D'habitude je prends le bus bangkok to siem reap , avec la compagny Sorya ; 5,50 $ et c'est tres bien. j'ai voulu essayé une autre company : PARAMOUNT ANGKOR EXPRESS; bus for VIP;et siem reap bangkok 5 heures au lieu de 7h00 pour 7 $
quelle supercherie. Bus pourrit, hyper froid avec la clim, pas sympa du tout et on a mis 7h00 comme tout le monde et en plus on m'a vendu un ticket pour un bus qui partait a 6h30 du mat. En fait il n'existe pas et on est partit a 7h20. Bon a savoir :)
c'est un detail car j'adore le canbodge mais c'est bon à savoir :)
On a voyagé avec la PARAMOUNT entre Sihanoukville et Phnom Penh et c'était parfait ! Tant en prix (6$/pers) qu'en confort, heure de départ et temps de trajet.
On l'a reprise cette compagnie pour Phnom Penh => Siem Reap : petit retard au départ.
Ensuite le trajet Siem Reap => Battambang (5$/pers) : là aussi, léger retard au démarrage, mais rien de grave.
Enfin Battambang => Siem Reap : aucun problème.
On est rentrés sur Phnom Penh avec la NEAK KROHORN : pas plus de souci.
Tu n'as pas eu de bol. Z'ont dû avoir un souci mécanique ou humain et affréter un autre bus sans prévenir. Les aléas des voyages, faut pas en faire une généralité pour cette compagnie qui en vaut bien d'autres. Et il faut avouer qu'au Cambodge, le prix au km n'est vraiment pas élevé en bus.
Cela reste aléatoire selon les compagnies et les trajets ...... telle compagnie aura un super service entre deux villes distinctes, et sur une autre ligne ce sera pourri .... juste savoir que l'on est au Cambodge et que la notion de VIP et bus de luxe est une notion différente entre ce pays et le nôtre, et pour ma part je trouve que c'est ce qui fait le charme du Cambodge .....
ouais;..... je vais regulièrement au cambodge, je ne sais pas ou est le charme dans ce que tu dis. En inde , tu sais enfin tu decouvres aussi ahahah, mais pour les train c'est clair et j'ai fait la deuxième et troisieme classe. Chaque classe a son charme , mais tu le sais.
J'avoue que ce n'est pas ce que je préfère au cambodge " comme charme" Entendre la moitié des " khmers" toussé au bout de 3 heures de routes à cause d ela clim trop froide, pas sympa, si c'est du charme pour toi ????
moi je connais le cambodge avec le sourire, la serviabilité malgre leur extreme pauvreté pour certain ( on pourrait en prendre de la graine d'ailleurs :) )
Non désolé avec la compagnie Sorya tu payes 5,50 $ , tu es pratiquement qu'avec des khmers , tu as l'air conditionné, TV ( international et khmers) tu t'arrettes 2 fois et c'est tres bien.
si toi tu aimes les aléas, alors prend cette companie, moi non merçi. Je ne suis pas sur que le mensonge serve le cambodge, car les cambodgiens ne sont pas des menteurs. ce sont des gens simples et qui ont un grand coeur. pas des menteurs :)
Pourquoi donc parler de mensonge et y insister comme ça ??
On parle, je parle, tu parles, Alan parle d'ALEAS !
Et ce n'est que ça. Rien de plus.
Un coup bon, un coup pas bon.
Tu dis que j'ai eu de la chance et moi je dis que tu n'en as pas eu. La prochaine fois ce sera peut-être le contraire.
Que ce soit au Cambodge, en France ou ailleurs, les aléas, par définition, ils sont imprévisibles et parfois amusants. Pas toujours, on est d'accord.
Tu critiques la clim avec la Paramount et quelques lignes plus loin tu énumères la clim comme un bon point pour la Sorya... Contradiction ?
Sache que la Paramount fait aussi des arrêts casse-croûte ou toilettes sur les grands trajets.
