Tout d'abord nous voudrions remercier ce forum et ses membres pour les nombreuses informations qui nous ont permis de préparer une idée d'itinéraire à travers ces trois pays.
Nous sommes un jeune couple (22-24 ans) désirant découvrir le voyage autrement qu'a travers des formules hotel all-in/ tours organisés. Autrement dit, c'est notre premier grand voyage "sac à dos". C'est pour nous également l'occasion de faire un break entre la fin des études et le monde du travail qui nous attends.
Le programme initiale est un grand classique sur le forum (et dans le monde certainement), nous étions donc partit sur 4 semaines en Thailande. Visite du nord suivit du sud. Après d'autres recherches, nous nous rendons vite compte qu'il serait bête de ne pas prendre une semaine de plus pour aller voir Angkor qui est "juste" à cotés! Voilà chose faite... mais alors d'autres lieu sympa se pointe à l'horizon et la décision de passer une dizaine de jours dans le sud du Laos est alors prise. Après nous nous sommes quand même décidé à revenir à la maison car le vietnam et le nord du Laos nous faisait de l'oeil également... mais toute bonne chose à une fin!
Et c'est ainsi que nous avons réservé notre vol via la compagnie SWISS, pour 7 semaines. Départ le 13 octobre 2011. Nous avons réserver tôt afin de profiter de prix correcte. (650€ A/R + assurances)
Voici notre idée d'itinéraire, votre avis est le bienvenue bien entendu! :)
J1: Arrivée à BKK à 14h30 - Train de nuit pour Chiang Mai (réservé au préalable)
J2: Chiang Mai
J4: Chiang mai - Pai pour 2 jours de Rafting jusqu'à Mae Hong Son
J5: Retour sur Chiang Mai
J6: Chiang Mai -> Sukhotai en bus de jour
J9: Sukhotai -> BKK en bus de jour -> Surat Thani en train de nuit.
J10: Surat Thani -> Phuket
J12: Phuket -> Koh phi phi
J15: Koh phi phi -> Khanom
J17: Khanom -> Koh Samui
J21: Koh Samui -> Koh phangan
J23: Koh phangan -> Koh Tao
J25: Koh Tao - Chumphon -> BKK
J27: BKK -> Siem Reap
J32: Siem Reap -> Don Khong
J36: Don Khong -> Ban khiet Ngong
J38: Ban Khiet ngong -> Champassak (temple) -> Paksé
J39: Paksé -> Bolovens pour 3 jours
J41: Retour Paksé
J42: Paksé -> BKK
J43 et 44: BKK
J47: Retour Belgique (3 jours de débattement pour modifier, profiter, etc...)
Cette itinéraire vous semble-t-il réalisable ainsi? Ne nous attardons nous pas trop sur les iles?
Ma copine étant mal entendante, elle m'a fait part du souhait d'aller dans une école de sourd à Chiang Mai, afin de partager et d'échanger avec les élèves (culture, expérience, ..) Que pensez-vous de cette idée?
Concernant le Laos:
- Est-il bien possible de prendre son visa au poste frontière Cambodge-Laos au niveau des 4000 iles?
- Concernant Ban khiet Ngong, j'avais vu cette superbe GH:
http://www.kingfisherecolodge.com/ il y avait là bas moyen de faire de l'éléphant. Mais je me suis tromper d'un zéro dans la valeur du Kip et je passe donc d'une chambre de 7€ à 70€, ce qui est bien évidemment hors budget. Connaissez vous des GH dans cette zone à prix sympa (15-20€ max) avec possibilité de faire de l'éléphant?
- En ce qui concerne la monnaie du Laos, le Kip. Est-il possible de changer ses Riels, $ ou € à la frontière? Si ce n'est pas le cas, ou les changer? (A Don Khong?)
Je vous remercie d'avance pour votre aide, nul doutes que d'autres questions pratique nous viendront à l'esprit plus tard! :)
je pense qu'il y a trop d'îles en peu de temps, faire 5 îles en une semaine, vous ne profiterez de rien, choisissez un côté ou alors restreignez le nombre de pays visités,
elodie
Il est vrai qu'en regardant de plus près c'est un peu la course dans le sud de la Thailande. Nous allons supprimer Koh Tao pour passer plus de temps ailleurs. Et peut-être choisir entre Koh Samui et Phanghan. (Nous allons bientôt avoir le LP pour voir ce que nous pouvons faire sur place) Ce qui permettra de se poser plus à Phuket et sur la dernière île choisie.
Concernant le Cambodge et le sud du Laos, il me semble que l'on ne se presse pas. Sans pour autant s'enliser sur place. Non?
Que préconisez vous pour modifier l'itinéraire autrement?
En ce qui concerne mes autres questions, une idée? Avis?
Je pense qu'il y a trop de choses globalement et en plus vous voulez prendre le bus donc énormément de temps passé dans les transports, pour le nord de la Thailande par exemple chiang mai + la région de pai c'est trop court , de plus en passant par sukhotai bangkok surathani en bus trop long à mon avis vu le nombre de choses que vous voulez voir. Aller à phuket simplement pour koh phiphi même si le paysage est très beau, il faut se poser la question.
