Hi, just a quick note mainly for Samsong, even if he’s still giving me the silent treatment.
I’ve been in Nan since yesterday and... I love it! So thanks, Thierry. It’s exactly the kind of place I’d been dreaming of... Even if communication is a bit tough, it’s not impossible. They don’t even know the most basic English words! Everyone laughs and they’re the first to pull out their phones to... translate. They’re even quicker on the uptake than I am.
And then there’s the time I say Nan (pronounced "Nane"). They don’t understand me. After a while (sometimes a long one), they reply: "Ah, Nan?" (pronounced "Nane") 😵🤳😃
The town is exactly how you described it back in 2022.
Though I’m surprised to find so many trendy, slightly intellectual "Cafés." Apparently, coffee—excellent everywhere—is king in Nan. It feels like a university town. And it seems pretty lively at night! But for now, I’m going to bed early. I caught a nasty cold, which didn’t stop me from walking 12 km this morning. But I came back to my accommodation by 3 PM (gorgeous and luxurious with top-notch service for 800 baht—even a cute local welcome gift this morning, plus other unexpected touches like a bottle of honey and chrysanthemum flowers for tea. The lady must’ve guessed I was coming down with something yesterday). I thought about going out for dinner but didn’t have the energy. I think I’ve got at least 39°C fever...
Anyway, I’m sending you this message, Thierry, because you mentioned a daily bus to Chiang Rai, so I didn’t look into it. But now it’s a real problem—no buses to Chiang Rai, only taxis. At least 2,500 baht for the cheapest one! I’ll check the bus station directly tomorrow. Online, it’s all taxis, no buses.
I’d like to explore the countryside/mountains if I can find an affordable driver. Any ideas for destinations or itineraries?
Thanks.
In Nan or anywhere else, that’s the best way to get complete and up-to-date info.
Bus Nan-Chiang Rai: route 611, Kor Sahakit Dernrod company. If it no longer exists, the shortest Plan B is to first go to Phayao (1 bus/day, book at the bus station the day before), then from Phayao to Chiang Rai—frequent buses or minivans and a short trip, so no need to book. If you have to spend the night in Phayao, it’s a town with very pleasant lakeside areas (accommodations tried: Huanpak Jumjak GH, great but with steep stairs, around 800-1000 THB, or KwanPhayao Lake House for 700-900 THB—book both if it’s the weekend).
Private driver in Nan: contacts can be found here 18°46'29.93"N 100°46'19.03"E (tourist center) or there 18°46'21.40"N 100°46'19.17"E (T.A.T.), both on Phakong Road running along the east side of Wat Phumin.
For specific sites, this isn’t the province’s strong suit—it’s more about nature and ethnic groups.
Itinerary: overall, the road options don’t allow for a loop.
Route combining countryside and mountains: Highway 1256, which passes near the Doi Phu Kha National Park headquarters before ending in Bo Kluea.
It all started one day when I decided to explore the "Nan-ese" countryside. The day before, knowing that public transport rarely covers its roads, I got in touch with a driver with a car—actually, a driver*—that the Nan Tourist Center arranged for me. My request about the exact destination was simple: there wasn’t one. Sensing the driver was thrown off over the phone ("They’re crazy, these farangs!..."), I explained that my goal was just to wander around the countryside to photograph it (the countryside, not the driver!...). Well, I could tell that without any direction, it wasn’t going to work—wandering aimlessly isn’t very Thai (I already knew that, but I figured they’d make an effort for baht...). I quickly glanced at the province map on the wall and finally gave the driver a heading: straight to 010 until Pua, then a right turn at 090 to take route 1256 at a leisurely pace, passing near the headquarters of Doi Phu Kha National Park before ending up in Bo Kluea, then exploring the area around there. Ah, I could hear the driver’s relief. Meet-up at 7 AM at the guesthouse.
