hum, je compte aller overland de cagayan de oro a davao, d' ici une 10aine de jours....on raconte beaucoup d' histoires au sujet non pas de musulmans secessionnsites + ou moins terroristes, qui sont un peu + a l' ouest, comme dirait le professeur Tournesol, mais de simples malfrats kidnappeurs attires par les gringos et leur fortune potentielle ....qu' en est-il, en fait ?
les philippins etant les , ils sont donc fatalement un peu marseillais....
que faire ? je n' ai guere envie de prendre l' avion, mais je n' ai pas envie non plus d' etre enleve...et je ne sais pas dans quelle mesure ces bruits qui courent sont fondes....qu' en pensez-vous ?
En Mars 2008, j'ai fait Davao-Cagayan de Oro en bus, avec une escale de 2 jours à Malaybalay aprés 8 h00 de bus, au House Kalibo 600psos, aucun probléme. La route montagneuse et trés sinueuse, mais pas d'armée, ni de policier + qu'ailleurs. C'était la fin d'un festival, le Kaamulan, je crois. Puis la route vers Cagayan 3 à 4h plus rapide.
En Mars 2009 , j'ai fait Davao Surigao en Bus via Compostella Valley, avec escale à New Bataan, Bamboo resort totalement desert sur les bords de la riviére Agusan, un énorme torrent, beaucoup de glissement de terrains dans le coin, jamais vu de papillons aussi gros 25à30 cm d'envergure. Puis re-bus jusqu'à Butuan grande ville sympa, Almond hôtel 1700 psos avec petit déj. Et route superbe jusqu'à Surigao.
Pas de présence militaire ni de police sur l'ensemble du parcours.
L'histoire des kidnappings est malheureusement vraie, elle a notamment touché plusieurs volontaires d'ONG. tu peux te référer aux sites des diverses ambassades (alarmistes il est vrai) qui déconseillent en général ce genre de parcours. Le risque est réel donc, bien que minime; mieux vaut savoir à quoi s'attendre... Les villes comme Cagayan ou Davao restent certainement très sûres.
Vrai. Mais il faut éviter de "se montrer" en tant que touriste. Genre apn autour du cou et autres biftons plein les poches quand tu paies qqch. Le look "touriste" attire forcément les regards et comme partout ailleurs, tu te fais repérer ainsi plus facilement et a fortiori pouvant devenir une cible potentielle...MAIS pas de paranoïa non plus hein, tu as autant de risque de te faire agresser là que comme partout ailleurs en Europe...
Le fait de connaître des locaux ou d'être avec lors d'événements particuliers aide énormément à ta propre "intégration" au sein de la collectivité et comme dit plus haut, reste simple et tout se passera bien... Davao, je connais, c'est tranquille comme ville...quelques jolies choses à voir également...aussi bien de jour que de nuit.
J'ai passé un mois à Zamboanga City (avec interruption à Panglao pour Noël) avec Madame, pas connu de souci, d'animosité, d'aggressivité ou autre. Personnellement, je me sens très bien à Zamboanga, ma Pinay et sa famille y étant également pour beaucoup mais cela reste un beau coin. Par contre, ne tente pas le diable à pointer ta fraise à Basilan...
* Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas, ako ay Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng aking puso. Mahal na mahal kita hanggang magpakailanman Lexie, Kaligayahan ko *
je te remercie pour tes conseils, mon integration se passe plutot bien (au point justement que je redoute qu' ils ne veuillent plus me laisser repartir en quelque sorte) m' enfin bon, il y a un petit changement dans mon programme
a la base, je devais aller a Davao, pour rencontrer une amie de manila (originaire de Davao). en fait, cette personne aterrira ici , a CdO, apres-demain, et nous irons ensemble by bus a Davao, en debut de semaine prochaine, apres avoir passe le week end a Camiguin
finalement mon programme ne change pas vraiment, et pourtant si, quelque part ....
dans ces conditions, tout devrait bien aller ?
(Susan a un certain temperament, si on s' attaque a moi, elle est capable de pousser sa gueulante au point que les agresseurs prendront la fuite la queue basse)
Ce n'est malheureusement pas une Filipina qui te sauvera de potentiels agresseurs, étant eux mêmes la cible de fréquentes agressions 😕
Mais bon, je te donne +1 point pour l'optimisme
Bonjour, j'étais cet été à Davao où nous sommes restés 10 jours avant de remonter en bus sur Cagayan Del Oro pour ensuite partir sur Camiguin. Nous n'avons jamais eu aucun problème. Par contre, nous sommes allés du coté de Digos, et la plus de regards étonnés ( moins de touristes), même notre amie Philippine craignait un peu notre présence. Pas évident d'être discret lorsque l'on est blond les yeux bleus avec un enfant ! Mais tout c'est très bien passé.
Il est vrai qu'il y a plus de militaires dans la région, notre bus a même été fouillé par les militaires lors d'un barrage... assez impressionnant ! Cela été du parait il à un attenta à l'aéroport de zamboanga. Nous n'avons pas retrouvé cela ailleurs aux Philippines.
Sinon nous avons bien aimé Davao et Cagayan, et l'île de Camiguin est super !
Il faut rappeler que depuis les dernières élections et le massacre de 2009;la sécurité s"est bien aggravée au Sud de Mindanao et dans les coins déserts.....
Safety and Security - Local Travel - Mindanao
We advise against all travel to south west Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago covering the following areas Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), including the islands of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, plus the western provinces of Sarangani, North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay, because of ongoing terrorist and insurgent activity. We advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao.
If you intend to travel to the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental you should use air or sea routes as we advise against all travel to neighbouring provinces.
