Nous passons 3 semaines en thailande cet été et allons directement de BK à Chiang mai, passons 8 jours dans le nord puis direction vers le sud via BK. Je voudrais des conseils sur les 8 jours dans le sud, faut il se baser à CMai et faire des treck à partir de CMai vers CRai+triangle d'or puis retour vers CMai, conseil de circuit et de guest houses ( avec enfant de 10ans), faut il revenir sur CMai pour repartir en avion vers BK ou par CRai
Autre question, quel est la durée pour changer d'aéroport à BK (intern. -> domestique)
Merci pour vos conseils.
A mon avis il faut faire la boucle CM /CM en passant par MAE ON SON, PAI (trek dans ce secteur) puis chiang rai (rapide) et retour sur CM et prendre l'avion... 8 jours ca va!
Oui, bien sur. De plus tu n'as besoin de personne, tu vas à la station de bus, tu prends Mae on son, idem pour PAI, puis chiang rai et retour, tu trek sur mae on son ou pai du moins dans le secteur, des GH partout...ne t'inquiete de rien ! BY
Nous serons à Chiang Maï en aout et on m'a beaucoup vanté la beauté de la région de Paï et Mae Hong Song.
Mais il parait qu'à cette période, la circulation sur cette route est aléatoire car elle n'est pas goudronnée partout et il peut y avoir des pluies violentes.
Si elle est goudronnee partout mais il y a des nids d'autruche parfois. Et surtout les 1864 virages.
Sinon c'est un treep que j'adore.
Paysages MAGNIFIQUES.
Un copier coller de mon site ci-dessous lorsque j'y suis allee en 2004, j'y suis retournee cette annee mais je viens juste de rentrer en france mon site est donc pas encore a jour.
BONNE ROUTE
THAILANDE NORD OUEST
Province de MAE HONG SON
A 250 km de CHIANG MAI la route aux 1864 virages, nous sommes alles dans les villages des tribus montagnards MEOS et LISUS, ensuite village des femmes au grand coup LONG NECKS. Quel bonheur de vivre tout cela hors des hordes touristiques. Pour realiser la boucle c’est plus pratique en moto ou en voiture que le bus.
PAI
Village charmant avec un air de mini KATMANDU. Notre guesthouse GENIALE la cabane de Robinson Crusoe RIAM PAI COTTAGE 1000 bath soit 20 euros mais extraordinaire. Il faut se faire plaisir de temps en temps. - Le village chinois du KUOMINTANG est tres sympa. - MAE HONG SON, MAE SARIANG, des paysages somptueux. - LES PARCS NATIONAUX MAGNIFIQUES - Qui l’eu cru j’ai fait un trecking dans la jungle, j’en ai bave, je me suis gaulee une cascade glace un geyser brulant et l’apotheose le SUNSET FABULEUX. Le lendemain j’etais tres heureuse d’avoir reussi ce periple. - Une rencontre tres sympathique Sarah je crois une americaine elle faisait le tour de la THAILANDE en bicyclette a bout de force elle a demande de l’aide, la bicyclette dans le coffre et nous l’avons emmene a PAI. Nous avons beaucoup discute comme elle parlait espagnol c’etait plus facile pour moi que l’anglais. Ensemble nous avons vu le magnifique couche de soleil. Voila une Yankee que j’aime quel COURAGE.
Merci beaucoup Tintina de ces infos. Finalement, le séjour à Chiang Maï pourrait peut être finalement se faire à Paï, ça a l'air plus authentique. Tu crois qu'avec un séjour de 8 jours dans le nord (prévu à Chiang Maï au départ mais justement, ça peut changer...) en venant de BKK via Sukkhotaï et en repartant après pour Ko Tao (un peu long le trajet, mais bon...) c'est une bonne idée ? Je pense notamment à la longueur des trajets (on n'a pas de voiture qui fait qu'on n'a peut être pas besoin d'en rajouter une fois qu'on sera dans le Nord...
Avais-tu fait le trek avec une agence? Si oui laquelle (si elle était bien).
PS : ton site est super bien fait, je l'ai mis en favoris pour regarder plus tard !
Tout le secteur est interessant...pour gagner du temps tu peux faire CR -mae on son en avion...l'important c'est que tu fasses ton propre voyage avec des indications concomitantes ...sur place, tu verras que tout est facile avec ou sans budget!
