hi everyone 🙂, I’d like to know if any of you have recently—or within the last 2 years—built a house in Thailand and could give me an idea of the all-in price. I’m not looking for luxury, just a comfortable home with 3 bedrooms. I already have the land, which is in the Khorat region for those who know it. I’d really appreciate any info you can share—thanks in advance!
Best regards.
It can easily exceed a million, but as Thuan said, you can get away with 400,000 baht if you already own the land (the land would cost around 200,000 baht, I think).
And I totally agree with Siammmarc’s advice—check, double-check, be on-site, and expect to have things redone when they don’t match what was planned... even if it’s a competent team working on it. Check out my recent post where I talk about construction work, among other things, for an example.
In the provinces, as Thuan mentioned: a base figure of 400 to 500,000 THB and 4 to 6 months of construction
for a single-story house with 3 bedrooms,
and "Thai" standard.
Thai standard means:
minimum foundation (depends on the soil)
concrete slab floor (no crawl space) and concrete pillars
single-thickness concrete walls with no insulation,
fibro or metal tile roof (with just an aluminum sheet under the tiles for thermal insulation)
fibro false ceiling (no fiberglass insulation)
single-glazed windows with wood or aluminum frames and mosquito screens
Thai electrical standards (not recessed, no grounding, no phase balancing, no three-phase, overhead power supply)
phone lines not recessed (often just 1 or 2 outlets for the whole house—or even useless since mobile phones)
TV network not recessed (or not included since satellite is used)
water/sanitary network installed under the slab (not accessible) and without intermediate shut-off valves
Thai lighting (just one fluorescent ceiling light per room), no two-way switches, no grounding
bathroom with wall-mounted water heater (no grounding)
open Thai kitchen (reduced to the bare minimum)
As soon as you step outside the standard and what local workers can do, it gets harder—especially for finishes (e.g., it’s tough to get electrical outlets and switches at the same height!!)
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One real piece of advice: like everywhere in the world, you’ll find good and not-so-good craftsmen.
So take your time selecting the foreman (by checking out other projects they’re working on)
and in all cases, be your own site inspector and do it daily.
Great detailed answer! You can really tell you’ve got experience!
But when you mention clay tiles as one of the options, I got the impression that they’d be way more expensive than corrugated metal or fibro roofing. I don’t know myself—I’m only doing a renovation without touching the existing roof—but when I ask out of curiosity about tiles (I’m thinking about it for the future because they look so much nicer and might be better for insulation), everyone just goes “phaaeng!”
If it's a renovation, you can't just switch from corrugated iron to fibro, let alone from fibro to tiles—you’d have to completely redo the framework because a tiled roof is *much* heavier.
For insulation, there’s almost no difference between a corrugated iron, fibro, or tiled roof unless you paint your roof a light color, like white—definitely not blue, red, or any dark shade! :)
If you have a false ceiling, insulate with fiberglass up to the top of it.
If there’s no false ceiling, that probably means it’s a traditional, completely open house. In that case, you should maximize natural ventilation at the top (since heat rises) and create openings up high so the hot air can escape (and as it does, it pulls in cooler air from below...).
That’s the principle behind all traditional tropical architecture (no air conditioning, obviously!!).
That’s also why you see temples in Thailand with multiple roofs—for example.
Even if there’s a religious or symbolic meaning behind the multiple roofs, practical common-sense rules often originated from religious guidelines.
If it's under renovation, you can't just switch from corrugated iron to fibro, let alone from fibro to tiles—since you'd then have to completely redo the framework. A tiled roof is significantly heavier.
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I completely agree, and that would considerably increase the costs. In my opinion, redoing the framework to install a tiled roof should easily exceed 100,000 baht for a relatively modest-sized house.
But my comment was about installing tiles for a new build. Wouldn’t a tiled roof be much more expensive than a corrugated iron or fibro roof, given the need for a stronger framework and the more costly roofing material?
The comments on insulation and ventilation are also interesting. In the (traditional) house I know, we installed a ceiling on the upper floor to insulate the "ห้องล่างค่ะ" (lower room). Actually, it was always very hot upstairs before, unless we opened all the windows—but that wasn’t always practical either. So, we put in a ceiling, and now we’ll need to add insulation (fiber) on top. You have to explain for a long time what you want because it’s really outside the usual approach. While people here understand ventilation, they don’t really grasp the concept of insulation!