Oui les Cambodgiens sont pauvres, et malgré tout souriants et serviables, personne ne dira le contraire. Comme il y en a des malhonnêtes et/ou qui font la gueule. Comme partout. Personne ne consteste ça non plus.
Alors tu veux quoi ? Etre considéré comme un véritable VIP au sens européen du terme ? Pour 5,5 $ les centaines de km alors qu'il n'y a pas de train ?
On peut pas avoir le beurre, l'argent du beurre et la crémière en plus, comme on dit.
Faut arrêter.
Tu as signalé un aléa désagréable avec la Paramount, c'est bon, pas la peine d'en rajouter comme dit l'autre, sinon ça va encore partir en sucette.
je suis d'accord avec toi , pas la peine d'en faire une histoire d'état. ce n'était qu'une constatation et du vecu. Point à la ligne. Si tu penses que ces alléas servent les interets du cambodge , tu as une bien pietre opinion de ce pays qui n'a qu'un seul soucis se faire une place en ce qui concerne le tourisme entre la thailande et le vietnam.
Si tu penses qu'il ne faut pas en faire un foin , pourquoi participes tu a cette discussion :) tu fais la meme chose que tu critiques :) De plus c'est un témoignage rien de plus :)
Entre nous je crois aussi qu'on a encore la liberté d'expression en france ??????
et puis si tu savais ce que je fais au cambodge et ce que je vis lorsque j'y vais , tu me parlerai pas de VIP ahahahaha
"On peut pas avoir le beurre, l'argent du beurre et la crémière en plus, comme on dit. Faut arrêter. " tu as deja pris les bus de la Sorya ?? et tu parles de VIP ?? Je m'en fou du luxe, j 'ai voulu testé cette compagnie voir ce qu'elle proposait . La constation : je retournerai avec Sorya :)
cool man , il n'y a pas le feu au lac ahahaha. tu es trop serieux ou alors tu as un interet pour paramount ahahah
c 'est incroyable l'intolérance de certaines personnes ici . Ce forum est soit disant un espace d échange , d'opinion. La tolérence c'est peut etre une culture :)..... On refait pas le monde.... VOILA POURQUOI JE PREFERE L'ASIE :) Bon conformisme :)
c 'est incroyable l'intolérance de certaines personnes ici . Ce forum est soit disant un espace d échange , d'opinion. La tolérence c'est peut etre une culture :)..... On refait pas le monde.... VOILA POURQUOI JE PREFERE L'ASIE :) Bon conformisme :)
On est ( presque ) d'accord ..... mais si tu relis bien tes messages tu n'es pas non plus très tolérant avec ma façon de vivre les choses dans ce pays .... moi je ne dis rien d'autre que le Cambodge ce n'est pas la France, et qu'il faut bien en accepter les " aléas " inhérents ..... surtout pour 5,5 usd ..... et puis ( mais je pense que tu l'avais compris ..... ) je ne parlais pas du charme des transports en bus, mais de celui du pays en général et de leur façon d'appréhender les évènements par rapport à nous ...
" Moi je connais le Cambodge " ........ c'est une affirmation hasardeuse, je vais dans ce pays depuis 2004, et cela maintenant très souvent, et j'ai toujours des tas de choses à apprendre de mes amis khmers .... j'arrive encore à être dérouter de certaines de mes prétendus certitudes sur ce pays ...
" et puis si tu savais ce que je fais au cambodge et ce que je vis lorsque j'y vais " ..... celle là c'est ce qui casse tout, surtout à notre époque ou il n'est plus nécessaire de partir au bout du monde pour y vivre ce que tu dois y vivre ......
