Je vous avais déjà adressé un petit mot en septembre pour un voyage du coté du Laos et du cambodge en Mars Avril pour 3 semaines et demi. D'autres projets personnels ne m'ont pas encore permis de bcp avancer sur l'itinéraire et d'autre part j'ai quelques questions...
J'arrive à BangKok, une copine me rejoint la bas. Direction les temples d'angkor. Comment faut il s'y rendre : Bus ? Train de nuit ? Ou acheter les billets : centre de Bangkok ?
Ensuite 3/5 jours sur place et départ pour le Laos : Y a t il des vols Siem Reap / Vientiane ?
POur les visas tant pour le laos que le cambodge peut on les prendre sur place aux postes frontières ?
Ton visa pour le Cambodge tu pourras le faire directement à la frontière. Par contre celui du Laos ne se fait pas sur place donc le mieux est de le prévoir à BKK ou Phnom Pehn (attention car ce poste frontière n'est apparemment pas toujours ouvert ... donc essaye d'avoir des informations plus fraîches que les miennes).
Pour rejoindre Angkor le plus simple est de prendre le bus.
chere aurelie je me permet de t informer que cet ete de nombreuses personnes voyageaient du laos vers le cambodge car il est ardu d obtenir son visa pour le laos qd on est au CAMBODGE ;je te conseille de faire BKK(thai)train couchette ou avion pour le laos et ensuite du laos tu vas au cambodge.
Il y a bcp d hotel et pour l avoir effectuer ce parcours avec mon pere durant un mois je te le conseille, on me l avait tres fortemment recommande d'ailleurs.
Les voyageurs nous disaient tous qu il etait dur d avoir un visa a la frontiere cambodgienne vers le laos.
Tu auras plus de temps et de chance ds ce sens, et ton visa pour le cambodge ne coute que 20 dollars(pense au deux photosID)le visa pour la thai est gratuit pour 30 jours reste celui du laos plus cher 15 ou 30 jours au choix environ 30 et 60 dollars(tjs photosID et liquide pour payer) les avions ne sont pas tres chers il y a tjs de la place si tu reserve 2 3 jours a l avnce.Pense aussi aux multiples taxes d aeroports;par exemple de PP(cambodge) à Banlung vers la frontiere cam_lao il y a 4 dollars pour taxe interieur+qq autre dollars pour je ne sais quoi...
bref si tu fait Thai-laos-cambodge tu gagnes du temps et de l argent il n y a pas trop de tourisme exessif ds ces coins...
🤪 et oui le poste frontiere cambodge_laos est rarement au top et il vaut mieux passer ds l autre sens c'est un vrai conseil d'ami voyageur😄 qui souhaite durer.
Fait le parcours thai laos cambodge et tu seras pas deçue.😏
Il est impossible d'avoir un visa pour le Cambodge à la frontière avec le laos ... et inversement.
Donc le mieux (si tu es de passage à Bangkok) c'est d'y faire le visa du 2eme pays que tu veux visiter (1 journée d'attente et le visa pour le laos est de 30j au lieu de 15 au poste frontière). Le premier pays que tu veux visiter tu prends le visa sur place (ex : poipet pour le cambodge et pont de l'amitié pour le laos).
Sinon le poste frontière entre le laos et le cambodge est très vétuste. Et il y a une arnaque si tu le traverse dans le sens laos/cambodge puisque pour rejoindre Stung Treng tu es obligé de prendre un speed boat à 15$ alors que dans l'autre sens ce n'est que 4$. Mais bon, comme tu as passé la frontière tu n'as plus le choix car ton visa n'est valable que pour une entrée.