I came across your report on the renovation of the house near your Thai Macondo.
Indeed, a simple Thai farmhouse with wooden posts, an elevated house, and a corrugated iron roof is a great example of tropical architecture with high ventilation.
The roof gables aren’t sealed and let the hot air accumulated under the iron escape. In older traditional houses with small tiles, the hot air obviously passes between the tiles, which isn’t the case with corrugated iron or fibro.
Installing a false ceiling often has the effect of sealing off the space under the roof and trapping hot air in the ceiling-roof volume. As a result, the hot air rises to 50 or 60 degrees and inevitably radiates through the false ceiling into the room.
There are two solutions for this:
- Redo openings in the upper part of the roof or at least in the triangle at both ends (you can see in traditional houses that the roof extends beyond the two walls at each end, creating a sort of ventilation skylight—it’s important that the roof is oriented in the direction of the prevailing winds).
And, of course, create air inlets at the lower part of the roof.
- Depending on the budget, add glass wool insulation on the false ceiling. However, this solution isn’t well-suited for the countryside, where all sorts of animals (lizards, geckos, and night birds) will nest under the roof.
So, in the case of Baan Nork’s house, it’s best to forget about this and focus on a ventilation solution.
The third solution is to set up a very fine water sprinkler system on the roof (you see some countryside restaurants using this).
The water evaporates on the superheated iron, and the "refrigerator" effect means the inner side of the iron releases cold (actually absorbs heat).
It’s super effective when the sprinkler flow is well-adjusted, and it’s a very efficient (and cheap) air conditioning system if you have a water source nearby.
In my case, I built a modern house with insulation (double walls—the masons were shocked when they saw the plans) and ceiling insulation.
But with a modern approach to tropical architecture: very high ceilings, roofs extending well beyond the outer walls, and natural thermal ventilation for walls and ceilings.
As a result, I hardly ever use air conditioning (except during the hottest part of April).
Nice to see forum members who catch literary nods ("Macondo")! Indeed, the roof extends more than a meter on each side, so it’ll be possible to add the openings you mentioned, which are needed to ensure ventilation—now compromised by the ceiling installation. These kinds of openings are well-known in traditional architecture, with grilles to keep birds out (exactly!). You mentioned "air inlets at the lower part of the roof"—what do you mean exactly?
I was thinking about the pest issue regarding the fiberglass we could install above the ceiling to better insulate the upper floor. But I’ll find a solution eventually. The goal is ultimately to minimize the need for air conditioning.
Back to the topic of the post: costs! Thanks for the info. Since I haven’t looked too closely at roofing (see above: renovation in my case, so keeping the original roof), I’m not entirely sure about the difference (if there is one) between the cement tiles you mentioned and the glazed tiles you see everywhere in all colors. Are they the same thing?
As for costs, based on your figures, the price per square meter works out to between 121 and 143 baht for cement tiles (which doesn’t seem expensive at all), while it’s 143 baht for fibro. So practically the same. I had the impression tiles would be pricier. Plus, you have to factor in the total cost of the framework, and if I understood correctly, you’ll need a sturdier frame to support the tiles, so it’ll still end up being more expensive in the end. Any thoughts on that?
Oh, and by the way, your avatar has gorgeous eyes!
Hey there, Thuan, it’s been ages since we last crossed paths on the forum! But you’re still being cryptic—what’s the 3,000 baht for? Oh, sorry! I see there’s a link about a thermal well. Awesome, thanks! We’ll be able to learn more now!
Avoid fiberglass—animals will always find a way to sneak in!
Ventilation or, as mentioned above, spraying the roof (I often saw this in floating restaurants when I lived near Phitsanulok: the corrugated iron roof was constantly sprayed with water).
Here are two examples of gables:
one with an extended gable, the other completely closed with a beautiful carved wooden lattice panel.
Avoid fiberglass—animals will always find a way in!
