Arriver a BKK le 17 Janvier, on a environ 1 semaine pour monter a chiang mai. Qu'y a t'il a faire absolument sur le trajet pour que l'on ne passe pas a coté de quelque chose de manifique. merci de vos reponses. Elle sont parfois plus riches qu'un guide de voyage.
Si tu aimes les choses authentiques mais fun, arete toi à lopburi, à environ 100 km au nord de bangkok: c mort ( y a que deux ou trois hotels et un resto), mais comme c pas touristique, les gens sont hyper sympas: y a une place centrale tres grande avec pleins d'activités ( basket, aerobic ..... ) et tu peux te joindre sans pob au locaux. J'ai un souvenir tres fort des 2 heures de basket avec les jeunes et moins jeunes du coin. La ballade le long de la riviere est tres sympa aussi. Mais surtout, une partie de la ville est envahie par les maquaques ( que la religion intedit de tuer ) : partout sur les fils électiques, su les voitures, su la route: quelques photos sympa. Bref, moi je vous conseille une nuit a lopbui, meme si c pas tres excitant.
Si vous preferez les temples historiques, ne manquez bien sur pas ayutaya et sukhotai ( indispensable ce dernier ) . 2 anciennes capitales a parcourir en velo.
Chiang Mai..... va direct sur Chiang Mai, c'est une bonne destination, et puis tu verras que rien que le trajet en train de nuit est une bonne experience!!😉 C'est genial... mais t'en as bien pour 12, 13 voir 14h!! Chaque fois que je l'ai pris il etait a la bourre!!!😎
Tu peux acheter un billet de train a bkk partout... le prix varie entre 500 et 700 baths par personnes suivant les agences et la place dans le train (en haut ou en bas) et si c'est un wagon air cond... En bas c'est mieux, il fait noir et t'as un peu plus de place pour dormir...mais le haut est bien aussi, juste la lumiere qui derange un peu..
Arrive a Chiang Mai... trouve une guest house, il y'en a plein vers Tapei-gate..
Apres, le delire c'est de louer une petite moto (4 vitesses, sans embrayage, facile a conduire) pour 150 baths par jour... et pour l'essence c'est derisoire..tu peux vister les environs toi meme, aller sur ce magnifique temple dans la montagne tout seul... c'est excellent.
Je pourrais te parler de la thailande pendant des heures.... je vais m'arreter la, a+ si t'as des questions!!😄
Nous ne savons pas si ton séjour en Thailande est de 7 jours, mais si les 7 jours que tu mentionnes peuvent être consacrés au trajet entre Bangkok et Chiang Mai, ce qui suit peut t'intéresser 🙂...
Nous étions 3 semaines en Thailande l'année dernière, nous y retournons cette année (en Février - Mars) pour continuer l'aventure 😮 !
L'an dernier, nous avons rejoint en 6 jours Bangkok à Chiang Mai. Nous partageons ici notre expérience et suggèrons quelques recommandations. A toi de voir...
Pour le trajet, nous avons utilisé exclusivement le train et le bus (très économiques et plutôt confortables)... de jour à l'aller et de préférence aux heures les plus chaudes pour profiter de la fraicheur des transports et bien evidemment du paysage ; de nuit au retour (mais attention il faut réserver quelques jours avant, voire dès le premier jour...).
Les sites à ne pas manquer :
Ayutthaya - prévoir 2 journée (magnifique parc historique)
Lopburi ou Bang Pai - prévoir 1/2 journée
Old Sukkhothai - prévoir 2 journée (site historique exceptionnel)
Jour 1 : Bangkok - Ayutthaya.
Nous avons pris le train en 3eme classe pour une somme dérisoire (20 BHT). Outre le côté peu onéreux du choix, il est possible de partager un moment très agréable en compagnie des Thailandais
A la gare d'Ayuttahaya prendre les billets de train pour le reste du trajet (étapes et Chiang Mai tout en 2nde classe) ainsi que le retour (couchette 1ere classe - pour vraiment économiser une nuit d'hôtel, il faut pouvoir dormir convenablement...). Pourquoi ? La gare est plus petite et surtout moins oppressante que celle de Bangkok (truffée de rabateurs), les guichets sont plus sympatiques et ont plus de temps... Ensuite plus besoin de se poser de questions : la voie est tracée.
