Hi there,
As mentioned earlier, we're heading off for a month to explore some parts of Thailand in July/August, and I’ve got a few practical questions I’m hoping you can help with based on your experiences. Thanks in advance!
- Can you choose the denominations at exchange bureaus/ATMs? How do you avoid ending up with only 1000-baht notes when exchanging large sums?
- If not, is there an easy way to get change? Any alternatives to buying stuff at 7-Eleven?
- Can you buy train tickets from Thonburi to Kanchanaburi in advance? Is there usually space available, considering some people do the Death Railway day trip from Bangkok to Sai Yok Noi?
- Is there room for luggage on the trains to Kanchanaburi? We’ll be traveling as a group of four with two large checked-baggage-sized suitcases (25 kg each).
- Kanchanaburi: Most day tours allow around 3 hours at Erawan Falls. Is that enough, or is it worth spending the whole day there, especially at the start of the rainy season when it’s a bit greener?
- In Sam Roi Yot, are there taxis/Grab/Bolt available for exploring the surrounding areas? I’d appreciate any numbers or addresses.
- Does True (7-Eleven) have good coverage across Thailand, from Sam Roi Yot to Chiang Rai, or should we go with AIS?
- In Bangkok, if you need to switch BTS lines, do you need a new ticket, or can you change lines as long as you don’t exit the station?
Happy to provide any additional details if needed.
Que Dieu vous aide parce que moi j'ai pas le temps...
Is there an easy way to get change? Any alternatives to buying at 7/11?
The 7/Eleven option is the best since you can find them almost everywhere, including at the airport.
Another option: paying for expressways, for example when you go from the airport to Bangkok by taxi meter since it’s the passenger who pays as you go. It’s so common that toll booth staff prepare small piles of change in advance based on the bill you hand over. However, don’t count on paying the taxi meter with a large bill—they rarely have much change.
Otherwise, I once walked into a random bank in the provinces to ask for change, and they agreed. Not all banks may accept, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
Can you buy train tickets from Thonburi to Kanchanaburi in advance?
No, because these are third-class local trains—third-class tickets can’t be reserved.
That said, taking the train from Thonburi to Kanchanaburi isn’t a great idea. You’ll get there faster and arrive much less exhausted by taking bus 81 from Sai Tai bus terminal or a minivan (if you’re traveling light) from Sai Tai Guo minivan station or Mo Chit minivan station. Either non-rail option has very frequent departures—several per hour—and all are air-conditioned. Minivan station (followed by the name) in Thai: pronounce "Sà-tăa-nee lót too + name").
Is there always space available, considering some people do the Death Railway day trip from Bangkok to Sai Yok Noi?
Yes, there’s always space because most travelers—and even fewer Thais—take the train, and for good reason.
I’d love it if you could share a link to a traveler’s page claiming they managed to do Thonburi-Namtok*-Thonburi by train in a single day...
*Name of the station serving Sai Yok Noi
Is there space for luggage on the trains to Kanchanaburi? We’re traveling as a group of 4 with 2 large checked-baggage-sized suitcases (~25kg each).
On the local train from Thonburi, you’ll definitely find a spot to stow your luggage. The bus 81 also has storage compartments. However, forget about fitting them in a minivan unless you pay for an extra seat for your suitcases.
Kanchanaburi: Most day tours allow around 3 hours at Erawan Falls. Is that enough, or is the place worth spending a full day, especially at the start of the rainy season when it’s a bit greener?
Three hours is a bit rushed, mainly because most agencies also visit the Wang Po Viaduct/Tham Krasae/Death Railway Bridge* and Phrasat Muang Sing** in the same day. You can easily spend more time at Erawan (+2.5 hours round-trip by public bus) since there are several tiers of waterfalls, and you can take a dip. The higher you go, the quieter it gets—down below, it’s crowded. If things haven’t changed, the first public bus from Kanchanaburi leaves around 8 AM, and the last one leaves Erawan for the return trip around 4:30 PM.
*Three names for the same place.
**The westernmost Khmer ruins of the former empire.
1. Definitely, the bank option is worth trying in addition to 7/11. At worst, it’ll just be a polite refusal...
2. Thanks for the info about bus 81 to Kanchanaburi. The minivan option does seem impractical with large suitcases, which is why I mentioned the train or a taxi/Grab transfer.
