Bonjour,
On voudrait savoir si vous avez déjà utilisé les bus open tour, et ce que vous en pensez?
Car c'est certe moins cher que le train, mais en lisant sur le lonely, cela à l'air moins agréable et on reste que entre étrangers...
on a reperé ce site: http://www.sinhcafevn.com/Open_Tour.asp
Merci!
Mon expérience date de plusieurs années (2004).
Je ne l'ai utilisé que sur un seul trajet en toute fin de voyage (Saigon-Cantho).
Avantages : très bon marché pour ce que je me souviens, ces bus ou minibus démarrent en général depuis le siège de l'agence, dans le quartier des guest houses. A deux pas de ton hôtel donc.
Par contre, j'avais l'impression d'être en voyage organisé. Il y avait 100 % de sacs à dos dans le bus...
Tous les matins, c'était des dizaines et des dizaines de minibus qui démarraient en même temps dans toutes les directions.🤪
En dehors de ce trajet, j'ai fait l'ensemble de mes deux voyages par les transports publics, bus et train. Avec quelques galères parfois, j'en conviens, mais ça fait aussi de bons souvenirs.
Tu pourrais mélanger les deux. Le train est aussi une expérience. Un bon moyen de cotoyer les vietnamiens. Des gens critiqués quelquefois sur VF, mais que j'ai trouvé tellement attachants.
Il y a un côté ghetto dans les open-bus. Je sais qu'il y en a qui n'utilise que cela pendant leur voyage.
Ce n'est pas envisageable pour ce qui me concerne, même si c'est tellement tentant par le côté bon marché et facile de la chose.
A toi de voir et de peser le pour et le contre. Tu vas avoir d'autres réponses...
Sinh a changé de nom dernièrement. Ils s'appellent dorénavant "The Sinh Tourist", tout un programme...Leurs prix sont relativement bon marché mais il est vrai que ces bus sont principalement fréquentés par les étrangers.
Par manque de temps, on a pris un bus de Hue à Hoi An il y a à peine 15 jours avec un arrêt à Danang pour 70 000 dongs par personne (environ 2, 70 Eur). 135 kms en 3 heures. Etrangement, il y avait beaucoup de locaux. La plupart descendait à Danang.
Lors d'un précédent séjour au VN, on était aussi passé par cette agence pour faire DaLat -Saigon, 6h30 de route et que des étrangers dans le bus. 2 pauses shopping - WC, sans grand intérêt.
Sur une courte distance, pourquoi pas mais sur un long périple, autant utiliser d'autres moyens de transport pour aller à la rencontre des gens et profiter de la route.
A vous de voir...
on a pris un bus de Hue à Hoi An il y a à peine 15 jours avec un arrêt à Danang pour 70 000 dongs par personne (environ 2, 70 Eur). 135 kms en 3 heures. Etrangement, il y avait beaucoup de locaux. La plupart descendait à Danang.
J'ai pris un bus aussi de Huê à Hoi An il y a exactement un mois. Plusieurs compagnies de bus touristiques desservent cette liaison et j'avoue ne pas me préoccuper de leur nom: An Phu, Brother's café, Camel, Thang Long. J'ai déjà utilisé Camel, Thang Long et An Phu! Je me rends à la Boulangerie française et j'achète le billet, même si je dois payer une petite commission, car le lendemain, c'est là où je suis venu attendre le bus venir me chercher en m'installant confortablement.
Ces bus touristiques sont légèrement plus chers que les bus locaux et bien plus confortables, plus propres et des sièges plus larges et en plus climatisés. Mais il revient moins cher car en arrivant, ils vous déposent à votre hôtel, alors qu'avec un bus local, il faut prendre en plus un taxi ou une moto taxi qui va doubler le prix du trajet.
Une année, je me fais déposer à Lang Co au Lang Co Beach Resort, un endroit que je conseille pour ceux qui veulent profiter d'une belle plage, d'un très beau resort, 4 étoiles vrai, avec de très grandes piscines et trois jours plus tard, j'ai repris le même bus au même endroit et à la même heure en direction de Hoi An.
