Bonjour a tous, je suis actuellement les infos car je pars vendredi pour la thailande!!!!!
sur internet et autre media, on parle d'accalmie en ce moment !!!
pour combien de temps je ne c'est pas je ne mi connait pas assez en politique international
A mon avis (sa reste mon avis), ces derniers jours furent un test des manifestants vis a vis du gouvernement, apres plusieur prise de pouvoir par la force ils ont reessayé de le reprendre de la meme facon!!!
vu la violence de l'armée et la reticense des bankoites envers ces manifestations les "rouges" vont se calmer pendant un moment et peut etre remettre sa dans 3 mois au futur sommet de l'asie!!!
ptete que jme trompe si oui eclairez moi un peu pour mieux comprendre ce pays !!!!!
Bonne chance au thailandais et aux touristes qui y vont bientot!!!!!😉
Je suis moi même à BKK Pour Info les rouges sont rentrés à la maison il y 1H20
L'armée n'a tué aucune personnes et s'est bien gardée de charger vraiment Ils ont contenu correctement les manifestants qui commencer à casser pas mal
Pour ce qui concerne les personne tués ce n'est pas l'armée mais les riverains mécontent du bordel et des dégâts dans leur quartiers ....
Effectivement, il y aura un autre bordel mais pas avant les règlements de comptes politiques qui vont suivre ces prochaines semaines car l'alliance qui a permis l'élection du premier ministre est fragilisée certains politiques et militaires semblent vouloir se détacher de la coallition donc attendons de voir comment va se comporter la classe politique suite à ces évènements qui déplaisent à la majorité des Thais qui en ont bien assez de la crise et de ses impactes.
Il fait très chaud sur bangkok +32 On apprécie le Sonkran
A plus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-WXLE6LUYA
Some department stores, petrol stations remained closed today Some department stores and petrol stations in the inner part of Bangkok remained closed today ( April 14) after their closures since the rioting broke out in Bangkok.
Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery and Central World remain closed for another day. The department stores had been closed for the third day in the tense political situation. All branches of Central Department stores opened except for Zen and Central Silom Complex while MBK Center opened today.
Meanwhile, petrol stations in the inner area of Bangkok remained closed until the situation got better. PTT closed its own eight self-service branches and other fifteen co-managed with the private sector branches today. Caltex petrol station at Sutthisan also closed today.
Trains from Hua Lumphong resume normal operations today
Trains from Hua Lumphong resume normal operations today
Red-shirted protestors already left Government House It has been reported today (April 14th) that the red-shirt protesters have already dispersed and left the Government House, while the rally stage is in the process of being removed.
Police Major General Wichai Sungprapai, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has recently revealed that all of the red-shirt protesters have left the Government House, while the rally stage built near the Chamai Maruchet Bridge is being removed.
In term of charges against the red-shirt leaders, Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan, National Police Commissioner has already delegated Police General Tanee Somboonsup, Deputy Commissioner to be in charge of investigation and charges to be made against the leaders.
Red-shirted protestors dispersed and left National Television, Chiang Mai division A handful of Red-shirted protestors withdrawn from the premise of the National Television Station in Chiang Mai today after failing to manouver support from the public. There has been reported that there were about 10 Red shirted protestors arrived in the National Television Stationl in Chiang Mai before midday, demanding to get live broadcast on television to declare their stance and counter attack the government. Although they were little in numbers but they made overly loud noises, while more than 50 police and military personels looked on to ensure orderliness and safety, the report said. However, They left half an hour later, when other members failed to show up. They also heard that the rally in Bangkok had stopped. Police and military forces also withdrawn.
j'ai trouvé ta remarque très pertinente
je te cite: "l'alliance qui a permis l'élection du premier ministre est fragilisée certains politiques et militaires semblent vouloir se détacher de la coalition"
Moi, personnellementt j'aimerai savoir de quelles tendances politiques sont les 4 partis qui était avec le parti de taksin puis qui sept moisaprèss sont devenus les alliés de du partidémocrate..
Comment ces 4 partis justifieront ils leurs engagements lors de futur élections auprès des votants ?
Je ne suis pas du tout expert dans la politique Thaïlandaise car c'est tout d'abord une politique affairiste et d'influence de familles puissantes. Le seul évènement qui fera probablement bouger les coalitions sera hélas le décès du roi Alors à partir de ce moment là il risque d'y avoir de chaud moments en perspectives car les Thais on une adoration pour leur Roi mais certainement pas pour la monarchie.... D'après ce que je comprend le Fils ne fera pas le poids devant une foule avide de démocratie et d'égalité....
