Our next trip to Thailand is coming up, and we just can't wait! We talk, eat, drink, and dream Thailand 😏
Our itinerary is mostly set, and we’ve found quite a few new things to explore, but I’d still love to hear your recommendations for Bangkok.
Just so you know: we love this city, and every time we visit, we spend several days there without ever feeling like we’ve seen it all. So this year, we’re staying for 8 days!
Here’s what we have planned this year:
* Exploring Nonthaburi
* A day trip to Nakhon Pathom (to test out our basic Thai skills 😛)
* Khlong Lat Mayom floating market (we went 10 years ago—it’s probably changed a lot!)
* The Erawan Museum (we visited Muang Boran on our last trip)
* Finally taking the time to check out Wat Phra Sri Maha Mariamman and Wat Yannawa (we’ve planned to go several times but never made it—are they worth a visit?)
This is what we’ve picked so far, but I’d love to hear about the favorite spots and recommendations from travelers who, like us, adore Bangkok.
I’d love to discover the favorites and recommendations from travelers who, like us, love Bangkok.
Koh Kret, which you can explore on foot or by bike (available for rent on-site) in a 6–8 km loop. No cars, just a few motorbike taxis and Mickael’s tricycle from the street vendor. Peaceful and charming. Thai tourism only on weekends in the village, which you’ll leave quickly. Super quiet everywhere during the week.
Happy to share tips on how to get there or anything else. I’ve been there 5–6 times.
14 photos near the end of the last page of this thread: https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=10760313;page=last;#last
Good evening, and thank you for this recommendation.
I’d noted it down for future trips since I think we’ll have to wait until our daughter can ride a bike on her own to really enjoy this place. I doubt they rent bikes with child seats, do they?
We were also wondering about mosquitoes—we’re traveling in October, right after the rainy season, so there might be quite a bit of standing water. Do you get eaten alive there?
Anyway, I’d love any info on how to get there because if it’s not doable this year, it’ll definitely be on the agenda for our next trip.
For Koh Kret, you first need to get to Pak Kret, for example by bus or taxi, but there's a nicer option: take the orange-flag boat-bus to its terminus in Nonthaburi—a lovely ride along the Chao Phraya (e.g., 45 minutes from the Phra Athit stop near Khao San Rd) for just 16 baht. From Nonthaburi, continue by taxi for about 130 baht (metered) to Wat Sanam Nuea in Pak Kret (13°54'46.50"N 100°29'34.60"E), from where ferries depart for Koh Kret (a 2-minute crossing for 2-3 baht).
Bikes can be rented at the ferry arrival point, but I don’t remember seeing any with child seats. As for mosquitoes, even though they usually love me, I’ve never had any issues with them on Koh Kret.
Website for boat-bus schedules: https://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/chaophrayaexpressboat?lang=en. It’s the only one I know that’s in English, comprehensive, and updated regularly several times a year.
You’ll also see a boat-bus line (yellow-green flag) for Koh Kret, but it only runs downstream in the morning and upstream in the evening on weekdays to transport islanders who work in the capital. Plus, its landing point on Koh Kret isn’t the same as the other one.
Pak Kret: walking route from the bus stop to Wat Sanam Nuea (only if you go by bus):
The ferry to Koh Kret at the back of Wat Sanam Nuea (Koh Kret in the background on the left):
Alright, we're sold—we're planning this for this year! xD
We'll do it on foot, and maybe we'll go back later by bike when our daughter is older.
One question: have you been there on a weekday? Is it worth it? Because we’ve already planned a market for the Saturday we’ll be in Bangkok.
Thanks so much for the recommendation—can’t wait to get there!
Most of the time, yes, but once or twice on the weekend.
On a weekday? Is it worth it?
If you like strolling in an environment like the one I posted photos of elsewhere, yes, including on the weekend because the crowd is confined to the narrow shopping area (which only opens on weekends) for Thai village tourism. So, you get it—if you want to see what locals dare to call a "market" (souvenirs, crafts, restaurants...), it's better to go on the weekend.
