J'ai lu je ne sais plus où que depuis très peu de temps, Angkor était éclairé le soir et que l'on ne pouvait plus bénéficier "d'un premier coucher de soleil gratuit la veille de l'achat du pass" ?
Le coucher de soleil serait facturé 15 US ?
Info ou intox ?
Merci pour vos réponses "éclairées".....
Rockee
PS - Qui sera dans l'avion d'Emirates Paris-Bkk le 4/02 ????
Selon l'Autorité Apsara (Autorité pour la Protection du site et l'Aménagement de la Région d’Angkor), si vous achetez votre billet d'entrée, après 17 heures, valable pour le lendemain, vous pourrez assister, gratuitement (compris dans le billet), le jour même, au coucher de soleil.
Extrait :
Validité
Les passes d’Angkor émies de 5h et 17h sont valables le jour même. Les passes émies après 17h sont valables le jour même jusqu’au couché du soleil ainsi que le jour suivant. Ceci est une exception, les visiteurs ne peuvent PAS acheter de tickets en avance.
En fait il faut acheter le billet après 17h et là vous pouvez voir le coucher du soleil, et votre avez votre pass pour le lendemain. Mais pour moi je n'appelle pas ça gratuit car vous avez en quelque sorte payé.
Sinon il faut savoir qu'une fois le soleil couché, ils vous font descendre aussitôt. Hé oui normal, car la dernière fois je suis resté un peu plus longtemps (avec l'autorisation d'un garde que je connaissait) et en descendant le chemin il faisait vraiment nuit. C'était quand même dangereux. 😐 On voit pas bien où on marche.
Excellente question: il y a le temple indiqué dans tous les guides, désolé j'ai oublié le nom => c'est plein de "criquets". Donc à éviter. Il y en a un autre plus à l'est (décidemment la mémoire me fait défaut), en forme de pyramide; moins de "criquets", mais faut quand même arriver assez tôt pour choper les bonnes places...
Va falloir que je révise mes archives pour retrouver le nom.
De toute manière, pas de soucis, tu ne seras jamais seul (surtout si tu y vas entre Novembre et Mars, qui correspond au pic de la "criquetterie").
Un criquet c'est comme un touriste: ça se déplace en groupe, et parfois ça détruit tout sur son passage.
Plus sérieusement, essaye de visiter Angkor vers Juin plutôt que vers Février => moins de monde, car c'est à priori la pendant la saison des pluies. L'autre avantage est que la lumière est souvent plus belle.
Merci pour ces précisions qui confirment ce que je pensais.
Je n'arrive vraiment pas à retrouver le mail en question : il me semblait que l'émetteur du message avait bien en mains le pass pour le lendemain, qu'il était plus de 17 h mais que ce sont les gardiens qui lui ont dit "que ça venait juste de changer à cause des éclairages....".
Y aurait-il plusieurs versions selons les gardiens ????
Coucher de soleil ou lever de soleil?, c'est la question que me pose beacuoup de clients. Ma premiere visite aux temples fut le coucher de soleil sur la colline Phnom Bakeng. En 2005, je lai fiat une fois et je l'ai plus jamias refaite car c'etait tellement plein (surtout en haute saison), ca se bouscule, les fotos sont pleine de tete de touristes etc etc.. enfin pas top et depuis je recommande toujours le lever de soleil.
Pour un coucher de soleil trankil, sans personne, Il y a un temple perche en haut dune colline pas loin de Angkor, ca s'appelle Phnom Bok, en bas de la colline ya une pagoda avec les moines, en haut (il faut grimper beaucoup de marches, marches normale pas les marches des temples) il ya un petit temple avec de gros arbres de frangipane qui sortent des tours, en fleur c'est vraiment super, puis il y a deux gros canons qui sont perche de chaque cote du temple. Ils utilisaient ce temple pour se defendre .. enfin de tres belle photo a faire. mais le mieux c'est que pour le coucher de soleil et bien on est tout seul et on voit le coucherde soleil sur la campagne, on voit a des milliers de km... c'est le meilleur coucher de soleil que j'ai fait. et on est tout seul (enfin faut pas trop le dire a tout le monde... c'est mon coin secret)
Sinon il a coucher de soleil sur la colline vers le lac tonle sap qui est pas mal, ou bien coucher de soleil sur le bateau. Un francais as mis en place un petit bateau de luxe, avec siege comfortable et il peut arranger petit repas ou bien juste boissons... coucher de soleil sur le tonle sap en sirotant un bon verre de vin.. pas mal, non? Pour ce plan contacter Alliance Cafe.
L'entrée au site d'Angkor Wat est gratuite à partir de 17h. Tu peux donc aller y voir le coucher de soleil sans payer. D'ailleurs, dès que tu arriveras à Siem Reap, des centaines de chauffeurs de tuk-tuk te proposeront : "Free sunset at Angkor Wat, Ladyyyyyyyy???"
