Voila le topo: deux profs (bases sur Dubai) donc grandes vacances mais budget serre. Deux ados dynamiques. Nous avons passe 45 jours en Thailande il y a deux ans et c'etait genial. Nous etions en itinerant avec un toyota Vigo (hilux) et notre parcours nous a amene un peu partout du nord au sud pour un budget correct, bien que nousn en ayons bien profite (randos, visites, plongees...).
Nous aimerions repartir dans le meme zone car c'est assez bien desservi depuis le golfe (Philipines, Malaysie, Cambodge, Laos, Vietnam...). Je cherche depuis un moment, mais je n'arrive pas a preparer un trip comme en Thailande. Il y a toujours un truc qui cloche. En general, les tarifs, ou le vehicule, ... Est ce quelqu'un a des conseils?
En été, optez pour BALI car mousson et risque de pluies diluviennes dans ce secteur géographique! Sinon retour en Thailande mais du côté Sud est (le golfe).
bjr
alors simplement revenez en Thaïlande pour découvrir des coins extraordinaires que j ai souvent mentionne dans mes autres mails
a la campagne : boklua nan phrae phu chifah et les parcs du nord-est
a la montagne : piloke umphang sangkla
dans les mangroves paklaem talumpook phatthalung koh yor songkla
l'observation des baleines de bang taboon l
pour moi qui y habite juillet aout c est la meilleure saison en Thailande
sinon autre pays c’est évidemment l Indonésie
traversee de sumatra java pour arriver a bali ( continuer vers lombok flores komodo ..)
le seul hic a part bali toute l Indonésie est très
majoritairement musulmane
alors la fete le soir après 18h dans les campagnes !!!!
c est bien l immense avantage de la Thaïlande et a fortiori juillet et surtout aout c est la période de repos de la campagne et du coup la période des fêtes
courses de bateaux kermesses .mariages élection de miss lancement de fusées match de foot éléphants courses de buffles
et ca picole ca rigole ca bouffe ca danse ca concerte, ca karaokete, ca b....
bref ca va vous changer des gros rigolos fêtards en robe de chambre et rondelle sur la tete et leur fantôme en robe noire avec hygiaphone, de votre bled !!
est ce qu'il est indiscret de demander votre budget pour 4 je suppose;
Pourquoi pas la Malaisie, c'est la bonne saison pour les îles de la cote Ouest, je crois savoir qu'il est assez facile de s'y déplacer en voiture, cependant le budget sera un peu plus élevé qu'en Thailande.
sinon, effectivement, vous pouvez retourner en Thaillande et passer une partie de 45 jours au Laos ou au Cambodge, il y a de quoi faire dans la région.
En fait nous ne rentrons plus beaucoup en France et nous préférons pacer le budget "été en France" sur une autre destination. A chaque voyage d'été (voir blog) nous avons misé sur 8000usd tout compris.
Est ce que ce n'est pas difficile au niveau administratif (visas) de rentrer en Thailande puis aller au Laos et au Cambodge pour repartir ensuite de Bangkok?
"Est ce que ce n'est pas difficile au niveau administratif (visas) de rentrer en Thailande puis aller au Laos et au Cambodge pour repartir ensuite de Bangkok? "
Bonjour,
Au niveau administratif, vous devez savoir qu' on ne peut pas rester plus de 30 jours consécutifs en Thailande sans visa, donc soit vouis prenez un visa pour la Thailande, soit vous sortez de thailande pour le Cambodge ( je prends l'exemple que je connais), le visa est ( était) de 20 usd pour le Cambodge.
quand vous repasserez la frontière pour revenir en Thailande, vous aurez droit à 15 jours si vous arrivez par la terre et à 30 jours si vous arrivez par avion.
( A conditions que les conditions n'aient pas changé avec le climat politique actuel en Thailande).
Donc en fait , vous ne paierez que le visa cambodgien, si vous choisissez de faire Thailande et Malaisie, vous serez exemptés de visa si vous restez moins de 31 jours dans chacun des pays.
J'espère avoir été claire.
Au niveau budget, je vous donne notre budget il y a 2 ans :
35 jours entre la Thailande et le Cambodge : 6600 euros à 4 tout compris :
Les billets d'avion Marseille Bangkok aller retour ( le gros du budget), un aller Bangkok Phom penh, plus toutes les dépenses sur place, en sachant que nous prenions à chaque fois 2 chambres dans des petites guesthouse avcec petit déj inclus et le plus souvent piscine.
Nous aimerions repartir dans le meme zone car c'est assez bien desservi depuis le golfe (Philipines, Malaysie, Cambodge, Laos, Vietnam...). Je cherche depuis un moment, mais je n'arrive pas a preparer un trip comme en Thailande. Il y a toujours un truc qui cloche. En general, les tarifs, ou le vehicule, ... Est ce quelqu'un a des conseils?
Salut fred
Dangereuse la Thaïlande, une fois qu'on y a goûté, difficile de trouver équivalent...
