Hi everyone,
I know my post might sound a bit repetitive with the questions asked regularly on this forum, but I’m feeling a little lost and thought I’d still ask for your help.
Here’s my situation:
I’m traveling to Thailand with my wife and 12-year-old son during the February 2025 school holidays. We’ll be spending 12 nights in the country.
So far, I only have our flight tickets to and from Phuket.
Now, I need to plan an itinerary that lets us discover beautiful places and the culture of this country.
I’d like to stay by the sea, with stunning fine-sand beaches and breathtaking landscapes in areas that aren’t too urban, but also be able to see some beautiful monuments, typical villages, and wildlife not too far away. That said, I don’t want to be lost deep in the jungle either—I’d like a bit of atmosphere in the evenings (no nightclubs, but rather nice bars with music).
I’ve done some research and here’s a first draft of what I might do:
Spend my first 3 nights in the suburbs of Phuket to explore the city and the province more broadly,
Then head to Ko Yao Noi for 2 nights to discover the charms of Phang Nga Bay,
Next, fly from Krabi to spend 4 nights on Koh Samui (maybe with a little excursion to Ko Pha Ngan?),
Then fly back to Krabi to reach Koh Phi Phi for 2 nights,
Finally, return to the Phuket area for my last night in Thailand to be close for my flight the next day.
The idea is to explore several places without having to pack and unpack every day, and to avoid spending hours on transport every day.
What do you think? Do the places seem relevant? If so, does the number of nights seem appropriate?
Thanks in advance for your help,
Best regards,
Lionel
I’m afraid you’re confusing a forum with a travel agency that, for a fee, will prepare a custom trip for you.
With Phuket and Samui, you can at least be sure you’ll see lots of people—especially our cheerful French folks from the suburbs and Russians.
Culture, nature, monuments: I think you’d need at least a full year of vacation to even scratch the surface of what this country has to offer. Especially outside the places you’ve chosen.
I’m not sure what you mean by "typical villages," but we’re now in the 21st century. Everyone has a cell phone and a brand-new pickup truck bought on credit. They’re the ones moving toward progress, while we’re the ones starting to return to the jungle. The "typical villages" they’ll offer to show you, especially in the north, are basically human zoos that provide cash to the locals.
You’re being a bit too naive thinking you can visit Phangan along the way with just 4 nights in Samui. These are large islands. For a first trip, you can already explore Samui, which has been touristy for longer. Phangan is much quieter, except for the occasional Full Moon party on one of its beaches.
12 nights is barely enough to shake off some fatigue. Enjoy your stay and relax—during the long winter evenings that follow, you’ll find plenty of destinations to explore in Thailand on this forum next time.
It’s worth the effort, and you’ll get more out of it than just opinions from others that may not apply to you.
Either hotels or local agencies will happily organize your tours, excursions, transfers, and transportation.
One last thing: it’ll be peak tourist season. If there’s one thing that’s truly urgent, it’s booking your hotels as soon as possible.
Flying from Krabi to Koh Samui isn’t the best idea—it’s only 260 km between the two. There are ferries from Krabi Town to Koh Samui’s Nathon Pier in under 4 hours.
Hello, personally I’d skip Samui to spend more time on Koh Yao instead.
Phi Phi is a tiny island that’s *super* crowded, with streets alternating between restaurants, weed shops, and tattoo parlors… worth knowing before you go so you’re not disappointed by the whole ‘untouched tropical island’ dream.
Hi there,
Taking a flight—especially a round-trip—on such a short route isn’t the best idea!
I’d skip Samui and Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand and stick to the Andaman Sea side (the water’s generally clearer and there are more snorkeling spots).
After Phuket, Phang Nga, and Phi Phi (which was great... before the tourist invasion), I’d head to the islands further south: Koh Lanta, Koh Libong, Koh Muk, Koh Bulon, or Koh Lipe. (You’ll have to make some choices—all the islands are connected by "speed boat.")
I’d recommend Koh Lipe—it’s got everything you’re looking for
From there, head back to the mainland (Pak Bara) and catch your return flight from Hat Yai or Phuket.
Come on, Léo, cut a newbie some slack! 🤦🏼
We’re not a travel agency, but this is absolutely the place to ask questions and get ideas.
I think your message came off a bit harsh and unwelcoming, even if the itinerary *does* seem all over the place.
