Bonjour à tous !
Je commence à récolter des infos sur VF pour mon premier voyage en Thaïlande fin janvier-début février 2012 et j'ai besoin de vos précieux avis et conseils de voyageurs sur certains points.
Voici mon idée de circuit :
Vol Paris-Bangkok. Arrivée en début de soirée.
Trajet Bangkok - Chiang Mai
Séjour à Chiang Mai (3j)
Trajet Chiang Mai - Phuket
Koh Lanta (2j)
Koh Phi Phi (excursion d'une journée)
Koh Phan Ngan ?
Krabi ?
Retour à Phuket (2j)
Vol Phuket-Bangkok
Séjour à Bangkok (4j, dont 1j à Ayutthaya)
Vol retour pour Paris
Qu'en pensez-vous ? Ce n'est pas évident à élaborer vu que je ne serais pas véhiculée...
J'hésite à faire le trajet Bangkok-Chiang Mai par le train de nuit (ok pour une femme seule ?) ou par avion le soir même de mon arrivée. Est-ce une bonne idée ou vaut-il mieux que je m'imprègne un peu de Bangkok pendant 1-2j et aille sur Chiang Mai après ?
Est-ce suffisant de prévoir 3j de séjour sur Chiang Mai ? Les guides (Routard, Lonely Planet, Michelin) ne précisent pas forcément la durée de séjour minimum pour visiter.
Pour le trajet Chiang Mai-Phuket, ce sera évidemment l'avion ! Dois-je réserver mon vol bien à l'avance ou le prendre quelques jours avant ?
Je pense ensuite aller directement de Phuket à Koh Lanta, faire une excursion d'une journée à Koh Phi Phi (les hôtels me semblent trop chers pour séjourner là-bas!), peut-être Krabi et Koh Phan Ngan, mais le trajet en bateau a l'air compliqué (pas de navettes en fin de journée) et je n'aurai sans doute pas le temps ?!
Quels sont les endroits les "moins" bétonnés et surpeuplés ? J'ai repéré Koh Lanta, Krabi, Koh Phan Ngan, Koh Tao (même si je ne suis pas intéressée par la plongée). Ai-je raison ?
Puis repartir sur Phuket (2-3j) et sur Bangkok pour bien visiter, faire des achats et faire une excursion à Ayutthaya.
Je pars seule et n'ayant pas le permis de conduire, je serai dépendante des transports en commun.
J'ai aussi lu sur un post qu'il vaut mieux choisir entre Ayutthaya et Sukhothai, et vu que Sukhothai est à mi-chemin entre Bangkok et Chiang Mai (avec 5-6h de trajet bus ou train), j'ai choisi Ayutthaya !
Voyez-vous un autre site que je pourrais inclure pendant mon séjour à Chiang Mai et/ou Bangkok ?
Je souhaitais au tout début partir avec un TO, mais le coût du supplément single, le manque de temps à soi et les circuits proposés (avec visites de plantation d'ananas, de serres d'orchidées et de noix de coco, l'extension balnéaire à Pattaya ou Patong sur Phuket) ne m'ont pas séduite !
Une dernière question : j'ai lu quelques part que le Routard n'est pas du tout au point pour l'Asie du SE. Vous voulez parler de la partie culturelle ou de l'hébergement ? J'ai l'impression qu'il propose souvent des hébergements de dernière minute... Donc il voudrait mieux que j'achète le Lonely Planet ?
Je remercie par avance toutes les personnes qui pourront m'aider dans la préparation de mon voyage !!
Et merci aussi de m'avoir lu jusqu'au bout !
Je prends tes questions les unes après les autres... Pour le trajet de nuit dans le train entre Bangkok et Chiang Mai, aucun problème. Ambiance vraiment sympa et sécuritaire... Pour Chiang Mai, oui, 3 jours, c'est bien mais c'est le minimum. Concernant l'avion, réserve-le dès maintenant pour etre sure d'avoir de la place... Sinon, c'est bien dommage de na pas passer une nuit à Phi Phi. EN une seule journée, avec les trajets, tu n'auras pas le temps de tout faire (Tonsai, point de vue, maya bay, ...). Sache qu'il y a des hotels pas très chers dans les 800 baths la nuit...
