Bonjour à tous,
Voila une première pour moi, de poster un message sur ce Forum.
Avec mon mari, nous partons dans tout juste un mois en Thailande (du 2 au 19 Octobre)
Je sais que c'est la fin des saisons des pluies.
Voila notre programme==) Arrivée a Bangkok le 3, première nuit a l'aéroport dans un Hotel *** du coin, le 4 au matin direction chiang mai pour 5 jour donc jusqu'au 9 ( activités en vue: Trekk, Massage, promenade, si vous avez des tuyau pour faire du Quad, descente en rado, visite du Elephant Natural Park, marché, temple... un programme bien chargé !).
Question: Quel hotel me conseillez vous a petit budget? Ou peut on faire du Quad?
Ensuite du 9 Octobre jusqu'au 16 direction cote d'Andaman pour se prelasser sur les iles:
La ça se complique! Beaucoup d'iles et difficile de faire un choix: Nous voudrions idéalement faire Koh phi phi une journée(même si je sais que c'est très touristique voir la vue vaut probablement le coup !), voir Maya Bay de preference tot le matin pour éviter le monde, Faire Krabi , Railay, koh Lanta ... ( des escursions en canoé, en bateau, voir un coucher de soleil avec le repas, allez a monkey beach...)
Nous voudrions aussi faire une journée aux iles Similan (Je sais que l'ouverture aux sites se fait a partir du 15, donc nous n'aurons pas le choix que d'y allez le 15, a votre avis combien ca coute?, et partir d'ou pour en profiter un max?)
Question: Quel ile conseillé vous pour loger et pour avoir accés aux excursions, et autres iles?
Quel Hotel sachant que nous voulions pas forcement du haut de gamme, mais du plus que correct a prix correct :)
Et ensuite 3 jour a bangkok du 16 au 19 ===) dans quel quartier logé idealement??
Je sais que c'est la fin des saisons des pluies.
Nous voudrions aussi faire une journée aux iles Similan (Je sais que l'ouverture aux sites se fait a partir du 15, donc nous n'aurons pas le choix que d'y allez le 15, a votre avis combien ca coute?, et partir d'ou pour en profiter un max?)
Hello,
Ce n'est pas encore la fin de la saison des pluies....Le mois d'octobre côté Andaman est en général assez pluvieux et médiocre... Désolé...
L'ouverture du parc national des Similan n'est pas systématique le 15 octobre.. Tout dépend encore des conditions météo.. D'autre part, il n'est pas sûr que ce parc re ouvre cette année : décision des autorités thaïes, pour la réhabilitation de la faune et de la flore sous-marine, qui a pris un coup depuis quelques années en raison de la surpopulation touristique...
Pourtant j'ai contacter plusieurs agence de voyage spécialisé an Thailande, qui m'ont recommandé la cote d'Andaman justement parce qu'on arrive en fin de saison de pluie, et que la cote du Golfe a ce moment la sera bien plus pluvieuse . Aprés quelques soit le lieu on en controle pas la méteo. C'est un petit peu au petit bonheur la chance ;).
Pourtant j'ai contacter plusieurs agence de voyage spécialisé an Thailande, qui m'ont recommandé la cote d'Andaman justement parce qu'on arrive en fin de saison de pluie, et que la cote du Golfe a ce moment la sera bien plus pluvieuse . Aprés quelques soit le lieu on en controle pas la méteo. C'est un petit peu au petit bonheur la chance ;).
Hello,
Une agence de voyage vous trouvera toujours un endroit ensoleillé meme en plein cœur de la mousson.....😉
Cela devrait certes être mieux coté Andaman, mais loin d'être garanti... Octobre est un des mois les plus arrosés malgré tout..
Oui, je me doute, mais pas le choix de partir en cette période. (On croise les doigts pour que la méteo soit un peu clémente).
Je suis justement en train de regarder votre blog, qui est vraiment super et très interressant !
Vous vivez la bas?!
Si vous avez des tuyau je suis preneuse !
