Depuis plusieurs années, j'ai fait des voyages de 4 à 5 semaines, au Vietnam (style sac à dos).
Du Vietnam, nous sommes partis au Cambodge, l'année dernière.
Cette année, du Vietnam nous sommes allés au Laos.
Je peux vous offrir mes impressions, adresses, pour effectuer ces voyages.
Bonjour Larbelle, Je suis Anabel, je pars pour un petit circuit d'un mois comme suit : Laos, Vietnam, Cambodge et Thailande. J'ai une premiere question, j'ai un visa pour le Vietnam mais j'aimerais passer du nord du Laos au Nord du Vietnam pour rejoindre Hanoi par voie terrestre; est-il possible de passer par n'importe quel border crossing?
Sachant que je n'ai pas beaucoup de temps que me conseilles-tu de visiter pret de Hanoi puis pret de Ko chi minh (est-il cher de prendre un vol interne de Hanoi a Saigon?)
Merci pour ta precieuse aide
salut
tu peux te rendre du laos au vietnam par "nong het" poste frontière du laos et remonter vers hanoi.
pour le vol ho chi minh, hanoi je ne connais pas précisement le tarif, mais peut être moins de 80 euros, car j'ai réservé un billet ho chi minh - huê pour 40 euros.
au nord tu peux visiter la baie d'along, les montagnes du nord ouest comme sapa, et tout plein de lieux intéressants autour d'hanoi.
bon voyage
Il n'y a pas grand chose à dire sur Sapa, à part que c'est là que se trouvent les minrités ethniques et que cela fait des photos superbes.
Le marché de Sapa est ouvert tous les jours, et on y voit essentiellement des Dao rouges et des H'mon noirs.
En descendant l aroute de la vallée avec les rizières en terrases, on arrive à un village de H'mon noirs et un peu loin des thai (l'ethnie, pas la nationalité).
Les photos ne sont pas très faciles à prendre, parce que les gens ont probablement exagéré et ils ne se laissent pas prendre faiclement. Dans ce cas là, je ne prends pas la photo.
Dans le coin, il y a le marché de BacHa qui se tient le dimanche. C'est de loin le plus beau marché. On y voit surtout des Hmon fleuris. Je pense qu'il faut se débrouiller pour être le week-end dans le coin de Sapa pour aller au marché de bacHa.
Les photos sont beaucoup plus facilement acceptées : un regard, un petit sourire, et c'est ok.
Je travaille aussi souvent au télé (de 200 à 400mm) ce qui permet de prendre de loin. On a une profondeur de champ pas terrible, mais cela fait des beaux fonds floutés (des beaux bokeh pour les photographes).
Autrement, il y a quelque plantations de thé, et surtout en hiver le séchage des mais qui fait de très belle photos bien colorées.
Merci Fred66 pour ton aide. Je pense que ca ne posera pas trop de probleme. encore merci et bonne continuation, moi je me rejouis de partir!!!
Et bonnes fetes a tous
merci beaucoup pour toutes ces infos. en cequi concerne les photos, j'ais l'habitude de commencer par des polaroides ce qui en general facilite les choses. en topus cas les infos sont celles que je cherchais. j'aimerais aussi savoir quel sont les prix raisonables pour les tissages.
merci
Je n'ai aucune idée des prix des tissages (dans le nord). Sur les marchés, il y a essentiellement des fils, car les minorités font eux-mêmes leurs vêtements (et même leurs chaussons).
Il y a peut être quelques étals qui font, mais je ne me rappelle plus.
Hello Koudou, j'aurais une question assez precise, est-il possible de passer du Laos au Vietnam par la frontiere entre Muang Khoua (Laos) et Dien Ben Phu (Vietnam), selon le guide du routard il est a priori deconseille de tenter d'y passer?
peut-etre pourrais-tu nous donner un site ou l'on pourrait avoir des infos des vols Hanoi- Ho Chi Minh?
Merci
J'ai une connaissance qui avait monté une expé qui prévoyait de passer une frontière comme ça (je crois que c'était Thailande-laos et non pas vietnam laos). Il est resté bloqué 24h avec son groupe ce qui a été une véritable galère, car dans certains lieux, il n'avait plus d'hôtel, les guides n'étaient plus là etc...
Il s'est fait agonir d'injures par les participants et il a fallu qu'il rembourse tout le monde en France. Probablement son plus mauvais plan professionel de sa vie.
En conséquence, le plus positif que je peux être est de dire : "je ne sais pas".
salut
pour ta question de passage à la frontière de dien bien phu, la reponse est non. du moins en 2002, mon dernier voyage, ce n'était pas possible, il n'y a que la solution que je t'ai dite ou la deuxième au départ de savannakhet poste frontière de khe sanh pour aller à huê. il n'y a que ces deux à moins que cela ait changé depuis 2002.
par dien b p il y a bien un poste mais reserve au laotiens et vietnamien.
pour les vols hanoi-ho chi minh, tu peux directement voir avec la compagnie vietnam airlines ou faire une estimation de ton choix (date, heure, tarif) avec n'importe quelque agence de voyage.
que recherches tu exactement ?
Merci Koudou et Fred66, c'est bien ce que je pensais, je laisse tomber Dien Ben Phu, je voulais rejoindre Hanoi par le nord du vietnam, je le ferai un peu plus au sud.Puis petit tour par la baie, puis repartir a Hanoi pour prendre un vol pour Ho chi Minh, remonter le Mekong jusqu'a Angkor (Camb), puis Bangkok (en bus et train) et enfin Bangkok les iles (Ko Thao.....et tout ce que je pourrai voir) puis fin janvier retour a Bangkok pour rentrer sur Geneve (ou vie toute ma famille) pour qq semaines et repartir a Malaga (pour le debut du printemps).
