Je confirme les paquets sont ouvert avec en plus un petit mot de la douane disant par exemple : "la taxe d'importation vous sera signifiee ulterieurement..." 🙁 (20 paires de tongs pareil en collier et en boucles d'oreilles en toc... a distribuer)
Pour moi, c'est magique... 😉😉😉
mai pen rai krap
j'ecrit sur clavier américain désolé pour les accents...
Je confirme les paquets sont ouvert avec en plus un petit mot de la douane disant par exemple : "la taxe d'importation vous sera signifiee ulterieurement..." 🙁 (20 paires de tongs pareil en collier et en boucles d'oreilles en toc... a distribuer)
Moi je n'ai jamais eu ce petit mot.....Pour les faux, c'est arriver qu'il n'y sois plus mmais j'ai envoyer de paquet de 30 FishPant, de tong, de sandale a trou....C'est toujours arriver, la caisse eventrer certe, mais arriver.....
perso je penses comme les autres que c'est pas une super idée.
j'ai fais les frais d'avoir ramené des vêtements pour mon copain dans mes bagages et arrivée à paris, la douane a voulu fouiller nos bagages. ils ont ouvert un sac sur trois, heureusement dans celui la il n y avait rien. mais depuis je me jure de ne jamais racheter de la contre façon. car l'amende est très cher et franchement au final il vaut mieux acheter des vrais.
mais tu peux tenter..😛
Quand on habite en province et qu'on prend donc une correspondance à paris.
Depuis le pays d'achat et de départ vers l'europe. Faire enregistrer ses bagages en correspondance jusqu'au lieu final d'arrivé.
En général les douaniers sont bien moins tatillons en province =)
Mais bon ramener des copies est interdit par la loi!!
perso je penses comme les autres que c'est pas une super idée.
j'ai fais les frais d'avoir ramené des vêtements pour mon copain dans mes bagages et arrivée à paris, la douane a voulu fouiller nos bagages. ils ont ouvert un sac sur trois, heureusement dans celui la il n y avait rien. mais depuis je me jure de ne jamais racheter de la contre façon. car l'amende est très cher et franchement au final il vaut mieux acheter des vrais.
mais tu peux tenter..😛
j'ai fais les frais d'avoir ramené des vêtements pour mon copain
heureusement dans celui la il n y avait rien.
Donc tu n'as fait aucun frais....Et tu n'as aucune idée de ce qu'aurais dit le douanier....Tu ne conais pas non plus le prix de l'amende???
Merci de penser comme les autres.....🤪 Et d'avoir dit quelque chose....
je ne connais effectivement pas le prix exacte de l'amende. mais si je ne dis pas de bétise c'est environ trois fois la valeur du vêtement par rapport à son vrai prix de marque.
mais tu as raison je ne sais pas ce qu'aurait dit le douanier, mais sincèrement j'ai eu assez peur sur le moment pour dire que c'est risqué pour quelques fringues de contre façon.🤪
je ne connais effectivement pas le prix exacte de l'amende. mais si je ne dis pas de bétise c'est environ trois fois la valeur du vêtement par rapport à son vrai prix de marque.
mais tu as raison je ne sais pas ce qu'aurait dit le douanier, mais sincèrement j'ai eu assez peur sur le moment pour dire que c'est risqué pour quelques fringues de contre façon.🤪
Effectivement l'amende peut, je dis bien peut aller jusqu'a trois fois le prix de l'article neuf....Mais dans le cas ou il tu n'as pas 25 montres identique, 12 thee-short de meme couleur de 4 tailles differentes, plus12 short encore de taille differente, le tout bien sur soigneusement emballer dans un emballage avec la marque dessus, si on voit bien que c'est pour toi, au pire tu auras droit a la confiscation.....
pour répondre sans chichi à ta question tu trouveras de tout dans les centres commerciaux comme par exemple le MBK . En plus les prix là sont généralement affichés, corrects, et négociables (juste un peu). Se les faires envoyer par la poste. En général tout ce qui vient d'asie est ouvert et saisi en cas de contrefaçon, parfois ca passe. Quand à la douane, il choppent qq personnes qui passent, c'est une loterie, vu qu'il ne sont pas des centaines à controler et qu'il y a generalement des centaines de voyageur qui débarquent. Ils seront moins "coulant" pour des articles de grands luxes, style sac et montres que pour des fringues, sauf si t'as trois valises de fringues. Voila cort précis concis. Ne rentre pas dans la polémique du "je savais pas que c'était une copie, je savais pas que c'était interdit, ....." ça à la douane c'est du pipeau quand t'es pris. Le seul truc mais à vérifier, c'est de dire "j'abandonne tous ici" et de ce que je sais tu as juste une petite amende, mais tu n'as pas les taxes, et tout le bordel.
