Our flights are booked, and we’ll arrive in Thailand at the beginning of January.
Originally, we were supposed to spend 14 days there. But after booking the flights and seeing the prices, we’ll now be there for 20 days instead.
Our initial plan was:
2 days in Bangkok
1 day in Ayutthaya
4 days in Chiang Mai
6 days around Krabi
So we have 7 more days to fill. What do you recommend?
An extra day in Bangkok?
Adding more days in the north? If so, where?
Exploring another region, like Kanchanaburi or Cheow Lan Lake?
Traveling north in stages instead of taking the overnight train?
A few extra details about us:
For us, vacation isn’t about relaxation—we love walking, exploring, and packed days don’t bother us. Hiking for hours and doing active things is what makes us happy. That said, we also enjoy visiting villages and towns if they’re worth the detour. In Thailand, we’d like to visit temples too. We’re early risers, so our days tend to be long. 🙂 In short, we like to keep things moving during our trips. 😉
Unfortunately, seeing terraced rice fields isn’t possible in January. I read there are rice fields around Sukhothai. Are they green in January?
In the north, do you recommend Doi Inthanon, Huai Nam Dang, or Doi Chiang Dao National Parks? Which one is the most beautiful and best for January?
Wow, there are so many possible answers...
Two more clarifications, please:
Finally, 20 days there.
Initially, we had planned:
2 days in Bangkok
1 day in Ayutthaya
4 days in Chiang Mai
6 days around Krabi
That’s 21 nights on site, and when you mention the duration of a stop, it’s in full days, so for example, here Bangkok would be 3 nights or Chiang Mai 5 nights—is that correct?
We also want to visit temples.
You’re talking about temples that are still active, in good condition, and well-decorated like the one in the photo below, not ruin sites like Ayutthaya (some first-time travelers in the country tend to mix the two up during their planning)?
We’re spending a full 20 days there, but only two nights in Bangkok since we’ll arrive at 5:55 AM. So the first day won’t be too packed because of travel fatigue.
For the rest, we’ll have full days. That means 4 days in Chiang Mai, though we’ll have one night on the train arriving early in the morning. Then we’ll stay 4 days and 4 nights—unless someone advises us to stay longer! 🙂
As for temples, both options sound interesting. We’d like to see the ancient temples in Ayutthaya, a few temples in the Chiang Mai square, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat Phra Lat. In Bangkok, we’re planning to visit the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho.
We won’t be renting a car. I would’ve done it if we were only going to the south and not staying on the islands. Renting a car when you don’t use it half the time isn’t very cost-effective. Though, I haven’t really done the math for Thailand. But I think it requires even more planning.
We’ll be using private drivers and some public transport. We did the same in Peru this year, and it worked perfectly for us.
You could add one, even 2-3 if you wanted, since there’s plenty to see. But not doing it to free up more time for the rest isn’t a bad call (the kind of answer that actually helps you move forward...😕). Either way, don’t forget that Bkk is an exhausting city to get around, no matter how you travel—including on foot.
Adding days in the north? If so, where?
Adding another region, like Kanchanaburi?
Adding days in the North, yes. Adding Kanchanaburi province, also yes—but not both.
For Kanchanaburi province, plan at least 7 nights: 3 in Kanchanaburi town, 3 in Sangkhlaburi, and one in between at Sai Yok Yai or Thong Pha Phum. For transport and visits, here’s how it could work, in order:
- In Kan, take the 6 AM train to Namtok and get off just after it crosses the Wangpo viaduct/Death Railway Bridge, at Tham Krasae halt. Walk along the viaduct for the view, then head to Route 323 on foot (6 km, mostly uphill—take the road following the tracks to the first level crossing, cross it, and keep straight). On Route 323, wait for a bus or minivan going left, then optionally stop at Sai Yok Noi waterfall (skip if you want), re-bus/minivan, optional stop at the Hellfire Pass Museum* and the original cutting, re-bus/minivan, then overnight at Sai Yok Yai National Park (or Thong Pha Phum). "We’re early risers, so our days are often long.🙂 In short, when we travel, we like to keep things moving.😉" Well, you’d get your fill here! 😉
And the next day? Yep, another bus/minivan to Sangkhlaburi.
