Toute leur action est un acte de violence contre ceux qui veulent voter! Il y a bien des pays où ils auraient été jetés depuis longtemps derrière les barreaux!
PS: je ne suis ni pour les uns ni pour les autres. Cette affaire n'est pas simplement en noir-et-blanc, pardon, jaune-et-rouge.
C'est surtout anti-démocratique et s'apparente à des méthodes dignes d'un dictateur mégalomane......quelque soit les couleurs en présence.
Toute leur action est un acte de violence contre ceux qui veulent voter! Il y a bien des pays où ils auraient été jetés depuis longtemps derrière les barreaux!
PS: je ne suis ni pour les uns ni pour les autres. Cette affaire n'est pas simplement en noir-et-blanc, pardon, jaune-et-rouge.
C'est surtout anti-démocratique et s'apparente à des méthodes dignes d'un dictateur mégalomane......quelque soit les couleurs en présence.
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Je suis 100% d'accord. Et même s'il y a quelque part quelques bonnes raisons, c'est cracher à la figure des autres .... qui n'auront qu'une hâte, c'est celle de cracher en retour. Fi de la solidarité tant vantée et tant admirée du peuple Thaï! 🏴☠️ (Cela me fait beaucoup mal au coeur)
Avec de tels comportements, il est difficile de voir un état digne de ce nom se mettre en place. Et un état digne de ce nom ne tolérerait pas une semaine ce qui sévit ici depuis 3 mois. Ils ont oublié les bonnes notions de karma. It does not bode well for the future😕
impossibilite de gouverner avec l economie qui va commencer a avoir des repercussion dans de nombreuses couches de kla societé (dont les riziculture avec la gestion de la crise du riz mais bien d autre aussi )
d ici 2 mois on devrait avoir un gouvernement abishit avec le succes qu il a obtenu precedement !!!!!
je connais beaucoup de jaunes a bkk des petits entrepreneurs , pas extremiste mais souvent jaunes pour de mauvaises raison, enfin , et bien parmi eux il doit y en avoir pas mal qui vont commencer a souffrir de l economie stagnante au contraire de ceux qui sont deriere sutthep qui sont blindes et qui ont injecté des millions et qui peuvent encore attendre le temps qu il faudra
Ce matin encore M. Suthep faisait une marche glorieuse ...avec collecte de fond (s-v-p) !!! Tel que le démontrais un reportage à la télé...😕Faut croire que les manifestations ne sont pas terminées!
...l'important n'est pas la destination mais l'expérience de ce que le voyage nous apporte...
Avec de tels comportements, il est difficile de voir un état digne de ce nom se mettre en place. Et un état digne de ce nom ne tolérerait pas une semaine ce qui sévit ici depuis 3 mois. Ils ont oublié les bonnes notions de karma. It does not bode well for the future😕
Le film la guerre des empires de Nirattisai Kaljareuk démontre bien que les tribus thaïes n'ont jamais été vraiment unies. Se sont les innocents qui s'extasient devant le sourire thaï.
« Donc, ce sont des juges qui sont totalement hostiles au gouvernement et qui font tout pour aggraver la crise au lieu d’essayer de trouver une solution. »
« Donc, il n’y a pas une armée qui serait neutre, en retrait. Mais l’armée agit actuellement en coulisse de façon permanente, plutôt en faveur de l’opposition parce qu’elle a toléré, cette armée, que l’opposition envahisse les ministères, le palais du gouvernement… Et ça, ça ne se passerait dans aucun pays parce que normalement l’armée est censée protéger les institutions existantes. »
Acun doute, c'est un état-faillite, et les activistes d'aujourd'hui manipulent de sorte à aggraver encore la situation malsaine présente.
Comme on dit: Qui sème le vent récolte la tempête"
Avec de tels comportements, il est difficile de voir un état digne de ce nom se mettre en place. Et un état digne de ce nom ne tolérerait pas une semaine ce qui sévit ici depuis 3 mois. Ils ont oublié les bonnes notions de karma. It does not bode well for the future😕
Le film la guerre des empires de Nirattisai Kaljareuk démontre bien que les tribus thaïes n'ont jamais été vraiment unies. Se sont les innocents qui s'extasient devant le sourire thaï.
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Je doute que l'histoire "des tribus" aient grand-chose à voir avec la situation présente. Bien des pays dont les "tribus" se battaient sans cesse ont su évoluer politiquement.
Je ne m'extasie pas devant le sourire thai, j'ai la première place pour voir des petits coups bas parmi eux, malgré les sourires. Cependant, en règle générale (et en dehors d'une situation conflictuelle grave), ils sont plus agréables et accommodants entre eux que bien d'autres peuples (je n'en citerais qu'un).
