J'ai comme l'impression que le Bath à bu du Red Bull .😠....depuis debut septembre..
Bien que l'euro reste stable à 1.28 dollars , le change entre l'euro et le bath à baissé et n'est plus qu'à 39.41 ce jour.... Volonté d"un bath fort ???
J'ai comme l'impression que le Bath à bu du Red Bull .😠....depuis debut septembre..
Bien que l'euro reste stable à 1.28 dollars , le change entre l'euro et le bath à baissé et n'est plus qu'à 39.41 ce jour.... Volonté d"un bath fort ???
l'euros a perdu quasiment 25% depuis le debus d'annee, le dollars c'etait y'a 2ans depuis il remonte pas des masses.
le Bahts va bientot redescendre la ils est bien trop fort, mais ASEAN doit certainement se concerter car les monnaies asiatique sont bien trop forte , et defavorise leur exportations, mais tu pense bien que l'euro n'est pas chuter pour les beaux yeux des banquiers, c'est une volonter pour booster les exportations, airbus n'a jamais si bien vendu d'avion....l'alemagne premier exportateur se gave, ca va permettre de relancer l'econnomie europeenne
12% de croissance au 1er trimestre, 9% au second malgré la crise politique, un déficit minime, des exportations en hausse, la situation macro économique est bonne même si le tourisme, qui contrairement à ce qu'on lit sur ce forum parfois n'est pas la principale ressource de la Thaïlande est en légère baisse...
Pas de raison objective que le baht baisse par rapport à l'euro...
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
12% de croissance au 1er trimestre, 9% au second malgré la crise politique, un déficit minime, des exportations en hausse, la situation macro économique est bonne même si le tourisme, qui contrairement à ce qu'on lit sur ce forum parfois n'est pas la principale ressource de la Thaïlande est en légère baisse...
Pas de raison objective que le baht baisse par rapport à l'euro...
Exact,
et quand on a 2% de croissance en Europe, nos dirigeants sautent de joie...
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
12% de croissance au 1er trimestre, 9% au second malgré la crise politique, un déficit minime, des exportations en hausse, la situation macro économique est bonne même si le tourisme, qui contrairement à ce qu'on lit sur ce forum parfois n'est pas la principale ressource de la Thaïlande est en légère baisse...
Pas de raison objective que le baht baisse par rapport à l'euro...
Exact,
et quand on a 2% de croissance en Europe, nos dirigeants sautent de joie...
c'est comparer l'incomparable
l'Allemagne et la France sont respectivement les 4 et 5eme puissances économiques mondiales, la Thailande vous avez une idée ? 😏
la France qui a un PIB > à + de 10 fois la Thailande, ne peut avoir un taux de croissance à 2 chiffres, soyez un poil réaliste
Non, tu as parfaitement raison, le taux de croissance de la France en 2008 a été de 1 chiffre, mais après la virgule, soit 0,4, tandis que la Thaïlande avait un taux à 2 chiffres.
On en reparle quand on verra la Thailande dans le top 10 😏 des puissances économiques
tu as beau rigoler, mais ceux qui savent distinguer croissance et PIB rigoleront avec moi.
Ton problème c'est que tu confonds croissance et PIB.
Une croissance est une croissance, une économie qui fonctionne bien a une croissance qui peut monter à 2 chiffres même si elle n'est pas bien classée au niveau PIB.
En terme simple pour toi, imagines une pente, le vélo qui se trouve en 63ème position peut rouler rapidement (une croissance à 2 chiffres ok ?) et des vélos en peloton de tête à 3000 km devant qui roulent lentement ou même freinent (croissance à 1 chiffre, voir stagnent ou sont en décroissance).
ça capte ?
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
personne n'a dit le contraire, c'est toi qui écrit que j'ai comparé l'incomparable, je vois pas pourquoi, la croissance reste la croissance, pas le PIB :
et quand on a 2% de croissance en Europe, nos dirigeants sautent de joie...
Jimmy :
c'est comparer l'incomparable
l'Allemagne et la France sont respectivement les 4 et 5eme puissances économiques mondiales, la Thailande vous avez une idée ? 😏
c'est donc bien toi qui compare l'incomparable
Tu veux supprimer tes post ? 😏😏😏
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
Les jeunes pousses ont toujours des % de croissance plus important
ce n'est pas nouveau
pour une base de 100 une année, avec une croissance de 10% donne 110
pour une base de 1000 une année, avec une croissance de 1% donne 1010
les 2 ont réalisé une augmentation brute de 10...même chiffre mais le taux est différent !
je vous laisse à votre calculette
pour être clair, je vous abandonne
ps : c'est pour cela que le % n'a aucun sens lorsque l'on compare 2 puissances économiques, une qui est 5eme (France) et l'autre proche des 30eme (Thailande)
c'est comparer l'incomparable
J'ai comme l'impression que le Bath à bu du Red Bull .😠....depuis debut septembre..