That’s not like you at all, anyway 😄
I’m kinda going along with Djalma’s post. Stick to the Indian Ocean side. From Phuket, head north (Koh Payam, Koh Chang) or way south—Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Koh Bulon. Or why not just stay in Phuket? It might actually be less touristy that way.
Just keep in mind that 12 days is *super* short! It’d be a shame to waste 3 of them on buses, taxis, flights, etc.
As Denis suggested, I’d stay longer on Ko Yao Noi island. We spent a week there and never got bored. The island pretty much ticks all your boxes (except for monuments).
You can read more about our experience in the link below:
Hi everyone,
Thanks so much for your replies (even the one that wasn’t very kind...). It’s clear that I’d be better off staying around the Andaman Sea for the 12 nights (luckily, I’ll arrive around noon and leave around midnight, so I’ll still be able to make the most of my arrival and departure days).
After digging deeper into this, here are the places that seem interesting and where I’m thinking of staying: Phuket, Ko Yao Noi, Ko Lanta, and Ko Muk.
What do you think of these spots?
Best,
Lionel
One more question: Is it risky not to book the ferry connections in advance to have more flexibility once I’m there? (For example, if we really like a place, we could take the boat later in the day, or if we want to move on, we could leave early in the morning to enjoy the next destination more.)
Obviously, the hotels will be booked well in advance.
Koh Yao Noi is really nice—I’ve been there twice. It’s just a few minutes by boat from Phuket, and it’s a pretty quiet island that lets you unwind compared to Phuket, which can be a bit more hectic. I’d definitely recommend it.
After digging into the topic, here are the places that seem interesting to me and where I plan to stay: Phuket, Ko Yao Noi, Ko Lanta, and Ko Muk.
I loved Koh Muk, but I realize my opinion is subjective...
First, we stayed a little inland on the island, near a beach where you can rent kayaks. We paddled along a rather wild part of the coast with stops for snorkeling in different coves. In one, we had a picnic alone on the sand, and we also got to visit the "Emerald Cave" before the hordes of tourists arrived by boat. We love walking and were able to reach different parts of the island on foot—accessible only by foot or kayak.
Phuket feels way too touristy for me, but as someone mentioned earlier, the island is big, and there must still be some quiet spots.
I also loved Koh Tarutao (a marine park), but it’s probably not what you’re looking for. The island is huge (compared to others in the area) but is really only for those who want a "Robinson Crusoe" experience. It’s a shame because you could easily spend just one night there in the middle of untouched scenery and the rest of your stay on Koh Lipe, for example, where you can dive and snorkel, though it’s much more crowded!
Good evening, I read your blog and it made me dream!!!
I’m planning to spend 7 nights on the islands (early March). I’d like to enjoy the beaches, spend a day on a boat, visit Phang Nga Bay... I’m neither a party animal nor sporty!
I was thinking of spending 3 nights in Ao Nang (as a starting point for excursions) and for the remaining 4 nights, I’m hesitating between Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, and Ko Yao Noi...
What do you think?
I think I found your gorgeous hotel in Ko Yao Noi—is it the Laguna Villa? It’s above my budget... Do you have another more affordable hotel to recommend?
I was thinking of spending 3 nights in Ao Nang (as a starting point for excursions) and for the remaining 4 nights, I’m torn between Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, and Ko Yao Noi... What do you think?
Others who know better than me can give you advice, since I’ve only been to Ko Yao Noi.
I think I found your lovely hotel in Ko Yao Noi—is it the Laguna Villa?
Yes, that’s the one. But prices have gone up quite a bit, unfortunately. I don’t have any other places to recommend. Our trip was some time ago.
I’m planning an 18-day trip to Bali between June 12th and 30th. I’ve been to Bali twice before, in 1981 and 1982, but I know it’s changed a lot since then. I have a rough itinerary in mind but I’m open to tweaking it based on any advice I can get:
- Arriving the evening of June 12th, 2 nights in Sanur. Not because I’m particularly attached to Sanur, but just to rest a bit before heading further;
- 3 nights in Lovina;
- 3 nights in Ubud;
- 2 nights in Kintamani (I remember being blown away by the view of the giant caldera!);
- 2 nights in Besakih;
- 1 night in Sidemen;
- 3 nights in Candi Dasa;
- 2 nights back in Ubud to wrap up, in case we’ve made any purchases or have shopping plans. By shopping, I mean handicrafts (fabrics, batik, etc.), and I think Ubud is the perfect place for that.
