That’s an ambitious and scattered plan. There’s some trimming and fleshing out to do.
I put this itinerary together a bit blindly, just by reading a few guides and a -small- map, based on what I felt like seeing. I’m ready to tweak it, cut things out. I’m not one of those people who tries to cram in every sight. I like taking my time and avoiding crowds—you know that. If you’ve got any ideas or tips to share, don’t hesitate. Thanks a lot!
You’ve picked hotels in a price range that isn’t the cheapest, which’ll help you avoid some hassles and give you a bit more comfort—definitely not a bad call for a month and a half.
I’d like to travel as light as possible. Not like when I go to India, where I end up carrying a ton of stuff because I stay for 6 months or more. So I’ll be minimizing clothes. Are laundry services easy to find and reasonably priced in hotels, and do they usually dry things by the next day?
Hi,
Before I forget, I owe you all an apology.
First off, the start of your reply to Kate really irritated me because poor Catherine just wanted to say something nice, and you tore her apart. Anyway, moving on. Then, before I realized what you were saying was right, I was put off by how you said it, which I won’t dwell on either.
So I read other travel journals, especially Jojoone’s, who also sent me an email saying the same thing as you—but differently—and I realized you were right. Too much is too much. Especially for someone who likes to take their time everywhere, when traveling and in life. So I’m going to make some big cuts to my plan. AND since I’m being honest with myself, I’ve come to tell you about it.
Now I just need to figure out what to keep and what to cut...
So thank you!!! And no hard feelings
I really love rural Isaan for its "make-do" vibe, completely off the tourist trail.
After 40 days on a road trip, I’d hate to miss it.
I totally get that. What I meant was that looking at the photos (maybe not all of them), they don’t really inspire me, but I think they just aren’t the best representation of what this province has to offer. That’s just the opinion of a mediocre photographer, though.
Hello,
Before I forget, I owe you a few apologies.
Good evening,
As the saying goes, a fault confessed is half redressed.
First, the beginning of your reply to Kate really irritated me, because poor Catherine had just wanted to say something kind, and you tore her to shreds.
That it irritated you, fair enough... But that "kind" word you describe should have stayed with you, because in the thread it was insulting to the people who had taken the time to participate in your topic before her post saying "no one to answer...". Besides, I wasn’t even one of them—I can’t even be accused of defending my "turf."
"Tore her to shreds"—isn’t that a bit excessive? I invite you to reread my lines, but like you, this lack of respect (because that’s how it comes across when you don’t know "the full story") toward those who take the time to share their experiences really gets to me.
Then, before realizing what you were saying was right, I was put off by how you said it...
It’s said simply, directly, and without frills—from a tablet and with a bit of jet lag. Sorry if it lacks lyricism, but I don’t recall seeing any in your questions, nor is this a forum dedicated to that...
That said, I found you quite harsh, especially since I was just repeating your own words about accusing me of treating you like an invalid.
So I read other travel journals, especially Jojoone’s, who also sent me an email saying the same thing as you—but differently—
I can only encourage you to take his point of view—and that of a few others—into consideration. He’s a veteran of this forum with an impressive track record.
Enough is enough. Especially for someone who likes to take their time everywhere, in travel as in life.
It wasn’t exactly jumping out at first glance, but as I told you in my previous post, Thailand is savored if you hope to grasp the richness of its people and culture. Unfortunately, few people do, no matter where they come from.
So I’m going to make some drastic cuts to my plan.
Why call them drastic? 😛
And since I’m being honest with myself, I’ve come to tell you.
Since you publicly lashed out at me, it was only right to correct it the same way.
Now I just need to decide what to keep and what to cut...
Unfortunately, I’m not you, but I’ll still take the liberty of giving you a few points that might, I hope, help your reflection based on what seems most important or essential to you.
If you really want to keep this part, I suggest splitting it into two: one at the beginning of your trip and one at the end.
