Bonjour,
Nous avons l'intention de visiter la Thaïlande (Bangkok, nord ouest, nord, nord est) et le nord Laos en 2 mois. Nous aimerions savoir combien de temps faut-il prévoir pour la visite de Bangkok ? Sachant que nous désirons visiter les incontournables mais aussi flâner dans les rues pour nous imprégner de l'atmosphère de la ville.
Merci de vos réponses.
Bonjour
Nous ne sommes pas citadins (on habites un village près d’Ajaccio😉) donc pour nous la ville c’est à petite dose mais 3 jours aller trois au retour cela permet de faire quelques incontournables 😛 et de s’acclimater!!
D’un autre côté, depuis la naissance de notre fils nous y sommes aller 6 fois (je crois😏)...on passe toujours par Bkk quand on va en Asie et on découvre toujours...
Bons préparatifs
au minimum3 journées pleines ( voire 4 ou 5 )
et si possible alors a scinder en 2 avec une partie au milieu et une partie principale a la fin -- jamais au debut !!!!!!!!!!
Bjr,
Nous aussi nous ne sommes pas citadins, aussi cela nous arrange de partager la visite en deux parties!
Pourquoi dis tu de ne pas commencer notre voyage par là? Cela nous arrangerait pourtant!!!
La première partie en début de voyage et la deuxième partie en fin de voyage serait pour nous l'idéal , car n'allant pas dans le sud, nous ne repassons pas par Bangkok durant nos deux mois.
Je partage la réponse de Ducky2a. Je rajouterais juste que pour s'imprégner un peu de la vie locale, l'idéal est de prendre un hotel un peu en dehors des zones trop touristiques.
Fabienne
au minimum3 journées pleines ( voire 4 ou 5 )
et si possible alors a scinder en 2 avec une partie au milieu et une partie principale a la fin -- jamais au debut !!!!!!!!!!
Bonjour
Étant intéressé par un stop à Bangkok au début et en fin de voyage, pouvez-vous me préciser les inconvénients d'un arrêt en début de séjour ?
Christian
Certains s'imaginent juste qu'il est pénible de rester trois jours à Bangkok pour s'habituer au climat tropical (alors qu'il n'en est évidemment rien) et/ou que tous les voyageurs ont la fièvre acheteuse et s'encombrent dès le début de leur périple de dizaines de souvenirs. 😛
Bonjour
Lorsqu’on débarque de 12 heures de vols (au mieux sans escales😉) au pire escale attente bref on en a plein les pattes...c’est bien de se poser quelques jours alors pour s’acclimater certes ...pas seulement au climat mais aussi à l’ambiance du pays, la nourriture, les gens😎 et qu’en on repart ben c’est aussi bien d’avoir quelques jours pour les achats cadeaux😏 faire tranquillou ses valises et profitez des derniers massages!! Enfin ce n’est que mon avis et notre façon de faire en famille 😉 après chacun fonctionne selon son rythme...😏
Ride safe!!
j'arrive et repars de Bangkok, en arrivant à 8h le matin, j'ai le choix entre rejoindre un hôtel pour récupérer et passer 2 jours à Bangkok, ou aller directement à Chiang Mai, par avion, qui sera l'étape suivante (dans ce cas je passerai davantage de temps à Bangkok au retour évidemment)
ma question concernait principalement "Jungletroll" par rapport à son "jamais au début" !!!! j'aurais aimé avoir ses arguments... merci cependant pour vos avis 🙂
pour ma part debarquer avec la fatigue et le decalage horaire, la chaleur et la méconnaissance du pays
certes on peut alors viser un tres bel hotel a Bangkok au bord du fleuve avec piscine et jardin .....
je trouve plus pratique des la descente de l'aeroport de filer direct a la campagne proche (il existe de tres beaux resort a moins d'1 h de l'aeroport vers l'est) voire le plus simple filer a AYutthaya
vous mettez 1h30 pour rejoindre Ayutthaya alors que vous allez mettre 45 mn minimum pour aller au centre de Bangkok
de plus en arrivant a 8h a Bangkok vous n'avez en theorie pas la mise a dispo des chambres avant 14h ( la encore pas tres agréable d'attendre !!)
l'alternative de reprendre un vol de connexion est bonne - si possible en achetant un seul billet pour que les bagages suivent et aillent directement a ChiangMai -- et la c'est une question de choix - on fait une escale a Bangkok (lamais vraiment agréable certes )mais au moins quand on arrive a ChiangMai on peut se poser a la isicne et de suite en fin de journée aller se balader tranquilement
une dernière suggestion est de recherchez aussi les vols type France SIngapore direct et connexion immédiate SIngapore ChiangMai - vivant a ChiangMai c'est ce que j'ai tres souvent fait -a fortiori avec le A380 de SIngapore AIrlines
bref pour ma part je vous preconiserais la première nuit AYutthaya des l'arrivée ( a fortiori avec des enfants) , ou le vol connexion
dans tous les cas avec un vol retour depart 8h vous devez etre a Bangkok a la fin
Je reste persuadé que Bangkok est une ville qu'il faut aborder lorsqu'on est bien reposé, en forme (retour de bord de mer) que l'on a commencé a connaitre la nourriture et ce qu'il faut commander, qu'on a commencé a comprendre les regles de base du fonctionnement du pays ......
