Je prépare un trip de 2 semaines au Laos en février (arrivée le samedi 6 à 11h05 à Vientiane, départ le samedi 20 à 12h05 de Vientiane également.
Je cherche un mix de visites, de découverte et de détente sachant que j'ai déjà fait un beau voyage au Cambodge l'année dernière à la même période et que je peux donc supprimer des étapes qui pourraient y ressembler.
En parcourant les sujets, j'ai bien compris qu'il était plutôt conseillé de se limiter au nord ou au sud, mais je n'arrive pas à m'y résoudre héhé. J'essaye de me convaincre de ne faire que le Nord mais j'ai vraiment trop envie de passer quelques jours aux 4000 îles. Ca ne me dérange pas d'envisager un vol interne ou un bus de nuit pour ne pas perdre de temps dans les déplacements.
Sachant que j'arrive à Vientiane à 11h10, je me dis qu'il est encore assez tôt pour directement rejoindre une autre étape. Je peux peut-être descendre directement vers Thakhek 2J, puis descendre à Champassak (2J?), rejoindre les 4000 îles 2/3J, puis rejoindre Pakse (y passer 1J ou pas? Visite à la journée au Plateau des Boloven?) pour prendre un vol interne ou un bus de nuit direction Luang Prabang. Il me restera alors la deuxième semaine dans le nord, peut-être 4J à Luang Prabang et alentours, 2J à Vang Vieng puis rejoindre Vientiane la veille du départ?
Selon vos conseils, je peux éventuellement ne pas passer par Thakhek, ou essayer de grapiller du temps quelque part pour aller voir un peu au nord de Luang Prabang?
Si vraiment vous ne trouvez pas raisonnable de me diviser entre le nord et le sud, alors je suivrai vos conseils avisés !
Merci d'avance pour vos retours qui me seront sans aucun doute très précieux ;)
Bonjour Nicolas.
L'année dernière nous sommes restés 40 jours au Laos et je m'étais posé la même question.
Nous avons finalement opté pour le nord avec une légère incursion au sud de Vientiane (Kong Lor).
Nous n'avons pas regretté une seconde : le nord est une région extra pour ce qui est des paysages, des treks, des villages des minorités, des temples ...
Plus d'infos sur notre blog : http://surlarouteasiatique.blogspot.fr/
Si tu as des questions ...
Jean-Michel.
Salut Nico
Effectivement en 2 weeks, il te faudra faire le choix
Toi qui a déjà voyagé en Asie, tu sais que le pb est le temps de transport
Si tu veux qques infos, je t'invites à consulter notre carnet de voyages
Tu y trouveras, infos, adresses, prix, photos et vidéos
Bonne prépa
jacky et Chris
Merci JeanMichel, Jacky et Chris pour vos réponses. On dit que la nuit porte conseil et en effet, je me suis réveillé sûr de moi en me disant que je ne voulais surtout pas me perdre dans tous ces déplacements. Rien que dans le nord les 15 jours vont passer vite alors autant les optimiser dans ce coin là.
Maintenant que ce choix est fait, je suis toujours preneur de bons pour m'aider à me constituer un bel itinéraire.
Bonne journée à tous :)
Bon, j'ai passé la journée à réfléchir et à parcourir les sujets sur le forum. Je me suis penché sur les vols internes, et j'ai bien envie de prendre, dès mon arrivée à Vientiane, un vol pour Luang Namtha. Le timing est parfait et ça me fera gagner beaucoup de temps en déplacements (arrivée prévue à Vientiane à 11h05, puis vol interne au départ de Vientiane à 14h30, arrivée à Luang Namtha à 15h25). Cela m'a mené à l'itinéraire suivant:
J1 : Vientiane - Luang Namtha (arrivée à 15h25)
J2/3 : Luang Namtha
J4 : Luang Namtha - Muang Khua en bus
J5 : Descente de la Nam Ou : Muang Khua - Muang Ngoi
J6 : Muang Ngoi
J7 : Bateau : Muang Ngoi - Nong Khiaw
J8 : Nong Khiaw
J9 : Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang tôt le matin
J10/11 : Luang Prabang
J12 : Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng tôt le matin
J13 : Vang Vieng (alentours)
J14 : Vang Vieng - Vientiane tôt le matin
J15 : Départ 12h05 de Vientiane
Cet itinéraire me plaît mais j'ai deux petits doutes.
