bonjour,
notre départ en thailande approche à grands pas (le 10 aout pour 18 jours sur place) et nous en sommes toujours à mettre au point un itinéraire qui satisfera toute la famille.
Notre état d'esprit est le suivant:des visites de temples et autres monuments en nombre restreint afin de vivre un peu la Thailandepas de trek car notre fille a 5 ans et papa n'est pas un babar qui peut porter pendant des heures sans broncher (mais ok pour une ballade nature d'1/2 journée).nous souhaitons nous régaler de la cuisine thaie que nous apprécions particulièrement (peut-être un ptit cours pour moi, même si j'ai quelques notions).je souhaite terminer notre voyage par une île où je pourrai me baigner (sans trop de monde!) dans une eau bleu lagon et chaude et ma femme veut faire une ou deux plongées avec bouteille
Nous avions imaginé le circuit suivant:
BKK 3 j
Udon Thani/Nong Khai et sa région 3 j
chang Mai 3/4 j
descente en avion sur Ko tao pour 4/5j
retour BKK retour Paris(pas glop)
Mais il y a des "mais":perso, j'ai l'impression que Chang Mai en dehors des treks il n'y a pas grand chose à vivre car très axé sur:ceci est un temple, ceci est une ferme à orchidées, ceci est une ferme à serpents etc...Nong Kai est moins touristique mais à l'écart (liaison Nong Khai/Chang Mai assez longue) et risque de Palu (nous n'aurons pas de traitement)surtout nous n'allons pas sur Ko Chang qui m'attire énormément car me parait être un condensé de la Thailande et j'échangerai bien Chang Mai contre Ko Chang (mais pas ma femme). Dans l'optique de se baigner, je ne peut supprimer Ko Tao (même si c'est pour moi infiniment trop touristique), car cela n'est pas possible de le faire à cette saison sur Ko Chang (vagues, courants).
Donc nous ne savons plus quoi faire:
soit le circuit initial et nous zappons Ko Chang 🙁
soit un circuit BKK/Ko CHang/BKK/Nong Khai/BKK/Ko Tao/BKK mais bonjour les transports qui repassent tous par Bangkok.
soit BKK/Ko Chang/BKK/Chang Mai/ Ko tao (descente en avion)/BKK
Aidez nous car nous sommes au bord de la scène de ménage avec le: tu prends ton billet, tu vas où tu veux et moi pareil😏😏😏
N'hésitez pas à nous donner votre avis perso, car je parcours le forum depuis quelques mois, et je connais un peu l'état d'esprit de chacun, cela va beaucoup nous aider à CHOISIR.
Je ne peux pas te conseiller pour Koh Chang ni pour la région de Nong Khai mais si tu lis les carnets de voyage de Kalkan sur l'Isan et de Djorb tu auras des réponses à tes questions. Ou tu peux les contacter directement, je suis sure qi'ils t'aideront. Pour Chang Maï, si tu ne comptes pas partir en trek je pense que 2/3 jours maxi suffissent. En ce qui concerne Kok Taoj'adore! En plus mon fils y habite et travaille donc je ne suis peut être pas assez objective mais cette île reste malgré tout un endroit assez routard et ne rentre pas encore dans la catégorie masse touristique. Certes les touristes sont là, ils viennent surtout pour plonger et profiter des plages mais tu peux encore trouver des endroits magnifiques pour t'isoler.
Si tu vas pour plonger mon fils travaille au New Heaven sur Chalok Baan Kao, une baie un peu moins peuplée que Sairee Beach. Regardes mon site pour quelques photos et commentaires sur Koh Tao (chapitre: Nos Bulles Thailande)
salut laurent 😉
en lisant ton post :circuit de 18 jours, pas trop de temples, pas de trecks, plage sur ko tao, enfant de 5 ans ...
