Hi there,
I’m finally planning to spend 9 days/9 nights in Chiang Rai. What’s the best area to stay in?
Do you know any interesting spots within a 50–60 km radius? Preferably ones that aren’t overrun by mass tourism (sorry about that).
Thanks!
Joël—I’m reading your latest travel journal on this region...😉
Chiang Rai. Which is the best area for accommodation?
The Wat Jet Yot area (several possible spellings) is quiet, has several accommodations, and is a 10-minute walk from the bus terminal 1, where you’ll catch buses for your trips around the province.
Any interesting sites in the region within a 50 to 60 km radius max? Preferably off the beaten path (sorry about that).
- **Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fah Luang Garden** (also called the King Mother Royal Villa & Garden). Plan for a half-day with a driver. On the same day, if you have time, you can also check out the atmosphere around the Mae Sai border crossing (accessible by bus, but if you can use the car, even better).
- **Chiang Saen**: Many people pass through on their way to the ultra-touristy Sop Ruak/"Golden Triangle" (which you should avoid at all costs), but Chiang Saen and its immediate surroundings deserve a stop—or even a short stay. Plus, it might be your only chance on this trip to see the Mekong River...
Chiang Rai. What's the best area for accommodation?
The Wat Jet Yot area (several possible spellings), quiet, with several accommodations and a 10-minute walk from the bus terminal 1 where you'll take buses for your trips around the province.
Any interesting sites in the region within a 50 to 60 km radius max? Preferably off the beaten path (sorry about that).
- Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fah Luang Garden (also called the King Mother Royal Villa & Garden). Plan for a half-day with a driver. On the same day, if you have time, you can also check out the atmosphere around the Mae Sai border crossing (which is accessible by bus, but if you can make use of the car...).
- Chiang Saen: many people pass through without stopping on their way to the ultra-touristy Sop Ruak/"Golden Triangle" (which you should avoid at all costs, by the way), while Chiang Saen and its immediate surroundings deserve a stop or even a short stay. Plus, it might be your only chance on this trip to see the Mekong...
Hello, thanks again. You're very kind, but I'm really sticking to my latest plan, which is exactly what I wanted from the start: 2 weeks in BKK, 3 weeks in Chiang Mai, and 9 days in Chiang Rai, and no more changing my itinerary over and over. I'll just do day trips on foot, by horse, or by car. Maybe by bike if I'm in the countryside.
You shouldn't miss the Oub Kham Museum. In some parts of the museum, photos are prohibited—except for me, which means you get to see things live that you won’t find online.
I think I remember you had time to do it BEFORE you were told you couldn’t...
You’re mixing things up. It was on the second page of my 2018 travel journal, and I didn’t mention the museum’s name. I hadn’t posted any of the theoretically forbidden photos on VF, out of principle and respect. Back then, the guide found us really friendly (definitely a habit!) and let us take photos and videos.
It’s better to see in person, but two years later, in the middle of COVID and winter, it was a joy to have the chance to watch all of that.
Hi,
Must-see in Chiang Rai: the White Temple, it's absolutely stunning.
The blue one is also gorgeous.
There are some great walks in the area.
The Golden Triangle has really changed, and I was disappointed in 2019 during my last trip there.
It's funny, the guy recommends 3 super touristy spots that I personally wouldn’t suggest.
Paying 100 baht for entry to the White Temple? Count me out.
To each their own.
It's funny, the guy recommends 3 super touristy spots that I personally wouldn’t suggest.
Paying 100 baht for the White Temple entrance? No thanks, not for me.
To each their own.
You really made me laugh! 😏Thanks
His profile says:
I don’t think they’d read what I was looking for or my other research topics...
But if you feel like it, if I’m "worthy," maybe you could suggest some hidden gems...😉
In private, of course...
But I don’t want to take advantage of your kindness 😏
Hi,
I responded to your request, maybe not how you wanted, but your comments kinda stung.
Yeah, I love off-the-beaten-path travel, but when you visit a country, the most beautiful sites are touristy.
I recommended the White Temple because it really struck me with its beauty. It wasn’t that crowded—it was February 2019. I don’t remember paying for the visit, but for 100 baht, I would’ve done it without hesitation. Though if some travelers going to Asia are counting every 3 €, that’s a shame.
I don’t get how you can visit a country without seeing its gems. Can you go to Cambodia without seeing Angkor Wat? To Vietnam without seeing Halong Bay? To Myanmar without seeing Inle Lake or Bagan?
I’ve visited Thailand 5 times for 3.5 weeks each. Everywhere I stopped, I saw the must-see spots before wandering elsewhere.
Happy New Year to all of you, with plenty of beautiful travels.
JP
Hi,
I responded to your request, maybe not as you had hoped, but your comments kinda hurt my feelings.
Hi (too lazy to write "good evening") 😉 ,
I’m sorry. I had a feeling you might take my reaction the wrong way. But I couldn’t stay silent because it made me laugh so much! I should’ve added some smileys to show I was more in a joking and amused mood rather than criticizing.
I was asking if, by any chance, anyone knew of some off-the-beaten-path sites, and instead, you all suggested the most popular, most visited places that are in every guidebook and travel agency...
I can’t imagine visiting a country without seeing its highlights.
Your way of seeing things isn’t necessarily everyone’s
Can you go to Cambodia without seeing the temples of Angkor? To Vietnam without seeing Halong Bay? To Myanmar without seeing Inle Lake or Bagan?
In France without seeing the Eiffel Tower?
