I'm "finalizing" a trip with my adventurous family (wife + 3 kids aged 16, 14, and 8) for this Easter break in Thailand (we'll be there from 04/19 to 05/01).
I'm going through the site and wanted to thank you all for the tips and insights you share on the forum. They're really valuable. But boy, it's tough to sketch out an itinerary
Of course, my backpacking route might be debatable, but I'm trying to target this path to get a first taste of the country's different "facets" and keep everyone in the family happy 😛
For this first trip, we're sticking to the classics and planning to explore a different side of the Land of Smiles in the future:
- arrival in BKK at 4 PM on 04/19 ==> leaving the same day at 7 PM for Chiang Mai (I "hesitated" with the 5:30 PM flight but was worried we wouldn't have enough time to switch from British AW to Thai Airways + airport fees + baggage + customs, etc. )
- from 04/20 to 04/23 ==> Chiang Mai with the main highlights (we've picked: Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat, elephant sanctuary, Doi Inthanon, the old city, Wat Chedi, Wat Phra Singh).
==> For the elephant sanctuary: any recommendations? Morning or afternoon visit?
==> It might seem ambitious, but we're considering a day trip to Chiang Rai—though it's not a must. Yes, we know it means ~6 hours of travel in one day.
- direct flight on the morning of 04/24 to Krabi ==> Railay - Phang Nga ==> this part isn't finalized yet (we won't stay in Krabi).
For those who've been there, which part of the south would be best weather-wise during this period?
We'd stay in the south until 04/28 and take a 8 PM flight to BKK.
- BKK on 04/29, 04/30, and part of 05/01 before our flight to London at 11 PM.
We'll hit the must-see/classic spots there.
If you have time to share some insights, I'd really appreciate it.
arrival in BKK at 4 PM on 04/19 ==> departure at 7 PM the same day for Chiang Mai (I "hesitated" with the 5:30 PM flight but I was afraid I wouldn’t have enough time to transfer from British AW to Thai Airways + APT, + baggage + customs, etc. 🤪)
The 5:30 PM flight (which I can’t find anywhere) would’ve been just barely possible if the British flight arrived on time, so you made the right call with the 7:15 PM one. What surprises me is that no airline offers flights between 5:50 PM (Bangkok Airways) and 7 PM (Hahn Air/Thai Vietjet), so there’s no choice. After the corridors and arrival formalities, you’ll have 2 hours and 45 minutes to wait.
for the elephant sanctuary
Which one?
I’ve never been to this kind of place in Chiang Mai, but a visit to the flyer counter at your accommodation will show you there are *many* elephant camps or sanctuaries in the Chiang Mai area. Several have the word "sanctuary" in their name, so be careful to choose wisely.
The mention "no riding" (no basket on the elephant’s back) has become a selling point in many ads—it shouldn’t be your *only* criterion.
While you’re at the flyer counter, check if there are any for activities you might enjoy but haven’t thought of yet.
Chang Mai (...) the old city
which, in addition to being interesting to visit, is also, in my opinion, the best area to stay.
it might seem ambitious, but we’re considering a day trip to Chiang Rai—but it’s not a must. 😮 Yes, we know it’ll mean ~6h of transport in the day.
7 hours. A bus driver who does the trip in 3 hours would be ignoring safety rules.
Most of Chiang Rai’s highlights are 20 to 90 minutes outside the city.
Your 4 full days in Chiang Mai could already be packed.
Lanna Architecture Center, at the corner of Ratchadamnoen Rd and Prapokklao Rd in Chiang Mai’s old city. The interior is worth a quick (and free) visit.
For the flight: it’s the Bangkok Airways one at 5:50 PM.
For Chiang Rai: if we go, we’ll opt for either the bus or a private driver, with one non-negotiable condition: safety!
For the elephant sanctuary, we’ve seen this one mentioned a lot on the forum and elsewhere: Book Now - Elephant Nature Park. But we’re torn between the morning and afternoon visits—if any travelers could share their thoughts ;)
Obviously, we won’t set foot in any pseudo-place/circus where the animals are treated like workhorses or clowns.
Thanks for the Lanna Architecture Center tip and the photos.
For the islands, I’ll plan the 4.5 days around Railay, Phi Phi, and Phang Nga—any recommendations?
Great call on Elephant Nature Park—it’s the best choice by far. The founder is world-renowned for her lifelong dedication to rescuing and caring for elephants.
Skip Chiang Rai given your limited time, and have your hotel arrange an outing for you—either to Queen Sirikit Park with its canopy walkway or Doi Inthanon National Park with its 10 stunning waterfalls, each more beautiful than the last.
