Nous allons partir en février 2009 en thailande avec 2 enfants : 10 mois et 2 ans. Auriez vous des pistes, des bons plans pour trouver des baby sitter sur Bangkok, Chiang Mai et Koh Samui ?
Rien de plus facile en Thailande, demander a votre hôtel ou GH, les thaies adorent les enfants et se feront une joie et un honneur de les garder pour un prix très modique, je ne connais que des gens heureux d'avoir fait garder leurs enfants en Thailande. Seul problème, c'est que les enfants veulent rester avec leur baby sister 😉
il me semblait bien que sur place on trouverait des thais volontaires pour garder les petits, surtout que l'on ne cherche pas quelqu'un pour tout le voyage, mais ponctuellement 1 ou 2 apres midi par semaine plus quelques soirées. Merci pour vos infos
en passant cet apres-midi devant la garderie d'enfant de l'hopital ou j'avais rendez-vous, j'ai pris le temps de m'arreter pour poser la question ; La garderie fonctione exactement comme fonctionnerai une garderie d'enfant en France les thais viennet déposer leurs gamins le matin et les récupèrent le soir en rentrant du travail, celle ou je me suis arrété en plis déépend de l'hopital puisqu'elle a eté au départ concue pour le personnel de l'hopital
tarifs à la journée de l'ordre de 150 baths( 3 euro p par jour a +ou - 50 baths suivant que vous amenez la nourriture ou les biberons ou pas (tarif ChiangMai )
gros avantages ce sont des professionelles, vous pouvez passer voir sur place l'environnement dans lequel sont gardés les enfants
je leur ai demandé si certaines accepteraient de se dépalcer et je connaissait d'avance la réponse : a priori ce n'ets pas courant ( en Thailande meme le docteur ne se dépalce pas à domicile ) mais c''st possible: le probleme n'étant nii le salaire ni les horaires, mais le fait qu'une dame ou une jeune fille de "bonne famille" n'ira jamais seule dans un hotel, sauf si vraiment elle sait exactement a qui elle a affaire ..
Anecdote ; il y a qques années a Bangkok dans un grand hotel en ville a 100 m d'un des plus gros hopital de Bangkok j'éatis malade et avait besoin de soins infirmiers le matin : apres recommandation du cocteur et de la chef infirmière que je connaissait personnelelment, j'avais obtenu qu'un infirmière passe à l'hotel : chaque matin elle venait avec 2 autres infirmières car elle n'aurait jamais osé se présenté a la réception ( et pourtant elles arrivaiaent toutes en uniforme de l'hoital ) et demandé à monter dans les étages toute seule !
donc au final pas de probleme majeur pour trouver en ville une garderie professionelle ( 100 % thaie - donc il faudra y aller avec quelqu'un qui parle thai ) qui s'occupera de votre gamin, si vous prenez le temsp de passer la veille
et a priori ce sera nettement plus dur d'avoir quelqu'un qui se déplace à l'hotel ou viennet le soir
Quant a demander a la copine de la copine de la réception de l'hotel et de confier ainsi votre bébé a quelqu'un que vous ne connaissez pas, je crois que si c'était en France, vous ne vous poseriez meme pas la question de savoir si c'est possible !
Rien de plus facile en Thailande, demander a votre hôtel ou GH, les thaies adorent les enfants et se feront une joie et un honneur de les garder pour un prix très modique, je ne connais que des gens heureux d'avoir fait garder leurs enfants en Thailande. Seul problème, c'est que les enfants veulent rester avec leur baby sister 😉
🙂Un comique Boumboum...
Un utopiste, un doux rêveur ma foi!
Il n'a jamais lu les contes de Perrault!
Quant a demander a la copine de la copine de la réception de l'hotel et de confier ainsi votre bébé a quelqu'un que vous ne connaissez pas, je crois que si c'était en France, vous ne vous poseriez meme pas la question de savoir si c'est possible !
C'est pourtant ce qu'ont fait de nombreux amis venus en Thailande avec leurs enfants, ils n'ont jamais eu a le regretté bien au contraire. Cela leur a permis de sortir a 2 pour se ballader ou aller au resto le soir et les femmes de mes amis, récalcitrantes au départ, sont reparties enchantées de leur séjour. Bien sur cela n'est qu'anecdotique, loin de moi l'idée d'en faire une règle ....mais rien a voir avec le grand méchant loup suggéré par mister iradium, faire confiance ne veut pas dire pour autant être stupide et ne pas prendre certaines garanties 😛 ncp? 😉
J ai vu pas mal de gentilles Baby Sitter sur Soi cowboy, mais j' ai pas testé.
Désolé ......😕
non non la tu parles des mêmes papy sitters mentionnées précedemment, pas la même chose 😉😛 (quoique quand la maman n'est pas la, la bobinette tu cherras .... et on en revient aux contes de Perrault 😄😏😏)
Les enfants sont rois en Thailande. C'est à eux qu'on cède une place dans le BTS ou le MRT, les métros locaux, et ce ...bien avant les vieux !
Celui qui a 2 ans va se régaler de voir l'attention qui lui est porté, les sourires et les gestes affectueux dans la rue, les magasins... et même sur Soi Coyboy si tu y vas avec eux !