If the above sounds overwhelming 😎, minivans also do the direct Kanchanaburi–Sangkhlaburi route.
The only public transport to the Wangpo viaduct is the train.
In Sangkhlaburi, P. Guesthouse offers activities you might enjoy—check their website.
After Sangkhlaburi, return to Kanchanaburi during the day, then:
- Either take a comfortable overnight bus to Chiang Mai (there’s also a daytime one), about 12 hours,
- Or take the 55-minute air-conditioned Bus 81 (every 20 mins until ~7 PM) to Ban Pong, then a 10–15 minute walk to the train station, where night trains head to all southern rail destinations.
We’d love to visit a lake covered in water lilies, but I’m not sure if it’s possible in January.
I’m not sure about water lilies, but lotuses are in bloom at Talay Bua Daeng in January–February. The downside? It’s at the other end of the country, near Udon Thani—a city that’s not exactly a highlight. Direct buses run between Udon Thani and Chiang Mai.
I’ll come back later with suggestions for additions in the North.
Something like that with the part to Chiang Rai added.
Thanks, I’ll read this blog tonight.
Not really great, this blog. I’ve seen more comprehensive ones.
Having recently done the Mae Hong Son loop, I don’t think it’s one of the absolute must-sees in Thailand.
That said, it’s hard to compare regions in a country that’s beautiful pretty much everywhere.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Not really great, this blog. I’ve seen more comprehensive ones.
After recently doing the Mae Hong Son loop, I don’t think it’s one of the absolute must-sees in Thailand.
What spots do *you* consider absolute must-sees? I’m aware that some of them might be tough to fit into a three-week trip covering both the north and the south.
Do you recommend a day trip from Bangkok to Songkran, the Talad Rom Hub train market, Klong Kone to see the swimming monkeys, and Amphawa for the floating market?
The train market seems super touristy. Is it the same for Klong Kone and Amphawa?
Note that Amphawa is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Few viewpoints along the routes between stops, not many interesting waterfalls compared to other regions, Pai hardly suits those over 25, and overall, the area is poorly suited for cars. True, it’s better to do this by scooter or motorbike, IMHO. The temples aren’t great (Burmese style and a pretty poor region).
But after 10 visits, I might just be jaded...
Just to be clear, I’m not saying you should avoid it either!
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Like in any country that developed its infrastructure long after ours, as soon as you leave the well-trodden paths, it quickly turns into an adventure.
Lots of roads are really narrow, and there are plenty of spots where it’s not safe to stop to take the photo you want.
On top of that, some sections have terrifying slopes. Hard to say if it’s 15%, 20%, or more since, in that region, they apparently only have signs showing 8% 🙂
It’s especially tight in Pai. The hotel we chose was only accessible via a rough path perched several meters above the rice fields. You could barely make a three-point turn, and there were few places where two cars could pass each other.
I don’t want to paint too grim a picture—after all, we managed to visit everything and made it back alive.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
-Soppong/Pang Mapha (known by both names). An area for hiking (on your own or with a guided trek) and kayaking. There’s also a famous large cave nearby. Easy access to Soppong from Chiang Mai with Prempracha minivans: https://premprachatransports.com/?target=b0o5eHFKa3lVD1dpcUtFeQ== — they now have a monopoly on this route (the bus no longer runs). Cave Lodge (https://www.cavelodge.com/accommodation/index.html) is the most well-known accommodation in the area, with reasonably priced bungalows ranging from 300-800 baht depending on comfort, and they organize outdoor activities. The food is the usual bland guesthouse fare, so it’s better to eat at one of the 3-4 small eateries in the village, just 30 meters away—it’ll be half the price and tastier. To get there from the minivan drop-off in Soppong, take a motorbike taxi; all drivers know the place, which is 7-8 km away.