Notez que je prends l'habitude de prendre des photos de la plaque minéralogique avec le nom de la compagnie inscrite sur la vitre arrière, au cas où j'oublie quelque chose de valeur dans le bus ou que j'ai une réclamation, je téléphone au bureau pour le signaler.
Soyez aimable et polie avec l'hôtesse du bureau, elle vous rendra le service attendu. Elle n'est ni responsable de votre étourderie ni du comportement du chauffeur!
cela à l'air moins agréable et on reste que entre étrangers...
En fait, il existe tout un tas de petites compagnies dans lesquelles ne "montent" jamais aucun etranger. Le probleme est qu'elles ne sont pas "sur la place", a savoir que leurs bureaux ne sont pas situes dans les quartiers touristiques. Elles sont tres confortables et offrent les memes avantages que les compagnies connues.
Quand je fais la route Nha Trang - Saigon et Saigon - Can Tho, je ne vois quasi jamais un Blanc, sauf aux arrets de restauration. Pour les petits trajets, il faut egalement tenir compte des horaires "touristes". Par exemple, si vous faites un Can Tho - Rach Gia a 7/8 h du matin, vous rencontrez des touristes presses de se rendre a leur prochaine etape, si vous prenez le bus suivant (une heure ou deux plus tard), ils sont deja tous partis.
En ce qui me concerne, je prends peu le train, je le trouve cher par rapport au confort relatif qu'il propose. Le bus a egalement l'avantage d'arriver en ville ou, selon les compagnies, on vient vous chercher et deposer a votre hotel ou au point le plus proche de "ramassage". De toute facon, pour les grands trajets de nuit, bus ou train, il fait noir et on dort, donc on ne voit pas grand chose de plus dans l'un ou dans l'autre 😉.
Coucou tous le monde!
Merci (encore) pour vos réponses!
Donc, on va prendre ces bus car ils ont l'air bien pratique: on va faire le trajet HCMV-Dalat-Nha Trang-Hoi An-Hué avec Shin Café.
Et on va prendre les transports locaux dans le delta et pour faire le trajet Hué-Ninh Binh-Hanoi!
Encore merci!
Et on va prendre les transports locaux dans le delta
Commencez par un petit trajet, pas un long du genre Saigon - Can Tho et vous verrez. C'est tres folklorique, mais aussi tres fatiguant.
Pour le delta, vous avez les MaiLinh Express (verts), ainsi que Phuong Trang (gris) qui sont un peu plus confortables et ne prennent pas de passagers sur la route.
Les autres societes, c'est a essayer au moins une fois, mais vous verrez que c'est assez "special".
Pour le delta, vous avez les MaiLinh Express (verts), ainsi que Phuong Trang (gris) qui sont un peu plus confortables et ne prennent pas de passagers sur la route.
Ok, j'ai regardé pour Mailinh. tu sais s'il y a des agences à HCMV? ou car j'ai regardé leur site, mais c'est en viet...et en anglais, y'a pas tout..
sinon, on se renseignera à l'office du tourisme à HCMV.
Pour MaiLinh, vous pouvez reserver depuis votre hotel ou une agence, mais ils prennent une commission. Sinon, vous devez aller soit :Le Hong Phong Street (pas sure de l'orthographe) au bureau MaiLinh. Gare des bus de Mien Tayde la, vous pouvez acheter votre billet pour toutes les villes du delta.
selon les destinations, cela varie entre 50.000 et 90.000 VND par trajet (par exemple, Saigon - Can Tho = 70.000 VND)
Pour compléter les infos d'Ottlnpac, tu peux réserver Mailinh par téléphone et il vient te chercher à l'hotel pour la gare routière. Là, tu vas payer le billet et prendre le mini-bus régional; parfois, Mailinh te donne un ticket pour la navette entre la gare d'arrivée et l'hotel.
tu peux réserver Mailinh par téléphone et il vient te chercher à l'hotel pour la gare routière
Sauf dans les grandes villes comme Hanoi et HoChiMinhVille.