Well, yes, I’ve done that! And even the Taj Mahal! And since I happened to be in Agra—not on purpose to see the Taj Mahal—I gave it a try. And... I hated it and really regretted the huge entrance fee I paid.
I’ve visited Thailand 5 times for 3.5 weeks each. In every place I stopped, I visited the must-see spots before wandering elsewhere.
It’s funny how different we are. I planned my entire trip to Bangkok, Chiang Mai—and now I’m looking into Chiang Rai—by only visiting what, maybe, you’d call
wandering elsewhere.
And, at the very end of the trip, maybe, if I have time, I’ll visit
the must-see spots
I even committed the sin of ultimately skipping Erawan Park and Ayutthaya. Not because I’m not tempted, but with such crowds, where’s the fun in that?
No hard feelings
Hi there,
I visited Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, the Erawan waterfalls, and many other places without encountering crowds.
I explored the first two by renting bikes and Erawan by scooter. From Kanchanaburi, I went to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, but at 7 a.m., and there was no one around. I also visited Mont Saint-Michel in France at 7 a.m., and it was empty—I left around 10 a.m. when the tourists started arriving.
Avoiding exceptional places just because you might see people there is a shame. You just have to go early.
I visited part of the Burmese border from Mae Hong Son—it wasn’t too touristy.
I went to Isan, and there weren’t many tourists there either.
Starting from Bangkok, I traveled down the Gulf of Siam coast: Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Bang Saphan, Chumphon, etc... I can’t guarantee the spelling.
On the other hand, I stopped in Hua Hin. I arrived in the afternoon and left the next morning at first light. The town is pretty, but there were so many tourists—and especially prostitutes. Really not my thing.
We don’t all have the same vision of travel, but let’s respect each other.
I took note of your desire to be humorous.
Safe travels.
JP
Hello,
I visited Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, the Erawan waterfalls, and many other places without seeing crowds.
I explored the first two by renting bikes and Erawan by scooter. From Kanchanaburi, I went to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai at 7 a.m., and there was no one there. I also visited Mont Saint-Michel in France at 7 a.m., and it was empty—I left around 10 a.m. when the tourists arrived.
I explored part of the Burmese border from Mae Hong Son, which isn’t too touristy.
I went to Isan—also not too many tourists there.
I traveled down from Bangkok along the Gulf of Siam coast: Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Bang Saphan, Chumphon, etc... I can’t guarantee the spelling.
On the other hand, I stopped in Hua Hin—arrived in the afternoon and left the next morning at first light. The town is pretty, but there were so many tourists and especially prostitutes. Really not my thing.
We don’t all have the same vision of travel, but let’s respect each other.
I took note of your desire to be humorous.
Safe travels.
JP
Hello, that’s all great. I’d love to have that much luck, but it also depends on the season.
Skipping exceptional places for fear of crowds is a shame. Just go early.
For me, a site overrun with people is no longer an exceptional place—it’s hell. Everyone has their own feelings about it.
As for getting up early, if you’d read what I wrote in my other posts, you’d have seen that I get up at 5 a.m. and am out by 6 a.m., precisely to avoid crowds, for the morning light, and because I love the morning atmosphere. But of course, you can’t read everything, especially when you’re not concerned...
Not mentioned in this post, but worth a visit (in my opinion):
- Wat Huai Pla Kang, better known as the "Big Buddha" (it's actually a Chinese goddess!) 8 km northwest. Very touristy (especially Chinese).
- Baandam Museum, also known as the "Black House," created by an eccentric artist. Both quirky and strange, it's a must-see if you're into art and open-minded.
12 km north.
- Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan, a stunning and surprising temple complex, clearly underrated (I was the only foreigner), so it's not touristy at all—you'll love it! 😉
(see photos).
59 km south.
Enjoy your visits around Chiang Rai—it's a great region! !
Not mentioned in this post, but worth visiting (in my opinion):
- Wat Huai Pla Kang, better known as "Big Buddha" (it’s actually a Chinese goddess!) 8 km northwest. Very touristy (especially Chinese).
- Baandam Museum, also known as the "Black House," created by an eccentric artist. Both quirky and strange, it’s worth seeing if you’re into art and open-minded.
12 km north.
- Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan, a stunning and surprising temple complex, clearly overlooked (I was the only foreigner), so not touristy at all—you’ll love it! 😉
(see photos).
59 km south.
Enjoy your visits around Chiang Rai—it’s a great region!
Good evening Claude,
I had replied, but I see my message got lost somewhere...
What you’re suggesting is really interesting. Apart from Wat Huai Pla Kang, which seems like Mont Saint-Michel based on the photos I’ve seen online—especially the parking lots... Impressive! The kind of place I might leave without even getting out of the car...
Though, if I do go, just out of curiosity, I wouldn’t have to get out since it’s so close—I’d almost certainly walk there...😉
On the other hand, Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan looks fantastic...
Thanks so much for your contribution to my research.
- Talat Noi district: street art, Chinatown, and Chinese temple.
- Bike ride from 7 AM to 12 PM with Co Kessel in English, passing through the klongs and islands of Bangkok (check online for details). Sorry, I don’t know how to add links—downside is it’s a group of 10 people.
Sorry, I posted this in the Chiang Rai thread by mistake!
Chiang Rai
Even though it’s very, very touristy, I enjoyed discovering the temples in Chiang Rai—go at opening time.
In January, there’s a flower festival if you love greenery.
That’s all!
Françoise
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I 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.
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 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