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Maybe the solution in the end will be to double the ceiling from below rather than above. With a ceiling height of 2.60 m, there’s plenty of room!
if you double your false ceiling without natural ventilation, it won’t change a thing since it’ll just be another trapped pocket of hot air!
and it’s also ideal for critters
even if the space under the roof is well ventilated? And if the insulation is done properly, sealed tightly, what risk could there be with animals? It’d be a bit like the gap between two brick walls, right?
Thanks so much for all your super interesting info! 🙂 I just got back from work and I’m checking out your tips right now. My budget is 800,000 baht for 2 rai of land. I’m leaving Nice on October 17th for Bangkok with my wife and our four kids. I’ll take the opportunity to meet a builder and do as you suggested—check out what they’re currently working on or have already done to get an idea of the quality of their work. However, for the construction, it’s my father-in-law who’ll be supervising the work. If you know any builders in the Jaturat or Chaiyaphum area, I’d love to hear about them! Thanks again for your help! 🙂
Good point, Marc. It’s not like this is a one-off experience: walls built a good meter away from where they were supposed to be, and staircases that were unusable and had to be half-demolished to fix, for example (see my recent post on Bâan Nâawk).
The laid-back attitude of the people is nice, but the flip side is that there’s not much attention to detail. Following plans? Totally foreign concept!
And finding a good team of workers isn’t enough—don’t kid yourself. The simple truth is: you’ve got to be there in person.
Not sure if it's a coincidence, but "jaturat" in Thai means "square." If you're "square" and love straight lines, don't trust anyone to build your house—be on-site and check everything!
Being on-site won’t be possible since I’m only staying for 3 weeks, so I’ll have to trust the mason and my father-in-law who lives nearby. Initially, my wife and I wanted a two-story house, but to make the work less overwhelming, we’ve decided on a single-story home. I’ll keep you updated on the project’s progress for those who, like me, hesitated for a long time before taking the first step to build a house in Thailand. Thanks again for all your tips! 🙂
I’m not planning to build anything myself, but this discussion is fascinating!
You learn so much, and a lot of the advice is really professional!
Great job.
Listen to the great tips from the VF pros and locals... find a highly trustworthy person to oversee your construction, otherwise you’ll go from one surprise to another, and they won’t be the good kind. Just look at what happens here in France when you’re not on-site during construction. Good luck with this adventure—just a few tough months ahead!
" Le seul moyen de se débarrasser d'une tentation, c'est d'y céder"
I know you’ll only be there for three weeks,
so expect some surprises.
If you let your father-in-law handle the construction, just don’t get mad at him when you come back to see the result.
Your father-in-law will supervise the work *Thai-style* (and I assume it won’t be professional?),
and he’ll build a house according to his own logic (even if you’ve explained your logic to him a thousand times).
But if your project is a small countryside house with a traditional wooden structure, corrugated metal roofing, and Thai-style kitchen and bathroom,
then don’t worry—
there won’t be any major issues because it’ll be built to the Thai standard your workers know well.
I’d even say that’s what I recommend: the simplest, most basic option, built to local standards.
* *****************************
If, however, you have a bigger project—and especially different standards or a different design—that’s when things get complicated!
That was my case, but since architecture, project design, and supervision are kind of my thing, I spent six months on-site every day, and the result speaks for itself.
Good luck!
Being there in person won’t be possible since I’m only staying for 3 weeks, so I’ll have to trust the builder and my father-in-law who lives nearby. Initially, my wife and I wanted a two-story house, but to make the work less intense, we’ve decided on a single-story home. I’ll keep you updated on the project’s progress for those who, like me, hesitated for a long time before taking the first step to build a house in Thailand. Thanks again for your info! :)
Best regards
Hello,
Building student rental rooms near KKU was a great experience—construction started at the end of March and finished by early July, just in time for rentals to begin. It’s already fully booked...
One thing’s for sure, as Thuan said: it’s important to monitor the work daily.
I was lucky to have my wife and father-in-law on-site, who sent me photos via the internet so we could discuss the progress together.
There were many times we had to correct what the builders, electricians, drywallers, etc., were doing.
Working with Thais is really rewarding (on a human level).
