bonjour
j ai vu qu il y avait de grands specialistes concernant phuket et samui je sollicite leurs aides concernant phuket et samui que ce soit en :
- restauration
- sorties bar le soir
- adresse location moto ou voiture(me dire le mieux si possible)
- excursion seuls ou avec tour operator
on sera pour samui a l hotel palm beach 4 a bophut et^pour phuket soit le all seasons ou south sea resort prés de karon
on a deja penser au fantasia et aussi bien sur jonque sur phan gnan
autre chose je crois qu il y a un super beau bar ou on est allongé pres de l eau a samui quelqu un aurait une idee du nom et du lieu de ce bar? je crois que la deco est dans les tons de rouge
ensuite on sait pas trop pour les excursions
vite des avis, des conseils on part le 5 aout
merçi a vous tous!
bonjour
j ai vu qu il y avait de grands specialistes concernant phuket et samui je sollicite leurs aides concernant phuket et samui que ce soit en :
- restauration
- sorties bar le soir
- adresse location moto ou voiture(me dire le mieux si possible)
- excursion seuls ou avec tour operator
on sera pour samui a l hotel palm beach 4 a bophut et^pour phuket soit le all seasons ou south sea resort prés de karon
on a deja penser au fantasia et aussi bien sur jonque sur phan gnan
autre chose je crois qu il y a un super beau bar ou on est allongé pres de l eau a samui quelqu un aurait une idee du nom et du lieu de ce bar? je crois que la deco est dans les tons de rouge
ensuite on sait pas trop pour les excursions
vite des avis, des conseils on part le 5 aout
merçi a vous tous!
grand spécialiste peut être pas mais j'ai quelques bons plans sur Phuket :
EXCURSIONSexcursions : les excursions mentionnées ici sont les plus courantes mais je n'ai pas aimé james bond island; Koh Raya est à faire (eau magnifique), et un petit tour par Hat Maya ca le fait aussi bien que bcp de touristes. Tu as également mentionné la jonque, donc je passerai là dessus d'autant que je ne l'ai jamais utilisée.
J'aime bien le zoo de phuket tant décrié sur le forum par son prix jugé excessif (500 bahts) et sa double tarification. Mais j'ai envoyé 2 personnes qui en sont revenues enchantées. C'est un peu c.n de faire 10 000 bornes et de s'arrêter au prix non (surtout si l'on aime les zoos, en plus il y a des shows) ?(désolé image un peu grande) il y a également fantasea pour le soir quasiment tous les membres du forum en sont revenus enchantés, moi j'ai trouvé ca sympatoche sans plusSORTIES BAR LE SOIR
je ne parlerai que du reggae bar qui est pour moi (comme pour Boumbastic d'ailleur) un incontournable. Ca le fait d'admirer le coucher du soleil depuis les hauteurs avec un bon shake (voir un singha shake) A faire après la plage pour admirer le somptueux couché de soleil (d'ailleurs il s'autoproclame after beach bar) ou le soir
finalement je mentionnerai aussi les bars de Patong longeant la mer (face à la mer sur trottoir opposé) : largement après "bangla road" en remontant vers le nord. Il y a pleins de "live". bonne ambiance.
LOUER UNE MOTORBIKE A BON PRIX
souvent tu peux en louer à bon prix dans ton hôtel ou guesthouse. Pas plus de 200 baths la journée. Pas d'adresse précise, mais vu le nb de loueur tu trouveras ton bonheur. (ne pas oublier son permis international, en plus il est gratuit)
RESTAURATIONLe reggae bar, encore lui !😉 (plus précisément le small view point car il y en a deux accolés), la nourriture y est délicieuse.Différent et en bordure de mer : le pakbang food center : hyper relaxant et nourriture bonne
Pour une cuisine délicieuse et très bon marché, le larb Kata est l'idéal : il se situe sur la route principal de Kata (patak road) en direction de Chalong, il est indiqué par un grand panneau blanc qui sera sur ta droite et que tu ne pourras pas louper.Voila, et tout ca est loin d'être exhaustif, Phuket souvent décrié pour son côté ultratouristique fourmille de pleins de bons plans 😉(les marchés thais par ex)
Le bar dont tu parles sur Samui s'appelle le ARK BAR sur Chaweng beach.Effectivement tu es allongé en bord de mer et donc tu manges et bois a l'horizontale sur fond de Music techno ou dance. Mais faut y aller tot (18h env.) Sinon c'est complet. ILs ont un site web car ils font hotellerie également ( http://www.ark-bar.com/ ).
