Bonjour,
Au fil des lectures sur le forum, nous avons décidé de planifier notre voyage dans les Visayas sans agence de voyage car tout a l'air simple et c'est rassurant.d'autant plus que nous voyageons avec un enfant.
Nous avons un projet d'itinéraire (Bohol-Siquijor-Négros- ile de Sumilon- Moalboal). Je voulais savoir plus précisément comment vous vous êtes organisés dès votre arrivée à Cébu pour aller jusqu'à Bohol ?. Où et à qui s'adresser en arrivant? Peut-on facilement trouver un chauffeur-guide qui nous accompagne ? (comme à Bali par exemple) Taxi? comment se rendre dans les ports pour aller d'île en île? Organiser ses excursions? ....
Merci par avance pour votre aide et le temps que vous m'accorderez.
Bonjour Eymeric (je suppose que c'est ton prénom).
Deja, et ce avant toute info, j'aimerai, pour ton sejour sur Bohol, que tu jette un oeil sur un hotel vachement sympa et bien local, le Villa Belza.
Ca semble etre de la pub, mais j'ai une bonne raison. Le proprietaire de l'hotel, est un tres bon ami qui m'a aide par ses conseils a m'installer aux Philippines (je vie a Cebu depuis 3 ans).
Ce dernier nous a malheureusement quitte en Mars dernier (je n'ai eu l'info qu'il y a peu), en laissant sa femme Eva (une Filipina parlant courrament Francais) et leurs fille de 17 ans seules.
Le taro en vaut vraiment la peine, et ne serait-ce que par memoire pour mon ami Yannick.
Si tu me le demande, je suis reste dans son hotel a chaque de mes passages sur Bohol-Panglao.
Rentrons dans le vif du sujet.
En arrivant sur Cebu, tu arrive exactement a l'aeroport de Mactan, dans la ville de Lapu-Lapu city.
La 1ere chose a faire est de prendre un taxi jusqu'au Pier 4 ou 1.
Tu as plusieurs compagnies de fast-craft (bateau rapide), je te recommande Supercat.
Le trajet jusqu’à Tagbilaran ne prends qu'1 heure 45.
Apres, as-tu deja ton billet d'avion pour Cebu?
Passe-tu par Manille avant?
Si oui, il est encore plus simple que tu prenne une compagnie aérienne locale qui t’emmène direct a Tagbilaran (Cebu Pacific, Airphil express, je deconseille Zest Airways).
Une fois a Tagbi, tu peux prendre au choix un taxi (+ ou - 500 pesos / 10 euros) pour aller sur Panglao.
Je suppose que tu vas sur cette ile, vu que le gros des hotels s'y trouvent.
Tu peux aussi prendre un tricycle (selon l'age de votre enfant, ca l'amusera pour sur, mais c'est exigu et super lent, faut compter 1 heure a 1 heure 30 pour rallier Alona Beach).
Donc ma preference a moi va aux taxis (faut negocier a 500 pesos, CERTAINEMENT PAS PLUS).
Les chauffeurs-guide comme tu appel ca, sont a proscrire a Cebu et a Bohol. Par contre, tu peux passer par les hotels (la j'ai pas le droit de faire de la pub, mais pour ma pomme, 3 adultes dans une voiture pour une journee sur Bohol (Eglise de Baclayon la plus ancienne aux Philippines, ferme aux serpents (flippant de toucher une super gros python), repas sur un bateau restaurant sur la riviere Loboc, et les Chocolate Hills) on a paye 2000 pesos (environ 40 euros).
Ne pas payer plus cher, car une grosse comission passe dans la poche de l'hotel (si les modos m'autorisent a donner des noms, je peux en conseiller certains).
Les hotels ont leurs propres guides, et c'est bien mieux comme ca.
Car Bohol est l'ile des philippines ou le chomage est le plus eleve, et donc du coup, ca renforce le portrait "tronche distributeur d'argent" que les Philippins nous collent.
D'une maniere general, pour bouger dans le pays, il existe plusieurs mode de transport.
Le plus petit, le Habal-Habal, est un gars sur une moto ou on peut se mettre jusqu'a 2 passagers....avec votre enfant, je deconseille.
