...
For Kanchanaburi, I strongly advise against taking the train. First, because you have to go pick it up at Thonburi Station, which is in... Thonburi. Then, because it’s always one to two hours late, and finally, because it’s a third-class local train (so you can’t reserve seats) that stops everywhere.
From Bangkok to Kanchanaburi by public transport other than the train, there are 3 options:
- Bus 81 a/c (2-hour trip, departures every 20 minutes) from Sai Tai bus terminal. It’s the farthest from the city center, but it’s the best choice if you have a lot of luggage since you can check it in the hold.
Hello,
While I think you have great knowledge about Thailand, some of your info is a bit outdated.
That said, I don’t entirely agree with your take on transportation options.
- First, you say you have to take the train at Thon Buri and that you have to go to Thon Buri—well, that’s stating the obvious. But the station is actually easy to reach, especially with the Chao Phraya River boat, which you’ve already mentioned. The station is right behind Siriraj Hospital, which is along the river and served by those boats.
- Then, you mention Sai Tai bus terminal (full name: Sai Tai Mai-Taling Chan), more commonly known as the Southern Bus Terminal, which is also in... Thon Buri, but much more out of the way than the train station.
- Minivan a/c from Mo Chit minivan terminal, the most accessible and the one that’ll save you the most time stuck in traffic.
I’m not convinced it’s faster, even if the minivan uses expressways. After all, those routes still cross Bangkok, since Mo Chit is on the east side of the city and Kanchanaburi is to the west.
I actually found a minivan from Transport Co Ltd (a government company), No. 9918, that makes stops in Bangkok on the way to Kanchanaburi, while the return trip seems to be direct between Kanchanaburi and Mo Chit...
If you’re making the Kanchanaburi-Chiang Mai trip via Bangkok, take a minivan from Kan to Mo Chit, then use the walkway to the "regular" Mo Chit terminal where your bus to Chiang Mai will depart. That’ll save you 2 hours of crossing Bangkok.
Beyond what I’ve already mentioned about traffic, it’s worth noting that Mo Chit has undergone major organizational changes this past year. I’d strongly advise our friend to take the time to scope things out beforehand to travel stress-free.
...
By train: the tourist schedules (the ones you find online)
Unfortunately, this statement is false. SRT (State Railways of Thailand) has entered the 21st century. Besides having a fairly comprehensive website largely translated into English, they’ve developed mobile apps that let you buy tickets and also find all the schedules you want—both for long-distance and commuter trains.
There’s even a dedicated site for tracking train positions in near real-time, which lets you check the delay of any train live, if needed.
That said, they used to offer a downloadable timetable that was really useful, but it hasn’t been updated since it was created in April 2023, even though some schedules have changed since then. I find that pretty disappointing.
They list about a dozen Express or Rapid trains per day (both with a supplement) coming from far away* (all trains stop at Ayutthaya) and terminating at Aphiwat. In reality, there are also 17 others not shown on those schedules because they’re "commuter trains"** (local trains). They don’t stop at Aphiwat and terminate at Hualampong. If you take one of these commuters, get off at Bang Sue Junction station.
Actually, there are 16 long-distance trains and 11 commuters serving Ayutthaya. However, since commuters are primarily meant to transport students and workers, they’re concentrated in the morning for the Ayutthaya→Bangkok route. The last one that might interest our friend is at 12:40 PM—after that, the next commuter isn’t until around 6 PM.
Of course, there are long-distance trains serving Ayutthaya in that time frame.
From Aphiwat or Bang Sue*** it’s just a short taxi ride to Mo Chit.
You can also take one of the many buses that serve both locations for a bargain price. (Wait + bus takes 15/20 minutes max.)
*Frequent delays of 1–2 hours, and you must take the train indicated on your ticket.
While it’s still far from perfect, SRT has made a lot of progress, especially with the construction of double tracks.
I’ll do as you say, but I’ll still have to squeeze into the minivan with my backpack and suitcase. No big deal though, since it’ll save me from crossing Bangkok.
