En dépense réelle ? oui mais si tu compares au prix que ça te couterait en Helvétie ou en France, c' est pas cher ... donc ... Ne pas laisser à croire que la Thailande est un pays cher ...
Le tout c' est d' éviter de faire dans l' exotisme d' un steak frites ... 😏
Hello Garigréo,
bon, je fais un essai. Je connaissais pas cette façon.
Marco va comprendre ce que je veux dire. En perpétuel apprentissage, c' est cool.
""Le voyage pour moi, ce n' est pas arriver, c' est partir. C' est l' imprévu de la prochaine escale, c' est le désir jamais comblé de connaître sans cesse autre chose, c' est demain, éternellement demain"" Roland Dorgelès.
Hello Pirandy 😉😉😉 Quel plaisir de te rencontrer 😉😉
"""que j'attends depuis l'année dernière""" Ah bon ( je rigole ) 😉😉😉, oui je sais, celles de décembre 07 et celles de mars 08 je viens juste de les mettre dans l' ordi ( il était cassé ).
Peut-on en mettre plusieurs à la fois avec le message ?
Cela, je crois ne marche pas en MP?
Mais.....je me souviens des tiennes si belles quand tu as eu la gentillesse de mettre sur VF à ton retour fin 07. Oui, oui, je me souviens de ce défilé de merveilles.
Un p'tit voyage prévu pour bientôt ?
A+
""Le voyage pour moi, ce n' est pas arriver, c' est partir. C' est l' imprévu de la prochaine escale, c' est le désir jamais comblé de connaître sans cesse autre chose, c' est demain, éternellement demain"" Roland Dorgelès.
salut moi je par à koh samui à la fin du mois avec des amis et je voulais savoir si tu as quelque conseil à me donner et surtout je voudrais savoir si tu as eu du bo temps
""enfin les photos du pays de coconut !!!!😉 """
Ben oui, dans un premier temps😎😎😎
Je n' ai trouvé que celle là ( je suis au boulot ) chuuuuuuut faut pas le dire.
Tu sais où c' est ?😎😎😎 ( pas le boulot !!!! la plage !!!! ) 😉😉😉😉😉
""Le voyage pour moi, ce n' est pas arriver, c' est partir. C' est l' imprévu de la prochaine escale, c' est le désir jamais comblé de connaître sans cesse autre chose, c' est demain, éternellement demain"" Roland Dorgelès.
j'avais un peu de question a te poser car moi aussi je m'en vais en thailande avec 8 de mes ami(es) et on part du 13 nov au 3 dec 2008 et je voulais savoir comment tu as trouvé sa de voyage plusieurs, exemple pour les restos, les places ou coucher etc.. Nous on va surement coucher dans des gesthouse pas trop cher mais je me demandais car on vas prendre le train en arrivant pour aller a chaing mai si on devais reserver pour le train.
Vous est ce que vous vous êtes inscris a l'embassade et si ou comment, avnat le depart, a l'arriver, par telephone ou internet..
"""mais sa manque de cocotier, 😉 """ Excuses moi Thuan 😛😛😛
Bon pour l' instant j' ai que ça sous la main. Que des petits cocotiers que j' ai vu grandir au fil des années 😉😉😉
""Le voyage pour moi, ce n' est pas arriver, c' est partir. C' est l' imprévu de la prochaine escale, c' est le désir jamais comblé de connaître sans cesse autre chose, c' est demain, éternellement demain"" Roland Dorgelès.
J'ai beaucoup aimé la plage de Maenam ( belle et tranquille) mais si tu veux faire la fête, c'est peut être pas le meilleur endroit.
Il faisait super beau et tous les soirs vers 7-8 heures il tombait des cordes, et le lendemain: soleil radieux. Après peut être ne faut il pas généraliser.
Bonnes vacances
Oulala, encore un nouveau sujet : la chèreté de la Thaïlande. Mais non, la Thaïlande est un pays extrêmement bon marché, c'est pour cela que je peux y emmener ma famille. Mais ça change pas le problème qu'un billet sur Air Trukchose à 50 euros, c'est pas cher, mais que 5 billets sur la même Airtrukchose, avec le même porte-monnaie de départ, c'est dispendieux comme disent nos amis québecois. C'est ça keske je voulais dire. la Thaïlande c'est pas cher et ca permet de voyager un mois à 5, la Suisse et l'europe en général non. On peut pas comparer, comme pour un délicieux chicken green curry et un menu best of +. Ceci dit tu connais Easyjet ? Ca décolle d'Helvétie, ça vole dans toute l'europe et même plus loin et c'est pas plus cher qu'Air Asia. Comme quoi, les clichés sont faits pour être cassés.
