Je dois réserver mon vol vers la Malaisie au plus tard pour ce vendredi mais je souhaiterais tout organiser avant de réserver et je n'arrive pas avoir des informations quant aux transferts même en passant par les hôtels et je ne trouve pas une agence de voyage sérieuse sur place.
Je souhaiterais quitter les îles Perhantians par bateau le 26 septembre et aller directement aux îles Tioman car nous sommes des plongeurs/snorkellers. Je pense que je devrai au moins passer une nuit à Mersing le 27 septembre pour prendre le lendemain le bateau pour les îles Tioman (si pas une autre nuit du côté de Kota Bahru pour prendre le bus car je pense que les horaires bateau et bus ne correspondent pas (et qu'ils sont fort aléatoires - Transnational m'a dit que les horaires des bus n'étaient connus qu'un mois avant le départ mais je suppose qu'ils sont plus au moins identiques d'année en année). Le 2 octobre, je souhaite quitter par bateau les îles Tioman pour aller directement à Singapoure.
Quelles sont les solutions auxquelles vous pensez pour atteindre ces destinations ? Bus ou voiture privée pour deux personnes (mais risque d'être fort coûteux). Avez-vous une idée des horaires et des prix des bateaux et des bus .
Merci infiniment pour votre aide sinon je pense renoncer à ce voyage (dernière chose : je réserve toujours mes hôtels à l'avance donc je n'ai pas beaucoup de souplesse ... et je crains de rater mes transferts).
Bonjour Lola27 et les autres membres,
Nous sommes aussi des amateurs de plongée avec masque et tuba.
Nous n'avons pas encore trouvé (pour avril prochain) la plage au sable blanc, aux eaux cristallines, etc...pour cette activité. Pouvez-vous nous en suggérer, sur la côte ou sur une île, à l'Est ou à l'Ouest ?
Merci d'avance.
Pour aller a Mersing de K. Besut (point d'ebarquement depuis Perhentians), il faut prendre un bus de Jerteh - 6 heures plus ou moins. Il faut prendre un taxi pour aller a Jerteh (RM20). Ekspres Transnasional fait le trajet - j'ai fait le trajet avec eux dans l'autre sens il y a qql ans. Le bus commence de Kota Bahru et termine a Johor Bahru - mais fait attention a la route quand meme parce que des fois le bus ne passe pas par Mersing. Demands-le des que tu arrives a K Besut ou meme au guichet de Transnasional a Kuala Lumpur.
De Mersing, il faut prendre un bus a Johor Bahru. La-bas, tu peux prendre Johor-Singapore Express ou 170 de SBS (payer en monnaie Singapour!).
Le prix de bateau aux Perhentians est RM70 AR et pareils pour Tiomans (si je me trompe pas). C'est pas necessaire pour reserver un place pour le bateau aux Perhentians (mais il faut signaler un jour avant de sortir pour assurer que le bateau fait un stop a la plage ou tu loges) mais c'est mieux de reserver pour Tiomans. Ca suffit de telephoner 2-3 jours avant le depart - Bluewater Express.
Fais attention que la gare routiere Hentian Putra pour aller a cote l'est est ferme. Le bus pour K Besut depart actuellement de TBS - gare routiere dans le sud de KL.
Pensez-vous que je sais prendre le bateau de Perhentians le matin, ensuite prendre le taxi jusqu'à Jerteh (combien de temps cela prend-il) et ensuite avoir un bus pour Mersing tout cela en une journée et en dormant donc à Mersing le soir pour prendre le bateau le lendemain pour Tioman ?
Ne dois-je pas changer de bus à Kuantan pour Mersing ?
Avez-vous une idée du prix d'un taxi de la jetée vers Mersing ?
