Merci pour l'info, on a verifie mais finalement nous avons choisi un autre endroit pres de la riviere. Ca s'appelle Baan Tawan et c'est plein de petit bungalows au bord de l'eau. Notre chambre nous coutait 150 Baht sans petit dej et ils ne faisaient pas la chambre mais c'etait bien sympa et tant qu'on avait des moustiquaires tout allait bien.
Donc au cas ou tu reviennes dans le coin, je te le conseille, c'est tres routard!!!
je comptais aller bientot vers Pai et voulais savoir si l'on pouvait avoir là bas des cours de massage et de cuisine. L'idée était de s'éloigner de Chiangmai qui me semble trop gros et trop touristique. Serait ce un bon choix?? Même question pour Mae Hong SOn en fait!!!
Pour les cours de cuisine tu trouveras a Pai. Il y a meme un endroit qui s'appelle wok & roll cooking course. J'ai bien aime le nom. Par contre pour les cours de massage je n'ai rien vu a Pai, peut etre que je n'ai pas bien regarde.
A Pai, je te conseille vivement d'aller manger chez Dang thai food, la rue parrallele a la riviere. Elle est tellement pas cher et c'est vraiment bon. Plus sympa. Elle peut te laver ton linge a 15 baht/kilo (le moins cher sur le marche) et si tu veux aller en excursion a Mae Hong Son, demande lui de te l'arranger, elle a un ami qui a une voiture... Nous avons pris notre excursion en agence et s'etait 1000 baht/pers. mais on a vu des personnes partir de chez elle pour faire du rafting donc a mon avis elle peut organiser d'autres excursions. En tout cas elle a trouve le prix de notre excursion tres cher.
Pour Mae Hong Son, je ne saurai pas trop te dire, nous n'y sommes restees que quelques heures. Mais c'est un coin tres joli et les temples d'origines birmanes sont tres beaux.
A Chiang Mai, par contre on a trouve une super adresse +/- chez l'habitant. Ca s'appelle Spicy House (3 chambres a 200 baht la nuit dinner inclus, eau inclus, toilettes et douches separees, ambiance familiale garantie) et Mim (la proprio) est jeune et super sympa. Sa specialite c'est les cours de cuisine, on a essaye, tres bien 700 baht/jour tarif identique partout mais nous n'etions que 3 au lieu de 15 pers. ailleurs. Si tu veux lui ecrire, son adresse email est: spicyhouse@hotmail.com, elle regarde ses emails tous les 3 jours. Vraiment je te le conseille, on a adoree.
Si tu vas la voir, passe lui le bonjour de Freddy et Anne-Sophie.
si toute la vallée de l'Arve s'en mele, on est mal barré... EN tout cas, le Môle, ANdey et consoeurs te saluent bien bas. Les bolets poussent et l'Hiver se prépare tout doucement à revenir...
Pour en revenir à nos moutons: merci encore pour les infos que tu m'as envoyées. En fait, on part à 2 en tour du monde à partir du 4 Octobre et on se renseigne sur certains pays. La thailande me fait un peu peur car j'aime pas trop le surplus de tourisme. As tu qqs coins tranquilles vers les plages à conseiller???
SI tu as besoin d'infos, nous on est plutot connaisseur de Philippines + Indonésie + Chine du Sud
Merci a tous pour vos bonnes indications. Super l'adresse de Dang Thai Food. Je sais aussi ou allaient les rafteurs. Il s'agit de A Adventure qui est à droite sur la rue qui va de l'arret du bus a Dang Thai Food. La fille est adorable, elle s'appelle A et son equipage super. Qualité et sécurité et en plus ils sont moins chers que les autres. Une autre bonne adresse pour les cours de cuisine : Home on the farm. C'est à 10 minutes a pied du centre ville dans un cadre idyllique et elle loue aussi des bungalows pas cher. Pour les amteurs de calme c'est le rêve et en plus il n'y a pas de coq. (chose rare en Thailande)
L'adresse de Mime à Chiang Mai est aussi excellente
Je t'ecris de mon bateau de croisiere, ou je navigue ce soir entre Civitavecchia et Livorno. Ca me fait tellement bizarre de recevoir un email de Thailande, ca semble tellement loin mais ca fait rudement plaisir. Que de reves!!! Ici c'est le boulot tous les jours pendant 6 mois, un peu dur dur mais c'est une sacre experience.
