Hi there,
I’m finally planning to spend 9 days/9 nights in Chiang Rai. What’s the best area to stay in?
Do you know any interesting spots within a 50–60 km radius? Preferably ones that aren’t overrun by mass tourism (sorry about that).
Thanks!
Joël—I’m reading your latest travel journal on this region...😉
Chiang Rai. Which is the best area for accommodation?
The Wat Jet Yot area (several possible spellings) is quiet, has several accommodations, and is a 10-minute walk from the bus terminal 1, where you’ll catch buses for your trips around the province.
Any interesting sites in the region within a 50 to 60 km radius max? Preferably off the beaten path (sorry about that).
- **Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fah Luang Garden** (also called the King Mother Royal Villa & Garden). Plan for a half-day with a driver. On the same day, if you have time, you can also check out the atmosphere around the Mae Sai border crossing (accessible by bus, but if you can use the car, even better).
- **Chiang Saen**: Many people pass through on their way to the ultra-touristy Sop Ruak/"Golden Triangle" (which you should avoid at all costs), but Chiang Saen and its immediate surroundings deserve a stop—or even a short stay. Plus, it might be your only chance on this trip to see the Mekong River...
Chiang Rai. What's the best area for accommodation?
The Wat Jet Yot area (several possible spellings), quiet, with several accommodations and a 10-minute walk from the bus terminal 1 where you'll take buses for your trips around the province.
Any interesting sites in the region within a 50 to 60 km radius max? Preferably off the beaten path (sorry about that).
- Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fah Luang Garden (also called the King Mother Royal Villa & Garden). Plan for a half-day with a driver. On the same day, if you have time, you can also check out the atmosphere around the Mae Sai border crossing (which is accessible by bus, but if you can make use of the car...).
- Chiang Saen: many people pass through without stopping on their way to the ultra-touristy Sop Ruak/"Golden Triangle" (which you should avoid at all costs, by the way), while Chiang Saen and its immediate surroundings deserve a stop or even a short stay. Plus, it might be your only chance on this trip to see the Mekong...
Hello, thanks again. You're very kind, but I'm really sticking to my latest plan, which is exactly what I wanted from the start: 2 weeks in BKK, 3 weeks in Chiang Mai, and 9 days in Chiang Rai, and no more changing my itinerary over and over. I'll just do day trips on foot, by horse, or by car. Maybe by bike if I'm in the countryside.
You shouldn't miss the Oub Kham Museum. In some parts of the museum, photos are prohibited—except for me, which means you get to see things live that you won’t find online.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
I think I remember you had time to do it BEFORE you were told you couldn’t...
You’re mixing things up. It was on the second page of my 2018 travel journal, and I didn’t mention the museum’s name. I hadn’t posted any of the theoretically forbidden photos on VF, out of principle and respect. Back then, the guide found us really friendly (definitely a habit!) and let us take photos and videos.
It’s better to see in person, but two years later, in the middle of COVID and winter, it was a joy to have the chance to watch all of that.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Hi,
Must-see in Chiang Rai: the White Temple, it's absolutely stunning.
The blue one is also gorgeous.
There are some great walks in the area.
The Golden Triangle has really changed, and I was disappointed in 2019 during my last trip there.
routard080
Notre planète est si belle, combien de vies me faudra-t-il pour commencer à la connaitre ??
It's funny, the guy recommends 3 super touristy spots that I personally wouldn’t suggest.
Paying 100 baht for entry to the White Temple? Count me out.
To each their own.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
It's funny, the guy recommends 3 super touristy spots that I personally wouldn’t suggest.
Paying 100 baht for the White Temple entrance? No thanks, not for me.
To each their own.
You really made me laugh! 😏Thanks
His profile says:
He might also be able to recommend his other discoveries in the area.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
I don’t think they’d read what I was looking for or my other research topics...
But if you feel like it, if I’m "worthy," maybe you could suggest some hidden gems...😉
In private, of course...