Beyond how tiring Bangkok can be, there’s an important cultural reason: your dates coincide with the second-biggest event in Chiang Mai—the Flower Festival, which takes place the first weekend of February (February 1–2, 2025). It’s an event you should experience at least once. Personally, I’ve done it twice. It’s a bit less crowded than Loy Krathong, which just happened, but unfortunately, this year it falls right during Chinese New Year.
Bangkok -> Chiang Mai by overnight train in 1st-class sleeper.
You can book it now—it’s already open—but I’d strongly recommend 2nd class; it’s much livelier than 1st.
CHIANG MAI (6 days/6 nights): Mae Hong Son – Hot springs – Chiang Dao – caves – Lamphun – other places to be determined on-site based on what’s interesting and transport options
As has already been said: split this area, which is way too vast for your initial idea. For example, a 3-3-3 split (Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son-Chiang Mai) could be an alternative, with luggage storage at your Chiang Mai hotel to travel lighter.
Chiang Mai -> Chiang Rai
CHIANG RAI (7 days/8 nights): Fang – Tha Ton – Chiang Saen – Doi Tung – Chiang Khong – Doi Ang Khang, Phu Chi Fah, etc.
Split this area like Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai -> Phrae
PHRAE (4 days/5 nights): Lampang and surroundings based on what’s interesting to see
No experience in this area, but this is where the off-the-beaten-path part begins, requiring more energy and time. From here on, you’ll have to make significant cuts.
Phrae -> Loei
LOEI (4 days/5 nights): Phu Kradung – Chiang Khan and surroundings based on what’s interesting to see
Same as above. The Mekong stretch to Nong Khai is beautiful but requires more independence for getting around.
Loei -> Buriram
PHIMAI (Nakhon Ratchasima/Khorat) (5 days/6 nights): Phimai – Prasat Muang Tam – Phanom Rung – Prasat Phanom Wan
Split and lighten this area—it’s still a part that demands more energy unless you delegate everything to your hotel, as with previous stops. But you should know that comes at a cost...
Phimai -> Khorat (airport or train station) -> Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.
As has already been said, the train is great.
To wrap up, I understand your need to book in advance—it’s comfortable to arrive without having to "shop around" for where to stay—but it has a downside: flexibility. While it’s justified for high-demand areas like Chiang Mai, for quieter parts, nothing’s stopping you from handling things day by day, having preselected your hotels. It would be quite extraordinary for everything to be fully booked, even if you can’t find the exact place on the booking site. And this gives you the freedom to stay longer in places that inspire you or cut short those that disappoint.
Dear Mr. Partirdeloin, you shocked Mr. Marien and knocked out poor Kate, whose comment was really well-intentioned. You were quite naughty!
You might end up like me—annoying everyone! 😛 😎
On the substance, you’ve brought up points that will help Jean Marie make good progress. It’s clear you know the country well.
It’s likely Jean Marie will come back with a less ambitious and more realistic version of his project, and in the end, he’ll be just as satisfied. When planning a trip at home, we think we can pull off an itinerary that would only be realistic and enjoyable if we could stretch out the days, right?
By the way, he’s into natural sites, temples, and authentic local crafts. Do you have any tips for him, even in a DM?
Contrary to what you wrote, the road between Chiang Khan and Nong Khai has absolutely no interest.
You don’t see the Mekong at all.
The road isn’t anything special—it doesn’t compare to the roads up north.
The Mekong makes sense around Chiang Khong or near Nakhon Phanom, but that’s not the route the original poster asked about.
As for Chiang Khan, it’s a selfie spot for Bangkok locals on weekends, and the accommodations are overpriced for what you get.
The area has little to offer overall.
Dear Mr. Partirdeloin, you shocked Mr. Marien and knocked out poor Kate, whose comment was really well-intentioned. You were quite naughty!
You might end up like me, annoying everyone! 😛 😎
Dear Jojoone1,
I think I’ll survive... 😉
On the substance, you’ve provided elements that will help Jean Marie make good progress. It’s clear you know the country well.
