Nous partons 4 semaines cet été pour l'Indonésie. Nous avons déjà visité JAVA/BALI/SULAWESI/RINCA/KOMODO. Cette année nous désirons explorer les îles à l'Est.
Nous atterrirons à MAUMERE (FLORES) via DJAKARTA.
Nous envisageons de faire FLORES, l'archipel d'ALOR, SUMBA, KOMODO, RINCA, SUMBAWA, LOMBOK (GILLI) et retour à BALI. Quelqu'un aurait-il des infos sur la manière d'organiser ce circuit surtout au niveau des moyens de transport et en particulier pour rejoindre ALOR de MAUMERE??
Est-ce que toutes ces îles valent le coût ??
Sinon quels sont les incontournables (endroits à visiter, playas, etc. . .) ??
Avez-vous des adresses de guesthouses sympas ??
Enfin, toutes les infos seront les bienvenues car au niveau des guides c'est un peu "light" hormis le petit futé (bof) et le lonely (en anglais). Merci d'avance car je suis un peu dans le brouillard pour l'organisation de ce circuit.
Nous envisageons de faire FLORES, l'archipel d'ALOR, SUMBA, KOMODO, RINCA, SUMBAWA, LOMBOK (GILLI) et retour à BALI.
en seulement 4 semaines, c'est un peu irréaliste non ! Enfin à vous de voir.
Pour rejoindre l'archipel d'Alor, prennez un bus de Maumere pour Larantuka et d'ici vous pouvez prendre un ferry pour les îles d' Adonara, Lomblen et Alor.
Pour rejoindre Alor au départ de Lomblen il faudra prendre un bemo de Lewoleba pour le village de Balauring et de là un ferry pour Alor (ville de Kalabahi).
Est-ce que toutes ces îles valent le coût ??
Pour avoir été à Flores, Alor et Lomblen je dirais que oui, elles valent le coup.
L'île de Lomblen et d'Alor sont pas courru par les touristes (à part quelques routards) donc encore bien préservé et originale.
Je suis allé à Sumba en novembre dernier. Nous étions à l'ouest, au Sud de Waïkabukak, pratiquement pas de touristes. Les environs de Marosi sont magnifiques et les villages traditionnels valent réellement d'être découverts. La petite ville de Waïkabukak est pleine de gens aussi sympas que curieux ! Nous nous sommes vraiment sentis loin loin loin de tout pendant une semaine. Nous avions pris un vol de la Merpati qui desservait également Maumere et le Timor.
Merci à vous pour les infos. Effectivement, le programme est peut-être un peu trop "chargé", mais l'instant rien n'est défini et peut-être qu'on fera l'impasse sur LOMBOK ??? Pourriez-vous me donner les coordonnées des hébergements sympas que vous avez trouvé sur place (FLORES/ALOR/SUMBA/SUMBAWA/RINCA/KOMODO) ??? pour visiter les îles, quel moyen de transport faut-il privilégier ??? nous sommes 2 couples et pensons louer un Kijang avec chauffeur pour FLORES, est-ce que c'est une bonne idée et avez-vous des adresses éventuellement ???
salut!
La discussion à l'air d'être terminée depuis longtemps, mais je suis super intéressé par ce voyage.
ça ressemble beaucoup à ce que je voudrais organiser pour moi et ma copine.
Peux-tu me donner quelques infos et impressions sur le Alors - Flores?
Je devrais retourner sur kuala lumpur au bout de 3 semaine en indo,
et j'envisage de commencer par Alor pour plonger et balader.
Es-tu aller au Timor?
Je suis curieux de savoir si c'est bien, ou si c'est difficile d'être un peu autonome là-bas (transport, hotels..)
Y a t' il des volcans visitables là-bas?
Salut,
Finalement cet été, on a zappé Alor. C'était trop compliqué au niveau du transport (bateau 1X/sem) et un mois de vacances c'est court, surtout que les bagages de nos potes avaient été paumés entre Istanbul et Jakarta et qu'on avait déjà perdu du temps. Bref, on s'est limité à Flores (de Maumere à Labuanbajo) en transport local , bus ou Kijang et là on s'est vraiment fait plaisir, une croisière sur le Jingo Jango 4 jours-3 nuits dans le parc de Komodo (plongées-snorkeling génial) www.komodoaventure.fr/komodo_indonesie_plongees_croisieres_tarifs.html - le bateau pour nous 4 - un équipage top - puis retour sur Labuanbajo - vol Denpasar avec 2 jours à Ubud et fin du séjour sur les Gilli (rien d'extraordinaire)
Finalement je regrette qu'on ait pas passé + de temps à Flores, on a fait la traversée en 15 jours et c'est vraiment court. Pour les Gilli, j'ai été déçue et je préfère mille fois les Perhentians en Malaisie. Si tu as d'autres questions, n'hésites pas.
Bonjour,
Je sais que votre post date de plus d'un an mais vous pourriez peut être mn'aider. Je vois que vous avez fait la traversée de Flores sans guide, avec les transports locaux. ESt-ce compliqué? Auriez-vous une idée de budget ? (combien vous a coûté en tout vos 2 semaines à Flores). Je vous remercie d'avance!
Je pars avec mon copain pour 3semines en indo , un stop à Singapour de 2jours pour visiter un ami , mais nous souhaitons ns rendre directement à flores , alor Island et keta ns avons 17jours sur place , est ce que tu as pu le faire sans guide ?! Avec les transports locaux , ça été compliqué ou non ?! Et le budget ?! Tu ns conseillés quel moyen , as tu également de bonnes adresses de guethouse ou de guide si tu as pris un ,
On te remercie
17 jours c est pas gagne, parce que rien que pour y arriver et en partir ca va te prendre beaucoup de temps, a part si t as du bol avec les bateaux, et encore...
on peut s y deplacer en transports locaux et sans guides, et tu trouveras toujours ou dormir et de quoi manger, mais faut pas etre exigeant, alor ca commence a etre bien paume et a l ancienne, meme pour les standards indos.