Pensez-vous que je sais prendre le bateau de Perhentians le matin, ensuite prendre le taxi jusqu'à Jerteh (combien de temps cela prend-il)
> c'est 20 minutes. si tu trouves un billet de bus de jerteh l'apres-midi ou le soir, tu peux meme sortir a midi. Le bateau part de Perhentians a 8h, 12h et 16h et ca mets environs 30 minutes; un peu plus s'il fait plusiers stop aux Perhentians avant le depart.
et ensuite avoir un bus pour Mersing tout cela en une journée et en dormant donc à Mersing le soir pour prendre le bateau le lendemain pour Tioman ?
> Oui. C'est ca.
Ne dois-je pas changer de bus à Kuantan pour Mersing ?
> non, c'est pas la pein.
Avez-vous une idée du prix d'un taxi de la jetée vers Mersing ?
> de la jetee de Kuala Besut? RM400-500?? c'est deja RM80 pour aller a l'aeroport de Kota Bahru qui est 50km de la jetee.
Vous êtes une mine d'information sans parler de la rapidité pour répondre... un tout grand merci ...
Etes-vous certain qu'il y aurait un bus l'après-midi pour Mersing car je déteste les bus de nuit ? Est-ce plutôt un bus VIP ou pour les locaux ? Fait-il beaucoup d'arrêt dans d'autres villes ou va-t-il directement à Mersing ? Je suppose qu'il n'y a aucun problème pour mettre nos deux grosses valises ou sacs dans les soutes du bus car nous sommes des plongeurs.
Pour aller de Tioman à Singapoure : je suppose qu'il y a un bateau le matin et qu'il y a plusieurs bus par jour et que je pourrai arriver sans problème à Singapoure le même jour. Quelle est la durée du bateau et du bus ?
Quel est le meilleur endroit pour changer de l'argent ? Aéroport de Kuala Lumpur, Kohta Bahru ????
Ce que je trouve, c'est du soir a 21h. Transnasional, Utama et Cepat Express. Mais ils vendent que le billet de Kota Bahru a Mersing. Le bus fait un stop a Jerteh. Il faut que tu precises tu monter a bord a Jerteh. C'est bizarre mais on a besoin un pull pour le bus de nuit en malaisie. Le bus est plutot VIP mais il fait qql stop en route. Il y a des compartements pour les groses valises.
En fet, il est egalement possible de prendre un bus a Kuantan (c'est aussi de Jerteh [4-5heures]) et prendre un autre bus directe a Mersing (2 heures). Le problem c'est de trouver une bonne correspondence. Mais il y a plus de bus de Jerteh a Kuantan et de Kuantan a Mersing. Il y a aussi de bus locaux mais le dernier probablement depart vers 17-18h.
Pour le Tioman:
Les horaires de bateau sont selon la maree (1.5 heures). La compagnie de bateau peut vous dire un mois avant. Toutefois, il y a plusiers bus a Johor Bahru et aussi qql bus directe a Singapour. Mersing a Johor Bahru est 2 heures. JB et Singapore sont pres mais la bouchon a la frontiere! aie!
Comme partout, il n'est jamais le meilleure idee de changer l'argent a l'aeroport. La CB marche aussi bien pour retirer l'argent.
A+
Bonsoir,
Vous êtes une mine d'information sans parler de la rapidité pour répondre... un tout grand merci ...
Etes-vous certain qu'il y aurait un bus l'après-midi pour Mersing car je déteste les bus de nuit ? Est-ce plutôt un bus VIP ou pour les locaux ? Fait-il beaucoup d'arrêt dans d'autres villes ou va-t-il directement à Mersing ? Je suppose qu'il n'y a aucun problème pour mettre nos deux grosses valises ou sacs dans les soutes du bus car nous sommes des plongeurs.
Pour aller de Tioman à Singapoure : je suppose qu'il y a un bateau le matin et qu'il y a plusieurs bus par jour et que je pourrai arriver sans problème à Singapoure le même jour. Quelle est la durée du bateau et du bus ?
Quel est le meilleur endroit pour changer de l'argent ? Aéroport de Kuala Lumpur, Kohta Bahru ????