J'etais a Miami pendant 2 semaines pour une formation et me voila revenue en Europe afin d'embarquer sur l'Insignia (le nom du navire sur lequel je travaille) et d'entamer une transatlantique et faire le tour de l'Amerique du Sud. Fin Decembre je serai vers Ushuaia et l'Antartique!!! C'est bien loin de l'Asie!!
Tant mieux si les adresses t'on plues. Si je pouvais j'y retournerai tout de suite.
Merci de ta réponse et bonnne navigation sur l'Insignia. J'espère aller au mois d'avril en Patagonie - Terre de feu. Aussi si tu debarques ce serait symp de me donner tes impressions et quelques bonnes adresses comme tu saisle faire.
A bientôt et bon voyage
alex
Tu en as aussi ne serait-ce que par ton boulot. Loin des raffarinades et autres sarkozeries. Loin de la morosité du métro boulot dodo qui règne dans ce pays.
Tu as au moins l'avantage de changer souvent de latitude et de renouveller régulièrement tes interlocuteurs
Profites-en bien
a
Je viens de remarquer que tu es de Marseille! J'etais a bord du "Mistral" qui est encore a quai la-bas. J'etais a bord lors de l'arrestation du bateau en janvier dernier et je suis restee jusqu'en mai. J'ai pu apprecier un peu mieux ta ville. J'ai bien aime le Shambala! Et aussi l'agence de voyage "La-Bas", tres sympa.
Je suis passee a Marseille le 8 nov. pour la derniere fois, aujourd'hui je suis a Lisbon pour 2 jours mais je n'ai pas le temps de sortir car il y a un gros changement d'equipage et je suis chargee de les accueillir! C'est dommage c'est une tres jolie ville.
Je m'occupe de l'equipage et plus des passagers, c'est bcp mieux ainsi.
Demain on entame la transatlantique et je sens que ca va tanguer terrible. J'ai horreur de ca, ca fatigue tellement et j'ai encore le mal de mer apres 4 ans a bord!
Je ne sais pas si elle se souviendra bien. Ma copine est moi on etait restees 3 nuits. Au meme moment il y avait aussi 2 francais, un homme et une femme qui prenaient des cours de massage.
C'etait fin aout.
Trop envie d'etre a ta place.
Aujourd'hui j'etais en Colombie, a Cartagena, j'ai pu descendre de mon bateau quelques heures et me balader dans la vieille ville, c'etait vraiment chouette. Tres artistique et classee patrimoine de l'Unesco.
Dans 2 jours on traverse le canal de Panama.
Mais l'Asie c'est encore autre chose, un autre charme!!
Bonne cuisine, un conseil: le curry de poisson dans les feuilles de bananier! Un delice!
Eh bien salut à tous; j'ai malheureusement raté le message pour charger Greg de faire un bisou à Mime (spicy house) mais content de voir que la terre continue de tourner et vous autour. Luang Prabang est aussi patrimoine de l'Unesco ce qui ne veut pas dire grand chose mais qui donne une chance de garantir une certaine préservation. A quand Marseille, patrimoine de l'Unesco.
Et la Patagonie, Fred? Es tu descendue? Je crains que le mois d'avril ne soit pas le plus propice pour y aller. Peut-être le Pérou, alors.
Bonne route à tous et continuez à nous faire rêver avant que l'on ne reparte;
alex
Question massage a Pai, vas direct voir Mr Jan dans le centre. Tu pourras bénéficier de massages fabuleux. Ma femme a pris des cours avec lui et j 'en profite bien !! il a une guest house la moins cher de Pai dans un beau jardin + sauna aux herbes medicinales ( 50 baths !!) . Bref tout le monde le connait, il est né a Pai et est smpa. Petite librairie tenu par un américain dans la guest aussi.
