Kicking off the thread with an informative article about Phra Kreuang, protective amulets (according to local belief) that Thai people of all kinds wear around their necks:
🙂 One of the really fun moments from our last trip to Thailand was the celebrations for Tetsakan Kin Je, aka the Vegetarian Festival, in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
We experienced it at the Chao Zhou Shi Kong temple (or Wat Sun Changyi, photo1), tucked away in a "run-down" alley next to the famous Riverside GH, by the Chao Phraya River.
In an atmosphere thick with incense and vibrant decorations, throughout the day, devotees of all ages gather in a cheerful vibe, along with donation collectors, food prep volunteers (including the loud dough-pounding pastry makers, photo2), bird and turtle vendors for liberation rituals, temple merchants, and more...
At 7 PM, it’s Chinese opera time (photo4 backstage).
On the bustling Yaowarat Road, there’s also a lot of excitement: in the temples (photo3) and around the food stalls (photo5).
@Daisy: that's cool! Please be super patient with me—I post spontaneously, without "pre-writing," so I need to be in the "right energy of the moment." You understand me? @ everyone
@Pa ObeOne: excellent! As usual, I approve the footer under the rainbow lotus from the first link 😉
Amazing photos of monks—I love the wink of life: I "missed" a similar shot to your first one on Yaowarat Rd a few days ago... I have to say, I struggle to photograph people, especially their faces, and monks in particular... Khrap! Anyway, thanks for this interesting photo share.
Haven’t tried it, no—I ended up eating Peking duck on Yaowarat Rd that day . But as you know, the Thai Vegetarian Festival isn’t just about earthly food...
See you in this thread, may Buddha be with you! 😎
Just a little heads-up for my kind readers—this is our 15th trip (out of 25 years) to the Land of the Free, the first under the reign of H.M. Rama X (67 years old!!! He doesn’t look it!!!) and in September.
This mini Gulf of Siam tour of 7 "holes" over 30 days took us to: Mae Nam/Koh Samui, Songkhla & Koh Yo, Phattalung & Thale Noi, Pak Nam Lang Suan, Bangkrut, Maeklong-Amphawa, and Krung Thep.
It’s my whim to retrace it backward for you 😛:
Bangkok (2 nights/3 days) :
We reached it by minivan from Maeklong (1h30).
Stayed in Thonburi, by the Chao Phraya River.
Exploring the area around our hotel—which, let’s be honest, didn’t wow us as much as Sathorn, with more car traffic—we still stumbled upon cool stuff (photo1—a tiny Hindu temple with a warm welcome). Dinner was one of our favorite Thai dishes, *kamou* (photo2), at the trendy Indy (Night) Market.
I wanted to check out Icon Siam: as someone who’s not into shopping malls, I’ll admit I was blown away by this new mall with its eye-catching exterior, over-the-top and luxurious interior (a floating market recreation on the ground floor, escalators with "naja" railings, art exhibits, a mind-blowing roof cascade...). There’s an interesting Icon Crafts corner showcasing high-end Thai handicrafts. Also, on the top level, an exciting exhibition of paintings and sculptures. Note that a museum opened in 2020, making Bangkok’s art scene buzz.
I wanted to visit the Alliance Française behind Lumpini—its bookstore and cultural space: meh! Except for respecting the Bordeaux painter on exhibit, Bruno Coq.
We *did* love the exhibitions at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center (across from MBK). Sadly, it’s announced to close—ugh (photo5).
My favorite amulet market, near Loha Prasat (close to Khao San Road): my Aladdin’s cave of Buddha! I spend two hours there wide-eyed, filling my bag with wholesale-priced bracelets (for Couchsurfing and BeWelcome friends passing through), *kumlai*, wind chimes, and other items for our altars. Just the visual pleasure is worth it!!
And the taste buds’ delight: at the Balcony Lounge of the Intercontinental, an afternoon tea featuring raspberry at a great quality/price ratio. I like!
A top-notch massage experience (100 THB for one hour) by the Chao Phraya River, next to a reclining Buddha (photo4).
And then, a happy wander led us to the beautiful Wat Samphanthawongsaram Worawihan, if I recall correctly (photo3).
We started our afternoon and evening in Chinatown—see my previous post on the Vegetarian Festival (photo6 of urban hustle in the neighborhood).