Au sujet de la suite des évènements, sache qu'un transfert entre la cote Andaman (par exemple de Koh Lanta) à la cote du golfe de Thailande (par exemple KO Tao), te prendra dans les 24 heures ! A réfléchir si cela vaut le coup...
Pendant que tu seras à Chiang Mai, ne loupe pas le Doi Suthep, un magnifique temple en haut d'une montagne.
Voilà ! Si tu veux, tu peux avoir plein d'autres infos en lisant mon blog qui détaille chaque jour de mon voyage en Thailande. J'en suis revenu il y a 6 mois... N'hésite pas à revenir vers moi si besoin
Salut Biboun51, et merci pour tes réponses.
J'ai lu en diagonale ton blog (je suis au taf donc je le lirai + en approfondi chez moi!) et il est très intéressant !
Mon voyage devrait être décalé à mars 2012, tu étais parti sur la même période. J'imagine que la météo doit changer d'une année sur l'autre, mais la chaleur était-elle supportable (surtout à Bangkok) ?
Tu me conseilles combien de temps sur Chiang Mai ?
Comme je n'ai pas le permis et serai toute seule, je pense que ce sera compliqué de me promener dans les environs de la ville, non ?
Tu me parles de logements à 800 Bts sur Koh Phi Phi, mais le Lonely Planet et le Guide du Routard n'en proposent guère... Heureusement qu'il y a les récits de voyageurs pour démentir leurs infos, sinon je n'aurais jamais pensé à séjourner là-bas !
As-tu eu l'impression que les hôtels faisaient un effort pour les prix pour le mois de mars, ou était-ce le même trif que la high season de décembre-janvier ?
Je pense que je prendrais Air India (avec les mêmes heures de vol!), et je suis contente d'avoir lu que tu validais cette compagnie !
Je n'ai pas vu que les guides citaient le "Tiger Kingdom", et ça me plairait de voir ce centre pour tigres !
Tout d'abord, concernant mon blog, je publie environ une nouvelle journée chaque semaine. Je ne peux que t'inviter à le lire complètement puisque tu y trouveras de nombreuses réponses à tes questions. Je réponds quand même à celle que tu viens de me poser :
Mars, quand j'y étais, il faisait effectivement chaud mais pas des températures insupportables, disons autour de 30°... Ensuite, pour Chiang Mai, tu verras dans mon blog qu'il est très facile de naviguer autour de la ville sans avoir de véhicule. La preuve, nous avons tout fait sans louer de voiture. Concernant la durée, trois jours, c'est un minimum... Pour les tarifs des hôtels, mars est encore la haute saison mais un peu moins chère que la peak season aux alentours de Noel... mais tu trouveras quand même des hôtels à ton budget sans problème, y compris à Koh Phi Phi...
Enfin, le tiger kingdom, je te confirme que c'est à faire...
Bonjour
je viens de voir votre blog sur votre voyage en Thailande.
Je désire partir 3.4 semaines au mois d'Aout prochain.
Nous serions 2 familles avec enfants (9.13.14 et 18 ans)
nous voulons voyager et découvrir par notre propres moyens ou bien louer un véhicule avec chauffeur.
Pouvez vous m'indiquer vos meilleures adresses pour les choses à voir, les hôtels et les restaurants
merci pour votre aide
voici mon adresse mail
valeriec@nilit.co.il
slts
vath
Merci pour cette réponse si rapide
nous désirons tout afin de répondre aux goûts de tous et pour tous les âges....
Nous avons déjà fait bcp de voyages aux Usa mais pour l'Asie cela sera la première fois et sommes plus hésitants.
Merci pour votre aide
slts
vath
Bonjour !
Ca y est, j'ai réservé mes vols (Air India comme toi!)
Je voulais savoir ce que tu avais pensé de ton 1er hôtel à Bangkok, le Rambuttri Village ?