Arrivé en gare d'Ayutthaya, prendre à gauche pour accéder à des hôtels à pied (500 m maxi). Même si une formule GuestHouse est envisageable en allant tout droit en sortant de la Gare, puis traverser la Chao Praya en radeau... les GuestHouse ne sont plus loin...
Louer un vélo pour faire un premier tour rapide au parc avant la nuit (le vaste site historique doit être à 3 km de la gare... note : le trajet est plat).
Jour 2 : Ayutthaya - Lopburi - Ayutthaya
Nous avons fait une excursion dans la fameuse cité des singes... Une journée est bien suffisante. C'est intéressant car ça semble authentique... mais nous pense qu'il vaut mieux faire un détour en bus ou en bateau au palais de Bang Pai (au Sud d'Ayutthaya). Cette option est celle que nous avons retenu pour notre voyage 2006.
Jour 3 : Ayutthaya - Phisanulok (en train) - Old Sukkhothai (en bus)
Il faut se lever tôt pour poursuivre la visite d'Ayutthaya en matinée et prendre le train en début d'après-midi (vers 13 ou 14 heures).
Arrivé à Phisanulok (ou Philok), il faut prendre un bus pour relier Sukkothai (coûte de mémoire 70 BATH). L'arrêt n'est pas trop loin à pied (environ 1 km). En sortant de la gare, il faut prendre à droite et marcher tout droit jusqu'à un pont routier qui traverse la voie ferrée. L'arrêt de bus se trouve quelque part sur cette grande avenue à gauche...
Arrivé à Sukkhothai (vers 19 h si pas trop difficulté pour trouver la correspondance du bus), prendre un Songthaew (15 BATH à tout casser) ou un pseudo taxi (200 BATH) pour aller vers old sukkhothai. Arrivée sur place il y a le Thai Village House (bungalow en tek à 700 BATH la nuit) et/ou de bonnes guest houses (que nous ne connaissons pas...).
Jour 4 : Old Sukkhothai
Sur place louer un vélo (je crois 20 BATH par jour) et faire l'intérieur du parc le matin et le musée l'après midi. Il y a un forfait à 150 BATH pour visiter l'ensemble... mais attention ce n'est valable qu'un jour pour le parc et on ne peut pas entrer et sortir indéfiniment.
Nous recommandons de prévoir 2 jours parce que le site est magnifique, la ballade à vélo très agréable... et qu'il s'agit avant tout de vacances...
A l'entrée du parc il y a des petits restaurants avec Internet très bons et d'un super rapport qualité prix (mais nous reviendrons sur les restaurants en conclusion)...
Jour 5 : Old Sukkhothai - Phisanulok
Poursuivre en matinée sur le tour du parc puis rentrer vers 14 heures pour repartir à Philok.
No comment - l'étape était une erreur... Nous ne recommandons surtout pas Philok... Très decevant 🙁 !
Il vaut mieux passer une nuit de plus à Old Sulkhothai quitte à aller flaner 1/2 journée par exemple à Sukkhothai, et partir tôt le matin pour rejoindre Philok puis Chiang Mai...
Jour 6 : Phisanulok - Chiang Mai
Le train doit partir à mi journée. Le trajet dure assez longtemps, mais les paysages sont à la hauteur.
Arrivée Chiang Mai vers 20 h... Nous avons retenu le C&C Teak House recommandé par différent guide... Le patron et sa famille sont effectivement très conviviaux... La Ghesthouse particulièrement agréable même s'il est vrai qu'on retrouve essentiellement des européens. A vrai dire nous étions depuis 10 jours en Thailande et n'avions pas eu l'occasion de parler avec des européens... ça faisait somme toute du bien, ne serait-ce que pour partager les expériences passées et futures...
Sur Chiang Mai... il y a de quoi rester 5 jours sans trop s'ennuyer bien au contraire. C'est un peu stéréotypé, mais ça fait du bien de se poser un peu et de faire du tourisme facile et à prix doux : Diner Khantuke, Elephants, Ferme des Orchidées, la visite du Doi Suthep (haut lieu de culte), les pseudo Trek, les cours de cuisine (géniaux !), le Night Bazar, un massage par des non voyants, etc.