Random tips:
To lighten our last afternoon in the capital, we left our luggage at MBK’s locker (Floor 6 - Zone B). Note: the first 4 hours are free. Perfect!
We needed a shower at Suvarnabhumi before our flight: no shower service in the airport (really??!!). We had to cough up 600 THB each at the Novotel’s fitness club—5-minute shuttle and towel included, lol. Those sneaky devils!!!!
The Ibis Riverside’s breakfast buffet is a great deal if you’re staying nearby: 170 THB per person.
That’s it for the City of Angels.
@ to be continued: Maeklong-Amphawa😎
A triumph of animism in the land of Buddha...
Thais are crazy about them and sometimes spend fortunes to get the amulet that will protect them.
Not so different from the religious trinkets of Lourdes and elsewhere.
We’re way too lazy to like all your epic adventures without clenching, please. 😎
And anyone who’s into amulets knows there’s a "mulet" (donkey) in "amulette" 😉
As for me, I’ve set my sights on Google Translate to follow you in ze nose, hamdulillah!
(Sorry, dear reader, I’d prefer to wrap up this little travel thread faster, but I’m pretty busy at the moment. Promise I’ll try to finish in the next few days—I only have time to share our feedback on:
Maeklong (2 nights):
Stayed in a super excellent Airbnb right by the river (photo1).
Transport (around 5h) from Bankrut to Maeklong by bus (Bang Saphan-BKK route), dropped off at the side of the road.
Really cool 3-hour private boat tour—1200 THB—(photo6) along the canals (photo4): the advertised itinerary included 5 temples, like the stunning Wat Chulamanee (photo2) & Wat Bang Kae Noi (photo3), plus the famous Amphawa floating market (open Mondays, the day after the weekend—phew!).
Nice stroll through Maeklong’s shopping center and its daily market (photo5), etcetera...
Transport from Lang Suan to Bankrut by express train (~3 hours, slight delay)
Third visit since 2014 and oh divine surprise: the seafront has never looked this good and the beach so clean (photo1).
This time we're staying "right on the sand," one of the few places on the main beach, in a comfy Airbnb with the sweetest hosts (18 bucks! per night).
We’re chilling out, tension level at 5—we’ve already "mastered" the local "tourist attractions," so the goal for this stop is just to unwind.
Our kind host drives us by scooter through the coconut grove (photo2) where Peng’s little massage parlor is "hidden." One of our best massages ever!
We feast on mantis shrimp (photo3) caught the day before, which only had to cross the little road to land on our plates: now *that’s* farm-to-table!! (200 THB per kilo cooked!!!)
I realize I haven’t heard any reggae music in the 3 weeks we’ve been in Thailand—I’m shocked and "investigate" with our host (46a): .🤪
Anyway, Bankrut: maybe our favorite beach spot in Thailand, based on all our personal criteria—setting, tranquility, comfort (hotel options, dining, accessibility), and activity possibilities (photo4).
Initially chosen on the map to split up the travel time on our way back up to BKK, it turns out that a friend of ours from Samui—who we’d met before she moved to the mainland—has been living there for 10 years. What a stroke of luck: she’s our enthusiastic guide-driver while we’re there.
Transport from Phattalung to Lang Suan by slow train at "peanuts" price (about 5 hours, a bit of a delay).
After checking out 4 or 5 resorts at Pak Nam Beach, we decide on the last one: www.99bayresort.com (600 THB, right on the beach).
(Another more casual option among others: www.chayhad.9nha.com)
The loooong crescent-shaped beach (photo1) isn’t spotlessly clean, but it’s honestly fine (for someone like me who’s a beach-cleaning obsessive). Just know that from December to March, there are 2 or 3 "waves" of debris that wash up—apparently, it’s monstrous! 🤪
The beach is mostly home to a few fishermen on foot and joggers or walkers.
Pak Nam Lang Suan is such a pleasure to visit: its charming morning market, its "Instagrammable" temples (photo2&3), its fleet of fishing boats (photo4)... (photo5&6).
There’s the joy of sightseeing, but also the vibe of the village—peaceful, smiling, kind, and laid-back.
We didn’t have time to visit Ko Phitak, which you can actually walk to at low tide. I’ve got a feeling it’s a cool spot, with a few homestays 😉
A morning in Lang Suan to explore its big day market and its urban architecture, which still preserves a lot of wooden houses (photo7).