Bien que l'euro reste stable à 1.28 dollars , le change entre l'euro et le bath à baissé et n'est plus qu'à 39.41 ce jour.... Volonté d"un bath fort ???
l'euros a perdu quasiment 25% depuis le debus d'annee, le dollars c'etait y'a 2ans depuis il remonte pas des masses.
le Bahts va bientot redescendre la ils est bien trop fort, mais ASEAN doit certainement se concerter car les monnaies asiatique sont bien trop forte , et defavorise leur exportations, mais tu pense bien que l'euro n'est pas chuter pour les beaux yeux des banquiers, c'est une volonter pour booster les exportations, airbus n'a jamais si bien vendu d'avion....l'alemagne premier exportateur se gave, ca va permettre de relancer l'econnomie europeenne
Sans parler d'indexation, le bath suis plus ou moins le cours du dollars.
d'ailleurs depuis que l'Euro baisse face au dollars le taux de change Euro/Bath est moins interressant.
Lorsque le bath était à 50 pour un euro, l'euro était au environ de 1.52 dollars
Difficile à croire que cela se reproduira. même si l'euro remonte, jusqu'a 1.52 dollars le bath pourrais rester au environ de 45 pour un euro au lieu de 50
Certainement une volonté politique d'avoir un bath fort face aux autres monnaies ...
Merci pour l'info, ça confirme bien ce que je pensais. Mais cela ne risque t-il pas à terme de freiner l'activité touristique dans ce pays ? ..... même si le tourisme n'est pas la première source de revenu
Mais cela ne risque t-il pas à terme de freiner l'activité touristique dans ce pays ? ..... même si le tourisme n'est pas la première source de revenu
j'en doute, cela reste toujours pas cher même avec un bath fort, on mange encore pour 30 baths.
Ici un article toujours du Bangkokpost, le prix des hôtels baisse encore.
Les jeunes pousses ont toujours des % de croissance plus important
ce n'est pas nouveau
pour une base de 100 une année, avec une croissance de 10% donne 110
pour une base de 1000 une année, avec une croissance de 1% donne 1010
les 2 ont réalisé une augmentation brute de 10...même chiffre mais le taux est différent !
je vous laisse à votre calculette
pour être clair, je vous abandonne
ps : c'est pour cela que le % n'a aucun sens lorsque l'on compare 2 puissances économiques, une qui est 5eme (France) et l'autre proche des 30eme (Thailande)
c'est comparer l'incomparable
Il n'y a pas que cela, mais tu as raison. On ne peut se contenter d'analyser un taux de croissance, qui seul, ne veut rien dire. Il faut considérer l'ensemble du système économique en question....Je te suis...
Arrêtons donc les considérations macro économiques sans justifications, ou bien les commentaires de type je suis un zorro de l'économie et tu n'y comprends rien (je ne parle pas de toi Jimmy), cela ne mène nul part et ne fait pas avancer le débat....
Mes amis voyageurs, je vous souhaite encore et toujours plus de beaux rêves en projets....😏
Relisez bien, il ne dit pas ce que vous semblez comprendre!!
la Thaïlande a effectivement un taux de croissance a deux chiffres car elle a un PIB largement inférieur a celui de la France, ce qui est je dirais "biologiquement" normal
Car si la France parvient à un taux de croissance à deux chiffres, elle entrainera les économies plus faibles dans des taux de croissances a trois chiffres (on peut toujours rêver, mais je crois que la planète n'appréciera point), bien évidemment dans l'hypothèse d'une économie mondialisée ......(les francais produisent tellement de richesses qu'ils se jettent sur les produits importés de thailande, ils voyagent et dépensent à fond dans ce pays à bas couts .....et du coup ont une influence plus prononcée sur le PIB de ce pays qui rappelons le est plus faible)
je suis d'accord avec toi, ce post n'est pas pour toi.
A toutes et à tous,
Quand les voyageurs que nous sommes changent 100 Euros celà représente 5000 baths ou 4000 baths à l'heure actuelle, c'est quoi la différence une nuit d'hotel et un repas, ce que je veux dire c'est que quand on a les moyens de se payer un billet d'avion à entre 600 et 800 euros, on s'en fout, on n'arretera pas d'aller en Thailande pour ça, effectivement on perd un peu mais c'est pas la fin du monde, en tout cas, moi c'est pas le change qui m'empechera d'y aller.
Alors à toutes et tous, si le change vous dérange, ben rester chez vous, vous dépenserez plus d'argent à voyager en France, en Europe ou au USA.
La zone Asie qui nous concerne est très bon marché (je ne parle pas pour les expatriés qui voient leur pourvoir d'achat dimuner, mais regarder les choses en face, vous faites quoi en France avec 20 euros.