As the "owner," don’t hesitate to bring a bottle of M150, green or red Fanta for the builders working for you. It doesn’t cost much and is greatly appreciated.
Moral of the story: to be stress-free, pay a deposit, never participate in or supervise the work yourself, and come back when it's all done.
Move in your furniture, and voilà! 😉
Small example: one bag of cement needs three bags of sand (to be correct). If no one’s around or doesn’t know the construction rules… (the father-in-law, for instance), you’ll see five bags of sand for one bag of cement. Result: a year later, you’re spending all your time patching cracks.
Another, more dramatic example: foundations. If the land’s damp or clay-heavy, the foundations need what they call "aiguilles" in Thailand—concrete or wooden piles. Their length and thickness depend on the weight. Who’s gonna check if one or two are missing? Once those piles are in, you pour a reinforced concrete slab to build the house. And then it’s too late. Two years later, you notice your glass of wine on the table isn’t level…
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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"If you know any masons in the Jaturat or Chaiyaphum area, I'm interested!"
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(Sorry for the accents, this damn English keyboard...)
I’m right in the middle of it myself at the moment—it’s a real nightmare!
I’m also in Chaiyaphum, and honestly, I didn’t think it would be this painful.
I’ve got four houses to renovate, and I’ve only just finished the first one after 15 days and a ton of difficulties.
I’ve come to the conclusion that Thais don’t know how to work! And you’ve got to be on their backs constantly, as nicely and calmly as possible (which isn’t always easy...).
I know it might sound harsh to say that, and there must be competent people who care about doing a good job,
but after trying four different teams and seeing over twenty workers come and go, I still haven’t found a single decent one!
So if you leave the project to another Thai—even your father-in-law, even your wife—then I think it’s doomed.
They simply don’t have the same quality standards as we do.
And I’m not even in the trade; I’ve just seen real workers in action in other parts of the world.
I ask for things that seem obvious to me, like making sure the window they just installed can actually close. Am I being too picky?
Well, apparently, I’m now seen as a total pain in the neck by everyone here 🙁...
A foreman I’d just fired asked me why we farangs are so annoying. Despite his repeated mistakes, he still didn’t get it, and I don’t think he was being dishonest.
But I could be wrong—I’m not sure about anything here anymore 🤪
Another time, I had to be away for a day last week, and when I came back (a bit surprised, I’ll admit...),
the whole team was drunk, singing, and dancing in front of the house with Thai music blasting.
After checking the work, the little they’d done was all crooked. My father-in-law, who’d stayed on-site, didn’t even understand why I was angry! He just stared at me with wide eyes.
I know it’s something you shouldn’t do because they literally shut down, and it can be dangerous with all those potential weapons around (pickaxes, hammers, iron bars...), but they’ve got a knack for driving me crazy with their ridiculous excuses.
I could tell you loads of things that seem insane to a farang—every day there was something to complain about and redo. But it’s pointless; you’ll see for yourself soon enough what I mean.
It’s true that it’s cheap (not counting materials, which aren’t very expensive either).
A basic worker costs between 150 and 200 baht per day, a bit more if you want a so-called specialist in a particular field (400 baht max).
For my part, I’m putting all work on hold until further notice while I look for someone serious—and believe me, I’ve had to lower my standards.
I’m going to take a break in the south for a while.
A basic laborer costs between 150 and 200 baht per day, a bit more if you want a pseudo-specialist in a particular field (400 baht max).
Sorry, but wouldn’t you do the same for that price?
The challenge in Thailand is finding the right team. Once you’ve got that sorted, with good explanations, you’re all set.
I really liked the idea of everyone getting drunk together.
Funny story: I have a friend who’s been a contractor for 30 years (American) and has a great team. When asked why his workers stay so long, he said:
My little trick: I show up at the construction site with my pickup truck on the 15th of every month, loaded with whisky, beer, lao khao, som tam, chicken, etc. Everyone gets wasted—women included. That’s my recipe.
We’re in Thailand—you just have to adapt, not show up with your own mindset thinking, "I’m paying, so it has to be done my way."
Little tip: It’s not easy to find a team of older workers (they’re the best). The problem is, all Thais know this, so they often only have 3 years of experience.
