Nous revoila, encore tout emerveillés de l'aventure que nous avons connue, tout est passé bien trop vite à notre goût !!!!
Départ le 13 mars à 20h de Genève puis Francfort puis Bangkok, puis enfin arrivée à Hanoi le 14 à 19h35
Nous sommes arrivés à Hanoi le 14 mars au soir, trop fatigués, mais surexcités, nous faisons une petite balade autour du lac de l'épée
avons fait le tour de la ville le 15 . mausolee de hcm, temple de la littérature, pagode du pilier unique, musée ethnographique, temple Ngoc Son, tour en cyclo pousse du vieux centre historique et le soir spectacle de marionnette sur l'eau.
Départ pour la Baie d'Along le 16, visite de la grotte du Pélican, marché flottant, promenade en canoe kayack avec nuit à bord, donc retour a hanoi le 17 en fin d'après midi
Départ pour Sapa le 17 au soir en train de nuit, arrivée a Lao Cai le 18 au matin, visite du marché de Bac ha, vue de la Chine et du pont qui sépare Lao Cai de la Chine, route vers Sapa
le 19, promenade au marché de Sapa, balade en scooter vers le village hmong de cat cat, retour vers lao cai puis train de nuit vers Hanoi
le 20, arrivee a hanoi, départ vers nim bihn, visite des temples, balade en barque....
le 21, vol hanoi - danang, bus pour hué, visite de la cité impériale
le 22, bus Hué - Hoi an, balade, visite de la ville
le 23, toujours a Hoi an, de nouveau balade, confection de vêtements, massage pour madame, coupe de cheveux et nettoyage d'oreilles (si, si) pour monsieur
le 24, vol pour saigon, journée calme, sommes assommés par la chaleur, par contre en fin de soirée, visite du marché, de leurs champs Elysées, .....
le 25, Delta du Mekong, journée trés décevante, pas grand chose à raconter, nous n'avons pas choisi la bonne manière de le découvrir
le 26, bus pour Phan Phiet, mui né, repos, baigande, repos, baignade
le 27, idem, repos, baignade, coups de soleil, repos, baignade, coups de soleil,
le 28, départ vers 13h30 pour saigon, soirée promenade nostalgie de tout le voyage dans Saigon, mêlé de mélancolie, tristesse de quitter le pays, joie à l'idée de revoir nos deux petits gars restés avec leurs grands-parents.
le 29, réveil 3h30, vol de saigon a 6h00, puis Hong Kong puis Francfort, et arrivée à Genève à 22h30
Bref tout ceci n'est qu'un bref résumé de ce que nous avons vécu, avec mon mari nous préparons un site de note voyage où tout sera précisé : noms des hôtels, des guides, des restaurants, les coûts divers de tout, absoluments tout et bien sûr des photos et encore des photos.
Bonjour!
Merci pour ce récit!
Quel beau voyage!
Que faut il éviter pour voir le Mékong? Qu'avez vous fait de pas intéressant?
Pour aller à Sapa, quel type de wagon (d'un hotel?) aviez vous? Confort?
Aviez vous tout réservé avant de partir? Hotels? Visites? transferts?
Merci pour cette aide car nous partons le 31 Octobre et je suis en train de préparer!
A bientôt
Minnieclaire
C'est possible de me répondre sur mon mail??Claire.sartre@laposte.net
MON MARI ET MOI DEVONS PARTIR EN MAI AU VIETNAM
ETES VOUS PASSE PAR UN TOUR OPERATOR
POURQUOI AVEZ VOUS ETE DECU PAR LA BAIE D HALONG
QUELQUES CONSEILS SERAIENT LES BIENVENUS
MERCI
Nous sommes rentrés du Viet Nam le 31 mars, nous avons fait un super voyage de presque trois semaines. Comment êtes vous allés dans le delta du Mékong ? Pour nous cela restera magique.
Le delta est superbe avec plein de choses à découvrir, sans oublier le repas excellent servi sur l'ile du Phoenix.
Nous sommes arrivés à Saigon le 13 mars, visite de la ville et de la famille, départ deux jours dans le delta. Ensuite avion vers Hanoi et là déception 15° et de la pluie, nous n'avons pas particulièrement aimé Hanoi. Nous avons passé une nuit sur une jonque dans la baie (endroit superbe à découvrir du haut d'un promontoir qui permet d'admirer la baie à 360°.
Ensuite nous sommes partis en avion vers Hué que nous avons découvert à moto, des beaux souvenirs, direction Hoi An en bus où nous sommes restés une journée, le lendemain départ vers Danang pour prendre le train en direction de Nha Trang (8h de trajet), il faut prendre le train au moins une fois car cela permet de voir de magnifiques paysages. Nous sommes restés trois jours à Nha Trang histoire de se reposer et de profiter de la plage.
Retour vers Saigon en avion et derniers achats et visite à la famille pour dire au revoir et retour en France le 31 mars.
Le retour à la vie de chez nous n'est pas chose aisée. Un peu de temps et nous mettrons nos souvenirs en ligne.
