C'est une destination peu touristique que nous avons adorée !
Voici les grandes lignes de notre parcours, posez-moi des questions si vous souhaitez plus de détails.
Nous vous recommandons toutes les guesthousesque nous avons fréquentées.
Arrivée à l'aéroport de Medan un soir, K77 Guesthouse vient nous chercher.
Le lendemain matin, nous nous rendons à Bukit Lawang à Back to Nature. Accessible après 45mn de marche, loin des autres guesthouses, ce lieu au milieu de la jungle est tranquille et isolé. Nous avons fait un trek sur la journée (prix est très élevé, 110 euros pour 2), clairement plus cher qu'à Ketambé d'après les dires de voyageurs croisés par la suite. De plus, si les plate-formes de nourrissage n'existent plus, les orang-outans nous approchent suffisamment pour prendre des fruits que le guide pose près de nous.
A refaire, nous tenterions Ketambé malgré la distance. Attention :le prix du transport ainsi que celui du trek a été supérieur à celui discuté par mail avant.
Taxi partagé jusqu'à Brastaggi, logé au Nachelle Guesthouse. Ville dans son jus, permettant d'appréhender la vie locale. Volcan aisé à gravir, accessible sans guide.
Taxi partagé s'arrêtant dans 3 lieux touristiques pour aller au lac Toba, logé au Mas Cottage. A l'extérieur de Tuk Tuk qui ne nous a pas beaucoup plu (succession de guesthouses), la location d'un scooter est le meilleur moyen de visiter l'île.
Bus de nuit jusqu'à Bukittinggi, 17h de trajet avec 2 arrêts repas. Les forumeurs conseillent plutôt de remonter à Medan pour prendre un avion pour Padang. Nous avons préféré le bus, direct et finalement plus rapide : nous le conseillons.
Taxi pour la vallée d'Harau, Abdi Homestay 3 nuits. Un trek de 1 jour à travers les rizières avec Ricky, à faire sans restriction: à l'écoute de nos envies, il nous a montré plantes, insectes, oiseaux et avons même eu la chance de voir des gibbons noirs.
Ojec, bus public et taxi pour Bukittinggi, Hello Guesthouse. Ling est particulièrement prévenante, photocopiant des recettes et m'accompagnant acheter les épices au marché local. Ville intéressante, à déguster à pied !
Pour préparer notre voyage, nous nous sommes inspirés de ce forum, plus particulièrement des expériences de 2 forumeurs, Fabienne et Jean-Louis que je remercie.
Je suis à disposition en cas de questions !
Christine
bonjour christine
sympa de faire ce retour et de proposer ton aide pour de futurs voyageurs...
et "élégant" de remercier ceux qui t'ont un peu aidé à le préparer.... démarche assez rare...
un forum de voyage est trop souvent un banquet où l'on vient picorer ce qui nous convient puis on se mouche dans la nappe et on n'y revient plus....ou alors pour poser d'autres questions sur d'autres régions du monde...mais pas ou peu pour répondre...
cdt
jean-louis
Bonjour
Je confirme ! Ils viennent sur le forum pour demander de l'aide et après un coup de main rien de rien comme suite .
Mais bon heureux que il ya d'autres qui font des retours de leur voyage .
Baroudeur93
Merci pour ce compte-rendu que j'ai lu avec attention car je pars avec mon compagnon à Sumatra en juin prochain.
La grande question que nous nous posons concerne le fameux trajet en bus de nuit entre Parapat et Bukkitingi.
La plupart des forumeurs déconseillent fortement ce trajet mais pour ma part, j'ai une phobie de l'avion et je ne sais pas si cela vaut le coup de remonter à Medan depuis le lac Toba.
Pouvez-vous me dire comment était le bus (propreté, conduite du chauffeur, état de la route...) et vous souvenez-vous de la compagnie?
oui le bus est propre
un conseil : c'est un bus de nuit. Si vous dormez, mettez vos sacs ou objets de valeur pressé contre la fenêtre. Evitez sous le siège et au dessus dans les rangements.
Bonsoir
J'ai effectue ce trajet en 2010, je ne me souviens plus du prix.
J'avais trouve le guide par en passant par une agence qui n'existe plus.
Bonne soiree
Fabienne
Bonjour Karine,
Mon mari et moi, nous avons prit le bus depuis Bukittinggi au Lac Toba. Mais comme je suis aller sur notre orphelinat nous sommes arreté à Panggururan. Nous avons fait ce trajet en deux fois, Bukittinggi à Padang Sidempuan, grand bus, clim coût:140.000 rupiah p.p. - 8€50 : 8h avec un chauffeur assez bien, mais la route avec beaucoup de virages, des heures de virages!! Normalement je n'ai pas du tout du mal de transport, mais là j'ai eu de naussée!! Le bus arreté 1 fois pour manger et deux fois pour le toilet.