Personellement j'ai achete un faux jean Diesel pour homme (retouche sur mesure pour ma taille) pour 15 euros, et franchement pour voir que c'est un faux tu peux t'accrocher, tout y est, toutes les etiquettes, les symboles sont marques jusque sur les petites boules en acier que tu as a hauteur des poches (je sais pas comment ca s'apelle) impossible de savoir que c'est un faux!.
Oui oui je donnerais des nouvelles dans quelques temps ;)
Pour le moment il tient largement le coup et sa coupe est parfaite.
Apres sur la duree de vie je ne me faits aucune illusion! si il tient jusqu'a la fin de mon voyage ca me va je serais satisfait.
Effet placebo for sure, c'est du tape l'oeil, mais bon comme je dis pour le moment ca tient bon et je m'en contente largement ~~
pourtant, les marques se distinguent par leurs coupes et la qualite des materiaux, leur durabilité...
effet placebo ?
Non y a copie et copie minable....Les coupes sont pratiquement identique......Hé oui, y a le vrai comme modele.....Prend les polos Lacoste et compare....C'est vrai que certain pluche apres lavage....Mais d'autre sont encore nickel apres 25 lavages.....
Et bien comme je te dis pour le moment c'est une contrefacon de qualite egale a l'originale, ensuite seul le temps pourra me dire si les coutures tiendrons, si la qualite du tissu est asssez bonne etc...Pour le moment je suis 100pour cent satisfait.
eh non, pas de pessisme dans ma reaction, mais question
en effet, effet placebo ou pas vu ta remarque
Dans tous les cas a 3, 50 le polo contrefait contre 75 le vrai, tu as de la marge....A la rigueur, t'es pas obliger de le laver....Tu as des lacostes jetable......😛
ca te fait 20 polos pour le prix d'un....
eh non, pas de pessisme dans ma reaction, mais question
en effet, effet placebo ou pas vu ta remarque
Dans tous les cas a 3, 50 le polo contrefait contre 75 le vrai, tu as de la marge....A la rigueur, t'es pas obliger de le laver....Tu as des lacostes jetable......😛
ca te fait 20 polos pour le prix d'un....
lol !
c'est un peu ca... 😛
en tout cas, j'avais vu un reportage de filou qui m'avait bien fait rire
un type sur un marché en region parisienne qui vend des jeans sans marque, personne ne lui en achete
qq mois plus tard il decide de "griffer" les jeans et dit aux gens que la provenance sont les magasins d'usine, ils les vendaient comme des petits pains 😄
en tout les Diesel et autres marques de djeunz, Capital en avait un reportage il y a 2-3 ans sur la marge incroyable qu'ils degageaient
notamment grace a un prix exhorbitant et injustifiable et des methodes tres originales pour donner leur look a leurs jeans (les vieillir ou les abimer artificiellement en les "lavant" dans des machines a laver speciales avec des caillous...