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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Hahaha! Thuan and Thaisoul’s latest posts had me cracking up! 😎😉
Sorry if I’m being a pain, but I wanted to follow up on your comment (you seem to know your stuff):
"if you double your false ceiling without natural ventilation, it won’t change a thing since it’ll just be another trapped pocket of hot air!
and it’s ideal for critters"
Wouldn’t a solution be to add a layer of polystyrene panels or something similar to the ceiling, then finish it off with plywood? It’d take up a few centimeters of height, but like I mentioned earlier, that’s not an issue with 2.6m ceilings.
Or—maybe this is overcomplicating things—but injecting expandable foam between the walls (there’s currently a gap of several centimeters) to (1) improve insulation and (2) eliminate space for little pests (and other cobras).
True, 150 or 200 baht doesn’t exactly make you want to go the extra mile, I’ll admit,
but that’s the rate they’re asking for.
For my part, I’d give them food (and plenty of it), and drinks (no alcohol but pretty much unlimited soft drinks). I even thought about doing what your American buddy does—and even more often, like at the end of the week,
treating them to alcohol, karaoke with their wives, no problem, happy to do it—but unfortunately, I never got the chance. The work was just too poorly done, and in fact, no team ever finished the week.
I know I need to adapt—I tell myself that every day like a mantra—to stay calm and keep smiling, but
I still haven’t managed to find the right balance here.
Hopefully, it’ll happen soon, with people who actually want to work.
The cost of labor isn’t really the issue—I even talked to the last two site managers about it.
To motivate the guys, I’d give them a bonus if the work wasn’t a total disaster.
But nothing seemed to encourage them to put in a little effort.
Maybe I’m not realizing it, but I really don’t think I’m being too demanding.
For example, at the start, the roof had holes, and the guys who fixed it swore on everything holy it would hold up in any storm, even though I could see their work was a total scam.
And sure enough, it didn’t hold! Luckily, I saw a big downpour the next day—result: water dripping everywhere on the brand-new false ceiling!
Stuff like that, Thuan, I could tell you about all night, and it’s even kind of funny in hindsight.
But I still have construction sites to finish.
I haven’t given up hope of finding a solid team soon, a real one 😉
😉 This reminds me of the renovation of my house in the countryside back in 2007. Just with family, a mason, electrician, painter, tiler, carpenter—each, of course, handling their own specialty. About ten people a day, and me coordinating everything.
Every day from November 2nd to December 20th, except Sundays. Every day there were "out of service" moments for various reasons (the traditional *mai sabai* from whiskey or just exhaustion), and yeah, they simply couldn’t work six days in a row.
I handled the money, of course, and the purchases (let me tell you, that was a huge hassle—what to buy, how much per m², which tools, etc.). To get supplies, we always had to drive 40 km round trip. The hardest part? Keeping track of material prices—everything from a single nail to hammers, cement, sand. Everything’s written in Thai, right? 10,000 baht here, 20,000 baht there, 5,000 baht over there. You get the idea—always in cash.
Then there was tracking work hours: 8 hours a day. 😮 Yeah, but some couldn’t work 8 hours—sometimes 6, sometimes 5, sometimes overtime up to 11 hours.
And then all the unexpected issues: equipment breaking down, no electricity, the drill giving out, etc.… and everything stops. Buy new tools? Repair? Rent? Borrow from a neighbor?
After a month, I needed a break from the site. A few days in Bangkok, and when I came back—well, everyone was on break. Without the *thaiboss*, they couldn’t work alone.
If I had to do it again, I’d do it the exact same way.
During the work, professionals would stop by, telling me they could do it better and faster. But the price was just double. They offered a fixed rate and a timeline.
For me, I swapped their timeline and fixed rate for my own coordination—saved 150,000 baht.
If I had to do it again? Absolutely, no problem. Just arm yourself with patience and excellent vigilance.
The idea is good since what you're looking for is to create an insulating layer between the overheated volume of the roof-ceiling triangle?
And especially to prevent this overheated triangle from radiating heat into the house once night falls.
It's the belief that you'll manage to keep critters from settling in that's utopian.
