salut a tous
Je suis sur Bangkok et c"est Pire que je ne pouvais l'IMAGINER
jE NE SAIS PLUS OU JE SUIS A PART L"HOTEL sur Rama road
au secours je n"ose plus sortir de ma chambre
je me suis fait arnaquer par des tuk tuk et les tqxis n"en parlons pas
si tu n'oses plus sortir, tu vas le regretter car tu ne vas pas venir tous les jours a Bangkok...
Pour les taxis, fait juste attention qu'ils mettent le compteur et il evite de leur parler.
Si un chauffeur commence a trop parler, c'est qu'il veut te proposer quelque chose et ca sent le coup foireux
evite de trop parler
pour les tuk tuk, negocie et si c'est trop cher, va voir ailleurs
y aussi le sky train
non ne te cloitre pas chez toi, y a tellement de choses a voir, ici... ou ailleurs
Surtout ne reste pas sans sortir, Bangkok est une ville extraordinaire, évite les taxis et tuk tuk, un moyen simple de déplacement, pas cher les bateaux sur le chao praya, au début il faut faire attention a la couleur des drapeaux, et au sens de la navigation, ensuite vogue...Il y a aussi le métro agréable.
Il y a aussi les pieds, évite les gds boulevards, les petites rues sont sympa, et les déplacements ne sont pas aussi difficile qu'il ne semble.
Les Thai ne sont pas plus arnaqueurs que les autres ailleurs, il suffit de faire attention, et de ne pas tomber dans les pièges à toursites (un grand nombre sur Kao san).
Très bon séjour à toi
😏
Hummm Michel...ne t'inquiète pas, c'est le moment fatidique de l'adaptation ou pas! (ben oui certain n'y arriveront jamais...tant mieux pour les autres, ca fait moin d'oxyde de carbone)😛
nan mais blague à part, ne t'inquiète vraiment pas.
ne te mefie pas non plus de tout le monde! comme chaque ville, il y a des codes à apprendre et si tu es motivé, ce soir c'est reglé!😎
enfin...pour quelque uns d'entres eux.
les TAxi: je ne vois pas pourquoi il ne faudrai pas leur parler! ca fiche la trouille et c'est angoissant de lire ca. il faut se mefier de tout le monde au meme titre qu'ailleur. les thais sont malins mais ils ne sont aps tous fourbes! meme dans la jungle Bangkokienne.
mais bien sur, en rentrant dans un taxi, systematiquement: tu demande le taxi by meters! c'est une regles à ne pas oublier! meme si on aurai tendance à le faire vu le confort de la clim à l'nterieur!
personnelement, j'evite tout tuck tuck! okay, ca fait folklo pr certain, mais on bouffe la pollution encore plus qu'a l'acoutumé et on se fait avoir!
donc zooo, je prend le taxi et le sky train! (en plus t'as le metro alors quoi demander de plus).
un autre conseil: force toi!
sort!
ne leve pas forcment le nez en l'air et ne sort pas non plus ton guide a tout les coins de rues, tu riquerai d'etre moin tranquille...😄 ceci dis de l'aide gratuite est parfois symapthique.
ne soit pas si mefiant, malgres les apparence, sache que la majorité d'entre nous qui aimons nous retrouver dans cette ville se sentons en securité. moi etant une fille, en plus, je le confirme.
je ne sais pas vraiment pourquoi à l'heure qu'il est mais si ca me reviens je le dirai!
bangkok est une ville dingue en tout point, il fait hyper chaud, ok, ca pue ok...(mais j'adooore)
mais c'est Bangkok. et Bangkok, c'est unique. point barre. question ambiance, (non non, je ne parle pas de patong!) question nourriture, c'est un vrai temple!, question sortie à la con mais qui font du bien, ciné, shopping!...
il ya un athmosphère unique qui est paradoxalement agreable pour les habitués contrairement aux nouveaux arriant.
donc...n'ai pas la trouille, ne fait pas comme moi le premier jour ou je ne savais plus ou j'etais, ou rama4 me fesait flipper! comme quoi...en un jour de "forcing" j'ai changé du tout au tout!
suffit d'ouvrir grand les yeux (y compris pour eviter les katoeys😏), de fermer les narines (quoique c'est aussi un charme particulier que je retrouve devant certaines poubelles parisienne!)
La première chose à faire procure toi une carte de Bangkok: il y en a dans les petits kiosques un peux partout de l'office du tourisme Thailandais destinés à aider les touristes (c'est gratuit).
Pour les Tuk Tuk marchandes toujours avant de partir et si on te demande plus à l'arrivé ne donnes que ce qui à été convenu au départ. Pour les taxis effectivement vérifis bien que le compteur (metter) soit enclenché (l'appareil qui est sur la planche de bord au milieu et qui doit être allumé: un chiffre doit être inscrit dès qu'il est mis en route cela correspond au cout de la prise en charge).
Bangkok est très facile pour se déplacer mais tu dois savoir ou tu te rends c'est pour cela que la carte de Bangkok est importante.
Il serait vraiment dommage que tu ne visite pas Bangkok et rassure toi la ville est très sure même en pleine nuit.
Au fait n'oublies pas de demander à ton hotel une carte avec le nom et l'adresse de l'hotel en Thai (sinon demande à la reception de te l'écrire sur un papier) si jamais tu te perdrais pour retourner à ton hotel.
Tu n'as pas de plan de bkk? tu t'ai fais avoir par un taxi driver et tu cauchemarde sur les gens, dans lesquels tu vois des arnaqueurs potentiel.
T'inquietes pas, pour des cartes, il suffit d'aller au TAT (office du tourisme) ou de demander une carte gRATUITE à la reception de l'hotel.