Je me rejouis de m'en mettre plein les yeux tout au long du circruit!!! je pars le 2 janvier, si vous avez des conseils a me donner je suis de toute ouie!!! et bien evidemment je vous tiendrai au courant de mes peripeties et de mes bonnes experiences au retour.
Merci encore au deux pour votre precieuse aide
Bonnes fetes
salut
je pars moi aussi avec ma famille le 2 pour le vietnam, le 3 pour huê alors peut être nous rencontrerons nous la-bas, sur ce bon voyage à toi aussi.
Je part en février pour 3 mois, Thailande, Cambodge, Laos et vietnam.
De ces 4 pays celui qui m'attire le moins et le Vietnam, certainement parceque c'est celui sur lequel j'ai fait le moins de recherche.😕
Je pense commencer par Hanoi, en venant du Loas, et finir par ho-chi-minh-ville. Entre les deux je n'ai pas vraiment d'idée, alors ton expèrience me donnera peur être des envies 😉
Au départ de Hanoi, aucune difficulté, pour aller à Sapa et Bac Ha. Dans le quartier de la vielle ville, il y a plein d'agences qui organise ce genre de circuit, à 1 ou 2 $ près, ils font le même circuit. Ce voyage je l'ai exécuté en bus, paysage magnifique. Une fois à Sapa, nous avions fait une ballade d'une après-midi, dans les villages, super !! Les habitants sont souriants. A voir absolument, les marchés et si tu peux la fin des marchés, les femmes qui viennent chercher leur mari, car ils ont énormément bu. Le soir, à Bac Ha, les filles chantent, à côté de la cathédrale, pour trouver un jeune homme.
Bonnes fêtes de fin d'année.
Cette année, on m'avait certifié de pouvoir passer le Laos pour le Vietnam, à la frontière de Dien Ben Phu. Eh bien, c'est non ! De Luang Prabang, il a fallait repartir sur Vientiane et Hué, en bus. Sachant, que nous étions venus, de là, nous avons préférés prendre l'avion de Vientiane Hanoi. Quelle déception !!!!
Si tu vas au Vietnam, depuis le Laos, surtout pour arriver à Hanoi, tu fais carrément un aller -retour. La seule frontière ouverte, pour les étrangers, c'est la route Savannakhet-Hué. Les autres sont ouvertes (exemple: Dien Bien Phu), mais c'est pour les Laosiens. C'est-à-dire que tu vas faire comme moi, si j'ai bien compris : Saigon, Cambodge, Laos, Hanoi ?
Tu as 3 mois, je t'envie !!!
Au Nord du Vietnam, tu dois savoir ce qu'il faut faire la Baie d'Halong, Lao Cai, frontière chinoise, et surtout Sapa Bac Ha (2-3 jours). En descendant dans le sud, tu as Danang, la montangne de Marbre. Arrête-toi, si tu peux une journée à Hoi-An : Magnifique. De là, tu peux louer une moto, pas cher, et aller voir des sites Chams.
En descendant plus au sud, tu as de superbes plages, Mui Ne (mais pleins de resorts : pas trop cher, il y a toujours discussions), le top voir le matin de très bonne heure vers 5-6 heures la pêche et le soir aussi. J'ai participé à la levée des filets. A faire à Mui-Né, le village des pêcheurs et les dunes, magnifique et éblouissants. Tu as des dunes jaunes et rouges.
A Saigon, que dire de Saigon, c'est un e ville que j'adore. Je couche toujours dans le quartier des routards.
De là, mainten ant tu peut prendre des bus, et s'il te plaît avec l'air conditionné, pour 2.000 dongs, ce qui fait 0, 60 centimes d'euros, tout ça pour une ligne. A voir absolument le marché Ben Thanh (marché aux voleurs), c'est seulement de nom, à voir absolument Cholon, tu as un parc magnifique, dans le district 3.
Tu peux prendre un bac, sur la rivière Saigon, et en 5 minutes tu arrives de l'autre côté et là tu vois Saîgon, qui date de 10 ans. Génial !!!!!
Mais entre Mui-Ne et Saigon, tu peux -faire Nathrang, station balnéaire, qui a beaucoup changé, beaucoup plus touristique. Plages non sauvages. Par contre de Nathrang, tu peux aller sur Dalat et retourner sur Saigon. Le meilleur à faire sur chaque ville, tu loue une moto, et vogue la galère.
Après Saigon, tu as Vinh Long, Cantho, et surtout faire les arroyos, tu as aussi mytho.
Au Vietnam, plein de région à visiter, totalement différentes de l'une à l'autre, comme chez nous.
merci beaucoup. c'est le secteur que je vais le plus visiter pendant mon sejour en tous cas la ou je resterais le plus longtemp et j'aime sentire le pays plus que visiter tout un tas de choses dons je pendse que je serais servie.
bonnes fin d'annee
J'adore ton message, il me donne envie d'appofondir mes recherches sur le Vietnam et de m'y arrêter un peut plus longtemps.🙂
Je ne sais pas si j'aurai le temps de visiter tout ce dont tu me parles, et oui je part 3 mois, mais je compte voyager dans 4 pays, mais tes descriptions sont une bonne approche pour déconvrir un pays.
Et puis si je n'ai pas le temps de tout voir j' retournerais 😉
Merci beaucoup pour tes infos et bonne fête de fin d'année.
Je pars quelques mois en Asie du sud est dont au Vietnam..je n'ai pas approfondi mes recherches sur ce pays. Aurais tu quelques recommandantations de choses à ne pas manquer! Je voyage dans les auberges de jeunesse, à petit budget, j'aime la nature et tout ce qui touche la culture même.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
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.
