Hello. In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.

- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).

- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).

- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?

- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.

- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!

- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.

- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.

That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before: - Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?

Thanks, and long live the Nam! !

Hello, I’m Buddhist by conviction. Even though I don’t practice anymore, I have a Buddhist altar at home that’s becoming increasingly ecumenical—just like in India, it includes Ganesha, the Holy Family, a Virgin of Lourdes, several Shivas, Tara, Avalokiteshvara, and more... I was hoping to buy a beautiful wooden, stone, or metal Buddha statue in Thailand. On top of that, I wanted to have my statue "blessed." But then I heard it’s forbidden to take any statue or representation of Buddha out of the country... What’s the reality in practice? Have any of you brought back a Buddha statue or other representation in your luggage? Did you make the mandatory declaration? Thanks

Dear VoyageForum members,

For the past two months, I’ve been checking flight ticket prices to spend 4.5 weeks in Thailand from early July to early August. I’m traveling from Brussels with a young child, so I want to avoid layovers. That’s why I’m only looking at Thai Airways’ website and only choosing direct flights.

At the end of August, I saw tickets for 955 € per person. On October 1st, they were 1,225 €. Today (October 22nd), the price is the same as on October 1st. (Same dates: Departure: July 4th, Return: August 7th.)

My question is: Is it possible these prices will drop significantly in the coming months?

Note: I clear my browser cache before every search, which I always do during the week and in the evening. This time, I also checked with my work computer, which has a VPN. So, the price isn’t influenced by cookies.

Thanks in advance for your feedback and tips.

Damien

Hi there,

Does anyone know when I should buy flight tickets to Laos in July and return in August to get the best price?

Can you exchange euros in Laos?

Is it easy to get around Laos using public transportation?

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

Can you go hiking without a guide?

Thanks in advance for your tips to help me prepare for my trip! Nolwenn

Hi there,

The question’s in the title—should I buy a map locally or bring a detailed one from France? If so, which one?

Thanks! 😉

🙂 Hi everyone!

Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!

For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...

Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).

Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks everyone, take care and stay happy! ❤️

Hi everyone,

We're leaving in less than a month, and I'm making a list of last-minute purchases. Could you please review/complete my list? We're traveling with no luggage, just one backpack per person. Here’s what I have on my list: - coral-safe sunscreen 100 ml – I started a separate thread on this topic, so if anyone can answer, thanks in advance ; - long-sleeve UV-protective t-shirts (for boat tours); - compression socks; - lightweight pants for visiting the Royal Palace (the schedule is tight, and I don’t want to waste too much time shopping at the start of the trip, unless we can find them at 7-Eleven); - waterproof pouches for phones and passports; - what else?

Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hi everyone! I’m reaching out because we’re planning a trip to Thailand next year (around March/April), and we’d like to visit Chiang Mai and then Krabi, plus a few islands near Krabi. We’ve been to Thailand before, 10 years ago, and this time, we’d just like to focus on 5 days in Chiang Mai and 10–12 days in the Krabi area. I’ll admit, I’m really struggling to pick an island near Krabi. We hated Phi Phi: dirty, noisy, and the food was gross… such a letdown! Which island would you recommend for snorkeling, nature walks, and beautiful beaches? Maybe we could also make a stop between Chiang Mai and Krabi—perhaps Sukhothai? Is it easy to travel between these three cities? Thanks so much for your help! 🙂

Hi, I’m really interested in the "SUPREME bus" and especially the "Wiang Ping Super VIP Class Bus" with Sombat Tour for traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. But you can only book through their website, and it’s entirely in Thai. No agency allows booking for these buses from this company either. I haven’t found any way to make a reservation for either of these two buses... Has anyone traveled from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on one of these buses? Thanks so much

Hi there, I’m arriving in Thailand with my family on February 9, 2025. We land at BKK that day and then take a direct flight to Krabi. My first little question is this: we’ve booked a hotel 4 km from the airport (B2Krabi). Should I book a taxi through an app (which one?) to get there, or do you think I’ll easily find a taxi/tuk-tuk on the spot, considering we’ll arrive around 8/9 PM? Any idea of the price to expect (for three people) for this short trip?

