Lors d'un prochain voyage, je prévois de passer de Thaïlande au Cambodge. Pour éviter les mauvaises surprises qui coûtent des précieux jours de voyages quand on a juste assez, j'ai besoin de savoir au mieux: quel est le meilleur itinéraire en partant de Bangkok? Et éventuellement le plus sympa? S'il y a des précautions particulières à prendre au niveau du voyage? S'il faut un visa cambodgien et dans ce cas si l'on peut le prendre à la frontière ou s'il faut s'organiser autrement? Combien de temps cela peut prendre, sa trop se presser et en passant par Angkor - 3 jours, pour rejoindre Phnom Penh en partant de Bangkok?
Voilà, c'était une petite avalanches de questions affreusement pratiques mais hautement nécessaires. Merci d'avance à celle ou celui qui prendre trois minutes pour y répondre.
BKK-PNH peut se faire par la voie SUD (TRAT- KOH KONG) en une grosse journée. Le visa s'obtient à la frontière (had lek) avoir 20 USD et photo d'idendité sinon 1000 baht voire 1200 ...Belle route surtout après KK, traversée de la rain forest des cardamones ...
🙂de bangkok g pris le train pour aranya prathet puis un tuc tuc jusqua la frontiére la il te faut 20 dollard us et une photo puis tu te retrouve a poipet au cambodge puis le bus pour siem reap en partant de bangkok a 7 h de mat jété a l'hotel a 17 h a siem reap : cété il y a 5 semaines si tu veut d'autre infos demande
le cambodge en images
www.jpaventure.con
Lors d'un prochain voyage, je prévois de passer de Thaïlande au Cambodge. Pour éviter les mauvaises surprises qui coûtent des précieux jours de voyages quand on a juste assez, j'ai besoin de savoir au mieux: quel est le meilleur itinéraire en partant de Bangkok? Et éventuellement le plus sympa? S'il y a des précautions particulières à prendre au niveau du voyage? S'il faut un visa cambodgien et dans ce cas si l'on peut le prendre à la frontière ou s'il faut s'organiser autrement? Combien de temps cela peut prendre, sa trop se presser et en passant par Angkor - 3 jours, pour rejoindre Phnom Penh en partant de Bangkok?
Voilà, c'était une petite avalanches de questions affreusement pratiques mais hautement nécessaires. Merci d'avance à celle ou celui qui prendre trois minutes pour y répondre.
Excellente fin de dimanche, que du bonheur,
Louis Nardin
Le plus sympa, c'est par le sud. Le plus pratique c'est par Aranya Pratheet et Poipet. Pour Aranya Pratheet, tu as un train de nuit à partir de la gare de Hualamphong accessible par le métro. Tu as aussi des bus à partir de la gare routière de Morchit (métro station Morchit + tuktuk).
Il faut un visa que l'on peut obtenir à la frontière. Pour atteindre Angkor, il te faut quelques heures à partir de la frontière, mais si la route est encombrée par un accident de camion ou une inondation, il faut compter plus. 3 ou 4 jours sont nécessaires pour voir l'essentiel d'Angkor. Ensuite, une journée pour traverser le onlé Sap (croisière très prisée) et s'installer à Pnom Pen. En tout, cela demande une bonne semaine.
u paies ton passage à la frontière, pas de problème
je suis passée par l'est par la ville d'ARANYAPATHET à 270 kms de BANGKOK
puis POIPET, SISOPHON, BATTAMBANG (2ème ville du Cambodge)
selon la saison, tu peux prendre un petit bateau pour aller de BATTAMBANG à SIEM REAP
je l'ai fait début novembre, le TONLE SAP était navigable - très sympa, villages sur pilotis, vie sur le bord de la rivière SANGKE
si tu peux le faire en bateau, arrête-toi à la pagode sur pilotis de VAT CHLAU KMAY -
et si tu restes en novembre à SIEM REAP tu pourras assister à la Fête des Eaux, à ne pas manquer !
de SIEM REAP tu pourras rejoindre PHNOM PENH soit en bateau, soit en bus
j'ai fait le trajet des deux façons car je suis allée au Cambodge à 2 périodes différentes, mon postérieur à moins souffert en bateau !
très bon voyage
En lisant tous vos messages sur ce forum je constate que vous avez une grande connaissance concernant le Cambodge.