Je viens de remarquer que tu es de Marseille! J'etais a bord du "Mistral" qui est encore a quai la-bas. J'etais a bord lors de l'arrestation du bateau en janvier dernier et je suis restee jusqu'en mai. J'ai pu apprecier un peu mieux ta ville. J'ai bien aime le Shambala! Et aussi l'agence de voyage "La-Bas", tres sympa.
Je suis passee a Marseille le 8 nov. pour la derniere fois, aujourd'hui je suis a Lisbon pour 2 jours mais je n'ai pas le temps de sortir car il y a un gros changement d'equipage et je suis chargee de les accueillir! C'est dommage c'est une tres jolie ville.
Je m'occupe de l'equipage et plus des passagers, c'est bcp mieux ainsi.
Demain on entame la transatlantique et je sens que ca va tanguer terrible. J'ai horreur de ca, ca fatigue tellement et j'ai encore le mal de mer apres 4 ans a bord!
A+
Fred
Où es-tu passée Kodok
Bonne année, que tu fasses plein de beaux voyages dans ta tête et dans tes vacances.
Bizoux
alex
Je vais te faire rever: j'etais dans les fjords du Chile en Patagonie, j'etais a Ushuaia et j'etais en Antarctique. Aujourd'hui je suis a Buenos Aires. Ca fait rever mais je suis tres peu descendue du bateau. En Antarctique nous n'avons pas mis pied a terre, seulement navigues vers la Peninsule entre Deception Island et Paradise Bay. C'etait chouette etant donne que c'etait un reve mais le temps etait plutot gris.
Nous venons de terminer notre croisiere de 17 jours, c'etait vraiment long. Plus de 11 jours en mer au total. L'equipage en avait vraiment marre a la fin. Aujourd'hui encore une fois je n'aurai pas le temps de descendre, trop de travail. Nous allons retourner de nouveau vers Valparaiso et revenir encore une fois la croisiere d'apres. Puis nous montrons vers le Bresil. Tu peux suivre l'itineraire de mon bateau si ca t'interesse, va sur Oceaniacruises.com et je suis sur l'Insignia.
Salut Kodok
Eh bien le froid a Marseille va mettre en concurrence la Patagonie. Il gèle!
Je comptais y aller en avril mais je pense que la météo est encore incertaine en cette saison et je vais me rabattre sur le Pérou pendant 15 jours. Je travaille dans un journal où je suis photograveur mais j'espère profiter bientôt d'un plan national de modernisation de la presse et partir en pré-retraite. Un peu plus de voyages en perspective. Je vais regarder où tu es et j'espère que tu pourras profiter de tes escales.
Bizoux, et à bientôt, à Marseille maybe ou sur la route sac au dos bien accroché
alex😉
Je remonte en ce moment vers Buenos Aires de nouveau. Nous avons refait le tour jusqu'a Valparaiso et de Valparaiso a Buenos Aires.
Apres ca, nous remontons vers le nord. Nous serons a Rio de Janeiro le 14 fev.
Comme je t'ai ecris, je sors peu mais a Ushuaia j'ai organise une excursion pour l'equipage et nous sommes aller faire du cheval pendant 2 heures dans les bois. Ca nous a permis d'oublier la vie a bord pendant un instant.
Ushuaia c'est vraiment sympa comme endroit, quoique je prefere le Chili a l'Argentine mais je ne peux pas dire que je connais ces 2 pays tres bien. Je les vois en pointilles.
Je t'envie d'aller au Perou. Hier soir je parlais avec un peruvien qui travaille a bord et lui disais justement qu'un de mes reves etait de voir le Machu Pichu. C'est drole que tu m'en parles maintenant.
En tout cas en Avril on sera de retour vers l'Europe. La traversee est prevue pour la mi-mars.
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.