I’m a bit unsure about public transport, especially for getting from Kintamani down to Candi Dasa via Besakih and Sidemen.
We’re traveling as a couple—I forgot to mention that! We’re seasoned travelers and used to packing light. Also, I speak pretty good Bahasa Indonesia, having lived in Indonesia a long time ago!
I work for a small local agency based in Da Nang, and this is THE question I get asked the most about the northern part of a trip. I’m sharing what we see on the ground here—no sugarcoating—because the answer isn’t always Lan Ha.
Geologically, it’s the same limestone massif. Lan Ha is its southern extension, off Cat Ba Island. The difference is the crowds.
Halong Bay: hundreds of junks on a few marked routes. The landscape is iconic, access from Hanoi is shorter (about 2.5 hours by highway), and there’s a much wider choice of boats, from comfortable to luxurious.
Lan Ha Bay: only a few dozen boats over a comparable area. Result: around a hundred small beaches where you can swim—which is very limited in most of Halong Bay—and free kayaking between islets and caves, instead of guided kayaking in restricted zones. The floating villages are still active, not just visited.
When to choose Halong? In two cases: you have less than three days in the North (boarding for Lan Ha is in Cat Ba, which adds a connection and about 40 minutes each way), or you’re looking for a specific boat—the Lan Ha fleet is smaller and often fully booked two to three months in advance during peak season.
When to choose Lan Ha? Nine times out of ten, for everything else: first cruise, family trip, honeymoon, or if you just want fewer boats around you at sunrise.
Season-wise: March to May and September to November are the best windows—clear skies, calm sea. From December to February, it’s 15 to 18 °C with dense fog: no swimming, but an atmosphere many travelers prefer to full sun. One night on board is enough in most cases: the bay is best experienced in 24 hours, from sunset on deck to morning kayaking.
For boats in the same price range, the cost difference between the two bays is negligible—the real difference comes down to the boat you choose, not the destination.
I’ve broken down the comparison point by point (landscape, swimming, kayaking, floating villages, access, boat options) and the seasons here: full details
Which bay did you choose—and why? I’d love to hear your feedback, especially if you’ve done both.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of markets. No matter where I go, in every country or city I visit, I won’t leave without having seen one. I’m mostly talking about food markets. I love the smells, the colors, and watching people from all walks of life stroll around. It’s like a mirror of a country’s culture, and I love soaking it all in.
Thai markets are particularly appealing to me. In my province, there are so many. Maybe more than elsewhere—I’m not sure—but every day, you can find a "Talat Nat." These are traveling markets that set up in specific places on specific days. They only stay open for a few hours. Some attract more shoppers than others because they have more stalls and a wider variety of products. Sometimes, they’re set up in pretty unusual spots: temples, roadside, even on train tracks...
On top of these, there are also markets in the city that stay open all day.
I’d love for you to share your photos of markets, local product stalls, and why not, let’s talk about gastronomy and cuisine too!
I’ll start with my favorite market—it’s 8 kilometers from my place and happens every Tuesday from 2 PM to 5 PM. I never miss a Tuesday unless there’s a downpour... 😉 It’s located in the countryside, in a village famous for its coffee (ThamSing), and inside the grounds of a slightly unusual temple. It’s easy to get to—over the past 10 years, the roads have been paved, which wasn’t the case before and made the trip a bit risky when it rained...
In the first two photos, you’ll see the temple courtyard on a normal day, without the market.
Hi,
We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam.
What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots?
Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night?
Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites?
Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.
Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!
Hello everyone!
It’s been a while since I last posted here.
My partner and I are seasoned travelers, and we’re planning a one-month road trip in Thailand between mid-February and mid-March.
Here are a few details:
- There will be three of us, including our 3-year-old child,
- We hate mass tourism (but love the Land of Smiles, which we already know a little),
- We’ll start from Bangkok (without visiting it) heading south to drop off the rental car in Phuket (without visiting Phuket) and fly out from there.
We’re thinking of an itinerary like Bangkok - Khao Sam Roi Yot - Khao Sok, and maybe exploring in a loop toward Surat Thani, Khanom Beach, and Khao Tong / Phang Nga Bay (if there are parts still untouched by mass tourism).
Do you have any recommendations for places to discover? We love meeting locals and don’t have any preconceived ideas, except avoiding crowds—I know it’s possible!