Other family-run guesthouses also offer accommodation and trekking, but they’re hard to find online. You’ll see ads near the minivan stop.
Mae Hong Son, the capital of the province with the same name. Ideal for trekking, white-water sports, and visiting nearby villages by songthaew (which you can rent for the day or take the infrequent regular ones). Plenty of accommodations and trekking agencies, with tourism but not too touristy. Getting there from Chiang Mai is similar to Soppong. Two comfortable night buses also connect Mae Hong Son and Bangkok, passing through Mae Sariang but not Chiang Mai.
Mae Salong: a long, narrow village with a large Chinese population (and for good reason—I’ll let you figure out why). Great for day hikes (or scooter trips if you can find one) to smaller surrounding villages. A few places to stay, including two right across from each other (and next to the songthaew stop):
-Shin Sane Guesthouse, which I’ve seen there for over 30 years. It’s been modernized and even moved slightly, but the (Chinese) staff remain efficient yet indifferent. Around 500-600 baht.
-Little Home Guesthouse, which I now prefer. Bungalows in a lush garden. Around 600-700 baht.
To get there from Chiang Rai, take a bus to Mae Sai or Chiang Saen, get off at Mae Chan, and then take one of the 4-5 daily songthaews to Mae Salong.
From Chiang Mai, you’ll first need to take a bus (4.5 hours) to Tha Thon (a highly recommended village, but it doesn’t fit your criteria), then one of the 3 daily songthaews to Mae Salong.
Chiang Rai. I assume you’ve already read a lot about this city and the sights around it. It’s more laid-back than Chiang Mai. The best area to stay is near Wat Jet Yot. Be careful—there are two bus terminals: Terminal 2, on the outskirts, where buses to other provinces depart, and Terminal 1 in the city center (a 10-minute walk from Wat Jet Yot), where buses to other destinations in the same province leave (and sometimes Greenbus buses to Chiang Mai).
Nan. The coolest (and my favorite) provincial capital in the north: compact, wide streets, bike lanes, bike rentals from the municipality (and from AirAsia at the airport), little car traffic, unique temples not to miss, minimal tourism (mostly Thai and only on weekends), plenty of accommodations starting at 600-700 baht (book ahead if it’s the weekend), and a stunning province to explore by car with a driver* (limited public transport north of Nan).
To get there: one daily a/c2 bus from Chiang Rai (5 hours), half a dozen a/c1 buses from Chiang Mai, many minivans from Phrae (some from Den Chai train station), and numerous a/c1, VIP buses, and low-cost flights from Bangkok. Other routes are available too.
*To find a driver, ask at the official T.A.T. office or the other one—they’re both on the same street as Wat Phumin.
Note: In Soppong, Mae Hong Son, Tha Thon, and Mae Salong (and elsewhere during treks in the north), nights in January and February can be chilly (25-30°C difference between day and night). Bring a sweater—it’ll also come in handy on air-conditioned night buses and trains.
Gradually heading north instead of taking the overnight train?
Sukhothai could be an option, but since you’ll have already seen the ruins at Ayutthaya and seem to want to stay in the north, I think you can skip it.
In the north, do you recommend Doi Inthanon, Huai Nam Dang, and Doi Chiang Dao parks? Which of these parks is the most beautiful and recommended in January?
I haven’t been to any of the three. Marien33 visited Doi Inthanon earlier this year and seemed disappointed—if they don’t reply here, check their current travel journal.
We’d love a trek, but I’m not sure where or how to organize it. What’s certain is we don’t want a group trek.
You say "a trek" in Switzerland?
The bolded part might be an issue unless you’ve got a well-stocked wallet. Typically, "group" treks have 4 to 5-6 participants plus guides. Either way, to avoid jungle walks falsely sold as "treks" just because the term is trendy, don’t pick one that’s shorter than 3 days/2 nights. For the same reason, avoid any treks that include car rides*, elephant riding, bamboo rafting, or similar gimmicks.