Chez vous comme en voyage, respectez la nature, elle nous le rend bien.
Non, non, non, ça manque pas devant mon bungalow. Ramassage spécial pour mon coconutshake bien frais à boire sur la terrasse.
Miammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm 😛😛😛😛 un régal 😎😎😎😎😎😎
""Le voyage pour moi, ce n' est pas arriver, c' est partir. C' est l' imprévu de la prochaine escale, c' est le désir jamais comblé de connaître sans cesse autre chose, c' est demain, éternellement demain"" Roland Dorgelès.
Bien sûr qu' il y a des low cost également en Europe .
Air asia fournit des vols de bonne qualité vers différents points touristiques, c' est pour celà que je la citais .
C' est aussi à ma connaissance la seule low cost qui atterisse non pas à Dong Muang mais à Suvarnabhumi, y compris pour les vols intérieurs, ce qui peut permettre d' enchaîner sur un vol international sans changer d' aéroport ...
"""content de voir tes photos la Miss """
merci.
C' est vrai que depuis le temps comme dit Pirandy....mais j' ai pas fait de classement alors c' est le bazard pour retrouver telle ou telle photo 😊😊😊😊
""Le voyage pour moi, ce n' est pas arriver, c' est partir. C' est l' imprévu de la prochaine escale, c' est le désir jamais comblé de connaître sans cesse autre chose, c' est demain, éternellement demain"" Roland Dorgelès.
En ce qui me concerne, on n'a pas eu à montrer les articles, ils nous ont remboursé les 7% de taxes en liquide ( mais en baths, après s'être gardé une petite commision de 100 baths), que j'ai donné aux 3 bouffeurs de steaks frites afin qu'ils aillent s'acheter des bricoles.
Quant à Eve et Danielle, si vous avez les références d' un bon guide culinaire traitant de la junk food et des mcdo à travers le monde, n' hésitez surtout pas à les partager !!!
Tu as le sens du mot juste !
Tout ça pour un Macdo mangé il y a 20 ans au Caire par un ado de 15 ans !
Et il y a tout de même pas mal d'hypocrites qui font la fine bouche rien qu'en entendant le mot Macdo ! Il ne faut pas exagérer non plus, d'ici qu'on soit obligé de raser les murs pour aller manger un hamburger à la sortie du ciné...
Danielle
A man, a plan, a canal, Panama - palindrome, auteur inconnu
Oulalaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, les fêtes de fin d' année en Thailande ( ? ) sublimissime.
J' ai les billet aussi ( ça fait du bien à mon moral 😇😇😇 ) 26.01 au 19.02. Ce qui reste de l' année 2008 ma foi, va falloir combler 😠😠😠😠😠
""Le voyage pour moi, ce n' est pas arriver, c' est partir. C' est l' imprévu de la prochaine escale, c' est le désir jamais comblé de connaître sans cesse autre chose, c' est demain, éternellement demain"" Roland Dorgelès.
Merci à Babylon, Genevois et les autres pour cette mine d'informations. On ira l'année prochaine avec nos 3 montres (9, 7, 5 ans) et je sais ce qu'est un 1 euro divisé par 5....
Ca y est j'en ai marre, je réponds: je ne suis pas une victime de la malbouffe, je dis simplement que quand un ado de 16 ans ( tu sais le grand machin plein de boutons qui fait 20 cm de plus que moi) me dit qu'il en a marre de manger thai midi et soir depuis 15 jours, je lui donne des baths et il va manger ce qu'il veut, je ne vais pas lui donner la féssée quand même!!!
S'il veut manger la chose "dont on ne doit pas prononcer le nom", je le laisse faire, je sais je suis abominable.
Le budget bouffe: je me suis complètement plantée car ceux qui comptent 100baths par repas, c'est uniquement dans la rue et pas avec une bande d'ados qui ont toujours envie de manger, de gouter à tout. Quand on se trouve dans un coin paumé, à Koh Tao sur Tanote bay plus précisément on est obligé de manger au restau de l'hotel et là c'est plus près des 300-400 baths par personne surtout pour un steak frites.