About the Krabi/Ko Phi Phi route, I’m not entirely sure where the departure point is—I’ve attached a photo of the map. Which company is the most affordable? Do you think I can buy my ticket on the day just before departure and still be sure to get seats? Is it better to book in advance (if so, on which site)? Same question for the return trip from Ko Phi Phi to Krabi!

My kids are dreaming of discovering Indonesia this summer—they’ll be celebrating their 15th and 20th birthdays! For the occasion, I was thinking of Sulawesi, a bit farther from Bali’s crowds.

I usually plan my trips myself, but I’ll admit I’m a little lost when it comes to transportation and logistics. We’d be there for about 18 days.

I’ve looked into guided tours, but the prices are pretty high. North or south for 3 weeks? Anyone have any firsthand experience to share?

Hi everyone, 11/30/2025, what’s the shortest route from Koh Yao Noi to Surat Thani, and is it possible to get there without going through Phuket and Krabi? P.S. Should I buy tickets in advance via Rome2Rio, 12Go Asia, etc., or at the pier? Thanks in advance for your replies, Jacques from Brussels

Hello everyone,

A lot of articles and replies about southern Thailand are quite old...

I’m arriving at Trang Airport in mid-November. What’s the going rate for Pakmeng Pier and then for Koh Mook? Also, what’s the cheapest way to get from Koh Mook to Noppharat Thara (Ao Nang)? After that, I’ll be heading from Railay to Koh Yao Noi. Should I buy tickets from a local agency or at the pier?

Thanks also for your great tips! What are the must-see spots during 5 nights on Koh Mook, 3 around Ao Nang, and 3 on Koh Yao Noi? After that, I’m planning to visit Phuket City, Khao Lak, Surat Thani, Ao Khanom, maybe Koh Samui... and Bangkok for 4 nights. I’m retired and looking for places still off the beaten path, away from mass tourism... Thanks in advance, Jacques from Brussels

Hi there, As mentioned earlier, we're heading off for a month to explore some parts of Thailand in July/August, and I’ve got a few practical questions I’m hoping you can help with based on your experiences. Thanks in advance!

- Can you choose the denominations at exchange bureaus/ATMs? How do you avoid ending up with only 1000-baht notes when exchanging large sums? - If not, is there an easy way to get change? Any alternatives to buying stuff at 7-Eleven? - Can you buy train tickets from Thonburi to Kanchanaburi in advance? Is there usually space available, considering some people do the Death Railway day trip from Bangkok to Sai Yok Noi? - Is there room for luggage on the trains to Kanchanaburi? We’ll be traveling as a group of four with two large checked-baggage-sized suitcases (25 kg each). - Kanchanaburi: Most day tours allow around 3 hours at Erawan Falls. Is that enough, or is it worth spending the whole day there, especially at the start of the rainy season when it’s a bit greener? - In Sam Roi Yot, are there taxis/Grab/Bolt available for exploring the surrounding areas? I’d appreciate any numbers or addresses. - Does True (7-Eleven) have good coverage across Thailand, from Sam Roi Yot to Chiang Rai, or should we go with AIS? - In Bangkok, if you need to switch BTS lines, do you need a new ticket, or can you change lines as long as you don’t exit the station?

Happy to provide any additional details if needed.

Hi there, After visiting southern Sumatra in 2020 (Padang area, Bukkitinggi, Lake Maninjau), we’re heading north in two weeks to explore. We’ll arrive in Medan after Singapore. Then we plan to go to Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, and Lake Toba before finishing up on Pulau Weh. Yeah, I know three weeks is short, but we like taking our time now that we’re in our fifties 😄. My questions: - Which direction should we do the loop: Medan → Bukit Lawang → Lake Toba → Medan (we’ll be traveling by taxi)? - Can I buy the Medan/Banda Aceh flights just 10 days in advance while we’re there? Any airline to prefer? Thanks in advance to anyone familiar with this part of the world 😊

Hi there,

I’m heading back to Thailand soon, and from what I’ve been reading, it seems some beaches/islands are infested with these dreaded sandflies!

