Sur la banquette d'une camionnette, a cote de moi, un thai se tordait de rire en regardant les photos d'un magazine. Je me suis penche pour voir l'objet de son hilarite, et il a fini par me le preter. Le magazine etait rempli de photos de cadavres ! Accidents de la route, meurtres. Je me souviens d'une photo ou l'on voit un flic, pres d'un cadavre, montrant avec son index l'impact d'une balle : un sacre trou ! Je me souviens du sourire de ce flic ! C'etaient vraiment des photos de barbacks, a vous rendre vegetarien pour le restant de votre vie ! Je ne sais si ce magazine existe toujours, son nom c'etait un chiffre (81?)
Pour ceux qui le connaissent, vous indique -t-il, vous eclaire-t-il sur le " comment pense, comment fonctionne un thai ?" Personnellement, je le trouve tres edifiant ! Tres important pour comprendre - ou du moins tenter- la mentalite thaie !
bonjour Georges,
là tu nous envoie un post qui sent le souffre !
il est vrai que les quotidiens font leurs premiéres pages des faits divers avec force photos d'emoglobine,
ainsi que la tv Thai, ITV particulierement,
mais nous occidentaux il y a longtemps que c'est rentrer dans le quotidien,
ha ! le repas de 13 ou 20 heures en famille devant la grand messe des infos, devant les massacres, famines bombes, ect, de préference avec de jeunes enfants, sans que celà coupe l'appetit, faut bien faire leur education, aux petits, leur faire voir que l'on vie dans un monde sans pitié, le dernier qui a denoncé cet etat de fait (la banalisation) Mathieu Kasowicht avec son film "Assassin", s'est fait descendre en fleche, comme Orange Macanique a une autre époque, mais là, la réalité a dépasser la fiction, Kubrik doit bien se marrer,
alors pourquoi les Thais seraient ils different pour le voyeurisme ?
Oui il y a plusieurs publications qui rivalisent de photos et détailles de ce genre, ,
il y en a un qui est très exotique, il mélange des photos de mort violentes avec des photos de pin up, , 😉
la mort n'est pas tabou, elle n'est pas cachée,
puis il y a goût prononcé pour tout ce qui est de mort violente, , peut être pour exorciser cela??
Tout est un problème de valeur... et d'education...
Nous européens ne pouvons pas comprendre l'esprit du pourquoi...
Exemple :
Saddam se fait prendre, remarque de certains thais : " C'est pas bien, il est mort comme un animal "...
Bien sur les thais auraient préfère une décapitation digne de l'essence humaine.
Alors, des cadavres, voir parfois des morceaux : Apres avoir vécu plus de 4 ans sur place, je ne prends plus une attitude Européenne, j'essaye de comprendre.
Et surtout pendre en compte le vécu de ce peuple, qui semble tout sourire, mais qui reste tres fiere de son image de guerrier.
Comnme ceux de l'attentat de Bali, des meilleurs moments du tsunami ou des fete de l'Aiid en Irak qui a fait son hit su rles marches asiatiques au moment de l'egorgment d'americains voici deux trois ans...
Pour comprendre qu'est ce que tu veux comprendre ? La betise humaine ??? Bon courage.
ha ! le repas de 13 ou 20 heures en famille devant la grand messe des infos, devant les massacres, famines bombes, ect, de préference avec de jeunes enfants, sans que celà coupe l'appetit, faut bien faire leur education, aux petits,
Tout à fait d'accord... et ça n'a pas changé... par contre, il fut un temps où la RTBF montrait, en toute fin de journal, "la belle image du jour" à savoir la naissance d'un panda, l'éclosion des premières fleurs de printemps, un sourire d'enfant, etc... et bien, je te le donne en mille ... à la trappe ! Faut croire que les gens zappaient pour ne pas voir, c'était écoeurant ces jolies choses... 😕😕😕
Si Paris Match essayait de publier ce genre de photos, il aurait des problemes, car, d'un point de vue occidental, elles sont vraiment obscenes ! Quant a la television, les images defilent tellement vite, on consomme des informations qui sont aussitot chassees par des autres, on zappe, la mort devient quelque chose d'irreel sur un ecran... c'est comme au cinema ! On vit dans l'irrealite ! La preuve, quand la violence surgit devant nous, en vrai, c'est la panique, et rares sont ceux ou celles qui ont une reaction appropriee, or, puisque la tele nous montre tous les jours la violence, on devrait garder son calme : nous sommes senses etre habitue, mais la difference entre l'image diffusee et la realite est terrible, destabilisante, paniquante.
