Nous partons le 21 janvier avec British Airways via Londres ( transit de 3 h 20 pour "assurer" , nous espérons suffisant) et pensons passer 3 ou 4 jours en Thaïlande en cas de problème avec les bagages ( mauvaise réputation de Heathrow ) avant de nous envoler vers la Birmanie.
Prévision: 28 jours en B. et 18 en Thaïlande.
- région du Triangle d'Or : où est- ce le plus intéressant mais aussi le plus réalisable : B ou T ?
- 7 jours balnéaires : nous pensons plutôt dans une île de Thaïlande, plus facile d'accès que les plages de Birmanie, même si celles-ci sont moins fréquentées.
Nous voulons éviter des "répétitions" et cherchons à choisir ce qui est le mieux dans chacun des 2 pays.
Bien sûr nous irons à Ayuthaya et Sukhothai. La région de Kanchanaburi est-elle intéressante ? Nous pensons y aller directement à notre arrivée à BKK avant notre vol pour Yangoon.
Nous sommes déjà allés au Vietnam, Laos et Cambodge.
Merci à tous ceux qui peuvent nous conseiller pour l'organisation de notre séjour dans ces 2 pays.
Cordialement.
Vulcanie.
Je ne connais pas encore la Birmanie, mais concernant la Thaïlande et comme tu souhaites éviter les répétitions et à moins que tu ne sois réellement mordue de vielles pierres, choisis soit Ayutthaya soit Sukhothai, la première étant peut être moins "complète" que la seconde mais rapidement accessible de Bangkok.
Pour ce qui est des îles je ne peux que t'inviter à éviter Samui et Phuket et à leur privilégier leurs consorts qui s'égrenent plus au sud, dans la mer d'Andaman, jusqu'à la Malaisie. Je ne peux que te conseiller: Lipe, Adang, Bulon Lae etc... accessibles depuis Hat Yai via Pakbara. L'avion est à éviter, les trains sont tellement magiques tout en restant très confortables!
Pour ce qui est du nord du pays, je préfère pour ma part la région de Mae Sariang ou l'Isaan.
Le mieux serait selon moi de rester quelques jours à Bangkok et aux alentours, de s'envoler vers Yangoon, de remonter vers le centre de la Birmanie, de s'envoler de Mandalay vers Chiang Mai puis de redescendre paisiblement vers les plages du sud via Sukhothai.
Merci Svenn pour tes conseils. Je connais effectivement les îles à éviter, je pense que nous irons en train mais reviendrons en avion avec des points Thaï pour gagner du temps sur place.
Quant au circuit -retour de Mandalay à Chiang Mai, qui paraît évident, j'y avais aussi pensé mais ce serait trop simple ! plus de vols internationaux de Mandalay vers la T., ai-je lu sur les forums donc pas le choix : retour Yangon-BKK.C'est dommage.
Cordialement.
Vulcanie.
Bonsoir Odile
28 jours en Birmanie, cela va ètre génial.
Comment voulez-vous voyager ?
Nous, nous voyageons toujours en Voiture avec un chauffeur/guide qui depuis 6 ans est devenu un véritable ami et à qui j'envoie chaque année beaucoup de Forumistes qui sont tous revenus absolument enchantés.
En 3 semaines vous devez faire sans vous presser les sites incontournables que sont INLE MANDALAY BAGAN et le ROCHER D'OR.
Je vous conseille aussi de faire un TREK facile de 2 jours entre KALAW et INLE et de consacrer une semaine pour aller à MRAUK U.
S'il vous reste du temps vous pouvez aussi aller à HPA AN MOULMEIN - MONYWA POW , WIN DOUNG , etc
Je reste à ta disposition pour t'aider à construire ton voyage.