Far be it from me to claim such expertise—after all, "no one is a prophet in their own land," so imagine in a country that isn’t even yours...
It’s likely Jean Marie will come back with a less ambitious and more realistic version of his plan, and he’ll probably be just as satisfied. When we plan a trip at home, we think we can fit in a route that would only be realistic and enjoyable if we could stretch out the days, right?
I hope so for him—though we all sometimes "bite off more than we can chew"...
By the way, he’s into natural sites, temples, and real local crafts. Do you have any tips for him, even in a PM?
Unfortunately, my dear Jojoone the First, as you’ve probably noticed, I have no talent for storytelling—unlike some of you. Not a single travel journal in 10 years... 😕 Almost a shame compared to all your talents, which I lack.
I must also admit that I don’t have much time, prioritizing real life, and I’m plenty busy with that...
And as I’ve said before, I’ve always been independent in the Land of Smiles—no agencies, tour operators, drivers, guides, or anything like that. Just my intuition, sometimes with no results, sometimes amazed, but always without knowing the name of what I saw...
Temples are like churches in France or other places of worship—I’ve always refused to pay entry. If I want to make a donation, it’s my choice, not an obligation. The only exception I made was the Silver Temple in Chiang Mai—50 THB at the time.
There are so many temples across Thailand. I’ve made some great discoveries, especially in the village of the friend we were talking about earlier. He showed me another temple with a crocodile enclosure on the grounds. I’ve also seen many Khmer temple ruins that I’ll never pay the prohibitive prices to visit at Angkor in Cambodia—though you can find photos of them all over the internet.
contrary to what you wrote, the road between Chiang Khan and Nong Khai has absolutely no interest.
Hello,
Unlike you, I’ve never compared your tastes with mine, as that’s a matter of personal preference.
But maybe you’re some kind of "Messiah" with divine words...
You don’t see the Mekong.
I could show you dozens of spots where it’s visible—I remember a temple perched on a hill with a 360° view that rivaled Mount Phu Chi Fa’s.
As for Chiang Khan, it’s a selfie zone for Bangkokians on weekends, and the accommodations are overpriced for the standard offered. The region has little interest.
That might be true on weekends and during holidays, but otherwise, it’s a very peaceful town. And for your information, *Monsieur Divine Word*, "Bangkorians" don’t exist—it’s your imagination. They’re called Bangkokians or people from Bangkok.
Finally, as I mentioned earlier, this area, in my opinion, can only be explored independently, which isn’t what Marien33 is looking for.
It's true that with a drone, the Mekong is visible all the way between Chiang Khan and Nong Khai.
Keeping your eyes glued to the control screen is doable with a good battery reserve.
It’d be a shame to miss that on a first trip.
You must not have been to Chiang Khan in a long time—it’s become artificial, a selfie showcase, with another Skywalk and developments along the Mekong.
It might appeal to Instagram tourists.
Hi everyone,
I can’t seem to book a first-class sleeper from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on February 2nd via the train company’s official website.
At first, I thought it was because I was searching too early. But now (December 3rd), it should’ve worked.
No trains show up for that date.
Is there another way to book this train ticket? Thanks so much.
Thanks Agnès, that sheds some light! Apparently, the waiting list system is brand new but not quite polished yet since you don’t know your rank on the waitlist... So it’s holding me back from booking another option like a bus or flight...
Since you’re staying a while, maybe you can change the day?
I tried changing the date, but it’s the same... With Chinese New Year, the trains are packed. And I don’t want to linger in Bangkok either...
Oh well... it’ll work out... it’ll work out... it’ll work out...
Chinese New Year is pretty much hell.
I ended up in Hua Hin during that period, and everything was fully booked...
Spent the night in a dump waiting for the next day when it was over.
Hi everyone! I m reaching out because we re planning a trip to Thailand next year (around March/April), and we d like to visit Chiang Mai and then Krabi, plus…
hi everyone, we re heading to Thailand for 15 days at the end of February/beginning of March. We haven t booked our flight tickets yet, but we will soon... we…
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!