Voir les photos de ce magazine, c'est different : elles sont crues, saignantes a point, elles n'epargnent aucuns details anatomiques, exemple, ventre ouvert, visceres qui pendent. Les vivants, autour, sont attentifs a leur boulot, comme des bouchers devant une piece de boeuf. Le mort est...dehumanise, il est devenu un objet d'etude, d'investigations, pourquoi respecter quelque chose qui est juste une enveloppe qui a appartenu a une personne partie vivre sa enieme vie dans un autre corps ! En Asie, en dehors des religions monotheistes, le corps sera brule, decouper en morceaux et donner aux vautours ! Il doit disparaitre puique tout est impermanent ! On s'attarde pas dans ce flux d'energie, ce courant qu'est la vie ! Et lorsqu'on a ce rapport avec la mort, cela eclaire une facon de vivre : aujourd'hui je fais ca, demain on verra, j'ai de l'argent ? eh bien, je le depense, j'en ai plus... mai pen rai !
En France - j'enfonce une porte ouverte -, on ne percoit pas la mort comme en asie ! Du coup, on a du mal a comprendtre comment raisonne un asiatique !
La force du chef d'oeuvre de Kubrick est dans la maniere dont il filme la violence. Les films violents d'aujourd'hui sont comme des clips videos, avec une multitude d'images pour juste une scene tres courte, a la limite pareilles aux images d'actualite que l'on consomme...en pensant a autre chose ! La scene de viol, Kubrick la filme camera a l'epaule, pratiquemment en plan sequence, il nous lache plus, nous devenons des temoins !
Du voyeurisme pour les thais ? Je ne sais pas ! Je dirai plutot : la mort est notre compagne, regardons la toujours en face... et rions... mai pen rai !
sinon les photographes sont appelés sur les lieux d'accidents et meurtres...par la police ou les témoins.
Quand c'est juteux, les appareils photos arrivent meme plus rapidement que les services de secours... 😕
Remarquez que les images particulierement difficiles sont de + en + "flouter" a la TV mais aussi dans la presse nationale comme "Daily News" ou "Thai Rath" !
Les editions a "sensations" foisonnent dans le pays et ont l'air de se vendre comme des p'tits pains ?
Comme par exemple, les histoires effrayantes sur les "esprits des revenants"... 😮
Geob,
J'ai quand meme l'impression que nous avons la meme chose en occident, sous des formes différentes, et un peu plus censurées c'est vrai :
lors d'un accident de la circulation, les sauveteurs sont obligés de poser un paravent, la route est bouchée dans les DEUX sens, parce que la voie est encombrée, et parce que les automobilistes ralentissent ou s'arretent pour 'voir quelque chose'.
les gamins filment spontanément des agressions (slapping), des cadavres (comme a Eaubonne en France), pour ensuite les montrer aux copains-copine.
les cinémas et la télévision diffusent des films d'horreur chaque semaine, avec effets spéciaux très réalistes.
les jeux videos nous permettent de nous mettre dans la peau de tueurs.
aux USA des jeunes 'petent les plombs' et passent de la fiction a la réalité (Colombine).
Etc...
J'avais eu la meme réaction que toi, lorsque j'ai vu ces images (il y a effectivement des journaux spécialisés, en couleur), mais cela m'a permis de mieux me rendre compte de nos différences culturelles.
Les thais sont eux aussi choqués par certains aspects de notre culture: nos tenues vestimentaires, nos revues erotiques (interdites en Thailande), notre attitude a l'égard des statues de Bouddha, les chaussures aux pieds dans la maison, la position des pieds, notre banalisation de la monnaie qui porte l'image du Roi...
