Bonjour à tous,
Je suis en train de préparer un voyage au Laos (5 semaines) et nous envisageons de descendre la Nam Ou entre Muang Khua et Nong Khiaw, voire jusqu'à Luang Prabang.
Cette descente est envisagée pour fin février / début mars.
Je sais que ce n'est pas la période idéale (niveau d'eau assez bas), mais pensez-vous que c'est tout de même réalisable à cette période de l'année.
Tous les autres conseils (GH, idée de rando à Muang Ngoi ou ailleurs, ...) sont les bienvenus.
Merci à tous.
Nous y étions au mois de mars de cette année :
Remontée Nong khiaw vers Muang noi en slow boat puis descente en kayak
Descente de Nong Kiaw vers luang prabang en slow boat (6h)
géniale ++
Nous n'avons pas fait de rando à Muang ngoi mais avons rencontré d'autres voyageurs qui l'ont fait et qui ont adoré; nécessite de dormir sur Muang ngoi dans ce cas.
Pour le trajet décrit effectué sur la Nam Ou le niveau de l'eau était suffisant.
A noter que sur la portion Nong khiaw vers luang prabang en long slow boat on est descendu du bateau à un moment afin que le conducteur puisse passer à vide sur un rapid : nous avons donc du marcher 10-15 min, et il était là pour nous réceptionner, ouf !!lol !
Cette descente est vraiment sympa, ça change des bus !!
Je te le conseil.
- la montée en long boat de Nong Khiaw vers Muang ngoi sur la Nam Ou puis descente kayak sens inverse: avec green discovery : assez cher : environ 30 dollars/pers la journée avec repas, guide.
Mais !! tu peux louer un kayak directement à Muang ngoi si cela t’intéresse pour bcp moins cher, mais tu ne pourras visiter que les environs de ce village.
- descente Nong Khiaw vers Luang prabang en long slow boat : On a payé 150 000 Kip /pers (14 euros env) pour 6h de trajet. Mais en fait on a payé un peu plus cher que le prix annoncé car le boat n'était pas plein et les passagers présents (que des occidentaux) ont donc du payer pour les places restantes (soit environ 40 000 kip de + /pers/prix affiché 110 000 kip) .
Mais vraiment on ne le regrette pas !! merveilleux souvenir!
Nous avons particulièrement aimé la nourriture dans le nord, notamment au boat landing ( pour ne pas les citer !!). Nous n'avons plus rencontré cette variété, diversité de plats en descendant plus au sud.
N'avons fait qu'un treck d'1 journée malheureusement depuis luang namtha.
Luang prabang ville adorable au bord du Mékong.
Plateau Boloven : a faire à moto à mon sens pour pouvoir bien s'imprégner des lieux, au risque d'être déçu.
Les 4000 îles, plutôt Dong Khone.
Mon mari et moi même avons eu un coup de coeur pour la région de Nong Khiaw.
Une amie qui a fait aussi le voyage conseille la région moins touristique de thakket au centre.
point négatif : vers cette période les rizières sont souvent sèches !!
bonne préparation, et laisse une grosse part aussi à l'improvisation sur place malgré une trame générale😉
Du 21 au 23 février 2012, je n'ai pas rencontré de difficultés pour remonter la NAM OU de NONGKIAUW à MUANG KHUA.
Sauf pour le prix de MUANG GOI à MUANG KHUA (150.000 kips) car nous n'étions que 5.
De LUANG PRABANG à NONGKIAUW, il faut descendre pour alléger le bateau.
Le trajet est plus court et moins cher en minibus (2h30/60.000 kips).
MUANG GOI, c'est un havre de paix, si tu peux aller directement c'est mieux et NONG KHIAUW, c'est pas terrible (c'est mon ressenti).
Le bon plan c'est :
- mini bus LUANG PRABANG/NONGKIAUW (départ 9h30 arrivée 11h30 12h)
- slow boat pour MUANG GOI (en correspondance et court trajet 1 h30)
Je suis très réservé sur certains commentaires en réponse à tes demandes.
Exemple le BOAT LANDING à NAM THA.
Adresse très chère (3 fois + qu'en ville) et excentrée.
