I’m looking for a beach spot within 3 hours max of Bangkok for the end of my trip (January). I know full well I won’t find that postcard-perfect vibe of the more remote islands! But I don’t have a choice.
If you’ve got any ideas... no high-rises, obviously not Pattaya, somewhere quiet, swimming possible, a hotel right on the beach (and not too dirty, the beach itself!)
I’ve looked at hotels around Ko Samet or, across from it, on the mainland. I spotted the Bann Pae Cabana. But nothing really exciting on either side.
New ideas welcome! 🙂
I’ve been looking all over this coast, as long as it’s not too far from Bangkok.
Okay, I’ll share a bit of my story. We just had to cancel part of our trip. It was supposed to be a Laos/Cambodia combo with a stop in Bangkok. Now we’re just doing Laos, and to replace our last few days on Koh Rong Samloem, we’re looking for a spot in Thailand for 3–4 days before flying back to France—without going too far from the airport.
So, we leave Pakse on January 25th and fly out of Bangkok on the 29th.
You can either (re)discover a piece of Thailand not too far from Bangkok (Erawan National Park, Khao Yai National Park...), or head down to Hua Hin and take the chance to visit Sam Roi Yot (the start of my latest travel journal). You can also stay there—it’s not all high-rises like in Hua Hin. (But the beach isn’t as nice...)
Pre-book a taxi. It’s the fastest way.
A taxi from Bangkok to Erawan or Hua Hin (or elsewhere)? When you're still a bit well-off, there's an even faster option: a helicopter. Expect to pay $1,500 per hour (its empty return to base is also charged).
For these next 3 days, we don’t wanna do ANYTHING 😉
I’m still searching for my "ideal" beach in this context.
Gonna re-read that part of your travel journal...
Okay, if you don’t want to do anything at all, I’m not sure what to suggest...😉
It’s the combo of a beautiful beach but also an untouched one that’s the sticking point.
(What I was suggesting still fell into the "doing nothing" category for me. The three options don’t seem like a sightseeing marathon but more like chilling with a few activities. Three days spent only going from sun lounger to restaurant?)
$93 for 9 seats to Hua Hin—that’s pricey (private van)?
Thailand still has the advantage of being super affordable for taxi transfers, especially with 6 people! (I think Kate’s group is that size.)
It’s only 11 € more total (so less than 2 € per person) than the bus from the airport. We might even end up spending less if you factor in the cost of getting from the bus to the hotel on arrival...
There’s a difference between being well-off and being stingy...
Songsam doesn’t know that Kate travels at least 4 times a year and that taxis are nothing to her. Besides, if she doesn’t take the helicopter, it’s so people won’t make comments when reading her travel journals 😛
Still, I’ve never taken a helicopter! It must be something else! Gotta try it before I lose the flexibility to climb in! (Same for a Ferrari, but that tempts me way less...)
For these last 3 days, we don’t wanna do ANYTHING ;)
I’m still looking for my "ideal" beach in this context.
And I’ll reread that part of your travel journal...
Hello, the beaches are way nicer on Ko Samet than around Cha Am or Hua Hin, which are now just an endless string of buildings and resorts—but it’s still pretty calm seaside, far from unbearable.
Hi, not too far from the awful Pattaya, there are still a few beaches like Kai Jet Beach where you’ll find hotels and no big buildings. Nearby, Nam Sai Beach often has very clear water, with a 20 THB entry fee into the military base area.
When we visited, there were few tourists.
Happy searching and, most importantly, have a great vacation
What I was suggesting fell into the "doing nothing" category for me. The 3 suggestions don’t seem like a marathon of sightseeing but rather some relaxation with a few activities. 3 days going only from sun lounger to restaurant?
You’re absolutely right! But the goal is first to find a beautiful beach, a nice hotel, and then, why not, some things to see. I don’t think we’re capable of just going from sun lounger to drinks and then to the restaurant 😉
Obviously, if the place is exceptional... and we’re shelling out 200 € a night... But it won’t be either of those 😕
Thailand still has the advantage of being very affordable when it comes to taxi transfers.
Especially for 6 people! (I think Kate’s group is that size.)
No, we’re not traveling with 6 people 🏴☠️
We’re 2 couples, united by real camaraderie and on the same wavelength. That’s rare when traveling.
You know, those ugly seaside buildings—I’m afraid of ending up in Maspalomas or, closer to home, Lloret de Mar.
@Jojo
Songsam doesn’t know that Kate travels at least 4 times a year and that taxis are nothing to her. Besides, if she doesn’t take a helicopter, it’s so people won’t make comments when reading her travel journals 😛
After reading this, Richard reacted by telling me I’m getting roasted by your VF buddies!