But I don’t want to take advantage of your kindness 😏
Hi,
I responded to your request, maybe not how you wanted, but your comments kinda stung.
Yeah, I love off-the-beaten-path travel, but when you visit a country, the most beautiful sites are touristy.
I recommended the White Temple because it really struck me with its beauty. It wasn’t that crowded—it was February 2019. I don’t remember paying for the visit, but for 100 baht, I would’ve done it without hesitation. Though if some travelers going to Asia are counting every 3 €, that’s a shame.
I don’t get how you can visit a country without seeing its gems. Can you go to Cambodia without seeing Angkor Wat? To Vietnam without seeing Halong Bay? To Myanmar without seeing Inle Lake or Bagan?
I’ve visited Thailand 5 times for 3.5 weeks each. Everywhere I stopped, I saw the must-see spots before wandering elsewhere.
Happy New Year to all of you, with plenty of beautiful travels.
JP
routard080
Notre planète est si belle, combien de vies me faudra-t-il pour commencer à la connaitre ??
Hi,
I responded to your request, maybe not as you had hoped, but your comments kinda hurt my feelings.
Hi (too lazy to write "good evening") 😉 ,
I’m sorry. I had a feeling you might take my reaction the wrong way. But I couldn’t stay silent because it made me laugh so much! I should’ve added some smileys to show I was more in a joking and amused mood rather than criticizing.
I was asking if, by any chance, anyone knew of some off-the-beaten-path sites, and instead, you all suggested the most popular, most visited places that are in every guidebook and travel agency...
I can’t imagine visiting a country without seeing its highlights.
Your way of seeing things isn’t necessarily everyone’s
Can you go to Cambodia without seeing the temples of Angkor? To Vietnam without seeing Halong Bay? To Myanmar without seeing Inle Lake or Bagan?
In France without seeing the Eiffel Tower?
Well, yes, I’ve done that! And even the Taj Mahal! And since I happened to be in Agra—not on purpose to see the Taj Mahal—I gave it a try. And... I hated it and really regretted the huge entrance fee I paid.
I’ve visited Thailand 5 times for 3.5 weeks each. In every place I stopped, I visited the must-see spots before wandering elsewhere.
It’s funny how different we are. I planned my entire trip to Bangkok, Chiang Mai—and now I’m looking into Chiang Rai—by only visiting what, maybe, you’d call
wandering elsewhere.
And, at the very end of the trip, maybe, if I have time, I’ll visit
the must-see spots
I even committed the sin of ultimately skipping Erawan Park and Ayutthaya. Not because I’m not tempted, but with such crowds, where’s the fun in that?
No hard feelings
Hi there,
I visited Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, the Erawan waterfalls, and many other places without encountering crowds.
I explored the first two by renting bikes and Erawan by scooter. From Kanchanaburi, I went to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, but at 7 a.m., and there was no one around. I also visited Mont Saint-Michel in France at 7 a.m., and it was empty—I left around 10 a.m. when the tourists started arriving.
Avoiding exceptional places just because you might see people there is a shame. You just have to go early.
I visited part of the Burmese border from Mae Hong Son—it wasn’t too touristy.
I went to Isan, and there weren’t many tourists there either.
Starting from Bangkok, I traveled down the Gulf of Siam coast: Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Bang Saphan, Chumphon, etc... I can’t guarantee the spelling.
On the other hand, I stopped in Hua Hin. I arrived in the afternoon and left the next morning at first light. The town is pretty, but there were so many tourists—and especially prostitutes. Really not my thing.
We don’t all have the same vision of travel, but let’s respect each other.
I took note of your desire to be humorous.
Safe travels.
JP
routard080
Notre planète est si belle, combien de vies me faudra-t-il pour commencer à la connaitre ??
Hello,
I visited Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, the Erawan waterfalls, and many other places without seeing crowds.
I explored the first two by renting bikes and Erawan by scooter. From Kanchanaburi, I went to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai at 7 a.m., and there was no one there. I also visited Mont Saint-Michel in France at 7 a.m., and it was empty—I left around 10 a.m. when the tourists arrived.