Il a l'air bien noté sur HostelBookers et je pense le prendre pour mon arrivée.
Il est très bien, très propre, bien placé, pas très cher et a même deux piscines sur le toit. Vas-y sans crainte... J'avais pris une chambre à 800b... Pas la peine de payer plus pour plus grand, elle était parfaite...
Dans la chambre a 800Bth que tu as occupée, y avait il un sofa ou autre ou l'on pourrait coucher un enfant de 9 ans?
Sachant qu'il nous faut egalement la place de derouler un petit matelas gonflable pour un bebe :p
J'ai repere le rambuttri a plusieurs reprises sur VF
Merci, sur ton blog j'ai cru comprendre que vous avez deux nains, l'autre dormait dans la chambre de tes parents du coup ?
Ne m'en veux pas si tu reponds deja a ces questions sur ton blog, mais je m'interdis de lire les blogs de voyageurs s'ils sont trop bien fournis car je souhaite menager mes sens et la decouverte .
Oui, c'est ça, mon autre fille était dans la chambre avec mes parents. Du coup, à 6, nous ne prenions que 2 chambres doubles. Et nous avons fonctionné comme ça pendant nos trois semaines...
Pas grave pour mon blog, tu le liras en rentrant 😛
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Je veux partir en solo en Asie en mai 2016. J'ai déjà fais 3 voyages backpack seule depuis mes 18 ans (je n'ai que 21 ans). - 2 mois dans l'ouest canadien - 1…
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I’d love to settle around Da Nang for about a month and explore the surrounding areas in Vietnam.
I’ve already been to this country and don’t feel like rushing around every day like I used to a few years ago.
I’d really like to find some company to stay for at least a month, and then maybe spend a month in Cambodia...
Given that I’m now 76, I don’t want to run around like I used to, trying to see everything...
I enjoy calm people... Those who love life and with whom I can share a beer... And meet people to create a great atmosphere—la dolce vita....
hi there
I’m leaving on October 1st for Rio, which I’ll be exploring over 10 days while staying in Copacabana and Ipanema.
After that, I’m heading to Ilha Grande, Paraty, and finally a flight to Iguaçu.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Rio. Is it possible to walk around and explore without constantly worrying about getting my phone snatched?
I’m traveling alone and don’t speak Portuguese.
I need GPS to get around.
I love walking and don’t really like taking taxis, which is why I’ve booked two places to stay in Rio to experience different neighborhoods.
But is this doable given the security concerns there?!
In short, can you travel peacefully?
Thanks for your feedback if you’ve been to Rio!
Best,
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to travel solo to Oman in December 2025, renting a vehicle that allows me to camp in certain areas. For those who’ve already explored the country this way, could you share your experiences or tips?
I’d also like to visit the Wahiba Desert, but in that area, I’d prefer a guide for driving and, most importantly, not to sleep in those luxury desert-edge camps but rather have a "wild" escape under the stars. Any guide recommendations? Thanks in advance – Clem
Hi there, I’m Brigitte, 66 years old, fairly active and in great shape. I split my time between the Tarn region and Nantes, have a youthful spirit, and am very easy-going. I’m looking for a woman with a similar profile for a road trip in Southeast Asia—half humanitarian work and half free travel. The trip starts in October 2026 in the Philippines on the island of Panay, then moves on to Indonesia and Malaysia. The journey could last up to 4 or 5 months, as I have no fixed schedule. If you’re cool and friendly, feel free to message me. See you soon!
I’m traveling solo to Armenia in mid-September for three weeks, and I’ll be using public transport. I have a few questions:
- Does Yandex work everywhere, even in villages?
I’m looking for:
- Nice guesthouse addresses in the north (national park) and the south, including the village of Ararat,
and a simple but clean hotel in Yerevan that’s convenient for getting to the bus stations later.
- Any great tips or advice you can share.
Actually, I’m a bit worried I’ll be stuck only visiting tourist sites without a car. What do you think?
Thanks for your help
I’m arriving in Tana on 9/10/26 as a solo female traveler.
