Bonjour ,
Nous allons bientôt aller en Sulawesi en arrivant directement a Manado via Jakarta.
De Manado nous irons aux iles Bunaken, puis a Gorontalo, iles Togian, Ampana , pays Toraja, Pare Pare, Sengkong et Makassar.
Nous avons vu qu il y avait des bus pour aller de Manado a Gorontalo, mais y at il vraiment des bateaux de Gorontalo aux Togian et des Togian a Ampana ?
Si oui quelle est leur frequence et combien de temps de trajet faut il compter ?
En s arretant 2 jours aux Bunaken, 2 aux Togian, 3 en pays Toraja et un ou deux jours dans les autres endroits combien de temps nous faudrait il pour faire ce circuit sans se presser .
Ensuite nous comptons aller aBali un peu et rejoindre Java , ses volcans , Yogakarta .. et Jakarta .
Merci par avance pour vos reponses a venir
Alod
Mon voyage à Sulawesi date d'il y a 3 ans, donc je ne peux pas te dire quels sont les jours de départ des bateaux gorontalo/togian, ça change regulièrement (il faudrait que quelqu'un qui en revienne te passe l'info), mais en tous cas, il y en a, c'est sûr ! Moi j'avais fait le trajet inverse, Togian/gorontalo et nous avions vogué toute la nuit, depart le soir et arrivée au petit matin (une petite dizaine d'heure je dirais). Je ne connais pas Bunaken, mais les Togian, c'est le paradis sur terre, et y aller pour 2 jours, c'est à la fois du gâchis😊, et presque impossible dirais-je du fait de la non quotidienneté des transports. Pareil pour le pays toraja, à moins d'avoir un chauffeur, faut pas être pressé pour se deplacer, et c'est beau, c'est beau! Moi j'avais fait 10 jours sur les Togians, et 1 petite semaine chez les Torajas, à mon avis faut au moins ça. De manière générale, les transports à Sulawesi sont longs et chaotiques, mais c'est charmant et tu rencontres plein d'Indonésiens!
Bonjour , merci pour ta reponse et tes conseils dont on va tenir compte .
As tu des adresses sympas sur les Togian et au pays Toraja et globalement sur Sulawesi .
Merci par avance
Alod
Nous on était arrivés par Makassar, et en 1 mois on a remonté l'île progressivement pour reprendre notre avion à Manado.
Makassar, bon, ça mérite pas plus de 2 jours (selon moi, hein!), grosse ville polluée, bruyante. Quelques petites choses à voir ceci dit : le fort Rotterdam, sympatique ; le port tout au nord de la ville, là où les Indo construisent les bateaux bugis, mais surtout, le coucher du soleil sur la croisette, attablé à une terrasse avec une bintang, ça c'est inoubliable! Nous avions dormi au legend hostel, budget routard, ça nous avait convenu, très simple, pas cher et staff sympa. Evidemment tout ça est à prendre avec des pincettes, en 3 ans, les choses changent😉😉
Ensuite nous avons directement filé en bus chez les Torajas, 12h de tape-cul, les 3 ou 4 dernières heures en montagne, ça a son charme, mais c'est rude😮 Visiblement tu as décidé de faire des étapes, à Pare-Pare entres autres, je ne connais pas personnellement mais je pense que c'est une bonne idée si tu as le temps ; tu vois, même nous qui avions 1 mois devant nous, nous avons tenu à faire les "essentiels" et s'y attarder un peu plutôt que de butiner. Chez les Torajas, on a pris un guide avec un package randonnées/quelques nuits chez l'habitant/hôtelàRantepao, on a pu voir une cérémonie funéraire ; on ne regrette vraiment pas ce choix du guide dans cette région, nous qui sommes plutôt indépendants d'habitude, ça nous a permis de voir beaucoup de choses, de comprendre beaucoup de choses sur la culture des Torajas, de nous déplacer plus facilement, parce que c'est vraiment très roots les transports là-bas, je pense que tu peux attendre facilement 2h après un bus 🤪 Rantepao est sympa, le marché super!