A bientôt
Merci pour tes conseils.Nous avons prévu les incontournables, le trek.Je pense effectivement aller vers le sud-est, peut-être en continuant après Bago.Nous voyageons habituellement en transport collectif : train et bus, ne prenant l'avion intérieur que par nécessité pour différentes raisons ( économiques, écologiques, sécurité et rencontres avec la population ) car nous avons toujours le temps.En Birmanie, nous prendrons l'avion pour revenir de Heho à Yangon . Je veux bien les coordonnées de chauffeurs privés pour des petits circuits locaux que nous faisons à la journée ( ou 2 ) quand les transports collectifs sont vraiment difficiles ou inexistants.Je veux bien aussi des infos sur le trek Kalaw-Inle ( guide, prix, hébergement, heures de marche/jour et difficulté : nous avons marché en juillet 1 semaine dans le Mercantour et partons pour 2 semaines de rando à Madère ).
Bien sûr, je pense à Mrauk U mais je ne sais si c'est réalisable étant donné la difficulté des transports ou la nécessité de prendre l'avion.Tu parles d'1 semaine. Comment se répartit ce temps ? A prévoir en fin de voyage avant de repartir à BKK et de visiter Yangon ( ce qui donne une marge de sécurité par rapport au vol pour BKK ) ?
Nous laissons de côté les plages birmanes, sachant que nous pensons aller vers une île tranquille de Thaïlande ?
Il faut choisir ! Mrauk U ou le nord vers Myitkyina ou Kengtung ( seulement en avion ? )? Nous voulons privilégier les régions qui diffèrent le plus ( par la population , les paysages ou l'habitat ) du Nord Laos, Nord Vietnam où nous sommes allés et de la Thaïlande où nous allons ensuite.Le Triangle d'Or est-il plus accessible en Thaïlande mais sans doute beaucoup plus touristique ? J'attends pour acheter les dernières éditions de guides.
Merci pour les réponses à mes questions.J'ai déjà regarder ton blog très utile.
Cordialement.
Vulcanie.
Après les incontounables , Si tu veux aller à MRAUK U , KENGTUNG ou MYITKYINA il faudra prendre l'Avion.
Il est possible d'aller à MYITKYINA en bus ou en Train, mais je conseille fortement l'Avion à l'Aller, le retour se faisant :soit en BUS, SPEED BOAT ET TRAIN , soit en BUS ET BATEAU LENT.
Pour moi le mieux c'est MRAUK U.
Pour y aller il faut le premier jour prendre l'Avion jusqu'à SITTWE, le lendemain 8 heures de bateau pour MRAUK U 3 jours sur place, ; puis retour comme à l'aller ce qui fait une semaine.
Si tu veux faire Le ROCHER d'OR MOULMEIN et HPA AN je te conseille de prendre une voiture à YANGON pour3/4 jours.
Mon ami WYN ou sa famille se fera un plaisir de vous accompagner. Voici son Mail :wynmyint@gmail.com .
Pour le TREK entre KALAW et INLE : il dure 2 ou 3 jours.
Pour 2 jours et par personne :
Taxi pour aller au départ 20 Dollars
Guide et nourriture 20 Dollars
DONATION Pour la nuit au Monastère 5 Dollars
BATEAU INDEIN HOTEL 15 Dollars
Je ne pense pas qu'actuellement il soit possible de prendre l'Avion entre MANDALAY et CHIANG MAI.
A ta disposition
Amicalement
Bonjour Lobo
Merci pour les infos. A qui s'adresser pour le trek ?Le prix du taxi et du guide est bien à x par 2 ? Je n'ai pas trouvé Win Doung.
Prix de l'avion pour Sittwe ? Compagnie sérieuse ? Quand faut-il réserver pour fin janvier ou février ?
Cordialement.
Vulcanie.
hello mon depart approche et j'ai besoin de quelques conseils, je vais rester 17 jrs en birmanie, je compte faire le traditionnel parcourt, yangoon(3 jrs)-Bagan(3jrs)-Mandalay(3jrs)-lac Inle avec le treck(3 à 5 jrs), je ne sais pas trop dans quel ordre.
Je ne veux pas prendre l'avion , j'aime assez le voyage en train, tres depaysant ou le bateau.
Mais je n 'ai pas trop envie non plus de passer des journées entieres dans les transports.
Je ne suis pas préssée , que faire aprés Yangoon?, une escale intéréssante avant Bagan? , Mrauk U pourquoi pas mais cela rsique de m'obliger à prendre l 'avion par manque de temps.