Pour koh tao tu peux rejoindre vite en prenant l'avion pour koh samui...Apres cela depend si ko tao c'est pour la plongee oui, sinon koh panghan est pour moi preferee (là endcore cela depend ou!)
Sinon que dire de+++++ apres Tintina ....elle va tuer le forum...++++rien à dire! Chui fan de Tintina 😏
Merci pour toutes ces infos, sur le conseil de Tintina je pense que je vais organiser mon séjour à partir de Chiang mai à partir du site qu'elle m'a conseillé. Connaissez vous la smile guest house à CM?
Ensuite je pense aller vers le sud ko PHI PHI et autres iles dans le coin, je cherche des conseils de circuit et de bons plans de GH, bungalows ou hotels sympas dans ces iles.
Vous allez faire un magnifique voyage.............nous sommes rentrés il y a une semaine !
Pour votre périple, il vaut mieux faire Chang Mai, Chang Rai et ensuite le triangle d'Or, et revenir à Chang Mai pour prendre l'avion pour Bkk (50 minutes de vol, 30 euros par personnes par la Thai). Il y a au moins 8 vols par jour.
je te conseille plutot d'etre baser a Chiang Mai et de faire le treep CM, PAI, MAE HONG SONG, MAE SARIENG et RETOUR CM.
Pour l'agence voila les coordonnees de mon pote http://chiangmaicountrytour.com
tu peux le contacter a partir de son site "CONTACT" il fait des balades NON TOURISTIQUE, exemple le treep ci-dessus, il s'arrete ds des endroits FABULEUX et pas un seul car de touristes alors moi j'adore. je vais toujours ds cet hotel :
ROONG RUANG HOTEL
398 Tapae road
CHIANGMAI
600 bath tu peux dormir a trois, ils sont tres sympa et c'est tres bien situe, avec tout le confort.
Le transport en thailand c'est vraiment facile les BUS VIP sont vraiment confort, le train parfait.
bonne route
A koh phi phi, je vais PHI PHI DREAM M. AURUNGSEE YAM-OUM, j'y suis aller av le tsunami et j'y suis retournee cette annee, il a reconstruit sa guesta et lui aussi comme il dit apres 3 mois d'hopital, il rembourse petit a petit hopital et frais recontruction guesta car il n'a pas vu un centime des milliards qui sont bloque a l'onu sous forme de sicav.
Il est adorable parle francais aime le ricard. Il est situe en bas des escaliers qui vont au point de vue magnifique.
750 bath un grand lit douche etc tt le confort.
bonne route
Merci à tous. Allez, manière de profiter encore un peu de vos conseils, une dernière question :
Puisqu'il semble plus judicieux de se baser à Chiang Maï et de rayonner après, savez-vous si il y a des agences à Chiang Maï qui proposent des treks ou ballades dans la région de Paï (et donc au départ de Chiang Maï ce qui serait plus simple coté trajet)? Les agences de Chiang Maï semblent se cantonner à des ballades ou trek dans un périmètre de 1h autour de la ville ce qui me laisse perplexe quand à l'authenticité et la tranquilité des sites et des villages visités ...!! Moi, j'aimerais bien, quitte à payer un peu plus cher, prendre un circuit qui irait plus vers Paï mais au départ de Chiang Maï pour ne pas avoir à aller à Päï, trouver une agence, attendre le lendemain...etc...
Tintina, j'ai noté ton agence. Tu as fait quelle ballade? Parce qu'apparement, ils restent eux aussi à 1 heure maxi de Chiang Maï.
Dans ce cas tu fais un treek avec un guide, tu ne fais pas les treeks toutistiques.
Tu seras tout seul avec ton guide, vous discuterez ensemble du parcours.
Le site de mon pote donne uniquement des infos sur les balades touristiques, des que tu veux etre hors des sentiers battus il faut discuter directement avec lui.
J'aime aussi bcp, la balade TATON, GOLDEN TRIANGLE, CHIANG KONG, CHIANG RAI, cite ci-dessus par un VF.
bonne route
Où dormir à Chiang Mai? à Lannah Guest House, Ratchadamnoen Road, vers le Wat Phra Sing! La proprio est extra, les pancakes exquis! Et en + de cela, la guest house propose des trekks vraiment sympas ;)
A bon entendeur, salut!