Thanks for your valuable tips!
Best regards,
Claire
Hi,
We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅
Thanks for your experiences/tips!
Hi,
Is it useful to rent a car from Puerto Princesa to get to El Nido? Are there any nice stops along the way?
I read that once you arrive in El Nido, most of the beaches and sights are accessed by boat, so I'm wondering if this rental is really worth it...
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
We’re planning a backpacking trip to Northern Malaysia and northern Sumatra in February/March 2027. It’ll be our first time in these areas (we’re pretty familiar with the rest of Asia). Thanks in advance for your favorite spots and diving recommendations! It’s still very open-ended—we haven’t set anything in stone yet.
Thanks,
Hi there,
We’re thinking of spending a month in the Philippines at the end of February and the beginning of March. What’s the tourist crowd like during that time—is it super busy? We’re not really used to booking accommodations, transport, etc., in advance.
Thanks in advance!
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.
I’m planning to go to Koh Lipe.
Do you know a good site to book a boat ticket from Phuket?
And if you’ve visited any nice islands around Koh Lipe, I’d love to hear about them.
I’d like to go diving.
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
We’re planning to spend two full days in Phnom Penh next January.
We really love markets, and I’d love to know which one you think is the most interesting in the capital? The Central Market (Psar Thmei) and the Russian Market are often mentioned.
Thanks in advance for your tips.
Have a great day,
I’m planning our summer vacation for August 2027.
We’re a family of 4, and here’s what I had in mind:
- Arrival in Surabaya (one or two stops, including Jakarta). 6 nights on Java Island (private driver, nights split between Bromo and Yogyakarta)
Budget airline.
- 7 nights in Bali: 4 in Ubud, 3 in Amed (with a rental car)
- And a 3-night stopover in Singapore.
During my trip to Thailand, I’ll be spending 2 nights at Tonsai Beach, near Ao Nang Beach, close to Krabi. Tonsai Beach is only accessible by boat, so I was wondering where I could safely leave my car at Ao Nang Beach for 48 hours?
Alternatively, at Ao Nam Mao Beach (on the other side), if there are shuttles to Tonsai Beach.
We’re planning a two-week trip to the Philippines in August (unfortunately, we don’t have a choice on the dates...) and we’ve seen, especially through many posts here, that a large part of the Philippines is advised against visiting. However, some areas might still be okay for this month.
Based on that, we’re considering the following itinerary:
• D1–D2: Flight from France to Manila, overnight transit in Manila.
• D3–D5: Camiguin — beaches, Mantigue, White Island, and a volcanic tour (staying at Balai sa Baibai)
• D6–D9: Anda — beach, snorkeling, rice terraces, Can-Umantad Falls, Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, waterfalls, and adventure activities (staying at Anda White Beach Resort)
• D10–D14: Siquijor — snorkeling, whale shark excursion in Oslob if possible, Apo Island, and sunset fishing (staying at Coco Grove Beach Resort)
• D15–D16: Return via Cebu and Manila, then international flight back to France.
We’ll be two families of four with kids over 20...
I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this itinerary is feasible, and I’m open to suggestions for other islands or activities from those who know the destination well.
Thanks for your help! :slight_smile:
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,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hello fellow travelers, and thanks to everyone for keeping this blog alive!
It’s my turn to ask a question.
For our trip to Laos next year, I’m torn between using a local agency or organizing everything myself with the Lonely Planet guide and tips from VoyageForum.
If I plan it myself, will I still be able to find French-speaking guides on the spot or book excursions in advance?
Thanks for sharing your experiences, and if you have any recommendations for local agencies—just for excursions or even transportation—that’d be great!
Sylvie
Cinefil67
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes.
I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights?
Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi?
I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have.
Thanks so much! !
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places.
We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok).
We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th.
We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok...
Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya.
From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th.
On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed?
Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip?
Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
Hello.
We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).
18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC
20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land
20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding
23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing)
27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City
1/1: Return flight to France.
What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots.
I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary.
For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists.
So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice:
1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City.
2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay
3- The Heritage Town of Taal
4- Banaue and Batad
5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town)
6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan
7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon)
8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island
I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees.
Thanks in advance
Hi there,
We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach.
The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?
From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.
Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar?
Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total.
Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel?
Thanks, Françoise
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,
After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter).
Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333?
I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!