J'ai une opportunité de faire un voyage de 13-14j au Cambodge du 11 au 24 avril.
J'ai alors peu de temps a organiser ce voyage !
Je me permet alors de vous demander qq renseignements.
Je serais en Thailande du 7 au 11 avril. Alors je voudrais prendre le train depuis la gare de Lua Lumpong pour rejoindre le Cambodge
1ere question : train Thailande/Cambodge
est ce que ce train dessert directement Battambang ?ou alors s'arret-il uniquement à Aranya Prathet ?
dans ce dernier cas, je rejoindrais le poste frontiere avec un vehicule comme tu viens de l'expliquer.
2eme question: Parcours
Idée de parcours:
11 avril :Prendre train depuis Bangkok et arriver à Battambang
12 avril: Visite de Battambang
13 avril : depart de Battambang pour rejoindre Siem Reap
14 avril: visite de Siem Reap
15-16-17 avril: visite des Temples d'Angkor
18 avril: depart de Siem reap pour Phnom Penh
19-20 avril: decouverte de Phnom Penh
20 au 24 avril : quitter Phnom Penh pour retourner tranquilement à Poipet : s'arreter par ex à Kompong Chhang, Pursat, Battambang, Sisopho.
D'apres toi, est-ce realisable?
As tu des suggestions de sites/petits coins absolument à visiter ?
Dois-je ecourter ou rallonger certaines villes etapes?
3eme question : transport
* * Y'a t-il des preferences de moyen de transports pour chaque destionation? Par ex : il est plus pratique et economique de faire Siem Reap en bateau qu'en train.
* * a combien de km de Battambang se situe l'embarquadere pour prendre la navette pour Siem Reap? Comment s'y rendre?
* * D'un point de vue pratique et economique, quelle est le/les meilleurs moyens de transports pour faire Siem Reap - Phnom Penh ? (bateau, bus, train, pick up ?)
Je te remercie de m'aider à preparer ce voyage.
J'ai une grande chance de pouvoir le faire alors je souhaiterai le vivre pleinement.
Je suis de nature routarde : aller dans de simples guesthouse (avec ou sans eau chaude, pas de clim, sbd sur le palier)et reserver mon temps à l'exterieur : rencontres et partage avec la population, photographie faune/flore et surtout SAVOURER L'INSTANT PRESENT car la vie passe trop vite !
Le conseil lire : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2495043; Il suffit de cliquer sur le violet...même période, durée, et problème du nouvel an khmer !
De vos "revisions" éventuelles dépendront les réponses aux questions annexes ... Le sri lanka et le cambodge ont beaucoup de similitudes, vous n'aurez pas de soucis particuliers ...laissez tomber les idéees de train : arrivez directement à SR puis batambang en bus puis ...Lisez le fil indiqué !
🙂bonjour il n'y a plus de train au cambodge tout ce fait facilement en bus;
pour la thailande le train par de bangkok Hualamphong et arrive a Aranya Prathet ensuite tuc tuc pour la frontiére 20 dollard us et une photo puis le bus ou le taxi a 4 pour siem reap
a battambag l'embarcadaire est en ville n'importe qu'elle hotel vend des billet il arrive a 10 km de siem reap mais au moment que tu y vas il n'y a plus assez d'eau pour le faire en bateau renseigne toi bien sur place achete aussi lonely planet c'est indispensable
pour les hotel c'est 5 dollard ceux qui sont indiqué sur mon site cambodge ils sont sans souci
si tu veut autre chose demande
www.jpaventure.com
Mais j'espere que le cambodge ne ressemble pas autant que Sri Lanka. Je suis expatriee la bas et je peux te dire que la mentalite de cette ile est tres particuliere . . .🏴☠️ ! ! !
J'ai modifie mon parcours, ; je vais directement a Siem reap, puis PP, pui je remonte vers Battambang tranquilement.
Connais tu une guesthouse francophone a Siem Reap ?, a part celle de MeasThoen (elle est complete !)
Merci pour les infos.
J'ai change mon programme ; desormais je fais bangkok-siem reap et non bangkok-battambang.
