bonjour à tous!!!
voilà, je tenais juste à ma présenter, c'est la moindre des choses!!!
moi c'est fanny, fanou c'est mon cher et tendre!!
je me balade sur le net pour préparer notre voyage de noces aux philippines en octobre prochain.
nous avons prévu 3 semaines pour découvrir ce pays, qui si j'en crois les magnifiques photos de citoyen du monde😉, nous promet de belles rencontres et de magnifiques paysages!!ca donne envie d'y etre deja!!
notre objectif est avant tout de rencontrer les philippins et éviter les pièges à touristes!!!😛
et si nous pouvons, donner un coup de pouce humanitaire et participer à l'écotourisme local!
Excellente idee, ca, un voyage de noces aux Philippines!
Pour l'aspect "humanitaire"je ne vois pas bien ce que vous pourriez faire: 3 semaines c'est tres court, et le travail humanitaire ici repose sur l'education, donc un travail a long terme.
Pour la partie "touristique":
D'abord il n'y a pas de vrais "pieges a touristes". Il y a bien des endroits ou des rabatteurs tenteront de vous proposer une location de bateau, par exemple, comme aux chutes de Pagsanjan ou au lac Taal ( Sud Tagalog, Luzon), mais il suffit de ne pas entamer la discussion avec eux. En dehors de ca, meme Boracay qui est considere comme l'endroit le plus touristique des Philippines, si j'ose cette comparaison qui vaut ce qu'elle vaut, c'est un peu le St Tropez local ( hum...non, la comparaison n'est pas ideale), et bien meme Boracay est un havre de paix compare aux endroits touristiques "a l'europeenne"....
En Octobre evidemment, ce n'est pas la meilleure saison....pluies et parfois typhons sont au rendez-vous.
Pour un sejour de trois semaines, je ne resterais qu'un jour a Manille, je partirais sur le Nord de Luzon ( Banaue, rizieres), deux ou trois jours, puis descente sur le sud de l'ile ( Taal, Pagsanjan, Paete, Nasugbu).
Puis je reprendrais un vol pour Palawan, a ne pas manquer, ou je sejournerais au moins une semaine.
La troisieme semaine, au choix : Visayas, Cebu, Boracay, Bocol.....
Il y a des gens sympas a rencontrer partout et des endroits merveilleux a decouvrir.
Trois semaines, c'est court....mais je sais deja que vous reviendrez!
merci Getehem pour ta réponse!!!
effectivement, octobre n'est apparement pas la meilleure saison!!mais que veux tu, nos emplois du temps sont un peu surchargés!!!🤪 d'après ma belle soeur, rosana, l'épouse du frère de mon mari (tu suis?), qui est philippine, ca peut quand meme le faire!! je me demande si elle essai pas de se débarasser de nous!!!😉😉
en fait, au départ, on avait choisi la thailande...mais je me suis vite rendu compte que pour ce qui est des voyages hors des sentiers battus, c'était très limité!! alors, rosana et son mari, thierry, nous ont suggéré ce voyage...et on a été vite séduits!!!
tes indications me seront tres utiles!!!
pour ce qui est de l'aide, crois tu que nous puissions au moins amener avec nous des cahiers, crayons et autres fournitures pour les enfants???je dis ca mais je ne sais pas si ils ont un acces facile à ces choses...
j'ai vu qu'il y avait en octobre le masskara festival à Bacalod...sais tu si c'est interressant?les photos que j'ai vues sont très belles et cela nous permettrait de nous plonger dans la culture..
nous comptons effectivement nous rendre dans le nord de Luzon, j'ai vu passer le nom de Batad et Banaue, puis aller vers Bohol, Cebu et enfin Puerto princesa...dans les grandes lignes!!!
j'ai vu aussi qu'au sud de luzon, on pouvait voir des baleines (??)...
nous voulons faire le genre de trucs que tu ne fais qu'une fois dans ta vie!!!
merci pour ton aide et ton accueil!!!😉
ils nous reste plus qu'a prendre des cours de tagalog avec rosana!!!
