Hello,
We’re heading to Thailand for 26 days (excluding flights) next July with our two teens (12 and 15 years old).
My husband and I have been there several times before they were born—so that’s 15 years ago—and I’m a bit worried about some of the changes that might have happened since, especially with the rise in tourism...
I’d also like to keep a pace that allows us to settle in a bit and enjoy local life beyond just the main sights. Plus, we’re pretty active.
For now, our plan looks like this:
Arrival in Bangkok, where we’re thinking of spending several days (minimum 4)
Chiang Mai for about a week
2 or 3 islands in the Gulf
Return to Bangkok for 2 days before departure.
We’re pretty set on Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but we’re unsure about which islands to visit—I’ve read such mixed things that I’m even wondering if we should consider the coast instead.
Organization-wise, I’d love any tips or feedback on whether we need to book in advance at this time of year, which transport options to prioritize (train, bus, or plane), and of course, any suggestions for stops or routes.
Thanks in advance to anyone kind enough to help us prepare for this amazing trip!
Hi Songsam,
I’d love to hear any tips and experiences you have—it’d be really great if you could share them!
My teens love the water and snorkeling, so it’ll be tough not to spend a few days doing just that...
Arrival in Bangkok where we plan to spend several days (minimum 4)
(...)
return for 2 days in Bangkok before departure.
Six days total in exhausting Bangkok might be too much. I wouldn’t spend any there at the start* and would visit it at the end for 3-4 nights max.
* Examples right from arrival day: settle in the much more relaxing and nearby Ayutthaya or take an immediate flight (or overnight train) to Chiang Mai.
My teens love water and snorkelling, so it’ll be tough not to dedicate a few days to that...
"A few days"—sure, but two-thirds of the trip... 😕
Suggestions for non-beach stops:
I’ve stayed in most of these places multiple times, sometimes for several weeks. These towns or villages are worth visiting because they’re either very charming and peaceful, offer several sights to see (including—or especially—in their surrounding areas), or both. All have accommodations and are accessible by public transport. None are on the typical tourist trail.
Worth at least 2 nights:
Khao Yai National Park
Khong Jiam (or Chiam)
Phimai
Nong Khai
Pak Chom
Thong Pha Phum
Mae Sot
Mae Sariang
Chiang Saen
Phrae
Phayao
Trang
Phattalung
Worth at least 3 nights:
Sri Chiangmai
Chiang Khan
Loei
Sangkhlaburi
Tha Song Yang*
Mae Hong Son
Soppong/Pang Mapha
Tha Ton
Mae Salong
Thung Chang
Phetchaburi
Nakhon Si Thammarat
Worth at least 4 nights:
Nan
* Not to be confused with Ban Tha Song Yang, on the same road, which also deserves a spot on this list but sadly has no accommodations—I had to sleep in a soup vendor’s shop.
If you pick some of these stops, we can easily help you connect them into a coherent itinerary, including other places not on this list, based on available transport.
Thanks so much for your feedback.
I’ll keep your advice about Bangkok in mind, and I think we’ll head straight to Chiang Mai.
I’ll check out the destinations you suggested.
On previous trips, moving every 2-3 days ended up feeling a bit tiring, so we’d like to find places where we can stay a little longer and explore the surrounding area.
Chiang Mai seems like a good first option—do you have any other suggestions for us?
We’d like to find places where we can stay a bit longer and explore the surrounding area.
Chiang Mai seems like a first option—do you have any other suggestions?
Yes, just one. But a second long stop will mean cutting down your beach time: how many of your 14 beach days are you willing to give up?
My first post was a bit confusing—I had only listed the safe stops (BKK and Chiang Mai), but the rest wasn’t necessarily beach-focused. It was more of a blank slate with a little beach time to plan!
What’s your idea for another key stop?
Places where we can stay a bit longer and explore the surrounding area.
(...)
What’s your idea for another key stop?
With these criteria, besides Chiang Mai, the only other long stop I see is Kanchanaburi.
