Hi everyone,
I’m starting to plan my next trip to Southeast Asia this winter (2.5 months, leaving in early December), and here’s a rough outline of my route—I’d love to share it with you and hear your thoughts and tips.
- I’ll start in Bangkok and already have three spots I’ve marked: Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Uthai Thani (I haven’t been to any of these places yet).
- Next, I’d like to cross the country from west to east to reach the Laos border. I’d love suggestions for any interesting stops along this route—I don’t know this part of Thailand at all...
- Then I’ll head into Laos, probably at Savannakhet (you can usually get a visa at the border).
- > I’m tempted to spend a week in Hoi An, Vietnam, since I loved that city and the area when I visited two years ago. No visa needed for Vietnam now, so it could be a nice little detour. On the map, it doesn’t look too far, but I know you’ve got to be careful with these things, and I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. Any opinions on this?
- Back to Laos (maybe via Dakta), and I’ll head south along the Mekong, probably doing the Bolaven Plateau loop that I missed last time. Then Paksé, the 4,000 Islands... I’ve been before, but I’d happily go back.
- Crossing into Cambodia, I’ll follow the Mekong down to Phnom Penh (I know this area and love how untouristy it is). From there, I’ll probably spend a few days in Kep (quieter than Kampot). Still undecided, though.
- Then back to Thailand (BKK), likely by plane from Phnom Penh since the borders between the two countries are currently closed (plus, let’s be honest, Cambodian roads... ;-). We’ll see how things look when the time comes.
- After that, I’d like to explore southern Thailand, taking it slow with short hops. I’ve got my eye on Khao Sok National Park, and I’ve heard good things about Krabi... Again, I don’t know this region well, so any info or tips would be great.
So, I think this should be doable in 2.5 months, especially since I prefer short hops of 300 km max to avoid getting too tired, and I like staying 2-3 days in each place to explore. Plus, I’ll take a week off to relax if I find a spot I love—maybe by the sea for some real downtime.
Thanks for your feedback and for sharing your favorite spots!
Pascal
This is the first time I’ve seen someone on a forum planning to visit Uthai Thani. Since I don’t know the city, I’d love a quick rundown of what you’ve found to see or do there—thanks!
Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Uthai Thani (...).
- Then, I’d like to cross the country from west to east
I don’t think heading due east from Uthai Thani makes the most sense in terms of transport or interest before reaching Isan (the name for the northeast of the country). Since you’re planning to stop in Ayutthaya, it’d be better to do the trip in this order: Bangkok-Kanchanaburi-Uthai Thani-Ayutthaya-arrival in Isan.
arrive at the Laos border. I’d appreciate any stops that seem interesting along this route, since I don’t know this part of Thailand at all...
Following the logic of what I suggested above, starting from Ayutthaya by train, here are the towns/sites I know:
Stop in Pakchong to visit Khao Yai National Park with a wildlife guide—plan for at least 2 nights. This guesthouse is great for organizing forest treks (though you won’t be alone—it’s well-organized...) and the rooms are decent if you’re not looking for luxury: http://www.greenleaftour.com/rooms.html If you let them know your arrival time at the station, they’ll pick you up.
Then take the train again to Khorat.
For the Ayutthaya-Pakchong-Khorat train, the Express 71 is preferable.
Khorat: a big, ugly, congested, and polluted city... You’ll have to pass through, but just to catch a bus (1h15) to the more pleasant town below:
Phimai: a charming small town, great for 2-3 nights with a few accommodations and some of the region’s most interesting Khmer ruins right in the city center. You could get there the same day you leave Ayutthaya or Pakchong. However, it’ll be tricky to leave (few options) for your next destination without going back through Khorat (but it’s only a 1h15 bus ride), or ask the driver to drop you off at the Phimai/Route 2 junction and wait for another ride there.
Yasothon: an ugly town, a must-visit 4 days a year for its rocket festival (not during your trip), completely forgettable the rest of the year.
Roi Et: a peaceful and pleasant town with its artificial lake in the city center (a bit like the vibe in Phayao, up north), great for 2-3 nights. A few other things to see in the area.
That’s all for the places I know in this part of Isan.
