MESSIEURS/MESDAMES LES MODÉRATEURS/TRICES :
Je publie ce lien pour la deuxième fois, je suppose que la première discussion a été effacée par erreur 😕.
Je vous remercie par avance de bien vouloir me signaler toute erreur de ma part s'il devait s'agir d'un lien commercial caché ou autre ???
Voici donc un lien qui intéressera tous les accros de l'Isaan et aussi tous les autres qui projettent d'aller visiter cette superbe région :
http://isan.sawadee.com/
Très bonne initiative ce lien 🙂... nous allons jeter un oeil dessus (voire les deux).
Nous trouverons sans doute notre bonheur, comme l'Isan s'avère être un des points de chute de notre prochain séjour (voir forum avec Sombat, Soho, Sawaidee, etc.).
Comme je l, ai dit dans une autre discussion L-ISSAN c, est pour petits Budgets et grandes emotions .
Ceci dit, on comprends tres bien qu, on peut ne pas aimer car la majorite viennent en Thailande pour autre chose et c, est comprehensible .Belles plages, disco, Full moon, bel hotel de luxe, galipettes, discuter avec des compatriotes, etc, , , quoi de plus naturel . C, est bien, pas cher par rapport aux prestations ..On se paye du reve, c, est le miroir aux alouettes .
L, I-SSAN c, est une autre philosophie des choses et des vacances d, une Thailande en version originale, dans le coeur des rizieres, et on a bien entendu le droit de ne pas l, aimer .
Le centre du Royaume est super aussi un peu dans le meme esprit, SUKHOTHAI, PHITSANULOK, dans leur provinces, et pourtant c, est la Thailande profonde et ancestrale ., puis NAKHON PATHOM et KANCHANABURI, c, est incontournable aussi, toujours dans l, esprit quoi que beaucoup plus touristique .
Chaque region degage son parfum particulier et erreur ceux qui pense qu, on ne s, y amuse pas .Les rapports humain entre Farangs et Thais seront d, une autre nature .
Tant que les tours opérateurs ne décident pas d'organiser en masse des voyages en I-ssan pas de problème sinon il faudra s'attendre à des infrastructure hôtelière très important, mais c'est pas des voyageurs itinérant comme nous qui allons faire la différence . Mais avec la route qui s'annonce de Bangkok jusqu'au Temple d'Angkor risque de changer la donne à suivre ...
ALOrs la !!!!!!c, est pas une route, c, est une voie rapide 4 voies de ce qu, il y a de plus moderne .
Elle passe a 12 kms de notre village et ils ont abattu des arbres centenaires (Des centaines ) et meme des habitations au bull tracteur des le matin de bonheure sans prevenir les gens quel jour ils allaient le faire . tout le monde dormaient et ...on s, echappe vite et on perd tout .En fit c, est le visage complet de la region qui va changer ..Une autoroute a travers les rizieres .Ca fait desordre mais les imperatifs economiques d, abord, ils disent . Le gouvernement a investi des milliards de BAths . Ils ne contournent rien, ils tirent droit, rasent tout et tant pis pour les paysans qui perdent tout .Cela ne derange personne et surtout pas les Thais de BKK .
La maniere n, est pas belle, mais comme disent les gens de ces regions, enfin on s, occupe de nous .De cette voie rapide de gigantesque zones industrielles sont en construction et develloperons la region, elle en a bien besoin, mais c, est la maniere dont c, est fait qui est intolerable .
L, I-SSAN restera toujours L'I-SSAN et encore pour longtemps quand meme . Elle va evoluer et c, est tant mieux aussi sinon elle va mourrir, on a plus le choix . tu t, adaptes ou tu meurs .c, est tristement la devise .
Tout le monde semble oublier que L-ISSAN c, est grand, c, est 19 provinces, le 1/4 du territoire national, et comme les plaines centrales du pays, le grenier a riz de la planette .Chaque province a ses coutumes tres particulieres, ses dialectes et souvent une histoire propre . en fait, cest bien partout car le toutisme arrive doucement beaucoup de Farangs commencent a, sy installer et meme y investir .Tout le monde voit ca d, un bon oeil, les prix sont tres bas, mais je dirais plutot, c, est le juste prix en fait . Aller dans les marches qui pour la plupart sont ouverts jour et nuit, vous serez la source de toutes les curiosites . L, acceuil sera chaleureux . Ne dites jamais c, est pas cher, car personne ne comprendra la reflexion .
Toute la jeunesse ou presque descend sur Bangkok ou les plages pour y travailler dans tous les secteurs, la main d, oeuvre et leur savoir faire s, en va, seuls restent les agriculteurs et une partie de leur famille pour les recoltes de riz qui se font plusieurs fois par ans .
Beaucoup se demandent que viennent faire les Farangs chez nous, il n, y a pas de plages, pas de super hotel de Luxe, pas de ci, pas de ca, et quand vous leur repondrez que vous venez pour les voirs EUX, ils vont rayonner de bonheur et vont vous montrer !
Le tourisme arrive, un autre tourisme, un tourisme different, un tourisme de curieux qui aime l, Asie, et qui n, en revient jamais decu !
les prix sont tres bas, mais je dirais plutot, c, est le juste prix en fait
Tout à fait d'accord, les prix en Isan sont ce qu'il y a de plus juste. Exemple dans les restaurants il n'y a pas un prix pour Farang et un prix pour les locaux, c'est le même alors que dans les grandes zones touristiques du Sud c'est à la tête du client🙁 (payer un Ko pat Kaï 100 bahts à Phuket alors que le prix normal et de 20 Bahts ailleur).