Ou alors il vous faut faire tous vos transferts en avion : Chiang mai / phuket et puis Phuket/ samui, à mon avis vous devez repenser votre parcours, dîtes nous quelles sont vos priorités, ce que vous aimez, on pourra peut-être vous aider à affiner 😉
La première fois on veut tout voir, mais comme le dit thuan, en Asie il faut prendre son temps et profiter ( je précise que je ne suis pas quand même du style à passer beaucoup de temps à un endroit sans rien faire😉) ou alors soit vous faîtes plusieurs endroits en Thailande et vous zappez laos ou cambodge, soit vous enlevez des visites en Thailande et vous faîtes un peu des trois pays.
Beau projet que vous avez là. Je serai plus optimiste que les messages précédents. Sept semaines, c'est quand même pas mal et vous avez visiblement prévu de vous poser plusieurs jours à certains endroits. Il y a sans doute quelques passages à alléger, histoire de ménager vos forces, mais vous êtes jeunes!
Quelques remarques:
Nord de la Thaïlande
En enchaînant le vol et le train jusqu'à Chiang Mai, vous serez bien fatigués. Il faudrait prévoir un programme un peu plus calme au début pour récupérer du décalage horaire, s'habituer à la chaleur, au tapage nocturne des coqs et des chiens dans les rues de Chiang Mai, etc. Si c'est votre premier voyage en Asie, il y aura plein de choses nouvelles dont vous aurez envie de profiter. Partir si tôt pour deux jours de rafting me semble précipité. De manière générale, je resterais plus de temps à Chiang Mai (2-3 jours pris sur le Sud de la Thaïlande).
Vous devriez aussi considérer l'option suivante: monter tranquillement en train depuis Bangkok, en passant par exemple la première nuit à Ayutthaya, puis Sukhothai, puis Chiang Mai; et trouver un vol low-cost Chiang Mai - Phuket aux alentours de J11-J12. Air Asia assure cette liaison et le gain de temps/fatigue justifie peut-être la différence de prix. (Voir aussi les vols low-cost entre Phuket et Ubon Ratchathani, proche de Pakse, qui peuvent être intéressants, quitte à changer l'ordre de vos déplacements.)
Sud de la Thaïlande
Je ne suis pas un expert de la région, mais à première vue, vous changez trop souvent d'endroits. Je réduirais les déplacements et les changements d'îles.
Il faudrait aussi vérifier avec les experts du forum quelle est la météo en octobre. C'est peut-être risqué à certains endroits.
Entre Phuket et Surat Thani, il y a le parc national de Khao Sok: la forêt, mais aussi le lac artificiel de Chieow Laan qui est extraordinaire.
Angkor, ça vaut la peine, bien sûr. Prévoir au moins trois jours pleins sur place.
Sud du Laos
Don Khong est un bon choix si vous recherchez le calme. Il est possible d'aller sur Det/Khone en "day trip".
A ma connaissance, il n'y a pas d'ATM sur Khong. Je ne sais pas s'il y en a un à la frontière. Vous devriez pouvoir vous débrouiller avec des dollars US (en usage à Siem Reap) ou des baths thaïlandais.
Regardez sur le forum: tous les gens qui ont dormi à Champassak ont adoré. C'est minuscule et très très endormi, mais charmant. De là, vous pouvez aller au Wat Phu en vélo, faire une ballade sur Don Daeng. Le Laos cool et reposant comme on ne peut que l'aimer.
Pour les éléphants, c'est peut-être plus facile au Nord de la Thaïlande, à Khao Sok ou... à Angkor (c'est possible).
En tant que suisse, je vous félicite pour le choix de la compagnie aérienne. J'avais fait le vol ZRH-BKK pour mon premier voyage en Thaïlande. Vol très agréable.
En fouillant sur mon blog, vous trouverez quelques impressions sur les escales de votre programme. N'hésitez pas si vous avez des questions.
Le programme est pas mal, sauf pour le sud thailande, generalement en si peu de temps on choisi soit le coté samui, soit le coté phuket. On fait pas les deux. Ou alors on reste que en thailande.
Donc a mon avis, prévois un arret dans le sud, aussi long, mais avec moins de visite, ca va te permettre de te reposer, car tu auras déja fait la course dans le nord. Choisir phuket ou samui et de l'ordre de l'impossible, fait comme tu le sens, les deux se valent je pense, et ca sert à rien de discuter 20ans. Perso je prendrais phuket mais bon. Je comprends que l'on veuille prendre samui.
Tu utilisera tes 3 jours de batements sans doute au sud laos, ou au cambodge.
Merci pour vos avis. Nous allons en effet étudier sérieusement la question du transport aériens à l'intérieur du pays. Ce qui nous fera gagner pas mal de temps. De plus en regardant les prix sur Air Asia, la différence entre la traversée en train ou avion n'est pas très grande..! (comparée au gain de temps énorme!)
Nous allons également diminuer le nombres d'îles et augmenter le temps que nous passerons à chaque endroit afin de profiter au mieux, et ne pas courir.
Concernant l'éléphant, n'est-il pas plus sympa et plus "naturel" de le faire au Laos qu'au Nord de la Thailande?
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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.
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
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.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
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.
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...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