Le contact interculturel émousse lentement ces différences, avec plus ou moins de réussites. Je me garde bien de juger si c'est bien ou pas (sujet philosophique complexe).
quand je te parlais de réaction d'europeens ce n'est pas face a la mort mais face a la violence, me suis un peut ecarté de ta question initiale,
en parlant de viol et de non difference entre le réel et le virtuel, je reviens encore sur M. Kasowich qui pour moi est le nouveau Kubrik en tant que visionnaire,
qui a vu IRREVERSIBLE, moi perso aprés la scene de viol de 20 mns je ressens ce qu'une femme peut ressentir,
tu ressort casser aprés avoir regarder ces images,
les critiques y on vus du voyeurisme,
toujours de Mathieu,
dans "assasins" ou tu vois un gamin qui passe de jeux video de mort a l'assassinat d'une femme endormie
sans aucune emotion,
la aussi descendu en fleche
en Thailande meme constat quand tu regardes les feuilletons de m... a la TV :
violence, violence, violence
mais il est vrai qu'en Thailande celà interpelle + face a l'apparente douceur
(petite anecdote ce post m'a donner envie de regarder les infos sur TV (pas vues depuis 5 mois )
j'ai eu l'impression de revoir les mêmes infos !)
Mais jusqu'au début des 90 aucune images choc n'étaient floutées, maintenant c'est quasiment la règle ce qui enlève beaucoup aux détails, les vieux magazines des années 80 vont devenir des collectors pour les amateurs du genre.
Bonsoir,
C'est etonnant, cette histoire des 20 mn dans "Irreversible" ! Quand j'ai vu le film, je me suis dit chronomete cette scene... vraiment epouvantable (j'y reviens), elle ne dure "que" 8 mn ! Mais l'impact est si fort, nous sommes comme des temoins passifs, mals a l'aise, on a envie de crier "stop" ! C'est la raison pour laquelle les 1 er critiques ont parle de 20 mn, tant ils ont trouve interminable cette scene si violente, destabilisante. Or, cette scene est tournee en plein sequence, et du coup nous oublions vite que nous sommes au cinema. Imaginons cette scene tournee avec une multitude de plans rapides, sous differents angles, le resultat aurait ete different !
La plupart du temps, surtout les films americains, nous montre la violence comme dans un jeu video : les images se succedent rapidement, un mort par ci, une explosion par la... ce n'est pas la realite ! Lorsque que le gamin passe du jeu a l'acte, il est toujours dans son jeu, dans l'irrealite totale ! Quand ils interrogent ces jeunes, les flics sont sideres : les jeunes reconnaissent leurs actes, mais ils ne comprennent pourquoi on fait tant d'histoires pour ca, ils ne realisent pas la gravite de leurs gestes ! Ils sont dans l'irrealite !
Ce matin, a Mamallapuram, j'entends une rythmique de percussions. Devant un restau ferme, il y avait des gens assis sur des chaises en plastique. Quatre musiciens : un tambourin, un tambour, une grosse caise, et un autre gars avec... j'arrive plus a me souvenir du nom, ca ressemble a des grenades allemandes, remplies de sable ou de gravier, mais le tout, ca donne envie de bouger, de danser. Je vais chez le pharmacien, en face, et lui dit : il y a donc un deces ? Alors il prend une mine abattue : eh oui, mon pauvre monsieur, nous sommes bien peu de choses !... Pout len ! Bien au contraire ! Ils se sont presque marrer, et, derriere le comptoir, tous les gars qui travaillent la dedans, avaient de larges sourires ! Yes ! Yes ! me dit l'un d'eux, dead !
En asie, la mort n'est pas percue comme en occident ! Ce n'est pas la fin de la vie, c'est un passage pour autre chose. J'ai assiste a un enterrement dans le quartier des pecheurs de Mamallapuram, et j'ai meme aide a pousser la terre dans le trou - la vieille dame a ete brule plutard, l'enterrement etait tres anime et meme bordelique tant ca tirait a hue et a dia sur ce qu'il fallait faire du corps !
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.