Du coup quand on est 5 ça chiffre vite même si par rapport à la France ça reste toujours pas cher, le tout c'est de le prévoir au budget.
Ce qui est dingue, c'est qu' au bout de 2 semaines de fried rice et de pad thai on a plus qu'une envie c'est manger des saloperies qu'on ne mange pas en France ( ou rarement) comme hamburger, club sandwich et compagnie.
Tu ne t' es pas plantée dans ton budget bouffe, tu as payé le prix normal pour ce que tu as choisi de manger.
C'est sûr que 400 baths à chaque repas multiplié par 5, ça nous fait du 80 € par jour hors petit dej. Soient environ 1600 € sur 3 semaines ... On peut s' en sortir pour 3 fois moins s' en se priver ...
C'est sur ce que tu as choisi de manger que tu t' es plantée ... Pour Koh Tao je veux bien croire que le soir, c' était pas simple de manger à l' extérieur ... Mais pour le reste ?
Si tu as payé le riz frit ou le pad thai de 300 à 400 baths pendant 15 jours, donne nous l' adresse pour ne pas y aller !!!
Ah oui, j' oubliais, il était bon au moins ce steak frites ?
Si tu as payé le riz frit ou le pad thai de 300 à 400 baths pendant 15 jours, donne nous l' adresse pour ne pas y aller !!! On peut s' en sortir pour 3 fois moins s' en se priver ...
thierro: 23 posts sur ce sujet! exemple de messages de thierro:
Ton post ne sert a rien, il parasite la discussion c est tout, si tu as quelque chose a dire a (….) fais le en privé s il te plait, y en a marre des gens qui parasitent pour ne rien dire, cela devient insupportable.
les français ont de plus en plus le morphotype à l' américaine, c' est à dire gros voire obèse, diforme, gras ...
Libre à chacun d' être en manque de cette merdouille lorsqu' il se trouve en Thailande . Libre à moi de réagir quand je lis ces conneries
De quel sujet parles - tu ?
Cela te dérange qu' il y ait des messages qui traitent de la bouffe en Thaïlande et du budget à lui prévoir en voyage ?
Si tu as un avis à faire partager, fais nous en donc profiter !!!
Quel est le sens de ton message ? Mon opinion te dérange ? J' assume et revendique tous les messages que j' écris .
Pour ce qui est de faire des copier coller comme tu le fais en sortant mes messages précédents de leur contexte et en les mélangeant avec mauvais goût, je n' en vois pas l' intérêt si ce n' est pour le coup de parasiter la discussion .
Pour un premier message, tu te poses comme un chantre de la manipulation et de la mauvaise foi ... C' est pas très brillant et ça manque de panache ...
Parle - nous plutôt de ton expérience de la bouffe en Thaïlande au lieu de faire le mariole, tu seras au moins utile à quelque chose .
Si tu n' as rien à faire partager, tu sais ce qu'il te reste a faire ...
Quel est le sens de ton message ? Mon opinion te dérange ? J' assume et revendique tous les messages que j' écris .
C'est parfait alors et je ne comprends pas pourquoi vous vous offusquez que j'ai synthétisé deux ou trois formules de quelques uns de vos messages. Quant à vos ukases:
Si tu n' as rien à faire partager, tu sais ce qu'il te reste a faire ...
il est bien évident que je n'en tiendrai nullement compte. J'ai lu avec attention tous vos posts ici (et sur les autres sujets) et votre obession pour critiquer de façon déplaisante une jeune femme fort plaisante en sa narration de retour d'expérience de vos voyages ne peut que surprendre. Il semblerait que je ne sois d'ailleurs pas le seul.
Cesse donc tes balivernes, et essaie un peu de faire avancer la discussion ...
Je n' ai rien contre le récit de Caroline, et encore moins contre Caroline elle - même !!! Ce n' est pas pour autant que je dois être d' accord avec tout ce qu' elle ou d' autres écrivent et accepter le diktat de quelques afficionados de la malbouffe, quand bien même il semblerait à ceux ci de n' être pas seuls dans leur errances de mauvais goût .
