lors de notre dernier voyage aux Philippines en 2019, nous avons trouvé une banque HSBC uniquement à Cebu City.
Ce sont les plus intéressantes car les seules à ma connaissance qui permettent un retrait de 40 000 Php, les autres limitant les retraits à 10 000 Php.
Les connaisseurs peuvent-ils me renseigner sur d'autres endroits (hormis Manille) où on trouve les banques HSBC ou sur d'autres banques qui permettent des retraits supérieurs à 10 000 Php ?
J'ai cherché sur Internet sans succès.
On nous en avait renseignée une à Dumaguete, mais elle n'existait pas ou plus....
Tu peux trouver 2 agences à Makati,1 à manille, pasig, taguig city, quezon city, Cebu city, muntinlunpa, san juan city, davao city.
j'ai saisi dans le moteur de recherche:HSBC agencies in philippines et après tu cliques sur hsbc.com.ph/ways-to-bank/branch.
Sinon, des internautes disent qu'ils peuvent retirer jusqu'à 20000 pesos dans les BPI.(mais taxe de 250 pesos) contrairement à Hsbc.
Autrement, Boursorama a sorti la carte ultim(zéro de cotisation) ou en principe(je n'ai pas essayé), ils promettent aucun frais(de leur part) pour les achats et retraits dans le monde entier sauf la taxe de 250 p pour les Philippines.Donc, l'idéal serait d'avoir cet carte et de retirer si possible dans les ATM d'HSBC.La seule condition est d'effectuer au minimum un achat de 15 EURO par mois(sinon tu as une cotisation ) et d'avoir 500 euros sur le compte Boursorama au moment de l'ouverture , je crois.
Je crois que China Bank et City bank permettent aussi 40 000p en une fois(a verifier) et RCBC
c'est 20 000p, je l'ai fait l'an passe au Ayala center.Mais je privilegie HSBC depuis 4 ans.
Dans le cas ou tu arrives à Manille au terminal 3😉, tu as la possibilité de faire du change et tu ne seras pas limité à 40 000 pesos, pas de taxe 250 pesos(la dernière fois que je suis passé il y a pas mal de mois, j'ai trouvé le taux de change bon ainsi que des internautes), au lieu de payer un taxi jusqu'à Makati pour trouver une agence hsbc.😉
Pour le plan Boursorama, je pense que cela ne va etre pas possible, puisque tu vis en Belgique😉(probablement pas de Boursorama en Belgique ?)
et merci pour ta réponse.
Oui, nous avions aussi retiré au terminal 3 en février 2019, c'est vrai que le taux est intéressant, mais je n'ai pas envie de changer tout mon argent nécessaire à 1 mois de vacances d'un seul coup....ça fait beaucoup de billets...
Et en effet, pas de Boursorama en Belgique, mais je pense qu'il y a qqchose de similaire. Je vais chercher....
Merci pour ta réponse concernant les banques HSBC !
Sinon, pour les cartes bleues francaises internationales(je ne sais pas pour les belges😉, il faut regarder dans les tarifs), je pense qu'il y a la possibilité du cash advance, c'est-à-dire d'aller à l'intérieur de la banque philippine comme BDO, BPI, PNB et non à l'ATM(la banque principale de la ville) et de demander un cash advance.Ils peuvent donner de l'argent en espèce(le montant maximum que tu peux retirer à l'étranger par semaine avec la carte bleue internationale, ) et la taxe de 250 pesos?(à essayer et à vérifier).
Le gros inconvénient est de trouver la banque principale de la ville.Toutes les agences ne le font pas.Il faut aller aux heures d'ouvertures.Les frais seront un peu supérieurs à un retrait à Hsbc, frais de taxi ou de transport pour la trouver
L'avantage est qu'il est possible de retirer une somme supérieure aux ATM et HSBC(si tu peux retirer plus de 800 euros tous 7jours glissants).Les frais seront moins importants que les Atm des banques philippines avec retrait 10000 ou 20000.Cela peut etre intéressant dans les grandes villes ou il n'y a pas HSBC.
