bonjour, j'ai lu toutes les discussions sur la Birmanie, merci ça m'a beaucoup aidé;je voulais juste une petite précision c'est par rapport au budget pour 3 semaines là bas en routard, j'ai du mal à evaluer, et comme je vais bientot changer mes euros en dollars, c'etait pour savoir si quelqu'un pouvait me donner une idée du budget environ.
merci beaucoup
a ce budget de 10/15 Euros ca va etre plus que juste et vraiment aucune entorse au necessaire de survi de base et ne prevoir trop de deplacement ni visite.
Il faut a mon avis pour un sejour normal sans trop de privation 20/25 Euros jours et la tu peux faire des visites et prendre des transports et meme une bierre de temps en temps et pour dormir c'est un lit sans visiteurs indesires...
Bonne balade, Daniel.
Maintenant tout est possible des piaules degeux, pas trop d'hygienne, la nourriture au plus juste, aucune fantaisie, c'est a dire le basique de survi quotidien. a chaqun son voyage mais si loin pour uniquement survivre.
Compte au minimum 20 euros par jour, même en routard. Tout ça en prenant des guest-houses basiques, en mangeant dans la rue, en prenant le bus plutôt que le taxi, le train ou l'avion. Tout dépend aussi si on voyage seul ou à plusieurs.
Ce qui fait monter le budget, ce sont les visites de sites touristiques (10 dollars par ci, 5 dollars par là).
Quelques prix:
guest-houses, à partir de 7-8 dollars.
plat dans la rue, à partir de 1000-1500 kyats (1 dollar).
repas dans un petit resto, 3000-4000 kyats.
course en taxi, petite distance 3-4 km, 2-3000 kyats.
location de vélo à la journée, 1500 kyats.
Mingalabar Salut
Suis d'accord avec Nestor 20$ a mon avis tu seras a l'aise. Par contre c'est un pays ou je n'ai pas trouvé de chambre dégueu pourtant je n'ai pas payé plus de 10$, rien a voir avec l'Inde. On mange trés bien dans la rue ou de petits restos et pas cher.
Bon voyage
vraiment MERCI a tous;c'est génial, je me pose une question en début d'A.M, et j'ai la réponse peu de temps aprés:c'est magique!!
vraiment MERCI de m'avoir éclairée;je pars dans 3 semaines, je donnerai des nouvelles..
Je persiste et signe : entre 10 et 15 Euro par jour d'apres mon second voyage au Myanmar en decembre 2005.
Maintenant rien ne t'empeche de doubler ce budget pour d'un cote etre plus sur en cas d'imponderable et d'un autre cote c'est toujours agreable de rentrer chez soi avec de l'argent en poche
Je trouve par ailleurs assez intolerable les propos de "danero' qui semble mettre en doute ce que j'avance. Je ne vois pas pourquoi j'irai inventer ces chiffres si je ne les avais pas pratique moi-meme sans me priver et dans un certain confort.
Bon voyage dans un pays qui malgre la dictature reste un des plus magiques qu'il m'est ete de visiter de par le monde et dieu sait si j'en ai visite en 20 ans de voyages
Pas de mise en doute ni invention des tarifs pour moi et je connais un peu ce pays 10/15 euros jours c'est de la survie sans aucun superflus et tres petit confort, maintenant je reste persuade que des voyageurs arrivent encore à moins cher... Bonne balade mais prevoir je le repete 20/25 euros jours pour la Birmanie, chaque pays est differents...Daniel
Re budget
En janvier et fevrier 2005, voyageons en couple, sommes restés 40j sur place, on a pris l'avion Gnapali Yangon le reste en bus, le voyage nous est revenu a peine 1000€. Donc cela fait une moyenne de 25€ j.
Je pense que c'est correct.
Bonne soirée
bon, vu que je quitte le myanmar dans deux jours et que je suis en plein dans les comptes ( enfin, je fouille pour trouver des centimes dans le porte monnaie...), j'en rajoute une couche sur le budget!!
niveau logement, difficile de trouver moins que 3 dollars, et encore pas partout. Je dirais sur mon voyage de 4 semaines, une moyenne de 5 dollars par nuit. les guest, ca peut etre nickel, et ca peut etre aussi vraiment crado, digne des chambres a 100 roupies en inde.. mais bon, apres tout les petits boutons de puces sur le ventre au reveil, c'est pas la mort.
niveau restauration, ca depend du standing.. dans la rue, on mange de tres bons curry a 500 Ks, avec la soupe, les crudites et le the. impec. sinon, 1000 reste une bonne moyenne, en restant dans les boui-bouis locaux.
apres y'a les transports, ca, c'est un point important... le train coute relativement cher, rien ne vaut les mini bus blindes sans reservation, la tu t'en sors bien.
et enfin, les visites, mais la perso, je suis pas une fan au point d'avoir fait toutes les pagodes, musees, buddha assis, debouts ou couches...
voila... si tu veux davantage d infos, tu peux voir sur mon blog, j ai mis des idees de prix sur mon trajet, bus, guest, rouleau de PQ ou bouteille de biere... si ca peut t'aider...
c'est sûr la Birmanie est plus chère que l'Inde, mais cela dit j'ai toujours trouvé des chambres nickel entre 3 et 5 $
tu trouveras des infos dans mon résumé détaillant mes 3 semianes cet été : ici
si t'as de questions n'hesites pas.
On peut rester plus de 28 jours en payant 3 $/jour supplementaire...
Pour contenter tout le monde, je dirais entre 10 et 25$ par jour!!!!
Me concernant (août 2005) :
Yangon --> Mandalay (600 bornes, 12h environ) en bus climatisé de nuit et très confortable 4500kyats (4$ à l'époque, soit 3, 10€) avec bouteille d'eau de 0, 50l offerte pour chaque passager et repas dans le bouiboui compris dans le prix. Ce sont les VRAIS tarifs, pas un tarif parce que c'était moi et un pote.
