Salut Aliza,
Y'a pas mille solutions c'est le bus de nuit !
Si tu vas a Banaue en général c'est pour faire un trek et visiter les villages aux alentours c'est la raison pour laquelle les touristes y vont !
Manille - Banaue, je te conseille le bus de nuit. Ohayami bus assure la liaison jusque Banaue. Tu peux prendre ce bus au depart de Manila (Sampaloc Avenue).
Tu as aussi les bus FLorida liner qui assurent la liaison.
Les bus partent entre 10 et 11 heure du soir tous les jours. Pour le voyage, compte entre 11 a 12h.
Que faire a Banaue: tu peux faire un peu de rando dans la region, tu as de superbes endroits a visiter. Tu peux te rendre a Batad (un peu plus loin que banaue, tu y trouvera le centre culturel des Ifuago. Prend assez de cash avec toi, car lors de mon precedent voyage (en 2011), il n y avait pas d'ATM.
Si il te restent encore du temps, tu prend le bus et tu peux t'arreter aussi a Baguio et pourquoi pas partir faire l'ascencion du Mont Pulag (3eme plus grand somemt des philippines et facile d'acces).
Tout petit conseil : nous sommes en haute saison. Il est vivement conseillé d'arriver à Oyahami Station en début d'aprem voire en matinée pour booker son bus. Nombreux sont ceux qui effectivement achètent un ticket mais doivent se trouver un hôtel à 22h en urgence et partir le lendemain...soir !
Je compte aller à Banaue en avril avec mon mari et ses parents (env 65 ans). On partirait de Manille
Après avoir lu le forum, il semble que l'option bus de nuit soit la plus évidente.
Mais je voudrais savoir si ils sont confortables car mon beau-père souffre un peu de son dos et si le siège n'est pas correct il va être complètement cassé le pauvre .. 🙁
Que me conseillez vous ?
En Corée du sud nous avions pris un bus de nuit et je dois dire que c'était le grand luxe, les sièges étaient incroyablement agréables. Bref j'hésite entre le bus et la voiture avec chauffeur..
C"est clair que vous ne retrouverez pas le confort des bus que vous aviez en Coree.
Je vous conseillerai d'utiliser les bus de la compagnie Florida. Leurs sieges sont plus spacieux que Ohayami Lines.
Par contre, il faut reserver 2 jours a l avance. Bon maintenant, je vous l'avoue apres 9 a 10 heures de bus, il risque (comme pas mal de monde) d'avoir courbatures.
COncernant la qualite de la route, ca reste assez correct aussi.
Donc je suppose que le resultat sera le meme que 13h d'avion..
Je vais lui demander si il se sent de faire 10h de bus. Si a priori les bus sont correct ca doit etre faisable.
Ok pour la réservation. Peut t'on reserver en ligne, ou ca irait si le jour de notre arrivée a Manille on reserve le bus pour ds les 5 jours ? A priori le mieux serait de prendre celui de 20h n'est ce pas?
En gros on aimerait pour 10 jours 9 nuits:
arrivée Manille 1 nuit > lendemain matin départ pour Taal Lake (d'apres les photos ca a l'air super joli) 3 nuits > Batangas 1 nuit > depart matin pour Manille puis bus de nuit le soir pour Banaue Rice Terraces 2 nuits > la cordilliera / Vigan > retour sur Manille bus de nuit samedi > vol retour dimanche soir
Une autre possibilite (mais certainement plus honereuse), c'est de louer un van prive ....
Alors pour Florida bus line, je n'ai jamais put trouver leur site web, ils ont une page facebook (mais ils ne gere pas les booking en ligne). Ca vaudrait peut etre la peine de les appeler et de voir si une reservation peut etre faites ...(de mon cote, j etais arrive en avance a Manile et m etais rendu a leur terminal 2 ou 3 jours a l'avance).
En regardant votre itineraire, je pense que vous avez fait une bonne selection des endroits a visiter. Par contre, c'est au niveau timing ou je me pose des questions.
3 nuits a Taal me semble de trop ...je dirais 1 journee et une nuit, c'est assez ..
1 nuit a Batangas: OK (si vous aviez un peu plus de temps, je vous aurais recommende d'aller a Puerto Galera qui se trouve a 1h de bateau de Batangas).
2 nuits a Banaue: ca me semble OK.
Cordillera/Vigan: ? La coordillera etant vaste, pensez vous rester a Baggio ?
Vigan, je vous conseille d'y rester au moins 1 nuit
John
merci beaucoup pour votre reponse.
Donc je suppose que le resultat sera le meme que 13h d'avion..
Je vais lui demander si il se sent de faire 10h de bus. Si a priori les bus sont correct ca doit etre faisable.
Ok pour la réservation. Peut t'on reserver en ligne, ou ca irait si le jour de notre arrivée a Manille on reserve le bus pour ds les 5 jours ? A priori le mieux serait de prendre celui de 20h n'est ce pas?
En gros on aimerait pour 10 jours 9 nuits:
arrivée Manille 1 nuit > lendemain matin départ pour Taal Lake (d'apres les photos ca a l'air super joli) 3 nuits > Batangas 1 nuit > depart matin pour Manille puis bus de nuit le soir pour Banaue Rice Terraces 2 nuits > la cordilliera / Vigan > retour sur Manille bus de nuit samedi > vol retour dimanche soir
Bon juste 1 nuit a Taal alors.