*However, it’s normal for the trip from a city to the actual trek starting point—and back at the end—to be by songthaew.
I just read Biboun51’s travel journal, and they didn’t seem to enjoy Pai or the area. But opinions vary...
I hate Pai for multiple reasons.
Jojoone1:
Having recently done the Mae Hong Son loop, I don’t think it’s one of Thailand’s absolute must-sees.
It might be worth it if you dedicate at least 10-12 days (without Pai).
Does anyone know the Mae Sariang area?
I know the town—I’ve stopped there four times, for one to three nights. I’ve also traveled Route 105 (and some of the villages along it) from Mae Sariang to Mae Sot, once in each direction.
Do you recommend an excursion from Bangkok to Songkram for the Talad Rom Hub rail market?
Samut Songkhram, more commonly called Maeklong. The market’s fun, but you won’t be the only tourist there 😎 🏴☠️... I did it by taking the train independently, which isn’t easy (two different local lines plus a short ferry crossing between them—it took me half a day just for the round trip, but I couldn’t imagine arriving at a rail market by road...).
Photos from the first train ride here: https://voyageforum.com/forum/loin-lotfai--lotfai-quotidien-d10777060/ I’ll post the second train ride and some market shots soon...
Do you recommend an excursion from Bangkok to (...) Amphawa for the floating market?
No.
It’s super touristy, and it hasn’t been a real market for a long time. Only opens on weekend afternoons. Book your accommodation (overpriced compared to elsewhere) at least two weeks in advance.
What I found way more interesting in Amphawa was the King Rama II Memorial Park... though almost no one goes there.
Hello, it’s a small town with guesthouses overlooking the river. From there, you can go to the Salawin River, which marks the border between Thailand and Myanmar. The small villages along the Salawin are pretty remote—there aren’t many tourists down there—and you can take boat tours on the river between the two countries. Total change of scenery guaranteed!..
The part in bold might be an issue unless you've got a well-padded wallet. Typically, group treks have 4 to 5-6 participants plus the guides. Anyway, to avoid the fake jungle walks sold as "treks" just because the term sounds more appealing, don't pick one that's shorter than 3 days/2 nights. For the same reason, avoid any treks that include car rides*, elephant riding, bamboo rafting, and other activities of that sort.
Hello, it’s a small town with guesthouses overlooking the river. From there, you can go to the Salawin River, which marks the border between Thailand and Myanmar. The small villages along the Salawin are pretty remote spots—there aren’t many tourists down there. You can also take boat tours on the river between the two countries; total change of scenery guaranteed!
Like in any country that developed its infrastructure long after ours, as soon as you leave the well-trodden paths, it quickly turns into an adventure.
I must admit we quite enjoy that kind of adventure. You just need a good 4x4, and the landscapes should be worth it.
My message is really late because it was glitching +++ and I couldn't send a reply to your thread
Yeah, it's been pretty buggy lately. I avoid clicking on the links sent by VF in emails. After that, I keep ending up on the same page. When I check my followed discussions directly on VF, there’s no problem.
We’re back after spending three weeks in Thailand. Thanks to all of you for your many tips. We discovered beautiful things, saw stunning landscapes, and really appreciated the kindness of the Thai people.
To our great delight, we were also able to observe animals in their natural habitat. Lots of birds—the Thale Noi Lake is especially a paradise for birdwatchers—water buffaloes, swimming monkeys, langur monkeys and gibbons, countless bats, lizards, monitor lizards (including a very large and beautiful one in Lamru National Park), thousands of colorful fish, and even a small shark!
We mainly got around using private taxi drivers, private boats, tuk-tuks in the city, a domestic flight, and the overnight train between Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai. No regrets there—everything went smoothly, the drivers were always on time, and incredibly kind. The overnight train was a great experience.