Connais tu une guesthouse francophone a siem reap )celle d Measthoeun est complete) !
Connais tu egalement les horaires de train pour regagner Bangkok? il me semble qu'il y a un train l'aprem, mais je ne suis pas certaine !
Je rencontre un probleme d'acces a ton site internet : je vois uniquement des photos du Cambodge, comment dois-je faire pour consulter tes infos ?
🙂bonjour il n'y a pas d'infos car c'est trés éffémere il y a un redirectionnemt sur lonely planet pour les infos général a cmbodge 2 pour le reste je les donne en direct tous les jours sur ce forum
donc a siem reap dodo guesthouse parle français et ne prend pas de com c'est5 dollars us super chambre tu peut y allé de ma part il est en photo sur mon site
pour le train 13h55 arrivée 18h25 hotel river view a 500 de la gare de bangkok
Connais tu une guesthouse francophone a Siem Reap ?, a part celle de MeasThoen (elle est complete !)
Il y a en a beaucoup ! Dans quel prix ? Mais tu vois qu'à tes dates, c'est moins simple que ça en a l'air ...même si tu pourras toujours trouver à te loger.
Merci pour DODO GH, je viens de leur envoyer un mail, en esperant une reponse positive ...!
Je me suis renseignee ce matin a la gare de HuaLompong : les trains pour la frontiere cambodgienne n'ont pas de sieges ! Donc on rester 3 h debout . . . pas pour moi !
JE me dirige desormais par la case bus.
Je vais me renseigner a la gare routiere Nord, logiquement le bus part a 4h30.
Affaire a suivre !
As tu des infos sur comment rejoindre Siem reap? il est preferable de rejoindre la ville par un bus cambodgien ou par pick up ?
de bangkok a aranyaprathet les train ont des siéges méme en 3éme classe aprés c le tuc tuc qui te méne a la frontiére pour dodo guesthouse tu peut y allé sans probléme méme si il ne répond pas tu lui dit que c'est de ma part quand tu arrive et de toute façon il y a des chambres tu verras c'est super bien
pour rejoindre siem reap il y a un bus a 13h30 environ de la frontiére sinon c'est le taxi collectif a 4 un conseil trouve des routard au passage de la frontiére car il faut etre impérativement 4 pour payer 10 dollars chaque arrivé a siem reap débarrasse toi vite des mec du taxi car c'est une vré mafia et il vont t'emené dans des hotels ou tu paie le double je te rapel que le dodo guesthouse est a 5 dollard si tu veut autre chose demande
Merci beaucoup pour ces infos.
Avec le nouvel an thailandais, les transports sont TRES encombres.
J irai a la gare routiere de Mochit dans la nuit pour avoir un siege dans un des nombreux bus pour aranyaprathet.
Merci pour tes indications et de ton aide pour DODO GH. Ou se situe t-elle ?
Il y a un autre membre de VF qui ma informee d'une petite arnaque du cote du poste frontalier. ll y a des ''faux stand '' d immigration du cote thai !
🙂du coté thai le tuc tuc te dépose a frontiére la tu te rend direct au bureau d'immigation c'est sans embrouille tu suis la foule tu ressort de l'autre coté tu marche 300m et la c'est le cambodge, la effectivement tu est accosté et il te propose de faire les formalitées mais se sont des cambodgiens
sinon dodo guesthouse tu t'arréte au grand hotel :terrasse des éléphants en face il y a un super maché tu leur demande c'est a 200m voir les photos sur mon site
Merci pour toutes ces infos.
Je viens de voir la meteo pour la semaine a venir : pluie !
QUESTION ;as tu des tuyaux pour rejoindre Siem repa depuis Poipet ? pick up interieur ou bus ? auel est le plus pratique?
merci
🙂tu prend ce que tu trouve il y a plus de 100 km entre les 2 villes c' le premier ki part a moindre cout qui est le mieux un jour ne fait pas l'autre, difficile de dire quelque chose surtout quans ont s'es levé a 5h du mat qu'on s'est tapé 3h de queue a la frontiére comme cela a été le cas pour moi on prend ce qui part méme a 10 dollard, attention c'est en dollard les euros tu les change a la banque car hotel et resto ne connaisse que le dollard a plus
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.