Worth noting: every October, the town hosts the boat races festival, the most famous in the Kingdom.
Transport from Songkhla to Phattalung by minivan (4h)
Stayed at the casual Merdelong Hotel (no reservation) just a 3-minute walk from the station.
The town is nice and quiet, nothing amazing to report for my part.
As soon as we dropped our stuff in the room, we asked the reception about renting a scooter to go to the floating market (it’s Sunday) 10 km away. We were handed one 15 minutes later for 300 THB (no credit card or passport required).
Fun scooter ride (stopped at the historic residence of the Phattalung governor—photo1), but the floating market was a letdown 🤪 in the landscaped amusement park...
Ate *kamou* both nights at the night market by the station. Also tested and approved the very popular restaurant across from the Merdelong H (Thai sign).
Before dawn, a big storm. We’d been told the day before to get to Thale Noi (@ 1h by scooter) by 6 am to see the lotuses in bloom. Pfff, we left at 8 am, and an hour and a half later, we hired a private boat for a 2-hour lake safari (450 THB for one hour / 800 THB for two). Well, we saw some open water lilies (oh, is it too late now??), a few water buffaloes, passed some fishermen (photos 1, 4, & 5), and spotted quite a few birds of all kinds. The "sold-out" fishing nets/fishing traps: zero or close to it...
Honestly, the excursion was really pleasant—we had a great time 😊—but not mind-blowing or memorable (unlike Lake Inle, for example). We think it’ll appeal more to bird lovers (apparently there are 180 "species"). Maybe it reminded us too much of the Camargue??
When we disembarked, we were taken through the small stilt-house neighborhood behind the row of shops: super nice and photogenic (photos 3 & 6—specialty sea fritters...).
We could’ve checked out Ekachai Bridge, which we’d crossed by minivan on the way from Songkhla, but no—especially since rain was threatening...
On the way back, we stopped for a drink at the famous Sripakpra Boutique Resort, which, while charming, still feels like a big complex...
The countryside around Phattalung is gorgeous, with lots of cattle farming and beautiful rural homes.
@++, we’ll head back to Songkhla, my first big crush...😎
Khrap! Thanks for the sound share—I hadn’t heard of it. If you say it’s the current number one, well, that’s interesting. (Still gotta admit it’s pretty cheesy, though—lol 😏).
Anyway, I just wanted to echo the point about reggae censorship in Thailand, nothing more!
@Natooooo: That’s cool, khrap!!! Nice track—more my thing, even if I barely listen to reggae (or any music, really). I’m more of a silence guy. Happy to see you back in the section—it’s been missing your lighthearted vibe these past few weeks...
Otherwise, I just wanted to echo the censorship of reggae in Thailand here, nothing more!
Got it like that
🙂
And speaking of censorship and its evolution, after his essential "Made in Thailand,"
Lek Carabao hits hard with his new track
about the legalization of weed that makes you see water buffaloes in pink
😎
to a reggae beat
Cannabis Commission
youtu.be/Z0P5ufGC12E
Lyrics in French (Automatic translation)
> HERE<
@ Thaiboss
Besides, Sek must be having a good laugh after his various setbacks related to the topic mentioned here.
In 2012, during his "rehabilitation" phase, he composed a great track:
Made at Night (2012)
Miscellaneous › Turkey / Thailand / Cuba · 4 replies
What are your positive and negative experiences with dental implants in different countries around the world? Looking for something like 4-5 dental implants,…
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?
Hello.
We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).
18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC
20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land
20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding
23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing)
27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City
1/1: Return flight to France.
What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
Hi,
We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅
Thanks for your experiences/tips!
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!
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.
Hi there,
We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach.
The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?
From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.
Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar?
Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total.
Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel?
Thanks, Françoise
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.
Hi there,
After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter).
Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333?
I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!
Hi there,
We’re planning a backpacking trip to Northern Malaysia and northern Sumatra in February/March 2027. It’ll be our first time in these areas (we’re pretty familiar with the rest of Asia). Thanks in advance for your favorite spots and diving recommendations! It’s still very open-ended—we haven’t set anything in stone yet.
Thanks,
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
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.
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
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 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!
