Bonjour tout le monde, je me présente, Chris 20 ans venant D'Alsace :)
Alors voila, je vois tout le monde autour de moi voyager, tandis que moi, je ne suis jamais parti :(
- Les raisons pour lequel je ne pars pas ?
- La peur de l'inconnu et le manque d'information.
Alors j'aimerai bient vos précieux conseils afin de pouvoir un jour me lancer. :)
Prenons comme exemple : La Thaïlande
1) Après la sortie de l'avion ?
N'ayant jamais voyagé bien loin, je n'ai jamais pris l'avion, et dans mon cas présent, admettons que je le prenne et une fois sorti de l'appareil, me voilà dans un pays inconnu, ou personne ne parle Français.
Comment rejoindre son Hôtel sans se perdre ?
Ou effectuer le change d'argent ?
Comment avoir accès a internet sur son téléphone ? ( J'ai entendu qu'il vendait des puces téléphoniques a l'aréoport )
2) Les activités ?
Voilà, enfin arriver à l'hôtel, mais maintenant je suis perdu !
Quand je vois des gens sur les réseaux sociaux qui visitent des grottes, vont dans des lacs magnifiques etc.. je me demande bien ou ils ont pu obtenir cette information et comment s'y sont-ils rendu.
Comment trouver des activités à proximité sans trop s'éloigner ?
3) Le bon endroit ?
Ce serait un peu bête de réserver un hôtel dans un endroit complètement isolé, loin des activités, et des zones touristiques.
Comment trouver le bon endroit afin de profiter de ses vacances ? 4) Les choses utiles à savoir ?
Etant très vigilant sur mes affaires, j'ai vraiment peur de me faire voler mes affaires pendant des excursions ou des activités, surtout si les papiers importants s'y trouvent.
Que me conseillez vous d'important lors des sorties ? Uniquement téléphone et un peu de liquide sur soi ?
Voila voila, j'espère que vos réponses m'aiderons a enlever cette peur en moi !
Merci beaucoup aux personnes qui prendrons le temps de me répondre :)
Bjr
contactez une agence de voyage locale et organieez avec eux les 3 4 ou 5 premiers jours de decouverte avec un bon guide local thai francophone
puis ensuite au bout des 4 a 5 jours demandez leur de vous prevoir la suite ma7s non accompagne
une fois ce premier voyage vous pourrez alors envisager les suivants en solo
Hello voisin, au tour début, tu achetés un guide style routard, lonely planet etc. et tu potasses. Tu auras déjà pas mal d'information générale sur le change, la vie, les coutumes, les moyens de transport. Ensuite, selon tes choix et envies, tu peux revenir présenter ton programme. Si jamais tu ne veux pas t'embêter avec des préparatifs en amont, contacte une agence.
bonjour et bienvenu dans le monde merveilleux du voyage,
le routard, c'est la bible pour un premier voyage. Ensuite il faut que tu planifie un budget pour ton voyage et après tu regardes ce que tu peux faire comme road trip. regarde aussi la période à laquelle tu veux partir.
Vôtre présentation manque peut-être d'une info "de base" pour le sujet du voyage en individuel: can you speak English, bro? Okay, j'en ai croisé qui font sans, et s'en sortent-comme-des-chefs, mais ça aide quand même un peu, hein.A noter qu'un niveau BAC(ancre) suffit amplement pour le quotidien.
Si vous avez un minimum d'entregent/sociabilité, rassurez-vous il est facile (et courant) pour un jeune de se faire des potes, eux aussi en solo ou pas, dans les guesthouses, pour visiter en duo ou bande.A moins d'être un tebê, on pige vite le truc pour voler de ses propres ailes.
Why not la suggestion de Jungeltroll, pourquoi po aussi "faire vos classes" dans une destination Européenne par exemple? L'idée: si vous vous "débrouillez" au Portugal/Grèce/Italie ou Autres de l'UE, Où vous auriez peut-être plus de "repères", alors la Thaïlande (Destination "classée facile"), ensuite : 2 fingers in the nose ! Toutes les questions pratiques que vous posez procèdent, grosso mondo, des mêmes usages/"techniques" dans n'importe quel pays (ou presque, hein)
Sans faire de psychologie "à la ptite semaine", la Thaïlande ne me semble pas tant votre sujet que le voyage en solo (à cogiter!)
Sinon, sachez que la fonction du forum (en haut à droite de page/visez la loupe) regorge de récits de séjour avec force recommandations pratiques/logistiques ainsi que "jeux" de questions-réponses sur tous thèmes (itinéraires, météo, hébergement, transports, santé, sécurité, administratif...).Piochez-Y les avis&suggestions qui matcheront vos propres attentes&goûts.
J'ai déjà lu nombre de voyageurs naviguer "à vue" sur FB pour "organiser" leur trip en direct depuis le "Terrain": Chacun sa façon de kiffer sa life!! Yessss, Vive l'impro et Vive l'Energie positive!
En espérant vous être utile, je reste à vôtre dispo, camarade.
Bonjour tout le monde, je me présente, Chris 20 ans venant D'Alsace :)
Alors voila, je vois tout le monde autour de moi voyager, tandis que moi, je ne suis jamais parti :(
Bonjour
Et qui vous dit que vous n'êtes pas un Sage?...
