Bonjour,
De retour d'un voyage de 3 semaines au Myanmar, à mon tour de proposer mes conseils à ceux qui préparent leur circuit ...
Mon voyage :
- Marseille / Istanbul / Bangkok / Chang Rai / Mae Sai, nuit à la frontière coté Thai
- Passage à pieds pour Tachilek , notre guide et notre chauffeur (Gulliver) nous attendent pour partir faire une première journée de découvertes des villages Akhas au Sud de Kengtung.
- Second jour de trek et visites des villages Ann au nord de Kengtung
- Troisième jour de trek (le plus dur ...) pour monter à l'ouest dans les villages de minorités Lahu.
- Jour 4 : Balades seuls pour découvrir Kengtung et son marché, envol pour Hého ds l'AM, puis transfert à Kalaw
- Jour 5 : Trek 2 jrs / 1 nuit vers le lac Inlé, nuit en monastère.
- Jour 6: Fin du trek, arrivée au lac et transfert en bateau jusqu' à notre hotel à Nyaung Shwe
- Jour 7 : Balades sur le lac tte la journée
- Jour 8 : Balade en vélo dans et dans les environs du village
- Jour 9 : envol vers Thande et 4 jrs de balnéaire à Ngapali.
- Jour 14 : envol sur Sittwe et transfert en bateau à Mrauk U
- Jour 15 : Visite de Mrauk U
- Jour 16 : Visite des villages Shin (femmes araignées)
- Jour 17 : Mrauk U / Sittwe / Yangon / Bangkok
- Jour 18 : Journée de shopping à BKK (quartier Baiyoke)
Voilou, c'est vite résumé, mais si vous avez des questions, n'hésitez pas.....
Bruno
bonjour
Nous serions intéresser par votre circuit à partir du 14 ème jours . Le début de votre circuit nous l'avons fait en 2008 . Notre coupe de cœur que la birmanie
Envie d'y revenir surement en 2018 mais en avril je ne sais si la saison est OK
je suis preneuse d'infos pour avion , bus etc... pour cette région la
cordialement
Christ
Bonsoir,
Vol Ngapali / Sittwe avec Mann Yadanaporn vol 7Y-418 100$
Taxi pour l'embarcadère
Soit vous passez une nuit à Sittwee et prenez le bateau le lendemain, avec le bateau local (moins cher et plus long : 6 à 7h pour Mrauk U ou un bateau privé
Soit vous reserrvez un "private boat" et partez quand vous voulez, ce que nous avons fait. Notre avion avait 2h de retard et nous avons atterri à Sittwe à 16h au lieu de 14h, ce qui fait que l'on a embarqué à 16h30 et sommes arrivés à 21h30 à Mrauk U. Le trajet s'est donc passé à 80% de nuit, une expérience très particulière car les bateaux n'ont pas de lumière et communiquent entre eux avec des lampes électriques .... un peu flippant.
Concernant la vue ce n'était pas très grave car nous avons fait le mm parcours au retour et de jour.
A Mrauk U, avont réservé au Mrauk U palace. Le terme Palace tient au fait que l'hotel est situé près du Vieux palais et n'a rien à voir avec son niveau de luxe .... Hotel correct et personnel sympa.
Une bonne adresse pour nos repas à 300m de l'hotel, le Happy Garden, super bon et pas cher car local.
Après nous sommes restés 2 jours, 1 journée pour découvrir à vélo les différents temples du coin. Et une journée pour faire l'excursion en bateau pour visiter les Chin Villages (femmes araignées)
Nous avons aimé Mrauk U et l'ambiance du village, mais comparer ses temples à ceux de Bagan ou ANgkor comme je l'ai lu sur le net me parait quand même too much... Ce n est que mon opinion....
Quant aux villages Chin, nous en avons visités 2 très différents. Le premier très mercantile et le second beaucoup plus authentique et attachant. Il y en a une vingtaine tout le long de la rivière, mais je pense que visiter le premier est plus ou moins "obligatoire"...
Voilà pour cette étape, si tu as des questions plus précises n'hésite pas
Mes photos très bientot sur mon flikr
Mille merci pour ces infos claires et précises . hier nous avons visionner photos et film de notre voyage en 2008 et vraiment envie d'y revenir pour visiter ce que nous n'avions pas eu le temps de faire dans les 30 jours
cordialement
christ
C'était pour nous aussi notre second voyage en Birmanie.
Le premier, en 2009, nous avions fait Yangoon, Mandalay, Inlé et Bagan
Un peu plus de touristes cette fois ci, des fils du lac qui posent plus qu'ils ne pêchent, mais rien de bien méchant. Nous sommes contents d'avoir vu une évolution mais rien de terrible comme je l'avais lu. Les birmans sont toujours aussi adorables...
bonsoir
nous avions rencontré meme pas une douzaine de touristes en un mois . nous étions seul sur les sites et sentiers de rando .
la majorité actuellement des tours opérators se concentrent sur yangoon / mandalay. bagan / inle . nous avons déja fait cela ainsi que kengtung et la region d'Hispaw avec passage du fameux viaduc en train
cette fois ci nous allons vers ce que l'on peut appeler " hors des sentiers battus"
Super si malgré tout les birmans sont toujours adorables et authentiques .
Cordialement
Christ
Merci pour ces informations claires et récentes :-).
A combien vous ai revenu le bateau que vous avez privatisé ?
merci beaucoup et bonne journée
Diane
Bonjour,
Je ne connais pas exactement le prix du bateau privatisé pour M'rauk U car il était inclus dans le package proposé par Gulliver Travel. Nous sommes passés (pour la seconde fois) par cette agence francophone pour les réservations des billets d'avion, du bateau, du trek à Inlé et de l'hotel à Mrauk U. Leurs prix sont corrects et qqfois moins chers qu'en passant en direct.