You didn’t ask about Kanchanaburi and its province. I’ve been there at least fifty times, from 4 nights to 2 months, for all sorts of reasons—so if you need info, you know where to ask.
In the south, aside from Hua Hin (which I hated), I only know cities that aren’t by the sea, so I won’t go into detail: Phetchaburi*, Trang, Phatthalung, and Nakhon Si Thammarat*
* Worth staying 3 nights.
In southern Thailand, I really liked Phattalung—a small town with neighborhoods built on stilts by Lake Thale Noi. Fishing activities and everywhere you look, locals weaving baskets while sitting in front of their doors. A sunrise boat trip to see the birds (gorgeous, but I didn’t have the right photo gear). It’s an international meet-up spot for bird lovers!
Since I’ve never posted photos on this site, I just extracted a few JPEGs from my catalog in the right format for VF... but it won’t accept them, with the message:
Oops! An error occurred: You tried to upload an attached file, but this feature has been disabled.
I’ve had this issue before. So many crashes with this new VF. It’s really discouraging.
Okay for doing Bangkok-Kanchanaburi-Uthai Thani-Ayutthaya first, then heading toward Isan. I’d actually hesitated, and if it’s easier, I’ll follow your advice no problem.
I’ll check out all the cities you mentioned in Isan—thanks a bunch!
For the south, I’d also passed through Hua Hin and didn’t like it either (a beach resort for the wealthy), but I might stay there one night as my first stop toward the south.
I’ll look into the other cities you mentioned too.
Thanks for your reply—there’s already tons of useful info, and if you’ve got any tips for Kanchanaburi, I’m all ears! ;-)
PS: And thanks for the maps—they’re great for seeing the main routes and rail lines! !
Thanks Gaura, I’ll note down Phattalung and check it out (Songsam mentioned it too, so it can’t be bad!).
For the photos, are you definitely using the two buttons "1. Choose a photo" then "2. Upload the photo" under "Add a photo to the message"?
Once that’s done, you can then choose to insert the photo into the text...
That’s what I did yesterday, and it worked without any issues. But hey, a bug is always possible...
I also recommend Prachuap Khiri Khan—beautiful beach, quiet town, prices and daily life typically Thai, and few foreign tourists.
For photos... I’ve been on VF for 15 years, I know the site, but lately the crashes have been multiplying. I just tried again on the off chance... same message
Uthai Thani looks really interesting.
To get there from Kanchanaburi without going back through Bangkok, I think I remember that the Kanchanaburi-Chiang Mai bus stops in Chainat, which is very close. Take the morning bus because the others will pass through in the middle of the night.
I can confirm that Wat Tham Suea is nice to visit. However, to get there from Kanchanaburi, there’s no direct public transport for the whole journey—you’ll first need to take a bus or songthaew to Tha Muang, and from there, a motosai. Otherwise, consider renting a motorbike or car, or hiring a motosai (make sure to bargain!) directly in Kan. It’s a 2-3 hour trip including the visit.
If you have any tips for Kanchanaburi, I’d love to hear them! ;-)
For the town of Kanchanaburi and its immediate surroundings, plan for 4 nights; for the whole province, count about a week. For a bit of inspiration, you can read my reply from 01/09 at 6:23 PM here: https://voyageforum.com/forum/vos-recommandations-20-jours-en-thailande-d10779172-1/
For the rest, I’ll let you explore the town and province before answering any more specific questions you might have.
Thanks to your info, I’ve started planning the Kanchanaburi leg. Here’s what I’m thinking, with a few questions about what you mentioned:
- Arriving in Kanchanaburi, and I’ll stay for 3 nights to explore the town and surroundings, probably renting a scooter—it’s more flexible that way. Specifically, the Bridge on the River Kwai (a must-see, but apparently quick to visit), Wat Tham Suea, Wat Tham Khao Pun, maybe the "giant tree," and surely other spots. If you’ve got any recommendations, I’m all ears.
For Erawan Park and/or Sai Yok Park, though, I’m not sure how to handle it... should I choose between the two? They seem touristy but also really beautiful. I’m thinking of going by bus unless I take an organized "tour." What do you think?