I’ve noted the remedy: rub the bitten area with 90% alcohol, then apply soothing cream.

But prevention is better than cure!

Which areas should I avoid right now?

Are there seasons that are more prone to these itchy invasions than others?

I’ve already stayed in Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Krabi, and Phuket without any issues like this.

I’d love to keep it that way...

Thanks

Hey everyone!

I’ve got a question about buses, which we love using in Bangkok, but it’s always a bit of a challenge to figure out how to get around. We always (eventually) reach our destination because there’s always someone willing to help us find our way, but this year, I’d like us to be a bit more independent. We’re a bit old-school—we like traveling without phones for a real digital detox (no judgment, everyone travels how they like! :) ), so ideally, we’d find an up-to-date map of Bangkok’s bus network, but we don’t know where to buy one... We managed to get one back in 2015, but I think it’s outdated now, and during our last trips, we couldn’t find any...

And if traveling like this is really outdated, could you recommend a reliable app for buses? That way, we could plan our routes using the hotel’s Wi-Fi before heading out.

Thanks in advance for your help, and have a great day!

hi, we’re heading to Malaysia in July and I’ve booked the hotel in Langkawi for the five of us. I can’t seem to reserve the ferry from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi? Can I buy the tickets on the spot before boarding the ferry? Thanks for your tips!

Hi, Are there any banks that don’t charge fees for withdrawals? Thanks

Hi there, We’re in Laos in March 2025, does anyone know if it’s possible to travel down the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Vientiane? Can you find a private boat? How long does it take? Thanks for your replies_

Hi there, We're planning our trip to Indonesia and want to take the boat to get from Bali (Padangbai) to Lombok (Senggigi). We found a ticket via the 12go.asia website with EKAJAYA Fast Company. From what I understand, the baggage weight limit is 20 kg per person for the boat. However, we’ll have 2 checked suitcases (from our flight) that should weigh around 30 kg since that’s the max allowed due to our diving gear, etc. Do they actually weigh the luggage? What happens if our bags exceed the weight limit? Extra charge? Have any of you dealt with this situation before?

Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!

Hi there, So many things to see that I’m not sure what route to take for my two-week trip at the end of February. I initially thought about spending a few days in Chiang Mai and then heading down to Koh Samui and Koh Tao, but the travel time is long, and the flight from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui is really expensive. So, I’m looking for an alternative after Bangkok while keeping Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Maybe this itinerary, but I’d love your thoughts: Day 1-3: Bangkok (3 days) Day 4-5: Kanchanaburi (2 days) Day 6: Transit Bangkok → Koh Samui Day 7-9: Koh Samui (3 days) Day 10-12: Koh Tao (3 days) Day 13: Return to Bangkok

Hello everyone! :)

Our next trip to Thailand is coming up, and we just can't wait! We talk, eat, drink, and dream Thailand 😏

Our itinerary is mostly set, and we’ve found quite a few new things to explore, but I’d still love to hear your recommendations for Bangkok. Just so you know: we love this city, and every time we visit, we spend several days there without ever feeling like we’ve seen it all. So this year, we’re staying for 8 days! Here’s what we have planned this year: * Exploring Nonthaburi * A day trip to Nakhon Pathom (to test out our basic Thai skills 😛) * Khlong Lat Mayom floating market (we went 10 years ago—it’s probably changed a lot!) * The Erawan Museum (we visited Muang Boran on our last trip) * Finally taking the time to check out Wat Phra Sri Maha Mariamman and Wat Yannawa (we’ve planned to go several times but never made it—are they worth a visit?)

This is what we’ve picked so far, but I’d love to hear about the favorite spots and recommendations from travelers who, like us, adore Bangkok.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Laetitia and Benjamin.

Hi there,

I’ve planned to visit Koh Chang during my trip in November. I booked the Bangkok to Koh Chang route on 12go Asia with the company: Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, departing from the "Boonsiri Khao San office." Has anyone tried this company before?

Then, on Koh Chang, do you have any tips for keeping busy for 3–4 days?