Quand je vois des touristes traverser la Thaïlande en courant dans tous les sens, ne pas sortir des zones touristiques devenues des ghettos, n'avoir des échanges avec les autochtones que mercantiles, n'apprécier la photogénie d'un site que par leurs selfies, expérimenter le moins possible de ce qui fait les charmes du pays (manger dans la rue... partager les coutumes locales...sourire !...) et revenir chez eux sans avoir rien appris (sans parler de ceux qui choisissent sciemment ce pays pour se vautrer dans le pire), je me dis que celui qui voyage en France (on peut le faire à l'économie), voit parmi les plus beaux paysages du Monde (avis de quantité de globe-trotteurs), rencontre, communique, évolue, change, je me dis que celui-là a compris ce qu'est le voyage, et que peut-être, lorsqu'il aura acquis un peu d'expérience à 2 pas de chez lui, il sera temps de vivre d'autres aventures loin d'ici.
Je vous dis ça parce que c'est ainsi que j'ai "appris à voyager" depuis mes 18 ans, et jusqu'à très récemment (je vais en avoir 58), je ne m'en étais pas aperçu.
Après ça, chacun sa route, chacun sa vie. Prenez un voyage organisé avec suffisamment de temps libre pour vos premières aventures, évitez les prestataires qui démarchent sur les forums, et restez en contact permanent avec un proche au pays.
Oui dans l'exemple de la thailande, j'ai cru comprendre qu'il fallait partir début d'année, car cela est moins chère, et qu'après, la " saison des pluies " commence.
Il pleut 20 jours / Mois, et le prix est plus chère :)
Après le budget n'est pas un gros saison, je n'ai pas de restriction.
Oui en effet, j'ai oublier certain détail, mais l'idée de la thailande était un exemple :)
J'ai de petite notions d'anglais, encore a perfectionné ahah :P
Après le voyage solo, ce n'est pas encore pour moi. L'idéal serrai a deux / trois . Après pourquoi ne pas partir plus près en effet, dans un endroit qui parle " Français " ( Martinique ? )
Cela reste a voir :)
Je vais aller feuilleté sur le forum pour trouver mon bonheur !
J'ai de petite notions d'anglais, encore a perfectionné
Un peu comme le français, quoi...
Après pourquoi ne pas partir plus près en effet, dans un endroit qui parle " Français " (Martinique ?)
Des endroits qui parlent français, il y en a plein en France. Pas besoin d'aller dans les îles Kerguelen...
Cela dit, la Martinique, c'est une bonne idée. C'est d'ailleurs, mon premier voyage solo. Et j'avais été aussi à Barbade. Cela sera l'occasion de savoir si vraiment tu as envie de voyager ou simplement de partir de chez toi.
Cependant, quand je vois le niveau de certaines questions, comme :
Ou effectuer le change d'argent ?
ou
Comment avoir accès a internet sur son téléphone ?
Je me demande si tu es tout à fait prêt.
Parce qu'il est quand même préférable à ton âge de faire des retraits plutôt de de transporter des centaines d'euros, et qu'internet avec soi est un grand confort qui n'est pas indispensable pour voyager...
Et du coup, l'Europe serait une autre alternative, puisqu'il n'y a pas besoin de changer et que les forfaits téléphoniques français y sont valables, ce qui supprime déjà deux problèmes.
Alors, tu as acheté un Guide du routard ? Tu en es où dans tes réflexions ?
Première piste : va sur les sites des compagnies aériennes et regarde les prix pour ta période.
Meilleur rapport qualité prix Qatar et Emirates. Souvent, le meilleur tarif c'est six mois à un an avant, grosso modo.
Clique sur mon pseudo et lis les carnets Thailande en commençant par celui de 2013. Tu peux imprimer ou noter les éléments les plus importants et les plus intéressants.
Il y a quand même de quoi lire.
Et reviens après avec tes questions pour peaufiner.
C'est rare, mais si tu réussis à toujours garder dans ta tête l'idée qu'on peut tomber sur des dingues ou des arnaqueurs, tu éviteras déjà le pire.
Attention, dans ce pays, le minimum des notions de base en anglais est souhaitable.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of markets. No matter where I go, in every country or city I visit, I won’t leave without having seen one. I’m mostly talking about food markets. I love the smells, the colors, and watching people from all walks of life stroll around. It’s like a mirror of a country’s culture, and I love soaking it all in.
Thai markets are particularly appealing to me. In my province, there are so many. Maybe more than elsewhere—I’m not sure—but every day, you can find a "Talat Nat." These are traveling markets that set up in specific places on specific days. They only stay open for a few hours. Some attract more shoppers than others because they have more stalls and a wider variety of products. Sometimes, they’re set up in pretty unusual spots: temples, roadside, even on train tracks...
On top of these, there are also markets in the city that stay open all day.
I’d love for you to share your photos of markets, local product stalls, and why not, let’s talk about gastronomy and cuisine too!
I’ll start with my favorite market—it’s 8 kilometers from my place and happens every Tuesday from 2 PM to 5 PM. I never miss a Tuesday unless there’s a downpour... 😉 It’s located in the countryside, in a village famous for its coffee (ThamSing), and inside the grounds of a slightly unusual temple. It’s easy to get to—over the past 10 years, the roads have been paved, which wasn’t the case before and made the trip a bit risky when it rained...
In the first two photos, you’ll see the temple courtyard on a normal day, without the market.
I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dayi
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places.
We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok).
We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th.
We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok...
Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya.
From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th.
On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed?
Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip?
Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone.
I’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
