Nous sommes rentrés hier d'un premier séjour de 15 jours aux Philippines et sommes enchantés.
Si vous voulez discuter de notre parcours, de tarifs et autres, nous sommes à votre disposition.
En gros et en bref, voici un résumé :
J1 : arrivée à Manille vers 11h. Envol vers Dumaguete à 14h. Nuit à l'hôtel Palwa
J2 : ferry pour Siquijor. Farniente sur la plage et nuit à la Villa Marmarine
J3 : découverte de l'île en mobylette. Nuit à la villa Marmarine
J4 : retour à Dumaguete. Nuit à l'hôtel Palwa.
J5 : vol pour Manille puis taxi payé pour Baguio (nous aurions préféré le bus, mais avons subi un léger contretemps qui nous a obligés à visiter un hôpital à Manille. Rien de grave au final).
J6 : bus pour Sagada. Nuit au St Joseph Resthouse
J7 : visite des environs de Sagada et nuit au St Joseph
J8 : jeepney pour Bontoc, puis pour Maligcong. Visite des rizières. Une première et un enchantement pour nous. Nuit au Ridgebrooke.
J9 : van collectif pour Banaue. Tricycle pour visiter rizières d'Hapao et Bacung. Nuit au Greenview.
J10 : trek accompagné vers Cambulo. Nuit à la guesthouse.
J11 : trek accompagné vers Batad. Magnifique site. Nuit chez Simon.
J12 : trek accompagné vers Bangaan puis retour en jeepeney à Banaue. Nuit dans le bus qui nous ramène à Manille.
J13 : hébétés à 3h du matin, reprenons de Pasay, le 1er bus vers Tagatay. Visite du lac Taal et des environs. Nuit au Keni Po.
J14 : bus très local vers Manille. Visite d'Intramuros mais c'est très désert (samedi saint). Nuit à l'Orchid Garden.
J15 : visite de quelques autres quartiers de Manille. Retour vers la France.
bonjour, nous partons pour les philippines pour 3 semaines du 26/02/2013 au 16/13/2013.avez vous des conseils de lieux a decouvrir, de lieux pour dormir , se restaurer.que faut il eviter?est il possible de louer une voiture(nous partons a 4).enfin je suis a votre ecoute .cordialement.
En consultant le forum, vous allez trouver une foule de renseignements sur les Philippines, donnés pour la plupart par des personnes vivant sur place et amoureux de ce coin du monde. Les informations sont même tellement riches qu'il est difficile de faire un choix.
Comme nous ne disposions que de 2 semaines, nous avons choisi de ne pas nous éparpiller et avons privilégié les rizières, fascinantes.
Mais nous avons apprécié aussi notre petit séjour sur l'ile de Siquijor, particulièrement pour nous reposer après l'avion.
Nous ne regrettons pas de ne pas avoir loué de voiture, car il est très facile de se déplacer partout et souvent, compte-tenu de l'état des routes défoncées par les pluies, nous étions bien contents de ne pas être nous même au volant.
Rien à voir avec les Philippines, mais si vous ne le faites pas déjà, pensez emporter pour le voyage des bas de contention. Une phlébite arrive plus vite qu'on ne le pense et si ça peut vous éviter d'aller visiter les hôpitaux de Dumaguete et Manille (fort corrects)......
Bon voyage.
SalutNous aussi nous partons pour les Phils le 2 janvier retour le 14 mars.
Ce sera notre deuxième voyage là-bas.
Quelles iles comptez-vous visiter?
Pour Palawan Cebu Bohol Panglao Pinay Negros Luzon je peux vous conseiller.
Pour les logements quelle catégorie (bien moyen populaire) il y a le choix.
Sachez qu'il y a de trés belles plages aux Phils
Quand à nous c'est découvrir des iles que nous ne connaissons pas.
Bon voyage
Fernand
...
Si vous voulez discuter de notre parcours, de tarifs et autres, nous sommes à votre disposition.
...