I explored part of the Burmese border from Mae Hong Son, which isn’t too touristy.
I went to Isan—also not too many tourists there.
I traveled down from Bangkok along the Gulf of Siam coast: Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Bang Saphan, Chumphon, etc... I can’t guarantee the spelling.
On the other hand, I stopped in Hua Hin—arrived in the afternoon and left the next morning at first light. The town is pretty, but there were so many tourists and especially prostitutes. Really not my thing.
We don’t all have the same vision of travel, but let’s respect each other.
I took note of your desire to be humorous.
Safe travels.
JP
Hello, that’s all great. I’d love to have that much luck, but it also depends on the season.
Skipping exceptional places for fear of crowds is a shame. Just go early.
For me, a site overrun with people is no longer an exceptional place—it’s hell. Everyone has their own feelings about it.
As for getting up early, if you’d read what I wrote in my other posts, you’d have seen that I get up at 5 a.m. and am out by 6 a.m., precisely to avoid crowds, for the morning light, and because I love the morning atmosphere. But of course, you can’t read everything, especially when you’re not concerned...
Not mentioned in this post, but worth a visit (in my opinion):
- Wat Huai Pla Kang, better known as the "Big Buddha" (it's actually a Chinese goddess!) 8 km northwest. Very touristy (especially Chinese).
- Baandam Museum, also known as the "Black House," created by an eccentric artist. Both quirky and strange, it's a must-see if you're into art and open-minded.
12 km north.
- Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan, a stunning and surprising temple complex, clearly underrated (I was the only foreigner), so it's not touristy at all—you'll love it! 😉
(see photos).
59 km south.
Enjoy your visits around Chiang Rai—it's a great region! !
Not mentioned in this post, but worth visiting (in my opinion):
- Wat Huai Pla Kang, better known as "Big Buddha" (it’s actually a Chinese goddess!) 8 km northwest. Very touristy (especially Chinese).
- Baandam Museum, also known as the "Black House," created by an eccentric artist. Both quirky and strange, it’s worth seeing if you’re into art and open-minded.
12 km north.
- Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan, a stunning and surprising temple complex, clearly overlooked (I was the only foreigner), so not touristy at all—you’ll love it! 😉
(see photos).
59 km south.
Enjoy your visits around Chiang Rai—it’s a great region!
Good evening Claude,
I had replied, but I see my message got lost somewhere...
What you’re suggesting is really interesting. Apart from Wat Huai Pla Kang, which seems like Mont Saint-Michel based on the photos I’ve seen online—especially the parking lots... Impressive! The kind of place I might leave without even getting out of the car...
Though, if I do go, just out of curiosity, I wouldn’t have to get out since it’s so close—I’d almost certainly walk there...😉
On the other hand, Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan looks fantastic...
Thanks so much for your contribution to my research.
- Talat Noi district: street art, Chinatown, and Chinese temple.
- Bike ride from 7 AM to 12 PM with Co Kessel in English, passing through the klongs and islands of Bangkok (check online for details). Sorry, I don’t know how to add links—downside is it’s a group of 10 people.
Sorry, I posted this in the Chiang Rai thread by mistake!
Chiang Rai
Even though it’s very, very touristy, I enjoyed discovering the temples in Chiang Rai—go at opening time.
In January, there’s a flower festival if you love greenery.
That’s all!
Françoise
Yes, it’s on my itinerary. But once again, here’s a little-known spot that, after being constantly mentioned and recommended on forums, has lost all its freshness and uniqueness—now overrun with visitors...
Chiang Rai
In January there’s a flower festival if you like vegetation.
I won’t be there in January, but in February—and there’s a huge flower festival in Chiang Mai in February too. I saw that on the site you recommended in a private message. It’s right during the time I’ll be there. And our friend Jojoone1 also told me about a fantastic floral exhibit I won’t miss. I can already tell I’m gonna have a blast in Chiang Mai!
Hi there,
I went two years ago—there was nobody around.