PHUKET: La principale autoroute reliant Bangkok à Phuket et le reste du sud de la Thaïlande a été fermé par les producteurs de riz pour protester contre l'incapacité du gouvernement à payer pour le riz produit et livré dans le cadre du projet controversé de riz nantissement. Le blocus est en vigueur sur la route de Petchkasem à Ratchaburi , à environ 100 km à l'ouest de Bangkok. Etat agence de nouvelles MCOT indiqué que les agriculteurs mettant en scène le blocus sont des provinces Ratcha Buri, Kanchanaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkram et Suphan Buri. Le blocus affecte le trafic transitant entre le capital et Hua Hin, Samui et Phuket, ainsi que le reste du sud de la Thaïlande. agriculteurs sur le site de protestation, estimées à plus de 1000, a déclaré qu'ils allaient maintenir la route fermée jusqu'à ce qu'ils reçoivent un paiement du gouvernement. tout en luttant contre la rue continue manifestations à Bangkok, premier ministre par intérim Yingluck Shinawatra est également à l'étude par la Commission nationale anti-corruption (CNAC) pour son rôle dans le régime riz-annonces de contributions du gouvernement (histoire ici ). Selon le régime, le gouvernement s'est engagé à payer les producteurs de riz à double le taux du marché par tonne de riz avec le plan de stockage du riz et de le vendre à une prime plus tard.
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
Eh bien en fait nous sommes actuellement à Bankrut. Pour rejoindre Bangkok nous avons trois solutions
1 le train : arrivée à la gare centrale Hua Lumphong mais ensuite il faudra prendre soit un taxi ( probablement pas possible eu égard aux manifs etc) soit prendre le métro plus sky train mais là y a t il un risque ?
2 Le bus : là nous arrivons à la gare SUD des bus et nous prendrions un taxi pour rejoindre l'aéroport mais il semble que les farmeurs rice ne bloquent ils pas les routes
3 Taxi direct de Bangkrut à l'aéroport un peu plus cher mais reste toujours le problème des farmeurs rice !
voilà je laisse les spécialistes nous donner quelques conseils !
merci d'avance
j'ajoute qu'il serait peut être mieux de prendre un jour d'avance. Nous prenons l'avion dans la nuit du 11 au 12 février donc nous rendre à Bangkok le 10 janvier
Bonsoir Gabriel,
La route est bloquée par les fermiers qui n'ont pas été payés de leur riz 🤪
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
Ce matin encore M. Suthep faisait une marche glorieuse ...avec collecte de fond (s-v-p) !!! Tel que le démontrais un reportage à la télé...😕Faut croire que les manifestations ne sont pas terminées!
Bonjour Christian ,
Hum ? je ne veux pas être de mauvaise augure mais je crains que cela ne fait que commencer , à suivre avec prudence car là on marche sur des œufs .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Faux et archi faux çà c'est dans une dictature. Le rôle de l'armée est de protéger le pays et les citoyens du pays.
dont font partie les institutions du pays.
Excuse-moi, mais je pense que qu'un chercheur à l'Irasec est mieux placé que toi pour donner une analyse de la situation actuelle.
T'es-tu renseigné si le train est opérationnel ?
Si oui, depuis la gare tu peux prendre le métro jusqu'à Makkasam et de là le sky train pour Suvarnabhumi.
Je ne m'extasie pas devant le sourire thai, j'ai la première place pour voir des petits coups bas parmi eux, malgré les sourires.
Pour nos nouveaux lecteurs (ça peu servir aussi durant le voyage):
Quand on prononce "Thaïlande" une image nous vient a l'esprit:
"LE SOURIRE"
Mais le sourire en Thaïlande n'a pas la même signification qu'en Occident,
Des gens heureux en permanence ?
Non.
Le sourire est un deuxième langage,
Dans l'expression du sourire les détails :
Bouche, yeux, sourcils et nez sont les signes significatifs du sens du sourire.
18 sourires extraits du dictionnaire 1999 de l'Institut royal:
Yim chaeng : un grand sourire
Yim chuean : un sourire penaud
yim duai pak thak duai ta : sourire avec la bouche, mépriser avec les yeux
Yim haeng : un sourire sec
Yim koe : un sourire amical non reconnu ou non renvoyé
Yim krim : un sourire qui exprime la satisfaction
Yim noi yim yai : sourire joyeux
Yim paen : un grand sourire
Yim sao sao: un sourire triste
Yim su : sourire encourageant
Yim tae : sourire épanoui
Yim wan : un sourire doux
Yim yae : un sourire honteux
Yim yaem : une personne souriante et encourageante
yim yi yuan : un sourire provocant
Yim yo : un sourire dédaigneux
Yim yong : un sourire contenu
Tout compris ? Non ?