J5 : vol pour Manille puis taxi payé pour Baguio
J6 : bus pour Sagada. Nuit au St Joseph Resthouse
J7 : visite des environs de Sagada et nuit au St Joseph
J8 : jeepney pour Bontoc, puis pour Maligcong. Visite des rizières. Une première et un enchantement pour nous. Nuit au Ridgebrooke.
J9 : van collectif pour Banaue. Tricycle pour visiter rizières d'Hapao et Bacung. Nuit au Greenview.
J10 : trek accompagné vers Cambulo. Nuit à la guesthouse.
J11 : trek accompagné vers Batad. Magnifique site. Nuit chez Simon.
J12 : trek accompagné vers Bangaan puis retour en jeepeney à Banaue.
...
Merci pour votre proposition
1 ) Quels furent vos frais de transport Manille - Baguio en taxi (pour combien de personnes ?)
2 ) Votre opinion sur St Joseph que je connais bien mais une actualisation peut etre utile
3 ) Comment classeriez vous les rizieres en matière d'attrait touristique ?
Malicgcong (que je ne connais pas) Happao, Bacung, batad, Bangaan
4 ) Ridgebrooke ? ou est ce ? recommandable ?
5 ) Trek accompagné (J10,11,12) par qui ? Guide local recruté à Banaue ? Prix de la prestation pour les trois jours ?
Voici les réponses à vos questions
1/ en fait le taxi Manille-Baguio ne nous a rien coûté, ayant été pris en charge par l'assurance de notre carte Gold en raison d'un passage impromptu dans un hôpital de Manille pour cause de phlébite (avion).
2/Le ST Joseph à Sagada est vraiment très bien tenu et entretenu. L'accueil y est agréable.
3/ Difficile de classer les rizières car c'était pour nous une découverte : le site de Batad est formidable mais les rizières de Maligcong, moins visitées, sont très belles. Hapao et surtout Bacung ont été difficiles d'accès (à 3 dans un tricycle sur des routes défoncées par la pluie et les éboulements), mais nous les avons trouvées très belles aussi. Bangaan aussi est très beau. Sincèrement, coup de coeur total pour toutes ces rizières en terrasses, les gens qui y travaillent et y vivent.
4/le Ridgebrooke, c'est à Bontoc, pas au centre ville, mais de l'autre côté de la rivière. Bon établissement que nous recommanderions à des touristes ne cherchant pas le 1er prix.
5/Le guide, Jerick, nous l'avions retenu depuis la France sur les conseils de Canadiens rencontrés sur le forum. Nous aurions certainement payé moins cher (3000 PHP/Pers, tout compris, càd jeepney privé jusqu'au départ de la rando et de Bangaan à Banaue, 7 repas et 2 nuits de guesthouse, cadeaux aux enfants de Cambulo) en prenant un guide directement sur place, mais celui-ci fait à moitié du tourisme équitable et nous avons passé 3 jours merveilleux en sa compagnie, nous approchant des populations locales et recueillant une foule d'infos sur les plantes médicinales, les coutumes locales et autres. De plus, il m'a été fort précieux pour les passages étroits et glissants bien souvent le long des rizières détrempées par les pluies.
Profitez bien du pays.
Voici les réponses à vos questions
1/ ... passage impromptu dans un hôpital de Manille pour cause de phlébite (avion).
2/Le ST Joseph à Sagada est vraiment très bien tenu et entretenu. L'accueil y est agréable.
...
5/Le guide, Jerick, nous l'avions retenu depuis la France sur les conseils de Canadiens rencontrés sur le forum. Nous aurions certainement payé moins cher (3000 PHP/Pers, tout compris, càd jeepney privé jusqu'au départ de la rando et de Bangaan à Banaue, 7 repas et 2 nuits de guesthouse, cadeaux aux enfants de Cambulo) en prenant un guide directement sur place, mais celui-ci fait à moitié du tourisme équitable et nous avons passé 3 jours merveilleux en sa compagnie, nous approchant des populations locales et recueillant une foule d'infos sur les plantes médicinales, les coutumes locales et autres. De plus, il m'a été fort précieux pour les passages étroits et glissants bien souvent le long des rizières détrempées par les pluies.