There have been terrorist attacks against civilian targets in Mindanao. There is also criminal activity in Mindanao, including the use of kidnapping and explosions. The most recent was on 21 October 2010 when an explosion on a bus in North Cotabato Province killed ten people and injured thirty others.. Other recent significant explosions include:
Laisse tomber les histoires !!!
Mais il n'y a pas de fumée sans feu. Donc fait gaffe et applique les règles de sécurité élémentaires de tout touriste en voyage à l'étranger.
MAIS TU CONNAIS !!!!
Voitures brûlées, agressions meurtrières !!!J'ai lu quelques part, dernièrement, qu'il y en avait eu 49000 pour l'année 2009 , en progression de 24 % pour la seule zone de de la grande couronne par rapport à 2008.
http://www.ripostelaique.com/Voitures-brulees-agressions.html
Et vous n'avez pas peur ???😠😠😠
Et bien , moi qui vie à Davao , je peux te dire qu'on est très, mais très très loin de ces chiffres sur l'insécurité sur MINDANAO !!!
J’exclue la zone en dessous de ZAMBOANGA (Zone Basilan et Jolo Group et Sulu).
Des amis américains qui y vivent ( à Zamboanga City ) disent n'y ressentir aucun danger.
Ok, il y a eu en fin d'année une agression mortelle de touristes et journalistes français du coté de CATABATO.
Mais les touristes ne sont pas l’abri de ce genre d'agression en Europe.
Voir pour exemple les liens suivants.
Et pourtant on ne décourage personne de venir en France.
Ok ! il faut être prudent et éviter certaines zones, surtout de nuit.
Mais ce n'est pas une généralité , et il suffit d'un peu de bon sens , pour éviter les mésaventures.
Mais c'est vrai qu'on est plus une "cible potentielle", financièrement parlant, dans tout le "tiers monde", qu'un roumain faisant la manche dans le métro à Paris.
Pour avoir fait le trajet Cagayan de Oro / Davao, hier, en voiture, nous avons mis 6 H 30 de conduite.
En fait, on est parti de Camiguin Island par le ferry de 11 H et est est arrivé à domicile à Davao à 20 h 30
Certains passages entre Valencia et Maramang sont en réfection; et sont de véritables chemins de terre. il y a environ 1 km cumulés de ces différents passages.
En dehors de cela, très bonne route où on a pu "décrasser" la voiture en faisant des pointes à 120 km/h.
Oui il y a des ferry faisant Surigao / Davao.
il y a aussi des bus qui font la ligne régulièrement. (rural tour)
Ils disent mettre 8 heures.
J'ai un ami qui a fait le voyage fin octobre (Davao/Surigao).
Je peux avoir confirmation si tu veux.
je reponds a ma propre question.....ces bruits qui courent etaient et sont encore a present + ou moins fondes....qapres Camiguin, nous sommes alles via Butuan, vers Davao, en restant quelques jours dans la Comval.....50-70 km avant Davao, ou on sent une certaine tension la nuit tombee. Les alentours de Nanbuturan, la Compostella Valley en general peuvent etre insecures, dans notre cas, nous etions dans une famille connue et respectee dans la region, neanmoins 2 cousins-bodyguards nous escortaient en permanence, j' ai vu et j' ai appris des choses, on m' a cite des faits , pourmoi, cela s' esttres bien passe, mais il convient de rester prudent.....
j' ecris depuis Manila ou nous sommes arrives hier, ayantpris un vol tres matinal de Davao. Je regrette un peu nepas avoir passe + de temps du cote de Davaocity meme, mais l' endroit o je suis a Manila, Paranaque, ou je suis un peu chez moi a present
Salut, c'est bon a savoir...!😠🤪🏴☠️😕 J'irais a Camiguin, mais pas a mindanao !Mais
personne ne t'empèches de nous raconter quelques anecdotes, ou des histoires que t'as entendu...On voudrais se faire une idée...merci d'avance !
raph
Tout ce qui ne me tue pas, me rends plus fort
Ni dieux, ni maitres
FAUX, ma conscience m' en empeche, car on m'en voudrait a mort d' avoir parle
mais tu as raison d' aller a Camiguin, qui est uneile splendide, depuis peu reliee a Bohol par un ferry
quand tu dis que rien ne m' empeche de raconter.....
en fait, j'ai rencontre des personnes ayant fait partie de certains groupuscules, mais excuse-moi, je ne peux en dire +, j' en ai deja trop dit
c' est sur, sur VF, une reponse de ce style est malvenue, desole mais c' est comme ca
mais tu peux aller au Mindanao, un peu comme Hitler visita Paris...., avec l' effet de surprise, personne ne l' attendait, et personne ne l' a attaque...excuse le rapprochement,
mais au Mindanao..les personnes ayant ete attaque etant surtout des membres d' ONG dont on connaissait les habitudes, les horaires et les itineraires....a l' improviste, discretement, cela devrait tres bien se passer
Mindanao est une tres grande ile. Les problèmes avec les sécessionnistes musulmans se passe dans les districts a l Ouest de Mindanao. Davao et Surigao del Sur sont a l Est de Mindanao. Donc aucun risque.
Si vous vous déplacé de Surigao à Davao, je vous conseille un arret a la rivière enchantée d'Hinatuan. Un superbe site complètement méconnu des touristes (sauf des touristes locaux). Vous trouverez plus d'informations d'hinatuan ici
Nous allons passer un mois aux Philippines de mi-décembre à mi-janvier. Nous allons prendre un vol depuis Cebu jusqu'à Boracay pour faire un peu de Kitesurf.…
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.