Je n' ai rien contre le récit de Caroline, et encore moins contre Caroline elle - même !!! Ce n' est pas pour autant que je dois être d' accord avec tout ce qu' elle ou d' autres écrivent et accepter le diktat de quelques afficionados de la malbouffe
Il y avait un post très sympathique de Caroline à l’origine de ce sujet. Entre autres éléments elle mentionnait qu’un budget de 100 bath par repas (et par personne) avec 3 enfants c’était un peu juste avec des enfants qui avaient envie de goûter à tout et qui au bout de 15 jours ont eu envie de manger un steak frites ! Car c’est simplement cela qu’elle a écrit : rien d’autre pour ce qui concerne l’aspect nourriture. Quel a été votre premier commentaire ? Celui-ci :--
Aller à Koh Tao pour se plaindre des transports et du prix du steak frites ... Excuse - moi mais merde !!! Je dis STOP .Faut arrêter là !!! Alors si tout ce que tu trouves à raconter c' est que le steak frites est trop cher ... Ben tais toi s' il te plaît. Je sais que tu seras sans doute surprise de ma réponse mais là, tu as véritablement poussé le bouchon un peu trop loin ...--
et ni la forme ni le fond n’étaient très sympathique de votre part à l’égard de Caroline. Et ensuite vous avez poursuivi de façon très péjorative (autre exemple de vos réactions) :--
PARLER DE HAMBURGER, DE CLUB SANDWICH ET AUTRE STEAK FRITES DANS UN RESUME SUR KOH TAO EST POUR MOI REVELATEUR D' UNE BETISE ABYSSALE, D' UN NON GOUT TOTAL .
--
et je trouve donc vos messages peu courtois et en plus sans raison au vu de ce qu’a exposé Caroline à l'origine de ce sujet.
Quelle perte de temps pour pas grand chose...et, nous lecteurs, on en perd autant à vous lire vous prendre la tete afin d'obtenir les "fameuses infos" qui nous interessent!
Que vos vies doivent être pauvres et tristes pour s'arreter sur quelques mots ou opinions qui vous déplaisent...
Il me semble qu'il n'est pas bon d'entraîner contre leur gré des ados réticents dans des voyages "découverte" aussi lointains !
Il y a plein de restaus "steak-frites" par chez vous, les forcer à vous suivre si loin de leurs bases est simplement inhumain ...
Un camp de vacances pour ces jeunes ... serait bien plus approprié, il en existe de nombreux qui sont conçus pour "ce qu'ils ont" et pas trop chers (lorsqu'on compare avec l'avion vers la Thaïlande).
Il faut dire STOP aux parents indignes, m'enfin ...
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Ah non vitamine45, pas d'accord avec toi, mais pas d'accord du tout. Je m'amuse comme un fou, c'est d'ailleurs devenu mon post favori sur VF. C'est pire que "Plus belle la vie", on ne peut plus s'en passer ... Roland-Garros à côté de ce match, c'est du pipeau !
Bon d'accord, ce forum n'est pas fait pour des joutes verbales de ce style, mais malgré tout, au milieu de toutes les c.... qui se racontent dans ce post, il y a quand même des infos utiles. Faut juste chercher pour les dénicher...
Comme dirait Flipflop (j'adore ton humour), coriace la bête. C'est pour ça qu'il n'aime pas le steak. La viande coriace, c'est pas tendre.
Allez, sans rancune, cela reste de l'humour.
Chez vous comme en voyage, respectez la nature, elle nous le rend bien.
"Club sandwiches et hamburger, c' est pas de la bouffe, c' est de la merde"
Si je puis me permettre un club sandwich ce n'est finalement que du pain toasté avec des tomates, du fromage et du bacon ou du poulet (autant être le plus précis possible!) donc je ne vois pas en quoi "c'est de la merde"...
Assez d'accord vraiment drôle ce post même si, si je ne m'étais pas retenue le nombre de mes posts auraient été bien plus importants et beaucoup moins sympathiques...
Bref tout ça pour dire Merci à ceux qui ont apporté des réponses et des conseils clairs et qui vont sans doute se révéler hyper utiles pendant les 2 semaines que je vais y passer à la fin du mois!
Ah ben oui désolée je n'ai rien à partager sur la Thaïlande puisque je n'y ai jamais mis les pieds... Je ne fais malheureusement pas encore partie des "sachants"! C'est bon j'ai quand même le droit de m'exprimer thierro?
Ca y est j'en ai marre, je réponds: je ne suis pas une victime de la malbouffe, je dis simplement que quand un ado de 16 ans ( tu sais le grand machin plein de boutons qui fait 20 cm de plus que moi) me dit qu'il en a marre de manger thai midi et soir depuis 15 jours, je lui donne des baths et il va manger ce qu'il veut, je ne vais pas lui donner la féssée quand même!!!
