J'aimerais avoir votre avis... Après quelques nuits que nous passerons à Chumphon en février 2019, je compte remonter la côte vers Bangkok. J'ai 6 nuits devant moi. Je pense passer 3 nuits à Prachuap Khiri Khan, mais j'hésite pour les 3 suivantes : Sam Rot Yoi ou Phetchaburi ?
A part la grotte qui est très connue à Sam Roi Yot, nous avons l'intention de visiter le parc avec les éléphants en liberté (non loin de Kuiburi), mais Phetchaburi nous tente aussi (entre autres pour le monastère sur les hauteurs).
Petites précisions : ce sera notre 12ème voyage de plusieurs semaines en Thaïlande et à chaque étape, nous louons un scooter.
Autre question : pour rejoindre Bangkok (aéroport de DMK), il semblerait que ce soit faisable en environ 3h/3h30 depuis SRY ou Phetchaburi. Vous confirmez ? Cela nous permettrait de prendre un vol pour Nan en fin d'après-midi au lieu de passer la nuit près de l'aéroport.
Je n'ai pas eu la chance de voir les deux malheureusement mais j'avais beaucoup aime Sam Roi Yot. Il y a bien sur la fameuse grotte avec le temple mais il y a aussi au moins deux autres petite grottes qu'on peut voir. Plus des plages sympas si vous aimez ca et bien sur la vue du haut des montagnes. Il y a les marais aussi pour observer les oiseaux. On voiture en remontant on s’était aussi arrêté au temple de Khoatao. Bonne chance pour votre choix :)
J'y serai aussi en février prochain. Ou se trouve les deux autres grottes dont vous parlez?
Sont-elles à proximité sur le mëme site? Merci de m'éclairer car lorsque j'y suis allé, je n'ai vu que celle avec le temple au centre (qui, soit-dit en passant en magique à voir).
J'ai bien aimé Sam Roy Yot, et ce coin de Thailande. ......surtout si vous ëtes autonome en scooter.
Le traffic est facile dans cette région. Prachuap Khiri Khan est une ville accueillante et tranquille.
J'y retourne cet hiver pour parcourir en scooter le triangle PKK/Chumphon/Ranong/PKK. Peut-ëtre s'y croisera-t-on?
Nous serons à Chumphon à partir du 11 février pour 5 nuits et à Prachuap à partir du 16 février, pour 3 nuits. Les 2 avis recueillis jusqu'à présent sont identiques quant à Sam Roi Yot, nous y passerons donc sans doute les 3 suivantes (sauf si plusieurs personnes me vantent Phetchaburi - qui a l'air d'être beaucoup moins connue des farangs).
Sais-tu s'il y a des minivans qui rejoignent Bangkok depuis Sam Roi Yot ? J'aimerais vraiment savoir si, au départ de SRY, nous pouvons rejoindre facilement Bangkok (DMK) pour y attraper un vol pour Nan en fin d'après-midi. Sinon, il resterait le taxi (environ 3h/3h30) qui, il me semble, nous coûterait dans les 2000/2500 bahts.
Nous avons déjà passé quelques jours à Ranong il y a quelques années (en allant et revenant de Koh Phayam). Cette fois, une fois n'est pas coutume, nous commencerons par le sud (Khanom, que plusieurs personnes m'ont chaudement recommandées), Khao Sok (pour la 2ème fois, mais ici avec 2 nuits sur le lac, au Panvaree, un bel hôtel flottant), Chumphon, PKK, Sam Roi Yot pour ensuite rejoindre Nan (nord-est) et Chiang Rai (pour la 7ème fois ! On est accro !) et redescendre du côté mer d'Andaman (probablement Lanta et Libong). 7 semaines au total.
Qui sait, on se rencontrera donc peut-être à Prachuap ?
Merci pour ta réponse et ton avis sur Sam Roi Yot. En journée, nous sommes toujours en vadrouille, mais il est toujours bien agréable de se baigner en fin de journée, dans la mer ou à la piscine😉. Aurais-tu un hôtel à recommander ? Sur la plage, si elle est belle (et baignable) ? Sinon, un peu plus loin de la plage, mais avec piscine ?
Merci !
Bonjour,
Je suis allée à Sam Roy Rot et j'ai passé juste une nuit au Stella resort, c'était le jour du nouvel An chinois 2017. Le resort et son propriétaire ( un Yann suisse) sont adorables. Nous n'avions pas de moyen de transport , il nous a conduit à sam Roy Yod (superbe ballade et belle plage) et dans les marais où nous avons rencontré un bonze extraordinaire. De mémoire il n'y a que 5 bungalows, le jardin est très soigné (fleurs, bassins à nénuphars, petite sculptures thaïes), le petit déj est excellent et la belle piscine très propre. Yann loue des motos et sans doute des scooter, ce qui est idéal pour visiter le secteur.
Le resort est un havre de paix, nous avons regretté de n'avoir réservé qu'une nuit. Pour le retour sur Bangkok, Yann nous a conseillé le minibus..on est venu nous chercher à l'Hôtel, nous avons attendu que le minibus soit plein à Pranburi...ensuite c'était l'enfer: à fond zigzagant sur l'autoroute, roulant sur la bande d'arrêt d'urgence avec les motos qui arrivent à contresens. Tout çà en mangeant des sandwichs ou en téléphonant....C'était notre dernier voyage en minibus en Thaïlande, j'espère!