Pour les baby sitters qui gardent ma fille de 2 ans: 2 anedcotes représentatives: si elle s'est mise à pleurnicher, voir simplement se réveiller légèrement à 10 heures du soir, je suis pratiquement sûr de la retrouver dans le bras de la baby sitter, endormie ou pas, à 2 heures du matin en rentrant plusieurs fois dans des hôtels, je dis à la baby sitter en partant: vous pouvez regarder la télé ..mais pas trop fort... et je la retrouve en rentrant au pied du lit, dans le noir, en train de surveiller son sommeil !
Je pense pas que ca changera vraiment d'ici février 2009 😉
Les enfants sont rois en Thailande. C'est à eux qu'on cède une place dans le BTS ou le MRT, les métros locaux, et ce ...bien avant les vieux !
Celui qui a 2 ans va se régaler de voir l'attention qui lui est porté, les sourires et les gestes affectueux dans la rue, les magasins... et même sur Soi Coyboy si tu y vas avec eux !
Pour les baby sitters qui gardent ma fille de 2 ans: 2 anedcotes représentatives: si elle s'est mise à pleurnicher, voir simplement se réveiller légèrement à 10 heures du soir, je suis pratiquement sûr de la retrouver dans le bras de la baby sitter, endormie ou pas, à 2 heures du matin en rentrant plusieurs fois dans des hôtels, je dis à la baby sitter en partant: vous pouvez regarder la télé ..mais pas trop fort... et je la retrouve en rentrant au pied du lit, dans le noir, en train de surveiller son sommeil !
Je pense pas que ca changera vraiment d'ici février 2009 😉
🤪C'est bien triste..Cette société où l'enfant est roi.....
Hélas, la Thaïlande suit les sociétés occidentales, et en pire....Un enfant farang pourri est encore sage face à un enfant thaï pourri..D'ailleurs, j'évite les cinémas, zoos..ils sont mal éduqués, grossiers et bruyants🤪
tu trouveras facilement, au pire tu demande gentillement a une fiemme qui fait la vaisselle devant sa porte, si elle veut pas garder ton petit ! ;) pourquoi celle qui fait la vaisselle et pas les autre, bin personnellement si elle fait la vaisselle c'est quel fait le menage, et donc elle c'est s'occuper des bambin ( a la difference de la pouf sur sont scooter rose a paiette qui c'est meme pas se cuisiner un oeuf !), mais sinon comme l'autre gars a rien t'empeche d'aller a pattaya, elle savent si bien s'occuper des grand bebe, alord les petit je suppose que oui, 😇😇
petit coup de gueule !--> (c 'est vrai que les enfants thai c'est des monstre mais pas tous ! faut dire que les parents a par leurs foutre de coup de latte dans la tronche ils savant pas y faire !
l'autre fois j'ai offert des biscuit a des bambin, 5 environ, , bin le plus petit p'tet 5 ans, super polit, me remercie a la thai, les autres un peu plus age, environ 10 ans meme pas merci, ni de way ! meme pas un petit signe de la tete,
on bien jete leurs papier dans la rue alord que les poubelle sont a 3 metre d'eux ! ils ont quand meme un gros manque d'education ici, faut dire que quand grand frere se saoule le tronche a coup de leo, avec les pote devant ca maison jusque a 2 h du mat avec son portable qui crache des parole de ""big ass"" (la debiliter musical existe aussi ici ), comment veut tu que le petit ait du respect apres ?, mais bon pas tous heuresement, je parler l'autre jour avec un vieux thai 68 ans, il me disait que lui meme il trouve sa vraiment pas terrible de son epoque a lui c'etait pas comme ca, tout ces gosse sans education, j'en conclue qu'apres a certain age, le respect sa n'existe plus, et pas qu'"en france visiblement c'est quand meme bien dommage que la bonne culture thai de dissipe de d'annee en annee.
heuresement dans les coin perdu, mais vraiment les coin perdu (genre ya une tele pour le village ), , la ou ya pas l'affluence des touriste, les bonne tradition perdure encore un tout petit peu !mais bon pour combien de temps 5 ans encore, apres que tout la thailande sera moderniser ca sera comme la france, snif bon fermont la paranthese )
A+
Chaweng Beach s’étale sur 7 km et est la plage la plus populaire et la plus animée de Samui. Elle regorge d'une multitude de boutiques, de bars, de restaurants et de boîtes de nuits. Vous pourrez écouter tous les styles de musique, de la musique thaï traditionnelle au Jazz, en passant par le rock et le reggae. Si vous avez des enfants, vous pouvez les déposer à la garderie de Chaweng pour qu’ils jouent avec d’autres enfants, gagnant ainsi quelques heures solitaires pour vous occuper de vous.
A Samui tu pourras contacter Brigitte, elle est française et nous a trouvé une baby sitter thai l'été dernier. Elle connait tous les bons plans de l'ile !
sawadeetilac@hotmail.com, de la part de Lbap !
Sawasdee Khap!
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 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 everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
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’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
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,
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!
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.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,