So, effectively, going back to the idea of simply placing insulation above the false ceiling, but using fiberglass rolls with a sealed aluminum foil layer (or buying the rolls and wrapping them in foil yourself).
Polystyrene, even injectable foam, ages very poorly—it's flammable...
A rat, a mouse, a snake, a gecko, or a battalion of cockroaches will always find their way into a shaded, enclosed, warm, and protective spot.
So, an open and ventilated corner won’t appeal to them—passive deterrence rather than fumigation bombs and rat poison!
* *********
First point: before looking for expensive insulation solutions, you should first find a way to prevent overheated areas from existing—so I’ll keep saying it—invest in ventilating the roof triangle.
Second: insulation should be designed as a whole (or as a set of parts), so there’s no point in insulating the ceiling if the rest isn’t (windows especially and walls). Even if you’ll tell me that preventing heat from the ceiling is already a gain.
Third point: in Thailand, it’s roughly very hot for 2 months a year,
and for 2 months, AC is useful at night in the bedroom and during the day in the office.
So, if you’re planning to install AC in the bedroom and office, it’s better to limit your insulation work to these two rooms, which are often small and well-sealed,
and leave the rest of the house open and ventilated.
For the rest, adopt tropical architecture like in old movies (*Daktari*, *Out of Africa*), where you see those huge shaded verandas.
Instead of investing in three living room AC units, go for a beautiful veranda with wooden posts and a classic roof, plus some big trees (though that might be hard to sell to your Thai family!).
But it’s also a lifestyle choice.
See the photo (even if you don’t have a prime minister’s budget!)
One of the buildings at the former Prime Minister Kukrit Pramoj’s house in central Bangkok: a large central square room with a big roof overhanging on all sides, and the main room’s roof very high and pointed to encourage upward ventilation.
The bedroom area is smaller than the total surface,
and the garden is even bigger than the house.
A beautiful example of tropical architecture!
If you want more specific info or advice in person based on plans,
you can contact me directly at my email info@thailande-culture.com
and see my details and phone number on the website www.thailande-culture.com.
I’m starting to get tired of typing!!
I’m chiming in as your average Farang.
Have you ever witnessed a deal between Thais? The tone is firm. A smiling conversation (smile #337), but firm.
But YOU are the one calling the shots. What do you think happens if you try to be "buddy-buddy" with the workers? They already mostly think you’re loaded...
That’s the best way to come off as a pushover, which is perfectly human on both sides and true everywhere.
Especially if you’re building on your in-laws’ land...
YOU are the employer.
Let everyone stay in their lane, and everything will go smoothly.
After that, rewarding their craftsmanship at delivery is another matter: it’ll indeed be very appreciated, especially by local workers, and because—like a tip—it should first and foremost be a pleasure for both sides, without any ulterior motive.
Plus, in the village, word travels fast—good manners too. 😉
For architecture/plans: the best thing is still to get out there, visit builders, housing developments, prefab houses, finished homes, take photos, and note what you like and what you don’t.
In short: you’re building your house—it’s not a small thing!
Then, you have to realize that traditional construction, like everywhere, is disappearing, especially due to raw material issues (traditional wood), costs, and know-how that’s no longer passed down. Or less and less.
In my opinion (and this is just my take), either you opt for a traditional build that’s proven itself over centuries of trial and error (orientation, thermal exchange, materials, room layout, ceiling heights, wood protection—have you noticed, for example, how ceiling heights differ based on local vs. foreign average heights?), or you aim for European standards (thermal regulation through insulation and equipment, electrical layout, etc.) while trying to keep a pseudo-traditional look, and you end up with extra costs and disappointments, either during construction or when using the house (energy, for example).
This is pretty much the rule in the country, for locals and foreigners alike.
Anyone who’s slept on the second floor of a pretty house under a nice blue tin roof or bumped their head on the beams of village houses will get what I mean. Especially when your roommate isn’t sweating at 38°C.
These are two very different things. For my part, I think there are choices to make, both in the position you hold and in your desires.
In my view, thinking you can build a quality house—well-balanced in design, livability, energy efficiency, and durability—for 400,000 THB is wishful thinking.
