Au milieu de tout ce brouhaha "politicofinancier", je me demande bien comment, dans l'avenir... vont etre pris en charge les Thais et leur santé car depuis deja quelque temps, les hopitaux publics font la part belle aux nouveaux mastodontes privés qui attirent chaque année un peu plus les étrangers ...en mal de chirurgie et autre traitement ... IL faut avouer de ce coté là que la mise en place par Taksin de la consultation à moins d'un € pour tous avait du "bon" même si l'action etait politiquen, elle avait l'avantage d'exister ....😛
Attention, Taksin n'est pas à mettre en cause pour toute sa politique, ce qui lui est reproché, c'est la corruption et l'enrichissement personnel sur le compte de l'état.
Je crois que la question de la santé n'est pas la seule, le système d'éducation est critiquable également, en autre chose, en fait, le syteme de capitalisme à outrance est critiquable, il faut attendre que les choses se tassent avant de voir s'il y a du positif "dans toute cette agitation", mais je crois que c'est quelques années qu'il faudra attendre pour en connaître plus. 😕
Attention, Taksin n'est pas à mettre en cause pour toute sa politique, ce qui lui est reproché, c'est la corruption et l'enrichissement personnel sur le compte de l'état.
Nous sommes bien d'acord et c'est bien pour cette raison que je tenais à le souligner pour que tout le monde ne pense pas qu'il n'a fait que de mauvaises choses... et pour que l'on en mélange pas tous les oeufs dans le même panier comme on à un peu trop tendance à le faire ... 😉 Bonne journée à toi !
Les leaders du coup actuel revendiquent le support de 80 pour cent de la population. Si c'était le cas et que les 16 millions d'électeurs qui ont voté pour Thaksin le 2 avril n'ont pas vraiment changé d'opinion, ces militaires auraient dû choisir une autre voie. Il auraient dû créer un parti politique il y plusieurs mois et participé aux élections qui auraient dû avoir lieu dans peu de temps. Le Thai Rak Thai aurait été écrasé par leurs 80 pour cent. Il n'est pas un secret que le parti démocratique a boycotté les élections du 2 avril parce qu'il avait qu'il allait les perdre. Il savait tout aussi pertinemment qu'il allait aussi perdre les prochaines élections.
Thaksin et le Thai Rak Thai ont-ils gagné les différentes élections avec une majorité indiscutable parce qu'ils ont fraudé ? Il n'existe aucune preuve que les 16 millions d'électeurs de ce parti ont été forcés de voter pour lui. Aucun homme armé ne les a forcé à voter dans un sens ou dans l'autre. Je n'ai pas vote pour le Thai Rak Thai le 2 avril et je n'ai pas le sentiment que quiconque a pu voir pour qui j'ai voté. Le Thai Rak Thai a payé des électeurs ? Probablement, mais les Démocrates en ont fait autant, tout comme les partis Chat Thai et Mahachon. Cela a-t-il affecté le résultat du vote ? Non. Pourquoi non ?
Dans son livre, "Tale of two democratic cities", Anek Laothamatas indique qu'il est nécessaire de créer des partis avec de véritables politiques qui leurs permettent de gagner des voix dans le milieu rural. Cela permettrait de mettre fin ou au moins de réduire le système du patronage et la politique de l'argent. Ce livre a été écrit avant la création du Thai Rak Thai.
Ce qu'a réellement fait le Thai Rak Thai a été de passer plus de temps à élaborer des politiques qui répondent aux besoins et à la demande des différents secteurs de la société. Ils ont gagné les élections grâce à ces politiques, notamment le premier système de santé universel qui a jamais existé ainsi que les fonds pourles villages. Ils ont de nouveau gagné l'année dernière et cette année aussi parce qu'ils ont mis ces politiques en oeuvre. Les Démocrates ont perdu parce qu'ils ont passé leur temps à critiquer le système de santé universel et les autres avantages sociaux avec pour argument qu'ils détruisaient la "discipline fiscale".
Le putsch a surpris les Thai également, peut etre, plus que les Farang, mais pour eux c'est une "espèce de tradition" qui s'est produite, un rappel à l'odre a la mode Thai, avec "le soutiens" des plus hautes autorites morales. Je suis tous les jours sur Bkk, peut etre est-ce mon imagination, mais hier, encore aujourd'hui, je vois plus encore que d'habitude les gens arborer leur T-shirt jaune, comme pour réclamer le soutien du roi. Je ne juge pas la politique d'un pays qui n'est pas le mien mais je suis sûr d'une chose, c'est qu'il faut rester très prudent et observateur de l'avenir, les Thais ont la mauvaise habitude de ne pas etre très critique et de ne pas prendre leur destin en main. Par exemple la notion de devoir civic est me semble t il inconcevable ici, les Thais n'ont pas de devoirs mais des obligations. Ils ne se déplacent pour voter que pour éviter les sanctions, les "quand dira t on" mais pas vraiment pour exprimer une opinion, ça laisse la porte ouverte à beaucoup de dérives.
