De retour de 3 semaines inoubliables aux Philippines, je tenais a partager les qques bonnes addresse recoltees la-bas.
Trip classique : qques jours a Banaue (raccourcis a cause de pluies et glissements de terrain), Bohol et Panglao island et pour finir a Palawan (puerto Princessa, Sabang, El Nido)
A Manille, nous avons dormi a "Malate pensionne", vieille maison coloniale, bien situes, staff sympas...900php/double
Pour le bus jusque Banaue (ou autre destinations dans la province de Luzon) preferer FLorida a Autobus (bus vetuste, clim reglee sur 5 deg et Tv a fond avec un film de guerre a 3h du mat :-)
A Puerto Princessa, je vous reommande definitivement "Manny Guesthouse" ( et il y a de fortes chances que vous passiez au moins 1 a 2nuit a PP) Une guesthouse avec 3 chambres, recente et bien entretenu avec de charmant Proprietaire. A qques minutes a pied de Rizal av, proche de Banwa hostel et apparemment bien mieux d apres les feedbacks recus.... 500 php pour une double (2b Mendoza street)
pour manger allez directement au Kinabuch 7php par tete depuis manny guesthouse en tricycle....10mn a pied
A El Nido..... les chambres en bord de mer sont assez cheres (au moins 1000 pour une double) ou bruyant ou en travaux ou complet.... vous pouvez toujours essaye mais on s est cassez les dents...avons teste le "Radic" ou un nom comme ca....chambre minuscule ireespirable avec les travaux sous la fenetre a 7h du mat...pour 900php... On a plie baggage et avons trouves Cliffside Cottages (pas en bord de mer) mais grande chambre avec au milieu un jardin bien fleuri et entretenu...tenu par une famille de filipinos (et donc comme tout filipino, super sympas) petite table pour le dejeuner le matin (la boulangerie est a 100m :-) le tout pour 600 php la double.....essayez si vous voulez etre au calme ou economiser qques pesos......
Pour les tours en bateau , renseignez vous aupres de "Alternative".. moins cher que certain cafe :-) beaucoup plus souriant, staff ultra sympas et helpfull... nous avons fait tout A et C et kayak avec eux et c etait enorme..... La bouffe est super bonne (poisson au BBQ, salades, fruits a gogo, etc)...demander a pecher et ils enmeneront qques lignes.... fun garantie
Si vous avez des questions, n hesitez pas je serai ravi de pouvoir vous aider....
J ai poste les photos de notre voyage sur mon blog : Travel-addiction . N hesitez pas non plus si vous avez des critiques/commentaires.....
En esperant que ca puisse aider....
C'est vrai, tes photos sont exceptionnelles. Quel appareil as tu utilisé ?
Je vois que tu n'as pas eu beau temps à Banaue...j'y vais dans 3 semaines...!
Et à Bohol ? le climat ? D'après les photos de chocolate hill, tu as pu avoir quelques rayons de soleil ...?
Pas de commentaires sur Panglao ?
Amitiés
Tres belles photos mais encore mieux si tu légendes.
Connais pas encore les Philippines et suis en partance. Les photos de mer transparente avec rocher, où est ce?
si tu veux la meteo en directe pas de soucis tu demandes !!
pas de pluies depuis 5-6 jours temps sec et lourd ensoleille sur panglao et sud bohol
panglao est tranquille tres peu de monde en cette periode !! de toute facon ce n'est qu'une base e de depart plongee ou pour balicasag et virgin island
belle plage a dumaluan
pas mal d'excursions a faire sur bohol , dont la nouvelle tyrilienne qui traverse un site de chocolates hills ailleurs qu'a carmen vers danao vas sur le blog de la villa tu le verras !
Tres content de voir que vous appreciez mon blog ... :-) merci beaucoup pour vos comms !!
Nangandoy : J utilise un canon 400D, + canon 15-55 stabilise, tamron 75-300 et sigma 10-20.....