Ensuite on a filé à Tentena, en bordure du lac Poso. On a adoré! C'est simplement superbe, reposant, c'est la campagne, la végétaion est luxuriante, on a loué un scooter et on s'est régalé vraiment, les alentours sont magnifiques. Ne surtout pas manquer la promenade aux chutes d'eau de saluopa, tu te baignes dans les cascades fraiches, terrible! On avait dormi au victory hotel, des chambres pour toutes les bourses, pas de charme mais suffisant.
Puis cap vers Ampana, où on a passé une nuit pour embarquer le matin pour les Togians. En gros, à l'époque, à Ampana, t'avais le choix entre 2 hôtels pour dormir, tu choisissais l'un ou l'autre selon l'endroit où tu voulais atterir aux Togians, à savoir l'oasis hotel si tu voulais aller au kadiriri car ce sont les mêmes proprio (togians), ou bien au marina cottage si tu veux aller à l'island retreat. Nous on a opté pour la 2ème solution puisque notre choix s'est porté sur l'island retreat. Marina cottage, très bien, et puis ils savent donc quand part le bateau pour l'island retreat, s'il y a de la place, pratique quoi. C'est sans doute à l'island retreat que tu dépenseras le plus d'argent dans tes vacances, mais vraiment ça vaut le coup. C'est un petit paradis. C'est magnifique, tranquille, à l'époque cétait autour de 20 dollars la nuit (degressif si plusieurs nuits) en pension complète, et là tout le monde s'accorde à le dire, la bouffe est délicieuse et variée, ce qui n'est pas le cas ailleurs aux togians. Ailleurs en gros c'est poisson/riz à tous les repas, et à la longue c'est chiant. Sur place il y a tout ce qu'il faut pour snorkeller, plonger, et que ce soit au dessus ou en dessous de la mer, c'est grandiose. Toujours dans les Togians on est partis sur l'île de katupat, au Bolilangga cottage, magnifique emplacement, en gros l'hotel est sur une petite langue de sable entourée d'eau à 360 degrés, c'est superbe. Vraiment pas cher, très rustique. Puis l'île de Malenge, très beau aussi (mais c'est très beau partout de toute façon😊), je ne sais plus le nom de l'hôtel, mais il n'y en a que 2 je crois. De là on a pris le bateau pour Gorontalo et on a filé direct vers le nord et ses volcans, à Tomohon. Petite ville tranquille, sauf pléthore de manifestations religieuses (la région est chrétienne), des chants chrétiens partout dans des haut-parleurs qui hurlent et grésillent. Faut aller se promener aux alentours, les volcans bien sûr, le marché aux bestiaux de Tomohon est assez impressionnant (attention aux odeurs, coeurs sensibles s'abstenir). De Tomohon on peut aller en 1 demi heure de bus à Manado si la ville te manque.
voilà, j'espère que ça t'aidera un peu.
Le site de l'island retreat, si tu veux jeter un oeil : http://www.togian-island-retreat.com/
merci pour tout ces renseignements, pourquoi n etes vous pas allé a Bunaken ?
As tu les coordonnees du guide ( francophone ) pour le pays Toraja .
Autre question avez vous pris un traitement antipalludéen , si non pourquoi ?
Merci
Alain
Alors le guide francophone à Tomohon s'apelait Anis, et je vais fouiller dans mes tablettes pour essayer de te retrouver le numéro, à suivre donc...
Nous ne somme pas allés à Bunaken, parce que il paraît que c'est un endroit assez cher et que notre budget etait limité, d'une part, d'autre part Bunaken est réputé pour se fonds marins, or nous avions déjà choisi d'aller sur les togians qui sont déjà fort joliment pouvues, donc...