Thanks
Hello,
If I understood correctly, you’re going to Kanchanaburi before Ayutthaya, so you can easily leave your non-essential luggage at your Bangkok accommodation—unless you’re heading straight to Ayutthaya without stopping in Bangkok. In that case, since you’ll be passing through Bangkok again for your bus to Chiang Mai, I’d recommend leaving your extra bags in a locker at Mo Chit (3rd floor) before heading to Kanchanaburi and picking them up when you return from Ayutthaya.
This way, you can travel lighter on the Kanchanaburi-Ayutthaya leg.
- to start, you say you need to take the train at Thon Buri and that you need to go to Thon Buri, which is a truism
It’s not *that* much of a truism. If I wrote it that way, it’s because the station is called Thonburi—since in Thonburi, there are other stations with different names (like Bang Ramat, for example).
because the station is right behind Siriraj Hospital
Did you know that Siriraj Hospital (actually an annex) was built about thirty years ago on land donated by the SRT, where the original terminus station, called Bangkok Noi, used to be? It was demolished for a reason, but I still remember it from the first (and only, believe me!) time I went to Kanchanaburi in 1985. The current Thonburi station, which has since become the *de facto* "terminus," was the first stop when leaving Bangkok Noi.
station is easily accessible, especially with the Chao Phraya river boat
Easily... if you’re already on one side of the river. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with transportation, traffic jams, and crossing a bridge whose approaches are often congested.
you mention the Sai Tai bus terminal by its full name, Sai Tai Mai-Taling Chan
Thais say "Sai Tai," and taxi drivers say (and understand) "Sai Tai," so there’s no need to remember or use its full name. At most, you might need to say "Sai Tai Gao" if you’re talking about the minivan station (which is itself at the old location of the bus terminal*). Also, the "Mai" can be confusing for a taxi driver because in Thai, it also means negation—so if you mispronounce it, they might think you *don’t* want to go to Sai Tai. They won’t admit they don’t understand (due to cultural reasons), will smile, and you’ll end up driving around Bangkok for hours without ever reaching Sai Tai...
* The Sai Tai bus terminal has moved three times. The very first location (which I also remember...) was right by the Chao Phraya, until it was decided to relocate bus terminals far away to "ease" traffic.
I’m not convinced it’s faster
You’re not convinced—which implies you’ve never taken this train, right? If so, try it one day, and after that, you’ll take the bus or minivan. For non-touristy reasons, I used to hang out at Kanchanaburi station daily, and every day, I saw the train from Bangkok arrive—always one to two hours late (sometimes three). The passengers getting off always looked exhausted.
it’s still true that they cross Bangkok, since Mo Chit is east of the city and Kanchanaburi is west.
No, Mo Chit is in the *north*—Ekamai is in the east. The minivans leaving Mo Chit for Kanchanaburi don’t cross Bangkok; they take the expressway heading west right away, more or less bypassing the city. I’ve made that trip at least fifteen times in each direction.
I even found a Transport Co Ltd (government) minivan, No. 9918, that stops in Bangkok on the way to Kanchanaburi
For about a dozen years now, public minivans to/from the provinces have been banned from passing through Bangkok. That’s why terminals were built near Sai Tai and Mo Chit specifically for them. The 9918 is the regular minivan that leaves Mo Chit every 15 minutes, which I already mentioned above. For info, there’s also the 81, which leaves Mo Chit every 30 minutes for Lad Ya and also serves Kanchanaburi via the same route.
It’s not as obvious as it seems. If I wrote it that way, it’s because the station is called Thonburi—because in Thonburi, there are other stations with different names (like Bang Ramat, for example).
Hello,
Saying that Thon Buri station is in another city makes sense, just like saying Bang Ramat station is in Thon Buri makes sense. It’s like clarifying for a non-French person that Gare de Lyon is in Paris, not Lyon, which might be confusing.