Because we’ve already planned a market for the Saturday we’ll be in Bangkok.
Apart from what I briefly described above, there’s no market at Koh Kret.
On weekdays, bring some snacks because most of the village restaurants are closed. Sometimes there’s a skewer vendor at the boat exit (near the bike rental), a soup stall on the right side of the road shortly after leaving the village in the counterclockwise direction of the loop, and a basic Thai food spot (like khao pad) around here: 13°54'10.35"N 100°28'38.99"E * That’s about it.
* On the only "connecting soi" that lets you link two sois without having to go back to the "main road."
Don’t stick to the "main road"—also take the sois leading to the riverbanks (then retrace your steps afterward, except for the exception above).
South of the village:
North of the village, entrance to the tourist market that you’ll have to cross anyway to do the full loop of the island (photographed here on a weekday):
And if you go to Koh Kret following Songsam’s directions, stop by the Nonthaburi market first: after getting off the express boat, go straight down the avenue—the market is on your right.
A traditional market with heat, smells, and smiles.
A few other random tips: MOCA Bangkok, the Museum of Contemporary Art, for a completely different perspective compared to our Western museums.
Another spot: in the south of the city, accessible via the Pak Nam metro, the Samut Prakan district—renovated riverbanks, a tower with a view of all of BKK, and an old citadel with a museum and cannons across the river.
Otherwise, with kids, the aquarium (at Siam) is great. Paid entry, of course.
And still for kids, I was pretty disappointed by the zoo, but that was a few years ago.
We’re taking the train instead of a minivan that speeds along—we’ve got time :)
In the early years, we’d plan several things in a single day, but not anymore. We prefer to take our time, wander where the wind takes us, chat with people, etc. So one day works just fine for us!
Nonthaburi is already on our itinerary—it sounds really nice.
We’re not into zoos or aquariums, etc.; we prefer animals in the wild. But actually, 20 years ago (before I’d formed my opinion on the matter), I visited the Bangkok Aquarium and thought it was amazing. For those who like that kind of thing, it’s definitely worth seeing.
I’m jotting down everything else, thanks. I’d already noted Salut Prakan under my “to explore” section—you’ve just confirmed my idea.
Just a heads-up that the new Jurassic World theme park in Bangkok just opened this month...
« 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
We saw this!
At Asiatique Riverfront? But on one hand, it’s still 75 € for the three of us, and with all there is to do in Bangkok, we’re hesitating. On the other hand, we’re wondering if it’s suitable for our daughter’s age—the videos we’ve found online make it seem like it’s more about scaring people, so I think it’s aimed at a slightly older audience.
I tried to squeeze in another dinner at L'Harmonique this year, but my husband isn’t really up for it xD
It’s far from where we’re staying, and he finds them too unpleasant to make the trip just for them
(It’s true we were greeted pretty coldly, yet with a toddler and stumbling through 3-4 words of Thai, we’re usually welcomed so warmly everywhere we go... But for me, the memory of the crab curry is stronger than the bad welcome in my mind ah ah!)
Listen, I went back to L’Harmonique at Christmas and meh… I already thought it was just okay last time… The setting is still the same, but packed with tourists (yeah, like me), so I won’t be going back… Plus, it’s super hot in that restaurant, and they don’t have enough fans…
Just in case, you can check out https://voyageforum.com/forum/vos-recommandations-amoureux-bangkok-d10777465 for some ideas.
But mostly about your other request for stones and crystals...
I can tell you where to find them and, more importantly, which shop to visit—but only via PM. If you give me your email address or a WhatsApp number, I can send you videos of this Ali Baba’s cave.
It was the two grandmas at the entrance who used to go buy crab every morning at the market. At least one of them is no longer alive (or no longer in good health), and things just aren’t the same anymore. We’d suspected that for several years.
I already find it amazing that the quality has stayed this good for so many years. Nothing lasts forever—you’ve got to enjoy it while it’s here.