- Then I’d like to follow your suggestion: take the train, get off at Tham Krasae, join the road, then waterfall, Hellfire Pass... all the way to Thong Pha Phum. That should make for a great day! But I don’t see myself doing all that while carrying my backpack (I’m not as young as I used to be)... Do you know if it’s possible to have my backpack transported to Thong Pha Phum by van/minibus (hotel to hotel)? I imagine it can be arranged?
- One night in Thong Pha Phum, then heading to SangkhlaBuri: you mentioned 3 nights—do you confirm? The place seems worth staying to soak in the atmosphere and vibe!
- Then back to Kanchanaburi for one night and leaving the next day via Uthai Thani, taking the bus to Chiang Mai and getting off at Chainat.
Here’s my first draft—8 days spent in Kanchanaburi.
Thanks for any comments and suggestions! ;-)
Yes, with a motorcycle license plus the international one.
If you recommend any, I’m interested.
In town, there’s this little temple near the river located here 14° 1'37.32"N 99°31'26.46"E that’s nice (and quiet since few travelers know it exists). I’ll post a photo of it below.
For Erawan Park and/or Sai Yok Park, though, I’m not sure how to go about it... do I have to choose between these two parks? They seem touristy but also very beautiful... I imagine going by bus
For Erawan, located on route 3199, there are buses. For Sai Yok Noi and the short turnoff to Sai Yok Yai N.P., both located on route 323, any bus or minivan heading to Thong Pha Phum or Sangkhlaburi can drop you off there. Route 3457 connects 3199 and 323, but no public transport runs on it, which means to go from Erawan to Sai Yok Noi or Yai, you either need your own wheels or have to go back through Kanchanaburi... but if you have your own wheels, you can’t take the train to Tham Krasae or Namtok 😕 So I’d recommend going to Erawan round-trip from Kanchanaburi.
unless I take an organized "tour"...
A tour for Erawan and Sai Yok Noi (probably including Phrasat Muang Sing*), that should be available. But for Erawan and Sai Yok Yai, probably not, since it’s too far to do both in one day. After three visits to Sai Yok Yai N.P., I don’t remember seeing any tour buses—it’s a pretty quiet spot, and people go there with friends, family, or as a couple to spend a night on a raft, in a floating hotel, or in a bungalow. Accommodations for a solo traveler can get quite expensive. You can also just stop by Sai Yok Yai to see the nice scenery, but even for an hour, you’ll have to pay the park entrance fee (200 or 400 baht, I don’t remember which). Same at Erawan, by the way.
* The westernmost ruins of the Khmer Empire. Accessible by train from Takilen station + motorbike taxi or scooter since it’s not too far from Kan, or through an agency. However, it’s impossible to do as a train stop between Kan and Tham Krasae or Namtok due to the schedules.
- Then I’d like to follow your suggestion of taking the train, getting off at Tham Krasae, joining the road, then waterfall, Hellfire Pass... all the way to Thong Pha Phum. That should make for a great day!
Yes, roughly leaving at 5 AM and arriving in the late afternoon makes for a great day... Personally, between Tham Krasae and route 323, I ended up hitchhiking for the 3-4 km uphill.
But I don’t see myself doing all that while carrying my backpack (I’m not that young anymore)... Do you know if it’s possible to have my backpack transported to Thong Pha Phum by van/minibus (hotel to hotel)? I imagine it can be done?
What Thais commonly do anywhere is go to the bus station and have a package checked in to be put on a bus to the chosen destination, where someone is waiting to receive it. But in your case, from hotel to hotel... In Thailand, you can often solve a problem just by talking about it around you, especially at your accommodation’s reception, so don’t hesitate to ask them the day before or earlier—they might have a solution for you (I’d bet 51% they do).
Sangkhlaburi: you mention 3 nights, do you confirm?
Yes. Or more. It’s a relaxing town in a pretty setting. In that area, 15° 8'41.69"N 98°27'7.35"E, you have access points leading down to the floating houses, some of which are nice little restaurants.
Kanchanaburi, the little-known temple:
Sangkhlaburi, Wat Wang Wiwekaram temple in the village on the other side of the wooden bridge:
Thanks, it sounds great, but how do you actually get there? Because I see it's 110 km from Kanchanaburi and 43 km past the Erawan intersection.