1 - J'ai occulté Muang Sing pour ne rester qu'à Luang Namtha. Je me fais à l'idée que je ne peux pas tout faire, les avis sont partagés sur Muang Sing, mais pour certains c'est incontournable. Qu'en pensez-vous? Sachant que je ne suis pas très franc lorsqu'il s'agit d'aller se perdre tout seul en deux roues...
2 - Avec tout ça je n'ai que 2 journées entières à Luang Prabang, alors que j'aurais aimé y passer au moins 3 jours. Ca vous semble bon comme ça? Ou vous pensez que je peux grignoter un journée quelque part? Peut-être soit Muang Ngoi soit Nong Khiaw?
C'est un peu la même chose pour Vang Vieng, une seule journée c'est peu mais les avis sont tellement divisés que j'ai moins de remords à ne pas m'y attarder...
Bjr NicoPop59
Effectivement en 15 jours (14j sur place), il vous faut sélectionner selon vos centres d'intérêts
Personnellement je zapperai Vang Vieng (c'est le coin des fêtards) et privilégierai LP (si vous aimez la culture) et ses alentours.
Concernant Muang Sing, à faire si vous voulez allez passer 1 ou 2 nuits dans les villages des ethnies, sinon la ville ne nécessite pas le déplacement.
Aussi les priorités (si je puis dire) !
LP et ses alentours 2 à 3 jours
Descendre la Nam Ou et 1 jour à Muang Ngoi
Autrement le reste ne me parait pas mal
Voir notre site, vous y avez des infos, adresses, photos et vidéos
Bonne prépa
Jacky et Chris
Bon, j'ai compilé tous les conseils reçus ici et ailleurs et après quelques légères modifications tout prend forme et ça m'a l'air pas mal.
Le vol interne est réservé pour le premier jour, voilà ce que ça donne:
J1 : Vientiane - Luang Namtha (arrivée 15h25 à Luang Namtha)
J2/3 : Luang Namtha
J4 : Luang Namtha - Muang Khua
J5 : Muang Khua - Muang Ngoi tôt le matin
J6 : Muang Ngoi
J7 : Muang Ngoi - Nong Khiaw puis Nong Khiaw - Luang Prabang
J8/9/10 : Luang Prabang
J11 : Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng le matin
J12/13 : Vang Vieng (alentours)
J14 : Vang Vieng - Vientiane tôt le matin
J15 : Départ 12h05 de Vientiane
Maintenant je peux me pencher sur les hébergements, j'ai trop hâte :)
Bonjour
Excellente idée, que j'allais proposer, de supprimer une journée à Nong Kwiau, qui n'apporte pas grand chose après Muang Noi!
Les environs de Vang Vieng sont superbes et beaucoup de grottes à visiter. Une guest house le long de la rivière et c'est un enchantement...
Bon voyage.
Bjr
Effectivement rien à voir à Nong Khiaw (car je pense que c'est de cette ville dont vous parlez ? )
Toutefois en partant de Muang Ngoi, par bateau (c'est le seul moyen agréable) quoi qu'une route était en construction en 2014.
En arrivant à Nong Khiaw, il vous faudra sauter dans un bus (gare routière hors de la ville).
Donc short du point de vue timing
Bonne prépa
Jacky
http://conform.pagesperso-orange.fr/CARNET%20DE%20VOYAGES/CdV.html
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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, 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 everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
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 need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
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...
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?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
