Je pars en Thailande deux semaines avec mes trois garçons (7 à 14 ans) en Février 2013. J'ai prévu de passer (approximativement) 4-5 jours dans la région de Kanchanaburi.
J'ai lu notamment pas mal de posts concernant Kanchanaburi, par exemple de Pascal-KanchaburiPE, Kanchaburi, Thuam, Boumbastic, Dousam et bien d'autres, très informatifs (merci ++) et me suis balladée sur safarine, ganesha, le guide de Kanchanaturian (super bien!!), celui de Karen village, etc..
Merci à tous pour tous vos posts et réponses aux questions, informations et compagnie, c'est vraiment très utile!
Je reste cependant indécise sur certains points notamment entre la version "tour operator" qui revient très cher à 4, et la version 100% home made (où j'ai peur de griller tout le temps à chercher et me perdre, et je peine à trouver chaque élément d'un tour séparément - mais cela ne me dérange pas de passer beaucoup de temps à chercher et préparer le voyage ceci dit, et nous avons encore le temps).
En gros, les sites / activités qui nous plairaient sont:
- Erawan (bien sûr), en arrivant tôt et en prenant le temps de bien faire les chutes, voire même un ou deux autres sites du parc (une journée du coup),
- faire peut-être un ou 2 temples (les temples jumaux et le wat ban tham ont l'air vraiment chouettes),
- pour la rivière kwai éventuellement prendre le train entre Nam Tok et Kanchanaburi (à moins que ça revienne au même de faire le trajet en voiture? et dans ce cas, si nous choisissons l'option location de voiture, nous ne ferons pas ce trajet en train) - mais est-ce que quelqu'un sait si ça revient au même - pour le paysage je parle
- une nuit au taramind Karen Village et/ou dans une maison flottante du Sai Yok et/ou à Erawan
- Le parc de Sai Yok Yai (avec donc éventuellement la nuit sur maison flottante)
- éventuellement descente sur rivière kwai dans un raft en bambou (pas vraiment tentée par les photos semble faire un peu activité de conso, mais en même temps je me dis que ça doit être vraiment joli...?)
- en option (en fonction du temps qui passe: Krasae Cave, Hell Fire Pass
- et (le plus compliqué en fait) qq chose qui tourne autour des éléphants parce que ça fait vraiment rêver mon garçon (celui de 7 ans), mais j'ai trop peur de tomber sur des usines à touristes (aucune envie de soutenir l'exploitation/la maltraitance de ces pauvres bêtes) et en même temps les seules choses que je trouve (je n'ai sûrement pas assez bien cherché) qui sortent de cela c'est carrément sur la journée ou dans le cadre d'excursion sur 2-3 jours et du coup super cher (surtout si on multiplie par 4).
Et bref, j'hésite vraiment entre essayer de combiner tout cela par moi même = louer une voiture (etre PRU-DENTE je l'ai bien compris dans vos posts, merci pour la mise en garde) et organiser l'itinéraire en fonction des localisations (finalement ça ferait une boucle), et essayer de trouver éléphant voire raft directement sur place auprès peut-être des guesthouse ou endroit où nous dormiront, ou alors prendre un tour organisé. Il y a des tours qui proposent à peu près cela mais:
- il y a souvent 1 ou 2 éléments qui manquent et 1-2 choses en plus qui ne m'intéressent pas voire même que je ne souhaite pas faire (des trucs qui font trop luna parc)
- j'ai peur de regretter notre liberté (pouvoir arriver bien tôt à erawan pour être un peu plus tranquiles au début, pouvoir rester plus longtemps à un endroit si on y est bien, etc)
- ça revient vraiment très cher à 4 (env 5000 BHT par pers) - mais ne même temps j'ai du mal à faire le budget de la version home-made car pas facile de trouver l'info sur tout (même si j'ai déjà trouvé bcp bcp de choses grâce à vous!!!)
En gros ce que j'ai trouvé comme info question budget c'est
- pour les trajets minibus BKK-Kancha env 150 BHT par pers, puis bus (50 BHT pour erawan par ex) ou taxi, OU location de voiture (env 1500 BHT par jour)
- 200 BHT par parc par pers (a priori 2 parcs = erawan et Sai Yok)
- env 250 BHT/pers pour une nuit au Karen
- nuit Sayok env 30 euros pour 2 pers avec le repas (??? pas sure de l'info juste dans un post)
pour le reste je n'ai pas vraiment trouvé de prix (temple, train, raft, éléphant).
Voilà, beaucoup de questions dans ce mail et je m'excuse de vous bombarder ; merci d'avance +++ pour toute info utile, et tout commentaire est le bienvenu également!
Bonjour,
En tout premier il n'y a aucune comparaison possible entre le train et la route : le train circule dans la campagne alors que la présence même de la route provoque une urbanisation (anarchique) sur ses abords.
L'énorme différence entre organiser ce tour par soit même et utiliser les services d'une agence c'est la présence sur place d'un guide connaissant le pays, sa géographie, ses traditions, parlant le thaï et/ou le môn (les Thaïlandais thaï étant moins de 10 % dans certains districts et une grande partie du personnel môn ou karen ou birmane).
