je prépare mon voyage au Laos, prévu pour Octobre-Novembre 2006...je pars à la recherche des Thaï Dam (Thaï noirs) du Laos. D'après ce que je sais, on en rencontre plus facilement au Nord (parce que plus nombreux).
j'arrive donc le 1 oct à Vientiane, et après un petit mois je comptais me rendre à Luang Prabang puis à Luang Namtha.
la question est donc: avez-vous déjà eu l'occasion de rencontrer des Thaï dam? Où et dans quelles conditions? quelles impressions, souvenirs en avez-vous? pour ouvrir le débat sur les autres ethnies, avez-vous déjà vu des villages Thaï (Khao ou Deng), Yao, ou autre?
et question subsidiaire, pour se rendre à Luang Namtha en partant de Luang Prabang, vaut-il mieux prendre l'avion ou le bus? combien de temps pour le bus?
voilà, beaucoup de questions mais j'espère que quelqu'un pourra éclairer quelque peu ma lanterne...
je prépare mon voyage au Laos, prévu pour Octobre-Novembre 2006...je pars à la recherche des Thaï Dam (Thaï noirs) du Laos. D'après ce que je sais, on en rencontre plus facilement au Nord (parce que plus nombreux).
Non seulement plus nombreux au nord, mais absolument non présents au sud.
j'arrive donc le 1 oct à Vientiane, et après un petit mois je comptais me rendre à Luang Prabang puis à Luang Namtha.
Dois-je comprendre que tu passeras plus d'un mois au Laos ? Si oui sache que tu ne pourras renouveler ton visa qu'à Vientiane. Probablement possible dès le début de ton séjour (c'est ce que, pour ma part, je compte faire).
la question est donc: avez-vous déjà eu l'occasion de rencontrer des Thaï dam? Où et dans quelles conditions? quelles impressions, souvenirs en avez-vous?
Thaï Dam très nombreux à Muang Sing (env. 60 kms au nord de L. Nam Tha), peut-être même majoritaires dans le village et dans la plaine. Ils t'y attendent avec quelques étals de souvenirs. Tu les reconnaîtras à leur "chemisier", rouge, vert ou bleu, très serré et fermé par plusieurs agrafes métalliques décoratives ; chignon au sommet du crâne maintenu par une pique en argent serti d'une pièce indochinoise de 50 piastres, le tout parfois surmonté d'un "turban" noir (plié d'une manière spécifique) ; bas du corps : désormais le sinh traditionnel lao. Quelques Thaï Dam descendent parfois à L. Nam Tha et parfois même à L. Prabang pour profiter du marché touristique. Autour de Muang Sing ils cultivent le riz de plaine et sont donc des "privilégiés" (par rapport aux Akhas, Hmongs, Miens, etc. qui ne disposent que des collines alentours), ils tissent aussi un peu (des étoffes très colorées).
Des villages Dam sont également dispersés autour de Sam Neua (nord-est Laos). Il faut avoir un peu de temps (quelques jours) pour les dénicher (là ils n'ont pas d'étal de souvenirs et habitent les pentes).
pour ouvrir le débat sur les autres ethnies, avez-vous déjà vu des villages Thaï (Khao ou Deng),
Oui mais pas toujours facile de le savoir car, des groupes Thaï (en fait : Taï) principaux : Dam, Noir, Deng, Rouge, Khao, Phou, etc., seuls les Dam (les femmes) sont encore reconnaissables à leur tenue vestimentaire spécifique.
Yao,
Là, il faut marcher quelques jours au nord de Pongsaly (extrême nord Laos), les villages Yaos y sont parfois minuscules et souvent très isolés. Je n'en ai jamais vu ailleurs au Laos.
Par contre plusieurs villages Lantens (Yao-Moun) et Mien (Yao-Mien), assez proches, ethnolinguistiquement, des Yaos (car même groupe Hmong-Yao/Miao-Yao) sont présents autour de L. Nam Tha, autour de Bokeo (nord-ouest Laos), et plus généralement dans un quadrilatère Bokeo/Xieng-Kok/Muang-Long/L. Nam Tha). Yaos et Lantens : culture très préservée, vêtements traditionnels omniprésents, souvent encore même chez les hommes. Gens très "doux", très chaleureux, très pacifistes, etc.
(Les Miens présents autour de Muang Sing sont donc parfois aussi nommés "Yaos". Les Yaos de Phongsaly dont je parle font partie d'un autre groupe très différent au niveau des costumes).
ou autre?
Beaucoup d'autres, tellement, tellement d'autres, dans le nord-Laos... (faudrait des questions plus précises.)
et question subsidiaire, pour se rendre à Luang Namtha en partant de Luang Prabang, vaut-il mieux prendre l'avion ou le bus? combien de temps pour le bus?
Il n'y a pas d'avion entre ces 2 villes. Bus L. Prabang/Oudomxay(Muang Xaï)/L. Nam Tha faisable en une journée si tu quittes L. Prabang très tôt le matin. Mais dis-toi que t'en auras peut-être marre à mi-parcours et que tu décideras finalement de passer une nuit à Oudomxay (ville sans intérêt mais de là possible d'aller "explorer" les nombreux villages Hmongs dans la montagne...).
Je serai dans la province de Pongsaly (et exclusivement dans cette province) env. du 15 sept. à fin octobre 2006 (j'y ai passé 25 jours fin 2004) pour, à nouveau, un "sillonnage", à pied, dans toutes les directions, à la rencontre des Yao, Akha, Lolo, Kheun, Sila, Ho, etc.
j'étais au Laos il y a 4 ans, dans la province de Phongsaly.