Entre ces 3 pays j'ai testé les postes frontières suivant :
Thailande/Cambodge : poipet (visa sur place 30$)
Thailande/Laos : pakse/ubon ratchathani (pas de visa sur place) - NongKhai/Vientiane via pont de l'amitié (Visa sur place 30$ pour 15j) - Chiang Khong/Huai Xai (visa sur place 30$ mais je n'ai pas testé puisque j'ai passé la frontière dans l'autre sens)
Laos/Cambodge : bateau via Stung Treng / Si phan dong (pas de visa sur place).
salut, comment se fait il que en juillet à strung streng au cambodge il y avait sur le mekong des gens qui arrivaient du laos et aussi à Banlung ensuite, pareil pleins de jeunes qui arrivaient direct du laos, c 'est vrai ils nous ont tous dit galere le visa mais ils l'ont obtenu qd meme.
salut, comment se fait il que en juillet à strung streng au cambodge il y avait sur le mekong des gens qui arrivaient du laos et aussi à Banlung ensuite, pareil pleins de jeunes qui arrivaient direct du laos, c 'est vrai ils nous ont tous dit galere le visa mais ils l'ont obtenu qd meme.
Peut etre cela a changer depuis l automne?
Tu veux dire qu'ils ont eu le visa pour le cambodge directement au checkpoint ? Tu ne penses pas qu'ils l'ont eu au préalable à Vientiane ou BKK ?
En tout cas je suis passé par ce post-frontière et je suis sûr à 99% qu'il n'est pas possible de faire son visa sur place (d'ailleurs apparemment il n'est pas officiellement ouvert aux touristes).
exactement ces jeunes gens arrivaient par des bateaux et achetaient leurs visas au poste frontalier contre 1 demi dollar donné en plus du prix du visa par contre ds l autre sens pas possible cambodge laos non.
oui le poste n est pas ouvert pour les etrangers venant du cambodge
je te remercie de ta reponse et il faut en effet avoir achete son visa avant (à Bangkok par exemple) .Il n'est pas possible de l' avoir au Laos ?
merci de me repondre car cet ete nous retournons en asie et comme je l'ai dis l'autre jour nous voulons aller au cambodge en venant du laos vu que l'ete drenier nous avions croisé pleins de gens qui arrivaient du laos par le mekong, mais c'est vrai ils devaient avoir le visa d'avance, c'est juste le tampon qui est delivre au passage laos-cambodge alors?
et mais vous etes debiles ou bien ????
je suis actuellement au cambodge avce mon amie, et les prix pour le visa laos cest de 40 a 45 eur, on cherche de partout imposible de trouver mieux a par a lambassade qui propose 35 eur, et les 20 cest uniquement si tu arrives en avion !!! bref les informations bidons merci bien !!! javais ecoute le fameux alan qui disait que a la okay guet house de phom penh cetait 30 eur ; MENSONGE il demande 45 eur pour les francais car surprise le prix differe selon que tu sois francais allemand canadien ou autre .... bref, ka okay guest house cest un piege a touriste les chambres sont plus cher que annonce dans les giuides ou par alan, yen a plus que raz le bol des gens qui donnent des infos debiles alors que sur place tout est bien clair et tout le monde connait tres bien les prix ! a coire que ce alan qui repond a tout le monde sur ce site bosse avec les geuest house du coin,
bref les visa laos cest 35 eur a lambassade et 40 ou 45 partout ailleurs, les 20 dollars ne sont possible que si tu arrives en avion ! merci pour toutes vos infos bidons .
30 euros ...... jamais parlé de visas en euros mais en dollars uniquement et celà pour le Vietnam et non pour le Laos ..... et ou tu as raison, c'est que maintenant le visa pour le Vietnam est de 33 USD et celà si on peut attendre entre 48 et 72 heures pour l'obtenir ( sinon effectivement plus cher si on veut se le procurer en 24 heures ), et celà toujours à la Okay guesthouse sur Phnom Penh, ou je n'ai toujours aucune " action " sinon celle de pouvoir y retrouver de nombreux amis khmers et forumistes qui adorent également y séjourner ......