It’s probably better to spend a bit more upfront and amortize the cost over time.
Thuan, it’s been a while since I last dropped by VF, and I see you’re still as reliable as ever. You’ll always be a goldmine of knowledge, tips and tricks, anecdotes, and great deals. 😉
" Le seul moyen de se débarrasser d'une tentation, c'est d'y céder"
In my opinion (and this is just my take), you either go for a traditional build that has proven itself over centuries of trial and error—think orientation, thermal exchange, materials, room layout, ceiling heights, wood protection, and even how ceiling heights vary based on local vs. foreign average heights—or you aim for European standards (thermal regulation through insulation and equipment, electrical distribution, etc.) while trying to keep a pseudo-traditional look, which often leads to extra costs and disappointments, either during construction or later (energy use, for example).
This is pretty much the rule in the country, for locals and foreigners alike.
Anyone who’s slept on the second floor of a pretty house under a nice blue tin roof or bumped their head on the beams of village houses will get what I mean—especially when your roommate isn’t sweating in 38°C weather.
They’re two very different things. For me, it’s about making choices based on your position and what you really want.
In my view, thinking you can build a quality house with a good balance of design, livability, energy efficiency, and durability for 400,000 THB is wishful thinking.
It’s probably better to spend a bit more upfront and save in the long run.
+1
And don’t forget to budget for the finishing touches... 2,000 here and 3,000 there adds up fast. Make sure to set aside 100,000–200,000 THB for unexpected costs.
I can confirm that 400,000 THB is wishful thinking—especially with rising material costs, and even more so if you want a house with Farang-style insulation.
The foreman and boss is a friend of my father-in-law, which made a lot of tricky things easier. Just don’t get worked up or show stress over mistakes made by the workers.
As for the doors, I swear they installed them backward... the longer carved part was supposed to be at the top for me, but nope—they put them in upside down : )
Personally, I’m on Samui and had to redo the interior decor of my shop (tiles, electricity, painting, installing fans, extending a water supply, straightening the walls a bit and covering up holes, etc.).
Honestly, I first saw a team that was so bad... I mean, just getting a quote was complicated, and the final price they asked for was anything but realistic.
By chance, a Thai friend recommended one of her buddies, and wow—what a difference! The guy and his three employees are punctual, work cleanly, and always ask if I prefer it this way or that when they’re unsure. The price was really fair, and we even became friends. During the project, every three evenings we’d sit cross-legged in front of the shop, and everyone brought drinks and food according to their budget.
To sum up, I can confirm that there *are* good workers who know their trade and do things to the "farang standard"—you just have to find them!
By sheer chance, a Thai friend recommended one of her buddies to me, and what a surprise—it was like stepping into Mickey Mouse’s world! The guy and his three employees are punctual, work cleanly, and always ask if I prefer it this way or that whenever they’re unsure. The price was really reasonable, and we even became friends. During the construction, every three evenings, we’d sit cross-legged in front of the shop, and everyone would bring something to drink and eat, depending on their budget.
To sum up, I can confirm that there *are* good workers who know their craft and work to the "farang standard"—you just have to stumble upon them!!
Proof that you shouldn’t generalize about Thais. 🙂 [;]
Hey everyone! More good tips coming your way! So, I’ve got a pretty clear idea of what I’d like for our house. I’m not looking for some fancy villa like the ones you see in France. Instead, I’m thinking of a brick house with a solid, leak-proof roof—following your advice—and the rest as classic as it gets, with 3 bedrooms since I’ve got 4 kids 😊. As for the quality of the future construction, I know it won’t be perfect or anywhere close, because I think I understand the Thai work mentality 😉. The main thing is having a solid roof, and beyond that, I know I’ll have to keep my expectations in check. For me, just having my own house in this country I love—just like all of you—will be pure happiness!
Hey, if you want a personal opinion, in your case, buy a house to renovate—not too new—(older constructions were pretty good) because of the low price of cement (40 baht 10 years ago, 100 baht now).
There are plenty of great tips for renovations in this area. Just check your bank’s catalog of houses for sale—seized from clients who can no longer pay their mortgage.