Je vais manquer de jours, bouhouhou....
A KALAW tu peux descendre au EASTERN PARADISE 15/20 Dollars
Ou au DREAM VILLA 20/25 Dollars
Ces hôtels auront un guide à te proposer.
Le prix du guide est à multiplier par deux, pas le prix du Taxi.
Tu as besoin du Taxi pour un Trek de 2 jours, pour 3 Jours il n'y en a pas besoin.
Pas de problème avec les Compagnies Aériennes. Le prix pour SITTWE doit ètre dans les 80/90 Dollars.
Réserver 1 mois avant semble suffisant
17 jours c'est vraiment court.Alors oublie MRAUK U ( il faut 4 jours rien que pour faire l'Aller et le Retour + 3 jours sur place)
Pour ne pas perdre de temps, je te conseille de faire ton circuit comme suit:
2 jours à YANGON suffisent
Train de nuit ou Bus pour MANDALAY
MANDALAY BAGAN en bateau, mais ça prend toute la journée ou BUS.
BAGAN KALAW en BUS
KALAW INLE trek de 2/3 jours
INLE ( HEHO ) YANGON en AVion
Pour faire tout ça en 17 jours il ne faudra pas perdre de temps.Essaie de rester plus longtemps.
A ta disposition
voudrais bien mais j'peux point!!!, hé non malheureusement je peux pas rallonger plus, il va falloir que je fasse avec, si je prends parfois le taxi je gagne du temps sur les trajets?, le bataeu à Bagan ca doit etre bien sympa non?meme si c'est la journee...
Facile de voyager de nuit?.
Le train a déconseiller si on a pas bcp de temps?, je n'ai pas envie de courir non plus...
Rien a voir entre Yangoon et Mandalay? combien de temps en trajet?le prix de l'avion inle -yangoon?.
c'est pas si court 17 jrs c'est presque 3 semaine....
Non pas grand chose à voir entre YANGON et MANDALAY à part BAGO. Tu passeras près de la Nouvelle Capitale mais on n'a pas le droit d'y entrer.
Tu devrais prendre le BUS de Nuit.Il n'y a aucun risque.
Sympa le bateau MANDALAY BAGAN.
Les taxis ne vont guère plus vite que les bus, c'est à dire très lentement.
Renseigne-toi à BAGAN, il y a des Mini bus pour KALAW et INLE , guère plus chers que les BUS.
Mais si vous pouvez ètre trois prends un Taxi.
L' avion entre YANGON et MANDALAY entre 80 et 100 Dollars
A +
Bonsoir et merci pour ta nouvelle réponse. Je vais réfléchir et préciser l'itinéraire.Pour le moment, petite pause car nous partons bientôt marcher 2 semaines à Madère et je dois finir la préparation de ce petit voyage.
Cordialement.
Vulcanie.
😎 Bonjour 28 jours , c'est vraiment le top.C'est exactement ce que nous avions.Ca nous a permis de visiter les principaux endroits , de faire le trek kalaw-inle en 3 jours , et de finir par 4 jours de plage à ngapaly. Absolument génial.
Pour des infos pratiques : http://bzhjean.skyblog.com
jeannôt
Bonjour et merci. J'irai consulter ton blog.Nous n'irons pas à Ngapaly, ce qui nous fera 4 jours de plus pour d'autres régions car nous avons 18 jours à passer en Thaïlande et c'est là que nous irons profiter de la mer.
Cordialement.
Vulcanie.
pour rajouter des pièces à ton puzzle, je dirais qu'il est possible de quitter la BIRMANIE PAR VOIE TERRESTRE à tACHILEK, mais il faut prendre l'avion entre Heho et Kenktung, ça peux t'arranger pour rejoindre Chiang Mai plus facilement.
Sinon pour les speedés ( ou peu de temps), y'a le bus de nuit "Yangon - Mandalay" et un train de nuit "Mandalay - Bagan". il y'a également des bus de nuit "Mandalay - Nyaughwe".
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.