Le tricycad, un tricycle velo, super inconfortable, lent, mais pas cher (generalement sur de toutes petites routes de m... maxi 7 pesos par passagers)
Le tricycle, version motorise du tricycad. Le gars s'arrete a chaque fois qu'un passager veut monter ou descendre.
J'en ai vu un passe devant chez moi, et ils etaient 8 dessus......
La meilleure option dans ce cas, et de payer le gars en "tarif special" (une negociation plus cher que la normale), mais a l'avantage de n'avoir que ta famille sur le bazar, et il ne s'arrete pas aux solicitations.
Dans les options "cheap", tu as ensuite le transport public par excellence aux Philippines, le Jeepney (7 pesos les 5 1ers km, et environ 1 pesos par km sup).
On monte a l'arriere, et on s'assoit sur l'un des 2 bancs qui se font fasse.
Avantage :pas cher
Inconvenient : peut charger beaucoup de passagers (certains a Bohol se mettent meme sur le toit), en voyant un etranger, certains chauffeurs peuvent tenter l'arnaque de ne pas leurs rendre la monnaie).
Conseil : ne jamais payer avec des coupures de plus de 50 pesos, les gars ont l'excuse facile pour ne pas rendre la monnaie.
(pour info, je suis proprio de 2 jeepneys a Cebu)
Ensuite, les taxis.
2 couleurs : le jaune, taxi aeroport, qui prends de memoire 80 pesos a l'allumage du compteur, et ca augmente tous les 250m. Lui ne negocie pas, c'est une entreprise qui gere.
Le taxi blanc est le plus pervers : il a un tarif a l'allumage de 40 pesos, mais eux sont independants, et si le mec veut negocier le taro, rien ne l'en empeche....sauf si tu appel un flic qui se trouve a cote.
Recemment, je n'ai plus beaucoup vu ce genre d'individu a Cebu. Ils commencent tout doucement a rentrer dans le moule. Par contre, en sortie nocturne, j'y ai droit regulierement...
Pour bouger sur Cebu ile (pas seulement la ville), tu as 2 societe de bus principales, Ceres Liner et Rough Drivers (la 2eme merite bien son nom).
Le prix est correct, par contre, comme dans tous les transports publics, il faut savoir ou s'arreter, car sinon, le bus continue...
Cependant, les chauffeurs des 2 boites ont tendande a se prendre pour des pilotes de F1. C'est pas rassurant de traverser les montagnes de Carcar avec un bus se tapant le 80 (petites routes sans aucune securite).
Depuis Cebu, tu as 2 solutions pour aller sur Moalboal :
- les vans (il faut les demander a l'hotel de destination s'ils ont ce service), un taro assez eleve en general, mais la meilleure qualite
- le taxi encore!!! Sur ce coup-la, il ne mettra pas son compteur, je peux te l'assurer. Par contre, le taro qu'il va te negocier peut etre interessant (attention, il demandera un taro prenant en compte son retour, car de memoire a Cebu, je n'ai vu des taxis qu'a Cebu metropole (Cebu city, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, etc...).
Donc voila, tu as un ordre d'idee pour bouger dans les Visayas.
Comme dit plus haut, je vie a Cebu depuis 3 ans, donc je connais mon truc.
Si ca peut t’intéresser, j'organise personnellement des excursions en bateau depuis Cebu.
Voili voilou, LA FIN, hehhehe
Si tu as des questions, n'hesite pas.
Nous avons un projet d'itinéraire (Bohol-Siquijor-Négros- ile de Sumilon- Moalboal).
Bonjour,
Il est tres facile de vous deplacer entre Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor-Negros-Sumilon-Moalboal, avoir un guide ne me semble pas necessaire outre mesure.
De Cebu, vous pouvez en effet prendre un taxi de l'aeroport jusqu'au port 1 ou 4 selon la compagnie de ferry, il y en a 3: Ocean Jet, Weesam, Supercat. Supercat est un tout petit peu plus confort mais Ocean Jet et Weesam on davantage de departs donc privilegie le port 1 qui se dit pier 1(uno).
Une fois aTagbilaran City, Bohol, regarder les horaires de bateaux pour Siquijor puis prenez un taxi ou tricycle vers Panglao et l'hotel de votre choix ou autres destinations selon vos choix. Ile de balicasag et visite de l'interieur de Bohol sont a faire.
Ensuite retour au port de Tagbilaran puis direction Siquijor. Je vous conseille le Cocogrove.
