Bonjour a tous,
Nous partons en avril, passant 6 jours a koh samui, nous pensons ensuite passer 3 jours sur koh phangan, mais je suis perdu avec les histoires de marées, j'ai bien trouvé le calendrier des marais mais je n'y comprend pas grand chose.....
Noius pensons séjourner a haad salad (pour son accès plus facile que thong nai pan ), et voudrions savoir ce que cela donnerait concrétement niveau marées, pour la baignade, cela est il vraiment embétant?
Merci d'avance
Si j'apprécie le regrété Devos, je n' Oie pas ce qu'il vient faire à Koh phangan...
Si je ne sais pas décrypter un calendrier de marées, je sais quand même que la mer descend pui REMONTE, mais n'ayant jamais été a Koh phangan, je voulais en savoir plus.
Une marée à Biarritz n' rien a voir avec une marée a Dunkerque, et encore moins a Koh phangan je pense ( du moins c'est ce que j'essaie de savoir)....
Voici une partie de réponse, j'étais à Haad salad en août, c'était baignable, mais on s'immerge pas totalement.
Il n'y a pas beaucoup de fond à Salad beach, mais la plage est splendide.
Pour la marée en avril, je ne sais pas.
Tu descends à quel hôtel ?
A+
Bonjour, nous pensions aller au Haad lad prestige, mais nous hésitons a cause de cette histoire de marée, nous avions bien repéré Thong Nai pan plus propice à la baignade, mais l'accès a l'air un peu cahotique, qu'en pense-tu ?
Bonjour, nous pensions aller au Haad lad prestige, mais nous hésitons a cause de cette histoire de marée, nous avions bien repéré Thong Nai pan plus propice à la baignade, mais l'accès a l'air un peu cahotique, qu'en pense-tu ?
En effet, l'accès est difficile dans le sens où la route qui y mène n'est pas goudronnée. Il y a des transport depuis Thong Sala.
Je ne la ferai personnellement pas en 2 roues, je me suis souvent cassé la figure en Th. De plus, si il pleut, là c'est pas simple.
Mais je pense toutefois que cela ne doit pas priver tout un chacun de s'y rendre, l'endroit est vraiment splendide. Cela m'a fait penser à Koh Pee Pee, rien que pour te dire.
Question logement, je ne sais pas, mais un site comme p.ex. http://www.samuiphanganinfo.com/phangan-beaches_fr.html
peut certainement t'aider.
Sur Thong nai pan, tu as tout, c'est très bien approvisionné.
Si tu as envie de visiter l'île, je suis sûr que tu peux louer une petite jeep.
Et près de là, il y a de très belles chutes d'eau, c'est sur la route venant de Thong Sala, tu ne peux pas te tromper.
A+
a la même période l'an passé j'étais au salad hotel, plage magnifique mais pas d'eau impossi_ble de se baigner plein de pierres obligée de marcher un max pour trouver des petits trous d'eau alors tu vois !! cette année j'y retourne mais de l'autre côté car il parait que l'on peut se baigner; Cette marée c vrai que si on sait pas on est bien embêtés
Merci pour l'info, mais🤪 je viens juste de réserver sur Haad salad, il faut dire que cela fait un mois que nous sommes en route avec le choix des hotels, on saturait un peu, nous avions envie d'aller sur les plages de l'autre coté de l'ile, mais ne venant que 3 jours, nous ne voulions pas perdre trop de temps a calculer avec les transports...
Bon maintenant, les marées ça tourne, et si on a la même chose que toi, on louera un scoot..
Bonne soirée
1/ Ao Thong Nai Pan Yai
2/ Ao Thong Nai Pan Noi
3/ une idée de tronçons de route ( euhhhh de piste ) Très casse g...le en mob et même par temps sec. C' est du vécu 🤪
Endroits splendides comme tu le dis.
Avantage par rapport à Haad Mae Haad, il y a toujours de l' eau. Mais il y a quand même toujours de l' eau le matin à Mae Haad, l' après midi suffit de s' éloigner du rivage et d' aller vers K Maa.
Inconvénients par rapport au coin que je fréquente, face à l' îlot de Koh Maa, il n' y a rien à voir dans l' eau en PMT ou apnée.
ps : j' ai revu avec grand plaisir les chutes d' eau 😛😛😛😛 de la côte Est.
ps : j' ai revu avec grand plaisir les chutes d' eau Salut la Miss, alors toi aussi t'es de retour? 😉 Y avait encore de l'eau dans tes chutes d'eau? ou que de gros cailloux comme celles de Phuket a la saison chaude? 😛
1/ vue de la mer sur Bootle Beach ( un autre petit bijou )
2/ Haad Mae Haad et K Maa
3/ Ao Thong Nai Pan Noi
4/ simples mais non moins sympatoches bungalows sur Nai Pan Noi
😉😉😉 Hello Boumba,
ben oui 🙁 suis dans la mauvaise passe 🙁 si tu vois ce que je veux dire..........