encore une fois ceci est un point de vue tout a fait personnel et subjectif - mais basé sur 20 ans de residence a ChiangMai et de voyage en famille nombreuse
Re
Dans votre cas jungletroll a raison😉 arrivée à 8 h il vaut mieux bouger de suite... Ayutthaya c’est top mais je ferai plutôt un vol direct Chiang Mai avec suivi des bagages😏 voilà..bonne réflection
merci pour ces explications assez convaincantes... nous sommes un couple, avons déjà nos billets pour Bangkok et allons sans doute prendre le vol pour Chiang Mai dans la foulée... enfin, façon de parler car il faut changer d'aéroport et prendre une marge de sécurité pour ne pas arriver après le départ ( il y a 20 ans, au départ de Paris il y avait eu une alerte à la bombe quand l'avion était près à décoller! résultat : tout le monde sur le tarmac, sortie des bagages... et au final 3 h de retard)
bJR
inutile de changer d'aeroport
vol regulier Bangkok airways PG217 depart 12h05 arr 13h25 tarif actuel 63 euro taxes comprises avec 25 kg de bagages) -- ou 36 euros pourle suivant depart 15h05 (tarif pour janvier)
car en arrivant a 8h le temps de sortir, de trouver la navette , puis arrivée a l'autre aeroport vous ne pouvez pas raisonnablement programmer de vol depart de l'autre aeroport avant 12h ou plutot 12h30 - donc
restez sur le meme aeroport, passez faire un petit massage, prenez votre premier petit dejeuner thai avant de reembarquer
il y a bien la cie filiale de ThaiAIrways appelee THAI SMILE
mais a priori vol du matin a 10h donc trop tot sinon celui de 15h40 (tarif actuel 36 euro taxes comprises et 20 kg )
bjr
une autre solution si vous avez prevu le nord avec chiangmai et ChiangRai ??
c'est a l'arrivée a BAngkok a 8h du matin d attrapper le vol du meme aeroport THAI SMILE de 11h45 pour CHIANGRAI (tarif janvier 36 euro avec 20 kg de bagages taxes comprises) -- un delai de 3h45 est largement suffisant
voir sur https://www.thaismileair.com/en/
et donc commencer par ChiangRai - puis ChiangMai
puis ................
C'est réellement très agréable à lire, ces questions de personnes différentes qui interfèrent avec le sujet initial. On est censé répondre à qui? Crocomalo35 ou RS84?
Simples exemples:
-Quand on veut visiter Ayutthaya, on peut trouver avantage à y aller directement de l'aéroport, dès l'arrivée.
-Quand on veut faire un gros shopping souvenirs/fringues/divers, on a tout intérêt à placer Bangkok en dernier.
- Le weekend, c'est le moment de visiter les marchés de Bangkok qui n'ouvrent qu'en fin de semaine, de faire une balade sur les klongs, de découvrir les Puces locales, etc... Est-ce que l'arrivée à BKK ou le départ sont en weekend?
Vous n'avez peut-être pas les mêmes plannings, les mêmes mobilités, les mêmes sujets d'intérêt, les mêmes budgets...
Bjr,
J'entends tous les arguments.
Normalement nous arrivons à Bangkok le soir. Aussi nous prenons une nuit à Bangkok .
Je vous soumets ce que j'envisage pour la suite de notre périple, dites moi si les destinations valent le coup et si le timing vous semble bon:
J2: Lopburi, visite tranquillement.
J3: suite de la visite puis direction Ayuthaya en bus.
J4: visite tranquille,
J5: direction Suphanburi en bus , visite.
J6: direction Kanchanaburi, visite.
J7: visite des alentours
J8: direction col du feu de l'enfer puis parc national de Sai York avec nuit dans le parc. Je ne sais pas quel moyen de locomotion prendre pour aller de Kanchanaburi au col, puis du col au parc.
J9: direction Sangkhlaburi ( le bus venant de Kanchanaburi s'arrête-y-il au parc?), visite.
J10: suite de visite puis retour à Bangkok.
J11-12-13: visite de Bangkok, puis train de nuit pour Chiang Mai.
J 14: visite ville.
J15: visite de Lamphun, Lampang, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang ( je ne sais pas par quel moyen de locomotion)
J16: visite de Doï Sutherland Pui National Park.
J17-18-19: trek non encore déterminé.
J20: direction Chiang Rai en bus
J 21: visite de Maé Fah Luang art et cultural park, visite de Baandam muséum.
J22: direction Chiang Khong pour passage de la frontière avec Laos........
Je compte faire le nord est au retour du Laos, mais ce n'est pas encore bien programmé.
J'ai l'intention de ne retenir que l'hotel de Bangkok pour la première nuit donc tout peut être modulable.
Qu'en pensez vous?
Merci des retours.
Juste une idée: dans la mesure où la 1ère soirée à BKK est grillée, je prendrais un taxi à la sortie de Suvarnabhumi et j'irais directement à Ayutthaya. Vous devriez y être vers 21h. Vous serez sur place pour les visites le lendemain.
Pour le reste du parcours: ce n'est pas très éloigné de ce qui est soumis régulièrement sur ce forum donc je suppose que cette "offre" correspond à la "demande". Ce n'est pas mon style de voyage donc je ne saurais l'optimiser ou vous dire ce qui est plus ou moins pertinent (pertinence qui variera selon les centres d'intérêt de chacun).
Pour ma part, c'est assez simple: une région, c'est au minimum 5 jours. Jours 1 et 5 déjà consacrés aux déplacements, ce qui laisse 3 jours pleins. Le minimum syndical pour ne pas rester à la surface des choses.
Pour ma part, c'est assez simple: une région, c'est au minimum 5 jours. Jours 1 et 5 déjà consacrés aux déplacements, ce qui laisse 3 jours pleins. Le minimum syndical pour ne pas rester à la surface des choses.
Pers😎, je ne piccole jamais en journée de tourisme, sans quoi les visites se feraient entre deux...eaux.🤪
Hoquet, je sors!
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.