S'il veut manger la chose "dont on ne doit pas prononcer le nom", je le laisse faire, je sais je suis abominable.
Chez moi, le problème est résolu depuis longtemps, je cuisine thaïlandais un repas sur deux en moyenne, donc en Thaïlande, ils mangent comme chez nous et n'ont jamais réclamé de junk food.
C'est quand ils partent en colo qu'ils sont malheureux, le riz leur manque trop.
Chez moi, le problème est résolu depuis longtemps, je cuisine thaïlandais un repas sur deux en moyenne, donc en Thaïlande, ils mangent comme chez nous et n'ont jamais réclamé de junk food.
C'est quand ils partent en colo qu'ils sont malheureux, le riz leur manque trop.
facile ......... quant on a mis du nam-pla a la place du lait dans leur biberon, 😉
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
on vois l'expert 😉 oui plus concentrée et plus de goût, l 'origine viens des poissons
dans le golf du siam, le poisson a moins d'iode 🤪 du a sa situation géographique,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
Tu viens d'avoir un splendide lapsus révélateur, qui fait honneur à notre culture horlogère 🙂 :
"on ira l'année prochaine avec nos 3 montres"
Mais tu as le temps, tu seras en vacances ...
1 Euro divisé par 5, je ne vois pas de quoi elle parle, hein Caro ? 😇😎🙂
Ho là là 🤪🤪🤪 et moi qui voulais impressionner par mon flegme 😕
En passant, il n'est pas totalement invraisemblable qu'un de mes mômes nous demande de lui offrir des ..... frites, voire pire (PAS TAPER, s'il vous plait) ! au bout de quinze jours de régime thaï 🏴☠️ Moi, aussi, j'aime bien la diversité, où est le mal ?
Le 1er KFC de toute ma vie (& sans doute le dernier)...et c'était à HCM 😎😎
Car, bien que plus franchement adolescent, 15j de repas vietnamien, mon corps était en mal de pain notamment...résultat, cet écart alimentaire assumé, puis 2 croissants par jour en plus des repas "classiques" viet, et tout allait pour le mieux...
😏🤪😏😉
P.S: J'ai même une photo où je mange un croissant...bon, un croissant vietnamien, mais un croissant quand même...dois-je me sentir honteux ???
Manger un truc avec un bandeau sur les yeux, çà doit pas être facile
😉😉😉😉😉😉
Moi, KFC, c'est lorsque j'invite ma petite-nièce préférée car elle est musulmane et KFC est "garanti halal" (~kasher).
Il y a un blocage apparent à manger de la nourriture préparée par "des chinois", sans doute parce que ceux-ci sont des amoureux invétérés du porc qu'ils mettent partout à toutes les sauces et dans tous les plats !
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Je pars dans 3 jours pour un trip en Thailande avec mes 2 filles de 7 et 4 ans. Nous passons bien sur par le Ganesha Park. J'aimerai savoir en MP comment est le parc et surtout les ballades elephants. J'ai recu un mail de Francois la semaine derniere et si vous pouviez me raconter un peu comment s'est passe votre sejour la-bas, j'en serai ravie.
Nous voilà de retour dans la grisaille du pas de calais, après trois semaines passées au vietnam d'abord puis en thailande. Je voulais vous remercier pour tous…
Carnets de voyage › Thaïlande / Cambodge · 24 replies
Je voulais remercier toutes les personnes qui m'ont aidé à faire ce merveilleux voyage, je vais donc essayer de faire un résumé de notre séjour avec les…
Voici la suite du récit Partie I Partie II Mardi 19: lanta à moto (part I) Location moto (200B/jour): tour de l'île: plages magnifiques et désertes. On a…
Chers tous, D’abord je tiens a remercier les membres de ce forum qui m’ont vraiment aidé à organiser ce voyage inoubliable (Boumbastic, Thuan ...) C’est…
De retour de thailande aprés 3 semaines géniales je projette de créer un blog avec infos pratiques, récit du voyage (Bangkok, région de Kanchanaburi, région de…
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Bonjour, qui serait sur place en ce moment à Flores? d apres des sites internet, tout serait fermé, la situation serait difficile ; notre guide dirait que ça va ; qui croire? nous sommes censés partir le 2 septembre ; merci à celles et ceux qui sont à Flores en ce moment
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
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...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi 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,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
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 everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
However, I’m not quite sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
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.
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 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
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!