Pour Batangas, je voulais profiter un peu de la plage peut etre qu'il ya un endroit plus adequat. j'ai tres envie d'aller a El nido, on dirait la baie d'halong, ca parait magnifique. Mais je crains de ne pas pouvoir faire les rizieres et ça...
ou alors a la place de Batangas on part direct de manille a El nido, on y passe 3 jours ensuite on rentre pour les rizières (peut être même qu'il y a un vol de El nido à aux environs de Banaue )
Mais j'avoue que je n'ai pas envie de courir, je voudrais voyager tranquillou..
Mais je ne veux pas manque non plus des coins incontournables..
Le probleme avec les Philipines c'est qu'il y a tellement de belles choses a voir, qu'il est difficile de trier ..
Pour la Cordillera je ne sais pas encore ou aller. peut etre Baguio, Tinglayen ou Bontoc.. faut que je regarde un peu les hotels qu'il y a....
suite à un accident mortel, la compagnie florida n'a plus d'autorisation de circuler c'est provisoire, mais..........donc il reste ohayami, confort moyen.
Non, il n'y a pas de vol de El Nido aux environs de Banaué...Tinglayan (avec AN, Lonely Planet se trompe depuis longtemps avec leur EN), j'éviterais absolument s'il y a des problèmes de dos, c'est a 2h30 de Bontoc, route hard!
El Nido je dis oui, car c'est magnifique, mais allez-y en avion de Manille avec la compagnie ITI, sinon c'est la galère aussi!
Manille-Banaué, c'est le bus de nuit obligatoire!
Batangas, c'est nul!Aucuns intérets!Volcan Taal, c'est sympa, mais 24h suffisent!
wahoo merci pour tous ces messages!!
Ok j'y vois un peu plus clair dans mon programme. Pas de Batangas alors 😉
Je me dis que peut être l'alternative au bus de nuit, serait de faire 3h de route par jour et à chaque fois stopper qq part en chemin et visiter la ville. Comme ça tout le monde passe une bonne nuit dans un vrai lit (enfin je dis plus ca pour mes beaux parents). Je pense que ce genre de solution leur conviendrait d'avantage. Faut que je trouve un chauffeur qui nous baladerait tout le séjour.
Je vais aussi regarder les possibilités pour Manille/Elnido avec la compagnie ITI.
Maintenant faut que je choissise entre Manille/Volcan Taal/Banaue (en passant par la côte pour l'aller ou le retour), Manille/Volcan Taal/Mayon (pause a Caminog Island peut être pour profiter de la plage), Manille/Volcan Taal/Elnido ... une autre idée que j'avais aussi c'était de faire Manille/Volcan Taal/Cebu/Bohol.... ou alors je laisse tomber Manille et je vais à Cebu/Bohol et des îles (car on aimerait passer 2 jrs a faire du snorkeling aussi).
Pour dire vrai j'ai flashé sur Elnido, Volcan Taal , Mayon et chocolate hill (la balade sur la rivière a bohol aussi).
Banaue je suis mitigée car nous avons vu de superbes rizières a Bali, j'aimerais donc essayer de voir autre chose de vraiment special (come ElNido et Chocolate hill).
Va falloir que je tire au sort car je n'arrive pas a me décider !!!! Mon mari et mes beaux parents sont partant pour tout alors ca ne m'avance pas ^^.
En tout cas merci beaucoup pour tous vos conseils, ca m'aide énormément.
Tahal et Bohol compte 7-8 jours pour faire les deux et ne pas trop courir...
Après El Nido 5 jours c'est la moyenne de séjour d'un touriste sachant qu'il y'a un jour perdu à l'aller et un au retour...comptez donc 7 sauf si vous prenez le vol direct (en moyenne trois fois plus cher par personne) pour El Nido.
en 10 jours, privilegies 2 destinations ou 3 au max, sinon vous allez passer votre temps en deplacement et revenir morts. lire le post de VLACAR de fevrier
le mayon, par ex est loin de Bohol ou de Palawan, regardes sur une carte, il faut rapprocher les destinations
seuls, taal ou Puerto galera sont accessibles aisement depuis Manille, en 2 et 4 heures malgré tout
ne pas s'attarder sur Manille
Oui je suis tout à fait d'accord avec vous Doud2, il faudrait privilegier 2 destinations pour 10 jours.
Je sais que le Mayon est loin de Bohol, c'est pourquoi soit je fais soit Manille/Bohol, soit Manille/Mayon. Mais en effet il faut évider de faire les destinations trop éloignées les unes des l'autres.
Je préfère beaucoup plus rester dans un coin et apprécier l'endroit que de courir à droite et à gauche.
Néanmoins merci beaucoup pour vos conseils . Je vais de ce pas lire le post de VLACAR.😉
je repars de ce post car il parle bien de la liaison au départ Manille/rizieres.
J arrive à Manille le 2 mai vers 15h et je souhaiterais aller directement dans les rizieres sans m arreter dans l acapitale. J 'ai compris que cela n etait possible que de nuit via une liaison bus (question : comment réserver depuis Paris) et aussi connaissez vous une solution driver?
Je ne suis pas adepte de cette solution mais si cela permet de gagner une journée+ une nuit, j'avoue bien vouloir étyudier cette option.
il y a aussi des bus de jour, en fait toute la journée
pour une location de voiture avec chauffeur, tape rent a car in manila et tu devrais avoir des réponses d'agences locales
bus terminal de sampaloc, départ 20 et 22 h. pas besoin de réserver. tu vas là bas et tu achètes ton billet. arrivée vers 6/8h du matin. compte une bonne heure de taxi depuis l'aéroport.
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.
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