De Siquijor a Negros je vous conseille de prendre la compagnie Delta Ferry il y a 5 bateaux par jour.
Sur Negros, arrivee a Dumaguete, taxi ou transport vers l'hotel de votre choix, je vous conseille le Thalatta mais si vous souhaitez plus de details contactez moi en prive. Apo Island est un must pour voir des tortues et puis pas mal de belles balades en montagnes (Twin Lake, Balanan Lake).
De Negros a Sumilon, vous devez prendre un taxi jusqua a Sibulan (village apres dumaguete) puis traversee en bateau, il y en a un toutes les heures. Ensuite soit le taxi de votre hotel vient vous chercher a la pointe sud de Cebu (Liloan) soit vous prenez le Bus Ceres et demander a vous faire arreter a Sumilon Bluewater pour l'embarcadere.
Apres Sumilon, Taxi jusqua Moalboal 2 heures de route ou bien bus Ceres encore, retour a la pointe sud jusqu a la station de Bato (30 min) puis prenez un autre bus de Bato jusqua Moalboal (1h30).
Depuis moalboal il est ensuite tres facile de rejoindre Cebu City par van ou bus Ceres.
Cela semble etre beaucoup d'infos mais il est tres simple de transiter.
Waouh !!! Je n'en espérais pas autant et je vous remercie pour vos conseils détaillés et avisés, notre décision est définitivement prise pour la planification de notre voyage.
Nos vols Montpellier/Cebu sont déjà réservés et nous arriverons le 20 avril 2013 à 11H30 pour en repartir immédiatement taxi + fast boat vers Bohol 😉 Leçon bien retenue!!! Nous apprécions la pensée amicale de Manu mais nous préférons trouver un hôtel en bord de mer pour chasser l'hiver français...un repas chez Eva au cours de nos excursions peut-être...
Notre projet d'itinéraire - modifiable car rien n'est réservé : 4 nuits à Bohol, 4 nuits à Siquijor au Coco Grove (merci Manu),2 nuits à Negros (???Dauin? ou Thalatta à voir si on peut visiter au départ de l'hôtel ( Twin Lake, cascade Casaroro...Ile d'Apo?), 2 nuits Ile de Sumilon (farniente, snorkeling...), 2 nuits vers Moalbal puis un départ tôt vers 7H de l'hôtel, en taxi c'est plus sûr, pour rejoindre l'aéroport car retour en France à 12H30.
Nos vacances sont trop courtes pour faire et découvrir tout ce qu'on voudrait.Je ne sais pas si on a bien réparti les nuits mais on veut en garder 4 à Siquijor pour se poser et faire le tour de l'île. (conseil Lonely planet).
Notre plus grande inquiétude sur l'organisation et la facilité des transports est levée et on vous remercie encore.
Et si vous êtes encore courageux, ce serait avec plaisir que je vous lirais pour finaliser notre itinéraire et nos réservations : A faire sur place? par avance par internet? Je suis joignable en privé si vous le souhaitez et éviter la censure !!!
De memoire tu peux te presenter a l'enregistrement des trajets bateau sans avoir reserve (qui plus est, avec Supercat, aujourd'hui 2go , la reservation par internet est inutile vu que tu dois passer a une agence pour payer le billet, les Philippins s'arnaquent tres souvent entre eux, donc ils evitent les paiements par internet), c'est juste que tu prends le risque de te faire refuser si le bateau est plein.
Pour ce qui est de Cebu Ile (pas ville), je prefere mettre un bemol sur le fait qu'on trouve RAREMENT (j'ai pas dis JAMAIS) des taxi dans le sud de l'ile (Satander, Argao, Oslob, Sanboan, etc...).
LA plus forte concentration de tacos etant dans metro Cebu.
Apres c'est un coup de pot a avoir, et attention les yeux pour un taxi vers Moalboal depuis Sumilion, ca chiffre!!
Le bus reste une valeur sure (environ 100 a 150 pesos par tete).
Pareil pour le depart de Moalboal. Si tu as ton vol dans la journee, les taxis risquent d'etre dur a trouver (voir ci-dessus, Moalboal est a une centaine de km de Cebu).
Par contre la plupart des hotels proposent en effet des vans...je pense que c'est plus sur que de tenter le bus.
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...