Tant mieux !
Car même entre Thaïs quelques fois le décryptage donne lieu a des quiproquos,
Alors si un Thaï vous bouscule et qu'il vous sourit ne vous offusquez pas, cela correspond certainement un sourire d'excuses.
Une personne non souriante est:
BOCK BUN MAI RAP ce qui veux dire; rejeter l'invitation a la contribution charitable, désigne une personne qui est tellement morose qui lui est même dénié d'accumuler des mérites.
Si vous êtes ; BOCK BUN MAI RAP cherchez le sourire que l'on vous retournera
Résumé tiré du livre de Monsieur Pornpimol Senawong " Les liens qui unissent les Thaïs "
Faux et archi faux çà c'est dans une dictature. Le rôle de l'armée est de protéger le pays et les citoyens du pays.
Excuse-moi, mais je pense que qu'un chercheur à l'Irasec est mieux placé que toi pour donner une analyse de la situation actuelle.
Une fois de plus tu démontres ton ignorance car tu confonds police et armée. En ce qui concerne le fait qu'un chercheur serait mieux placé que moi et bien tu emets un jugement à priori car tu ne sais pas qui qui je suis, qui je vois et qui sont mes amis. Alors à la niche la bobo gauchiste au prénom ridicule.
Nous suivons l'affaire afin d'être dans l'avion le jour de notre départ
Autre solution que celle préconisée par Clavdia est de booker un vol Surat-Thani BKK en correspondance avec ton vol de retour.
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
Bonsoir Clavdia,
Bon nombre de ces institutions de "recherches" sont en fait dans leurs majorités créées pour être des planques à fils à papa.
Lis leur présentation: http://www.irasec.com/page11
Comme outil pour de la masturbation intellectuelle on ne fait pas mieux et les subventions, frais de déplacements ne semblent pas être contrôlés par la cours de comptes 😎
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
Je comprends, mais peut-être qu'il ne faut pas les mettre tous dans le même panier, ne penses-tu pas ?
Bien sur, mais le doute est moteur de progrès😇
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
Je comprends, mais peut-être qu'il ne faut pas les mettre tous dans le même panier, ne penses-tu pas ?
Bien sur, mais le doute est moteur de progrès😇
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Peut-être mais en l'occurrence l'article est plutôt bon, et n'en déplaise à certains, quand un pays se trouve dans une situation proche de l'anarchie, avec un mépris flagrant des lois et l'immoilité de la police, ne pourrait-on pas s'attendre à ce qu'une armée décente (je n'en sais rien) mette un peu d'ordre dans le pays, et oui, qu'elle protège par exemple les citoyens qui veulent aller voter, et qui en sont empêchés par des malfrats? C'est tout de même sidérant qu'aucune force de l'ordre n'intervienne ici.
Quand on prononce "Thaïlande" une image nous vient a l'esprit:
"LE SOURIRE"
Mais le sourire en Thaïlande n'a pas la même signification qu'en Occident,
Des gens heureux en permanence ?
Non.
Le sourire est un deuxième langage,
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Merci pour cette liste qui reste un classique du décodage culturel. Il ne faudrait toutefois pas croire que la plupart du temps, les sourires sont "faux" (ce que certains essayent de faire croire), cen'est pas du toutle cas.
Tiens, c'est comme si qqn nous donnait la liste des "17 tronches" des Français ......
T'es-tu renseigné si le train est opérationnel ?
Si oui, depuis la gare tu peux prendre le métro jusqu'à Makkasam et de là le sky train pour Suvarnabhumi.
En faite ...c'est MRT: Hua L...jusqu'à Petchaburi...et airport rail link Makkasam-Suvarnabhumi et non BTS....ou bien prendre un taxi jusqu'à Phaya Thai et express airport link pour Suvarnabhumi dans la cas de bagages volumineux...
Mais cela demande d'être synchro avec l'horaire de l'express (rouge) 1 fois / heure...sinon le (bleu) et toutes les stations...😉
...l'important n'est pas la destination mais l'expérience de ce que le voyage nous apporte...
c'est vrai que j ai vu les secretaires d ambassade pondre des pages et des pages pour faire remonter au ministere des affaires etrangeres assis dans leur bureau climatise sans jamais sortir que pour les restaurants
mais quand meme cette analyse tient la route sur ce qu i s'est passé , se passe et se passera
a moins que tu en ais une meilleure ( a part taksin out )
quant a jack 99 , il est plus connu sur ce forum pour manger des pates pour chien que pour ses analyses politiques ou economiques
Le Point.fr - Publié le 03/02/2014 à 08:06
Au lendemain d'un scrutin qui devait panser ses plaies, la Thaïlande se réveille plus déchirée que jamais. Analyse.