Ah, le traitement anti-paludéen... Vaste question, qui nous a pris sacrément la tête avant de partir. On a retourné 1000 fois la question dans nos têtes. La malarone revient très cher, les effets secondaires sont tout à fait probables, nous n'allions pas en Indo en période humide ni dans des coins reculés ou insalubres, donc nous avons fini par decider de partir sans. Par contre nous avons en contrepartie été très prudents : prises anti moustiques et moustiquaire imbibée systématiques, vêtements longs (chaussettes et tout!) et répulsif dès la tombée du jour, disons qu'on a mis toutes les chances de notre côté pour eviter les ennuis. C'est un choix.
Pour y être allé l'année passée avec ma femme (j'ai aussi fait le trajet dans l'autre sens), je te confirme les différentes choses que l'on t'a dites...
Premièrement c'est pas du tout réaliste au point de vue de ton timing. A titre d'exemple, voilà les trajets que nous avons fait et c'était déjà un peu la course:
Arrivée en avion à Makassar le soir, on a pris direct le bus pour le pays Toraja: 1nuit. Restés 5 jours, nous avons repris un bus de jour pour arriver vers minuit à Poso. Le lendemain re-6h de camionnette pour aller à Ampana. Là on se rend compte que les horaires de bateaux dans le Lonely Planet ne sont pas juste et le bateau sur lequel on comptait le lendemain n'existe pas. On a donc du chartériser un bateau de pêcheurs avec une 10aine d'autres personnes. On est resté 10 jours aux Togian puis de nouveau 3 heures de bateau de pêcheur pour rejoindre l'embarcadère du ferry et une nuit de ferry pour arriver à Gorontalo. De là nous on a repris l'avion mais t'as encore une volée de bus pour arriver à Manado.
Encore un truc: dans le genre transports chaotiques. Personne sur place (à Bolilanga)ne savait si le ferry passerait le jour de la fête nationale. Le proprio était pas au courant et le téléphone satellite était "broken-broken" et pour le téléphone portable ben y a pas une once de réseau sur toutes les togians à part au débarcadère du ferry.
Sinon le pays Toraja est génial et les Togian, comme déjà dit c'est le paradis!!!!
Pour le pays Toraja on a pris un guide une journée pour aller voir une cérémonie funéraire et aller dans des villages, rizières. C'était vraiment sympa on avait 2 scooter et on s'est baladés. Le reste du temps on avait loué un scooter et on a fait un mix entre les conseils du LP et de l'OT sur place. Ca s'est avéré nickel!!!
Notre guide était vraiment sympa et en plus il parlait français. Je peux te donner son contact en MP. Si tu sais pas le joindre, sur place tu vas au Mart's café, c'est une institution à Rantepao. Tous les guides s'y retrouvent le soir pour boire des coups, jouer de la gratte et chanter. Tu peux discuter avec eux. On a passé quelques très bonnes soirées (et quelques mauvais lendemains ;-) dans ce bar/resto.
Pour le logement on était au 88cottage. Il est renseigné dans le LP et est effectivement très sympa mais le proprio est un vrai margoulin et vas essayer de vous vendre des excursions et autres...
Pour les Togians on a fait trois iles:
-Kadidiri qui est la "plus touristique" une grande plage avec 3 hotels. 1 bas de gamme, 1 milieu et un "haut" de gamme. On s'est offert le haut de gamme (une fois n'est pas coutume) ou on a passé un très bon séjour. Snorkeling à 1m50 de la plage... J'imagine que vous faite de la plongée... Il on un centre de plongée...
-Bolilanga: minuscule île, juste la place pour poser les bungalos. Effectivement de l'eau à presque 360°. Snorkeling à 1 m de la plage... le pied.
-Malenghe: Au Lestari cottage (y a que celui-là de toute façon) LE COUP DE COEUR!!! D'un côté un lagon vert émeraude, de l'autre une baie turquoise avec un vieux pont en bois de plusieurs centaines de metres de long... c'est une tuerie! Le tour de l'île à pied est assez magique aussi!!!
Si tu as d'autres questions, n'hésite pas, c'est un plaisir de se replonger dans notre carnet de voyage et de se rappeler tous ces souvenirs!!!
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
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,