(Note: Richard XI is my boyfriend—he’s the one writing our amazing travel journals on VF )
@Dennis2
Hello, the beaches are much nicer on Ko Samet than around Cha Am or Hua Hin... which are now just an endless stretch of buildings and resorts... but far from unbearable, it’s still pretty calm beach vibes....
The hotels we were interested in are fully booked on Ko Samet.
I’m looking at the coast across from there, in the areas mentioned in the discussion.
I agree with you—there are few places I find “unlivable” when I’m traveling, on the other side of the world, instead of freezing here in January, the month of the blues.
But I often read: beaches littered with trash, awful fuel or fish smells, jellyfish-infested waters, super noisy bars, beaches disappearing at high tide... etc.
Either those are spoiled kids writing that, or it’s true 😕
Hello, the beaches are more beautiful on Ko Samet than around Cha Am or Hua Hin... which are now just an uninterrupted string of buildings and resorts.... but far from unbearable, it’s still quite a calm seaside spot....
The hotels that caught our attention are fully booked on Ko Samet.
I’m currently looking at the coast across from it, in those areas mentioned during the discussion.
I agree with you—there are few places I find “unbearable” when I’m traveling, on the other side of the world, instead of freezing here in January, the month of the blues.
But I often read: beaches littered with trash, awful smells of gasoline or fish, the sea overrun with jellyfish, very noisy bars, beaches disappearing at high tide... etc.
Either these are spoiled kids writing that, or it’s true 😕
So, you should know that Rayong is an area with industries—okay, it’s not the Étang de Berre, but it does shape the landscape…
The beaches are cleaned, at least those in front of the resorts. Thailand is becoming cleaner and cleaner; the only dirty beaches I’ve seen are deserted ones… tides bring in waste anyway…
As for beaches disappearing at low tide, that mainly concerns Phang Nga Bay (I was there the other day—one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, in my humble opinion), the Phuket side, or the South China Sea. As long as it’s sand, you’ll have to walk far to get water, but it’s manageable…
I only saw a tiny jellyfish the other day, but not on the Andaman Sea side. It’s true there can be some on the South China Sea side, but I didn’t go there this time…
Hello, not too far from the awful Pattaya, there are still a few beaches like Kai Jet Beach where you’ll find hotels and no big buildings. Nearby, Nam Sai Beach has very clear water most of the time—entry is 20 THB within the military base grounds.
Hello,
I hadn’t seen your message. Thanks for these addresses; I’ll check them out.
There’s a military base?!
Hi, not too far from the awful Pattaya, there are still a few beaches like Kai Jet Beach where you’ll find hotels and no big buildings, and nearby Nam Sai Beach, where the water is often very clear. Entry is 20 THB within the military base grounds.
Hi,
I hadn’t seen your message. Thanks for these addresses—I’ll check them out.
There’s a military base?!
Yes, there’s a navy base. You have to go past the first barrier, head to the parking lot, and take the shuttle to get to the beach. There’s a restaurant on the sand too :)
Even with 4, a pre-booked taxi is still a great deal. 😉
The price mentioned was for a minivan. A more standard car will be slightly cheaper.
You know, those ugly seaside buildings
Yes, coastlines are disfigured pretty much everywhere in the world.
There are still a few preserved spots, but that’s usually because there’s no construction—so no accommodations.
Or they’re only accessible by boat, not by public transport. Also tough to reach with a regular car.
The most beautiful beach I know isn’t far from here.
In Corsica, at Saleccia. I haven’t seen anything like it in Thailand.
To be honest, my top 5 beaches aren’t in Thailand—they’re in Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Corsica, Indonesia, or Brazil.
I once had to pick a beach to end a Southeast Asia trip not too far from Bangkok.
I went to Hua Hin after crossing off the spot you’re probably thinking of for the reasons you mentioned: beaches littered with trash, awful smells of gasoline or fish, jellyfish-infested waters, noisy bars, and no beach at high tide... I’d especially ruled out Ko Samet.
Back then, the big buildings in Hua Hin weren’t there yet. It was a bit of a mess—a beach town in the making.
I ate really well, got sunburned, played backgammon on the beach.
It wasn’t paradise, but it wasn’t a nightmare either. Just a nice little break.
When I went back this year, I saw the town is now heavily built up. But it didn’t feel as tacky as the Balearics, Bodrum, or even Krabi...
The beach in the photo further away looked inviting for a dip, even if you had to ignore the buildings.
At Sam Roi Yot, the vibe is much more intimate, but the beach itself is nothing special. The surrounding landscapes are stunning, though, and it’s not too crowded. That’s what I was looking for.
I’m not sure the perfect beach exists near Bangkok. You’ll have to compromise on something.
Either the beauty and cleanliness of the beach or the intimate, low-key vibe of the resort.
To tip the scales, maybe look at the extras: things to do besides lounging, food options, ease of transport, etc.
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 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
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!
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
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
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.