Vous connaissant, j'espère que si tu ne parles pas de Bornéo, c'est que tu y a déjà été. Sinon, ça devrait le faire même après la Thaïlande. Ce sera beaucoup plus facile à tous les niveaux sur la partie malaisienne donc en passant par kuala lumpur
Je ne pense pas qu un road trip en une seule fois soit possible, À cause de la « barrière » que constitue le brunei, mais en louant une voiture autour de kuching, tu peux déjà « tuer le temps » pendant 15 jours-trois semaines sans jamais t'ennuyer
Ensuite en allant du côté du sabah, ça risque de devenir encore plus amusant. Tu pourrais par exemple finir par un point d'orgue en plongeant a sipadan, sans doute le plus beau spot de plongée j aie fait des bulles.
Il y a des idées pour préparer ton voyage dans cette discussion :
Merci a tous pour vos reponses.
Au regard de ce que vous m'avez dit, et des infos prises a gauche et a droite, je pense que nous irons en Thailande (du cote est que nous ne connaissons pas) pour 15 jours puis passage au Laos et enfin au Cambodge (15 a 20 jours pour chacune des destinations). Jouable d'apres vous?
A Chaque fois on pensait prendre un vehicule a l'aeroport de la capitale, faire notre tour et le rendre pour passer a l'etape suivant en avion. Qu'en pensez vous?
je pense que nous irons en Thailande (du cote est que nous ne connaissons pas) pour 15 jours puis passage au Laos et enfin au Cambodge (15 a 20 jours pour chacune des destinations). Jouable d'apres vous?
Le Cambodge est plus sujet aux caprices de la mousson (proximité de l'océan), j'en ai fait les frais l'an dernier, dès que tu sortais des grands axes autour de Phnom-Penh, les routes/restes de routes/pistes devenez limite praticable, même avec un gros 4X4 (pistes en laterite avec parfois plusieurs dizaines de centimètres de boue quasiment liquide). Exemple : pour le trajet Phnom-Penh-kampot (et son fameux poivre, je viens de m'en régaler), j'ai pris un bus
à l aller qui passait un peu à côté de l'axe principal, 20 km en plus sur le papier, huit heures de route dantesque. Pour le retour, j'ai fait gaffe et j'ai réservé un bus qui passait par la route principale, le bus à plié ça en deux heures, avec une route beaucoup plus confortable
Au laos également, dès que tu sortiras de la capitale, l'état des routes ne te permettra pas beaucoup plus de 20 30 km heures de moyenne, et j'ai déjà été bloqué sur la portion savanakhet-boloven (sud) par un glissement de terrain, c'était en mai, au tout début de la saison des pluies.
Dans ces deux pays, le réseau routier est largement en dessous de ce que tu peux trouver en Thaïlande, et la saison des pluies peux le transformer en un cauchemar.
A borneo, ce n'est pas la saison sèche (il n'y en a pas), mais ce n'est pas la saison la plus humide, et la qualité du réseau routier est comparable à celui de la Thaïlande
Le budget a beaucoup joue dans notre decision (du simple au double par rapport aux autres trips prevus).
Ce sera la Thailande du nord et de l'est pendant 3 semaines, puis le Laos une quinzaine de jours (la on est pas encore bien cales sur le trajet), puis retour une semaine sur la Thailande, les iles (koh Tao sans doute) car les jeunes veulent faire un stage Padi.
Tous les tuyaux sont les bienvenus pour ce trip (hebergements, sites, club de plongee...)
bjr
optez alors pour le sud laos
et laissez le nord laos aux voyageeuurs qui aiment se retrouver a 250 sur memes sites !
puis passez diewctement du sud laos au cambodge par voie terrestre en longeant le mekong
aie aie aie koh tao
difficile de trouver pire comme destination en aout en thailande
Car apres le nord laos et passage o blige a vangvieng vous pourrez vous vanter d avoir vu les coins les plus nullos d asie
franchement creusez 2 mn la question et visez ailleurs que kohtao
enfin la encore chacun fait ce qui lui plait
Ce sera la Thailande du nord et de l'est pendant 3 semaines,
Tous les tuyaux sont les bienvenus pour ce trip (hebergements, sites
Sawadee krap
L'est (Issan) est trés vaste il faudra cibler
En Aout c'est la saison des pluies mais pas catastrophique
Et les rizieres sont vertes.
Un parcours sympa en venant de chiang maï:
Direction Loei en traversant le parc national de phu rua puis ,
une halte a Chiang khan avant de redescendre sur nong-khaï par la route 211 encore trés "Issan attitude"
250 euro cout moyen d un padi 4 jours a koh tao hors hotel
effectivement pour un padi
koh tao serait une solution
sachaant qu il faut 4 jours sur place
(encore que cela va revenir cher juste pour 4 jours et qu il serait aussi bien de faire en piscine la ou vous habitez )
mais alors juste le padi
pour la plongee faudra attendre de les emmener en mer rouge ou ailleurs
du coup je remets aur le tapis la solution borneo et les iles de sipadan lankayan
une des plus belles destination au monde pour la plongee
en combinant borneo oragsoutangss
mont kinabalu et 8 a 12 jours sur les iles vos gamins vont pouvoir passer le padi et ensuite directement en profiter
borneo accessible directement depuis kuala lumpur par vol lowcost airasia (soit koya kinabalu soit dirwctement aeroport de Tawau t a cote des iles
voir www.lankayan-island.com
www.sipdan-kapalai.com
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.