A HôChiMinhVille, il y a un bus de liaison entre la station Bên Xe Miên Tây et Lê Hông Phong et si vous êtes 4 personnes, un taxi Mai Linh vous amène gratuitement de la rue Lê Hông Phong à votre destination finale.
Phuong Trang commence à copier le modèle de Mai Linh en province.
Phuong Trang commence à copier le modèle de Mai Linh en province.
J'ai teste le Saigon - Can Tho mercredi. Meme confort, tres bien. Arret luch au restoroute habituel (tres bon, propre, beaucoup de choix et pas cher).
Avantage : il y a un bureau dans la rue perpendiculaire a Pham Ngu Lao (quasi en face du Highlands Cafe). Ca s'appelle Pula Travel ou un truc comme ca, c'est facile a reconnaitre on en voit partout. Minibus depuis l'agence jusqu'a un bureau, puis bus ou minibus jusqu'a Mien Tay. Prix 70.000 VND, meme que MaiLinh.
il y a un bureau dans la rue perpendiculaire a Pham Ngu Lao (quasi en face du Highlands Cafe). Ca s'appelle Pula Travel ou un truc comme ca, c'est facile a reconnaitre on en voit partout.
ça c'est un vrai avantage pour ceux qui résident dans le quartier routard
Minibus depuis l'agence jusqu'a un bureau, puis bus ou minibus jusqu'a Mien Tay. Prix 70.000 VND, meme que MaiLinh
Par contre, on ignore le cahier des charges concernant le comportement des chauffeurs de Phuong Trang, j'ai expérimenté un voyage de Bao Loc à Dalat avec un chauffeur inconscient et le receveur qui font un pari stupide sur un repas du soir, si le chauffeur parvient à un certain rond point à une certaine heure à la minute près.
En revanche, concernant Mai Linh, deux faits illustrent leur loyauté:
- le 25/09/2009, un chauffeur de taxi de Hanoi a rendu une valise à un client contenant 150 000 000 dông
- le 03/09/2009, à HCM Ville, un chauffeur Mai Linh a rendu une enveloppe contenant 275 000 000 dông à une passagère, oubliée dans sa voiture, cette fois-ci le chauffeur s'est aperçu que l'enveloppe contenait de l'argent. 13 Millions de récompense ont été versés aux sinistrés du Centre ViêtNam.
Par contre, on ignore le cahier des charges concernant le comportement des chauffeurs de Phuong Trang, j'ai expérimenté un voyage de Bao Loc à Dalat avec un chauffeur inconscient et le receveur qui font un pari stupide sur un repas du soir, si le chauffeur parvient à un certain rond point à une certaine heure à la minute près.
Malheureusement, il y a des cretins partout. Le mieux, dans ce cas, est de deposer plainte a la compagnie a l'arrivee. A Can Tho, j'ai ete tres agreablement surprise de la gentillesse et de la competence du responsable, un jeune homme qui parle un anglais impeccable. A l'arrivee, on peut demander un minivan qui vous conduit jusqu'a l'hotel. Je n'ai pas teste puisque j'habite a cinq minutes de la gare des bus.
J'ai eu plus de chance que toi, notre chauffeur etait tres prudent.
Hong Phong Street ( j ai egalement oublié l'orthographe) se situe au sud du quartier routard de Saigon .
Tu peux acheter tes billets pour toutes les destinations, pas uniquement pour le delta meme pour Dalat, Nha trang etc.. Certaines employées parlent anglais.
Ils ont une navette gratuite à condition d'avoir acheté un billet qui t'emméne à la gare routiére sud au delà de Cholon .Idem en sens inverse quand tu reviens du delta . de leur bureau ils peuvent egalement te trouver un taxi de leur Cie pour te deposer dans HCMH.
Sinon pres des grands hotels et du theatre/opera ils ont aussi un grand bureau , plus tranquille ou on peut reserver .
Bon sejour à Cantho .
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.