« 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
(But why couldn't you reply in the post where I was talking about it? It might interest other members)
And besides, if you want to find something, maybe you should look for it too?😉
I talk about it at length in my travel journal mentioned a little earlier...
Oh, believe me, I *do* search—always before asking questions here, and in general, since reading about Thailand (articles, books, travel stories, novels, researching places to visit) is exactly what keeps me going between trips.
But when it comes to gemstones, I’d rather get recommendations from buyers because I’m terrified of fakes...
Oh, believe me, I do search—I always search. Before asking questions here, and generally speaking, because reading about Thailand (articles, books, travel stories, novels, researching places to visit) is exactly what keeps me going between trips.
But when it comes to gemstones, I prefer getting recommendations from buyers because I’m afraid of fakes...
Oh! I’m sorry if you took it personally. I was responding to what you said about "others"—people I might give tips to who often expect you to do the research for them and often don’t even say thank you. We never hear from them again once they’ve gotten what they wanted.
That’s why I never share my "great tips" randomly, carelessly, or with just anyone...
This forum is a goldmine when you're looking—it's where we found the places that gave us our best memories (like the hot springs in San Kamphaeng outside Chiang Mai, a temple in a completely hidden corner of Bangkok where our daughter, who was under two, got to feed turtles, natural hot springs in Italy, and so many more). All these authentic spots, far from the beaten path, where we were often the only tourists—this is where I discovered them thanks to people who took the time to write up their travel journals.
There aren’t many (and I get it—they’re often poorly received, criticized for their writing quality or the originality of their journal, when it’s really just about sharing experiences to give cool ideas to fellow lovers of authentic places...), but when they do exist, I savor them...
That said, I also understand travelers who don’t want to share their hidden gems online—precisely to keep the authenticity of the place from being lost by recommending it to the masses...
« 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
When I click on this link, I end up on page 1 of this very thread...
That’s the other bug at the moment: no matter which link or thread title you click, you land in the same place. It happens every day. And apparently, it doesn’t happen at the same time for everyone because in this case, I actually ended up on the thread Jojoone mentioned.
Hi Thierry,
I’ve been trying for a while to reply to your last PM, but it’s just spinning and won’t open so I can write my response.
These bugs are getting really frustrating...
Actually, you sent me the link for route 105, but it’s route 211 I’m looking for (on your other travel site...)
Thanks...
While our friends are desperately searching for the connection with the 22 in Asnières 😏, you might consider spending a late afternoon and early evening on Banthat Thong Street, between 500 to 1000m east of Chinatown.
There’s color, there’s life, and you won’t starve there.
« 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
🤔🤔
I was trying to figure out where these roads led—I never thought of Asnières!
You read our minds (files?!)—we’ve actually planned an evening on this street, and I can’t wait, my stomach’s already growling! 😋
Plus, we’re planning to get there via the Klong Saen Saep boat taxis, which we’ve never had the chance to try—it’s gonna be so cool!!
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,…
Nos vols sont réservés, nous arriverons début janvier en Thaïlande. Initialement, nous devions avoir 14 jours sur place. Mais, suite à la réservation des vols,…
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…
Voici un itinéraire premier de mon voyage en Thailande du 3 au 21 mai!! Svp me dire vos conseils, recommandations, changements? Merci! 3-4 mai - AVION…
Je viens d'effectuer une réservation d’hôtel sur agoda en passant par kayak en effet j'ai repéré un hotel intéressant pour krabi en réservant par agoda…
Bonjour, je serai en vacances en malaisie en novembre, je vais rester 5 jours à penang. Je voudrais ensuite visiter quelques temples et lieux à butterworth ou autour et découvrir aussi la ville. En sachant que je me déplace souvent à pied, quel quartier serait le mieux pour moi, c'est à dire à moins de 30'minutes à pied des lieux d'attraction, de stands de street foodi, de lignes de bus etc... Merci d'avance pour votre aide
Francoise
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