"""Y avait encore de l'eau dans tes chutes d'eau?""" yep, yep 😉 suffisamment pour se rafraîchir et en prendre plein les yeux de ces beaux sites naturels.
Hé hé je te comprends bien, d'ailleurs on habite presqu'au même endroit (si tu vois ce que je veux dire: tristesse, nostalgie, spleen 😉). Faudra que je visite Phangan pour changer de Lanta que j'aime tant mais qui change beaucoup trop vite, bientôt comme Phuket et Samui si ca continue a construire autant 🙁
"""Faudra que je visite Phangan pour changer de Lanta que j'aime tant""" J' ai aussi tant aimé Lanta, j' y reviendrais sûrement.
vazzzyyy vite. ça change trop vite ( et pas forcément en bien, tu t' en doutes bien ).
Un moyen de transport que j' adooooooooooooooooooooore, avec ces vues splendides de criques en criques.
En effet nous rentrons de Koh Phangan et precisement de hat Salaad c' est vrai que cette
petite baie est splendide
et les fonds sont magifiques principalement pour ceux qui pratiquent le snorkeling!
par contre a marée base c' est trés dificile de se baigner, tu peux sans proble alors rejoindre une plage voisine;
A noter que la mer monte et descend tout au long de la journée donc a un moment ou un autre tu pourras te baigner!
par exemple:
le 5 avril
la marée sera haute a 6 h du matin ( avec une hauteur de 2.3 )
et elle sera basse vers 16h (avec une hauteur de 1.3 )
ce qui veut dire que l'amplitude ( la variation de hauteur de la marée ) sera d'environ 1 m
ce qui est pour la Thailande déjà une bonne marée mais cela signifie que la palge sera "baignable" tot le matin
si on prend le 20 ce sera a peu pres pareil vu l'amplitude ( 90 cm)
Merci bien..
De quelle plage voisine parle tu? peut on y aller a pieds? a sccoot?
Toi qui reviens de la-bàs, par hasard, a tu visité le Had laad prestige resort ?
BONSOIR
Je parlais des plages de Mae had et had Yao par exemple accessibles en scoot.
Je ne connais pas le had laad prestige il est sur Had Salad?
Bonne soirée
Bruno
J'ai habite 5 ans a Haad salad (la maison moderne blanche au bout de la baie) et je confirme: en avril il n'y a pas d'eau! Elle ne depasse pas les chevilles une grande partie de la journee et elle est bouillante...
Bon, il y a une piscine au haad laa. Hotel tt neuf mais sans charme, proprio sympa et chef americain Tommy qui donne des cours de cuisine (lui passer le bonjour de corinne... Matisse's mother). Par contre, c'est l'epoque ideale pour faire du snorkling car la mer est en principe calme et translucide. il y a une superbe barriere de corail a haad salad sinon celle de koh Ma est slpendide aussi.
Pour les prochains, prefere les hotels comme le Salad Hut, Cookies bungalow ou plus routard (et restau delicieux) Coral beach. Il y a aussi le restau de ma belle soeur en plein milieu de la plage: Ben restaurant, qui fait des poissons au barbec...hum!!!
Voici 2 photos de la baie a differentes epoques, celle ou il n'y a pas d'eau a ete prise entre avril et juin. Reste que la plage est belle, tranquille, pas de bar a fille, une atmosphere sympa, la preuve: tous les touristes aiment revenir a haad salad.
Oulala....
On avait compris qu'il y aurait problème pour se baigner mais a ce point là !!!!
La mer ne monte jamais plus que cela?(on pourrait faire piscine le matin et plage l'a-midi ou inverse...)
Une amie qui a déjà séjourné là-bas nous avait dit qu'en avançant assez loin dans la mer, après la barrière de corail, il y avait du fond, est-ce vrai, est-ce dangereux?
Bon, concrétement on va pas annuler la résa, mais si on veut se baigner correctement au plus près, a pieds, est-ce loin? a partir de haad lad, ou aller précisément (distance et temps si c'est pas trop demandé😊)
Merci ...
En faite, des qu;il y a de l'eau faut aller se baigner car la mer descend tres vite a cette epoque.
Se baigner apres la barriere de corail ?...bof, prefere au dessus de la barriere avec un masque pour en profiter. Je vous l'ai deja dit: vs etes a la meilleur periode pour le snorkling (parole de pecheur thai! alors hein...)