POur Banaue, oui on a eu de la pluie en continue..... Donc pas tres agreable et surtout beaucoup de glissements de terrain donc certaines infranchissables...ou en galerant un max....
POur Bohol on a eu genre une heure de grosse pluie par jour....Un typhon passait pas loin.... Pour les Chocolate Hills, pour etre honnete c loin d etre le meilleur souvenir.... Tres touristique, moins spectaculaire que ce que je pensais.... on a eu qques rayons de soleil effectivement. En gros ne vous coupez pas un bras pour y aller vous serez decu.....
Ce qui est par contre super sympas c est de rendre visite au tarsier.... Et uniquement a la Philippines foundation !!! N allez surtout pas voir et cautionnez les braconniers qui chassent cette petite bestiole et qui la foutte en cage..... !!!!!! Super, faire des photos avec un tarsier sur son bras !!!! Autant allez a Vincennnes non ? Tres facile d y aller depuis Panglao en Jeepney... Faut juste changer a Tagbilaran.... et d enormes souvenirs, de rencontres et de sourires dans ces jeepney !!!
On etait base a Panglao a Alona...... Je ne me souviens plus de l hotel (ou semi resort) tres correct mais rien d exceptionnel..... Pour le resto sur cette plage, vous pouvez tester le Jazz restaurant pour leur poisson frais... Staff super sympas.... On a du y manger 3 ou 4 soirs de suite !!!
Le Oups bar au bout de la plage a gauche est a ne pas manquer pour ses happy hour quotidienne :-) et seul bar tranquille avec bonne ambiance le soir .....
Maddy pour les rochers et la mer transaparente c est a El Nido lors d un tour en bateau (le C....)Il y a une espece d eglise avec la possibilite de grimper un peu dans les rochers....
Poyldeyack : tu as raison, l experience....... Je n avais qu un APN (un ptit numerique) pour la Namibie......faut donc que j y retourne ... :-)
La meteo est imprevisible...... On est sense etre en debut de saison des pluies et Yapen64 frole le coup de soleil ...... Entre 2 typhones le temps sera magnifiuque..... Je pense quand meme qu iul est preferable d opter pour le sud durant cette periode..... Surtout Luzon vu que c est au nord, montagneux et en altitude, les risques de pluie ou d orage sont plus important....Mais comme dirait ma grand mere (sure que les votres aussi le disent) il n y a plus de saison c est fou !!! Donc prevoir impermeable.....
A +
salut, c'est juanca de la Réunion
voilà, j'ai rencontré une jeune femme sur un site de rencontres qui habite dans le sud du côté de Pagadian city Zamboanga. je vais sur place dans 18 jours pour une première rencontre.je reste la bas donc du 18 juillet au 22 aout.
Vu que tu as l'air de bien connaitre, puis je te poser ces quelques questions, si tu veux bien y répondre:
1-j'arrive sans visa, je fais prolonger directement dès l'arrivée à Manille, ou sinon?????
2- Entre manille et Pagadian city, il doit y avoir des trucs à voir, tu peux m'aiguiller?
3-je compte louer une bécane, histoire de voir du pays quand meme , et traverser pour aller à pagadian donc du nord au sud, t'en penses quoi, et est ce possible, à quel prix en gros?combien de temps pour y aller en bécane? (on devrait etre en plus à deux, avec la miss dessus!!!) les astuces de la route?
4- la miss voudrait voir boracay, t'en penses quoi, et il y a certainement mieux pour moins crowded, non ??? (tu me diras ça doit pas être la saison touristique, mais bon??)
5-niveau auberges , hotel ou hébergement faut réserver longtemps en avance?
6-les problèmes quand on est étranger? arnaques diverses, faire gaffe à quoi ou autres problms?
7- si t'as des bons plans ou adresses sympas sur la route, je suis preneur! idem pour tout tuyau non percé qui m'aiderai à me sentir à l'aise dans ce pays qui a l'air plus que sympa...