For Chiang Mai, don’t forget the temple in the woods where you can walk to Doi Suthep. It’s a climb, though!
The Flower Festival is also amazing in Chiang Mai.
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Bonjour, cela faisait longtemps que je n'avais pas sollicité votre aide par le biais de ce forum, qui m'avait bien manqué ! J'espère que vous allez bien, nouveaux ou anciens.
J'ai un projet de voyage du 6 au 18 février 2027 avec ma soeur (nous avons 47 et 50 ans... le temps passe à une vitesse...). Je lorgne sur un billet d'avion de Paris le 6 février qui atterrit à Bangkok le 7 février à 15h, avec un retour de Bangkok le 18 février à 12h.
Ma soeur ne connait pas la destination du voyage, et ce sera la 1ère fois qu'elle ira en Asie. Ses critères : plages, soleil, cocktails sur la plage. Pour ma part, j'aime ça mais aussi la découverte, nature, forêts, et un certain confort (alternance guesthouse et hôtels de plus grand standing parfois, avec piscine). Un peu d'animation le soir serait top, mais pas trop (plutôt de bons cocktails dans une bonne ambiance qu'une rave-party ;-). Et je ne peux m'empêcher de rêver à la faire crapahuter un peu dans une forêt tropicale (souvenirs et fous rires garantis, mais elle me maudirait sur le coup), et de lui faire découvrir quelques paysages karstiques.
Pour ma part, j'ai eu l'occasion d'aller en Thaïlande mais ce fût il y a 15 ans déjà...
L'idée serait de lui donner un aperçu de Bangkok pour 1 ou 2 nuits, quelques jours sur une île (mais laquelle...), une excursion dans une forêt tropicale avec 1 ou 2 nuits sur place (Khao Sok ?), puis retour à Bangkok.
Pour l'île "principale", et bien que j'ai lu le Guide du Routard, je suis toujours aussi indécise, car difficile de concilier tout cela avec une île où nous ne serions pas aussi nombreux que sur la Côte d'Azur en août : Koh Lanta ? Khao Lak (mais ce n'est pas une île) ? Koh Tao (je pourrais peut-être passer mon PADI, mais je crains qu'elle ne s'y ennuierait et qu'il vaut mieux que je me réserve un autre voyage solo pour le passer) ? Koh Yao Yai (j'ai peur que nous nous y ennuyions le soir venu) ? Quel dilemme !
Merci si vous avez pris le temps de me lire jusqu'ici. N'hésitez pas à me donner des conseils, ils seront tous les bienvenus et chaleureusement accueillis.
L'ébauche d'itinéraire serait le suivant (je préfère sacrifier une nuit à Bangkok si besoin) :
· samedi 6 février 2027 : départ (nuit dans l'avion)
· dimanche 7 février 2027 : arrivée à 15h, probablement vers 18h à l'hôtel, soirée à Bangkok (nuit à Bangkok)
· lundi 8 février 2027 : journée à Bangkok (Wat Pho et marché flottant ?) (nuit à Bangkok)
· mardi 9 février 2027 : trajet pour Koh Lanta ou autre île (vol pour Phuket ou Krabi ?) (nuit sur île « x »)
· mercredi 10 février 2027 : plage et ballades (nuit sur île « x »)
· jeudi 11 février 2027 : plage et ballades (nuit sur île « x »)
· vendredi 12 février 2027 : plage et ballades (nuit sur île « x »)
· samedi 13 février 2027 : plage et ballades (nuit sur île « x »)
· dimanche 14 février 2027 : plage et ballades (nuit sur île « x »)
· lundi 15 février 2027 : trajet pour Khao Sok - sortie nocturne pour Khao Sok (nuit à Khao Sok)
· mardi 16 février 2027 : découverte et rando Khao Sok (nuit à Khao Sok)
mercredi 17 février 2027 : trajet retour pour Bangkok (nuit à Bangkok)
· jeudi 18 février 2027 : vol retour pour Paris à 12h
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! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