Merci beaucoup pour tes infos j ai une autre question , quel est le moyen le plus rapide pour joindre flores ?!
On oublie les transports en bus et bateau , l avion c est possible ?!
Florès/ archipel d alor ?
As tu un guide à nous recommdé?!
Merci naps
ben les guides je pratique pas donc je peux pas t aider, desole.
l avion pour flores, maumere ou ende, et peut etre labuanbajo et larantuka (a verifier). va voir le site de lion air, et s ils n ont pas la destination que tu veux essaie garuda, mandala, sriwijaya, batavia et bouraq.
merpati avait un bon reseau, a defaut d etre fiable, mais il me semble qu ils ont ferme boutique (a verifier).
si t as peu de temps faut bien planifier, flores de bout en bout ca fait loin, et la trans flores est une mauvaise route de campagne avec beaucoup de tournants.
pour alor, y a un aeroport a kalabahi. en 2006 y avait des vols depuis bali, mais je ne sais pas ce qu il en est en 2012.
prevois un peu de sous, toutes ces destinations ne sont pas hyper frequentees et les vols risquent d etre cher.
de flores a alor je crains qu il n y ait que le bateau. la meilleure option c est la compagnie pelni, depuis larantuka, mais ils n ont que deux bateaux toutes les quinzaines. sinon il y a aussi des ferries, moins rapides mais legerement plus frequents.
c est tout un peu inchaa a l lah quoi :-)
bonjour
il y a des vols pour alor de kupang timor, et des vols maumere kupang ou denpasar kupang
en dehors de kilabahi et la petite kepa, les hebergements c est chez le chef ou le prof ou qqun d autre
moi je laisse 25000rp ou l equivalent oleh oleh! pour une nuit et repas
tres bon accueil des differents peuples d alor!
olivier
je me suis mal exprimé: c est dans les villages chez le chef, l instituteur ou une famille; ce n est pas un prix demandé, c est une participation.en general l homme refuse et la mere de famille accepte dans la cuisine. tu peux encore mieux amener ou acheter l equivalent en sucre, sirop abc, poisson salé..etc
j ai de tres bons souvenirs des villages d alor; tu peux te faire amener sur un point haut puis rester sur les cretes a pied et redescendre par un autre coté en t arretant dans les petits villages
olivier
Je pars avec mon copain pour 3semines en indo , un stop à Singapour de 2jours pour visiter un ami , mais nous souhaitons ns rendre directement à flores , alor Island et keta ns avons 17jours sur place , est ce que tu as pu le faire sans guide ?! Avec les transports locaux , ça été compliqué ou non ?! Et le budget ?! Tu ns conseillés quel moyen , as tu également de bonnes adresses de guethouse ou de guide si tu as pris un ,
On te remercie
Latifa et albé
Bonjour,
En 17 jours cela parait difficile de faire Alor et Florès sauf si vous aimez courir et prendre des taxis persos et avion évidemment cela est plus chère.
Nous avons fait 15 jours sur Florès avec option petit budget.
Avion de Denpasar à Mauméré/mauméré Moni (kélimutu)en bémo./Moni Riung en bémo avec changement à Ende/Riung Bajawa en bémo/.Bajawa Lubang Bajo en taxis que nous avons chartérisé avec des rencontres du petit hotel.Le taxis 'c'est entre 50 et 80 s la journée selon votre capacité à marchander et aussi selon le nb de touristes
Le bémo :c'est sympa mais quelle galère.Il y a une heure de départ mais après tout es approximatif(tour de la ville, crevaisons, arrêt pour restauration etc, route défoncée sur Riung. Enfin c'est pas chèr et le contact avec les gens est garantie.Nous avons le temps de voir le paysage et de se détendre les jambes quand le bémo ne peu pas monter la côte(c'est arrivé 1 fois).Bon la dernière étape était trop longue et nous avons cracqué pour le taxi.
A Riung le seul hotel propre et pas trop cher est celui des soeurs catoliques:attendre la fin de la messe et marchander la chambre( marchandage pour la forme 15 S la double avec déj).Pour la forme demander le prix aux autres passagers, cela vous evite une augmentation subtentielle décidée par le chauffeur à l'arrivee.
LUBANG BAJO Sonia Hotel d'un vert que vous ne pouvez pas manquer à côté de l'hopital.Propre 20S avec dèj après apre mais gentil marchandage
A lubang Bajo nous avons pris un bateau pour rentrer sur Lombok avec visite de Rinca et arrêt à Paulo Moyo.Il y des propositions un peu partout :c'est généralement 3 j 2 nuits et dormir sur le pont.Il y a avec Cabine.Nous avions réservez le bateau de France avant de partir(bateau en panne pendant 2 jours, ils nous ont balladé gratos pendant 2 jours pour aller faire du tubas).
Nous avons finis sur les iles Gilli , c'est beau mais il y a un trop grand nb de touristes et évidemment :bazar à touristes=pris beaucoup plus cher.
Notre grand regret , c'était de n'avoir qu'un mois et de n'avoir plus le temps pour rester à Kuta LOMBOK( pour la plage) .Rien à voir avec Kuta Bali.
Le plus , c'est le tuba à Riung .Enfin bref s'il possibilité de chartériser le taxi cela vaut le coup et vous aurez quand même les crevaisons.
Bonne ballade
Hervé
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’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
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.