L'intérêt du bateau privé est d'éviter de passer une nuit à Sittwe qui offre peu d'intérêt. D'autre part, étant donnés les "actualités" je ne souhaitais pas trop rester là-bas. Notre vol a atteri en retard à Sittwe (16h au lieu de 14h), mais le bateau nous attendait bien et nous avons pu continuer sur Mrauk U. Le trajet s'est donc déroulé de nuit pour une grande partie puisque nous sommes arrivés vers 21h. Mais quel plaisir de se réveiller le lendemain dans la petite ville de Mrauk'U......
Bonjour
Merci beaucoup de votre retour. C est vrai que ça serait bien que je n aie pas à passer une nuit à Sittwe (gain de temps) mais bon je n’avais pas pensé passer par une agence....
Je vais tenter le coup et on verra bien comment ça se déroule....
Je pense que tu peux leur demander un devis pour vol et bateau.
Tous les vols intérieurs , je les ai choisis moi meme quand j(ai construit mon circuit, sur le site oway. Ts ls vols étaient au pris de 100 $ quelque soit la compagnie. Gulliver n 'était pas plus cher.
Je ne vois pas comment réserver un bateau local sans passer par une agence ....
Ce qui est appréciable c'est qu'un chauffeur t'attend à l'aéroport de sittwe et 20mn plus tard tu embarques...
Oui c'était aussi l'intérêt du "private boat" :
Nous avons pu faire dans la journée : Mrauk'U / Sittwe / Yangon / Bangkok
Départ matinal vers 6h de l'hotel à Mrauk U
Arrivée vers 11h30 à Sittwee
Vol domestique : Mann Yadanarpon 7Y-418 Sittwe / Yangon 13h15 / 14h35
Vol international : Avec Air Asia FD 254 Yangon / Bangkok 17h35 / 19h25
Le soir nous dormions dans le coeur de Bangkok !!
Tout s'est déroulé nickel
vol Sittwee / Yangon env 100 $
vol Yangon /Bangkok 30 $
Taxi pour le cv depuis l'aéroport : 400 Bths
Désolé de lire ce refus de Gulliver qui me surprend ....
Beaucoup de voyageurs utilisent leurs service uniquement pour prendre leur billet d'avion ...
J'ai eu a faire à Renaud et je te donne son mail direct : renaud.gulliver@gmail.com
Pour cette excursion à Mrauk U ils m'ont prévu mes billets d'avion Thande/Sittwe et retour Sittwe/Yangon. A noter que je leur ai donné les références des vols que j'avais choisis moi-même.
Ils m'ont prévu le bateau A/R Sittwe /Mrauk U avec transferts en voiture aéroport / port (20mn à Sittwe et 10 mn à Mrauk U) et c'était parfaitement organisé surtout que nous sommes arrivés très tard...
J'ai choisi l'hotel à Mrauk U et en passant par Gull.. c'était pas plus cher, donc je suis passé aussi par eux.
Enfin , Gull m'a prévu aussi la journée d'excursion en territoire Chin (femmes araignées). De toutes façons, il te faut là aussi une voiture et un petit bateau ...
A part l'hotel, ce n'était que du transport pour le tout. Nous n'avons souhaité aucun guide, aucun restau et la journée à visiter Mrauk U s'est faite seuls à vélo.
Je pense que tu peux demander à Renaud de te chiffrer un package : Vols, bateau, transferts et excursions femmes araignées et réserver toi mm l'hotel si tu le souhaites ...
N'hésite pas à lui écrire que tu viens de ma part.... si ça peut aider.
Il est vrai que je n’ai pas eu contact avec Renaud lui-même mais avec une de ses collaboratrices. J’ai clairement demandé une offre pour les vols et le bateau uniquement et à voir ce n’etait pas possible. J’ai reçu un devis pour un tour comprenant ce que vous avez eu. Le hic c’est que je n’ai pas le temps pour une journée au village et de toute façon n’en aurait pas envie.
Au vu de e refus j’ai contacté une autre agence qui m’a dit pouvoir m’organiser vols et bateau seulement. On verra ce qu’il en ressort et si ça ne va pas j’essaierais de contacter Renaud.
Merci encore 1000 fois d’avoir pris le temps d’écrire.
Ah tiens tu as vu les News. Je m’étonnais que personne ne réagisse ou n’en parle sur le forum. C est prévu du 17 au 21 février. Étant donné ce qu’il s est passé je suis entrain de plancher sur un plan B sans toutefois complètement éradiquer Mrauk U.
Bonne journée.
Ps d ailleurs si tu as eu des coups de cœur autre que Mrauk-U je suis preneuse 😉
La Birmanie est à elle seule un gros coup de coeur !!!
On a beaucoup apprécié notre petite pause balnéaire sur la cote de Ngapali. On y était fin octobre, en début de saison, donc peu de touristes. De tout façon les rares vacanciers restent dans les hotels et il est très agréable d'aller se perdre à vélo sur les petites routes qui relient les nombreux villages de pêcheurs. Même le marché de Thande qui est à 20 mn de la plage est super intéressant et facilement accessible en tuk tuk local (il y en a ttes les 10mn qui passent)
Quant à la plage , elle est vraiment agréable pour s'y baigner et les couchers de soleil sont magnifiques...
Autrement, bien sûr, les rencontres avec les minorités dans la région de Kengtung . Ne pas hésiter à aller visiter les villages les plus éloignés . On est grassement récompensé de ses efforts...(voir mes photos...)
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.
