A la recherche d'un circuit 5 jours pour le nord de l'ile de Luzon, j'ai 2 propositions quasiment identiques :Celle de Filipino Travel Center à 453 € par personneCelle de Asiaventure à 562 € par personneQuelqu'un connaît-il ces agences ? La différence de prix est-elle justifiée par des prestations supérieures (hôtel, guides ?) ou une meilleure réputation ?
La principale différence est que filipino travel center est une agence tenue par des philippins de Manille, et qu'Asiaventure est une agence philippine tenu par un français vivant à Manille. Pour se rendre là où tu souhaite aller, les moyens utilisés seront les même, les hôtels les mêmes...🙂
Sauf si tu choisis le trip accompagné, là, tu auras avec Asiaventure, normalement, un guide francophone...
les deux sont connus et ont fait leurs preuves...
Bonjour!
Un séjour.circuit de 5 jours sur le nord de luzon Banaue /Batad/Bontoc/baguio en inviduel 😉 te reviendra maxi a 150 euros par personne aller et retour y compris nuit à 2200php au Banue Hotel, avec bien sur petit déjeuner, bon repas _guide et transport tout compris;
A toi de voir et de décider, c"est de plus super facile à organiser en trés peu de temps!
C"est pas la mer à boire!
libre choix;libre budget!😉
Tu choisiras la solution qui t'agrée :463.562.150 euros repport qualité/prix!!!!LOL
C'est la première fois que je participe à un forum quelconque donc pardonnez moi si mon intervention est malhabile.
Début mars je serai à Manille avec mon épouse et nous allons réaliser le circuit à Banaue objet de la discussion.
Une première approche par E mail aux agences reconnues m'a étonné, les prix proposés sont environ 65 % plus élevés que dans le reste de l'Asie du SE visitée ces 3 ou 4 dernières années (Vietnam Malaisie Birmanie) pour un niveau de vie équivalent.
Ton intervention concernant le budget de 150 € par personne me semble effectivement plus correspondre à un budget local.
Mais peux-tu nous donner plus de renseignements par exemple quel transport pour ce budget, comment organiser les excursions à Banaue, doit on réserver impérativement la chambre à Banaue....
Toutes les informations pratiques seront les bienvenues.
Bien cordialement
Bonjour!😉
Les agences, les gens préssés, les anxieux, les assistés vont encore me tomber sur le dos!!LOL😄
Je vais néammoins te répondre car effectivement c'est la vérité et leurs tarifs sont tous délirants.
Maintenant , encore une fois, chacun fait comme il le veut!, mais organiser depuis Manille un séjour Banaue, bontoc, saguada, baguio c"est vraiment pas la mer a boire!!!
un peu salée leur addition!
Tu as des bus depuis Manille en direction de Banaue .
La mode actuelle est de conseiller le parcours de nuit!LOL, total t'y vois que dalle et 8 heures de bus climatisé ou tu cailles!!
LOL recommandé par les memes agences!
Le plus sympa! tu pars de jour et bus non clim, si possible et par Baguio.
Tu vas à Baguio par victory liner bus gare de pasay voir lonely planet pour précision mais les taxis connaissent!
Tu auras 4H30 de trajet et le marché de Baguio le soir vaut le déplacement, les environs jolis ;mais la ville quelquonque.
Tu couches ici, nombreux hotels en dehors de la semaine sainte pas besoin de réserver.
Le lendemain tu fais bontoc , banaue par le mountain train c a d la halsema road et la basang pass de JOUR , spectacle fabuleux;la route culmine à 2200 M et te menne à Bontoc, essaye de voyager sur le toit ;impressionnant! en bus 6X6 plein air!
Depuis Bontoc , tu vas à banaue et si tu veux profiter de la piscine apres la piste et faire un bon extra, tu descends au Banaue hotel qui est géré par le gouvernement philippin.Il te restera de l'argent puis que tu auras économisé le bus clim !!LOL😉
Peut ete reserver car tous les tours operator le prennent d'assaut, aller les chars! , je pense maintennant.
je n"avais rien réservé comme à mon habitude aux philippines!LOL et je trouve toujours qqc de sympa!