Doing a round trip by scooter from Kanchanaburi in one day seems like a lot... Unless you hire a taxi for the day? That explains why there aren’t many people there...
Especially the Bridge on the River Kwai, of course (a must-see but it seems to be quick to visit)
To get good lighting (for photos), see a train passing, and avoid crowds, the only decent time to go is at 7 AM for the Namtok-Thonburi train. Be patient, though—trains are rarely on time. At any other time, it’ll either be too dark, too bright, or packed with people.
You can walk on the bridge, even when a train is passing (they go very slowly and signal well in advance), because there are visible niches—check the two photos below. Nearby: T-shirt vendors, other souvenirs, an exhibit of old rusty railway vehicles used during construction, and riverside cafés/restaurants. Not far away on Maenam Kwae Road, there’s a museum about the bridge, but it’s not great. You’re better off visiting the JEATH Museum and the one on the street to the right of the Allied War Cemetery (third photo).
Plan for about an hour at the bridge.
This is about the Nam Giang (VTN) / Dakta Ok (LAO) border crossing:
But anyway, I’ve kinda given up on the idea of making a detour through Vietnam and Hoi An. Even though it looks doable on the map—about 500 km from the TH-LA border at Savannakhet to Hoi An—it’s actually a lot of travel time, and I remember how rough the roads in Laos are (my back still hasn’t forgotten!). So even though the idea was nice, I think I’ll skip it, especially since the rest of the trip will probably fill up my two and a half months just fine. (Plus, I’d rather take my time than try to hit too many places.)
I’ve been busy this week, but I’m still planning my trip. I’ve almost finalized Uthai Thani, where I’ll stay for 3 nights (2 full days there), and I’ll start looking into Ayutthaya, where I’ve never been.
After that, I really like your suggestions for Isan. They follow a central route, leading to the border at Mukdahan/Savannakhet, which works well for me.
I’ve seen there are lots of other places to see in Isan, especially along the borders, but on the Cambodian side, it’s not the best time to hang around there, and on the Laotian side, going too far north—like around Udon Thani—would make the route too long, I think.
Well, no, so far I haven’t looked into anything very serious for my Laos route... I just have the idea of heading south roughly along the Mekong. I’ve already been to Laos once, and I skipped the center (overnight bus from Pakse to Vientiane). So the plan is to explore the central part of the country.
The Mukdahan/Savannakhet border is just a rough estimate of where I’ll be after Roi Et (following the spots you recommended)...
I even saw that a bit further north, there’s Thakhek with quite a few things to see or do around there:
https://www.novo-monde.com/boucle-thakhek-konglor-cave-laos/
So that’s where I’m at: exploring the center of the country a bit, then heading down to Pakse and the 4,000 Islands before crossing into Cambodia.
I was ready to suggest a detailed route for you that goes through Prasat Phanom Rung and Khong Chiam before entering Laos via Pakse, but your new idea of entering through Tha Khek to visit the area is a good one.
Nakhon Phanom is a pretty pleasant town.
Alright, the Thailand part is starting to take shape. Following your advice, it’d look something like this:
Bangkok (1 night)
Kanchanaburi (3 nights)
Thong Pha Phum (1 night)
Sangkhlaburi (4 nights) -> I really like this place
Kanchanaburi (1 night)
Uthai Thani (3 nights)
Ayutthaya (3 nights)
Pakchong (2 nights)
Phimai (3 nights)
Roi Et (3 nights)
Udon Thani (3 nights)
Nakhon Phanom (3 nights)
There you go—all places I’ve never been to, and that already fills up a month without even realizing it! I’ll have to scale back my plans because traveling along the Mekong (Laos + Cambodia) is going to take some time. What’ll be left for southern Thailand?? Gotta make some tough choices... 😐 (another reason to forget Vietnam!).
On the other hand, I’m having trouble checking available transport. I usually use 12Go.asia, but it’s not giving me anything useful (except flights and private taxis). For example, from Roi Et... Do you know of a better site for this?
Hello everyone, My partner and I would like to travel to the Philippines at the end of August for a 4-month stay. We can t apply for a tourist visa in advance…
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.
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
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