Grâce à ton aide, j'ai finalement réservé mon billet d'avion.... bien que je reste fort inquiète avec tout ce que j'ai pu lire retard et ferry complets, hôtels parfois un peu décevants en comparaison avec la Thaïlande... et comme il m'arrive toujours un tas d'aventures notamment parce que je calcule trop juste pour mes transferts par bateau et avion... je pense que j'aurai encore beaucoup de choses à raconter à mon retour...
Une dernière question : sur Tioman : quelle plage me conseilles-tu (je veux faire du snorkeling à partir de la plage, trouver quelques restaurants à côté de l'hôtel (un hôtel propre), possibilité de se déplacer un peu à pied pour visiter l'île en partie).
J'arrive peut-être trop tard mais voila qqs infos :
- bus Kuala Besut - Jerteh : 3-4 € (8km 10 minutes ). Les taxis attendent a la jetée qd vous descendez du bateau
- bateau : réserver la veille pour quitter l'ile , le dernier est a 16h (annulé par mauvais temps)
- le site http://www.journeymalaysia.com/ contient tous les trajets en bus (avec heure de départ seulement !) et pas mal d'hotels/bungalows aux Perhantian (et ailleurs)
- les bus de nuit sont très confortables, direct ... et abominablement froids (mettez tout ce que vous avez comme vêtements) : on a eu du 18° !!
- effectivement logement pas gd luxe sur l'ile mais bungalows trés sympa a part le Perhantian Island Resort qui est le seul qui tend vers le luxe. On était au Coral View a Besar très bien placé pour nager avec les tortues (a 200m), le calme (car pas de passage de bateaux incessants comme sur la ), ses 2 plages orientées différément et a 200m de la plus belle plage de l'ile (celle du PIR)
Bon voyage
Photos des Perhantian sur mon site ci-dessous
- les bus de nuit sont très confortables, direct ... et abominablement froids (mettez tout ce que vous avez comme vêtements) : on a eu du 18° !!
Je confirme. Ayant été tenus au courant de ça avant le départ, nous avions acheté une couverture au supermarché du coin... Je le recommande chaudement. 😎
Bonjour,
je vois en lisant vos messages que vous pourriez peut etre m aider
Nous partons avec un bébé de 16mois; de singapour nous voudrions aller à l ile kapas directement.
y a til des bus de nuit ou il est preferable de faire le trajet en avion passant par kuala lumpur?
Nous hesitions du coup a faire singapour malacca puis kuala lumpur terangganu en avion...
Il y a des bus de nuit directe de Singapour a Kuala Trengganu chez Transnasional Express (une fois par jour) ou bcp plus de compagnies de bus de Johor Bahru. A Kuala Trengganu, il faut aller a Marang pour prendre le bateau a Kapas. C'est mieux de verifier avec l'hotel en avance.
Toutefois, c'est pas difficile de faire la correspondence avec les bus en malaisie comme la plupart de gens prend le bus et pas le train comme en france. Mais les gares de routieres a Johor Bahru (Larkin), Melaka (Melaka Sentral) et KL (TBS ou Puduraya) ne sont pas au centre de ville.
Merci beaucoup pour votre réponse, les 2 hôtels contactés ne me répondent pas... Pensez vous que Malacca valent le coup de faire le détour ? Et est ce que un sejour dans temara negara est envisageable avec un bebe ? J ai tellement de question j ai part habitude de partir a l aventure mais la avec un bébé tout est a organiser et c est plus compliqué... Merci de votre aide j ai posté directement un post ..
Oui, Malacca est interessant dans un point de vue d'histoire, culture et cuisine. Essaies de passer une nuit dans l'un des hotels dans les batiments historiques (<Eur50) et la cuisine de Nonya-Baba. Ca vaut un ou deux jour de sejour.
A Taman Negara on marche normalement dans le jungle :-). Alors, si ca marche pour toi avec le bebe, pourquoi pas?
ok merci beaucoup pour tes informations, nous llons opter pour la cote est seulement je crois que c'est le plus simple et on ne perdra pas de temps dans les trajets.. si tuas des idées ou des info sur de belles choses à voir sur la cote est merci par avance😉
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.