Sinon, aller a koh Ma (plage de Mae haad) en direction de Shaloklam, la plage est jolie, mais vaut mieux louer un scoot.
Facons, si vous rester que 3 jours vous n'aurez pas le temps de vous ennuyer. Quand aux coucher de soleil a haad salad, ils sont superbes et de votre hotel vous etes super bien placer pour l'admirer.
wow, 5 ans à Haad Salad, génial.
ça a dû faire tout drôle de rentrer à Lyon
un petit peu oui...
Quand je suis a Lyon j'aimerais avoir le beau temps de thailande, la mer et ses baignades quotidienne, la vie zen que j'avais la bas, mon cadre de vie, l'exellente nourriture thai....
Et la bas, ma famille et mes amis me manquaient, j'etais prive de culture, de theatre, concert, musee, etc etc...
Bref, ce n'a pas tjs ete simple de trouver le bon equilibre mais tout quitter (presque du jour au lendemain) pour vivre sur une ile est une experience interessante et enrichissante. ce qui est drole, c'est le regard que porte les autres sur ce genre de vie....
J'ai habite 5 ans a Haad salad (la maison moderne blanche au bout de la baie) et je confirme: en avril il n'y a pas d'eau! Elle ne depasse pas les chevilles une grande partie de la journee et elle est bouillante...
Bon, il y a une piscine au haad laa. Hotel tt neuf mais sans charme, proprio sympa et chef americain Tommy qui donne des cours de cuisine (lui passer le bonjour de corinne... Matisse's mother). Par contre, c'est l'epoque ideale pour faire du snorkling car la mer est en principe calme et translucide. il y a une superbe barriere de corail a haad salad sinon celle de koh Ma est slpendide aussi.
Pour les prochains, prefere les hotels comme le Salad Hut, Cookies bungalow ou plus routard (et restau delicieux) Coral beach. Il y a aussi le restau de ma belle soeur en plein milieu de la plage: Ben restaurant, qui fait des poissons au barbec...hum!!!
Voici 2 photos de la baie a differentes epoques, celle ou il n'y a pas d'eau a ete prise entre avril et juin. Reste que la plage est belle, tranquille, pas de bar a fille, une atmosphere sympa, la preuve: tous les touristes aiment revenir a haad salad.
Bon voyage!
Je me rends à Haad salad en juillet prochain. comme tu dis habiter le coin, pourrais tu me dire si le smilebeach est très loin de la plage et s'il est bien. Sur les forum on en dit du bien. Ensuite peux tu me dire combien je dois compter pour me transporter à salad depuis le port sachant que je suis avec mes 4 ados. Et une 3e question.... mes ados veulent aller à la full moon, il semble que ce soit à 30 min. Est il possible de trouver un taxi de confiance et pour quel tarif. Merci de ta réponse
Je n'habite plus a koh phan gnan, j'y retourne souvent cepedant, donc je peux repondre a tes questions.
Le smilebeach est juste a cote de la plage, il y a un petit resort a traverse a pied.
Si les proprios sont tjs les memes, alors je peu vous dire qu'ils sont tres gentils et attentionnes.
Pour le taxi, je ne me souviens pas. Mais genre 100 bahts par personne grand max. Essaie de negocier pour voua tous.
Quand a la fool moon... si se sont des ados, je te conseil d'y aller avec eux! Demande aux proprios de l'hotel de faire le taxi, et insiste pour que le conducteur ne conduise pas vite (cha cha veut dire doucement!) C'est un peu l'anarchie ce soir la et les taxis font le plus d'aller et retours afin d'optimiser la soiree. Il faut etre prudent. Surtout ne pas y aller en scoot! La derniere portion de route avant d'arrive a haad rin est casse gueule. Au dela de ca, c'est interessant de voir la fool moon une fois dans sa vie. On peut meme s'y amuser!!!
OUI OUI! le snorkling est tres beau sur cette plage.
Ne pas demarer de la plage, c'est trop loin en nageant, mais marcher jusqu'a ma maison a gauche de la baie en regardant la mer (une maison blanche de style moderne) et commencer le snorkling de la.
Quand a la fool moon, va avec tes enfants! C'est mieux. Il vaut mieux se separer une fois sur place pour que chacun profite de la soiree a son rythme et se retrouver un peu plus tard. Je suis meme certaine que tu peux bien t'amuser.
C'est une fete sympa mais il faut etre vigilant, c'est normal, il y a du monde.
Koh phan gnan est une ile agreable.
T'as fait un bon choix.
Bon Noel
Co.
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’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,
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.