On voudrais profiter un max, et ne pas etre deçu ! Comme je l'ai dit plus haut, visiter koh Lanta, phi phi (maya bay tot le matin pour éviter l'afflux touristique, Monkey beach, Krabi, Railay... Voir des petits coin de paradis au "calme"...
Pareil je regarde pour le choix d'hotel et je suis completement perdu quel est le meilleur endroit pour logé sur quel iles ...
Bonjour
pour le sud arrivee le 9 depart le 16
donc 6 jours "utiles"
impossible de faire tout ce que vous enviisagez
tenez compte des contraintes d horaires bateau a chaque fois
car en octobre les bateaux sont encore rares la saison demarre efectivemeht au sud a compter du 01 nov
Idealement prevoyez juste l avion chiangmai phuket a reserver d avance
et une fois au nord regardez la meteo du jour
car inutile de faire de longues previsions si le temps se gate
en general au nord le plus fort des pluies c est mi sept a mi octobre
au sud sur la cote cote phuket disons que ca commence a devenir bon a partir de mi octobre
Les similan sont annonces a compter du 15 donc tres juste si vous voulez remonter le 16 la encore a decider au dernier moment car inutile de faire 2h de voiture et 1h30 de bateau pour trouver un temps gris
voire meme une anulation si la mer est agitee
dernier conseil programmez bangkok a la fin
doonc filez au nord avec un vol de correspondance de suite ou le lendemain matin de votre arrivee bangkok
Nous avons deja reservé les vols interne depuis la mi Aout: Arrivé a bbk le 2 a 15H depart le 3 au matin 7H30 direction chiang mai, pareil le vols de chiang mai phuket et phuket bkk sont deja reservé !
Pour les iles je me doute que ca va etre compliqué de tout faire, c'est pour cela que je souhaiterais des avis sur les iles a faire absolument et d'autre a pas faire et ou nous loger le plus judicieusement possible pour faire un max de chose ( coucher de soleil en bateau avec repas, monkey beach, krabi, phi phi, koh lanta... avec snorkeling, canoé ...) est ce que ca vaut le coup d'aller a phang nag khao lak??? (sachant que nous voulons loger ds des endroits calme idealement )
vouloir faire un max de choses va faire que au final vous allez passer la moitié du temps en transports
dommage que vous ayez pris vos vols interieurs avant de decider du programme
deja vous auriez du prendre un vol de connexion immediate le 02 apres-midi pour ChiangMai ( ThaiSmile ) plutot que de passer une nuit et de devoir vous lever a 5h du matin - vous avez pris un vol Bangkok ChiangMai depart Don Muang ?
idem pour le vol vers le Sud- dommage de n'avoir pas prevu un vol direct aller et un vol retour Krabi
Le fait d'avoir pris un vol pour Phuket arrivée et retour fait que vous etes dans la pratique probalement contraint d'éliminer Krabi Koh Lanta tc .. ) et de rester coté Phuket
sinon vous allez encore perdre une journée ( sauf a changer votre vol retour Phuket Bangkok en Krabi Bangkok
du coup Phuket - PhiPhi - Phuket - en 6 jours vous laisse le temps de trouver les plus belles palges de Phuket , ( 2 ou 3 jours) de visiter le nord de la baie de PhangNGa ( à partir de Phuket - 1 jour)
et de passer 2 ou 3 jours a Pipi
et sinon plan B -- au dernier momen suivant la meteo du jour
visez Phuket - Koh PhiPhi retour Phuket et monter à Khaolak puis Surin - si vous tenez vraiment a Surin et que la meteo s'y prete ( mais ce parait tres aleatoire )
Oui, je me doute, mais pas le choix de partir en cette période. (On croise les doigts pour que la méteo soit un peu clémente).
Je suis justement en train de regarder votre blog, qui est vraiment super et très interressant !
Vous vivez la bas?!
Si vous avez des tuyau je suis preneuse !