Je suis allé aux Philippines de mi-octobre à mi-novembre 2006, j'ai commencé par 2 semaines à Palawan puis une grosse semaine au nord de Luzon (Banaue/Batad).
J'ai eu trés peu de pluie à Palawan (des gros orages ponctuels), cette île n'est pas touchée par les typhons.
Par contre j'ai eu pas mal de pluie au nord de Luzon, un typhon y était passé la semaine avant mon passage et un autre y est passé pas longtemps aprés mon départ.
Personnellement j'ai adoré Palawan qui est hors des sentiers battus, trés belle, préservée, ...cet endroit mérite minimum 2 semaines (Puerto Princesa, Sabang, Port Barton, El Nido, Honda bay, ...), c'est parfait pour un voyage de noce!!😉
Tu peux aussi lire le carnet de voyage de Lepiaf qui a passé 3 semaines à Palawan et voir les photos de narotcho sur son site (Palawan/Banaue).
Pour les baleines, c'est en gros de fevrier a juin. J'ai eu le plaisir d'heberger pour la nuit il y a deux semaines un membre de voyageforum qui parcourt les Philippines en velo ( plusieur milliers de kms dans les pattes en six semaines, et il continue!!), il en revenait et avait eu la chance d'en voir pas mal!
Je confirme ce qu'un autre intervenant t'a dit : pour un voyage de noce mettre l'accent sur Palawan plutot que Luzon!
Le MASSKARA FESTIVAL est effectivement tres interessant ( je n'ai pas vu, mais conforme par Liberty, ma compagne).
Pour ce qui est d'apporter du materiel scolaire, il y a tout ce qu'il faut ici, bien moins cher qu'en France. La plupart des ecoles publiques fournissent les livres et cahiers. Pas toutes cependant. Ce serait une erreur de croire que les Philippines sont un peu comme certains pays africains. Il n'y a pas de probleme d'approvisionnement, dans aucun domaine pratiquement.
Ben voila, ca y est, on l'a fait notre voyage de noces!!!😉
Et c'etait ...comment dire: le paradis? innoubliable? formidable?depaysant?chaleureux?...tout ça a la fois!
On fait un gros coucou a Gorges et Liberty avec lesquels nous avons eu le plaisir de prendre un café et des croissants! merci pour votre accueil! La petite Amandine est vraiment craquante!😛
Premiers indices en attendant le recit complet: gros coup de coeur pour Bohol (visite en moto) et le Nuts Huts, Masskara festival epoustoufflant, mangues delicieuses, traversée Ouest Est de Palawan en Jeepney incontournable...Nous avons rencontrés des gens vraiment tres sympas: du chauffeur de jeepney au proprietaire d'une ile en passant par les ecoliers de Albuquerque sur Bohol...
Deux questions nous obsèdent cependant: y a t-il un moment dans la journée où les Pinoy ne mangent pas?les musiques de Noel et décos de fin d'année début octobre, c'est normal?
Nous ecrirons le recit de notre voyage...des que nous aurons repris un cours de vie normale!
A bientôt!
C'était un plaisir de vous rencontrer et nous sommes ravis de la façon dont vous avez apprécié votre ( premier) séjour aux Philippines!
Pour répondre aux deux questions : 1) non 2) oui, d'ailleurs vous aurez vu dans notre salon le sapin de Noel, lorsque vous nous avez rendu visite vers le 20 octobre???
Bonjour!
je viens de lire ce poste et souhaiterai avoir qq précisions réalistiques sur le temps aux Philippines (Palawan) sur la 2e quinzaine de sept en general... c'est pour un voyage de noce, dans 6 mois donc :)
les agences de voyage nous disent d'éviter... :(
merci pour vos conseils!