The next day, we set off on the winding route 1256, stopping often for photos and chatting with the few locals we met. We passed through Bo Kluea without stopping and kept going deeper into the countryside... until, on a tiny backroad in the middle of nowhere, we crossed a barrier with a sign I only had time to read: "under the royal patronage of the princess So-and-so."
"??? Where are we going? What is this?" I asked.
"I’m taking you to a Mlabri village. I thought it might interest you."
Oh...
I remembered that meeting the Mlabri was a dream for many travelers who love "hill tribes," a dream usually unfulfilled since this group is so hard to find—they’re nomadic, avoid outside contact, and their numbers are dwindling (about 235 total on the Thai and Laotian sides of the border, according to Wikipedia). And here I was, an average Songsam, being taken there without even asking. What a driver...
But my joy was short-lived—it was too good to be true.
Turns out, it was a village where some Mlabri were gathered to learn sedentarization, which has become necessary due to deforestation. It looked like any other ethnic village, except... they all seemed miserable. Usually, when you show up in a remote village, the kids run away at first, and the adults watch from a distance. But with a little patience and some goofing around to break the ice, the kids eventually come closer—sometimes even swarming you—and the parents relax and lose their shyness. Not this time. We stayed for about two hours: no way to lighten the mood or start a conversation. Nothing. They kept going about their business in the same big communal space as us, but it was like we weren’t there. We had a small meal that the driver had prepared herself. She offered to share with them, but they stayed apart. After a while, feeling out of place and uncomfortable, we went for a walk around the village—same vibe everywhere.
Seeing my disappointment, the driver reassured me:
"Don’t worry, it’s always like this. It’s not because of you—it’s their culture. Do you want to leave?"
"Yes."
Before leaving, we did run into a few kids with their two teachers. The teachers, who were regular Thais, chatted with us. They were on a mission here.
Well, there you go—I met the Mlabri.
"And?" the curious traveler asks.
And... nothing.
Just so you know, I really liked the mountainous area around Thung Chang, north of the province.
As for cafés, I mentioned them in my travel journal. In the early 2020s, they sprouted like mushrooms all over the country, even in unlikely places.
It’s always the same story: one person opens the first one, others see it’s working and follow suit. No business plan, no market research.
Still, it’s super handy for folks like us.
Just wanted to mention that I really liked the mountainous area around Thung Chang, north of the province.
The "elephant sector"* is another area I loved—perfect for walking or biking through its very rural surroundings. To really enjoy the beautiful scenery, don’t just do a day trip (even by car) from Nan.
Downside: since the super convenient Siam Garden Bungalow in town closed, it seems like only a few scattered resorts are left for accommodation.
Despite its remoteness and small size, the town is connected to Bangkok by several comfortable overnight buses.
* Translation of Thung Chang, even though elephants aren’t around there anymore.
Invited to lunch by farmers during a long half-day hike east of Thung Chang:
This happened one day when I decided to explore the "Nan-ese" countryside. The day before, knowing that public transport rarely covers its roads, I contacted a driver with a car—actually, a female driver—that the Nan Tourist Center arranged for me. My request for a specific destination was simple: there wasn’t one. Sensing the driver was thrown off over the phone ("They’re crazy, these farangs!..."), I explained that my goal was just to wander around the countryside to photograph it (the countryside, not the driver!...). Well, I could tell that without any direction, it wasn’t going to work—wandering aimlessly isn’t very Thai (I already knew that, but I figured they’d make an effort for baht...). I quickly checked the province map on the wall and finally gave the driver a direction: head straight to 010 until Pua, then turn right onto 090 to take route 1256 at a leisurely pace, passing near the Doi Phu Kha National Park headquarters before ending up in Bo Kluea, then explore the area around there. Ah, I could hear the driver brighten up. Meet-up tomorrow at 7 AM at the guesthouse.
The next day, we drove along the winding route 1256, stopping often for photos and chats with the few locals we met. We passed through Bo Kluea without stopping and continued deep into the countryside... until, on a tiny backroad at the end of the world, we crossed a barrier with a sign I only had time to read: "under the royal patronage of the princess So-and-so."