Elephant Nature Park is the best possible choice; its founder is world-renowned for her life dedicated to the rescue and care of elephants.
While the founder being world-renowned might be a point in its favor, when I visit their website, something bothers me about the half-day programs: first, out of the 6-hour door-to-door excursion, only 2.5 hours are actually spent with the elephants, and second, the description of this short time is very lacking. Could you or anyone else share more about the concrete details of those 2.5 hours?
If it's already described in a travel journal, could you also let me know the post number, please?
For all these elephant activities, you spend a lot for a limited and quite short time, that's true. It's even worse for those who want to see mountain gorillas in Central Africa. Gorilla treks cost between 900 € and 1500 €, a few hours hiking in the mountains, and just 1, max 2 hours observing them.
With elephants, you often have to buy them, transport them by truck from the other side of the country, and acquire a huge plot of land. And then, what do these beasts eat? If you had that much of an appetite, we’d all have had to chip in to feed you for a long time! 😛
For all these elephant activities, you spend a lot for a limited and quite short time, it's true. It's even worse for those who want to see mountain gorillas in Central Africa. Gorilla treks cost from 900 to 1500 €, a few hours hiking in the mountains, and one, max 2 x 1 hour observing them.
On one hand, you have domesticated animals kept permanently in the same place (enclosed?) and on the other, rare wild animals in a territory spanning thousands of square kilometers—it doesn’t seem comparable to me.
Elephants often have to be bought, transported by truck from the other end of the country, and you need to acquire a huge plot of land. And then, what do these beasts eat?
Yes, but that’s the same for all elephant camps, ethical or not.
Since the Elephant Nature Park website is vague in its descriptions and the argument "the owner is world-renowned" doesn’t seem sufficient to me, I’m waiting for your concrete feedback (or links to your travel journals + message numbers) that shows it stands out compared to other ethical camps in the Chiang Mai area.
For Chiang Rai: we’d go either by bus or with a private driver if we were heading there
Visiting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai generally requires a minimum of 7 nights to be reasonable. Instead of spending thousands of baht on a rushed, almost ridiculous day trip to Chiang Rai, save that money for activities you haven’t even thought of yet (or why not a full day with elephants...) in Chiang Mai, which alone could easily keep you busy for 10-12 days without feeling like you’re dragging.
Chiang Rai and its surroundings also deserve a proper stay, but in your case, you might want to save it for "a future trip to experience a different side of Siam:". Or—brace yourself for some harsh words—skip the beach and spend your entire trip in the north and Bangkok. You wouldn’t be the first to do it.
I also think it's pointless to go to Chiang Mai for just a day. You'll be traveling during the most exhausting time: it's currently 40 to 42 degrees during the day in the region, with a blanket of pollution. Make sure to book accommodation with a pool, preferably in the old city where there's plenty to see without walking too much.
As for your beach stay, the Gulf of Thailand is recommended this season, so not on the Krabi side. I hope you find some info if you stay on the Andaman Sea... a hotel with a pool to retreat to if the sea is rough?
I've been to Thailand often, but only once in May during our first trip. We took a seaside getaway from Bangkok—there were beautiful beaches, but that was 30 years ago 😉.
Have a great holiday! I hope the monsoon will bring temperatures down before you arrive.
No need to dramatize, but you should definitely consider two things: first, the air quality in the north is really poor right now due to a mix of agricultural burning and the heat, and second, the soaring temperatures we're experiencing at the moment make getting around pretty tough. It feels like over 40°C (104°F) almost everywhere, and it's already over 30°C (86°F) in the morning...
Without wanting to dramatize, you should take into account the air quality, which is very poor in the north due to the combination of crop burning and the heat
They’re only spending 5 short days in the north—it’s not like they’re planning to stay long.
@Hédi, unless your group includes elderly people and/or those with sensitive lungs, you’ll be fine for just 5 or even 10 days up there. Just avoid activities that require physical effort, like the bike climb up Mount Suthep that some agencies offer.
The south will be spared from the burning but not from the stench of durian—strong enough to make them wish they’d stayed in the north after all... 😉😎[;]
For Chiang Rai: if we go, we’ll either take the bus or a private driver
Visiting Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai generally requires a minimum of 7 nights to be reasonable. .... Or, brace yourself for some strong language, skip the beach and spend your whole trip in the north and Bangkok—you wouldn’t be the first to do it.
Haha... I think we’ll play it safe and just do CM.
I also think it's pointless to go to Chiang Rai for just a day. You'll be traveling during the most exhausting time: it's currently 40 to 42 degrees during the day...
As for your beach stay, the Gulf of Thailand is recommended this season, so not the Krabi side. I hope you find some info if you stick with the Andaman Sea....