inutile d'aller à bangkok tu t'adresses à la douane à Roissy il en ont des tonnes et ils les achètent pour rien!!! Si t'es bonne cliente tu peux avoir droit à l'hotel et même aux repas en plus t'aura droit à un voyage VIP jusqu'au tribunal. Juste une question à propos de ta question: c'est une histoire belge ou aslors t'es blonde?😏
quant à la qualité, 90 % de ce que j'ai tiens et vaut bien les originaux. J'ai un pote qui jouait à milan au foot en primes de match parfois ils recevaient des "lignes de crédit" dans des boutiques de milan et bien ses vrais CK ne tiennent pas mieux le coup que les miens (qui sont pas vrais). J'ai ramené des trucs de malaysie il ya 5 ans la majorité sont encore nickels. et en tout cas ça tient dix fois mieux qu'un t-shirt acheté chez Carrefour ou un autre magasin ici en europe (t-shirt "normal" de 10 à 15 euros ici)
C'est marrant moi presque tous les tee shirts (de pseudo marques) que j'ai acheté a Bangkok ou Phuket sont passés de la taille L ou XL a S ou XS voire a cell d'un tee shirt pour poupée barbie 🤪 Bon reste a savoir si tu achètes des tee shirts a 100 ou 200 Baths, la qualité ne sera peut-être pas la même. Par contre ceux achetés a Pratunam, sans marques sinon thai, tiennent toujours le coup pour 50 baths pièces 😉
de fait y a plusieurs qualités quand même et je prends pas les "moins chers", je prend ceux autour de 200 bath. Là faut pas rever quand même. Je me rappelle les premiers que j'ai pris je les prenait une taille plus grande et bien ils sont tujours une taille plus grande, mdr.... alors maintenant je prend la taille juste
C'est marrant moi presque tous les tee shirts (de pseudo marques) que j'ai acheté a Bangkok ou Phuket sont passés de la taille L ou XL a S ou XS voire a cell d'un tee shirt pour poupée barbie🤪
J'ai acheté une dizaine de t-shirt (la plupart Armani) à Bangkok, il y a bientôt un an et ils ont pas bougé, je les avais payé entre 2.5 et 3€ je les avais porté la bas et/ou mis dans mon linge salle pour la douane...
Par contre, on avait acheté une bonne dizaine de rolex, bretling, beaucoup sont mortes peut après mais il y en a quelques'une qui fonctionne toujours.
C'est bien pour ca que je disais "presque tous" il faut faire attention a la qualité, mais bon moi c'etait pas par choix, c'était parce que j'avais plus rien de propre et j'avais acheter des tee shirts Quicksilver, Billabong, Diesel et autres marques courantes et pseudo fashion que l'on trouve chez tous les bons et mauvais marchands de rue 😕 Ceux que j'ai acheté style Gant ou autre marques plus discrètes et élégantes ont en effet pas bougé 🙂
inutile d'aller à bangkok tu t'adresses à la douane à Roissy il en ont des tonnes et ils les achètent pour rien!!! Si t'es bonne cliente tu peux avoir droit à l'hotel et même aux repas en plus t'aura droit à un voyage VIP jusqu'au tribunal. Juste une question à propos de ta question: c'est une histoire belge ou aslors t'es blonde?😏
C'est a moi que tu t'adresse???Tu va voir ce qu'elle va te ...........la blonde......
Pourquoi acheter du faux en Thailande alors que l'on peut acheter des vrais marques à bon prix comme Hom, Dior, Guy Laroche etc, qui vendent sous licence des produits de qualités. P.ex une chemise HOM environ25 euros en Europe 3-4 X plus chère, par contre je peux comprendre que certaine nouvelle marque très récente et pas encore facile à trouver en Europe, comme des jeans japonais que ma fille m'avait demander de lui rapporter et que j'ai trouvé facilement au MBK.
par contre je peux comprendre que certaine nouvelle marque très récente et pas encore facile à trouver en Europe, comme des jeans japonais que ma fille m'avait demander de lui rapporter et que j'ai trouvé facilement au MBK.
Oui sur Bangkok, il y a de quoi faire question choix.
C'est une bonne info pour celles et ceux qui apprécient les fringues japonaises. 🙂
Et puis sans être méchant avec les douaniers, peu connaissent les dernières marques japonaises...donc risuqe 0 de ramener ce qui vient de sortir au japon...
Mais le douanier n'y verra que du feu et il ne pensera même pas que pas de fumée sans feu...Les fabriquants comme levis ont du faire des analyses chimiques très poussées pour y voir une différence entre certains vrais et faux...Quand j'entend dire que les faux se voient à l'oeil et bien je dirais pas tous et dans le cas des faux Cd c'est à l'oreille que l'on voit la différence...
