormément de moustiques au nord Laos, mais il y en a suffisamment pour justifier un traitement.
En général c'est la malarone.
J'ai déjà vu deux occidentaux qui avaient refusé de nourrir l'industrie du médicament et qui faisaient confiance à mother gaia...
Ben ils n'étaient pas beaux à voir... Surtout que si tu tombes malade là bas, c'est direction Bangkok direct. Puis le bazar de l'évacuation sanitaire...
D'autant que ce traitement te protege aussi pour les malarias.
Donc c'est cher ces cachets, ca a pas mal d’effets secondaires. Certes, mais ne déconnes pas la dessus...
Je te conseille vivement d'aller voir le médecin avant de partir....
Bien à toi ,
Par contre le Vietnam ne se gene pas pour detruire les forets du Laos, chez eux ils ont tout coupe notament dans les Hauts Plateaux du Centre
tu as raison et a present le VN va couper le bois au Laos, c'est une realite que je ne conteste pas.
je le vois a chaque fois que je traverse les hauts plateaux...
mais je le repete les Vietnamiens sont tres malins, quand ils n'ont plus besoin des coreens ou des chinois, ils ls foutent dehors.
et je le repete egalement, au Laos, c'est les Vietnamiens qui sont les plus actifs.
malgre tout le Laos est un joli pays, j'ai plaisir a y aller
je le repete egalement, au Laos, c'est les Vietnamiens qui sont les plus actifs.
Et quand bien meme, il est difficile de comparer le Laos, pays de 6 millions d habitants avec presque pas de matiere premiere et aucun ouverture sur la mer, et le Vietnam avec ses 85 millions d habitants 😕
Tout courageux et travailleur qu ils sont les Vietnamiens, je prefere largement la mentalite "bor pen yang" laotienne.
Hi, Currently in Laos for one more day, I d like to share two handy apps for finding a driver. First, InDrive these are private drivers with their own cars.…
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
perso il n y aurait pas photo: le laos pour eviter le harcellement mercantile, les arnaques, le cote rugueux des vietnamiens, et me delecter des sourires, de la tranquilite et de la douceur laotienne 
Autant de clichés en si peu de lignes! Chapeau!