But the way you seemed to present it—especially with the ellipsis and a negative tone—made it sound like Thonburi was some "middle of nowhere" where only a fool would venture. Meanwhile, you didn’t mention the bus terminal at all, even though it’s in the same area.
Did you know that Siriraj Hospital (actually an annex) was built about thirty years ago on land donated by the SRT, where the original terminus station, Bangkok Noi, used to be? It was demolished for a reason, but I still remember it from the first (and only, believe me!) time I went to Kanchanaburi in 1985. The current Thonburi station, which later became the "terminus," was the first stop after leaving Bangkok Noi.
Thanks for this additional info.
Easily... if you’re already on one side of the river. Otherwise, you’ll have to deal with traffic, jams, and crossing a bridge where the roads are often congested.
Based on our friend’s choice of accommodation (Sukhumvit), which I looked into, the BTS and MRT are the fastest ways (since they avoid rush-hour traffic) to reach a "pier" (dock) for the Chao Phraya River boat, which also isn’t affected by the traffic issues mentioned.
Thais say Sai Tai...
My point wasn’t linguistic (I don’t think Thai linguistics is a priority for our friend) but geographical. When you search for "Sai Tai," dozens of places come up. With the full name—or better, the common name—it’s much clearer.
Also, "Mai" can be confusing for a taxi driver because in Thai, it’s also the word for negation...
*Mai* is a negation at the start of a sentence but becomes a question at the end, like in *Sabai dee mai?* (How are you?). And *mài* means "new." Just saying—it’s really hard to summarize Thai that simply.
I’m not convinced it’s faster
You’re not convinced, which implies you’ve never taken that train...
This quote was from a paragraph where I was talking about Mo Chit and minivans—not the train...
Is that the case? If so, take it one day, and next time you’ll take the bus or minivan. As for Kanchanaburi, for a non-touristy reason, I used to hang out at the station daily. Every day, I saw the train from Bangkok arrive—always one to two hours late (sometimes three)...
I stand by the fact that things have improved for the reasons already mentioned. Proof I couldn’t give last night: today, I checked the available data, and the train was only 18 minutes late—far from the daily one, two, or even three hours you mentioned.
No, Mo Chit is in the north...
My mistake—the late hour of my post is probably to blame for that mix-up...
They take the expressway that heads west right away, more or less bypassing the city.
The "more or less" you added this time makes all the difference. Nonthaburi, where the expressway you mentioned passes through, is a very close and densely populated suburb of Bangkok, with heavy traffic during rush hour.
I even found a minivan from Transport Co Ltd (a government company), No. 9918, that goes to Kanchanaburi with stops in Bangkok
For over a dozen years now, public minivans to/from the provinces have been banned from passing through Bangkok.
The route info I gave is current, but I haven’t verified it personally.
If our friend takes this option—which I also suggested because of the luggage storage at Mo Chit, letting him travel lighter on the Bangkok-Kanchanaburi-Ayutthaya-Bangkok route—he can easily confirm how it works.
Clearly I’ve found a "proofreader" to check my posts...
Not too swamped?
Clearly you’re "way off," but feel free to think you’re some kind of "prophet"—seems like they’ve been popping up everywhere since the forum reopened...
Hi,
It’s getting a bit heated because of me, and I feel bad about it. I’m stuck in the middle like an idiot, to be honest.
I told you yesterday—all three of you gave me great advice and helped me out, and I’m really grateful.
One says to never take minivans and to stick to big buses, another recommends the train, and a third thinks minivans are the best option... I don’t know who to listen to anymore. I’ll just go my own way now—by train, bus, minivan, car, or on foot...
For Joël, who hasn’t seen the final version yet, here’s the recap:
- 1 week in Bangkok
- 4 nights in Kanchanaburi
- 3 nights in Ayutthaya
- 2 weeks in the area of Chiang Mai
- 4 nights in Lampang
- 6 nights in Nan
- 4 nights in Phrae
- 4 last days in Bangkok
And nothing’s set in stone!!!
