I’ll answer you in Thai to give you the Thai mindset on this... Thais follow singers who constantly change their style, even their instruments like microphones or guitars, and switch up their topics.
The rhythms. That do-do-do thing always stays the same—let’s put it this way: he hasn’t been banned, but he’s LESS popular because he doesn’t change anything about his songs.
Loso in Thailand is a bit like Johnny Hallyday in France—he did it all with drugs and booze but found his way back, and all of it was live with the Thai public. Yes, even during his rough patches, his troubles were televised, as was his comeback, complete with his millions of baht. He changed his songs and guitar but kept his black sunglasses—he’s still the favorite star of Thais today, a bit like Johnny in France.
I spent quite a few evenings with Loso back in my day at Ratchada German Beer Hall—there wasn’t even internet or YouTube yet...
To stay on top in Thailand, you’ve got to constantly change your look or do something out of the ordinary—especially not do the same thing, because the Thai public gets bored *very* quickly😏. Thais change colors every day.
The other popular guy in Thailand is me, MARIO, the double MARIO—you know him????
😏I’m the most popular farang dad in Thailand with my name MARIO (Jeff is my first name in the novel *Jeff molto*). Every day you hear Mario on TV; there’s even a commercial where a Thai woman calls me like all the girls: Maa-ri ooooo.
Accommodation in Airbnb (2 nights, 20 €/night) + Mantra Resort (1 night, 600 THB/night).
Transport: Nathon/Koh Samui to Songkhla by ferry to Donsak Pier + minivan (5h30 duration, 250 THB each, booked at the Nathon bus terminal)
Songkhla City:
I loooove how tourism is approached and developed in this city, where the rich Sino-European historical heritage is showcased (without sterilization) and its traditional activities (fishing, trade...) are maintained. Tourism (mainly Malaysian and Thai) is "digested"—it doesn’t put the city under a glass bell.
To start, a visit to the Tourism Authority to get a city map. Just a stone’s throw away, the Crafts House shop sells regional handicrafts (textiles, basketry...) with a smile and explanations—excellent quality. Further on, the historic birthplace of the 16th Prime Minister (photo 1) and the small but interesting National Museum of Songkhla (photo 2), the big day market, the fishing and deep-sea ports (photo 11).
The Old Town (very well signposted) is particularly pleasant to explore on foot. Its streets, "just as they are," are a feast for the eyes for those who love the patina of time, with a soft, artsy atmosphere: the house facades (photos 3 & 4), the Chinese City Pillar Shrine (photo 5), the Old Mosque Masjid Asasul Islam (photo 6), the Jetty Buddaraksa & Saksiphithak (photo 7), the artisanal ice cream vendors (photo 8—Ong Ice Cream Shop opposite the City Pillar), charming homestays (Baan Nai Nakhon Boutique Hotel...), artists' workshops (photo 9), trendy cafés (Blue Smile Café, Café Station 66...), the Songkhla Towards World Heritage Gate (old dock), the Songkhla Art Mill Center (temporary photo exhibition: *Venezia in Singora*), and of course, the cool urban murals (photo 10).
On the city’s outskirts, the vast fishing parks of Songkhla Lake (gorgeous in the morning and evening light), the beautiful Samila Beach with its popular seafood restaurants in a row (tried and approved—the Monthathip Seafood Restaurant), and the lively Chalathat Beach with its big bars.
Wow, another little gem! Facing Songkhla City.
We visited by rented scooter through our adorable Thai host (no computer or passport required).
First stop, at the entrance of the small peninsula (connected to Songkhla by the Tinsulanonda Bridge) with its mountainous landscape: Wat Laem Pho (photo1). We continued along the coastal road lined with charming old houses (photo2) and stopped at a bird singing competition (photo3). We saw stunning stilt-house displays (photo4), some of which advertised homestays (noted photo5). There was also a 200-year-old temple that was absolutely breathtaking (photos6&7), attractive cafés and restaurants (photo8), and a viewpoint (photo9)....
What a blast this tour was!! Everywhere we felt the warmth, simplicity, and the *sanuk* spirit of Thai families enjoying their time.
(Now other islands on the lake above are catching our eye, Mak & Nang Kham... 😎)
This temple had been stuck in the back of my mind for ages—I just had to find the right spot.
