Je pars 3 semaine à Bali en septembre et au fil de mes recherches j'ai été pas mal intéressée par l'île de Sulawesi qui a l'air assez incroyable... Alors je pose la question à ceux qui y sont déjà allés : y a t il besoin d'un guide-chauffeur ou pas (je suis seule pour l'instant) ? Quels sont les endroits à ne pas manquer (visite et snorkelling) ? Une semaine est-ce trop long ou trop court ? (sachant que je combine avec évidemment la visite de Bali sur ces 3 semaines)
Come ce qui a ete dit plus haut: pour 3 semaines c'est soit Bali, soit Sulawesi.
Tu n'as pas necessairement besoin d'un guide chauffeur a Sulawesi, tout peut se visiter en transport en commun - mais les trajets peuvent etre longs. A Bali non plus pas forcement besoin de chauffeur, mais la ca vaudrait vraiement la peine de louer une voiture ou un scooter (voir les nombreux topics sur ce sujet sur le forum).
Choisis en fonction du style de voyage que tu preferes: a Bali en septembre ca sera encore bien busy a Kuta, Ubud, peut etre certaines localites balneaires aussi, mais au moins tu auras beaucoup moins de temps a passer dans les transports. A Sulawesi, tu devrais vraiment etre tranquille (on y etait en aout et il n'y a pas beaucoup de touristes - a part a Bunaken peut etre), mais ce sera plus 'roots'.
Moi je pars 20 jours à Sulawesi puis 8 à Bali, le tout en Juillet.
J'ai quasiment tout organisé pour Sulawesi, guide pour quelques jours au pays toraja, puis Togian et Bali où j'ai réservé les hotels.
Bon voyage!
3 semaines pour Bali Sulawasi impossible!!
Nous y étions en Mai. Il te faut 6 jours minimum pour faire Macala visister le pays toraja et retour par Bira. La route est très fatigante pas en très bon état et je te conseille vivement un chauffeur.
Nous rentrons de voyage en Indonésie depuis le 1er juin. Nous avons parcouru quelques iles : BALI en 10j (farniente), les iles de Komodo et Rinca, Sumatra java, lombok etc...en presque deux mois. Nous tenons à te dire que nous avons terminé par Sulawesi ou nous avons passé 12j avec chauffeur et guide parlant français bien sur. Oui, les trajets sont longs et les routes pas très bonnes. Tu peux, à notre sens, aller a Bali à la fin de ton sejour pour le farniente (nous y sommes restés aussi 10 jours)Tout dépend de ce que tu attends de ces 3 semaines de vacances.
Il ne faut pas laisser de côté Sulawesi encore pas très visitée. Notre chauffeur dont le nom a été trouvé sur ce forum était génial, compétent et d'origine Toraja! Tu te doutes donc que son expérience fut très utile et enrichissante. Que du bonheur!
Nous sommes partis de Makassar avec un véhicule neuf bien sur climatisé, Notre circuit en 12j était celui ci : Makassar, Bira, Sengkang, Rantepao, , Tentena, Ampana.Puis le bâteau public pour les îles Togian et plus particulièrement 3j a l'île de Kétupat. De retour a Ampana puis direction Palu ou nous avons pris l'avion pour retourner à Makassar. Notre conseil : Prends ce guide à Makassar et ne va pas aux iles Togian si tu n'en as pas le temps.Contente toi alors du pays Toraja jusqu'à Rantepao avec en prime un guide d'une gentillesse et d'une compétence (je me répète) à toute épreuve. (8j à Bali, 10 à Sulawesi. Il s'appelle TOPIK et voici ses coordonnées :mail : ufik_z@yahoo.com. Nous restons à ta disposition pour tout renseignement, profites car nous rentrons et notre mémoire est encore toute fraîche!
Désolée, je n'avais pas vu que tu avais peut être renoncée à aller aux Célèbes.N'en fais rien, c'est tellement autre chose par rapport aux autres îles! Je me permets de te le dire à nouveau c'est tout a fait possible avec un chauffeur et un guide d'aller 8j à 10j aux Célèbes avec le circuit que j'ai déjà indiqué tout à l'heure et ensuite Bali pour le farniente. TOPIK sera de bon conseil n'hésite pas à le contacter il saura te concocter ton circuit dont tu te souviendras longtemps ! En espérant que tu auras la chance d'assister aux moins à des funérailles s'il y en a à ce moment là. Peut etre pourrais je encore t'aider. Tu as raison c'est une île fantastique et tellement incroyable. Topik a su nous communiquer "son savoir", les coutumes des torajas....Nous avons été emballés.
merci pour ces précieux conseils !!! j'avoue être indécise pour le coup mais je garde bien en tête tout ce que vous venez de me dire et surtout le mail du guide que vous avez rencontrés !