J'avais essayé avec ma carte bleue internationale de La Banque Postale en 2008.(c'est loin, le taux de change était correct).J'ai regardé l'année derniere sur les tarifs financiers.Cela existait encore.
Toujours pour les Français ou les belges en France(désolé Florence😉) pour les cartes, carte n26 you-9,90 euros par mois avec paiement retrait sans frais en-dehors de l'union européenne.(sauf les 250 pesos), carte nickel cotisation 20e/an avec 2 euros par retrait à l'étranger(250 pesos), carte de my french bank-2 euros cotisation par mois avec retrait gratuit à l'étranger(250 pesos), la carte max du crédit mutuel arkea -zéro euro de cotisation retrait et paiements gratuits(250 pesos), carte ultim Boursorama zéro euro de cotisation pour paiement et retraits.(250 peso).pas de taxe de 250 pesos , si on retire chez HSBC;
Ne pas oublier de prévenir sa banque avant de partir à l'étranger.Il est conseillé d'avoir une carte visa et mastercard.
Sinon, il reste la bonne méthode du change mais l'inconvénient majeur reste le vol de ses espèces(ne pas laisser ses espèces sans surveillance, mettre son cash au coffre de la chambre s'il ya, un taux de change pas toujours excellent mais l'avantage, pas de taxe de 250 pesos, pas de frais de retraits de la part de sa banque traditionelle, la possibilité d'avoir un bon change comme au terminal 3 de Manille, la possibilité de changer ses euros facilement aux Philippines dans les money changer.
De toute facon, si on est adepte des retraits par carte bleue ou du change, il faut avoir un minimum de cash en peso sur soi au cas ou sa carte bleue est bloquée, l'ATM en panne, pas d'ATM dans des petites iles, pas d'argent dans l'ATM, pas de money changer dans les petites iles, etc..
Le 12 aout j'ai retirer 40 000 pesos a HSBC.a Cebu, Le 13 aout, meme chose.Avec Carte Visa Prem.
Ce qui fait dans les 1400 euros avec taux correct et sans frais.
Eh bien par hasard la prochaine fois, si tu as le temps et si l'agence Hsbc est ouverte, tu pourrais demander s'il font le cash advance.S'il le font, tu pourras probablement retirer en une seule fois 1400 euros avec seulement les frais du cash advance(un peu moins cher probablement, il faut regarder sur les tarifs financiers) au lieu des frais de 2 retraits à l'ATM HSBC prélevés par ta banque.
Salut Raph,
J'ai comparé un retrait HSBC et un change espèces. Pour 40000 p, débit tout frais compris 680 euro. J'ai changé 700 euro en espèces le même jour, j'ai eu un peu plus de 41000 p.
Donc c'était pareil. Pour info, j'ai retiré 2 fois 40000 dans la foulée.
D'autre part, j'ai négocié ma visa premier gratuite. Depuis que les banques en ligne font des promos, les banques classiques sont beaucoup plus accommodantes sur les frais. Sinon, pour une Visa premier, la plus intéressante est la banque Orange
Je sais. J'ai découvert ça il y a peu. Au cours d'un repas mes copains se sont fichu de moi quand ils ont su que je payais ma carte. Alors j'ai demandé à ma banque où je suis depuis 35 ans ! Bonne journée
Je sais. J'ai découvert ça il y a peu. Au cours d'un repas mes copains se sont fichu de moi quand ils ont su que je payais ma carte. Alors j'ai demandé à ma banque où je suis depuis 35 ans ! Bonne journée
Suis aussi à la cmdp, services pas intéressant pour moi 😉
Un attrape nigaud 😉
Donc 8x12=96 euros frais par ans
Alors que moi j'ai 43+2x12=67 euros par ans
Une carte bancaire n est jamais gratuite dans une banque, sauf si inclut dans forfait payant et qui n'est pas toujours avantageux 😉
Ha bon encore un qui dit pas regarder sur ses sous 😂😂😂
Cessez alors de dire que la carte bancaire est gratuite !!!