Au fil des voyages je me suis rendu compte que finalement on a du mal à justement être tolérant ..... on s'enferme dans ses idées, ses certitudes sur sa passion pour un pays, et on en oublie de penser que les autres aussi peuvent penser différemment de ce que l'on pense sur son pays " bien aimé ", et que peut être notre forme de pensée n'est pas la plus adéquate ..... et la tolérance c'est ça, accepter que les autres pensent différemment de nous sur ce qui nous passionne, et le grand pied c'est de pouvoir en discuter ensemble sans agressivité ....
oui tu as raison. c 'est un peu voir beaucoup pretentieux de dire que je connais le cambodge. Connais t'on un pays ?? Est ce que je connais la france et les francais ??? Pourtant j'y suis née. Mais j'avoue que l'autre intervenant ( désolé je me souviens plus de son nom) m'a un peu énervé. :)
j'ai voulu tenté le coté VIP et je fus gravement décu. Surtout l'accueil et le froid dans le bus. Enfin bref ce n'est pas plus important que cela , ce n'est qu'un détail , mais je voulais le signaler. Cela n'avait pas plus de prétention de ma part :)
je dis cela car sur le guide du routard on ne parle jamais justement de cette compagnie sorya . Ils parlent des autres plus pour touristes. C'était ma facon de dire que Sorya était pas si mal que ca.
comment tu as vu la photo avec ma petite famille khmer?
Oui j'étais a siem reap il y a 4 semaines.
je connais aussi angkor express. Mais c'est plus cher 9$ pour une prestation pas forcement meilleur que sorya. Si, il y a des WC et il t'offre 1/4 d'eau et un petit biscuit. tu connais le cambodge ?
Le 17 décembre nous avons voyagé avec cette compagnie Sorya entre Battambang et Kampot avec un changement à Phnom Penh
Nous sommes repartis de Phnom Penh à 14h45 pour arriver à Kampot à 19h20
Le 2ème bus était dans un piteux état La climatisation fait un bruit terrible et au dessus de nos têtes l'eau s'écoule par des fuites autour des bouches d'aération, à chaque virage nous prenons la douche ! Impossible de se reposer à cause du son de la télévision qui passe en boucle à fond une musique grésillante cambodgienne Pour résumer ce trajet avec cette compagnie fut un supplice
oui je suis né à phnom penh mon d'origine, suis parisien now (hélas)..je passais mes vacances entre kep et chnok trou ( un coin sur le lac Tonlé sap)quand j'étais enfeance ..sont mes plus beaux souvenirs de ma vie...je retournais au cambodge 3 fois..mais pas ces 3 derniers années les iles ne sont pas belles pas de vie sous marine ..ni coraux ni poissons tropicaux , bon on a des temples spendid on ne peut pas tout avoir!j'ira dans un mois au vietnam puis en thailande..et toi?tu pars souvent au cambodge, tu parles khmere?que fais tu à Toulouse?
Je n'ai jamais dit que sorya etait exceptionnel. j'ai simplement dit que sorya ne se vantait pas d'etre le best of " le VIP" des bus du cambodge. Ni plus ni moins. :)
EH il faut peter un coup , tu as une drole de mentalité de conquérant. Je sais pourquoi je prefère l'asie et tu m'en donne encore l'occasion de le dire :)
Mon intervention n'avait qu'un but informatif. Rien de plus. C 'ETAIT UNIQUEMENT UNE INFORMATION ; Mort de rire !!!!!!
Ah ces touristes......... Désolez mais je crois qu'on est encore en république et qu'on peut dire sur ce forum ce que l'on vit. Ce que Cyrval a vécu je le respect Je ne le juge pas . Alors beautoucan, ta petite bétise gratuite tu te la garde et va découvrir le monde et va ouvrir ton coeur aux autres. Tu apprendras beaucoup plus de choses que ta petites vie actuelle et ta rancoeur envers les autres.
Si tu es un peu courageux, met ta photo, on verra a qui tu ressembleS au lieu de te cacher derrière une photo de CHAT.
j'imagine que ce fut un voyages bien difficiles. Il est vrai que sorya est une compagnie qui a le prix le plus bas et qu'elle est beaucoup utilisé par les khmers. Mais il est vrai aussi qu'elle ne s'annonce pas comme la best off avec ses prix modestes. Pas de chance effectivement car en général ils sont bien malgré leurs petits prix
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.