Depuis Banaue tu pourras faire toutes "les ballades à pied" ;on dit treck now! que tu veux;Prévoir de bonnes chaussures légeres meme si certains preferent les tongues!
Ca me rappelle avoir vu des basquets sur la mer de glace!
Les philippins ont des tongues mais , c'est faute de moyen et en ils y sont habitués
Moi, le truc au milieu des panards me dérange!
Depuis Banaue sur la place du marché , tu trouveras des bus, des jeepneys tout ce que tu veux pour Batad et Sagada pour ceux qui aiment la fumette, C'est pas mon truc!.
Tu peux revenir sur la cote par Bontoc et aller sur San fernando/la union(visiter le parc botanique)/el vigan ou revenir direct sur manille depuis Banaue;
Utilise la fonction rechercher ici sur ce site avec les mots clefs Banaue, Bontoc ect ..;et tu trouveras tout ce que tu souhaites;
En ce qui concerne un guide éventuel , tu trouveras des philippins forts sympa contents de gagner quelques pesos et tu ne dépensera guere plus de 150 euros pour deux personnes, puisque les chambres sont pour 2 people et que la nourriture et les transports sont cheap , cheap, cheapsss!
Un conseil, t'en fait moins mais tu ne te presse pas!
Il y en a il sont venu ici de nuit pour 3 jours ............;zon pas vu les ifuagos et se sont embourbéset y zon payés les 650 euroes!!!heroes!
Si la météo n"est pas bonne évite , change ton itinéraire et descends d"abord dans les visayas
Bon voyage!
Nav😏
bienvenu au pays du sourire:
franchement tu vas aimer;j ai consulté 😉ton profil!!
Et tu reviendras, je pars pour mon 5 eme voyage around the philippines:
jamais décu !
Amitiés
Nav
Merci Navigator pour ces précieux renseignements. La balle est dans mon camp maintenant. Reste à convaincre ma douce moitié (c'est bien ça, 50 kg ça fait bien la moitié de 100 !) qui aurait plutôt tendance à faire partie des "(modérément) anxieux" et qui ne partira que si tous les hébergements sont réservés d'avance (ou si j'arrive à le lui faire croire!)
Je suppose aussi qu'il faudra voyager léger, voire très léger et donc trouver une combine pour laisser le matos de plongée à Manille !
Bonsoir Ami
😉bienvenue au pays du sourire aussi!!!
Oui pour ton matériel de plongée , il te servira pas à banaue !
le mieux serai de voir avec ton hotel et peut etre nos amis expats auraient une solution pour toi.
oui ;mon style est direct , je me fais maintes fois attaquer sur ce sujet!!
Je comprends aussi ta moitié mais c 'est vraiment facile d-organiser ce trajet .
Pour ma part c"est un vrai plaisir d"utiliser uniquement les transports en commun philippins sauf taxi individuel en ville et moto sur les iles;
tu découvrira les philppines par l interieur.
J ai plaisir à me sentir un peu philippin ainsi et vivre un peu comme eux.
Il m arrive de dormir chez ma famille adoptive pendant 10 jours parterre sur le plancher de bois de la nipa nut LOL
çà redresse le dos!!! LOl et ça fait réfléchir!
Passe un bon séjour!
Nav
J'ai vu à plusieurs reprises passer le nom de Asiaventure dans ce forum pour l'organisation d'un circuit vers les rizières de Banaue depuis Manille. J'ai tenté de les contacter à plusieurs reprises en utilisant l'adresse e-mail indiquée sur leur site internet, mais mon mail me revient systématiquement (ce fameux Mailer Daemon😕). Quelqu'un aurait les coordonnées mail d'une des personnes de l'agence (Gianni?) afin que je le contacte ?
pourquoi une agence?????
pour se rendre a bontoc, banaue , sagada, ect.... superflus et guide sur place.
tu prends un taxi qui va te déposer au terminal bus pour Baguio ou banaue et avance l aventure!
Cest pas bien compliqué et moins cher!
Nav
Ton récit fait baver d’envie Nav ! ….Alors je t’invite… 3 jours en agence sans fatures : Programme…..Cebu- Motalangon-sumilon et une nuit au Bahishilton ! Et après a TOI de juger ! mon portable est sur le site.