Pour toi 20/30 euros s'est peut-être rien, mais pour d'autres s'est enorme🙁
Suis aussi à la cmdp, services pas intéressant pour moi 😉
Un attrape nigaud 😉
Donc 8x12=96 euros frais par ans
Alors que moi j'ai 43+2x12=67 euros par ans
Une carte bancaire n est jamais gratuite dans une banque, sauf si inclut dans forfait payant et qui n'est pas toujours avantageux 😉
Bonjour Michael,
Je n'ai pas compris ton calcul 43+2*12=540 et à quoi cela correspond ?
Je suis chez Boursorama, avant ma carte visa 1er (pour l'instant pas besoin de carte aux Philippines) , zéro euro par an , zéro frais(pour La France et l'UE) par an pas besoin de négocier😉.Si je devais prendre une carte pour les Philippines, la carte ultim de Boursorama, zéro frais de retrait dans les ATM(à part la taxe de 250 pesos sauf chez HSBC), zéro frais de paiement en dehors de l'union européenne, zéro euro de cotisation(c'est ce qu'ils promettent)
Pour l'instant, je recois mon argent par virement de la Pnb: frais 3 euros pour 1000 euros avec un taux de change pas loin du cours que tu trouves sur xe converter.(à environ 0,20 pesos)
En plus, ils t'offrent de l'argent si tu es parrainé ou tu as souvent une offre de bienvenue😉.Semble-t-il, pour les nouveaux clients, ouverture avec 500 euros au minimum(mais après, lorsque ton compte est ouvert, tu peux en disposer, comme tu veux(à vérifier).La condition est d'effectuer un achat minimum de 15 euros par mois(dans le monde entier ou seulement en France?, à vérifier).Si pas de paiement de 15 euros par mois, alors, tu te tapes une cotisation de 15 euros par mois...🏴☠️
Je suis depuis plus de 40 ans chez SG, la carte est gratuite.
Je comprends ton attachement à ta banque, peut-être connais-tu depuis longtemps ton conseiller financier, peut-être t'offrent-t-ils d'autres avantages, et tu n'es pas à un peu moins de 30 euros de frais près par mois ...
Si je peux me permettre, J'ai travaillé en banque.Pour la banque, tu es un mouton à tondre ou à préssurer au max pour récupérer un max de produit net bancaire.La Société générale a fait en 2018 3 milliards 800 millions d'euros de bénéfice et prévoit de faire 3,2 milliards en 2019.
Salut Raph,
J'ai comparé un retrait HSBC et un change espèces. Pour 40000 p, débit tout frais compris 680 euro. J'ai changé 700 euro en espèces le même jour, j'ai eu un peu plus de 41000 p.
Donc c'était pareil. Pour info, j'ai retiré 2 fois 40000 dans la foulée.
D'autre part, j'ai négocié ma visa premier gratuite. Depuis que les banques en ligne font des promos, les banques classiques sont beaucoup plus accommodantes sur les frais. Sinon, pour une Visa premier, la plus intéressante est la banque Orange
Si vous payez spécialement un service 8 euros par mois(forfait service ?si j'ai bien compris?) pour que votre banque ne vous prélève pas des frais de retraits aux ATM dans les pays en-dehors de l'union Européenne, je pense qu'il faut déduire le cout total (96 euros) de ce service dans les montants totaux que vous recevez avec vos retraits.Donc, si c'est bien cela, le change est plus intéressant.Mais prise de tete, ce n'est plus des vacances😉
Mais si cela vous convient et pour des voyages de plusieurs mois(pas prudent d'emmener des milliers d'euros), parfait😉
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.