Conclusion :
Le trajet entre Bangkok et Chiang Mai doit absolument se faire par étape dans le sens aller. Les sites historiques sont fabuleux (pour mémoire Old Sukhothai est inscrit au patrimoine de l'UNESCO...). Nous nous souvenons que ce parcours vers le Nord fut un emerveillement car finalement peu de touristes mises sur le patrimoine des 2 anciens royaumes de Siam... et pourtant 😛 !
Nous avons rencontré des gens extraordinaires notamment à Ayuthaya (restaurants Malakor et Moradok Thai recommandés par Lonely sont parfaits...la description du guide est d'ailleurs fidèle), ou nous avons vécu de grands moments avec des habitants du coin très accueillants (nous y retournons d'ailleurs cette année aussi pour les revoir et les remercier).
Note : comme nous avions opté pour un voyage culturel, nous avons de fait préféré : Old Sukkhothai, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Bangkok (maison de Jim Thompson, le Wat Pho et alentours, le Blue Elephant pour la cuisine royal, etc.), Damnoen Sadduak (marché flottant... même si dormir sur place au Nok Noi est un véritable supplice !), Lopburi, New Sukkhothai, Phisanulok, Pour information : Nous allons faire appel à des conseils pour notre prochain circuit (Bangkok - Chiang Mai (avec étape ci dessus) - Khorat - Plages)... A voir prochainement débats sur le Forum.
Bon voyage 😉 et si tu veux d'autres renseignement, n'hésites pas...
DLF et STF
On peut tromper une fois mille personnes, mais on ne peut pas tromper mille fois une personne...
Nous avons fait quelques abus ces derniers jours 🤪... et je crois que la multitude d'erreurs que nous faisons au quotidien est un peu correlée à ceux-ci.
Nous sommes en quelle année déjà ? 😄
Nous venons d'ouvrir un Forum de discussion sur notre prochain séjour... nous essayons d'affiner le parcours et les excursions Bangkok - Ayuthaya - Sukkhothai - Chiang Mai - Isan et plages... Quelques bons tuyaux y circulent.
STF
On peut tromper une fois mille personnes, mais on ne peut pas tromper mille fois une personne...
Petite question. J'ai fait ce trajet sans arrêt, en bus. A un moment, on voit une montagne qui laisse voir le roc, dans une plaine. Une espèce de monolithe. C'est à l'est de la route. Pouvez-vous identifier cette montagne ?
Merci !
Yvon
Désolé 😕 LeDragon nous avons fait le trajet en train et nous ne sommes pas certains qu'il emprunte les mêmes axes que les bus (notamment en région montagneuse) 🙁.
En espérant que quelques experts 😇 lisent ta requête et parviennent à identifier ce roc...
Bonne chance 😉
DLF et STF
On peut tromper une fois mille personnes, mais on ne peut pas tromper mille fois une personne...
En tout cas, pour moi, ces infos tombent à point nommé, c'est intelligent et instructif et ça répond à tout un tas d'interrogations. Merci STF, merci excès de Noël! 😉
Si nous pouvons t'apporter un semblant de lumière avec notre courte expérience Thailandaise... nous nous ferons un plaisir te t'aiguiller 😉.
Si tu envisages un séjour postérieur au 10 mars 2006, nous pourrons amener quelques compléments d'informations sur l'Isan (qui nous met en appétit grâce aux échanges sur VoyageForum.com)...
Bon voyage 😎
DLF et STF
On peut tromper une fois mille personnes, mais on ne peut pas tromper mille fois une personne...
Merci de ta sollicitude, STF. Je vais en profiter bassement.
Nous partons dans... deux jours! Hâte et anticipation! Nous arriverons à Bangkok le 13 vers minuit. Nous avons réservé à Sawasdee House, petit hôtel apparemment sympa dans un soi près de Sukhumvit. Nous y resterons le temps de nous remettre du décalage et des 24 heures de déplacement.
Nous comptons nous diriger vers le Nord en suivant peu ou prou votre itinéraire. Nous voudrions être à Hanoï le 21 janvier. Ça nous laisse donc en théorie du 15 au 21 pour la route entre Bkk et CM. Faisable? Extravagant? Que privilégier dans ce contexte?