Which hotel in Tana is good for the first night since I’ll get in at 10 PM?
What’s worth seeing around Tana?
I’m planning 2 nights in Tana,
then 2 nights in Andasibe? After that, Lake Itasy.
Any suggestions? Thanks
I contacted several agencies in Madagascar to arrange this 4x4 trip along the coast.
Always the same answer: a tailor-made trip with at least 2 participants.
Since I don’t want to travel alone and a friend isn’t available, I’m looking for a woman to share this trip with the agency Mahay Mada, which offers a 12-day, 11-night tour of southern Madagascar. I’m available from August 23 to September 14.
Thanks for your direct response at 0784659791. See you soon, Mireille
Hi everyone,
I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia.
I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary.
I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully.
So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now.
Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel?
Thanks in advance for your replies!
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.
From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.
I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.
Here’s the itinerary I’m planning:
* UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses)
A few days at Lake Khövsgöl
* Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses)
A few days at the White Lakes
* White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver)
A few days in the Orkhon Valley
+ the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide)
* Return to UB
From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley.
Here are my questions:
-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route:
Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.
-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?
Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia:
-> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?
I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)
I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.
My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).
What do you all think?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Take care and happy travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
After a week of sports south of Bergen, I’m not sure what to visit during the following week between Bergen and Oslo.
I haven’t planned to rent a car.
I’d love your suggestions. Thanks
Hi everyone, I’m really keen to visit Iran for three weeks in mid-March 2015.
What worries me a bit isn’t so much traveling alone—I’m used to it and know the Middle East well—but rather the current events (Islamic State) that could potentially become dangerous.
Flights are pretty cheap at the moment, and I’d like to book before prices go up.
Any advice from people who know the ground situation and Iranian current affairs better than I do would be much appreciated! :)
Hi there! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)
Hi there,
Who could recommend a reliable agency for visiting several islands, including the parks around Komodo? I’m traveling solo as a woman.
Thanks for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m often in transit in Tokyo and I stay at the hotel because Japanese people speak little English and the signs are almost always in Japanese!
Any ideas for getting from Narita to a nice park or an onsen? I wanted to try Hokkaido, but apart from renting a car, it’s all trains! Any suggestions for a car with a driver? Or is it too expensive? Small group tours in Hokkaido? I read about the Explorator group’s offer—way too expensive!!!
I’ve got a maximum of 8 days. I’d just like a nice Japanese break.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
my friend, with whom I traveled to Iran, Myanmar, and India, really wanted to take a one-month trip to Armenia and Georgia. So we booked our flights (June 21 to July 19), but disaster struck—she can’t travel anymore due to serious family reasons.
Now I’m heading off on this adventure alone. It’s not that I’ve never traveled solo before—I spent three months exploring Southeast Asia by myself last year—but I still have a few questions, and I’d really appreciate your input.
* I don’t think traveling alone in these countries is very risky—what do you think?
* Maybe I could hire a driver? What would that cost, since some places seem tricky to reach by public transport. Do you have any driver recommendations?
* I don’t want to rent a car—the driving seems too unpredictable, especially in Georgia.
* I’d love to do some nice hikes—are there any guides available?
Here’s my rough itinerary:
YEREVAN and surroundings
YEGHEGNADZOR for Noravank
GORIS and TATEV
LAKE SEVAN
DILIJAN
HAGHPAT
TBILISI and surroundings
The CAUCASUS toward Mestia
UPLISTSIKHE
VARDZIA
Return to Yerevan for my flight
Thanks to anyone who can share their experiences or answer my questions!
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here.
1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag
A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you.
2. Rolling your clothes really works
It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes.
3. Keep everything in a small kit
100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush.
4. A pouch for essentials
Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane.
5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference
Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable.
From the conversations I’ve had with other travelers (and several customers too), I’ve realized you can really simplify your trip just by organizing a little better and choosing good accessories.
If you have other tips or methods that work for you, I’d love to read them. We always learn from others on this forum.
Looking forward to exchanging with you all!
