bonjour,
je souhaite partir pour 2 semaines en Birmanie, je voyage seul; j'ai regardé les prix des hotels sur http://www.avatravel.com/hotelporte.htm, les prix me paraissent élevés, même dans les petites villes (18 $ / nuit); Est-il possible de trouver sur place des hotels - chers, ou de loger chez l'habitant ?
Il y a des petits hotels moins cher que sur le site que tu as consulté. Par contre il faut savoir que pour tous les hotels il y a 2 prix. Un pour les Birmans et un pour les étrangers ( même en étant résidents depuis 8 ans ).
Il en est de même pour les billets d'avion.
Il faut savoir qu'un Yangon Mandalay me coute + cher qu'un Yangon BKK par contre ma femme ne paye qu'un quart du prix.
Tous les hotels sont payé en$ en général car ils sont trés controlés sur les nuités qu'ils vendent et en particulier dans les petites villes.
je viens de passer 3 semaines en Birmanie, et pour une chambre single je payais en general 4 dollars, avec shared bathroom, mais tout etait clean. Impossible de loger chez l'habitant par contre, ils n'ont pas le droit de recevoir des etrangers chez eux...et c'est bien dommage...
Salut Christophe, je suis a Bagkok depuis 2 jours et je viens de passer un mois au Myanmar. J espere que tu pourras avoir ce message avant d y aller. pour ce qui est des prix, surtout ne t inquietes pas! C est vraiment un pays pas cher du tout. Je voyage seul egalement, et, j ai depense en un mois 230 dollars tout compris la bas...
Tu t en sors facilement avec des chambres entre 3 et 5 dollars max la nuit, petit dej etant en general inclus. voici les guesthouse que je te recommende vivement.
A Yangon: Mother Land Inn 2. Un tout petit peu exentre, mais vraiment bien. Dortoir de 6 lits a 3 USD la nuit. Si tu trouves leur adresse mail, reserve et demande leur de venir te cherche a l aeroport, le service est gratuit. La salle de bain est commune, mais vraiment propre. Tres bonne adresse (j y suis perso alle deux fois) Payable en USD ou Euros uniquement, sachant que l Euros est plus avantageux (mais c est le seul endroit que j ai vu ou on pouvais payer en Euros)
A lac Inle: Mingalar Inn. Chambre simple a 3 USD, sdb commune mais propre, incluant petit dej et diner... Si, si, c est vrai! En fait, ils ne te diront pas que le diner est inclus, mais il viendront te chercher vers 19h dans ta chambre en te disant que c est servi. Et si tu leurs demande combien ca coute, ils repondront que c est un service gratuit de l hotel contre un bon coup de pub de ta part aupres des autres voyageurs. De plus, c est le dernier hotel qui bosse sans payer de commissions aux taxis... Tenu par une petite famille tres sympa et belle terrasse. Detail important, toutes les crudites et legumes servis au diner sont mangeables sans souci pour nos estomacs fragiles. fais bien attention de prendre un pick up depuis la T junction en sortant du bus, ca coute 300 K contre 4000 en taxi!
A Mandalay: AD 1 hotel: bien, mais pas top. 3 ou 4 USD la nuit, je ne me souviens plus, avec sdb privee et petit dej, mais pas hyper bien situe malgre le marche qui est a cote. Je te conseille plus le Roayl Guest House, bcp plus central et pour 3 USD. Par contre, reserve ce dernier car il est souvent complet. Seul inconvenient de la Royal, les chambres sont super super chaudes. Mais bon.
A Pyin U Lwin (si tu y vas): Grace Hotel 1: accueil pas terrible, mais jardin hyper agreable. Les chambres sont annoncees a 14 USD la double et 7 la simple. Je l ai eue pour 4 USD... Pas tres central, mais bon. Par contre, si tu preferes l hotel un peu routard, va plus au Grace Hotel 2 plus central et pour 3 USD la nuit (sans petit dej) car il y a bcp de routards. Et si tu vas dans ce beau petit village, mange les fraises, elles sont hyper bonnes!! Et evites les petites chutes, elles n ont aucun interet et contrairement a ce que dit le Lonely Planet, elles sont a 500 K plus 150 pour l appareil photos.
A Bagan: Je ne me souviens plus du nom de la guest house, mais elle etait vraiment bien... Pour indication, elle est situee en face d une sorte de salon de the qui vend des glaces, des brownies et des kf frappes, lequel salon de the appartient a un restau thai qui est juste a cote. C est 4 USD la nuit avec sdb commune et ils louent les velos a 500 k la journee ce qui est bcp moins cher qu ailleurs.
Voila ce que je peux te dire. Regale toi bien la bas, j ai la chance de voyager pas mal et c est vraiment le pays le plus authentique que j ai eu l occasion de voir. Si j avais pu, j y serais reste!
