A long-tail boat beside limestone cliffs and clear water in Krabi, Thailand

A family travel journal

Trips we'd plan for our own crew.

Maya's Ventures is where our family writes down Southeast Asia — the beaches, temples, island days, and food stops we'd tell a friend about, with the practical details written plainly: when to go, what it costs, how to get around.

Read the journal Open the planning desk

From the journal

Four trips, written down properly.

Every entry has the story and the spreadsheet: what makes the place special, then the plain facts — best months, getting around, costs, and what works with kids.

Ancient brick prangs at Ayutthaya Historical Park in Thailand — Ayutthaya, Thailand — the old capital, best by bicycle

Entry 01

Limestone water, old kingdoms

Thailand · Krabi, Ayutthaya & Bangkok

The first time you see those limestone cliffs rise out of the Andaman Sea, you understand the postcards — except you're in the boat, salt on your skin, and it's better. We'd start south: Railay's coves can only be reached by water, which keeps the day-trippers honest, and the mornings at Phra Nang are the calmest water on this whole list.

Then go north for the history. Ayutthaya's brick temples are made for bicycles — rent them, go early, and let everyone climb the old steps while the light is still soft. In Bangkok, the Grand Palace rewards the same trick: arrive at opening, dress for temples, and you'll get the quietest hour of the day before the crowds find it.

Aerial view of limestone islands and blue lagoons near El Nido, Palawan — El Nido, Palawan — the lagoons are really that blue

Entry 02

Island days in El Nido

Philippines · Palawan

Palawan doesn't do subtle — the lagoons are that blue, the cliffs that steep, and no photo quite prepares you for paddling a kayak into the Big Lagoon while the water goes glassy around you. Base in El Nido town and take the regulated island-hopping routes; the kayak is the quietest way into the inner water.

The honest part: boats here run on weather, not schedules. Build buffer days into the plan, pick a reputable operator, and confirm life jackets and the weather call before any sea trip. Nacpan Beach in the morning — wide sand, nobody around — is the reward for the early start.

Green stepped rice terraces near Ubud in Bali — Ubud, Bali — the terraces at sunrise, before the crowds

Entry 03

Green mornings in Ubud

Indonesia · Bali

Ubud wakes up early, and so should you. The Tegalalang rice terraces at sunrise — mist hanging in the valley, nobody else on the path yet — are worth every bit of the alarm clock. Then split the island the way the locals suggest: culture and temples around Ubud, a calmer coast like Sanur for the afternoons, and Uluwatu's clifftop temple at sunset with the Kecak fire dance.

Bali rewards respectful travel more than anywhere on this list. Wear the sarong and sash where required, never step on the little offerings on the ground, and ask before photographing ceremonies — the island's Hindu traditions are woven into everyday life, not put on for visitors.

Lantern-lit boats and historic buildings along the river in Hoi An, Vietnam — Hoi An, Vietnam — lanterns on the river after dark

Entry 04

Lanterns over Hoi An

Vietnam · Hoi An & the central coast

Hoi An after dark might be the single prettiest evening in this journal — lanterns drifting on the river, the old town closed to traffic, and dinner for the price of a coffee back home. Days here write themselves: An Bang beach in the morning, a lantern-making workshop with the kids in the afternoon, and the brick towers of Mỹ Sơn if you want the deep history.

One practical note from the region's weather: central Vietnam can flood during typhoon season, so check conditions before you lock dates. Otherwise this is the easiest trip on the list — compact, walkable, and kind to every budget.

Our camera roll

Koh Lipe, Thailand — shot by us.

No stock photos here. These are from our own trips — the beaches, boats, and sunsets we'd actually go back for.

Sunset glowing orange over the beach at Koh Lipe, Thailand — Koh Lipe at sunset — the whole beach glows

A longtail boat anchored in shallow turquoise water near Koh Lipe — Our ride for the day — longtail boats and island hops

White sand and clear turquoise water in a quiet cove at Koh Lipe — A quiet cove, mid-morning — nearly all ours

A rocky islet rising out of turquoise water near Koh Lipe — The little rock islet every boat tour circles

The shell-hung tree on the beach at Koh Lipe — The shell tree on the beach — everyone's photo spot

Field notes

The stuff we'd tell you over dinner.

Short, plain, and earned — the practical habits that make or break a Southeast Asia trip with family.

Mornings win

Temples, terraces, and lagoons are all better before 9am — cooler, quieter, softer light. Plan the big outing early, rest at midday.

Dress for temples

Shoulders and knees covered, shoes off where directed. Keep a light sarong in the day bag and you'll never be turned away.

Boats run on weather

Build buffer days between islands. Confirm life jackets, the passenger manifest, and the weather call before any sea trip.

Hire the driver

Traffic is the everyday risk across the region. Licensed local drivers beat rental scooters for families, every time.

Cash still talks

Small towns run on cash. Use ATMs carefully, watch card activity, and never leave a passport as rental collateral.

Mind the mosquitoes

Dengue is present across the region. Repellent and covered skin at dusk matter more than most packing-list items.

The planning desk

Every pick, searchable.

The journal's research notes in one place — beaches, temples, parks, food, stays, and family picks across all four trips. Filter for family-friendly, or search anything.

Thailand

Bangkok + beyond

No guide matched that search. Try “beach,” “family,” “history,” or a country name.

Guide research checked Sep 24, 2026
Safety notes checked Sep 24, 2026

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Source notes and travel-advisory disclaimer

Travel conditions, entry rules, advisories, hotel prices, restaurant operations, and natural hazards can change quickly. Hotel bands are approximate planning ranges — not fixed or guaranteed prices — and should be checked for your exact dates. Before booking or departure, read current guidance from your own government and local authorities.

Photography: destination imagery sourced from public web pages and stored with this journal. One image carries its original source watermark. No photo or note here replaces checking conditions for your own dates.