"???, where are we going? What is this?" I asked.
"I’m taking you to a Mlabri village. I thought you might be interested."
Wow...
I remembered that meeting the Mlabri was a dream for many travelers who love "hill tribes," a dream usually unfulfilled because this group is so hard to find—they’re nomadic, avoid outside contact, and their numbers are dwindling (about 235 total on the Thai and Lao side of the border, according to Wikipedia). And here I was, an average Songsam, being taken there without even asking. What a driver...
But my excitement was a little dampened—it was too good to be true.
Turns out, it was a village where some Mlabri were gathered to learn how to settle down, which has become necessary due to deforestation. It looked like any other ethnic village, except... everyone seemed miserable. Usually, when you show up in a remote village, the kids run away at first, and the adults watch from a distance. But with a little patience and some goofing around to break the ice, the kids eventually come closer—sometimes swarming you—and the parents relax and lose their shyness. Not this time. We stayed for about 2 hours: no way to lighten the mood or start a conversation. Nothing. They just went about their business in the same big common room as us, ignoring us. We had a small meal that the driver prepared herself, and she invited them to join us, but they stayed away. After a while, feeling out of place and uncomfortable, we went for a walk around the village—same vibe.
Seeing my disappointment, the driver reassured me:
"Don’t worry, it’s always like this. It’s not because of you—it’s their culture. Do you want to leave?"
"Yes."
Before leaving, we did run into a few kids with their two teachers. The teachers chatted with us. They were "normal" Thais on a mission here.
Well, there you go—I met the Mlabri.
"And?" the curious traveler asks.
And nothing...
On route 1256 (x7):
Mlabri children:
Thanks, but I already re-read that yesterday... And I’m actually really into it. Not the ethnic groups, but the road, the landscapes. And I was just thinking yesterday that all these tribes (at least in India) are tired of tourists visiting them like "curiosities" or even like animals. That wasn’t your intention, but they couldn’t have known that...
For cafés, I mentioned them in my travel journal in progress. In the early 2020s, they sprouted like mushrooms all over the country, including in unlikely places.
What surprised me was the style of all these cafés. Pretty chic, even very chic. You expect to see the whole local intelligentsia show up there.
It’s always the same principle: one person opens the first one, others see it works and do the same. No business plan, no market study.
Still, it’s really convenient for people like us.
I know what you mean—it’s the same in India. And often, it’s a complete failure and they close just as fast as they opened
I just checked the map you sent me the link to—I’d zoomed in (Nan area) and printed it—but I can’t find route 1256. I wanted to see if I could pick a destination that would force me to take that road, because I’m not sure the guy will know "route 1256." So if I tell him, "I want to go to this village," he’ll have to take route 1256...
My landlady, always as charming as ever, says she’ll ask her neighbor who has a 4x4 if he’s interested in taking me on a little trip. But as you know, I have to tell him, "I want to go here today, there tomorrow, and over there the day after..."
I don’t know if he’ll recognize road names/numbers.
My landlady is super dynamic (and smart and well-educated). She rides a motorbike and has already taken me around the city several times to show me where I can find this or that—even things I don’t need. She just gave me another little gift: a box of fresh fruit that’s naturally sweet but... salty. And with it, a small jar I thought was some kind of jam to go with the fruit... When I tasted it, it was spicy (which I love), but it was *heavily* fish-based!!! I have no idea what it was. I’ll have to dump it in the toilet so she doesn’t find the untouched jar in the trash. She’s 63 and full of energy...
This afternoon, in a shoe store in town, I felt like a little boy with his mom...😉 I have to say, I’m really not in great shape. Fever and exhaustion. I spent the whole morning in bed...
sort of jam to go with fruit... When I tried it, it was spicy (which I love), but it was heavily fish-based
The description could match shrimp paste, an ingredient whose raw smell and taste might put off our Western palates and noses, but which, when mixed with other ingredients, is used in many Thai recipes.