Je pense comme certain que chacun se prépare et prend ses marques pour ce prochain évènement. Pour ma part, j'ai aussi un certain respect pour ce vieux roi qui ne parle plus ou que certain empêche de parler car a lui tous seul en 1 heure de discourt il peut retourner la situation et faire plier n'importe quel Thais civil ou militaire ou encore affairistes tout le monde en est convaincu
Certain Thais ne comprennent pas d'ailleur pourquoi il ne parle pas car il a encore toute sa tête mais marche difficilement L'homme est impressionant .....
C'est bien sure mon sentiments personnel mais je ne vois pas d'autre issue pour la thailande qui va probablement acceder définitivement à la démocratie non polluée
Pour finir, Je dirai que les jaunes sont les Socialistes et les rouges les libéraux ...Quand pensez vous
Les départs vers la Thaïlande maintenus AFP
14/04/2009 | Mise à jour : 12:14 | Commentaires 1 | Ajouter à ma sélection L'Association des tour-opérateurs français (Ceto) a décidé de "maintenir les départs" vers la Thaïlande, estimant que la situation est en voie de "normalisation" après deux jours de violences à Bangkok, a déclaré aujourd'hui à l'AFP son président René-Marc Chikli.
Le Quai d'Orsay a toutefois appelé à la prudence, indiquant sur son site internet qu'"il est fortement recommandé de reporter les voyages non indispensables à Bangkok, jusqu’à clarification de la situation".
"Les tour-opérateurs sont en contact avec leurs clients depuis dimanche soir, tous les départs sont assurés du fait d'une certaine normalisation", a fait valoir M. Chikli.
Les derniers manifestants antigouvernementaux, cernés par l'armée près du siège du pouvoir à Bangkok, se sont dispersés mardi, après deux jours de violences, qui ont fait au moins deux morts et 113 blessés dans la capitale.
"Compte tenu de la tension" à Bangkok, "il est recommandé d’observer la plus grande prudence et d’éviter le quartier de Dusit, en particulier les alentours du siège du gouvernement et la place Sanam Luang", avertit le Quai d'Orsay.
"Les sites touristiques de la capitale sont restés ouverts, nos clients ont pu poursuivre leurs excursions normalement car les manifestations étaient très localisées", a témoigné Jean-Paul Chantraine, PDG du tour-opérateur Asia. Pour lui, "tout est rentré dans l'ordre après un week-end agité".
Asia, dont 120 clients se trouvent actuellement en Thaïlande, n'a noté aucune demande d'annulation ou de retour anticipé. Son PDG s'attend toutefois à un "tassement de la demande pendant deux ou trois semaines".
Sinistrée après le blocus des aéroports en décembre dernier, la destination Thaïlande a pu rebondir grâce à des baisses de prix ciblées. Chez Asia, les réservations avaient repris en mars, avec une hausse de 15%.
Air France, qui assure un vol quotidien vers Bangkok au départ de Paris, a également maintenu son programme inchangé. "Nos avions sont bien remplis" et "les aéroports sont protégés par les autorités", a indiqué une porte-parole.
Désolé, mais en thailande c'est vacances jusqu'à jeudi et cela pour tous le monde
Salon de massage, cooking street and to many chops and shopping center
Comment peut on faire autant de déclarations plus ou moins fausses d'aprés ce que l'on vit ici !
Finalement combien de personnes sont vraiment en Thailande en ce moment par rapport à ceux qui ramassent des infos sur le web à plus de 12000 km....
Vraiment on voit de tout avec ce net c'est finalement une arme redoutable pour qui sait rédiger avec talent....
Des informations circulent en ce moment pour dire que l'armée à tué beaucoup de gens à l'exterieur de Bkk Qui peut condredire ou affirmer celà ?
Ne trouvez vous pas qu'il soit très étrange que aucun Thais ne diffuse quoique ce soit
sur le web endehors des médias....
Ils ont pourtant beaucoup d'amis dans le monde avec qui ils correspondent, de la pudeur ou la peur ?
Difficile de le savoir .....
Oui effectivement j'ai bien inversé les rôles.... nous dirons donc
Les rouges sont les populistes les plus pauvres ( région Nord ) et les Royalistes conservateurs du Sud (Intellectuels, riches familles, dignitaires etc...)
Il suffit de regarder les infrastructures du Nord avec celle du sud on comprend très vite
où se font les affaires (d'ailleurs ça en devient un vrai scandale au regards de ce qu'on peu voir en construction à Pattaya et Jomtiem un desastre car malgré ces nouvelles constructions l'infractructure est obsolète cherchez le pourquoi du comment ....