Mon conseil est le suivant : prévoir 9 jours au moins pour une visite organisée par soi-même (en voiture ou en transports en commun) et s'assurer les services d'un guide et/ou d'un chauffeur local.
Sinon pour une durée moindre utiliser des opérateurs locaux est la solution la plus confortable. Je reste persuadé que le rapport qualité/prix est en faveur de cette option. Il faut avoir soit les moyens financiers suffisants, soit le temps suffisant (les deux c'est encore mieux 😉). Dousam que vous citez (et qui évoque dans son témoignage l'aide que je lui ai apporté) a un peu regretté de n'avoir pas fait ce choix.
Un exemple de mésaventure fréquent en Thaïlande : vous avez réservé un hôtel six mois à l'avance, payé un acompte ou la totalité. Vous vous présentez. Plus de place : On vous rembourse sans difficulté et vous voilà à devoir chercher un hébergement... Une expérience que j'ai vécu plusieurs fois...
Vous évoquez un séjour dans l'hôtel flottant situé dans le Parc National de Sai Yok. Il est pratiquement impossible d'y réserver et la priorité est donnée aux opérateurs locaux pour l'attribution des bungalows et février fait partie de la saison haute. Il faut donc avoir soigneusement repéré des points de chutes dans ces cas (2 ou 3 autres hébergements à proximité dans une zone où ils ne sont pas nombreux).
Il me semble aussi que vous n'avez pas remarqué que les opérateurs de tours privés (Safarine ou Mellow Trek par exemple) propose d'adapter leurs programmes aux demandes particulières et aux circonstances imprévues. Un exemple souvent rapporté : les visiteurs apprécie tellement les chutes d'eau d'Erawan qu'il y restent 4 ou 5 heures au lieu des 3 prévues... Ensuite, les site fermant pour la plupart à 16 heures, ils ne peuvent plus les visiter ce qui en frustrent certains...
Le choix en fait vous appartient et il n'est pas facile...
Chutes d'eau de Sai Yok Yai (les bungalows du Parc National sont situés juste en face)
Cordialement
Pascal de Kanchanaburi (www.kanchanaburi-guide.com)
Bonjour et merci beaucoup pour votre réponse,
Je retiens déjà que si nous souhaitons profiter du paysage il faudra mieux prendre l'option train.
Sinon, home-made ou tour organisé: j'ai et vais continuer à contacter les opérateurs, mais je comprends bien que c'est soit via un opérateur, soit en faire beaucoup moins (à temps égal)... Je verrai si je peux trouver avec eux le meilleur compromis... En tout cas je comprends que vous conseillez plutôt cette option. Pour un guide je suis tout à fait d'accord qu'il est préférable d'avoir un guide et/ou chauffeur local, mais cela est peut-être utile pour certaines visites plus que pour d'autres non?
Tout autre conseil, avis ou infos est bienvenue!
Merci encore,
gael.
Bonjour Gaël,
Pour tout ce qui est très touristique ont peut facilement se débrouiller. Il n'y a aucune difficulté à trouver Erawan, Prasat Muang Singh ou Hellfire Pass.
Par contre c'est beaucoup plus difficile pour visiter des sites originaux comme certaines chutes d'eau à quelques kilomètres dans la forêt ou découvrir la réalité thaïlandaise.
Ah bon, pourquoi?
Je ne comptais pas le faire car je n'aime pas les animaux en captivité et on a aussi des zoos, mais a-t-il une particularité?
En tout cas merci pour le tyuyau,
Gael.
Oui, c'est vrai,
Peut-êter devrais-je faire 2-3 sites par moi même, les plus touristiques, sans louer de voiture, plus prendre un chauffeur-guide à la journée pour qqs jours pour une entrée en matière plus en profondeur; c'est peut-être le bon compromis...
C'est un zoo tres roots ou les animaux ont pas mal d'espace, on s'y deplace en bus.
Le clou de la visite c'est tout a la fin du tour avec les girafes, ca vaut vraiment le coup. Nous ca nous avait eclates, et pourtant je suis pas tres zoo non plus.
je me rappelle plus du nom, mais c'est a une heure de Kanchanburi, brochures partout.
C'est un zoo tres roots ou les animaux ont pas mal d'espace, on s'y deplace en bus.
Le clou de la visite c'est tout a la fin du tour avec les girafes, ca vaut vraiment le coup. Nous ca nous avait eclates, et pourtant je suis pas tres zoo non plus.
je me rappelle plus du nom, mais c'est a une heure de Kanchanburi, brochures partout.
Bonjour Paulo,
Le parc zoologique dont tu parles est bien le Safari Park à Bo Ploy à 40 km de Kanchanaburi.
Merci beaucoup à Pascal et Pjkl pour les infos sur le zoo; je vais donc l'ajouter à notre liste des visites potentielles!
D'autres infos utiles sur les sites à ne pas manquer ou au contriare à éviter? Est-ce que ma "liste" vous semble sensée?
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.
Chutes d'eau de Sai Yok Yai (les bungalows du Parc National sont situés juste en face)