Our highlights:
Koh Ngai Island
the Thale Noi Lake in the Phattalung region, especially the early morning boat ride
the Chiang Mai area, where we took several small excursions, including two days in the mountains in a non-touristy spot with a Karen guide
the boat trip to see the swimming monkeys between Bang Tabun and Bang Chakreng
the Khmer temples in Ayutthaya
the day on Cheow Lan Lake
the day around Laem Sack with dinner on a *krachang* in Phang Nga Bay
our snorkeling spots, the feeling of being in a giant aquarium
We also enjoyed:
our two nights in Tup Keak, which is definitely the best option for the beach and sightseeing in this very touristy region
the little detour to Khao Nai Luana Dharma Park
Bangkok for two days was also interesting
What we liked less or not at all:
disrespectful tourists in some places, but this is a general issue, not just in Thailand
the railway market in Samut Songkhram—too touristy, but we knew that going in
Khao San Road in Bangkok isn’t really our thing
our last night in Khao Lak—practical before an international flight from Phuket, but this kind of beach resort really isn’t for us. Luckily, we found less touristy things to do, like Lamru National Park with its monitor lizards and beautiful little beach.
It was a varied trip and perfect in terms of pace for us. The fact that we’re early risers is a definite advantage. Very few people at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and also very few at Wat Phra Doi Suthep, Cheow Lan Lake—our boat was one of the first to leave, we were alone in front of the famous three rocks, and as a result, we were ahead of the other boats all day.
I’m not sure if I’ll have the energy to put together a more detailed travel journal—the fact that the forum isn’t very active is a real deterrent for finding the motivation.
Thanks Carmen (what a pretty name!) for this feedback.
I don’t know if I’d have the courage to write a more detailed travel journal—the fact that the forum isn’t very active is a real motivation killer.
That’s also why I won’t be writing a new journal. And yet, I already have so much to share from this second trip, which was already so different from the last one...! But I have a problem with silent crowds... And I don’t like soliloquizing. I already talk to myself enough in my daily life...
As far back as the ancient origins of forums go, they’ve always been a place for exchanges and sharing ideas—not a place where a crowd listens to one person talking without ever responding. That’s got another Latin name, too...
That’s also why I won’t be making another travel journal.
I don’t like soliloquizing.
As far back as the ancient origins of a forum go, it’s always been a place for exchanging and sharing ideas
Hi there,
I think a lot of people will stop keeping travel journals on this forum for the reasons you mentioned, but at the same time, if we remove travel journals, we’re removing a (very) big part of the forum’s activity....
" Celui qui voyage sans rencontrer l'autre ne voyage pas , il se déplace "
( Alexandra David-Néel )
" Ahora todos quieren ser latinos , no , ey , pero les falta sazon , bateria y reggaeton " ( Bad Bunny )
I hope you were at least there at a time when a train passed. And by the way, did you go by train or by road?
Yes, we were there when the train passed and luckily had a great spot to see it go by. We went by road because the main goal was to see the swimming monkeys. We loved the boat ride to see them—no tourists, just us and the old fisherman. 🙂
To make the day even better, we visited two floating markets. One was way too touristy, but our driver thought it would be better. Well, no—we preferred the one that was less touristy.
Thanks ☺️ I’d love to go back—it’s way too cold here 🥶.
(There were loads of French travelers in Thailand this January.😮)
January seems like a great month to visit Thailand—not too humid and not too hot, especially in the north. I was expecting to suffer more from the heat and especially the humidity.
We met Virginie (VallM17) and her husband in Bangkok.😊
I say this without putting any pressure on you, but I’d be really disappointed not to see this travel journal.
My wife and I regularly revisit ours to reminisce...
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
My wife and I regularly come back to visit our family, just to reminisce...
Most of the time, reading travel journals bores me to death—that’s why I haven’t read more than 10 in over 25 years—but someday I’ll have to make up my mind to read one of yours. Do you have one with as little beach time as possible to recommend?
I get that given my age, you don’t wanna see me in a swimsuit 😉
Well, 10 years ago when we started these trips, we weren’t really into beach vacations anymore. So there’s hardly any of that at all.