Thanks again
The minivan is the fastest and the most expensive option. It sometimes drives a bit too fast and dangerously. If you have large luggage, you’ll pay for an extra seat to store it.
The bus is the most comfortable and quite affordable. You sit up high, there are bathroom breaks and a rest stop. VIP buses have toilets and reclining seats.
The train is the cheapest and, depending on the route, particularly slow. It’s safer, though. Sometimes there are no windows at all, and the AC can be a bit chilly for overnight trips.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate our fellow members who voluntarily provide information when many others aren’t around. And they don’t just give brief, basic answers—far from it. Sure, feathers might ruffle now and then, but keep in mind that the same question can sometimes lead to different answers. Nobody’s perfect, after all.
That said, when discussions pile up and contradict each other, I’ve found myself even more confused after reading everything than before I started.
Jean-Marie, sometimes you have to read and re-read what’s been written to make a good summary. In the end, choose the option that best fits your tastes, needs, and budget. The decision is yours to make.
Your current route will let you see some beautiful countryside, lovely landscapes, and a few stunning temples. This itinerary is more balanced and original than many others we see here.
Before arriving in Lampang, Nan, or Phrae, ask your current hotel, as soon as you check in, to contact your next hotel and arrange a taxi, songthaew, or tuk-tuk driver for your upcoming visits. That could really help.
SRT (State Railways of Thailand) has stepped into the 21st century. Besides a pretty comprehensive website largely translated into English, they’ve developed mobile apps that let you buy tickets and check all the schedules you want—long-distance or commuter.
There’s even a dedicated site for near real-time train positions, so you can track delays for any train in real time if needed.
I’ve got this kind of app in India, and I book all my train tickets that way. I even make reservations for friends or VF travelers who can’t book from France. And I often book for my Indian friends too!!! 😉
I was thinking, if only I could have something like this in Thailand...
You can easily leave your non-essential luggage at your Bangkok accommodation, (...) since you’ll be passing through Bangkok anyway for your bus to Chiang Mai, I’d recommend leaving the extra stuff in a locker at Mo Chit (3rd floor) before heading to Kanchanaburi and picking it up when you return from Ayutthaya.
That’ll let you travel lighter on the Kanchanaburi-Ayutthaya leg.
This is a great tip—thank you so much! I’ll definitely put it into practice.
Let's pay tribute to our fellow members who volunteer to provide information services in the absence of many others for now. Let’s add that they don’t just give brief, basic answers—far from it. Sure, feathers might ruffle now and then, but it’s worth noting that the same question can sometimes lead to different answers. And nobody’s perfect.
Did I complain about anything to anyone?
However, when exchanges pile up and contradict each other, I’ve found myself even more confused after reading everything than before I started.
That’s exactly it.
Jean-Marie, sometimes you have to read and reread what’s written to make a good synthesis. In the end, choose the option that best fits your tastes, needs, and budget. It’s up to you to decide.
Isn’t that what I said and did?
Before arriving in Lampang, Nan, and Phrae, ask your previous hotel, as soon as you arrive, to contact the next one to arrange a taxi, songthaew, or tuk-tuk driver for your future visits. That could really help.
Sure, but I fully intended to do that myself—and not just for those three cities—without asking my previous hosts.
The more or less you specify this time makes all the difference, because Nonthaburi, where the expressway you mention passes, is a very close and densely populated suburb of Bangkok and subject to heavy traffic during rush hours.
(...)
The route info I gave is current, but I haven’t checked it personally.
The route info from the app that says Mo Chit is in the East?
No, the expressway I mentioned doesn’t go through Nonthaburi—it’d be pointless to go that far up.
Drop your apps and reply with your on-the-ground experience, please.
Hello, I m heading to Thailand for two weeks at the end of February with my family. I went there 20 years ago. I d love your thoughts on a relaxed two-week…
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.
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.
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 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 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!
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 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 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,
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! !
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
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,
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!
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!
I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dayi
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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
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