Here’s a recent plan from an Australian friend: 2 million baht for a small building right in Bangkok (which he rushed to rent out to CP for a Seven Eleven). Shows that it’s not just Thais making good deals! 😉
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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Regarding the doors, I have a feeling they installed them upside down... the longer carved part was supposed to be at the top for me..... but no..... they installed them upside down : )
Good catch, 😉, the lock should be in the middle—it’s designed that way, , , , , , , , , 😉
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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and renovates great deals in this area isn't lacking, just go to your bank to see their house sale catalog, seized from clients who can no longer pay their mortgage
Yeah, that's great, the offers are on a board in the agencies.
There's also THIS for auction sales which can be interesting. However, you need to understand Thai 😊 .... ask your wives... 🙂
plan from an Australian friend recently, 2 million baht for a small building right in Bangkok, which he rushed to rent out to CP for a Seven Eleven. Shows that it's not just Thais who make good deals. 😉
thanks for the info. My wife and I took a look at that site—it’s really interesting. We didn’t find any properties in Jaturat, but anyway, our land is in Ban Niou, about 10 km from Jaturat, and my father-in-law is giving us the plot next to his house. I’ve got a brother-in-law who does masonry now and then, and I’m counting on him to at least drop by and check things out from time to time 🙂 Sorry about the writing—I’m using a Thai keyboard 🙂
Je vais prochainement partir en Thaïlande avec mes enfants et j'ai été mise en contact avec un chauffeur qui parle français et qui va rester avec nous pendant…
Je suis en préparation d'un voyage en Thaïlande. N'y étant que pour deux semaines et demi nous souhaitons faire la région de Krabi puis Chiang Mai. Du coup…
La question est dans le titre, je crois... Quel prix puis-je espérer payer en 2025 pour un trajet d'environ deux kilomètres dans le centre touristique...? Merci
En ce moment nous sommes dans la partie sud est, l’Isan, logé chez un français, on ne fait pas beaucoup de cuisine, pour 5 personnes, le restaurant nous coûte…
Bonjour précieuse communauté,
J'envisage de me rendre au Cambodge cet hiver, juste après Noël, pour un premier voyage seule, et mon premier voyage en Asie. Pour deux semaines (oui, je sais, c'est peu, mais je ne peux vraiment pas plus...). J'ai deux grandes envies: Siem Reap, et la campagne, les villages, le Mekong...
Que pensez-vous de cet itinéraire? Arrivée à Siem Reap, départ de Phnom Penh
SR: 5 jours (1 jour pour l'arrivée, 3 pour les temples, 1 pour le lac et ses villages)
Kratie (étape sur la route du Mondolkiri): 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours sur place)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 jours (1 jour de trajet, 1 jour sur place, 2 jours de treks)
PP: 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours de visite)
Je pense qu'il faut que j'enlève un jour quelque part, si je pars du samedi au samedi, ou du dimanche au dimanche. A Kratie, peut-être? à PP? et je rate le trajet en bateau que tout le monde conseille (SR-Battambang), mais je ne vois pas où le caser. Sauf à faire un PP-PP en commençant par l'est, laisser tomber Kratie ou vraiment juste une nuit, puis SR, puis PP).
Dans mon timing, j'ai l'impression que le Mondolkiri est plus proche que le Ratanakiri, qui me tentait aussi beaucoup! Est-ce que cela restera pas trop compliqué toute seule? Je pense faire appel à des guides locaux, ou une petite agence locale, pour faire une escapade dans la nature et les villages.
Je lis qu'il y a beaucoup de monde à SR entre Noël et Nouvel An, je peux aussi faire le circuit dans l'autre sens. Mais je trouvais plus facile de me familiariser avec le pays en arrivant en territoire touristique, je me trompe peut-être...
Merci pour vos conseils et avis!
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.
Bonjour je souhaite diviser mon séjour en 2 parties soit 15 jours à phuket et 15 jours sur krabi. Savez-vous si je peux louer une voiture et la rendre a krabi lors de mon retour en France
Merci de vos retours
Bon dimanche
Martine
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 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 trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
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.
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...
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,
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 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,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
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.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
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.
However, I’m not quite 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 some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