Je sais, la thailande et bkk c'est assez l'arnaque, moi aussi j'ai eu le droit au tuk tuk a 50 bths puis les détours par le marchand de costumes, le vendeur de pierre........etc.... Mais je n'ai rien acheté donc ils ont été MARRON.😏
il faut te ressaisir MICHEL
si on peut t'aider on le fait, mais surtout pas de panique.
Après deux jours d'acclimatation, ca ira. Beaucoup de personnes enthousiastes sur ce forum sont passées par là aussi. Si tu as besoin de te détendre, rien de tel que le massage au Wat Po. Et relativise un peu tous les problèmes! Un tuk-tuk t'a emmené à l'autre bout de la ville dans des boutiques où tu ne voulais pas mettre les pieds? A la fin du voyage, tu en riras! A qui cela n'est pas arrivé lors de son premier voyage?
Pour les taxis, evidemment, comme on te l'a déjà dit plus haut, il faut absolument que le chauffeur mette en route le meter (35 bahts de prise en charge pour les deux premiers km, je crois). Et, effectivement, ne pas se priver du sky train et du métro, voire des bus locaux. Avant de partir de l'hôtel, bien préparer son itinéraire et toujours avoir une carte (écrite en thaï) de l'hôtel au cas où tu te perds.
Se méfier évidemment des zozos qui rodent autour des lieux publics à la recherche des touristes un peu perdus, le guide à la main et le nez en l'air! Ce sont souvent des rabatteurs pour des magasins de pierres précieuses, d'artisanat, etc. Etre ferme sans les envoyer balader!
En espérant que dans 2-3 jours, tu auras une autre impression de la ville! Et même si ce n'était pas le cas, n'oublie pas que Bangkok n'est pas toute la Thaïlande.
Il y a plein de petites villes de province calmes mais intéressantes comme Trat, Sukhotai, Pai et j'en oublie...
comme le dit Flip .. il faut rester ZEN , , puis avoir confiance en soi .. et pas trop en les autres .. et sort a la découverte de soi .. puis des autres .. on comprend tous que ce n'est pas si facile .. mais tu verras tout va aller bien ..
Ce post mérite une bonne réflexion .. sur le choc de la première fois ..
On critique pas mal le kaosan road .. son zoo .. ses guest sans norme de sécurité .. etc .. mais pour ma part .. c'est le meilleur tremplin pour les premier venus un peut angoissés .. car Kaosan ce n'est ni l'aise .. ni l'occident .. c'est une frontière a l'adaptation entre les 2 mondes .. on voit des asiatiques mais le petit déjeuner est occidental .. et tout le monde parle le anglothai ..
a bien réfléchir .... on vois Michel a Rama ??( car des Rama il y en a autant que des Paul)
il est planté dans un hôtel ou il devrait savoir ou il est .. et comme il ne sait pas .. bien les vautours du coin sont l'a pour s'en occuper ..
Ce qui est l'inverses a kaosan .. du a la communication instantanée . avec les autres voyageurs .. on peut certainement avoir pas mal de bon plan pour un départ vers L'Asie ..
bon pour etre un peut sympa .. ( demain c'est le 14 juillet .. ) tu es ou exactement ?? on peut voir ce que on peut faire pour toi .???..
Salut Michel,
Si la grande ville te fait peur, éloigne toi un peu. Tu peux aller à Kanchanabury par exemple (130 km de Bangkok et facile d'accès par bus) Pour s'y rendre, prends un taxi meters (en respectant les consignes dites plus haut) jusqu'à la gare routière "Southern Bus Terminal" sur Boromratchonnani Road à Thonburi (Banlieue de Bangkok). Tu peux demander à la réception de ton hôtel de te trouver un taxi pour t'y emmener. Là tu prends un ticket de bus pour Kanchanaburi (ville du Pont de la Rivière Kwai) et là, tu vas décompresser. Si tu es intéressé, voici mon blog (non terminé, désolé) où tu auras un téléphone et une adresse d'un guide officiel parlant parfaitement le français et qui te guidera dans ton séjour (dépaysement garanti) :
Sinon Bangkok n'est pas aussi terrible qu'il n'y parait. C'est même mieux que d'autres capital. Tu peux te faire de vrais amis, sincères. Va au devant d'eux, mange dans la rue avec eux et tu seras agréablement étonné... Crois-moi, on est quasiment tous passé par là.
Pour mon premier voyage en thailande en fin d'année j'ai prévu de redécoller aussitôt arrivé à Bangkok pour Chiang Mai (je ne sortirai même pas de l'aéroport), et de reserver la capitale pour la fin et le shopping avant le retour, histoire d'être déjà + habitué au pays, et + en douceur 😉
Quand je lis ton message je me dis que c'est une bonne idée 😇
S'en vouloir t'enfoncer (et poutant je vais le faire un peu), s'en prendre exclusivement aux Thais pqrce que tu t'es fait arnaquer est injuste. Ici, c'est la Thailande, tu es loin de chez toi et peut-etre aurais-tu du preparer un tout petit peu plus ton voyage! Les arnaques aux tuk-tuk et aux taxis-meters sont indiques dans tous les guides et pour peu d'avoir pris le temps de les feuilleter tu aurais ete au courant.
Cette critique se veut positive, meme si la preparation ne remplace pas l'experience (et ce que tu qs vecu c'est de l'experience...), s'informer est toujours utile quand on va au devant de quelque chose de nouveau. De petites galeres, il en arrive a chacun d'entre nous. Il me semble que l'important est :
1. Dans tirer les enseignements, pour ne plus que cela recommence.
2. De relativiser, car en fait de compte ce qui t'est arrive, n'est pas bien grave.
Ne gaches pas ton voyage pou cela, prepares un peu plus, sois un peu vigilant et profites pleinement, nous sommes des privilegies plus que des victimes.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.