8- pour le fric, comme je risque de pas avoir récupéré ma cb à temps, c'est , comme partour risqué de se ballader avec trop sur soi??? je peux budgétiser combien par jour en allant dans les endroits populaires?
9- j'ai, en général depuis plusieurs virées dans des endroits comme Mada ou autres, un estomac blindé, mais y a des précautions particulières , niveau santé de tous les jours?
voilà, j'avais dit "quelques" questions, il te reste plus qu'à payer un "nègre" pour me répondre :-D, hehehehehe! (si tu veux bien!!!)
a plus, bons baisers de la Réunion, et comme on dit ici : ni r'trouve!
je vais te donner les renseignements que je connais , le reste il faudra que tu le trouves sur ce forum ou sur la toile
je suis a bohol/panglao visayas , ton amie est de mindanao du cote de zamboanga et je connais pas cette region donc je vais pas te mentir !
pour le visa a zambouanga tu pourras aller au bureau immigration pour faire ton prolongement de visa c'est dans les 3a4000 pesos selon les provinces donc pas la peine de stresser a l'avance si tu restes dans le coin de ta " future fiancée"lol
entre manille et zambouanga oui !!!! je te le confirme il ya beaucoup a voir vu la distance qui separe ces deux villes
tu as las visayas entre les deux ainsi que palawan ou bohol ou camiguin ou siquijor ou cebu ou negros !!!
si tu veux des renseignements sur bohol qui sera axxessible pour toi de zamboanga via cebu (avion et puis bateau cebu bohol 2h max)
une becane coute ici a bohol 400 pesos jour mais je sais que du cote de mindanao les prix sont plus bas compte entre 250 et 400 pesos
la miss elle vas te demander la lune et pour elle realiser son reve de voyages qu'elle ne peut se payer et la premiere chose qu'elles entendent en dehors de leur region et parceque il y a une grosse pub vitrine du pays c'est BORACAY !!
boracay c'est une tres grande plage de sable blanc entouree dhotels restaurants et endroits festifs c'est ausi le rassemblement de tous les kites surf mais question plongee c'est pas ce qu'il y a de mieux meme si crocodile island vaut le deplacement
apres c'est le vide donc tu dois aller sur panay pour voir des jolies choses comme des chutes ou autres sites a voir
pour le reste ecris moi en prive je te donnerai d'autres details
pour les arnaques ou vols ne tentent pas les gens c'est tout et tu ne crains pratiquement rien reste discret et humble le reste viendra tout seul !
te ballader avec des grosses sommes de cash en euros n'est pas conseille trouves un hotel qui a un coffer et tu mets tes valeurs ainsi que ton passeport a l'abri des pertes ou du vol
des bons plans j'en ai plein mais surtout dans ma region , mais je connais aussi d'autres endroits donc je te donnerai mon avis
les hotels en juillet sont pas pleins loin de la donc ne reserves pas a l'avance pareil a bohol par contre ici le mois d'aout risque d'etre charge vu les resas que j'ai mais c'est pas complet a temps plein
pour la nourriture si tu as fais l'afrique ou l'inde ton estomac ne risquera pas grand chose la nourriture locale est simple sans recherche mais bonne attention a l'eau surtout !! c'est la le plus grand danger l'eau avec laquelle il cuisine dans les petites cantines des fois c'est limite mais pour boire eau en bouteille ou sodas ou biere
pour le negre j'en ai pas besoin je reponds toujours a mes mails clients ou pas c'est un principe de politesse et de respect on me changera pas maintenant!!
ecris moi en prive on essaiera de te faire un itineraire sympa!!
Je suis étonné de la qualité de tes photos!
Elles sont magnifiques.
Je comprend mieux ce que tu as pu ressentir en voyant ces paysages paradisiaques!
Tu me donne envie d'y retourné!!!!
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
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, 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.