On voudrais profiter un max, et ne pas etre deçu ! Comme je l'ai dit plus haut, visiter koh Lanta, phi phi (maya bay tot le matin pour éviter l'afflux touristique, Monkey beach, Krabi, Railay... Voir des petits coin de paradis au "calme"...
Pareil je regarde pour le choix d'hotel et je suis completement perdu quel est le meilleur endroit pour logé sur quel iles ...
Hello,
Difficile de conseiller des hôtels, je ne connais pas votre budget ni vos gouts... En tous cas évitez de trop bouger, de changer d'hôtel tout le temps. Sinon du calme vous en aurez, le mois d'octobre, du cote Andaman en tout cas, est certainement la période la plus calme de l'année... Sauf peut être pour PhiPhi qui est surpeuplée a longueur d'année..
Oui je me doute, je pensais pas trop bouger d'hôtel a la limite deux fois mais vraiment pas plus ca sera le maximum !
Des amis m'ont conseillé de loger sur Krabi ou Koh Lanta a priori très agréable et facile pour faire des excursions a la journée.
En terme d'hôtel on aimerais du grand confort un peu "luxueux" avec vue sur la mer (quand je dit luxueux je parle pas de 5***** nous avons pas du tout les moyens) on pense plus a du 3***, 4**** étoiles. Et en ce qui concerne le budget plus du 150-200 grand max pour la semaine.
Ca fait un budget de 1000 Bahts par nuit pour 2, c'est jouable pour un 3 * .
Lanta est calme...très calme... Il faudra pas avoir envie de bouger après 19 heures... Et en octobre c'est encore pire... Et s'il fait pas beau, les activités sont peu nombreuses...
Bon j'ai tout bouclé pour le Nord, maintenant je m'occupe du Sud 7 jours, mais je vous assure je m'arrache les cheveux tout a l'air sympa a faire !!
Koh Lanta, Krabi, Phi Phi, j'ai vu aussi Corail island, Ko Racha Yai ou khao Lak.
J'ai vu aussi que sur phi phi, on peut louer un canoë et allez sur monkey beach en 20 min ca peut être sympa?
Je pense qu il faudrait que je me programme "un itinéraire" sans que ce soit à la lettre, ca nous gêne pas de séjourner dans 2 hôtels différents mais j'aimerais vraiment de la détente, des excursions, et profiter à fond de la nature et des plages.
J'ai peur aussi que koh Lanta soit vraiment trop calme et loin de tout ( je ne veux pas me cantonner à une seule ile pendant 7 jours).
Et nous aimerions aussi séjourner idéalement en bord de mer si possible.
Dites-vous bien que vous ne pourrez pas tout voir.. 7 jours c'est court malgré tout. Vous venez de rajouter Khao Lak.... Cet endroit a, à mon humble avis, que très peu d'intérêt..
Je serais vous, je me cantonnerais à Phuket, et de-là, au moins, vous pourrez aller partout, compte tenu de la situation de l'ile.
Vous pouvez aussi vous planter à Krabi et Lanta et rayonner autour, de la même façon.. Mais s'il ne fait pas beau, vous aurez moins d'activités que vous pourrez en avoir a Phuket..
Pour les excursions, tout est faisable du jour au lendemain, en fonction de vos envies, surtout en basse saison...
Bonsoir, si je me cantonne autour de Phuket quel endroit me conseillez vous ?
(calme, belle plage, hotel bord de mer, proche d'un peu de tt).
A ce moment la faire 3 jour phuket puis ensuite 4 jours soit krabi soit koh lanta, pourrait etre un bon compromis.
Qu'en pensez vous?
Pour les endroits où rester a Phuket, c'est pas facile a conseiller.. Pour moi les plus belles plages sont celles du nord : Bang Tao, Layan, Nayang, Mai Khao, elles sont peu touristiques aussi, mais en contre partie un peu éloignées des activités genre bars et boites. Peut être que le compromis serait Kamala, qui, meme si elle est touristique ( quoique pas tellement a la période ou vous y serez ) est malgré tout assez belle et plus proche des endroits qui bougent.
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.
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
