Bonjour,
Nous sommes 5 séniors, de 65 ans d'âge moyen, qui allons sillonner pendant 1 mois la Thaïlande en janvier/février 2019, en commençant par Bangkok pour une période de 4 jours. Nous souhaiterions bénéficier de vos conseils pour choisir notre quartier de résidence et, si possible, l'établissement adapté à nos goûts qui s'y trouve.
Nous souhaiterions un quartier calme, loin des bars et autres sonos bruyantes, tout en n'étant pas trop éloigné des principaux lieux à visiter.
Pour l'hébergement lui-même, nous préférons des établissements à taille humaine du type guest house ou petits hôtels familiaux, pas luxueux mais propres, calmes avec de bonnes literies et, si possible, eau chaude et clim, le tout pour un prix raisonnable car nous sommes des retraités pas très argentés (maxi 25 à 30 € par personne et par jour) Nous aurions besoin de 2 chambres avec donc une triple et une double. Si les prix sont raisonnables, nous pourrions également louer 3 chambres s'il n'y a pas de triple possible.
Je vous remercie par avance du temps que vous allez nous consacrer et des bons conseils que vous allez nos donner.
Franck
Bienvenue! sur VF et Félicitations! pour votre projet thaï à 5...555
Pour 🙂im, qui ai expérimenté plusieurs quartiers de la Cité des Anges depuis prés de 30 ans (dans l'ordre chronologique Khao San Road, Thewet, Riverside/China Town et Sathorn), pas d'hésitation pour ma suggestion: le dernier.
J'en parlais du reste sur mon dernier petit retour de séjour sur VF (, cf mon historique de contribution en cliquant sur mon pseud🤪), qui, s'il n'a pas l'oeil rivé sur son compteur de lectorat, a l'unique objet du partage inconditionnel.
Bonne prépa de votre séjour, je reste à votre aimable dispo pour plus de détails sur "mon" Quartier.
J'avais dormi la dernière fois au Lamphu Tree Hotel. Boutique hotel au calme, le long des canaux, dans le quartier Banglamphu, pas loin du tout des principaux sites, accessibles à pied
Les premiers pour Bangkok
au calme au fil de l'eau:
sur
seul bloc note de voyage a ma connaissance, où l'on va de Bangkok à la mer par le chaoprayat, instants zen
voyageforum.com/...-thailande-d8719508/
visite des klongs et île:
un fil recent pour des vagabondages un peu hors du temps et a petits prix
voyageforum.com/...st=9128891;a=9128891
Le dernier quartier à la mode qui voit fleurir des petits hotels et autres guest houses à la pelle est Chinatown et franchement, c'est largement mérité tant ce quartier est pittoresque(pour l'instant car les choses évoluent très vite).Tout est facile au niveau des transports car le fleuve, la gare et le métro sont facilement accessibles .C'est aussi très proche de la grande majorité des sites touristiques de Bangkok.Beaucoup de nouvelles adresses pour l'hébergement , le plus souvent de petite taille mais très agréable.
En mp, je vous conseillerai une adresse qui m'a tapé dans l'oeil et qui illustre parfaitement le charme de la capitale du Siam.
Prince Theatre Heritage Stay. (13€ - 35€ ) Silom, Bang Rak
Des paillettes au porno (*)
Ce centenaire agonisait au milieu de la poussière et des ordures
Le box-office et les affiches déchirées étaient des rappels de son ancienne fonction.
Mais dernièrement, après environ une année de rénovation
Il devient le seul ancien hôtel -théâtre de Bangkok.
Le site officiel :Prince Theatre Heritage Stay
Bonjour,
Merci pour votre réponse, quels avantages particuliers trouvez-vous au quartier de Sathorn? Avez-vous un ou des établissements particuliers à me conseiller dans ce quartier?
Cordialement
Franck
Merci Thierry pour votre réponse. j'avoue que je n'aurais pas pensé à China Town pour le calme et la tranquillité mais je vous fais confiance du fait de votre expérience. je suis, bien entendu, preneur de votre adresse d'hébergement.