Le cadre est très agréable en bordure de la rivière mais inconvénients :
- présence de moustiques,
- concert de batraciens en veux-tu en voilà....toute la nuit.
Puis c'est à 4 kilomètres de NAM THA, donc il faut un tuk tuk pour y aller, ou un vélo ou une moto .
C'est sûr, le site web fait rêver et permet la réservation en ligne (c'est aussi dans le guide).
Il y a bien d'autres adresses non signalées.
SURTOUT, ALLER AU FESTIVAL DE L'ELEPHANT A SAYABOULI (180 kms au sud ouest de LUANG PRABANG) qui se déroule tous les ans à mi février ( 17 au 19 février 2012 pour le dernier).
C'est super, c'est une grande fete populaire avec vraiment peu de touristes ....jusqu'à maintenant (car une belle route ainsi qu'un pont pour le franchissement du mékong sont en construction).
Plutôt d'accord avec tes remarques.
Quand je parle des environs de Nong kiaw, Mong ngoi est inclu évidemment.
En tout cas nous, la descente de la Nam Ou en slow boat jusqu'à luang prabang fut tip top, ça changeait des bus (et on ne le regrette absolument pas quand on voit le nombre de KM passé dans les bus )
Juste pour le Boat landing, je suggérais JUSTE le resto 🙂effectivement.
Merci beaucoup pour ta réponse.
Combien de temps penses-tu qu'il faut rester à Muang Ngoi pour pouvoir en profiter comme il le faut ?
Et que recommandes-tu d'y faire ?
Comment as-tu trouvé Munag Khua si tu t'y es arrêté ?
Bonne journée.
Jean Michel.
Il est possible de faire un trek, s'adresser aux guides du point tourist juste à côté de la "manchai guest house" à 200 m en remontant (de la rivière) la rue principale juste à l'embranchement avec la route pour OUDOMXAI ou PONGSALI.
Cette GH est très récente et très propre (70.000 kips).
C'est une bonne adresse.
J'ai fait un "trek" à une trentaine de kms (villages AKA).
La ville elle même ne présente pas d'intérêt.
Mais c'est un carrefour :
- pour aller au VIETNAM à DIEN BIEN (ce que j'ai fait),
- pour remonter la NAM OU (HAT SA),
- pour descendre la NAM OU (guérite située en bas de la route sur la gauche à 20 m de la rivière)
- pour la route vers OUDOMXAI ou PONGSALI.
MUANG NGOI
L'endroit est vraiment très chouette et vaut vraiment 2 ou 3 jours (randonnées pédestres et balades en kayak)
Et c'est cadeau (bungalow à 70.000 kips) et bonne bouffe pas chère (buffets à 20.000 kips).
Pas de trafic routier et pour cause, il n'y a pas de route.
Et des voyageurs avec qui on échange les expériences.
Bon pour moi, j'ai vraiment aimé.
Merci pour toute les infos.Le trek que tu as fait à 30 km de Muang Khua se fait au départ de MK ?
A choisir, pour un trek, tu préfères Muang Khua ou Muang Ngoi ?
Bonne journée.
Jean Michel.
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J'ai besoin de conseils avisés sur ces 2 destinations, en 15 jours
Nous atterrissons à KL on pense y reste 2 jours puis partir sur Bornéo et terminer par une ile pour snorkeling.
Pour ceux qui ont déjà fait quels sont vos incontournables?
on se disait peut être de consacrer 3 jours les derniers aux iles Perenthian, a moins que vous ayez uen ile à me conseiller proche de Bornéo,
Merci pour vos conseils et votre aide
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).
Bonjour à tous,
pouvez vous me donner vos avis sur mon itinéraire de 3 semaines.
nous sommes un petit groupe (famille + amis) 12 personnes, nous envisageons de partir vers le 21 Janvier 2027.
voici mon itinéraire:
3 nuits Bangkok
4 nuits Chang Mai
3 nuits Koh Samui
3 nuits Koh Phangan
4 nuis Krabi
4 nuits Phuket
Si suis également preneur de tout vos bon plan....
Merci à tous, Alain.
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
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! !