Lorsque je suis dans la région d'Udon Thani, je ne discute pas les prix sur les marchés ou dans les magasins car j'estime que ceux-ci correspondent au niveau de vie de la population locale. Dans les restaurants locaux on ne m'a jamais fait payer plus cher que la population locale et je trouve que le service proposé est meilleur que dans les grands centres touristiques (ce qui fait que là je laisse un pour-boire car on ne me prend pas pour une vache à lait😉).
Ce qui ma surpris dans l isan c est le relief qui n est pas tres marquer, pas de vrai montagne comme a Maehongson ou dans les autres regions du Nord, tres peu d arbre car la terre est tres sableuse et absorbe l eau tres rapidement, et puis il y a cette secheresse qui s installe aux moins pendant 5-6 mois ce qui force certains autochtones a chercher du travail ailleurs.
Par contre, cest vrai que les gens sont accueillant, le YIM SAYAAM est bien present sur leur visage.
C est dans l Isan que Mr Thaksin le premier ministre actuelle (Thai rakThai) a une grosse cote de populariter.
Le Mekong qui passe sur la frontiere est de toute beauter avec vue sur le Laos dont la rive n est pas encore betonner.
Tout à fait d'accord, les prix en Isan sont ce qu'il y a de plus juste. Exemple dans les restaurants il n'y a pas un prix pour Farang et un prix pour les locaux, c'est le même alors que dans les grandes zones touristiques du Sud c'est à la tête du client🙁 (payer un Ko pat Kaï 100 bahts à Phuket alors que le prix normal et de 20 Bahts ailleur).
Exact, et ce n'est pas propre à Phuket, mais à toutes les zones ultra-touristiques.
Chez moi, je paie le prix local comme tout le monde.
Sinon, pour la visite des parcs nationaux, il y a un prix "étranger" (pas Farang - étranger !) et un prix "Thaï et résident".
Le touriste japonais va payer le prix "étranger" et moi, en tant que résident (justificatif à l'appui), je vais payer le prix Thaï. Mais ça, c'est une politique gouvernementale et les règles sont très précises. Rien à voir avec la tête du client.
Tu vois pas toujours en fait, meme si tu a raison, c, est parfois tres difficile de faire accepter cela a certains Thais, car eux aussi parfois les prejuges sont solides et un Farang c, est un Farang il faut qu, il paye plus cher pour ne pas avoir a se faire remarquer par les autres qui vont lui reprocher de lui avoir fait un cadeau alors qu, il est Farang . C, est un peu complique et pour meme dire plus au risque d, en faire bondir plus d, un, dans des scieries de bois pour construction, en I-SSAN, ils te le disent carrement, t, es un Farang donc le prix pour vous est le double au M3 . La raison est simple, Le bon fils qui arrive de BKK ou Pattaya ou autre, dit a son gentil papa <>.voila ce qui se dit et c, est une verite .
J, ai moi meme etee la victime de cette discrimination que je ne cautionne pas du tout, en allant acheter du materiel avec mon mari ou je me faisais verbalement remettre en place par les chinois quand je discutais serieusement le prix pour notre materiel .Et meme mieux, dans certaines regions touristiques j, ai ete meme menacee par certains commercants qui me reprochais d, etre POUR le Farang, etc..C, est la raison pour laquelle, le touriste est victime sans le savoir de payer les articles hors de prix et meme certains en remettent une couche en disant que ce n, est pas cher et croyez moi y, en a beaucoup.Par exemple, QUOI???c, est pas cher chez nous ca vaut dix fois plus ! Que pense le Thai????
Côté commerces locaux, je n'ai jamais eu de problèmes, mais il est vrai que je vis à 60 km de BKK et que certains Thaïs du village, même s'ils ne le montrent pas, sont nettement plus riches que le Farang.
Par contre, dans les zones touristiques genre Hua Hin ou autre, mon épouse a déjà eu des réponse peu aimable quand elle essayait de négocier les prix au marché.
Un jour, à l'entrée de je ne sais plus quel parc près du Rose Garden où on voulait me faire payer le prix étranger, je leur ai demandé si le prix pour les Luk Krung (enfants métisses) était compris entre celui des Thaïs et des étrangers et s'il y avait encore une distinction pour les enfants des Luk Krung. Comme c'était trop compliqué, mes enfants ont vu les crocodiles gratuitement.
Il y a aussi un problème de comportement de la part des "farangs". Pourquoi crier haut et fort que c'est 10fois moins cher que chez lui ?
Moi aussi je suis un fervent défenseur de l'I San, primo car la vie et les gens y sont vraiment adorables, secondo, ma copine est origainaire d'ici et tertio car aimer l' Isan, c'est etre un peu en decallage et profoter de coins encore tranquille où la vie rurale est bien présente ;
Comme tu le dis Barbot, "tant que les Tours operators" ......seulement voilà, ils arrivent déja et les infrastructures commencent a fleurir un peu partout (surtout aux abords des parcs nationnaux...), les routes s'élargissent (deviennent double, parfois triple comme a Phu Rua ! ) bref, j'ai malheureusement peur que cela ne dure plus bien longtemps car les voyageurs ne viennent plus uniquement en Thailande pour les plages et les cocotiers... 😉.
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.