Cordialement
Franck
Bonsoir,
Je partage vos points de vues pour loger à BKK.
Mon choix s'est porté sur le "Feung Nakorn Balcony Rooms & Cafe".
Cet hôtel a le privilège de se trouver en face de la résidence du chef de l'Eglise bouddhique thaïlandaise et est en permanence gardé par l'armée, stationnements interdits, interdit de klaxonner ...
La tranquillité et le silence y sont de mise!
-A deux pas du Wat Pho et Palais Royal accessibles à pieds
-Ports des navettes fluviales et kao sand road accessibles par tuktuk
-Des chambres pour 2, 3, 4 personnes
Lisez les avis des voyageurs ... 🙂
Bon séjours et racontez nous.
Bonjour,
Merci pour votre réponse, c'est amusant cet hôtel fait partie des quelques que j'avais pré sélectionnés, votre avis me conforte dans mon choix. Comme nous semblons partager des goûts proches, si vous avez d'autres adresses d'hébergements et/ou de restaurants sur les autres villes de Thaïlande habituellement visitées par les touristes (Nous allons rester un mois et nous allons faire le circuit habituel incluant les villes "historiques" du Nord et du Centre. ainsi qu'un séjour dans les îles balnéaires du sud), je suis, bien sur, preneur. Enfin, sans abuser, j'avoue avoir de la difficulté à déterminer, à travers mes lectures, le meilleur endroit pour effectuer le séjour balnéaire de notre parcours. Comme vous l'avez sans doute compris, nous ne courons pas après la foule et les bars mais nous souhaitons, bien au contraire, du calme, de la tranquillité, de l'authentique, de beaux endroits pour se baigner et faire du snorkling. Je demande peut-être l'impossible en Thaïlande de 2018!! Quel choix avez-vous fait si vous avez déjà expérimenté un séjour balnéaire en Thaïlande?
Merci d'avance pour votre réponse.
Bien cordialement
Franck
Re,
J'habite depuis plus de 13 ans en Thaïlande. Treize années partagées entre une île du Golfe Samui, la mer d’Andaman Takua Pa et maintenant une ville de sud Suratthani. Je ne connais le centre et le nord du pays que par de brefs voyages ou à l'occasion d'étapes.
Lors des vacances scolaires nous nous rendons à Khanom. En premier lieu nous étions fidèles au Sea Breeze house à Naiplao beach. Victime de son succès, il est maintenant difficile d'y trouver une chambre 15 jours à l'avance.
Alors nous nous sommes tournés vers la location d'appartement Airbnb ou équivalent et nous sommes enchantés de cette formule pour des vacances balnéaires.
Par exemple le Khanom Beach Condo ICI
Cela parait redondant mais il est préférable de s'éloigner des lieux hyper fréquentés pour trouver son bonheur .Chez les habitués du forum, Prachuap est incontournable avec son charme quelque peu suranné et sa tranquilité.A proximité, d'autres stations balnéaires tout aussi agréables et bien loin des grands flux.Un de mes meilleurs souvenirs de snorkeling demeure Kho Thalu en face de Bangsaphan.
Je vous conseille aussi les petites iles de la région de Trang.Il est facile de rejoindre Trang en avion depuis Bangkok.Je vous conseille aussi de descendre vers le sud en bus en prévoyant 2 ou 3 stops.Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani sont certes très fréquentés mais il est toujours possible d'y trouver des petits oasis de tranquilité.D
Compte tenu de nos dates de villégiature, du 10/01/2019 au 07/02/2019, si je me réfère à ce qui est marqué sur les guides, il est préférable que je privilégie, pour des raisons météorologiques, un séjour du côté de la mer d'Andaman plutôt que du côté du Golfe de Thaïlande. Qu'en pensez-vous? Si c'est le cas, vous me conseillez un séjour à Takua Pa? un établissement particulier à privilégier là-bas?