Bon voyage. Juste, dernier detail, ne part pas avec des dollars en mauvais etat, et surtout ne part pas avec des billets de 100 USD dont l immarticulation commence par CB... Ils te seront refuses car cette serie a ete copiee en grande quantite par les faussaires de taiwan. A bon entendeur
il est interdit à un birman de loger un étranger c'est aussi simple que çà. et ton voyage va être trè encadré si tu vois ce que je veux dire. la situation est très grave là bas. je te dis çà, car nous voulions nous y rendre et un expatrié au nord thailande nous expliqué combien il était difficile d'y voyager. après lecture des infos du moment tu te rendra compte des difficultés que tu vas rencontrer. Bon voyage.
tout à fait d'accord: les logements au Myanmar sont très von marché. Je te conseillerais aussi le Motherland Inn à Yangoon (le ptit déj......ah!!!), au lac Inle, j'étais au TeakWood Hotel, tenu par des Shan, hotel magnifique. A Mandalay, j'étais aussi au AD1.
voila mes parents habitent en birmanie depuis 2 ans et moi j y vais 3 a 6 mois dans l annee et je ne comprend se que tu dis que nous sommes encadrer et par qui?
et il et tres facile de voyager dans ce pays car j y suis aller au mois de novembre jusque maintenant et il n y a pas eu de probleme
Je sais qu'on exagere un peu du coté de Marselle mais là, je pense que tu t'es fait un peu bourré le mou!!
Je vis ici depuis bientôt 8 ans et je vais te dire bien franchement qu'il faudrait me payer trés trés cher pour que je revienne vivre en Europe.
D'ici à dire que c'est un pays parfait en tout, loin de moi cette idée mais il y en a tellement de plus merdique dans le monde qu'il faut se garder de commentaires définitifs sans savoir réellement de quoi on parle.
Et tu sais, les RG en France c'est pas mal du tout.
Salut
je sui confus d'avoir exagéré mes propos concernant le pays qui t'accueille, pardon
toutefois, une question : le fait pour un birman de ne pas pouvoir héberger un étranger, comme le fait volontier un khmer par ex, çà en dit bcp sur la politique appliquée dans ce pays, qui doit être splendide au demeurant
maintenant si tu me dis que je peux voyager en Birmanie avec la même quiétude que pour les pays voisins, j'y fonce dès que je peux.
autre question : que fais tu en Birmanie ?
les RG pour renseignemets généraux ? je dois bien en croiser 1 sur 10 sur la canabière par ex
bien à toi
rimcha
J'adhère a ce que dit, , gege, ,
pour ce qui est du logement, , je crois que la politesse est de refuser de dormir chez un Birman, , car il sera interroger par la suite .. et c'est lui qui sera peut être dans de graves problèmes .. donc c'est a éviter ... ( mais pour un home . c'est possible de dormir dans un temple .. dans le cas ou il n'y a pas de hotel .. )
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
Tu peux foncer pour visiter ce pays avant qu'il ne s'ouvre trop au tourisme de masse. Pour le moment on est tranquille car ils n'ont pas les infrastructures pour cela. Et c'est tant mieux car l'escalade au modernisme dans beaucoup de pays soit disant " developpés et democratiques " laisse à mon avis beaucoup de gens envieux, stressés et mécontents sans parler de ceux qui restent sur le carreau. On peu en discuter longtemps. Pour moi, ma conclusion à ce jour, c'est que les pays ont le pouvoir politique qu'ils meritent. Si ils veulent en changer, c'est à eux de le faire et les conseilleurs en tous genres feraient mieux de temps en temps de se regarder dans une glace avant de vouloir imposer des choses à des peuples ou des pays qui n'ont pas eu la même évolution n'y la même éducation et qui souvent ont subi le joug de ces mêmes conseilleurs.
Dans le monde rien n'est blanc, rien n'est noir tout est dans les subtilités du gris. Et n'oublions pas que trés prés de chez nous, il y a eu la Yougoslavie et que malgrés quelques années déjà de passés, les problemes ne sont pas resolu pour tout le monde. Ici c'est la même chose, une multitude d'ethnies differentes qui n'ont pas toujours une même volonté de fédération. Quel est la solution? un pouvoir mou et un pays à feu et à sang. Rien n'est simple. Pour moi, le meilleur remède dans le temps à beaucoup de manques, c'est l'éducation des gens. Et il est vrai à mon humble avis que c'est actuellement la plus grosse lacune.
C'est à chaque peuple de faire sa propre évolution même si cela en dérange d'autre, et je ne pense pas que ce soit la vitesse des changements qui soit la meilleure des solutions.
Mais pas de probleme chacun peut penser ce qu'il veut. L'important pour moi c'est de se faire un avis en ayant enttendu tous les sons de cloche.
Pour la quietude, pas de soucis, tu reviendras de ce pays, enchanté comme la grande majorité des gens qui l'ont visité.
exact .. gege
dans une interview que j'ai eut avec( il y a pas mal de temps) avec 'Aung San Suu Kyi elle a un raisonnement similaire .. laisser le temps / faire .
il est exact aussi que ce pays a hérite des Anglais la méthode . < < il faut diviser pour mieux régner .. >> et on voit bien le résultat ..
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
merci pour tes éclaircissements
peux tu me rappeler ce qui s'est passé cet automne ou au début de l'hiver au sein du gouvernement birman entre les militaires. Je suis tombé sur l'info très rapidement et n'ai pas tout saisi, mais je me rappelle que c'était important.
prends soin de toi
rimcha
Re
Tout simplement qu'ils ont viré le premier ministre en place en l'accusant de coruption pour en mettre un autre à sa place.
Mais c'est normal et frequant par ici. C'est certainement quand ils oublient de redistribuer assez.
j'étais au cambodge quand çà c passé, sur place des khmers avaient l'air ravi
en fait rien a changé, toujours opium et pétrole, tu me diras ils ne vont pas s'en séparer de ces mannes
tu y fais quoi au Myanmar ?
porte toi bien
rimcha
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
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