Bagan - Yangon en bus, même topo, 5500 kyats, 15h de trajet je crois, avec les mêmes services.
Sinon, pour le logement : toujours des chambres doubles climatisées (sauf Inle où c'est inutile) à 11 ou 12$ la nuit (pour 2), donc 5 à 6$ par personne par nuit. --> possibilité de gratter 1 ou 2$ la nuit en période creuse, ou même de gagner une journée sur le lac Inle gratos (10$ le bateau jusqu'à 6 places, nous étions 3).
Pour la nourriture, dans toutes les petits restaurants pour occidentaux (là où il y a des menus en anglais, c'est à dire partout où un touriste est déjà passé) compter 1 à 2$ MAXI dans toutes les gargottes pour des plats de nouilles sautées ou de riz, avec viande ou poisson. Compter jusqu'à 4$ si plat plus spécifique genre crevette ou des curry. Niveau boisson, 150 kyants (10 centimes d'euro) le Star Cola (coca local très correct), idem pour le "Star Fanta" (nom que j'ai inventé qui me parait assez explicite pour ne pas expliquer ce que ça peut être, mais en tout cas, ce n'est pas terrible), 150 à 300 kyats pour des jus de fruits frais (selon saison : mangue, banane, ananas, etc...), le Lassi (genre de yaourt mélangé avec jus de fruit frais, très bon) à 700 kyats partout dans le pays, et le plus cher, la bouteille de 66cl de bière, 1100 kyats (70 centimes d'euros), 3 variétés dont la Myanmar Bier qui est correcte. Sinon la bouteille de "sky" local à 1$ je crois, mais je tiens à mon tube digestif :o)
J'ai un ticket sous les yeux (je garde tout!) : 1 Myanmar beer 100 kyats 1 star cola 150 1 jus lychee 150 1 fried raw Eel (anguille frite (friture, pas frite pomme de terre)) 900 1 chicken sour mustard (aigre doux) 400 2 rice 2x100=200
1 bouteille d'eau 200 (1 litre je crois, la demi litre est à 150 en général il me semble)
total 3800 kyats, soit 3.2 $ à l'époque pour 2.
Si on ôte la bierre et la bouteille d'eau, 1$ le repas par personne, et partout où nous sommes allé, nos repars s'étalaient entre 1 et 2$ gros gros max par personne sans la bierre.
Niveau dépenses de visite, 10$ pour bagan (normalement pour 48h je crois, mais jamais de contrôles), 10$ la journée sur l'eau à Inle (négociable (gratuit) par exemple dans l'hotel Four sisters Inn si on leur dit qu'on reste 3/4 jours chez eux), le tour de Mandalay (les 3 villes importantes) puor 50$ pour 2 si on compte le taxi et les frais supplémentaires qu'on nous informe au fur et à mesure de la journée (bateau à prendre, caleche, etc...) mais franchement je n'ai pas trouvé ce circuit intéressant, grottes de Pindaya à quelques dollars (mais 30$ de taxi à 4 personnes pour la journée, 2x3 heures de routes depuis Inle mais paysages à couper le souffle), 5$ le ticket journée pour la schwedaggon à Yangon (donc t'en achete un à 2, 5$ à un touriste qui en sort, et tu le revendras toujours au suivant... finalement c'est gratuit...), 4 à 8$ la journée guidée en cariole à Bagan par jour pour 2 ou 3 personnes...
Bref, en résumé, par personne et par jour:
bouffe : compter 3 à 6$
boisson : pour un "sans alcool" (jus de fruits, lassi, cola, eau) : 1 à 2$
pour un "avec alcool" (bière, lassi, jus, cola, eau) : 2 à 3$
logement (sans ou avec clim) : 2 à 6$
petits trajets quotidien (vélos, trishaw, etc... éviter le taxi quand même) : 0 à 2$ par jour
bilan en MOYENNE par jour : 12$ par jour en nourriture, boisson, logement, transports quotidien.
après reste les visites : sans les viles aux alentours de Mandalay, disons un bon 100$ d'entrées et guides à la journée (cariole, taxi, etc...) à 2 pour tout le voyage, donc sur 20 jours, arrondissons à 3$ par jour par personne.
Nous avons pris 2 vols interieurs : Mandalay Inle --> 32$ la demi heure de vol + 10$ de taxi au départ et à l'arrivée (se grouper avec d'autres touristes pour diviser les frais du taxi à l'arrivée). Inle - Bagan 52$ l'heure de vol (idem pour le taxi à Inle, se grouper)
Donc niveau tarifs, 10$ par jour est court mais jouable si on voyage plus pour la population (sans s'abtenir de visiter quand même) et en évitant la solution taxi journée à 30$ pour Pindaya, en prenant les bus locaux et en prenant les logement "premiers prix" mais propres quand même. Donc pour moi, 10$ par jour est faisable. 25$ permet de voyager dans le confort (clim dans tous les hotels, biere à tous les repas, taxi au lieu de trishaw, restau à 3$ l'assiette de nouille (identique à celle de la gargotte d'à côté 2 fois moins cher), etc...
Bilan : 10 à 25$ par jour !!!! Tout le monde est content !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ET NE PAS OUBLIER LE BUDGET SOUVENIR, mine de rien il peut monter à une centaine de dollar si on fait comme moi, c'est à dire arriver en Birmanie avec un sac en soute de 7kg et repartir avec un sac en soute de 20kg et un sac à dos de cabine encombré par un gros néléphant en bois (genre 30x30x20 cm, payé dans les 2$, soit pas cher du kilo).
Voilà, j'espère que j'aurais pas mal de monde d'accord!
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.