I had enlarged and printed the map you sent me a link to (Nan area), but I don’t see route 1256.
It’s not on that map, but it is on the next one (east of Pua).
Map of Nan province (full file so it keeps its details when enlarged):
The description might match shrimp paste, an ingredient whose raw smell and taste can put off our Western palates and noses, and which, when mixed with other ingredients, is used in many Thai cuisine recipes.
No, it wasn’t shrimp. It was very dark brown, almost black—it really made me think of jam, not a "paste."
Maybe it’s a Korean specialty. We were in a Korean shop... for the wealthy... Because there were lots of rare, high-quality products, and I suppose a bit pricey for the average Thai budget...
Map of Nan Province (full file so it keeps its details when enlarged):
Thanks for the map. I’ll check it out tomorrow... I’m heading back to bed
Ask the landlady to take you to karaoke: it’ll be super authentic and absolutely unforgettable!
Since karaoke spots are often flirting hotspots, and given how much Thai widows are drawn to older foreigners—and how well she’s been looking after him since he arrived—it could definitely be unforgettable, that’s for sure...
You mentioned a daily bus to Chiang Rai, so I didn’t look into that detail. Which is no longer a detail but a real problem—no buses to Chiang Rai, only taxis... at least 2,500 baht for the cheapest one...
My reply from 01/21:
Nan-Chiang Rai bus: route 611, Kor Sahakit Dernrod company. If it no longer exists...
Update: as of 01/22/2026, the Nan-Chiang Rai bus still runs daily except on Thursdays*. Departs at 9 AM, 250 baht, arrives at Chiang Rai’s downtown terminal. ~5h30 trip. Buy your ticket the day before.
During the first half of the trip, the bus heads straight north to Tha Wang Pha, then turns west onto a road that roughly follows the Laotian border, passing through some beautiful mountain scenery. The second half descends into the plains, heading northwest via Chiang Kham and Thoeng.
I was just about to drop you a line. I’ve just come back from the night market on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays... I stumbled upon this market tonight by pure chance. I had no idea... What an atmosphere! Nothing like what I experienced last year. This year, I’m really discovering Thailand...
I walked another 15 km through this charming little town, and just as I was heading to the bus terminal—where I got the info—the (small) bus from Chiang Rai to Nan pulled in right as I arrived...
For me, visiting a country isn’t just about seeing museums, temples, or palaces. It’s about experiencing the city itself—the vibe, the general atmosphere, seeing people live their daily lives... I had just as much fun wandering through the streets, checking out all sorts of stalls with pots, tools, and all kinds of odds and ends you don’t see anywhere in France or Europe anymore. It brought back memories of my childhood in the 1950s... And finally, I saw all those spontaneous smiles you kept telling me about last year—where I only saw polite, business-like smiles and a lot of people looking miserable.
Whether some like it or not, the difference is in a city not ruined by tourism...
I’m almost regretting saying I wouldn’t do another travel journal.
My landlady isn’t at all what you might imagine in your fantasies, and neither am I, for that matter. She’s just naturally kind—like me!!!—and takes her role as a host seriously... with everyone, I think. Just look at all the reviews on Booking.com.
She’s not the type to INVITE you for tea and then secretly send her helper to charge you for it after she just OFFERED it to you!!!
Don’t worry, my keyboard’s acting up, and I don’t feel like fixing everything... This isn’t a travel journal...
It’s a provincial capital, though you’d easily forget that when you stay there—it’s so small and charming, and I’d add that car traffic is much lighter than in many other provincial capitals.
You won’t see many foreign tourists* because the province’s policy is to do everything possible to avoid becoming like Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. That’s why they don’t promote it—the locals just want to keep things peaceful.
*Though you might see some Thai tourists this weekend.
I’ll almost regret saying I won’t do another travel journal.
You don’t have to make a full one for the whole trip—you could just do one about Nan.
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
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.