Cordialement
Franck
Merci Thierry pour ces précieux conseils, je vais étudier tout cela avec un réel intérêt. j'avais remarqué, à travers la lecture des guides, que Trang et ses environs constituaient une région de choix et vous me confortez à travers vos propos.
Merci encore, c'est grâce à des gens comme vous que les forums constituent des mines de renseignements.
Cordialement
Franck
bonjour
je suis passe par le feung en janvier tres bien situe calme
pour moi bon rapport qualite prix
15 mn a pied ksr et grand palais
bonne vacance
kenavo
...du 10/01/2019 au 07/02/2019, si je me réfère à ce qui est marqué sur les guides, il est préférable que je privilégie, pour des raisons météorologiques, un séjour du côté de la mer d'Andaman plutôt que du côté du Golfe de Thaïlande...
Faire des prévisions à cette période sur Andaman et Golfe, c'est la roulette russe quoi qu'en fin janvier début février le beau temps est généralement de mise.
Dans tous les cas ce n'est pas une mousson avec des pluies continues et souvent c'est du soleil la journée et une situation orageuse vers 17h.
Concernant Takua Pa Khao Lak, en cette période c'est "bourré" de touristes pas souvent discrets.
Je n'y connais pas d'établissement tranquille. J'y louai une maison à l'année.
Cordialement
Henri Michel
LE MALAISIA HOTEL SOI GNAM DUPHLI - piscine - Central, mais non loin du Lumphini park - mais, non loin de Silom et de Rama 4- et non loin de Patpong mais au au calme. chambre ente 800 et 1200 baths.
Réference exacte : Malaysia Hotel ,54, Soi Ngamduplee - Rama 4 - Route Sathorn - Bangkok 10120 - Tel 66 2 679 7127 ( à 9 minute à pied de la Station de métro MRT- site web : www.malaysiahotelbkk.com/contact.html - E-Mail : info@malaysiahotelbkk.com Bonne prise de renseignements.Gdst
...du 10/01/2019 au 07/02/2019, si je me réfère à ce qui est marqué sur les guides, il est préférable que je privilégie, pour des raisons météorologiques, un séjour du côté de la mer d'Andaman plutôt que du côté du Golfe de Thaïlande...
Faire des prévisions à cette période sur Andaman et Golfe, c'est la roulette russe quoi qu'en fin janvier début février le beau temps est généralement de mise.
Dans tous les cas ce n'est pas une mousson avec des pluies continues et souvent c'est du soleil la journée et une situation orageuse vers 17h.
Concernant Takua Pa Khao Lak, en cette période c'est "bourré" de touristes pas souvent discrets.
Je n'y connais pas d'établissement tranquille. J'y louai une maison à l'année.
Cordialement
Henri Michel
Ok merci Henri Michel, je vais me trouver un autre point de chute plus calme!!
Cordialement
Franck
Bonjour, je fais remonter ce post pour signaler une adresse qui mérite d'etre connue à Bangkok.
Il s'agit du EX-Capital Hotel, dans le soi 6, à 500 m du BTS Krungthon Buri, pour ceux qui connaissent , c'est la station après le Chao Praya après Saphan Taksin. Etablissement ouvert depuis tout juste un mois, ultra-moderne, grandes chambres doubles, ascenseur, clim, frigo, café, eau, safety-box, seche cheveux ect, superbe salle de bain, grande baie vitee donnant sur un balcon et le calme absolu, ni aboiements, ni pétarades de motorbike, rien. petit marché à 100m, et big 7/11 à 50 m, des gargottes partout s'il est besoin de préciser. Un kilometre à peine du chao praya.
A 800 baths la nuit, imbattable pour ceux qui recherche le calme à bkk, ligne de BTS Bang Wa depuis Siam station. Le MRT est à 3 stations de l'hotel, descendre à Sala Deng et vous etes à Silom.
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
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
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 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.