Gueule de bois électorale. La Thaïlande se réveille plus déchirée que jamais au lendemain d'un scrutin qui devait panser ses plaies. L'opposition a réussi à enrayer l'élection voulue par la Premier ministre Yingluck Shinawatra, douchant ses espoirs de sortir de l'impasse dans laquelle s'enfonce le pays depuis novembre. Des incidents orchestrés par les manifestants ont empêché le vote de se dérouler normalement dans plus de 10 % des bureaux de vote du pays de 66 millions d'habitants, interdisant la proclamation des résultats. Neuf provinces du Sud monarchiste n'ont même pas organisé de vote. Au total, 8,7 millions de Thaïlandais ont été victimes des fermetures de bureaux. En particulier à Bangkok, le coeur du mouvement anti-Thaksin où les manifestants ont ceinturé certains bureaux de vote, intimidant les rares électeurs, ou saisi les bulletins pour empêcher leur distribution.
Même si le pays a échappé à une flambée de violence et que le scrutin s'est déroulé sans heurts dans le Nord, ces perturbations massives interdisent à Yingluck de déclarer la victoire. L'opposition conteste la validité de l'élection et compte obtenir son annulation en justice. Déjà, elle dénonce la volonté du pouvoir de faire revoter le 23 février les circonscriptions affectées par les troubles. "Poursuivre cette élection n'est rien d'autre qu'une tentative pour prolonger le maintien du gouvernement au pouvoir", juge Ong art Kampaiboon, l'un des leaders du Parti démocrate, la principale formation d'opposition, qui a boycotté les urnes. Un nouveau bras de fer juridique qui menace de plonger la Thaïlande dans une impasse politique pour de longs mois. Car, faute d'avoir 95 % des députés élus, il est impossible de réunir un Parlement, et donc de nommer un nouveau gouvernement.
"Où est l'argent ?"
Le taux de participation historiquement bas est un autre revers pour le clan Shinawatra. Comme prévu, il est tombé à un niveau record, à 20,89 %, à Bangkok, dont les habitants sont massivement acquis à la cause anti-Thaksin. Mais les chiffres en provenance du reste du pays, aux alentours de 50 %, contre 70 % habituellement, illustrent la défiance grandissante à l'écart de la soeur de Thaksin Shinawatra. Si son parti Pheu Thai reste en tête à ChangMai ou dans l'Issan, ses bastions traditionnels, la faible mobilisation indique la désillusion de ses troupes "rouges". Beaucoup n'ont pas voulu se déplacer, estimant que l'élection serait invalidée in fine. D'autres sanctionnent plusieurs faux pas politiques. D'abord, le projet d'amnistie présenté en novembre qui bénéficiait aux auteurs de la répression anti-rouge déclenchée lors des troubles violents de 2010 qui firent 90 morts. Une erreur de calcul qui devait permettre en échange le retour au pays du grand frère Thaksin, exilé à Dubai. Un projet d'amnistie qui a finalement mis le feu aux poudres en déclenchant la révolte à Bangkok.
Ensuite, la stratégie économique, en particulier un système controversé de soutien aux producteurs de riz qui tourne à l'usine à gaz. L'État s'est engagé à racheter à bon prix la production, mais nombre de fermiers affirment n'avoir toujours pas été payés, alors que de nombreux intermédiaires se sont servis au passage. "Ils demandent où est l'argent ? Le populisme sectoriel de Yingluck lui a créé de nombreux ennemis", explique Pitch Pongsawat, professeur à l'université Chulalongkorn.
Sous pression, Yingluck apparaît à court de munitions, car les élections semblaient sa dernière carte. "Je ne peux pas faire plus de concessions", avait-elle expliqué en décembre, alors que la foule réclamait déjà sa démission. Le clan Thaksin cherche maintenant la parade. Son adversaire Suthep Thaugsuban, lui, rêve de porter l'estocade. Le leader de la rue de Bangkok a promis de nouvelles manifestations géantes, lundi, lors d'un parcours de 14 kilomètres à travers la mégalopole. La crise marathon thaïe est loin d'être terminée.
une armée décente (je n'en sais rien) mette un peu d'ordre dans le pays
Vivement un bon coup d'état et un régime militaire comme on les aiment
L'armée bouge sous l'ordre du Roi ! Est-ce que je me trompe?😊
de Prem mais généralement si le chef de l'armée ne veux pas faire de coup, les autres généraux attendent qu'il aille en visite à l'étranger. Par conséquent, en période de crise il faut suivre les déplacements à l'étranger des chefs de l'armé et du gouvernement pour prédire les risques de coup.