(J'ajoute qu'ici, en ce moment même, il fait presque tempête, neige et vent, je n'arrive pas à croire que dans trois jours je serai dans la chaleur de la Thaïlande. YESSSSS!)😏
6 jours, il ne va pas falloir chômer 🤪 et faire de nombreux choix...
Pour information, en plus du temps de trajet et des étapes intermédiaires, nous sommes restés 5 jours à Chiang Mai. Nous voyons donc 2 options : soit Chiang Mai est une étape comme une autre et s'inscrit dans un parcours avec des objectifs très précis : faire le Doi Suthep et le zoo, ou réserver un circuit d'une journée (Elephants, Orchidées - pour la snake farm (coûteuse), il faut apprécier les reptiles -), ou bien se lancer dans un cours de cuisine Thaï.
soit Chiang Mai est un but avec de multiples objectifs auquel cas il ne faudra choisir qu'une voire aucune étape intermédiare (notamment Ayuathay ou Old Sukhothai)
Autant dire que le choix n'est pas facile.
Tout d'abord, Bangkok.
Sur Bangkok, il y a plein de choses à faire... mais il est vrai qu'avec le voyage, le décalage horaire, mais aussi le changement de climat... il faut y aller tranquille. Comme il y a des sites inévitables tels Wat Pho, Palais Royal, Dusit, etc...
Nous pensons qu'il n'est pas possible de tout faire 🙁 ; autant se fixer un objectif pas trop ambitieux. Par exemple, lors de notre précèdent séjour nous avions opté pour les sites qui se situent le long du Chayo Praya, pour notre voyage à venir nous avons ciblé le secteur de la Vinamnek et le zoo du Dusit.
Il faut se lever tôt le matin (ce qui n'est pas évident les premiers jours) pour profiter au maximum des sites et musées qui ferment le plus souvent assez tôt entre 16 et 17 heures (et éviter la chaleur assomante). De mémoire, le Skytrain passe dans le quartier de Sukhumvit. Il faut dans ce cas privilégier ce mode de transport pour ne pas perdre de temps dans les embouteillages et relier rapidement les quais du Chayo Praya (vers Saphan Taksin), ou le National Stadium pour se reposer dans la quiétude de la maison de Jim Thompson (savourer un thé en terrasse après la visite de la demeure est un plaisir certe un peu cher - tout est relatif - mais, si simple et inestimable). En plus, vue du Skytrain, Bangkok a un tout autre visage...
Note :
Ce qui apparaît difficile à Bangkok est qu'il s'agit généralement de la première expérience en Thailande... Or, il est parfois difficile de se sentir à l'aise devant tant de nouveautés, de sollicitudes, etc. Nous avons mieux apprécier Bangkok à la fin de notre séjour, une fois que nous avions quelques repères.
Etape Ayuthaya :
Bangkok Ayuthaya en train 3eme classe certainement... car ce n'est pas trop long et c'est à vivre. Partager le quotidien c'est à notre avis une bonne expérience. En fonction des horaires (disponibles en partie sur le site de State Railway of Thailand) il est possible de faire une première visite le jour même... Une nuit sur Ayutthaya reste agréable car il est très sympa de se promener autour du site (un peu excentré) en soirée. Mais attention, passée une certaine heure... il faudra revenir à pied car les tuk tuk ne sont pas trop présents dans ce secteur le soir... Il faut donc être vigilant ou aimer marcher.
Cette formule permet d'envisager un détour à Bang Pa In. Voire même d'oublier le train et faire le trajet Bangkok Ayuthaya en bâteau avec escale à Bang Pa In. Le problème s'avère néanmoins autant logistique (que faire des bagages ?) que financier (c'est beaucoup plus cher... à notre connaissance).
Etape Sukhothai :
Bangkok Sukhothai en train ou en avion (en fonction du budget). Si le choix est le train... envisager de voyager l'après midi pour profiter de la matinée pour faire une ou deux dernières visites sur Bangkok, rester au frais la journée en admirant le paysage et arriver en soirée sur Sukhothai qui se visitera alors le lendemain matin. Pour optimiser le temps, il est préférable de dormir près du parc (Old Sukhothai... aussitôt levé, aussitôt sur le vélo pour visiter).