Things to see/do around Kan:
- The ruins of Phrasat Muang Sing Historical Park, the westernmost "castle" (translation of "phrasat") of the ancient Angkorian empire (half-day round trip by train to Thakilek and back + 5-minute motosai ride included),
- The Wangpo viaduct/Tham Krasae/Death Railway Bridge (three names for the same place), a solid half-day round trip: 1.5-hour train ride to Tham Krasae + 5 km uphill walk + 1-hour public bus or minivan back to Kan included,
- Erawan Falls, a full-day trip with 2.5–3 hours of public bus round trip included. Swimmable,
- Wat Tham Seua, a temple with very unusual architecture for Thailand, a short half-day trip. Reachable by bus + motosai or arrange a driver (ask your accommodation),
- Elephant World Kanchanaburi*, a full-day experience. They pick you up from your accommodation and bring you back. https://www.elephantsworld.org/ ,
- Kayaking down the River Kwai, distance varies—check with agencies, half-day activity.
Plus what there is to see in town.
* There’s a similar activity in Chiang Mai, but since the latter also offers other kid-friendly options (downhill biking on Mt. Suthep, treetop walks** + ziplining, etc.) that Kan doesn’t, I’d recommend doing the elephants in Kan to spread things out.
** It has a name I’ve forgotten.
Transport:
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by bus, train (book in advance), or flight (book ahead—Bangkok has two airports: BKK and DMK). Main Bangkok train station: Krung Thep Aphiwat.
Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi direct: 2–3 daily buses (one daytime, 1–2 overnight), 12-hour trip.
Kanchanaburi to the south without going back through Bangkok: 55-minute bus 81a/c1 (every 20 minutes) to Ban Pong, then a 10–12-minute walk to the train station, where overnight trains depart for major southern destinations (train-accessible only), e.g., Chumphon or Surat Thani for Koh Tao/Phangan/Samui.
Around Kanchanaburi:
Wat Tham Seua (2 photos)
Wangpo Viaduct from the train driver’s cabin along the River Kwai Noi:
Fleeting encounters:
Muang Kan (Kanchanaburi town):
Bus 81 Kanchanaburi–Ban Pong–Bangkok Sai Tai:
Chiang Mai–Kanchanaburi bus:
One of the two museums worth seeing:
The famous Saphan Mae Nam Kwae with a train on it and kayakers below:
Hi there,
Thank you so much for the tips and lovely photos! Kanchanaburi seems like a really interesting option—we’ll look into it in more detail.
Have a great weekend,
Stéphanie
Hi there,
At this stage, we're planning to take a flight to Chiang Mai as soon as we arrive in Bangkok. We’d stay there for a few days before heading down to Sukhothai and then Kanchanaburi, taking our time to explore the surrounding areas. We’ll be using buses for transportation.
After that, depending on the weather, we’d like to head to some islands or the coast.
As for accommodations, is it recommended to book in advance during this period?
Best regards
We’re planning a flight to Chiang Mai as soon as we land in Bangkok.
Have you already bought the flight ticket?
Sukhothai then Kanchanaburi, taking time to explore the surrounding areas. We’ll be using buses for the connections.
Direct bus Chiang Mai–Sukhothai: yep, ~5–6 per day.
But no direct bus Sukhothai–Kanchanaburi. Two possible options with one transfer:
- Morning or overnight (departures until ~11 PM): bus Sukhothai–Bangkok Mo Chit, then a 10-minute walk to Mo Chit Minivans, and from there minivans to Kan every 20–30 minutes. In these minivans, either you hold your luggage on your lap or buy an extra seat to put it on. Total time: 9–10 hours + transfer time.
- Morning: bus from Sukhothai to Tak* bus terminal to catch the Chiang Mai–Kanchanaburi bus, which stops there around 11 AM. Total time: ~8.5 hours + transfer time.
* Satani Lotmê Taa (the “k” isn’t pronounced).
About accommodations—is it recommended to book in advance at this time of year?
If you don’t have a specific place in mind, no need.
Chiang Mai, festival at Wat Chedi Luang (x3):
C.Mai, Lanna Architecture Center (x2):
C.Mai, Tha Phae* Gate:
* Tapê
exterior:
and interior:
Sorry, I had a reply ready but the site was glitching like crazy when I tried to post. I copied it to a corner of my computer and we’ll sort it out later.
we’re considering a flight to as soon as we arrive in Bangkok .
Have you already bought the flight ticket?
Sukhothai then Kanchanaburi, taking time to explore the surrounding areas. We’ll use buses for the connections.
Direct bus from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai, no problem—about 5-6 departures a day.