Nadine
Merci pour ce séjour en résumé, j'ai hâte d'avoir la suite. J'envisage un voyage au Vietnam au plus tôt cet été, au plus tard en février 2008 ! Hanoi, Sa pa, La baie d'Along, Ho Chi Minh...feront partie de mon périple et Sa pa, tout particulièrement pour apprécier le projet d'insertion professionnelle des jeunes en hôtellerie, restauration de l'école Hoa Sua. Peut-être avez-vous logé dans l'hôtel d'application Hoa Sua de Sa pa ? Je suis professeur en section tourisme et je réfléchis actuellement aux possibles collaborations, projets à développer, avec mon établissement (section hôtellerie/restauration et section tourisme) et cette école. Votre témoignage me sera précieux. Vivement le site !
De mon côté j'attends les renseignements complémentaires concernant votre séjour au Vietnam; ceux-ci m'aideront à faire un choix d'itinéraire pour cet été. Pour l'instant je me contente de consulter les messages de VoyageForum... d'imaginer, et de rêver. Merci à del73 mais aussi à tous les amoureux du voyage qui apportent leurs témoignages et leurs expériences.
Pour le Delta, nous avons pris un tour opérateur dans le quartier des routards, juste à coté de notre hotel, je dirai que nous avons simplement choisi un attrape touristes. Quand nous avons organisé notre voyage, notre but était de nous concentrer sur le nord et le milieu du Vietnam et de revenir une prochaine fois pour visiter le sud, nous aurions du nous en tenir à cette idée, nous avons vite et mal fait le Delta, il aurait mérité au moins 3 jours avec un guide que pour nous, éventuellement une nuit chez l'habitant, d'où ma déception........je suis contente de l'avoir vu, mais il aurait tellemtn mérité mieux que la visite éclair sans explication que nous avons eu.
Pour Sapa, nous étions dans un compartiment à 4 couchettes, avec une petite bouteille d'eau offerte. le compartiment était très propre, nos compagnons de voyage extraordinaires, c'est un très bon souvenir.
Pour ce qui est des réservations, nous avons réservé de Suisse, les hotels, les billets d'avion interne, le train, et certains guides....
A sapa nous étions dans une Guesthouse, le cat cat. Vous allez adorer Sapa, tout y est merveilleux, les promenades, le marché, les bons restaurants, tout, tout..........j'ai même pas de regrets pour notre chute en scooter 🏴☠️qui restera une bonne anecdote de notre séjour 😛
pour ce qui est du site, on y travaille, on y travaille, mais ça demande du temps.....
J'aurais adoré rester au moins 3 jours dans le delta mais nous ne l'avons pas vu de la meilleure manière qui soit, mais c'est pas grave on y retournera 😛 après tout, il ne faut pas rester sur un goût d'inachevé.......
Nous sommes passés par une agence à Hanoi (organisations et gentillesses tip top) qui nous a organisé le journée à hanoi, et à nim binh.
Pour le reste, mon mari a passé beaucoup de temps sur internet à consulter les divers forums pour organiser le reste. et nous avons aussi beaucoup décidé sur place.
juste le Delta aurait mérité une meilleure organisation de notre part 😛
Par contre la baie d'halong reste un merveilleux moment, brumeux, mais tellement mystérieux........je pense encore aux éventuels pirates qui auraient pu surgir.....(nan nan, j'ai pas bu !!!)
Bonjour!
J'ai deux questions assez précises (on part jeudi...)Si l'hotel de Mui Né vous a plu, pouvez vous nous donner l'adresse et le prix (on compte y rester 6 nuit, parce que mon copain fait du Kite Surf....alors autant qu'il soit bien !)Apparement vous étiez à Sapa un lundi et vous parlez d'un marché. Y'a t'il un marché tous les jours à Sapa?Combien d'heures de bus entre HCMV et Phan Phiet?
MERCI
il y a un marché tous les jours, avec beaucoup de minorités, pas la peine d'y aller le samedi, ça se perd et il faut paller le viet pour comprendre un peu.
entre saigon et phan thiet je crois que maintenant les bus mettent environ 3 heures.
Alors à Mui né, nous sommes allés au bamboo village www.bamboovillageresortvn.com
nous avpns payé $70 la chambre deluxe avec petits déjeuners, c'est un peu cher mais pour juste deux nuits, on voulait se faire plaisir
par contre pour la réservation, mon mari est passé par http://clicktovietnam.com/Mui-Ne-Phan-Thiet-travel/Bamboo-Village-Resort.asp
par ce biais, les prix sont plus intéressants, nous avons payé $70 au lieu de 105 en passant direct par l'hotel.
l'hotel a son propre club de kite surf....tenu par des russes !!!!
L'hotel nous a beaucoup plus, en plus juste en face il y a un restaurant le "rung forrest" qui reste notre plus beau souvenir de nourriture.
Pour sapa, nous sommes arrivés à lao cai le dimanche matin, ce qui nous a permis de faire directement le marché de bac ha, par contr celui de sapa nous l'avons fait le lundi matin et je ne sais pas si il est tous les jours.
Pour ce qui est distances, nous avons quitté saigon vers 8h30 et sommes arrivés à phan phiet vers 13h.
J'aimerais me faire confectionner quelques morceaux, dont une robe de soirée et une robe de mariée.
Je serai en A. sud est en fév-mars 2008.
On m'a suggéré fortement le Vietnam et plus précisément HoAn.
Quelqu'un aurait-il plus de détails à me fournir? nom de place à recommander ou le contraire? expérience personnelle? suggestions? recommandations....
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’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
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.