Excuse moi pour avoir tarde à te trépondre.Un dernier conseil: NE TE PRIVE PAS D'ALLER A SULAWESI.Il existe des vols avec air asia makassar-Denpassar et vice versa à des prix très compétitifs.Bien sur, c'est mieux de finir par Bali.Je te conseille d'aller sur le site du guide (TOPIK) dont tu as déjà le mail.Tu es de Marseille et nous à La Ciotat.Comment te joindre par téléphone pour pouvoir t'aider.Voici le site de TOPIK
www.sulawesi.jimdo.com A ta disposition pour tous rensignements
Bonjour,
Excuse-moi car j'ai dit que tu étais de Marseille .En fait j'ai confondu car en meme temps je répondais à quelqu'un de MARSEILLE qui recherchait le routard d'Indonésie..Qu'à cela ne tienne maintiens ton séjour à Sulawesi.Pour que tu n'abandonnes pas voici le site de notre guide:
www.sulawesi.jimdo.com
Tu peux lui dire que tu viens de la part de Magguy et Martial
Bon séjour .............à ..................SULAWESI
Bonjour
Etant actuellement en préparation tour du monde pour avril 2010, nous prévoyons 3 mois en Indonésie.
Penses-tu que Les Célèbes peuvent être faites avec des petits enfants:3 ans et 6 ans?
Peux-tu me dire combien t'a couté ton circuit avec Topik et qu'est -ce qui était inclus?
Merci d'avance
Excuse moi tout d'abord pour mon retard, mon ordinateur avait explosé!
Oui le voyage aux Célèbes peut être fait avec des enfants jeunes à condition de prendre le guide avec chauffeur comme Topik que bien sur, tu l'as lu, nous recommandons. T u peux lui écrire directement et lui demander les prix actualisés. Nous y sommes allées dans les derniers 15 jours du mois de mai et nous nous sommes régalés.
Nous te conseillons bien sur le pays Toraja, . Tu vas faire un tour du monde avec tes enfants dont 3 mois en Indonésie dit-tu : Nous pensons que tu dois être habitué à des voyages longs et lointains donc forcément un peu fatigants. Avec Topik, nous avions aussi un chauffeur sympa et une voiture extra car les routes sont en mauvais état...
Par exemple, si tu veux aller aux îles Togian, trajet en bâteau est long et pénible. Nous avons payé pour 13j 12 nuits 455 euros par personne. Ce prix comprend le guide avec chauffeur, l'assurance, l'essence tout compris, l'hébergement avec petit déjeuner dans des hôtels corrects vu qu'il s'agit des Célèbes et que l'hôtellerie n'est pas développée, mais également le trajet en bâteau pour les iles Togian aller et retour avec pension complète pour 3 ou 4 nuits on ne s'en souvient plus. On est parti en voiture depuis Makassar et on est retourné en avion à Makassar à nos frais depuis PALU. Vous pourrez retourner avec Topik à Makassar en voiture si vous le désirez. Nous étions pressés et avons préféré l'avion. Nous pensons que les îles Togian valent le coup mais ne pas aller à celle conseillée par Topik (Ketupat) qui est trop éloingnée il vaut mieux aller dans une île plus proche. En te renouvelant nos excuses As tu l'adresse de Topik?
Merci pour ta réponse , j'ai noté l'adresse de Topik + haut dans la discussion.
Te souviens-tu du prix du vol Bali-Makassar?Trouves-tu que les îles Tojians sont à voir absolument?
Pour le pays toradjas combien de jours sont nécéssaires?
Bonjour,
Désolé mais je ne connais pas le prix du vol Bali-Makassar car nous sommes allés de Médan à Makassar.Le plus simple est d'acheter le billet sur internet en allant sur le site de Air Asia.Ils ont des tarifs défiant toute concurence.
En ce qui concerne les iles Toggian, on peut très bien s'en passer.Ce n'est pas mal mais sans plus, C'est trop long pour un intéret moindre.
4 à 5 jours en pays Torajas sont largement suffisant et Topik pourra surement te faire assister a quelques cérémonies d'ailleurs tu pourras lui dire que tu viens de la part de Magguy et Martial.
A ta disposition si tu désires de nouveaux renseignements
Pour le vol Bali Makassar et vice versa, je le prend fin janvier , il est à 762000 idr sur Garuda et 835000 sur Lion air.
Quant à Air Asia elle ne fait pas cette ligne.
Bonjour,
Je prépare un voyage assez court à Sulawesi et je suis "tombée" sur votre message . Ayant peu de temps, j'aimerais bien trouver un chauffeur mais tous ceux que j'ai contacté, y compris Topik , me demandent un prix ahurissant . (500 euros pour 2, uniquement la voiture et un guide en pays Toraja).
Notre parcours est le suivant: Makassar/Rantepao. 2 jours sur place (peut être 3), Tentena , Ampana, 4 jours sur les Togians (Kaddidiri Paradise ?), puis Palu. Notre parcours ressemble au vôtre, sans Bira. (13 jours au total)
Le prix que vous avez payé semble plus avantageux, puisqu'il inclut les hôtels, le bateau et les repas sur les îles Togeans. Disposiez-vous d'une voiture pour faire le trajet Ampana Palu ? Dans quel type d'hôtels logiez-vous ? On ne veut pas mettre plus de 25/3O euros pour 2.
Peut être est ce plus intéressant de trouver un taxi une fois sur place, à Makassar ? puis un autre de Rantepao à Ampana, etc ...
J'ai déjà acheté les billets d'avion Palu/Makassar.
Merci pour vos infos !
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone.
I’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