Personellement, j'ai trouvé que le lever du soleil était beaucoup plus spectaculaire, et il n'y avait pas grand monde, mis a part des singes faisant leurs étirements matinaux...
Voir mon intervention sous le récent message : Visite d'Angkor en octobre 2008: travaux de rénovation?
(1) il ne s'agit pas d'une mise en scène; aucun animal n'a été maltraité durant la prise de vue; toute ressemblance avec des personnes existantes ou ayant existées n'est pas de la pure coïncidence.
"Nous ne sommes plus une communauté d'être humains qui se parlent mais un conglomérat de grappes de consommateurs en niches, séparés les uns des autres par des obsessions diverses et innombrables. Nous sommes de l'ère de la désintégration." Marc Moulin (1942-2008) in Humoeurs
Belle photo en effet, et ca pululle de criquets 😉.
Bref, ce n'est pas le meilleur endroit pour le coucher de soleil, et la descente après le coucher de soleil fait plus penser aux couloirs du metro qu'à un chemin de campagne.
Je retourne à SR la semaine prochaine, j'essaierai de vous tuyauter sur les bon plans coucher de soleil !!!!!
Je vous ai transmis le lien du site de l'Autorité Apsara qui est en charge de l'exploitation des sites.
On peut douter de la mise à jour de leur site, mais cela reste bien plus fiable que l'intervention de la personne qui n'a pas précisé si son pass avait été acheté après 17h00 la veille du premier jour.
Je viens de prendre connaissance de cette discussion. Je pense qu'il y a un malentendu. Il faut distinguer le fait d'aller voir le coucher de soleil en haut du temple (celui qui est dans tous les guides!!), c'est à dire, monter tout en haut, admirer la vue puis redescendre avant qu'il fasse nuit car il n'y a pas d'éclairage sur le chemin et cela gratuitement même si cela se termine après 17h et d'un autre coté visiter Angkor Wat le soir après 17h car depuis quelques temps Angkor Wat est illuminé le soir et ceci est payant.
Je suis un peu déçue d'avoir été citée dans ce sujet sans le savoir et qu'en plus mes infos ont été mises en doute. Ça me refroidit un peu pour intervenir de nouveau. Si vous pensez que je n'ai pas été assez précise dites le moi.
mais non, faut pas deprimer, faut revenir nous voir....
restons simple et clair. vous pouvez toujours aller cherchez votre pass vers 17 h et faire un petit tour sans probleme .
l'autre aspect est le coté lumiere et je le repete parfois des spectacles qui sont bien sur payant.
s'il y a des changements, promis je les donnent vite
La question d'origine ayant ouvert la discussion était claire.
Le lien mis en ligne est celui de l'Autorité Apsara en charge de la gestion des sites d'Angkor.
Jamais il n'a été question de polémiquer sur votre intervention dans une autre discussion. Il s'agissait de savoir si en achetant le pass pour -3- jours, par exemple, après 17 heures, il donne accès aux sites le soir-même, pour assister au coucher de soleil.
Si vous avez ressenti une mise en doute de votre expérience qui ne précisait pas quand votre pass avait été acheté, j'en suis confus et vous prie de bien vouloir m'en excuser.
pour cloturer en beaute ce post, l acces se fait toujours librement apres 17h, et en revenant de la longue allee d angkor wat, il y avait une grande majorite de cambodgiens, tres fiers de leur histoire et qui vont a angkor quand leurs moyens le leur permettent....
Ce post se compose de trois parties Première partie Sources: - "Les monuments du Groupe d'Angkor" de Maurice Glaize. Dans ce livre il y a le chapitre suivant:…
LA TERRASSE DU ROI LEPREUX - Maurice Glaize écrit dans son livre "Les monuments du groupe d'Angkor", que les sculptures de cette terrasse sont du style du…
J'ai bien noté que le pass permettait d'entrer sur le site après 17h le jour de l'achat. Donc en gros un pass 3 jours permets de faire 4 couchers de soleil.…
Nous sommes actuellement sur Siem Reap, et nous allons donc forcément faire la visite des temples d'Angkor. Le truc c'est que nous sommes pas des grand fans de…
Désireux de découvrir ANGKOR et ses environs avec ma compagne en février prochain (2018), je souhaite bénéficier de votre expérience et de vos conseils pour…
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
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,
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 everyone. As I’m planning my trip for next winter, I’m looking for hotel suggestions in Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor. The ones I had in mind seem to be fully booked (unless it’s too early?). For those familiar with the area, is it easy to find accommodations on the spot in January/February? I’m specifically looking for hotels with a pool, beachfront, air conditioning, and easy scooter rental nearby. Thanks for your tips!
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
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
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.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing
July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao
August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide
August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena
August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands
August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts)
August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk
August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar
August 17: Rammang Rammang
August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
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!