Il y a vraiment un desiquilibre qui doit être comblé en faveur du Nord Beaucoup de Thais en sont conscients mais ne veulent surtout pas payer et devinez qui taxera ...
Bonne nuit !
Il ne faudrait pas plaquer une grille de lecture politique occidentale sur un système profondément différent...Ca n'a strictement aucun sens.
S'il est vai que Thaksin a été élu régulièrement, cela ne veut pas dire que le camp adverse n'est pas démocratique.
S'il est vrai que Thaksin a été élu démocratiquement, cela ne veut pas dire que ses propres partisans sont anti-royalistes.
Je ne connais pas de courant anti-royaliste en Thailande, quelqu'un aurait-il des infos à ce propos?
Personnellement, je préfère un despote éclairé à un président de la république déconnecté des réalités...
S'il est vrai que le prince n'est pas aimé, il est possible que son accession au trône déclenche en lui un processus de responsabilisation...
Sacré cas de conscience pour Bhumibol!
Pour le calme sur les grandes villes, attendons quelques jours...Mais il est sûr que la population souahiterait le retour au calme le plus vite possible!
Rappelons-nous mai 68: le quartier latin était en " zone de guerre", mais partout ailleurs...
Ce qui est sûr, c'est que toute période agitée est en fin de compte défavorable à la démocratie au sens où nous l'entendons en France.
AUtant j'entends parler ma famille et mes amis thais des problèmes de corruption au quotidien, autant ils se sentent assez loin de ces luttes d'influence au sommet...
Pour finir, Je dirai que les jaunes sont les Socialistes et les rouges les libéraux ...Quand pensez vous
ou vice versa?
OU versa vice..................!!!😏
Copier l'adresse du mes
On peut être en pays monarchiste avec de la liberté (monarchie constitutionnelle cf. R.U.),
On peut être une république avec une "fausse" démocratie (cf. Russie, Pays d'Afrique, et pourquoi pas France où la séparation des pouvoirs est en train de se réduire comme peau de chagrin, et où il n'existe pas de réel contre-pouvoir de la presse comme aux USA)....
Ce que je voulais dire, c'est que ce n'est pas parce que la Thailande est une monarchie que ce n'est pas un pays " libre", ses problèmes ne viennent pas de là.
Quant à opposer le nord rouge et le sud jaune, ça n' a pas de sens.
Salut,
j'ai donné mon sentiment sur la situation ici
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2531220;#2531220
J'ignore si je suis dans le juste ou à côté de la plaque, c'est mon avis simplement.
Juste une chose, lorsque tu parles du Sud, tu ne prends pas en compte Patani, Yala et Narathiwat ? car c'est précisément une des raisons (être délaissé) de leur soulèvement contre le pouvoir central.
Pour en revenir a la situation, je crois que tant que Thaksin sera en liberte, les choses ne vont pas s'arranger. Il continuera a semer le trouble depuis l'etranger en financant les manifs et en excitant quelques sympatisants comme il le fait si bien maintenant.
La meilleur chose pour la stabilite du pays, ce serait de parvenir a capturer ce fugitif megalomane et de le juger pour tous les crimes qu'il a commis. Ca en calmerait quelques uns.
Pour finir, Je dirai que les jaunes sont les Socialistes et les rouges les libéraux ...Quand pensez vous
Juste une chose, lorsque tu parles du Sud, tu ne prends pas en compte Patani, Yala et Narathiwat ? car c'est précisément une des raisons (être délaissé) de leur soulèvement contre le pouvoir central.
Ben là, c'est une "gourance" invraisemblable, se fourrer le doigt dans l'oeil jusqu'à y mettre l'orteil ...
Les insurgés du "grand Sud" veulent l'indépendance de l'ancien sultanat de Pattani, et ils ne représentent qu'une infime minorité des habitants de cette région ...
Et je ne pense pas que l'indépendance soit autre chose qu'un "délaissement total", en clair "fiche le camp" au lieu de "viens voir ici mes problèmes" !
Le courant "indépendantiste" existe depuis que la région "appartient" à la Thaïlande, mais il est devenu violent et insurrectionnel par suite des méthodes employées par le gouvernement Thaksin et d'abord par l'envoi de troupes (*) thaïlandaises en Irak !
(*) : Si, pour l'ensemble de la population, la "part de musulmans" est faible, dans l'armée elle est beaucoup plus importante (3 fois environ), et les musulmans ne se voyaient pas très bien aller au bout du monde tuer des coreligionnaires sans aucun motif valable.
D'ailleurs, ces troupes ont "fait fureur" en Irak, c'étaient les seuls soldats à "sonner" (ou frapper) aux portes au lieu des les enfoncer à coup de bottes ...
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,
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.