Nous avons dormir dans un hotel et le lendemain encore un bus, Padang Sidempuan à Siborong Borong, mais plus petit et peu confortable, encore un voyage de 4h, avec un chauffeur qui connais bien ce trajet et fait comme il est tout seule sur la route en arretant n'import où il veut et quand il veut, côut:50.000rp- 3€. Le dernier bus de Siborong Borong à Pangururan - 50.000rp 4h de voyage dans une bus très peu confortable partagent avec 8 autres. Je me mouillé plusieurs fois car il a plu et la pluie est rentrée dans le bus.
Les toilets dans ce route de Bukittinggi jusqua Pangururan etaient assez propre mais très simple et même plusieurs sans vraiment de privacy, ça veut dire: il y a les murs entre les deux trous dans le sol jusq'au le genoux et c'est tout!!! mais separé pour les hommes et femmes bien sur!!!
Pour qui veut un peu d'avonture ce sera ok, mais soyez consciente que c'est très long et quelque fois pénible et surtout très fatigant!!, peu de confort!! si vous voyager avec le bus locale bien sur. Il y a les bus pour les tourist qui sont plus confortable et peut etre ils arrete sur les restos un peu plus confortable. Peut être le bus qui vas jusq'au Parapat et plus confortable.
Bonsoir Karine,
Oui bien sur tu peut prendre une voiture avec chauffeur. ça coût seulement deux jours de voyage et normalement tu dors dans un hotel en route. Sinon tu doit payer deux chauffeurs. Et normalement une voiture avec chauffeur coût à Sumatra 600.000 pour 12h mais seulement dans une certain region et si tu sort ce region tu paye extra. Et pour ce distance je pense tu dois penser à plutôt 900.000 - 1.000.000 rp (55€ -62€) par jour et ca si le taux et 16.000 rp pour 1€ + hotel (ou 2e chauffeur) + repas. Avantage est que tu peut t'arreter ou tu veux et quand tu veux!!!!
non la route n'est pas si terrible. Sinueuse dans sa 1ère partie mais ça vaut le détour de la faire en 2 fois, de jour.
Perso, je pars de Parapat autour de 13h, nous roulons jusqu'à 21h et stoppons à la sortie de Penyabungan.
Départ le lendemain à 7h pour profiter de la belle route et de tout ce qui s'y passe
Par contre, une voiture privée c'est assez cher. Vous trouverez à Parapat à côté de l'embarcadère mais il va falloir négocier âprement.
Effectivement l'idéal semble être de couper la route en dormant à mi-chemin mais cela nécessite pas mal de temps sur place et nous aurons du mal à tout faire.
Nous allons sans doute nous concentrer sur Bukkit Lawang, le volcan et le lac Toba.
Mais du coup, nos 13 jours sur place seront peut-être de trop!
Hello
tu peux choisir Bukit Lawang et Sibayac.
Puis Medan Padang en avion: je sais que tu as peur mais honnêtement ça vaut le coup de te déplacer vers Bukittinggi, Harau, le lac Maninjau est très charmant et le Singarak aussi.
Tu peux terminer a la plage a Sungai Pinang.
Bonnes recherches
La grande question que nous nous posons concerne le fameux trajet en bus de nuit entre Parapat et Bukkitingi.
La plupart des forumeurs déconseillent fortement ce trajet mais pour ma part, j'ai une phobie de l'avion et je ne sais pas si cela vaut le coup de remonter à Medan depuis le lac Toba.
Bonjour Karine,
Désolée du retard, je ne vois ton message que ce soir.
Je pense que le nom de la compagnie est A.L.S mais dans mon souvenir il n'y avait pas le choix depuis la gare de Parapat. Le bus partait aux alentours de 17h et le trajet devait durer environ 15h. Il est finalement parti avec 1h30 de retard et a roulé18h. Le bus était propre et confortable, le chauffeur avait une conduite parfaitement adaptée aux routes que nous avons prises, début en montagne puis sur du plat. Les arrêts dans les gares routières avec de grandes cantines ouvertes toute la nuit, les gens qui descendent des bus un peu hagards, les marmites que tu étudies avant de décider ce que tu as envie de découvrir, c'est aussi des moments que l'on a appréciés et qui font partie de nos souvenirs.
Si voyager la nuit permet d'avancer sans "perdre" trop de temps, cela ne permet pas de profiter des régions traversées. Dans notre cas, il pleuvait vraiment beaucoup et on n'aurait pas profité des paysages, donc pas de regret.
Bref, tu l'as compris, je vous conseille le bus!
Nous somme partis 16j et avec le recul, si je devais faire l'impasse sur une partie de notre voyage, j'enlèverais le lac Toba, mais je conserverais Bukittinggi.
A disposition si tu as des questions,
Bonne soirée
Bonsoir,
3 nuits en tout, dont 2 jours complets avec une location de scooter: on avait décidé de faire la moitié de l'île en partant à l'est un jour et l'autre moitié le lendemain ...
Bonne préparation, ... et donne-moi des nouvelles du trajet en bus quand vous serez rentrés!
Christine
Sumatra at a leisurely pace, from mid-April to the end of May pure bliss! Outbound/inbound flight to Kuala Lumpur to reach Medan, then our stops: Medan -…
Hello! So glad to see the forum back up and running! We just got back from a trip to Sumba in early November spent a little over a week exploring this…
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.