quand quelque chose coute cher, travailler pour pouvoir se l'acheter, je trouve que c'est authentique de se dire qu'on l'a merite
et pareil ailleurs, quand je vois toutes les nanas qui se baladent avec un faux sac vuitton, ca ote toute la valeur du vrai
pour l'instant tout se copie, il manquerait plus que demain, les gens foutent des ecussons Ferrari sur leur Logan pour faire encore plus kitch
je ne vois pas l'interet d'acheter du toc si ce n'est juste pour se dire qu'on a la griffe sur un produit qui n'est vrai
et n'en deplaises a tous ceux qui croient que les grandes marques font deja assez d'argent alors donc que c'est tant pis pour leur gueule et c'est pas grave que quelques copies se baladent dans la nature, je suis qd meme profondement attache au respect de la propriete intellectuelle
j'ai un ami qui vient de se lancer dans la mode, il n'est pas millionaire, il a fait une ecole de mode, il a emprunte beaucoup d'argent pour se mettre a son compte alors ce qu'il cree, il aimerait bien que ca finisse pas en copie quelque part a 2 balles en chine ou ailleurs
aussi fortunees que peuvent l'etre les entreprises (ou pas), les creations et les ventes font quand meme vivre des gens
Le problème c'est que c'est la pub qui fait la qualité du produit...Il a été prouvé qu'avec une certaine somme on arrive à inventer une nouvelle marque et qu'il y a de très forte chance que les gens vont se ruer dessus...Qualité ou pas...En pus les marges sur les soi-disant produit de luxe comme louis Vuitton, en fait la marge est énorme et on paye surtout leur pub et les loyers incroyablement cher de leur boutique, sans compter que les marques de luxe venent exclusivement dans leur boutiques leur produit à 2 balles, franchement un sac même pas en vrai cuir à 500 euros c'est de l'arnaque et des rolex à 3000 euros qui valent près de 50 fois moins à la sortie de l'usine c'est encore de l'arnaque, mais :
L'important n'est pas ce qui est vrai mais ce qui aide à vivre. Nietzsche
toi qui vit en suisse, tu devrais bien connaitre les quelques rares marques de tres grand luxe qui font leurs montres entierement montees a la main
tu paies qd meme un vrai savoir faire
j'avais eu la chance de visiter l'usine maserati, on est quand meme loin d'une usine de renault...
chez vuitton, les artisans qui fabriquent d'authentiques "malles" ne se comptent plus que sur les doigts de la main...
si tu fais partie des gens qui trouvent que le prix ne justifie pas grand chose, il faut quand meme admettre qu'il y a des metiers et un savoir faire derriere certains produits de luxe
Des faux sac louis Vuitton étaient fabriqués en suisse et vendu nettement moins, la qualité des faux était reconnue comme meilleure...Il avait utilisés du vrai bon cuir ...! Quand au rolex elles jouent sur leur noms, Une Patek ou Vacheron ou une malle Louis Vuitton je ne dis pas que c'est pas de la qualité mais une Rolex franchement c'est moche, gros et cher...
oui j'avoue que j'ai le meme avis que toi sur les Rolex
je parlais vraiment de vraies belles montres, celles avec un joli design mais surtout avec un mecanisme d'orfevre increvable
notamment les Vacheron Constantin
ca c'est du beau travail qd meme...
si tu prends ce genre de produits comme reference, tu comprendras donc pourquoi je prefere economiser dans le temps pour m'offrir une merveille pareil et que je trouve ca dommage de voir de minables copies se vendre a bangkok ou ailleurs
c'est insultant pour le travail et l'image de la marque
Depuis le début de ce post pas mal de personnes sont intervenues pour cautionner ou justifier plus ou moins le fait d'acheter des contres façons.
Hors personnes n'a parlé du fait que la contre façon dans le monde est l'oeuvre de mafias organisées qui se sont reconverties dans la diffusion et la fabrication de faux à travers le monde car moins risqué pénalement que dans le traffic de drogue mais tout aussi rentable.
Ces mafias ne font pas que copier du textile ou des produits de luxe elles oeuvrent aussi dans la copie de médicaments, de machines industrielles, de pièces automobiles, de pièces d'aéronautiques, de produits electroniques..... Brefs ces mafias copies et vendent tout ce qui raporte de l'argent.
Vous vous douter bien que le but de ces entreprises malfaisantes n'est pas de s'occuper du consommateur mais d'effectuer le maximum de profit, un profit au détriment de toutes règles de sécurité pour l'acheteur. C'est ainsi que l'on peut voir circuler des copies de medicaments qui peuvent tuer, des pièces automobiles dangereuses (plaquettes de freins inopérantes, pièces de carrosserie dangereuses en cas de choc), pièces d'aviation dangereuses, appareils electroniques ou electriques pouvant engendrer un incendie, textile teints avec des teintures cancérigènes.....