Salut ami
Mais toi ;tu es un garçon sérieux qui fait surement honneur à ta profession:
Car avant de te lancer dans l"aventure du tourist operator , tu as fouiné" et tourné dans toutes les Philippines comme je le fais et pas non seulement participé à une semaine de découverte invité au frais de la princesse par les organisme touristiques philippins et même que invités , ils critiqueront et rapporteront une image négative par ce qu ils auront passé 5 jours à draguer autour d'une piscine entre occidentaux! de 25 balais.(réel et lu )
On se comprend! je ne citerai pas certains récits de commerciaux et dirigeants de tour opérator sur les philippines, suite à invitation d organismes touristiques;c'est hilarant!
En ce qui concerne Cebu ;je connais pas mal, depuis 6 ans et même des endroits insolites derrière Toledo et Pinamungajan;type hiden valley !Mon amie est de Pinamungajan!
Mais je ne suis pas blasé!
Sumilon et Bais c'est superbe, les cabanes Tchanké sur pilotis, comme on dit au bord du bassin d'Arcachon aussi c'est magique!
Je serai content de te rencontrer, boire une bière et approfondir ;mais tu sais ma conception de la découverte est très personnelle;je lis, j écoute ;je;planifie;j'organise et je fonce!
Des années aussi de navigation ont développé mon sens de l"orientation et un gout de la solitude en petit comité de gens connus et me ressemblent!
Maintenant ;je reconnais que certaines personnes n'ont aucun sens de l organisation ;pas de temps ;ça je ne le crois pas , on prend toujours son temps pour un investissement voyage même qu en on en pas beaucoup;une habitude d être managé ou assisté oui!une peur de l inconnu;oui!
Maintenant pour être honnête et toi qui connait , c'est pas la mer à boire pour faire et organiser une ballade de une semaine sur les rices terrasses, Baguio ;banaue et environ ;surtout qu il suffit de monter dans un bus et sur place une multitude de guide Philippins seront content de travailler!
Pour terminer , je conçois que tu défendes ton Agence et que tu as du^ cogiter un programme aux petits oignons que je partagerai entre ami avec toi entouré d'amis si l'occasion se trouvait.
Tout cela est up to me;il en faut pour tous les budgets et pour tous les gouts!
Ici mon rôle est un rôle de témoignage est complètement désintéressé, c'est le partage d'expériences vécues par un mec normal habitué à se débrouiller tout seul en toutes circonstances.
Tu vois notre approche est la même emprunte de la même honnêteté.
Apres chacun vois selon son gout , ses choix et son portefeuille!
Pour conclure , des contradicteurs , on en a toujours un paquet et pas toujours polis, logiques et sympa ;quand on avance ou on soutient des idées!
Mais j assume!
Je sais que tu as rencontré Denis De Bantayan.
Si tu lis mes spots, il n y a pas de récit, je²ne suis en aucun cas littéraire!
je ne sais pas raconter.
Suis content d’avoir opté pour les Phils et comme toi la passion m’anime. Job de l’agence fonctionner comme accélérateur pour faire comprendre, apprécier, découvrir les fabuleuses 7'107 îles Philippines a ceux qui ne disposent « que » de quelques semaines. Apres pour ou contre les AAgences ? Laisse le soi a tout un chacun de voir !
Bonsoir
Avec plaisir , je serais content de te rencontrer et échanger des idées entre amis , je suis convaincu de ta détermination et de ton honnêteté.
Je ne suis pas pour ou contre les agences mais malheureusement ;il existe beaucoup de malhonnête et quelquefois aussi ça me désole de voir notre peuple vivre d assistanat sans chercher à comprendre!
Toi qui cherches , tu apparais comme un Zombie, un prétentieux ou un extraterrestre!
Tu connais les philippines et tu vois chaque jour comment les gens essayent de se débrouiller pour tirer le diable par la queue!
Un exemple!
Par internet toute l information est a notre portée pourquoi ne pas en profiter? et je suis convaincu que ton actionest louable et profitable !
Personnellement , je ne suis pas habitué!
J ai trouvé un lien qui te plaira à exploiter;une ballade jusqu'à Kawasan falls et pourquoi pas poursuivre jusqu'à Malboal.
amities
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
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, 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.