je prépare activement notre escapade cambodgienne de cette fin d'année !
j'ai quelques questions non élucidées!
19/12 : arrivée à Phnom Penh à 07:35, on souhaite partir de suite sur Battambang, --> Où trouver des taxis collectifs à proximité de l'aéroport ? combien de temps pour aller à Battambang ? une GH à Battambang ?
20/12 : visite de Battambang et des environs
21/12 : bateau pour Siem Reap--> combien de temps pour aller à SR ? à quelle heure est le départ de Battambang ?
22-23-24/12 : visite de Siem Reap, les temples d'Angkor etc...
25/12 : avion pour Phnom Penh à 07:45 + trajet pour Kep ou Sihanoukville --> laquelle priviliégié en cette période de fin d'année ? Où trouver des taxis collectifs à proximité de l'aéroport ? combien de temps pour aller à Kep? et Sihanoukville ? une GH à Kep ? ou Sihanoukville ?
26/12 : balade dans les îles
27/12 : repos
28/12 : retour à PP, --> une GH à PP ?
29/12 :départ de PP à 08:20
est ce que ce programme est réaliste ou alors sera-t-il trop speed ? J'ai un peu de mal à me faire une idée des temps de trajet.
pour les guest house, on veut une salle de bain privative, une fenêtre et un fan, pour le reste c'est la cerise sur le gateau
pour siem reap nous avons en principe trouver l'hébergement (j'attends la confirmation)
nous ne voulons pas passez trop de temps à PP car nous aurons la possibilité de repasser par là un weekend (on habite Singapour)
Oui, le programme est jouable ...Des taxis collectifs pour Batambang de l'aéroport, pour ma part je n'en connais pas... donc centre ville et demandez au desk pour qu'un taxi de l'aéroport vous dépose ou il faut ...voire un départ de bus (peu de differentiel) ...Sur batambang, c'est Le royal qui semble donner le plus de satisfaction aux vfistes ...Pour rejoindre SR comptez en tout entre 6 et 7h, le bateau part entre 7H et 8h le matin
Pour la partie balneaire, n'oubliez pas que ce sont les vacances des expats, les bonnes adresses sont connues d'eux et ils réservent ...Ce serait celà mon principal souci ...Après entre Kep et Sihan, le differentiel est dans l'athmosphère générale...En résumé pas de vie nocturne sur kep mais nature beaucoup plus interressante..En face ko tonsay, petite ile sympa ...Angkul beach, grande plage deserte vers la frontière du vietnam...
Où trouver des taxis collectifs à proximité de l'aéroport ?
Mais avant cela, il vous faudra un tuk tuk ou un taxi pour aller à votre point de départ
Du côté du pont japonais pour aller sur battambang sur la N7
A côté du rond pont en sortie de Phnom Penh vers la N4 pour Sihanouk
Sinon, allez à côté de vieux marché des taxis vous enmene pour 70 $ à battambang ou Sihanouk, ou le bâteau pour battambang ou encore la station des bus (mais je ne sais plus où).
Attention vitesse moyenne des transport 40 km/h en bus, taxi environ 60 km/h
Le bâteau de battambang à Seim Reap environ 6 à 8 heures de trajets
A l'arrivée à Seim Reap, plein de tuk Tuk vont vous attendre, attention ...
Sur Seim Reap : 20$ un jour de viste, 40 $ trois jours de viste et 60$ les 7 jours de visites des temples.
Attention : pour l'embarquement et le tuk tuk ou taxi prévoir à l'avance pour 7H45, sa va être dur à négocier (il sera bien d'avoir un tuktuk qui parle français, voir Kosal sur le forum ou Thoeun ou Rady, ils ont aussi GH, etc...)
Pour aller à Kep ou Sihanouk environ 300 Km soit 6 heures environ
Kep petit village calme, comme le dit Roger. Une GH juste avant d'arrivée dans le village.
Plein de resto en bord de mer, on ne peut pas les rater. (Crable au poivre vert un délice, des poissons grillés (mérou, baracouda, etc..), des calamars, des crevettes, j'en ai l'eau à la bouche...) il y a une île en face de Kep, je ne connais pas encore.
Sihanouk peut-être mieux pour les îles.
Mon carnet de voyage en mars dernier : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=1942417
Où trouver des taxis collectifs à proximité de l'aéroport ? combien de temps pour aller à Battambang ?
Pas de taxi collectif à proximité de l'aéroport, donc obligation d'aller en ville, soit pour prendre un bus (comptez 6 heures environ), soit un taxi privé ou collectif (comptez 5 heures environ). Trajet de 290 km environ sur la N5. A la sortie de l'aéroport, demandez au taxi de vous amener soit au terminal des bus pour Battambang, soit au départ des taxis collectifs pour Battambang enfin soit au QG des taxis privés pour Battambang. Les prix sont évidement différents selon l'option que vous prendrez.
bateau pour Siem Reap--> combien de temps pour aller à SR ? à quelle heure est le départ de Battambang ?
Comptez environ 7 heures pour le trajet, les départs se faisant officiellement à 07h00, mais réellement vers 08h00🤪.
trajet pour Kep ou Sihanoukville --> laquelle priviliégié en cette période de fin d'année ? Où trouver des taxis collectifs à proximité de l'aéroport ? combien de temps pour aller à Kep? et Sihanoukville ?
Trajet Phnom Penh - Kep : passage par Kampot (env. 150 km). Comptez environ 3 heures en bus ou 2 1/2 heures en taxi pour rejoindre Kampot, puis encore Kampot - Kep (env. 25 km) comptez presqu'une heure.
Trajet Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville (env. 230 km). Comptez environ 3 heures en taxi privé et 4 heures en bus. La route est meilleure que l'autre...