The 2018 and 2019 travel journals are the most varied.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
My wife and I regularly come back to revisit our memories...
Most of the time, reading travel journals bores me to tears—that’s why I’ve probably read fewer than 10 in over 25 years—but someday I’ll have to make up my mind to read one of yours. Do you have one with as little beach time as possible to recommend?
Still, I just found this in your travel journal "Countryside Escapes" :
Quote from Jojoone in their thread "All Over Thailand":
Good grief, what on earth do they put in those pesticides? It’s a miracle we’re still alive!
When the name of the pesticide sounds appealing, it goes down much easier...
I’m currently looking for photos that would fit in "Countryside Escapes." Just a little more patience. I just need to convert them to VF format...
Based on my criteria, a travel journal documents a single trip from start to finish and is illustrated with photos and examples—like your last two.
So I don’t consider Jojoone1’s "A little everywhere in Thailand" a travel journal because it doesn’t include a narrative—or at least not what I’d call one. That’s why I check each of their updates, which is how I noticed their comment about pesticides.
Similarly, I don’t consider any of my own posts in the travel journal section as such because they either lack text, photos, or a specific trip. For example, my "Far from the daily lotfai lotfai" was originally posted in the regular Thailand section, but the admin moved it to "travel journals," which, in my opinion, wasn’t justified at all—but hey, they’re the boss.
Then, even though it still didn’t quite fit (by my standards), I put my posts "Old Burmese Adventures" and "Hitchhiking in Thailand" in the travel journal section because I like being able to edit each text without a time limit.
I say this without putting any pressure on, but I’d be really disappointed not to see this travel journal.
First, I’d need to start the travel journal of our trip to Peru, which was certainly out of the ordinary.
My wife and I regularly revisit ours to reminisce...
I write a "travel journal" for each of our trips. I make an album with text and photos. It’s super handy when you want to relive your travels. Unfortunately, I haven’t finished the Peru one yet, and I’ll do the same for Thailand.
Here are a few "travel journal" albums from our trips. They’re wonderful memories.
But it’s true that travel journals on VF let you connect with other forum members. I’ve always loved writing my travel journals here. However, since the reopening, the forum has been less active, and the various bugs don’t help.
Nous avons la possibilité de partir une petite quinzaine de jours tout début janvier, juste à deux, sans nos enfants. Pour diverses raisons liées aux enfants,…
Et bonjour à tous:) Notre prochain voyage en Thaïlande approche, et nous n'en pouvons plus d'attendre! On parle, mange, boit et dort Thaïlande Notre itinéraire…
Je pars pour la Thaïlande en janvier en circuit organisé. Je vais être par moi-même à Koh Samui (Plage Hat Lamai) et Bangkok. Avez-vous des recommandations à…
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Bonjour ,
Nou souhaitons nous rendre de Chiang Rai a Luang Prabang en novembre prochain .
Pour cela nous aimerions prendre un slow boat a partir de Chiang Khong ou plutôt de Houeisay au Laos avec un stop pour la nuit a Pakbeng .
Pourriez vous nous indiquer si ce bateau se prend toujours en fin de matinée a Houeisay , si oui a quelle heure environ et quel est le prix du trajet
Merci pour votre aide
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
Après lectures et recherches, nous envisageons les étapes suivantes au Cambodge en janvier 2027 :
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (A/R)
Je m'interroge sur le sens de ces étapes, ce qui peut également conditionner nos vols internationaux.
Soit un aller/retour depuis Phnom Penh dans l'ordre ci-dessus.
Soit un atterrissage à Siem Reap avec l'ordre suivant :
Cette 2ème option nous éviterait le trajet Battambang - PP - Kampot mais suppose de faire un A/R Battambang depuis Siem Reap et de placer le "clou du voyage" (Angkor) au début de notre séjour..
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
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, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise
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.
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!
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
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.
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...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Here are a few "travel journal" albums from our trips. They’re wonderful memories.