Nous retournons en janvier à Prachuap et nous rentrerons à Bangkok en train.
Je vous joins quelques photos et je vous cherche les coordonnées du propriétaire, il voulait modifier son site pour éviter de passer par booking qui pompe beaucoup de fric sur une petite structure comme la sienne. Je ne sais pas si c'est fait. Ceci dit, le resort est vite plein , il y a des habitués, amateurs d'oiseaux notamment !
Bonnes vacances!
Ca fait deja quelques annees je n'arrive pas a retrouver le nom.
Par contre je sais que c'etait sur la plage "sam roy yot", en face de la petite ile ko kho ram. L'hotel laissait a disposition des kayaks gratuitement pour y aller.
C'est dans le parc mais je ne sais plu trop où. Sur internet j'en ai retrouve une, sai cave, l'autre je ne sais pas. C’était indiqué. Par contre ca n'a rien a voir, c'est des grottes naturelles, je veux dire il n'y a pas de temple dedans et il faut une lampe. Devant une des grottes un homme en donnait, devant l'autre non mais on avait ce qu'il faut.
Autre question : pour rejoindre Bangkok (aéroport de DMK), il semblerait que ce soit faisable en environ 3h/3h30 depuis SRY ou Phetchaburi. Vous confirmez ? Cela nous permettrait de prendre un vol pour Nan en fin d'après-midi au lieu de passer la nuit près de l'aéroport.
Je te propose de faire SRY - Hua-hin en taxi, puis bus pour BKK.
Si tu arrives à faire matcher les horaires, tu y arriveras en 3h30.
J'ai pris le bus à la gare routière d'Hua Hin, si je me rappelle bien, il y avait un bus toutes les heures ou presque. Bus VIP très très confortable (un des meilleurs que j'aie pris à ce jour).
Le resort et son propriétaire (un Yann suisse) sont adorables
Une personne a posté un message pour dire que Yann est décédé dans un accident de la route.
C'est maintenant sa femme qui s'occupe de l'endroit.
Désolé de vous l'apprendre comme cela.
Ou se trouve les deux autres grottes dont vous parlez?
Je déconseille KAEO Cave:
dangereuse, bon pour les amateurs, en forme et bien équipés only
j'en parle ici:
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7121469;a=7121469
J'y retourne cet hiver pour parcourir en scooter le triangle PKK/Chumphon/Ranong/PKK
2 endroits très peu visités, environnement hors du temps et qui mérites un arrêt
Hello !
Merci pour cette idée... Je vais vérifier cela. J'avoue ne pas y avoir songé... Phetchaburi, tu n'as pas (encore) visité ? Je n'ai aucune réaction par rapport à cet endroit...
Et à Prachuap, aurais-tu un logement à me conseiller (sur la plage ou avec piscine) ?
Merci beaucoup !😉
Phetchaburi, tu n'as pas (encore) visité ? Je n'ai aucune réaction par rapport à cet endroit...
J'y suis allé, mais on ne peut pas dire que je connaisse bien cet endroit.
J'ai passé une après-midi et une soirée dans cette ville.
L'après-midi, je suis allé visiter deux temples, dont l'un était un fond d'une grotte.
C'était sympa et il y avait un escalier pour descendre au fond de la grotte.
Si mes souvenirs sont bons, il y a avait 81 marches (cette information est à prendre avec des pincettes).
Pour la soirée, le but était de passer Loï Kratong avec les Thaïs, loin des touristes.
Nous avons mangé au bord de la rivière (une rivière traverse la ville).
Les moustiques étaient très contents de nous voir.
A côté, il y a un pont et c'est là qu'une bonne partie de la population se réunis pour mettre les kratong à l'eau.
Je n'ai pas failli à la tradition, mon petit Kratong est parti au fil de l'eau avec un bout d'ongle et une mèche de cheveux.
Ce fût très réussi, je n'ai pas vu un seul farang.
Quelle impression m'a laissé cette ville ?
Je dirai que c'est une ville Thaï, ni plus moche, ni plus belle qu'une autre.
Moi j'aime bien, mais ce n'est pas fait pour tout le monde.
Pour toi, aucun problème.
Je pense que si j'avais eu plus de temps, j'aurai peut-être trouvé plus d'endroits sympas.
Pour Pratchuap, j'ai une excellente adresse, il faut juste que je la retrouve.
Pourquoi est-ce une excellent adresse ? :
- Guesthouse front de mer
- Piscine
- Tout près de la base militaire qui permet d’accéder à une superbe plage et aux singes ( à ne pas manquer).
- Pas loin d'un petit marché sur le front de mer en début de soirée.
- La patronne parle bien l'anglais, de plus, elle est très sympathique.
- Location d'un scooter auprès de la femme de chambre si mes souvenirs sont bons.
Scooter plus tout jeune, mais bon....moi non plus.
Pour info : chambre correct pour 900.- (mais je me souviens plus de la saison)
3 minutes de scooter pour le marché du début de soirée sur le front de mer.
10 minutes pour aller nourrir les singes et se baigner à Ao Manao.
15 minutes pour un temple original en haut d'un côte.
(l'originalité, c'est la grotte juste à côté, sur une hauteur, très belle vue, demande au moine. N'oublie pas des pièces de 10.-, sinon tu finiras dans le noir...comme moi).
je l'ai retrouvée (en passant par Google map) : Sun Beach Guesthouse
Je recommande cet endroit.
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
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
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 trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
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...