3. Erawan. Yeah, it’s vacation after all—I don’t feel like racing against the clock. We’d much rather take our time and enjoy each experience instead of trying to do everything "on a conveyor belt." We know full well we won’t be able to do it all...
Que Dieu vous aide parce que moi j'ai pas le temps...
If you take it, there's no need to wake up at dawn—leave the hotel by taxi after 10 AM to avoid the morning traffic jams (but before 2:30 PM to avoid the evening ones) and head to the Sai Tai bus terminal. From there, it’s about 2 hours to Meuang Kan(chanaburi).
the train
You can always take it from Kanchanaburi to reach what you call the "Death Railway," with its photogenic setting—the Wangpo (or Tham Krasae) viaduct, also known as the Death Railway Bridge. For this trip, the train is the best option because it crosses the viaduct slowly, with the cliff on your right and the little* Kwai River below on your left. It’s better to take the 6 AM train because the 10:30–11 AM one is packed and arrives at the viaduct when the landscape is washed out by the sun. Try to sit on the left side.
* While in Kanchanaburi, it’s the larger river that the famous bridge spans.
After crossing the viaduct, you have two options:
- Get off the train right after the viaduct at the Tham Krasae stop. From there, you’ll need to walk to Route 323 (only 5 km*, but it’s a steep climb for about two-thirds of the way) or find a ride** from souvenir vendors or small eateries. Once on Route 323, wait for a bus heading left toward Sai Yok Noi (and beyond) or right toward Kanchanaburi.
* Take the road that runs alongside the tracks (it’s the only one anyway...), turn right at the railroad crossing, and keep going to the end.
** Personally, I hitchhike, but I’m not with four people.
- Stay on the train and continue to the Namtok terminus. From there, you can easily reach Sai Yok Noi. After Sai Yok Noi, it’s best to avoid another 3 hours on the train in the opposite direction by catching a bus to Kan on Route 323.
Sai Yok Noi Falls isn’t impressive enough to justify the trip on its own. For something better, Sai Yok Yai Falls is much nicer in a prettier setting, but it’s farther away and will require an overnight stay.
Erawan.
In July–August, it’ll be a bit muddy climbing from one waterfall to the next.
July is fast approaching, and I still have a few more questions to add to my first list... 😉
- I have a really basic question about check-in at the airport. We have a Thai Airways flight from Zurich to Bangkok with a short layover in Frankfurt. The first leg is operated by Lufthansa, also a Star Alliance member. Which counter should I check our bags in at—Thai or Lufthansa? I’ve already sent three emails and haven’t gotten any replies or valid addresses...
- Since credit/debit cards are heavily taxed, we were thinking of bringing a significant amount of cash to exchange on-site for the best rate. How do you "protect" your cash? Normally, I use the in-room hotel safes, but the amount seems large enough to ask if there’s another way...
- During the rainy season (July-August), should we protect ourselves from mosquitoes all day or just in the evening? We’ll be in the city and also by the sea.
- For those of us with allergies, Cetallerg/Zyrtec (containing Cetirizine dihydrochloride, 10 mg, H1 Antihistamines) seems to be available in 7-Eleven or Big C. Do you know the name or packaging in Thailand?
Of course, I’m happy to provide any additional details.
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Que Dieu vous aide parce que moi j'ai pas le temps...
We have a Thai Airways flight from Zurich to Bangkok with a short layover in Frankfurt. The first flight is operated by Lufthansa, also a Star Alliance member. Which counter should we check our bags in at, Thai or Lufthansa?
At the counter of the airline operating the first flight, Lufthansa. They’ll check your bags all the way to Bangkok.
Since credit/debit cards are heavily taxed, we were thinking of bringing a significant amount of cash to exchange on-site for the best rate. How do you "protect" your cash? Normally, I use the room safes in hotels, but the amount seems large enough to ask if there’s another way...
Everyone has their own opinion on this.
Since I only stay in rooms costing around 12-20 €—a comfort level that suits me just fine—I very rarely come across rooms with a safe. Even when there is one, I never leave any valuables in the room when I’m (we’re) out. I carry the cash in a chest pouch worn around my neck and under my shirt—a tried-and-true method for travelers for decades—and I’ve never had any issues, neither in Thailand nor anywhere else. Of course, you should avoid flashing your stash in front of everyone by keeping a small amount of spending money for a day or two in a wallet. After a few days, you’ll figure out how much "spending money" you actually need.