But no direct bus from Sukhothai to Kanchanaburi. Two possible options with one transfer:
- Morning or overnight (departures until around 11 PM): bus from Sukhothai to Bangkok Mo Chit, then a 10-minute walk to Mo Chit Minivans, where minivans to Kanchanaburi leave every 20-30 minutes. In these minivans, you either hold your luggage on your lap or buy an extra seat to put it on. Total time: 9 to 10 hours + transfer time.
- Morning: bus from Sukhothai to Tak bus terminal* to catch the Chiang Mai-Kanchanaburi bus, which stops there around 11 AM. Total time: about 8.5 hours + transfer time.
*Satani Lotmê Taa (the "k" is silent).
About accommodations—is it recommended to book in advance at this time of year?
If you don’t have a specific place in mind, no need.
Hi Songsam,
We haven’t bought the BKK to Chiang Mai flight yet—I’m thinking of booking it soon with Air Asia, taking a flight 3 hours after we arrive from France.
For the Sukhothai to Kanchanaburi route, I didn’t realize it’d be so long… maybe a stopover between the two?
the BKK to Chiang Mai flight, I’m thinking of doing it soon with Air Asia, taking a flight 3 hours after our arrival from France.
If it’s an AirAsia flight from BKK (6 departures/day), 3 hours is okay (it’s even a bit too much).
If it’s an AirAsia flight from DMK (17 departures/day), 3 hours between the international flight landing and the domestic flight taking off won’t be reasonably safe (traffic jams, shuttle cancellation, etc.). Allow at least 4 hours.
Free shuttles run from BKK to DMK on the arrivals level, opposite exit 3. You’ll need to show proof of your flight from DMK.
It’d be better to find an AirAsia flight departing from BKK.
Which airline are you flying from Paris to BKK with?
For the Sukhothai-Kanchanaburi route, I didn’t realize it would be so long... maybe a stopover between the two?
In another discussion, Jojoone1 suggested Uthai Thani, but getting there from Sukhothai and then on to Kanchanaburi by bus is a bit unclear.
Alternatively, spend a few days in Ayutthaya, but two ruin stops in a row might wear out your group. There are a few buses a day from Sukhothai to Ayutthaya, then a daily tourist shuttle from Ayutthaya to Kan (book through your accommodation the day before or earlier) or a bus from Ayutthaya to Suphanburi plus a bus from Suphanburi to Kan.
We're flying with Air Saudia, then I’m counting on a domestic flight from the same airport (BKK).
I’m also worried that Sukhothai and Ayutthaya might be a bit redundant... We picked Sukhothai because it seemed less touristy, but the connection to Kanchanaburi is a bit of a concern.
Would a taxi be an option? With four people, it might be worth it.
we had chosen Sukhothai because it seemed less touristy
No, it's the opposite. Sukhothai is the more touristy of the two because all the basic organized tours on the planet stop there, which isn't the case for Ayutthaya. If you end up choosing the latter, you could take the Chiang Mai-Ayutthaya sleeper train and then do as mentioned above for Kanchanaburi (or via Bangkok Mo Chit minivans).
Would a taxi be an option? For 4 people, it might be worth it.
For city-to-city taxis, I don’t know much. After searching online, I found prices ranging from ~190 to ~220 € for 4 people, which means you’ll probably find something 25-30% cheaper on the spot (by asking your accommodation to arrange it, for example).
For comparison, the total cost of the Sukhothai-Tak and Tak-Kan buses will be around ~15-16 € per person.
Note that for nearly four-fifths of the trip (Tak-Kan), the bus is VIP class—isn’t that an argument that would make the journey physically less taxing for those with sensitive constitutions?
Thanks again for the details. I thought Ayutthaya’s "proximity" to the capital made it more touristy. How much time do you think we should spend there?
The train connection from Chiang Mai sounds great, and then continuing by bus or van.
I have no doubts about the comfort of the buses, and it’ll work perfectly for our happy group.
Thanks so much for sharing your photos—we can’t wait to be there!
I’ve got a new question: which website do you use to book trains?
I made an account on the national railway’s site, but the prices seem higher than with some third-party resellers...
I created an account on the national carrier’s website, but the prices seem higher than with some third-party sites...
Could you share the link to the national carrier’s website, please? Your comment surprised me, so I’d like to make sure we’re thinking of the same one.