Pense tu que faire le circuit suivant est possible sur 9 jours :
- 3 jours Chang mai ( 1 jour : Doi Suthep, 1 jour le parc national de Doi Inthanon et 1 jour Lamphun)
- 3 jours mae hong son pour 1 trek
- 3 jours chang rai avec passage Mae salong- Mae Sai et Chiang Saen)
ou bien faut il faire :
une boucle Chang mai chang mai en passant par Pai, Mae hong son et Mae sariang sur 6 jours avec un trek de 3 jours à Mae hong son (as tu une adresse sympas pas trop touristique) 3 jours chang rai avec passage Mae salong- Mae Sai et Chiang Saen au départ de CM (peux tu me dire combien de temps dure le trajet??)
Merci pour tes conseils car on recherche des destinations pas trop touristiques et typiques.
Perso, je ferai le circuit mais entre les deux options, les differences ne sont pas enormes...CM, mae on son en bus un peu plus que la demi journée, puis CR en gros idem...La region est belle mais reste touristique ce qui constitue d'ailleurs (cette caracteristiqe), l'ensemble de ton programme...C'est en gros comme si tu faisais Paris, les alpes et la cote d'azur...ceci dit comme premiere approche du pays, c'est pas mal...Mais qui t'a dit que le secteur CM/CR n'etait pas touristique? Evite d'aller voir le ZOO humain que represente la visite aux femmes girafles (quel vilain nom!)...
bonjour tintina,
je voulais te remercier pour ton blog. Grâce à toi, je suis allée à la Kata Orient House et j'ai fait la connaissance de Paul et de sa femme. Vraiment super la GH, et Paul... quel loustic!!!
Je l'ai eu par mail, il a vendu mais a été embauché par le nouveau proprio (thaï) pour faire les résa.
le proprio s'est engagé à garder les mêmes prix pendant 1 an.
paul prend un an sabbatique et va monter un nouveau projet, mais quoi? pas une nouvelle GH.
hello,
le site est LA pour aider.
je suis contente que tu connaisses PAUL et AE.
Mais a NAN tu n'as pas été voir Patrick et les enfants de BANTALOW ?
je regarde ton site il est bien sympa, avoir quel logiciel ou langage tu l'as réalisé.
a bientot
amical
nan, je ne suis pas allée voir Patrick. Je suis tombée et blessée -> donc rapatriement en France.
pour le site, c'est un blog en fait, on est hébergé sur le serveur professionnel d'un ami
Oui dommage que tu sois pas aller voir Patrick et visiter l'école dont il s'occupe , d'ailleurs j'ai mis des photos dans ce post très bien reçu et très bon souvenir ensuite je suis retourner trois fois à Nan et profiter de visiter les alentours .
eh oui, les mine de sel étaient prévues (je les ai découvertes par ton post) mais bon, j'ai découvert l'un des hôpitaux de Chiang Mai. Mais bon, je pense que nos voyages en Thaïlande ne font que commencer (comme pour beaucoup d'entre nous), j'aurais d'autres occasions d'y aller 😉
là, on y retourne pour 11 jours, et direction Trat, Koh Chang et Koh Kood pour finir la rééducation 😎 ... et avec la bénédiction de ma kiné.
je ne connait pas, donc je fouille sur VF pour trouver quoi voir, où aller....
non, je prends les transports en commun et sur place des motos. Mais pour Nan, la prochaine fois, ce sera voiture, car les sites sont trop espacés pour que la balade à moto (125 j'entend) soit agréable
par contre mon mari va passer son permis moto l'année prochaine pour pouvoir louer de "vraies motos" manuelles (>125cc), on pourra faire plus de choses et bouger plus loin sur plusieurs jours.
mais je préfère les voitures (instinct de survie?)
Justement c'est pour ça que je te poser la question , car pour aller à Bhoklua ( mine de sel ) il faut impérativement une voiture car pas possible autrement de même pour aller à Pak Naï .
On s'en est rendu compte sur place. Sur une carte en France, ça parait toujours très prêt, mais sur place, c'est une autre histoire, surtout quand on voit le dénivelé 🤪 dans certains endroits.
La prochaine fois, voiture et c'est tout !
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