Si le choix est l'avion... nous ne savons pas, nous avons préféré nous offrir un diner au Blue Elephant. Chacun ses options...
L'inconvénient de Sukhothai par rapport à Ayuthaya est que la site sort de l'axe ferroviaire (moins accessible). En revanche il y a les bus et un aéroport (dont une ligne Sukhothai Chiang Mai). Le site semble moins visité... malgré un intérêt équivalent à Ayuthaya voire supérieur (ici c'est l'affectif qui parle pour nous...).
Pour notre prochaine visite, le choix est fait et reste surprenant. Nous refaisons le trajet Bangkok Chiang Mai, puis nous irons dans l'Isaan (tandis que les plages s'éloignent de plus en plus de notre projet...). C'est pourquoi, il apparaît difficile d'imaginer de passer seulement 5 jours entre Bangkok et Chiang Mai.
Difficile donc... 🏴☠️
DLF et STF
On peut tromper une fois mille personnes, mais on ne peut pas tromper mille fois une personne...
Comme le but de notre voyage était surtout le Vietnam à prime abord, nous devrons en effet faire des choix. Nous réfléchissons... Merci encore une fois pour cette gentille et intelligente réponse.
te rapelles tu du délais en bus, sans arrêts, entre BKK et CHiang mai ?
par ce que nous comptons le faire en voiture et aimerions avoir qq infos sur les délais sachant que la moyenne sur les route thais est d'environ 50 kms/heure
@+
"faut pas dire à qui je ressemble, faut dire qui je suis " ( F.cabrel )
Ca fait longtemps et j'ai voyagé de nuit dans un bus où je gelais... Mais, je ne crois nullement que vous deviez considérer une vitesse aussi basse. La route que j'ai vu était en très bon état, de sorte que seule les limites de vitesse, que je ne connais pas, devrais vous ralentir. Il y a beaucoup de très belles infrastructures en Thaïlande. Ainsi, je n'aurais pas de crainte à prévoir une moyenne de 80 ou 90 km/hre.
Faites un bon voyage. Chang Mai a une allure de petite ville de province après l'immense Bangkok. J'étais passé là à l'époque de Loi Kratong, une importante fête pour les thaî. La rue principale était remplie de musiciens et de danseurs. C'était très charmant.
Yvon LeD
Bonjour,
je viens de lire tes infos pour Chang Mai, et je voulais tout bêtement savoir comment tu avais réservé ta guesthouse ? une fois en Thailande ? depuis la France ? Mon anglais est très basique ....
"Je pars en couple le 14/11 pour la 1ère fois en Thaïlande, pdt 3 semaines: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ko samui, Pattaya, Bangkok pour l'itinéraire. Mais nous n'avons rien réservé, nous pensons pouvoir nous débrouiller sur place, cela dit, j'ai qq questions pour la communauté:
1/ nous arrivons de nuit à Bangkok le 1er jour, et j'ai un peur pour trouver une guest house, aussi qq un sait-il si les Siam guesthouse peuvent se réserver à l'avance ?
2/ à l'arrivée à l'aéroport, quel transport vaut-il mieux prendre pour rejoindre sa guesthouse ?
3/ quelle est la moyenne de prix des excursions sur Chiang Mai ?
4/ afin d' avoir une meilleure idée de budget, est-ce que qq'un connait le coût des traversées en bâteau de phuket à ko phi phi, phuket à ko lanta ....
5/ pour les connaisseurs, nous avons établi d'après de nombreuses lectures un budget de 20€/nuit: pensez-vous que ce soit suffisant ?
6/ Enfin, j'aimerai passer une seule nuit idylle avec mon mari sur une des iles de mon parcours: quelqu'un peut-il me conseiller une guesthouse style bengalow, lagon, piscine ..... "
Je vous remercie pour vos précieuses informations, car je ne suis jamais allée en Asie, et étant un peu juste financièrement, ça me travaille...
Gaëlle
Nombre de fois on me demande ce qu'il y a a visiter sur Bangkok, sur ce forum la question reviens souvent également. Je risque donc une réponse, en dix point,…
En juillet je pars en Thaïlande pour un mois en famille (3 enfants de 7 à 11 ans). C'est notre deuxième voyage en famille. Nous sommes deja alles sur CHian…
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, 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 everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi,
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