J'y ai rencontré une ethnologue suédoise qui y revenait tous les 2 ans depuis 1980 environ pour étudier qqes villages habitées par des minorités.
Elle me disait que les traditions se perdaient extrêmement vite, et que les villages au début des années 2000 n'avaient plus rien à voir avec ce qu'ils étaient 10 ans auparavant. Par exemple, un village de sa connaissance qui demandait 10h00 de marche en 1996, ne demandait plus que 3h00 en 2000, car une route carrossable avait été construite. Les traditions se sont perdues, les habitants ont vendu leurs bijoux etc... dans la grande ville voisine.
Bref, je crois que pour trouver des villages encore "authentiques", avec des pratiques ancestrales et des costumes préservés, de nos jours, il faut vraiment avoir de la chacne ou s'enfoncer loin des axes de communication.
Pour ma part, ayant aussi fréquenté le nord vietman il y a 10 ans enviorn, j'y ai vu beaucoup plus de tribus qu'au Laos, 6 ans après... avec des vêtements et une architecture beaucoup plus préservées...
Elle me disait que les traditions se perdaient extrêmement vite, et que les villages au début des années 2000 n'avaient plus rien à voir avec ce qu'ils étaient 10 ans auparavant.
Faut pas exagérer non plus. Il suffit de constater l'incroyable isolement et de voir l'aspect des villages (par exemple Sila, Lolo, Yao) situés à 5-6 jours de marche de Phongsaly pour deviner qu'ils n'ont probablement à peine changés depuis des décennies. Souvent les adolescents de ces villages ne sont même encore jamais descendus à Phongsaly. Et puis, chez les Yao par exemple, c'est toute la population qui porte encore l'habit traditionnel : vieux, jeunes, femmes et hommes, et leurs bijoux anciens, qu'ils se transmettent de génération en génération, je vous garantis qu'ils ne sont pas près de s'en séparer.
Après ça, la notion "d'authenticité" est tellement subjective que, pour ma part, je me refuse généralement à employer ce terme qui, tout bien réfléchi, avouons-le, ne signifie pas grand-chose.
oui ce n'est pas tant l'authenticité que je recherche, mais plutôt un village revendiqué comme taï dam (parce qu'avec le temps et l'isolement, tous les villages d'une même culture sont différents) et le plus isolé possible (enfin il faut que je puisse m'y rendre quand même!): moins de contact, traditions, mode de vie taï dam le moins influencé par d'autres cultures...en fait je suis en thèse sur l'alimentation des Taï Dam du Nord Laos et donc j'espère trouver un village relativement préservé afin d'étudier de plus près leur culture et leur croyances.
pour ce qui est du visa, je reste à peu près 2 mois mais je ne devrais pas avoir trop de problème, mon oncle est au ministère de l'éducation, enfin ça facilite les choses...
Bon ben, d'toute façon, le "nid" unique (au Laos) d'origine des Taï Dam, ça reste Pongsaly. D'ailleurs, même ceux installés à Muang Sing sont arrivés relativement récemment de là-bas, il y a environ 15 ans (ils ont, à l'époque, répondu à une promesse de distribution de terre dans cette plaine). A Phongsaly, je n'en ai pas encore rencontré mais la majorité des villages devrait certainement se situer au sud/est-est de Pongsaly, c'est à dire près de la frontière vietnamienne, à 60 kilomètres environ à l'est exact de Muang Sam Phan. Pour sûr, par là-bas aussi : de belles ballades en perspective !
tu m'as l'air très au courant de tout ça...d'où te viens toute ce savoir? (si ce n'est pas trop indiscret ^_^ )
on m'a dit que j'aurais plus de chance du côté de Luang Namtha, près du parc national d'après des sources locales. C'est vrai que près de la frontière vietnamienne ce serai plus logique, enfin on verra bien...
Vraiment si peu et trop peu, mais un peu grâce à : 11 mois (cumulés) passés dans le nord Laos, à résider dans les villages montagnards, à observer, etc. l'étude des cartes (géographiques) et à l'élaboration des miennes. quelques lectures (Jacques Lemoine, etc.)
on m'a dit que j'aurais plus de chance du côté de Luang Namtha, près du parc national
Là je suis très septique. Une partie du "vieux" L. Nam Tha (7 kms à l'ouest de L. Nam Tha, sur la route de Houay-Xaï) se compose en effet de village(s) Taï Dam, mais les Dam sont récemment originaires du milieu montagnard et donc, dans cette grande plaine de Nam Tha ils ont, pour sûr, largement assimilé la culture Lao Loum (Lao des plaines).
Tu peux peut-être aussi essayer de te rendre au village Dam de Ban Namor...
Au fait : en sept/oct, en 40 jours environ, je compte traverser à pied la province de Pongsaly (de Muang Khua à la frontière chinoise), en "frôlant", sur le premier quart du parcours, la frontière vietnamienne.
Si d'ici là ça t'intéresse toujours, je te communiquerai d'éventuelles infos.
Les cartes les plus précises, les plus exactes, les plus complètes et, de loin, aux meilleures échelles : elles se trouvent sur place dans les "District/Province Agriculture/Forestry Offices" (j'ai oublié les termes exact). Faut de la persévérance (et parfois pas trop de scrupules...) pour les obtenir. Good luck.
PAKSE AND THE BOLAVENS PLATEAU Bolavens (or "Bolovens" "the region of the Lavens," an old tribe). PAKSE A sleepy town, but packed with backpackers in transit…
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.