Finally, I’ll need to return from Koh Chang to Bangkok to catch my flight back to France. What’s the best option?

Thanks in advance! Florent

Hey everyone! Apparently, e-cigarettes are banned in Thailand. But... can you still get through customs with one in your suitcase, just to vape indoors at your hotel or accommodation? Thanks

Hi everyone, I’m currently planning a trip to Malaysia for January 2025. I’ve got three transport questions for you all!

1: I arrive at 3 PM at Kuala Lumpur Airport and plan to take a direct bus to Malacca. Is booking a bus for 5 PM feasible, or is it too tight after collecting luggage? And which platform is the most reliable? Redbus, 12GO Asia, Rome2RIO, busonlineticket? Or can I buy a ticket on the spot without a reservation? Is that too risky? Alternatively, is it better to take a Grab? I saw the fare was around 60 €. Can you confirm this price? And is it easy to find a Grab from the airport for this distance?

2: Penang to Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata) route—I saw there’s a direct bus that takes 5 hours. Can you confirm this? And is this duration realistic?

3: Cameron Highlands to Pangkor: This one’s tricky... The best I’ve found is 2 buses + a ferry + a taxi. Do you have a better suggestion?

Thanks for your help! Guy

hi fellow travelers,

I'm "finalizing" a trip with my adventurous family (wife + 3 kids aged 16, 14, and 8) for this Easter break in Thailand (we'll be there from 04/19 to 05/01).

I'm going through the site and wanted to thank you all for the tips and insights you share on the forum. They're really valuable. But boy, it's tough to sketch out an itinerary

Of course, my backpacking route might be debatable, but I'm trying to target this path to get a first taste of the country's different "facets" and keep everyone in the family happy 😛

For this first trip, we're sticking to the classics and planning to explore a different side of the Land of Smiles in the future:

- arrival in BKK at 4 PM on 04/19 ==> leaving the same day at 7 PM for Chiang Mai (I "hesitated" with the 5:30 PM flight but was worried we wouldn't have enough time to switch from British AW to Thai Airways + airport fees + baggage + customs, etc. )

- from 04/20 to 04/23 ==> Chiang Mai with the main highlights (we've picked: Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat, elephant sanctuary, Doi Inthanon, the old city, Wat Chedi, Wat Phra Singh).

==> For the elephant sanctuary: any recommendations? Morning or afternoon visit?

==> It might seem ambitious, but we're considering a day trip to Chiang Rai—though it's not a must. Yes, we know it means ~6 hours of travel in one day.

- direct flight on the morning of 04/24 to Krabi ==> Railay - Phang Nga ==> this part isn't finalized yet (we won't stay in Krabi).

For those who've been there, which part of the south would be best weather-wise during this period?

We'd stay in the south until 04/28 and take a 8 PM flight to BKK.

- BKK on 04/29, 04/30, and part of 05/01 before our flight to London at 11 PM.

We'll hit the must-see/classic spots there.

If you have time to share some insights, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks a million to everyone!

Hédi.

Hello,

Departure is fast approaching. The decision is made—we’ll be returning to Laos via the north. We land at BKK at 7:30 AM. Buses to Chiang Rai leave in the evening starting at 5:30 PM. We’ll head straight to Chiang Khong afterward. Now, a lot of questions remain:

What’s the most budget-friendly way to get to Mochit 2 terminal? Can we buy the bus ticket the same day at the terminal, or do we need to book it in advance? So far, all my searches point me to 12GO for reservations. Where can we leave our luggage while waiting for the bus to Chiang Rai? In Chiang Rai, where can we take the bus from Bus Terminal 2 to Bus Terminal 1? Do you know the bus number? On Thailandee.com, the price is 70 THB/person, but on 12GO, the minimum price is 17 €—can you spot the mistake?

Do we need to redo the TDAC when we return to Thailand, or will the departure one still be valid?

Thanks in advance for any info you can share!

Hi there!

I think the question’s in the title...

What price can I expect to pay in 2025 for a ride of about two kilometers in the tourist center?

Thanks😉