Sur phuket, à patong beach, tu peux aller au restaurant "chez bernard" en front de mer, premiere à gauche apres bangla road (tu demandes tout le monde connait ) c'est un bon rapport qualité prix et le patron est une figure locale ( on dirait iggy popp).Il fait une super ballade en bateau aussi les jeudi et dimanche mais à tes dates je crois que c'est en sommeil.
Sinon les restaurants du front de mer sont relativement bon surtout celui de l' Impiana resort.
Autrement tu peux aussi aller te manger un bout à l'absolute pub (brasserie) situé dans la galerie du jungleceylon (centre commercial) ou Alain le patron tres sympa pourra t'indiquer des bons plans visites aussi.
Pour les sorties, patong (bangla road) est truffée de disco (Tiger et Holliwood surtout) , de bar ambiancés ( taipan et Baya ), de gogo bar, de lady bar. Tu as aussi une boite dans le jungleceylon qui s'appelle "Famous" qui essaie de se demarquer un peu.Mais le view point et son bar sur Kata noi est bien plus romantique pour débuter la soirée.Sur Karon au centara resort il y a un bar Lounge qui est tres bien aussi.
Les spectacles : Phuket Fantasea et Simon cabaret sont à voir sans plus.
Pour les scooters et les excursions (ballades en bateau, en éléphant, en quad...) faites confiance à votre hotel mais négociez les prix avec le sourire (c'est pas honteux, c'est la règle) (ex: scooter à 180 baths/jour maxi 200).
Voilà, je pense vous avoir aidé du mieux possible mais si vous voulez plus de précisions n'hésitez pas ( meme en MP).
hello voisin des BDR
le temps est bien fort mitigé cette année dans notre belle region hélas!
merçi de tes conseils c est fort gentil en fait on reste 5 nuits sur samui et 5 sur phuket et 2 sur bangkok
est ce que c est si dangereux que ca le scooter faut il vraiment mieux louer une voiture?
que me conseille tu comme visite vu que le temps est compté hélas!
merçi a toi
est ce que c est si dangereux que ca le scooter faut il vraiment mieux louer une voiture?
Bonjour ,
Non pas si dangereux que si on maîtrise la conduite de cet engin en France ( et encore pas à l'abri car tout diffèrent de conduite et surtout état de route selon les endroits )
, car faut savoir que les touristes qui n'ont jamais conduit ces engins en France ou voir très peu là oui ça peut compliquer lorsque ils vont en Thaïlande ou autres pays les touristes se lâchent et banzaï ,
donc conclusion si pas habitué vaut mieux louer la voiture et encore faut faire attention aussi conduite
à gauche et bien sur règle d'Or ne jamais louer une voiture aux loueurs de rues
toujours vers des compagnies de locations international comme Budget , Avis etc...
merçi barbot ravie de vous voir je vous est beaucoup lue sur ce forum vous avez l air d etre un vrai connaisseur de ce pays avez vous des adresses pour un loueur serieux de moto? ou des conseils, endroits, lieux, restos thailandais typique et tres bon, bars?
vous nous conseillez je crois la croisiere en junque? merçi a vous je suis toute yeute a vous lire prochainement
cordialement
En, ce qui concerne Samui si tu veux diner Français, tu as "le virage" et "le Daudet" à Fisherman village tenus par Michel et Dédé, Captain Kirk sur Chaweng, tenu par Gillou, "le boudoir" vers Bophut, tous très bien, le Red Snapper (resto du chawng regent hotel, chef Français), un autre endroit magique, à Big Boudha, " l'Orgasmic", sinon pour manger local et pas cher, le petit marché derrière Chaweng, et celui de Lamai, près du ring de boxe, le plus sympa pour moi.
Pour les sorties, Chaweng et ses bars, spectacles de Lady boys, Reggae et Green Mango, et aussi The Q bar.
Pour location scoot et voiture, par securité, une adresse Française, "SMILE tHAI STYLE" près Chaweng, 0857 923 012 ou portable 00 66 85 792 3012
Bon séjour!
bonjour et merçi je note l adresse pour les locations et pour la restauration nous ne mangerons que local si tu as d autres conseils ou adresses pour visites, restau etc n hesites pas on part vendredi! 😊😄😄
Pour bangkok , les visites peuvent etre celles ci :
Centre historique avec les temples (wat arun, wat phra kaeo, wat pho, wat saket, palais vimanmek, democraty monument.....) et un passage par la mythique kao san road.