Hi,
Has anyone recently taken the boat to Casamance from Dakar and could share their experience?
From France, is it possible to book online, or do you need to go through an agency? How far in advance?
Boarding/disembarking: how does it work? Do we have to check in our luggage and then pick it up on arrival?
What’s the vibe like on the boat in the seating area?
Has anyone ever stopped over in Carabane? Accommodation options there?
Thanks so much if you have any recent info!
Exploring India by road is all about having a good driver. I highly recommend the one I’ve traveled with for 5 "safe" trips—Rajasthan 3 times over 16 years, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. He’s been driving tourists for 25 years now and is more than just a driver. He knows how to talk about his country, the cities you visit, and suggests alternative routes.
He’s well-connected with real local guides who don’t just ramble (as he puts it himself) or drag you into shops claiming to be run by their "so-called family." Depending on your preferences, he can suggest well-tested itineraries and recommend typical hotels like Havelis.
For dining, he oversees meal prep based on your spice-level preferences. He’s Sikh and deeply respectful of his passengers.
He speaks English better than French, but one of his daughters is studying French at university.
Hi,
We’d like to spend about twenty days in Albania next July. We’re two women traveling together and we’re thinking of renting a small car. Does that sound reasonable, or should we avoid it?
Thanks for your advice.
Hi there,
I’m spending a week in Morocco (Rabat - Meknes - Fes).
I’ll be traveling solo—is it safe for a woman over 60?
For transportation, I’m planning to take the train. I was thinking of buying my ticket last minute, but it’s around the end-of-year period…?
I’ll be in Meknes on December 31st—any suggestions on how they celebrate New Year’s Eve there?
Is anyone visiting these destinations? Maybe we could meet up…?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
After hearing so much about Djerba, especially the GO clubs, is it risky for a young, pretty newly-retired woman to visit the island alone?
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Does anyone know how late the buses run from Cusco Airport to the city center? I land at 9:30 PM, plus time to clear customs, pick up my luggage, and exchange some money—figure an extra 30 to 45 minutes. Though, come to think of it, I still have 5 sols from last time—maybe that’ll be enough for the bus?
Thanks.
Brigitte
Planned arrival on Sunday evening, November 16, 2025, in San José. Staying 3 nights, then taking a bus to Tortuguero for 2 nights. Looking for a shared shuttle to La Fortuna for 2 nights, then a van-boat-van combo to Santa Elena for 2 or 3 nights. Heading to Quepos for 4 nights for day trips using local buses—Jaco, San Antonio, Uvita. After that, a full-day bus ride to Cahuita. I’m booking hotels as I go, which gives me the flexibility to stay longer in places I like. I’m looking for accommodations in city centers near restaurants and not too far from the bus station. Budget: 50 € for a room with a private bathroom (if you’ve got any great tips!). For my finale, I’ll cross the land border to Panama City for 4 days. Thanks for your suggestions! 😉
As I mentioned before, I’m heading to Istanbul next summer, and I’ve heard there have been quite a few attacks by Kurds in Turkey recently, which is making me hesitate about my trip.
What do you all think? :( I’m wondering if it’s really a good idea to go...
Hi everyone,
I’m 66 and just discovered solo travel in Uzbekistan—I loved it! So I’ve decided to explore Africa, starting with Senegal. I’m just beginning my research, but if anyone can give me advice on which month to go, what to see, and whether this destination is safe—or maybe suggest another African country—I’d really appreciate your tips!
Hi there!
We’re leaving in early November for a month.
Here’s our itinerary:
Arrival in Takhmau, then heading to:
Kampong Cham
Kratie – 2 days
Mondolkiri – 3 days
Ratanakiri – 3 days
Stung Treng – 1 day
Siem Reap – 4 days
Battambang – 1 day
Kampong Chhnang – 3 days
Kampot – 2 days
Islands (WE’RE HESITATING WHICH ONE?) – 4 DAYS
Phnom Penh – 2 days
That’s it! 😊
We’re backpacking… and we love spots that aren’t too touristy. If you’ve got any tips, we’re all ears!
Thanks