Voyant que vous connaissez bien le pays, j'en profite pour vous poser quelques questions:
Y a t-il moyen (en 3 semaines ou un mois de voyage) de visiter plusieurs îles en empruntant les ferry??? Est il mieux de se déplacer en avion (pour aller à Palawan par exemple)
J'ai entendu dire que la sécurité était aléatoire..😕 (je précise: j'ai une peur bleue de l'avion...)
Quels sont les endroits incontournables lorsque l'on est passionné de volcans?
Quels sont les endroits à éviter ?
L'avion est évidemment incomparablement plus rapide et la sécurité des compagnies aériennes intérieures ( Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit), me paraît bien mieux assurée que celle des " ferries" ou " Bancas" qui relient les îles. Chaque année il y a des accidents de navigation, mais il n' y a guère d' accidents aériens!
Les volcans, eh bien, je laisse à Pinoy7 le soin de te répondre, il en connaît un bout sur la question!
Où ne pas aller? En dehors de certains quartiers de Manille ( Divisoria, Binondo), tu peux aller où tu veux sans problème, sauf à l' extrême sud de Mindanao et dans les îles de la mer de Sulu. Mais personne n' y va, de toute façon!
Tu peux aller jusqu'à Davao de Manille en bus, tu pourras donc faire en passant le lac Taal, le mont Mayon, et continuer sur leyte, samar, et une partie de Mindanao.
Et sinon l'ile la plus volcanique des Phils est Camiguin.
En ce qui concerne les bateaux de ligne c 'est vraiment le meilleur moyen de faire connaissance avec des Phils.
merci Pinoyè et Getehem!
mais c'est pas une bonne nouvelle ça
ça me tentait bien!!
ça veut dire qu'il pleut tout le temps, que le ciel est gris ou alors il pleut fort mais pas longtemps?
savez-vous si on peut faire du catamaran aussi?
merci!
Concernant les volcans:
Il y en a un tas au Philippines. Ils sont bien surveillés par PHIVOLCS.
On ne peut pas prévoir lequel va cracher prochainement. Et souvent on est sur une ile et un volcan à 300km fait son spectacle.
Actuellement le plus probable à cracher est le Kanlaon sur Negros. Il est facilement accessible, mais classé dangereux.
La plus grande densité de volcans tu trouves sur Camiguin. "The island born of fire. Il y a 5 volcans dont 1 est actif sur une ile de 20x11km. J'y habite et profite des sources chaudes...
Le Hibok-Hibok est faiblement actif (fumeroles, petits tremblements). Tu peux y monter et descendre en une journée.
Voir Hibok-Hibok.
SEAIR organise des vols autour du Pinatubo et autour du Mt. Mayon. Bon, c'est pas trop bon marché, mais la vue doit être magnifique.
Organises ton trajet en fonction des volcans que tu veux visiter. J'irai du nord au sud en bus (RoRo) et bateau et rentrerai ensuite avec l'avion ä Manila.
Salut à vous deux.
Tout d'abord félicitations pour le mariage.
Nous aussi nous envisageons de faire nottre voyage de noce là bas, est-ce que vous pourriez nous donner des idées à faire, àa ne pas faire.
Voici ce que nous recherchons: beaux hôtels, plongée 9bouteille-Nous avons notre diplome de Open Water Diver), culture, visites, safari.... Nous aimerions y aller 15 jours.
Merci et èa bientôt.
Albane et Sylvan
eh bien, pour ce qui esty des hotels confotables et de la plongée....nous n'avons fait ni l'un ni l'autre!!!!
nous avons pris le sac a dos, le jeepney et les tricycles...roots!!!
nous avons beaucoup aimé bohol...tres verte avec de belles eglises espagnoles, les chocolates et les tarsiers!
nous a surtout rencontré des pinoys (et getehem!!!gros bisous au passage à toi et tes deux pin up!)
deux semaines, c'est pas beaucoup pour un round trip mais je pense que ca suffit si vous vous cantonez a la plongée et aux plages de sable blanc....mais la, je seche!!!
pour nos photos, le sit n'est toujours pas créé!!!!!!!!!!
un jour peut etre!!!
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.