For bookings, the site you used does redirect to the one I recommend. I assume that’s where you must have created an account: https://dticket.railway.co.th/DTicketPublicWeb/home/Home.
Which sites did you find better prices on?
When you book a sleeper berth, keep the following points in mind:
- the type of train (ranked from cheapest to most expensive): Rapid, Express, or Special Express,
- the class:
1st (air-conditioned),
2nd air-conditioned,
2nd “fan” (i.e., non-air-conditioned, but unfortunately this option is now only available on certain trains heading south).
In both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned 2nd-class sleepers, lower berths are more expensive than upper ones.
All these factors come into play when comparing prices across different sites.
I ran some simulations for a Chiang Mai–Ayutthaya trip on 15/07 in a 2nd-class air-conditioned sleeper on train SP10 (the most expensive but also the one that arrives earliest), price per person:
Official SRT site (national railway company): lower berth 1016 Baht, upper berth 916 Baht
Baolau site: same as SRT. Since I couldn’t proceed further in the simulation, I didn’t see if any fees are added at the end.
12GO site: 1300 Baht. It doesn’t specify whether it’s for a lower or upper berth.
Which site do you use to book the train?
I don’t book in advance but do it on the spot at the station or through an agency because I know the country well—including backup plans—and since I don’t book accommodations either, I can change my plans in 5 minutes if the train is full, even switching destinations. I don’t plan any itinerary before leaving, not even the first step.
For your trip, book any journey on the Chiang Mai–(Ayutthaya)–Bangkok line as early as possible because all organized tours use it too (they take buses on the way up).
Hi Songsam,
Thanks again for all the details and addresses.
I went through my history and can't find which site seemed cheaper—I must’ve mixed it up with bus routes. It makes sense that the national carrier’s site would have the best prices, and that’s what I’d read too.
I’ve got another question (don’t hesitate to tell me if it’s too much): I’m thinking about options after Kanchanaburi and was wondering if you’ve ever been to Khao Sok National Park?
Best regards,
No, I’ve never been to Khao Sok National Park, but it’s a name that comes up pretty often in the forum—I think others can give you their thoughts.
Make sure to check the weather in July.
As for transport from Kanchanaburi, it’d be easy: bus 81 to Ban Pong + overnight train to Surat Thani + 2-3h by bus.
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Nous préparons notre deuxième voyage en Thaïlande (2 semaines sur place, fin avril/début mai) en famille avec nos enfants.
Lors de notre premier voyage, nous avons visité Bangkok, Ayutthaya, la rivière Kwaï, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi et Khao Lak. Nous avons particulièrement adoré Koh Phi Phi pour ses falaises calcaires et sa végétation luxuriante, ainsi que Koh Lipe pour ses eaux cristallines et son snorkeling.
Cette fois, nous aimerions un voyage davantage axé sur la nature. Nous ne souhaitons plus visiter de villes (éventuellement un marché flottant si cela vaut vraiment le détour).
Nous recherchons :
- une jungle spectaculaire ;
- des animaux dans leur milieu naturel ;
- de belles randonnées ou balades en bateau ;
- des plages paradisiaques ;
- une eau turquoise avec un excellent snorkeling, si possible directement depuis la plage (tortues, poissons tropicaux...).
Nous pensons intégrer Khao Sok, mais nous hésitons sur les îles à combiner avec ce parc. Nous hésitons aussi à intégrer Chiang mai.
Auriez-vous des suggestions d'itinéraires de 2 semaines avec des temps de transport raisonnables ? Nous privilégions avant tout les paysages, la nature et la mer.
Merci d'avance pour vos conseils et retours d'expérience !
Bonjour, je serai en vacances en malaisie en novembre, je vais rester 5 jours à penang. Je voudrais ensuite visiter quelques temples et lieux à butterworth ou autour et découvrir aussi la ville. En sachant que je me déplace souvent à pied, quel quartier serait le mieux pour moi, c'est à dire à moins de 30'minutes à pied des lieux d'attraction, de stands de street foodi, de lignes de bus etc... Merci d'avance pour votre aide
Francoise
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.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
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!
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
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.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
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.
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...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
as soon as we land in Bangkok
Sorry, I had a reply ready but the site was glitching like crazy when I tried to post. I copied it to a corner of my computer and we’ll sort it out later.