Profitez bien du pays.
Vraiment merci pour vos appréciations positives
1 ) Concernant l'hopital : une bonne adresse (si j'ose dire) ? Bien traités ? Pas trop cher ?
2 ) Saint Joseph Resthouse : bonne adresse confirmée ( à ne pas confondre avec Sagada Guesthouse )
3 ) Le tarif appliqué me parait tout a fait raisonnable. En prenant un guide sur place, c'est la loterie. De plus il est effectivement important de faire travailler les guides labellisés Tourisme Durable ou Equitable : une garantie de participation à développer l'emploi local. Ou peut on joindre ce guide ?
Suis peu restée à Manille, ça ne m'a pas vraiment enthousiasmé plus que ça.
On a fait la bringue, super sympa puis... on a tenté de nous livrer des petites filles (je suis une nana et étais avec des potes) !!! incroyable mais ça peut être comme ça là-bas... enfin de notre expérience, peut-être sommes nous tombés sur le cliché horrible à ce moment là, pas de bol !, avec surveillance des parents .... enfin bref, terrifiant !!! Lendemain visite vieille ville, mais tjs sans plus, le reste et les merveilles des Pilippinas sont ailleurs que ds la capitale, comme bien souvent !!!
Donc, après ces micro péripéties prlesquelles nous n'avons rien pu faire auprès de la police, les Philippines sont un groupement d'îles juste merveilleux, avec des gens à découvrir, des paysages fantastiques.... Bref, j'ai tant aimé !
les Chocolate hills sur Bohol, très chouette, diving depuis panglao. Les rizières au nord de Luzon, splendides,
Boracay, pour se reposer, fiesta et profiter des couchers de soleil. + les balades en bateaux....
Cébu, n'a été qu'une halte, donc no comment. Palawan, yesyesyes ! ET, le reste Je laisse la parole aux autres pour ce que je n'ai pas eu la chance de découvrir
J'imagine que vous avez bien profité, et j'espère que les futurs voyageurs apprécieront, c'est un chouette ""multi pays"" !
byby
J12 : trek accompagné vers Bangaan puis retour en jeepeney à Banaue. Nuit dans le bus qui nous ramène à Manille.
Bonjour, je sais que votre retour de voyage date de quelques années, mais je prends un risque .. sinon peut-être que quelqu'un d'autre pourra me répondre 🙂. Je pars pour les Philippines le 17 juillet et je serai au nord de Luzon du 20 au 25 juillet (peut-être 1-2 jours de plus dépendamment .. ou peut-être moins avec la météo à ce temps de l'année!). Après ma nuit à Batad, j'aimerais faire un trek jusqu'à Bagaan, mais je manque beaucoup d'informations:
- j'ai lu que c'est environ 3-4h de marche .. est-ce vrai?
- est-ce qu'on a absolument besoin d'un guide? si oui, quel est environ le prix?
- si je dors à Bangaan, est-ce qu'il y a un transport (le moins cher possible) qui peut me ramener à Bontoc ou Sagada?
- une fois arrivée à Bangaan, a-t-il quelque chose à faire (autre que voir les rizières)?
Je suis prenante de toute information au sujet de Bangaan, merci beaucoup 🙂
Bonjour
Je vais essayer de repondre a vos questions
Prendre un guide: oui car les rizieres sont privées et les gens n'aiment pas que vous passiez n'importe ou. De plus ils ont des conventions avec les guides( qui retribuent la population en feuilles de tabac ou autres)
De plus les guides s'occuppent de tout, pour dormir, manger, aller et retour en jeepney. Pour la balade elle dure au moins 4 heures car vous pouvez aller a la cascade, aux sources d'eau chaude volcaniques etc...
Pour le prix je n'ai pas souvenir, mais je n'ai pas en memoire d'un prix excessif.
Voila j'espere vous avoir eclairé un peu
Cordialement
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.
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