* ne faîtes pas l'impasse sur bangkok, d'autant que vous pourrez à la fois découvrir la culture thaïlandaise, vous régaler d'une excellente gastronomie, profiter d'une bonne structure hotelière (restez-y au moins 2 jours)
* chiang mai peut vous offrir autre chose que des trecks et des temples :excellente cuisine du nord, balade dans les vallées environnantes, danses ... (voir avec le membre "doc tremblay", il vit sur place)
mais si vous restez 2 à 3 jours sur bangkok, inutile d'aller pour 2 ou 3 jours sur chiang mai, gardez cette option pour un prochain séjour
* profitez d'une semaine dans la région de l'isan (assez vaste d'ailleurs !!)
soit en montant en avion sur udon thani (environ 30E/pers.), puis baladez vous entre nongkai et chiang khan (coin de campagne relativement préservé), puis redescendez sur bangkok en train de nuit (faîtes vos résas en arrivant à l'aller sur nongkhai )
sinon, faîtes une boucle entre bangkok et surin via phimai, au choix, culture kmère, campagne tranquille, parc régionaux..
* enfin, allez lésarder sur ko tao 5 à 7 jours (et là ne faîtes pas l'impasse sur les tuyaux de mida et sabaidee et bien d'autres😉)
voilà, ce parcours n'est pas galére et plutôt sympa avec une gamine de 5 ans
ps: ne ratez pas le zoo de dusit à bangkok, elle sera émerveillée, ainsi qu'une balade à dos d'éléphant même si nous disons tous que c'est touristique, nous l'avons tous fait 😏!
bon séjour
"tujoh gunong sembilan lautan
sept montagnes , neuf mers
kalau ta-mati sahaya turutkan
si je ne meurs , j'explorerai "
pantoun
salut mida 😉
déjà rentré 🤪 mais pas encore redescendu, toujours un petit peu l'esprit en malaisie
pour les commentaires, avec la canicule, je crois que je vais attendre l'automne pour faire un post 😎
et toi, ton séjour en bretagne, vous vous êtes régalés ?
au fait, avant de partir, j'étais sur que vous auriez beau temps, me suis-je planté?
grosses bises michéle et à bientôt
sabaidee (corinne) est-elle revenue?
"tujoh gunong sembilan lautan
sept montagnes , neuf mers
kalau ta-mati sahaya turutkan
si je ne meurs , j'explorerai "
pantoun
bonjour,
merci pour votre aide précieuse..
Après quelques scènes de ménage et autres assiettes cassées 😏😏nous avons décidé de conserver notre trajet initial:
Bkk 3 j, Isan 3/4 j, sukkothai 1j, Chang mai 3/4 j puis ko Tao 5j. Mais, si nous avons envie de rester plus longtemps dans l'Isan nous zapperons Chang Mai.
Ko Chang sera pour une autre fois (donc il y aura une prochaine fois).
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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!
Bonjour ,
nombreux conseils et avis trouvés sur le forum , c'est donc à mon tour de contribuer modestement .
Nous avons passé en famille un peu plus de 2 semaines avec comme programme Hanoi 5 jours
Baie d'Halong 3 jours et 2 nuits
Tam coc 3 jours
Mai Chau 2 jours
Sapa 3 jours
Vélos , scooters, grab et bus pour les déplacements.
Hébergements principaux en homestay et hôtels sur Hanoi.
Nombreux musées , temples et quartiers sur Hanoi visités
Trek de 2 jours et 1 nuit sur Sapa avec May de la minorité Hmong en direct et sans agence .
Plusieurs petits regrets , temps couvert et pas de possibilité d'aller au Fansipan mais rien de grave 😉, pas pu trouver de transport pour rejoindre Mu Cang Chai de Sapa .
À part cela , ce voyage restera gravé dans nos mémoires pour la gentillesse des vietnamiens , les rencontres faites , la nourriture ( rue , homestays...) , les cafés 😋, les paysages , la facilité pour se déplacer ....
Notre volonté était de prendre notre temps et de nous consacrer uniquement à une petite partie du Nord Vietnam.
Si vous avez besoins de conseils ou d'adresse n'hésitez pas.
Au plaisir .
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!
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