Ces mafias sont organisées en réseaux, les gains d'une branche servant a financer une autre activitée frauduleuse.
Donc les personnes qui sont intervenues sur ce post en disant que finalement acheter une deux contres façons de t-shirt ce n'était pas bien grave, cautionnent et financent grâce à l'argent de leur achat la fabrication de faux médicaments qui vont aller tuer (espérons que mon pharmacien soit honnète et qu'il ne me refile pas ce médicament un jour), la fabrication de fausses plaquettes de frein défectueuse (espérons que le jour ou elles vont lacher je ne serai pas en face🤪), la fabrication de fausses pièces destinées à l'aéronautique (espéron que le jour ou la piece lachera je ne serai pas à bord de cet aéronef), la fabrication de fausses pièces d'electronique (espérons que le fabriquant de mon PC n'en utilise pas afin de ne pas provoquer un incendie chez moi) .......
Bref vous comprendrez a mon argumentation que j'ai peu de considération envers ceux qui achétent ou cautionnent l'achat de contres façons car ce sont des gens qui se rendent complices indirectement d'assassins.....
Bientôt le départ...Youpi!!! Bien décidée à me laisser séduire par ce beau pays, mais bien décidée à faire un peu de shopping, j'ai fais une recherche sur ce…
Je suis allé au mois de mars 2006 dans un grand Shopping Center sur Petchaburi Road pres du "Pantip Plaza" à Bangkok. Il semblait tout neuf. Quelqu'un…
Je pars bientôt du coté de krabi, et je passerais 3 ou 4 nuits a bangkok... J'y ai déjà séjourné a plusieurs reprises et connais un hotel qui me satisfait du…
Nous partons au mois d'août en Thaïlande en circuit organisé, avec 5 jours sur plage. Certains nous conseillent de faire un traitement pour la paludisme…
Je voulais savoir s'il s'agissait d'un site fiable, car il demande le numéro de passeport. De plus, est-ce que par ce site nous devons aller chercher nos…
Je cherche la perle rare pour mon 3eme séjour sur Koh Lanta : un bel hotel qualitatif au bord d' une plage facile d'accès dans un endroit animé.
Si vous connaissez quelque chose qui s'apparente à ma recherche et que vous souhaitez partager n' hésitez pas.
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!
Bonjour je souhaite diviser mon séjour en 2 parties soit 15 jours à phuket et 15 jours sur krabi. Savez-vous si je peux louer une voiture et la rendre a krabi lors de mon retour en France
Merci de vos retours
Bon dimanche
Martine
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!
Bonjour précieuse communauté,
J'envisage de me rendre au Cambodge cet hiver, juste après Noël, pour un premier voyage seule, et mon premier voyage en Asie. Pour deux semaines (oui, je sais, c'est peu, mais je ne peux vraiment pas plus...). J'ai deux grandes envies: Siem Reap, et la campagne, les villages, le Mekong...
Que pensez-vous de cet itinéraire? Arrivée à Siem Reap, départ de Phnom Penh
SR: 5 jours (1 jour pour l'arrivée, 3 pour les temples, 1 pour le lac et ses villages)
Kratie (étape sur la route du Mondolkiri): 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours sur place)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 jours (1 jour de trajet, 1 jour sur place, 2 jours de treks)
PP: 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours de visite)
Je pense qu'il faut que j'enlève un jour quelque part, si je pars du samedi au samedi, ou du dimanche au dimanche. A Kratie, peut-être? à PP? et je rate le trajet en bateau que tout le monde conseille (SR-Battambang), mais je ne vois pas où le caser. Sauf à faire un PP-PP en commençant par l'est, laisser tomber Kratie ou vraiment juste une nuit, puis SR, puis PP).
Dans mon timing, j'ai l'impression que le Mondolkiri est plus proche que le Ratanakiri, qui me tentait aussi beaucoup! Est-ce que cela restera pas trop compliqué toute seule? Je pense faire appel à des guides locaux, ou une petite agence locale, pour faire une escapade dans la nature et les villages.
Je lis qu'il y a beaucoup de monde à SR entre Noël et Nouvel An, je peux aussi faire le circuit dans l'autre sens. Mais je trouvais plus facile de me familiariser avec le pays en arrivant en territoire touristique, je me trompe peut-être...
Merci pour vos conseils et avis!
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 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 trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
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.
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...
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,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
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.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
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!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…