Surtout qu'il n'y a pas si longtemps avant l'Euro, on avait 16-18 bahts pour 1 Franc suisse soit moitié moins que maintenant. En Euros ca donnait a peine 10 bahts, ca calme ca hein? 😉 Bon les prix n'étaient pas les mêmes non plus 😇 mais c'était il n'y a pas plus d'une 15aine d'année. Alors je crois qu'on oublie un peu que le taux "normal" (si le baht n'était pas gonflé un peu artificiellement) serait autour des 30 Bahts et qu'on en est encore loin, alors il faut arrêter de se plaindre. On a encore de beaux jours en Thailande a ce taux la, même pour les Cheap Charlies 😛
je suis d'accord avec toi, ce post n'est pas pour toi.
A toutes et à tous,
Quand les voyageurs que nous sommes changent 100 Euros celà représente 5000 baths ou 4000 baths à l'heure actuelle, c'est quoi la différence une nuit d'hotel et un repas, ce que je veux dire c'est que quand on a les moyens de se payer un billet d'avion à entre 600 et 800 euros, on s'en fout, on n'arretera pas d'aller en Thailande pour ça, effectivement on perd un peu mais c'est pas la fin du monde, en tout cas, moi c'est pas le change qui m'empechera d'y aller.
Alors à toutes et tous, si le change vous dérange, ben rester chez vous, vous dépenserez plus d'argent à voyager en France, en Europe ou au USA.
La zone Asie qui nous concerne est très bon marché (je ne parle pas pour les expatriés qui voient leur pourvoir d'achat dimuner, mais regarder les choses en face, vous faites quoi en France avec 20 euros.
Bien à vous toutes et à tous.
Laurent
Mais avec une monnaie forte un pays ne devient-il pas plus riche? et par conséquent devient-il pas plus cher ? ce qui peux entrainer inévitablement une augmentation des prix.
L'exemple du Franc et de l'euro sur le pouvoir d'achat par OPL en est peut être la preuve.... 🏴☠️
sincèrement, si on n'y vit pas, si on n'a pas à investir de grosses sommes dans le pays, qu'est ce que ça peut nous faire de payer 90 centimes d'euros 1 repas au lieu de 60 centimes.
Comparativement à d'autres pays, la Th reste un pays franchement pas cher pour y voyager.
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
merci, mais c'est tellement logique,
J'arrive pas à comprendre ce que les gens ont dans la tete
Bon voyage à toi
Laurent
C'est peut être qu'il ne pensent pas comme vous 😎
Ce n'est pas de chercher à avoir une nouvelle fois le baht à 50 🤪 quoique que çà ne déplairais à personne vu les post a ce sujet....
mais plutôt à s'intéresser au devenir d'un pays comme la Thailande sur les conséquence d'une monnaie forte.
Vrai qu'entre 50 THB pour 1 € et les 39,50 d'aujourd'hui, pour un expat retraité (modeste) qui vit là bas disons depuis 2 ou 3 ans, la différence est sensible !
Si cette personne a pris pour habitude de se faire virer (exemple au hasard) 1000 euros par mois pour vivre, après change il doit se débrouiller avec 39500 THB au lieu de 50000, ce qui lui fait une chute de pouvoir d'achat de + de 20% en peu de temps.
C'est du concret.
Et effectivement, c'est sans doute plus difficile à assumer que pour un touriste occasionnel qui a un tout autre budget pour visiter le pays en quelques semaines.
Souhaitons donc que ce gentil petit baht remonte ! 😉
Ces préoccupations sont surtout celles de personnes au budgets ultra serrés, et qui sont a la limite de la mendicité, tant ils grattent leurs petits baht et mettent souvent mal a l'aise les commerçants et poussant le marchandage a des extrêmes irréalistes.
Beaucoup pensent encore qu'ils peuvent séjourner en Thailande avec 3 ronds au fond de la poche.
Cela fait des années, que je repette qu'ils feraient mieux de rester chez eux et d'économiser suffisamment d'argent pour s'offrir un voyage pour lequel il n'auront pas a flipper si le taux de change fluctue de 3 francs 6 sous.
Je pense que tout ceux qui aimes la Thaïlande, mais aussi les Thaïlandais se réjouissent de voir que l'économie du pays se porte bien. Dans ce pays, il y a encore enormement de gens pauvres qui eux aimeraient bien que le pays soit encore plus riche.
PS: Sous la tôle, le khao Phat se négocie encore à 25 ou 30 Baht. Ca devrait rassurer ceux qui ont peur de crever de faim.
Ceux qui disent qu'on ne peut pas être et avoir été n'ont jamais connu de cons sur le long terme.
Vrai qu'entre 50 THB pour 1 € et les 39,50 d'aujourd'hui, pour un expat retraité (modeste) qui vit là bas disons depuis 2 ou 3 ans, la différence est sensible !