Visa Laos effectivement à 45 USD et non 45 euros, et d'ailleurs aucun tarif n'est mentionné en euros dans cette guesthouse ......
Les prix pratiqués dans cette guesthouse sont à partir de 3 USD pour une chambre une personne, et le choix des chambres proposés, ainsi que des tarifs, est variable suivant les commodités proposées ..... fan, clim ou tv ..... pour ma part, j'ai payé au début du mois, une grande chambre avec trois lits doubles au troisième étage, avec salle de bain eau chaude et wc, fan et clim, et celà pour 8 USD par nuit et sans discuter le tarif, ce qui est toujours possible pour de plus longs séjours ...... je suis heureux de savoir que cette guest est enfin indiqué dans certains guides, ce qui jusqu'à maintenant n'était pas le cas, et pourrais tu s'il te plaît m'indiquer dans lesquels ..... ? mais a t elle vraiment besoin de publicité, tant le bouche à oreilles fonctionne bien pour cette super adresse .......
De toute façon, se procurer un visa pour toute destination en Asie du Sud Est et à partir de Phnom Penh est chose trés facile et se fait partout en ville ......
Allez, respire un grand coup, tu es en Asie du Sud Est et nul doute que tu vas te sentir pénétrer par cette fameuse sagesse asiatique ainsi que par cette fatalité qui te faira accepter les avis des autres, même ceux du " fameux alan " ........ 😉
😏hye
l année derniere j ai donné des infos un peu instables, en effet je suis repartie 3 mois(juin juillet aout ) au laos au cambodge et en thailande et j ai du repartir vers la thai pour aller au cambodge car fin juillet la frontiere laos cambodge n etait pas encore passee en internationnal ou un truc de ce genre et on a parcouru 1000 km pour entrer au cambodge par la thailande, ce n etait pas grave car il y avait toute une province que l on devait expertiser avec mon pere pour le taf!
il faut juste dire que l asie du sud est est changeante au niveau de sa politique frontaliere dc soyez indulgeant avec toutes les infos bancales!!!!
cela part d un bon sentiment, sinon prenez l avion est là les visas sont acquis plus simplement :soit av à l ambassade ;soit à l arrivée...
L' arnaque du bateau à 15 dollars dans le sens Laos Cambodge, c'est fini. Il y a une nouvelle route et il suffit de s'adresser à un agence à Don Det et prendre un package pour Kratie qui coûte 14 dollars. Ils te font passer la frontière, et tu as juste à débourser 1 ou 2 dollars de chaque côté car ce n'est pas une frontière officielle. Dans le prix tu as le transport compris Don Det - Ban Nakasang en bateau puis Kratie en mini bus.
J'y suis passé pour ma part à l'aller depuis le Cambodge vers le Laos par voie terrestre (Veun Kham) et au retour par le Mékong, dans les deux cas des gens ont fait leurs Visas direct au poste frontière..... mais ça change un peu tous les jours selon des critères que personne ne connaît ;-)
Bref la solution de sécurité et de facilité prêche pour prendre son Visa avant, même si c'est chiant... à moins d'aimer l'inconnu, et d'avoir du temps.
bonjkour a tous ! vous voule de linfo pour la frontierer cambodge laos fraiches et bien en voila !!
je reviens de lambassade du laos et le prix a phnom penhj cest 35 dollars pl;us 1 dollars de taxe voire 5 max a la frontiere pour ces fenflure de douaniers qui demandent des backshich !!! sinon nouveaute cette annee le bus est possible jusque a stung streng a partir de phom penh et cest 10 dollars par tetes !!! voila, et la okay guest house je deconseille a tous les vrais travellers ; hors de prix pour les services et pour la bouffe qui dailleurs est pas bonne du touty sel;on les dires des gens sur place car pour le coup on a meme pas goute, et cest lindustrie du tourisme donc voyageur en quete de paix aller plutot a narin 2 guet house cest moins touristique !!
voila,
a plus,
ben ?
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.