Donc pour les soins, attendre le nouveau pouvoir en place et la politique qu'il mènera et en attendant éviter de tomber malade. 😉
les Thais ont la mauvaise habitude de ne pas etre très critique
Exact pour la majorité d'entre eux, problème d'éducation. Cette attitude m'a toujours intriguée, parce qu'elle est contraire à la philophie bouddhiste selon laquelle "tu ne dois pas croire ton maître parce qu'il est ton maître, mais parce que tu as compris ce qu'il t'as enseigné".
Et en attendant, si tu as une rage de dents, tu fais comme d'habitude, tu t'inscris sur liste d'attente pour le mois prochain 😎
les hopitaux publics font la part belle aux nouveaux mastodontes privés
Juste pour revenir sur ce point évoqué par sidartha :
Il y a effectivement des "mastodontes" privés, mais il existe aussi d'excellents hôpitaux privés dont les tarifs restent très accessibles. Le Sanamchan Hospital de Nakhon Pathom, par exemple, a une clientèle presque exclusivement thaïe (j'ai dû y voir 2 ou 3 farangs de passage depuis plus de 2 ans que je le fréquente) et pourtant ils disposent d'un équipement ultra-moderne, d'un ensemble de services depuis la pédiatrie jusqu'à la gériatrie en passant par la chirurgie classique (appendicite, etc.), un centre cardiaque ouvert 24/24, radiologie, IRM, gastro, ORL, ophtalmo, dentiste, gynéco, etc. et, surtout, d'un personnel suffisamment nombreux pour que les temps d'attente, même aux urgences, soient limités à quelques dizaines de minutes.
Et il ne désemplit pas. Ils sont même en train de construire une nouvelle aile.
Coût moyen : 150 THB la consultation
Il faut savoir aussi que des systèmes d'assurance médicale privée se développent de plus en plus, avec des cotisations remboursables intégralement au bout de 20 ans, ce qui correspond parfaitement au marché Thai où les gens ne sont pas prédisposés à payer une assurance à fonds perdus.
Il est bien evident que la medecine comme dans beaucoup de pays du monde est a deux vitesses( idem au Mexique par exemple... )😕Le materiel est toujours disponible car en nombre😏 (contrairement a la france) un scan par exemple sera dispo dans l'heure (en france plusieurs jours d'attente...🙁), le probleme c'est qu'elle n'est pas encore accessible a tous... un autre probleme, c'est qu' il n'y a pas encore le nombre de specialiste suffisant, un anevrisme (par ex) peut "attendre" un neuro -chirurgien 3/4 semaines(ils sont surbookes), en france c'est une intervention immediate! Mais c'est INCROYABLE LA RAPIDITE😏 avec laquelle avance la thailande surtout quand on voit la situation dans les pays voisins (cambodge et laos, birmaie)🏴☠️ VA ou TU Veux MEURS ou TU Dois!...Proverbe breton😏
J'ai compris maintenant pourquoi tu étais .........😉, plus sérieusement, il en reste effectivement quelques uns à la heuteur mais ce que je voulais "dénnoncer", c'est que malgré tout... les Thais qui ont de plus en plus de mal à avoir accès aux soins ( de moins en smoins de structures, de plus en plus de temps d'attente, ect ....) sont en plus défavorisés par le manque de personnel des hopitaux public puisqu'on offre à ces derniers le double et parfois même le tripl de leur salaire normal.... qui refuserait ???
Ils sont ainsi debauchés au profit des "mastodontes" (pour conserver le terme de départ 🙂) et là est peut etre le vrai probléme, car ..... que des grosses structures privvées arrivent sur le marché pour satisfaire une clientéle qui en a les moyens, ce qui est tres bien - au contraire, çà fait rentrer des devises pour le pays - mais pendant ce temps là, les soins de "base" pour la TRES Grande majorité des Thailandais eux même sont de moins bonne qualité (manque de personnel et de plus, moins bien qualifiés) ce que je trouve un peu fort !!!!
Et vu la "success story" de ces structures, je vois mal comment cela va s'arreter .....😕
En fait, les structures sont toujours les mêmes et c'est justement là que se situe le problème.
Avec les soins à 30 THB (et même gratuits pour les + de 60 ans), les gens vont plus facilement voir le toubib alors qu'avant il fallait vraiment qu'ils aient la tête sous le bras... Il y a donc forcément un phénomène d'engorgement.
Mais on dirait que l'action des militaires a provoqué une éclosion d'idées chez les démocrates, puisque l'on peut voir depuis quelques jours d'immenses affiches du Parti Démocrate annonçant la création de dispensaires médicaux publics dans tous les villages.
Mais comme tu dis, il y a le problème des salaires. On a beau avoir un dispensaire dans chaque village, il faut aussi le personnel compétent qui va avec. Mais j'avais connu ça en France aussi.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.