Bonsoir,
Je me répète, mais à votre place, je profiterais des superbes coins dans la région ou vous êtes et réserverais un vol en correspondance avec mon retour, au départ de Surat.
Avec Thai 90 EUR/personne sur Suvarnabhumi Airport
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
Le Point.fr - Publié le 03/02/2014 à 08:06
Au lendemain d'un scrutin qui devait panser ses plaies, la Thaïlande se réveille plus déchirée que jamais. Analyse.
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Le coup de l'amnistie, c'était vraiment grossier. Des gens parlent du "gouvernement infantile" de Yingluck. Il y a du vrai 🤪
Mais les Thais sont bien capables de faire des cxxxxries de ce genre, quel que soit leur couleur politique.
de Prem mais généralement si le chef de l'armée ne veux pas faire de coup, les autres généraux attendent qu'il aille en visite à l'étranger. Par conséquent, en période de crise il faut suivre les déplacements à l'étranger des chefs de l'armé et du gouvernement pour prédire les risques de coup.
oui mais les temps ont peut etre change : les 3 ou 4 generaux et une partie des grades qui leurs doivent leur promotion et la garde de la reine sont au pied de prem, mais la base de l armee a le coeur rouge
ceci explique l immobilisme de l armee difficile de leur faire tirer sur des provinces qui se revoltent etil ne pourront pas ne pas considerer les doleances de cette partie de la population
ils jouent sur un pourrissement lent de la situation mais pour l instant c'est peut etre trop long , yingluck ayant ete assez fine de retirer la police pour eviter toute confrontations et pour l instant 3 mois de blocage quelques mini bombes et la vingtaine d homme armee qui ont tire un peu en l air pour faire peur au voteurs moyens , n ont pas fait basculer bangkok et la thailande continue de tourner, pour l intant il n ont fait que ralentir l economie qui poussera une partie de leur soutien parmi la classe moyenne de bkk a demander une fin du conflit quand au riziculteur il ne serait pas trop difficile de leur faire croire que le retard est du au blocage de suthep
bon le resultat des election le 23 fevrier on a encore le temps de se disputer
Cela dénote en tout cas une méconnaissance politique assez incroyable pour avoir l'outrecuidance de demander que Thaksin soit blanchit alors qu'il a été jugé et condamné 😠
🤪il y a la spéculation d un... coup judiciaire...court constitutionnel ou machin truc ... les juges du prem ou president du conseil du roi qui préside ça ....bref les mêmes qui on fait le coup militaire la il vont le nommer... coup judiciaire ....
comme le gouvernement actuel n as que la police qui l écoute et qu il n a plus de bureau c est tout aussi simple de le faire ..
puis ils vont s exiler a chiang mai ...
si le coup judiciaire les rends coupable d autres choses punissable par la prison et bien ils s exileront a dubai.....
😏bref il y a des tètes pensantes qui font ce scénario... des proches de abhisit ......je l ai lu ce matin sur thai intelligence forum
Quel qu un sait il a quel heures commence les manifestations dans bangkok? s arretent elles la nuits ou durent elles 24/24? j arrive a 00h10, je compte donc…
Nous partons en Thailande dans une semaine - svp nous aimerions avoir un aperçu de la situation à Bangkok. Nous lisons beaucoup sur le sujet sur différents…
J'ai un hôtel réservé dans le quartier KhaoSan à Bangkok mais à cause de la situation qui semble s'envenimer, j'aimerais avoir des suggestions sur des lieux à…
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 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.
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!
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!
Toute leur action est un acte de violence contre ceux qui veulent voter! Il y a bien des pays où ils auraient été jetés depuis longtemps derrière les barreaux!
C'est surtout anti-démocratique et s'apparente à des méthodes dignes d'un dictateur mégalomane......quelque soit les couleurs en présence.
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Je suis 100% d'accord. Et même s'il y a quelque part quelques bonnes raisons, c'est cracher à la figure des autres .... qui n'auront qu'une hâte, c'est celle de cracher en retour. Fi de la solidarité tant vantée et tant admirée du peuple Thaï! 🏴☠️ (Cela me fait beaucoup mal au coeur)