Si cette personne a pris pour habitude de se faire virer (exemple au hasard) 1000 euros par mois pour vivre, après change il doit se débrouiller avec 39500 THB au lieu de 50000, ce qui lui fait une chute de pouvoir d'achat de + de 20% en peu de temps.
C'est du concret.
Et effectivement, c'est sans doute plus difficile à assumer que pour un touriste occasionnel qui a un tout autre budget pour visiter le pays en quelques semaines.
Souhaitons donc que ce gentil petit baht remonte ! 😉
Effectivement, mon message précèdent n'incluait pas les expat et les personnes retraitées... Je parlais uniquement des short time.
Pour vous, la situation est bien évidement différente.
Ceux qui disent qu'on ne peut pas être et avoir été n'ont jamais connu de cons sur le long terme.
il vaut mieux ne pas partir en thailande que de megoter son moindre bath,
pour ma part, je ne garde que les billets de 20, tout ce qui est en dessous part dans les boites que l'on peut trouver dans les seven eleven,
Et le billet de 20 baths, voir plusieurs pour les enfants qui vendent les colliers de fleurs,
J'ai même donner une fois trois cents baths à une petite fille dans la rue tellement elle m'avait touchée, attention intellectuellement pour couper court à tout ceux qui vont rentrer dans le "oui il est pédophile, il va en thailande",
Mais aussi parce que mon amie thaie m'a dit si nous avions une fille je voudrais qu'elle soit aussi belle et resplendissante, je préfère donner à quelqu'un qui m'inspire la joie plutot que quelqu'un qui me fait pitier,
je sais que c'est pas loin d'une, voir deux journées de travail pour une mère ou un père thai, mais pour moi, c'était juste du bonheur,
d'ailleurs je recroise cette jeune fille quand je viens en Thailande, et elle me reconnait, et je discute toujours avec elle.
n'oubliez pas que l'argent n'est qu'une monnaie d'échange, alors s'il peut redonner le sourire à quelqu'un sa valeur faciale ne vaut rien.
après les critiques que vous pourrez faire vous les garder pour vous, je les connais d'avance, merci à vous.
Tout à fait; nous ne devons pas oublier non plus les Thais qui vivent en France, qui gagnent pas forcement beaucoup et qui aident leur famille en Thailande ... c'est assez fréquent et pour eux la situation actuelle peu favorable puisqu'ils doivent donner plus d'euros pour maintenir le niveau de leur aide familiale ! et c'est tous les mois, pas pour les vacances ...
Le baht fort a aussi pas mal d'avantages pour les Thailandais ou ceux qui vivent en Thailande; un seul exemple : le pétrole payé en dollars...Plus le baht est fort, moins il est cher en baht dans le pays...Pour les expats qui font du business ici, ils ont aussi gagné 20% de pouvoir d'achat quand ils changent leurs bahts en euros...😎
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
Vrai qu'entre 50 THB pour 1 € et les 39,50 d'aujourd'hui, pour un expat retraité (modeste) qui vit là bas disons depuis 2 ou 3 ans, la différence est sensible !
C'est clair pour ceux la mais ceux qui y habitent depuis plus de 10 ans comprendront que même a 30 Bahts pour un Euros la Thailande reste un pays de cocagne même pour les petites retraites alors arrêtons les larmes de crocodile et ayons un peu de dignité et de respect pour ceux qui ne gagnent "que" 6000 Bahts par mois et font vivre toute leur famille avec cela 😐
Effectivement, mon message précèdent n'incluait pas les expat et les personnes retraitées...
tu peux les inclure les retraites a 1000€ ils sont encore plus loose ils n ont pas l excuse d etre jeune.........
En précisant que je ne suis pas dans le cas d'expatrié que je décris et que j'ai pris l'exemple de 1000 euros "au hasard" pour faire un chiffre rond, je dirais que j'ai rarement lu un post aussi intolérant, idiot, et limite raciste anti-"vieux". Là tu tiens le pompon, bravo.
J'ai cherché et recherché partout sur Internet, mais les infos sur le visa sont vraiment compliquées.. voici mon projet: arrivée bangkok 24 novembre 2013,…
Ca y est on est en thailande depuis 4 jours... c est aussi chaleureux et beau que vous nous l aviez promis... mais la proportion de pharang entre 50 et 70…
Voici mon témoignage suite à mon retour de Thailande du 24/09/2007: Nous sommes partis mon amie et moi le 08/09/2007 pour un séjour de 17J et 14N en formule…
C'est ma question, pourquoi voyager en Thaïlande? Déjà pour commencer, je n'ai jamais visiter ce pays et je me suis guère intéressè à son histoire, cultures,…
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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.
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!
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,
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 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.
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.
However, I’m not quite 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 some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
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…
Hi there, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
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