Pour votre moyen de transport, idem lors de votre arrivée (J1) 😛. Les fêtes de fin d'année, c'est pour les occidentaux, à part ceux qui seront en congé et descendront à Sihanoukville, la période n'est pas plus extraordinaire en terme de fréquentation (tourisme local).
Par contre c'est la haute saison touristique et il faut prévoir vos réservations à l'avance.
une GH à Sihanoukville ?
Chez Mari-Yan Bungalows - Victory Hill - Tel: +(855) (0)12-91646, +(855) (0)34-933709. Couple Helvetico-Cambodgien (aucune objectivité, ce sont des amis😇), sur une colline avec tout le golfe du Siam en panorama et bien évidement la cuisine de Mari-Yan (un vrai cordon bleu), sans oublier le "french speaking". Quick est un spécialiste de la plongée et snorkelling. Si c'est votre choix, téléphonez vite et précisez vos désirs, plusieurs niveaux d'hébergement.
Tu as du aller à sihan après la tof avec ugolin !!!! Le temps t'a semblé bien long !!!😉 En 4 h ca roule en bus pour sihan et 5 pour kep !...
Bon le monde bouge ...😉 Kosal est maintenant GUIDE !
Ko tonsay, c'est l'ile du lapin ...en face de kep ...Vas y vite les 7 familles qui y résident sont en situation d'eviction depuis 2005, il y a bien un jour ou ce va tomber!🤪 Et fini la course derriere le poulet pour le barbuc...Apparemment tu as du aller à la REGA, depuis, cmichel en a parlé, ils organisent des journées sur l'ile...Bon, il y a pas mal de choix hoteliers sur KEP ...
De mon coté, j'ai fait un blog sur mon "paradis": http://villakohdach.unblog.fr/ et je te réserve une semaine de stage :tissage de la soie pour ton prochain voyage !😏😏😏
Ne pas confondre la teuf avec Tof (Christophe), le cousin de JB, même s'il est vrai que Tof est un pro de la teuf 😛!😏😏😏
En mars dernier, nous nous sommes ratés pour 1 ou 2 jours avec JB. Christophe m'avait parlé de la venue de son cousin et lorsque j'ai lu ses messages sur VF, je n'ai rien dit, mais j'en savais déjà un bout...😉
pour Siem Reap j'ai une super adresse d' hôtel, neuf trés propre, eau chaude, salle de bain, télé, au calme dans une impasse. Bien situé.
Le patron parle français. Le San SO 10$ Les tuk tuk connaissent.
Bonne vacances.
Kutchy
Un grand merci à vous tous pour ces infos de qualité, j'explore toutes ses pistes et reviens vers vous si besoin sinon ce sera pour un petit résumé de notre trip à notre retour
bonjour trimix
je confirme pour la guest chez Mari-Yann a sihanoukville.
bungalows sympas pas tres cher et cuisine excelente.
ci-joint 2 photos des bungalows.
bon voyage.
Et bien oui, tu peux faire Phnom Penh Battambang en bateau avec escale à Siem Reap, non
Bon, je sais trajet plus long, je sors.
Sinon, pourquoi pour un verre au Malraux, mais dans environ 1 ans. On est en pleine préparation du prochain voyage de Octobre-novembre 2009 à courant janvier 2010 avec comme camp de base Le Malraux. D'ailleurs je passe le bonjour à mon cousin Tof.
On lui envoie un colis ce week end en valeur déclaré.
Eh bien, peut être que la prochaine fois, on se verra.
Il est vrai que l'on a fait un peu la fête avec Tof. Mais cela n'est rien comparer à l'année prochaine. On aura tous les deux 40 ans à 15 jours d'intervalle et au Cambodge....
Sinon, on va aussi visiter le pays (voir la différence entre mars et novembre). Faire un petit tour en Thailande et au Vietnam.
On pourra peut être enfin se voir et prendre un verre ensemble.
Non, non non, je n'ai pas fais d'erreur, 6 heures pour Sihanouk avec une panne de voiture à l'aller et 9 heures au retour tracter par un mini van sans avoir fait la fête.
Par contre, à petite vitesse, on peut faire plus facilement des photos insolites et de paysages du bonheur.
Sinon, on réserve une place à koh dach pour novembre prochain, date à définir...
Et on lit le forum à tour de bras sur le Vietnam et la Thailande pour nos futurs vacances
à notre arrivée nous prendrons le bus pour battambang --> j'ai contacté l'agence Capital à PP pour booker nos billets de bus mais pas de réponse, si qq'1 a un autre tuyau pour booker notre bus je prends !!
a battambang nous avons booké le royal sur vos conseils
a siem reap, Kosal n'est pas dispo en cette d'année, nous avons contacté Meas que nous avons booké du 21 au 25 et chez qui nous logerons
nous avons par contre changé nos plans pour la partie sud, nous irons à Kep --> à ce propos si quelqu'un sait comment réserver à la GH Sari Rega je prends !!
enfin nous passerons une nuit à PP avant notre retour, par contre je ne sais pas où ? une recom ?
J'ai appelé à PP ce matin pour booké Kep du 25 au 28. A priori c'est ok mais je rappelerai demain pour être sûr.
Par contre, le 28 c'est complet à PP donc je cherche une autre solution, une idée ?
Personne n'a de tuyau pour booker les bus, cf mon message d'hier ci dessus
La compagnie GST Express Bus Co. Tel : +(855) (0)23-355379 ou +(855) (0)12-895550
opère également des départs à destination de Battambang à 6:45, 7:10, 7:45, 9:30, 10:30, 11:45, 12:45
J ai besoin de vos avis sur le reste de mon itinéraire Nous passons deux nuits sur Phnom phen, 5 a siem reap Il nous restera 6 jours on voudrait faire…
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
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 trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
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,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