Quartier Siam avec visite de la baiyoke tower 2, du marché de pratunam, du platinium fashion mall (habits et bijoux)et du pantip plaza (electronique et informatique) puis direction la maison de jim thompson http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com/ et pour finir les centre commerciaux du coin ( MBK, Siam Paragon...).
N'oublies pas de faire un petit trajet en bateau sur le Chao Praya http://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/en/home/ et de visiter les klongs avec un forumeur nommé Thuan (contacte le en MP ). De meme si tu es sur place un week end vas faire un tour au Chatuchak w.e Market ( station BTS Mo chit http://www.bts.co.th/en/index.asp ) assez impressionant par sa grandeur et sa variété.
Voilà je pense que tu es équipée!
Bon voyage voisine😉😉😉 et n'oublies pas de faire part de tes impressions à ton retour.
Salut Carole!
D'apres ce que je comprend, vous voulez manger exclusivement Thai ...a Samui.
QQ restos a conseiller:Chaweng: Spirit House, l'endroit est magique, typique et tu fais un bond en arriere ds le tps. Excellente adresse!Captain Kirk, tres original, eurpeen et Thai , le Thai y est excellent. Service rapide, et deco a la "Gillou" le patron Belge; a faire absolument. c'est a l'etage ds un jardin...A Bophut, pres de la Boulangerie francaise et en face du 7/11, le "Cafe de Samui" ou j'ai mange le meilleur paneng khung de l'ile depuis 6 ans... (thai place)Plus classe: Orgasmic a Bophut;puis World resort a Bophut aussi, sans oublier l'incontournable Zazen. toujours a Bophut.beaucoup plus classe a Maenam: le Napasai resort, un must!Un resto typique a Hua Thanon; le "Ban Hua Thanon Seafood", tres tres sympa comme le patron Thai et pecheur. Poissons vivants ds l'aquarium...Sinon, essayez les marches typiques...Pour les bars au bord de l'eau, il y en a 1 tres sympa ds le fisherman village a Bophut. les sieges sont super confortables! Le Ark Bar a Chaweng est plus branche "farang" et techno music...pour les sorties, le Reggae Pub c'est bien, la premiere partie jusqu'a minuit est en live (GENIAL!) la chanteuse est super sympa et toute petite, on se demande d'ou ellle sort cette energie...la 2eme partie jusqu'a 3h du Mat est plus techno.L'after est a ne pas louper au "Sound" a Chaweng encore.Pour les excursions, le must c'est le parc national maritime Angthong, la tu verses une larme arrivee au sommet... c'est tout simplement grandiose!; Sinon Papa pourra vous faire faire l;e topur de l'Ile en Bateau plus snorkeling et bonne bouffe sympa a Koh Tan, une ile preservee. Agence"Samui Evasion" a Chaweng Soi Colibripour decouvrir l'ile, la motorbike, c'est le top! pas les taxis please!Voila en attendant bonnes vacances. Vous pouvez passer me voir a "Wine Connection" pres du Tesco Lotus a Chaweng si vous vopoulez plus d'infos... BON VOYAGE!
oh la la alors là merçi a vous deux là nous sommes parés pour bangkok et samui concernant vos bons plans!! c est fort gentil a vous deux(mon voisin des bdr et dominique que nous essayerons de voir sur samui)!on a hate d y etre!
motorbike à Samui => "danger extrême" !(que tu maitrise la moto ou pas d'ailleurs car tu ne maîtrisera pas les autres , ...ni les routes défoncés et non éclairés la nuit )
motorbike à Phuket => un peu moins , ..(car route un peu meilleures tout de même et mois dangereuses la nuit )mais accidents fréquents quand même !.
Mon conseil => "loc voiture " ou "taxis jaunes" ou "gris" , ....officiels avec compteur en route et plaque visible (pas de touk- touk en aucun cas = >voyous = >mafia = >voleurs= >problèmes garanties au rdv !!) si vous avez les moyens , .....sinon a pieds !
Voila concernant la moto sur les deux sites indiqués !.
comme dis plus haut...a phuket le reggae bar est sympa en fin d'apres midi et pour les boites on va toujours au Seduction sur la bangla, pour moi c'est la meilleure boite, la clientele est bien et y a pas toutes les filles de bars
exact , mais cuisine facon Dede a la "Marseillaise", pas mon prefere...:-) et le cassoulet c'est plutot pour moi pendant les longues soirees froides de maenam...
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.