We made it by minivan from downtown Songkhla + tuk-tuk (1.5-hour trip), arriving around 5 PM to admire it perched on its remote hill, bathed in natural light and then lit up at night, sparkling like a thousand stars and chiming in the breeze with a thousand tiny bells: magical, dreamy, and one-of-a-kind!! (photos)
Back down to earth at Songkhla City’s Walking Street for food, shopping, and Thai-style fun (photo8)
We connected directly from our Lyon-BKK Suvarnabhumi flight with Bangkok Airways (domestic flight duration: 1 hour). Just 15 short minutes in line at Suvarnabhumi Immigration.
We spent our first nights in Moo1 ("old" Mae Nam), second line from the sea, where we’re welcomed and treated like loyal guests (for 25 years now), at 500 THB per night. For our last four nights in Mae Nam, we’ll move to the panoramic and recently renovated Seaview Restaurant & Hotel (listed at 890 THB per night).
It’s worth noting that regulars like us are shocked by the prices now being asked for a seaside room—minimum 1,200–1,500 THB, even when negotiated. With almost constant construction of luxury resorts or villas next door—unpredictable completion times—we’re out! 😛
The beach is pretty spotless at this time of year; the polluted rivers are naturally "closed off" by sand carried in by the sea.
For beach cleaners who want to join forces: Trash Heroes of Koh Samui (see FB).
A must-visit Thai restaurant on the walking street: Mayom Garden Food and Drinks.
The walking street is slowly losing its farang food tables: goodbye to the Japanese Kobori, the Korean Gaon, the French Chez François, and Chicken Farm Rôtisserie...
It’s no surprise that tourist traffic in Mae Nam is really struggling outside of February—just 4–6 weeks to make a living for the year. The "tourism players" are looking pretty glum...
We tried and weren’t super impressed by the afternoon tea at the Four Seasons near Nathon (poor value for money, despite pleasant service and a "chic" setting).
If it weren’t for our expat friend living in Mae Nam, we’d have ditched Koh Samui a long time ago. What’s more, with new expat rules that clearly aim to "sanitize" the Kingdom’s , our buddy—like many of his peers (not just French)—is seriously considering leaving the country...
To wrap up this trip report, a few personal experiences:
-Transport:
* Minivans: We used them 4 times, including 3 medium-distance trips. Steady max speed of 80 km/h, smooth driving—I approve this travel option.
* Scooter rental: Twice, and they didn’t ask for a driver’s license or passport either time.
* Train: Two trips, almost on time.
-Cigarettes: No problem!
-Sleep budget: On average, under 20 € for a double room with hot water, AC, kettle & fridge, and a good location (view, etc.). Half the places we chose on the spot.
-Food: While the recipes delight tourists’ taste buds, what about the quality of the ingredients?!! (Not to mention MSG, added sugar...) 🤪
-September rain test: Our previous 30 days in Thailand in Feb–March 2018 "cured" us of ever going back during peak tourist season. Back then, we asked our friends there the fatal question: to enjoy the Gulf of Siam (the Samui Archipelago and the mainland coast up to BKK)? Unanimous answer: September! Well, after this September 2019 trip, we barely approve 😎: air and water temperatures are perfect (not too hot), tourist crowds are very manageable, locals are more relaxed and available, cultural agenda...
To wrap up the topic of amulets, just one more,
not very big but one that, for 30 years, has been making the youth (and the not-so-young) vibe
Phongsit Khampi
"Music for Life" (Phleng phuea chiwit)
Khrap for sharing! I didn’t quite get it all... the music LoL but the lyrics sound sooo romantic. A story about a ladyboy in a red shirt from Khao Lak who falls for a lady in a yellow shirt from Chantaburi, but there’s a tuk-tuk driver strike and they can’t meet up. They’re all melancholic, but in the end, the Wi-Fi comes back, and they can Skype and send each other tons of love stickers while the tuk-tuk drivers win their fight against the new taxi meter law. Did I get the lyrics right?🤪
An encounter at "Siammet", between His Holiness Pope Francis and the Supreme Patriarch of Thai Buddhism, in Bangkok on the bright day of November 21, 2019:
Khrap, Daisyone, thanks for your concern for chkdâne, but don’t worry about him—negative and insignificant things go in one ear and out the other, jaja 😛
(Looks like Daisytwo isn’t exactly a genius either—she’ll slip up and give herself away eventually, lol)
Apologies to my followers for this schizo off-topic 😉 that overshadows Daisyone’s Amuse Pass.
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,
We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam.
What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots?
Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night?
Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites?
Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.
Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes.
I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights?
Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi?
I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have.
Thanks so much! !
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?