That said, I think it’s unwise to rely on just one payment method. Even if withdrawing from an ATM costs 5 to 9 € locally depending on the bank, it’s still an option worth considering alongside the cash you bring.
Few travelers return from their first trip to Thailand without concluding they brought too much money.
During the rainy season (July-August), should we protect ourselves from mosquitoes all day or only in the evening? We’ll be in the city and by the sea.
Well... you’ll see for yourself—there’s no absolute rule, unfortunately.
Avoiding accommodations and restaurants near stagnant water and rooms where cleaning isn’t thorough (especially under and behind furniture) can *slightly* reduce mosquito presence.
For those of us with allergies, Cetallerg/Zyrtec, containing Cetirizine dihydrochloride (10 mg), an H1 antihistamine, seems available at 7-Eleven or Big C. Do you know the name or packaging in Thailand?
I don’t understand your doctor-pharmacy language, but I know that at 7-Eleven, you can find this very effective product for only 1 to 2.5 € depending on the size:
Since I’m pretty cautious, I’ll obviously have several payment methods. That said, traveling with four people for 30 days, I can’t imagine carrying several thousand CHF—or the equivalent in THB—around my neck...
As for mosquito repellent, it’s already bought. We went with the well-known Anti-Brumm brand from back home, which we’ve already tested and approved on various trips to tropical zones. They’ve even released a new Ultra-Tropical version with 50% DEET, which we’ll try out in Kaeng Krachan or Sam Roi Yot. The Forte version, with a lower DEET concentration, should be enough for other places...
If you’re not allergic and don’t need antihistamines, you probably don’t know the names of the meds—lucky you! We’ll obviously bring a basic supply. It’s a very common over-the-counter medication, but the packaging and name are likely different from what we have at home... Maybe someone allergic on the forum has had to get some?
Que Dieu vous aide parce que moi j'ai pas le temps...
The mosquito repellent photographed by Songsam has the advantage of being much cheaper in Thailand than what you can bring from Europe. And from experience, it’s absolutely no less effective than our so-called fabulous products.
All you need is a prescription or to know the name of the medication you want. In Thailand, I’ve never had trouble finding a pharmacist who didn’t understand English perfectly.
For money, we always kept everything either in my wife’s purse or in one of the pockets of my shorts. Obviously, we spent more time at pools than beaches, or one of us always kept an eye on our stuff. Always bring your credit card in case of an emergency.
For places like Sam Roi Yot or similar spots, check with your hotel—they might be able to find you a driver. That said, for those kinds of places, I’d recommend renting a vehicle instead.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
You're right, the mosquito repellent suggested is indeed much cheaper, but it also has a much lower active ingredient concentration (12% DEET) compared to 30% or even 50%. I didn’t mention any "fabulous products" but rather a product tested during other trips to high-risk areas to our complete satisfaction, knowing that we all react differently to these little critters. Shouldn’t one person’s experience count as much as another’s?
For Sam Roi Yot, the hotel offers a car rental service, and there are a few local taxis for nearby visits.
Que Dieu vous aide parce que moi j'ai pas le temps...
No, it’s just that we noticed the Thai product worked better for us than the most famous French one.
Plus, it smells really nice—so much so that for me, its scent is tied to vacation memories...
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Aide humanitaire et bénévolat à l'étranger › Thaïlande · 3 replies
On se présente, nous sommes une famille de trois, actuellement en Asie, nous voyageons en sac à dos. Ma femme est infirmière, parle un l anglais, moi je…
Nouvelle sur le site cherche vos bons conseils.Nous souhaitons, mon mari et moi partir à l'aventure, pour la 1ère fois, avec 2 ados (13 et 15 ans) et une…
Nous sommes à koh lanta et ensuite krabi du 15/02/08 au 01/03/07 avec nos 2 filles 8 et 10 ans. comment ça se passe au niveau des bungalows et hotel? faut il…
Je viens vers vous à tout hasard pour une situation particulière que je n'ai pas vécue jusque là en Thailande... J'y vécu plus d'un an à Bangkok et je suis…
J'espère que vous allez pouvoir m'aider car je me fais des nœuds au cerveau en préparant notre séjour. Nous sommes une famille avec 2 filles de 12 et 13 ans.…
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!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