Thanks for these tips about Chiang Rai.
We had read/seen that travelers prefer the Andaman Sea over the Gulf of Thailand. I'll take a closer look at what's best for late April.
Without wanting to dramatize, you really need to consider two things: first, the air quality, which is very poor in the north due to a combination of agricultural burning and the heat, and second, the extremely high temperatures we're experiencing right now, which make getting around difficult. It feels like over 40°C almost everywhere, and it's already over 30°C in the morning...
Thanks, Philippe...
Unfortunately, we didn’t have a choice for the timing... and we’re only staying for a full 4 days. Even though we’re big hiking fans, we’ll take it easy on the walks. 😕
I saw an article about a ban on "burning" this year: Chiang Mai Imposes Five-Month Ban on Open Burning as PM 2.5 Levels Exceed Standards
Burn-offs are banned every year but aren’t respected. On top of that, northern Thailand is affected by burn-offs from Laos and Myanmar, which use the same methods...
It’s still something to take seriously...
"
You’re currently in the middle of the most critical period. In April 2026, the burning season hits northern Thailand hard.
The situation is particularly tough this year, with record pollution levels. Here are the key points to keep in mind for this month:
The air contains fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations over 30 times higher than WHO recommendations.
Health: Risk of irritation (eyes, throat), headaches, and serious respiratory issues.
Protection: Wearing an N95 mask (regular surgical masks are ineffective against PM2.5) is essential when outdoors.
Activities: Avoid intense physical exertion outside.
"
Maybe I’m exaggerating a little, especially since I’ve never experienced this phenomenon in the north myself, but I’m relying on friends who live on the outskirts of Chiang Mai and leave the region for two months to head to the land of durian (😏).
If the rain arrives before your trip, the air quality will improve—I hope it does for you!
Hi everyone! I m reaching out because we re planning a trip to Thailand next year (around March/April), and we d like to visit Chiang Mai and then Krabi, plus…
Hi everyone, I m a die-hard fan of India , but it s time I discovered Thailand too to broaden my Asian horizons. I m heading there on January 19, 2025, for a…
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I’m planning to go to Koh Lipe.
Do you know a good site to book a boat ticket from Phuket?
And if you’ve visited any nice islands around Koh Lipe, I’d love to hear about them.
I’d like to go diving.
Thanks
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!
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, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
We’re planning to spend two full days in Phnom Penh next January.
We really love markets, and I’d love to know which one you think is the most interesting in the capital? The Central Market (Psar Thmei) and the Russian Market are often mentioned.
Thanks in advance for your tips.
Have a great day,
I’m planning our summer vacation for August 2027.
We’re a family of 4, and here’s what I had in mind:
- Arrival in Surabaya (one or two stops, including Jakarta). 6 nights on Java Island (private driver, nights split between Bromo and Yogyakarta)
Budget airline.
- 7 nights in Bali: 4 in Ubud, 3 in Amed (with a rental car)
- And a 3-night stopover in Singapore.
During my trip to Thailand, I’ll be spending 2 nights at Tonsai Beach, near Ao Nang Beach, close to Krabi. Tonsai Beach is only accessible by boat, so I was wondering where I could safely leave my car at Ao Nang Beach for 48 hours?
Alternatively, at Ao Nam Mao Beach (on the other side), if there are shuttles to Tonsai Beach.
We’re planning a two-week trip to the Philippines in August (unfortunately, we don’t have a choice on the dates...) and we’ve seen, especially through many posts here, that a large part of the Philippines is advised against visiting. However, some areas might still be okay for this month.
Based on that, we’re considering the following itinerary:
• D1–D2: Flight from France to Manila, overnight transit in Manila.
• D3–D5: Camiguin — beaches, Mantigue, White Island, and a volcanic tour (staying at Balai sa Baibai)
• D6–D9: Anda — beach, snorkeling, rice terraces, Can-Umantad Falls, Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, waterfalls, and adventure activities (staying at Anda White Beach Resort)
• D10–D14: Siquijor — snorkeling, whale shark excursion in Oslob if possible, Apo Island, and sunset fishing (staying at Coco Grove Beach Resort)
• D15–D16: Return via Cebu and Manila, then international flight back to France.
We’ll be two families of four with kids over 20...
I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this itinerary is feasible, and I’m open to suggestions for other islands or activities from those who know the destination well.
Thanks for your help! :slight_smile:
Hi there,
We’re thinking of spending a month in the Philippines at the end of February and the beginning of March. What’s the tourist crowd like during that time—is it super busy? We’re not really used to booking accommodations, transport, etc., in advance.
Thanks in advance!
Hi 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!
