Bonjour,
Newbie depuis qqs semaines sur le forum, je suis avec attention le forum.
J'aimerais avoir qqs conseils pour un voyage de 2 semaines au vietnam (du 13 au 28 decembre ) : le nord en visitant uniquement la region autour de hanoi (un peu froid ? qqs trek sympa ?) le sud en se contentant de la région autour d'ho chi minh (mekong ? c'est la meilleure periode, non?) du nord au sud avec la crainte de passer bcp de temps ds les trains (24h hanoi ->ho chi minh si j'ai bien suivi )
Sachant que je suis plus interessé par les paysages, je cherche à eviter les gros spots touristiques et qu'un peu de moto m'interesserait.
Merci, pour ceux qui prendront un peu de leur temps pour me répondre.
salut
tu ne pourras pas faire tout le pays en 15 j, c'est un peu juste, alors onsacre toi au nord ou aux hauts plateaux du centre où tu pourras pratiquer de la moto pour visiter. évidemment le nord risque d'être un peu frais mais splendide, les hauts plateaux la température risque d'être mieux mais je ne certifie pas car c'est une époque que je ne connais pas au vietnam. dans les deux cas, tu y verras des paysages magnifiques, des gens adorables et peu de touriste voyage à moto, du moins - qu'en bus ou voyage organisé. à moto tu es totalement libre, et tu ne peux pas te perdre, il n'y a pas beaucoup de route et des bornes t'indiquent les kms, donc avec une bonne carte, tu t'en sort bien. tout dépend où tu arrives au nord ou au sud.
bonne route
pour moi fait le sud de MYTHO(dans le delta) a HOI AN(milieu vietnam) avec SAIGON, MUINE(ou on habite), NHA TRANG, DALAT, et HUE....DANANG.....HOI AN. En 2 semaines un peu spid mais tres sympa et tres bon climat.......A plus
Hello,
Merci pour vos conseils avisés, je pense choisir le nord vietnam a partir d'hanoi. Par contre, il parait recommandé d'eviter le centre du vietnam en decembre : il pleut bcp (dixit le guide du routard ).
J'ai un besoin d'une info complementaire concernant la moto : il fo se faire faire un permis ou le permis A francais suffit ? (par exemple a bali, j'ai du payer 25euros pour avoir le ptit bout de carton qui va bien ).
SI des personnes ont eu qqs experiences interessantes ds le nord, tout commentaire sera le bienvenu. Du style coin sympa pas indiqué sur le guide du routard ... :)
Pour deux semaines, c'est mieux de se faire faire en France le permis international : c'est gratuit et c'est fait pour ça.
Pour la moto ...
Bon, oublions les rêves de moto comme on imagine la moto en France : on est plutôt dans le monde du scootard que du motard. Mais par contre, c'est très facile, et il est même envisageable d'imaginer en acheter une sur place pour la revendre à la fin du séjour.
Par contre, attention, car la vitesse moyenne sur la route se situe quelque part entre 40 et 50km/heure.
Pour le voyage lui-même, décembre est très sympa. le climat est un peu difficile à prévoir car ces dernières années les moussons sont un peu déréglées.
En gros, au nord, on peut choper un peu de pluie, au centre, il n'y a que sur la côte qu'on peut espérer une chance de ne pas avoir de pluie (et encore) mais au sud, c'est la saison sèche.
Et puis il y a aussi le vrai nord à la frontière chinoise (Sapa) où il fait carrément froid mais où on rencontre les minorités ethniques qu'on ne voit gère ailleur au Vietnam.
A part cette région très nord, je ne te recommande pas la Baie d'Halong parce que tu as de fortes chances de ne pas voir grands chose et d'aller plutôt à Hoa Lu (au sud de Hanoi) dans ce qu'on appelle la baie d'halong terrestre mais qui n'a rien à voir avec la bie d'halong.
Hanoi est bien pour les petites boutiques du quartier des 36 corporations et le petit shopping.
Hoi An au centre est un village très sympa, mais surtout la rivière des parfums et les pyasages le logn de cette rivière sont magnifiques.
Pour ma part, je crois que je privilègerais le delta du Mékong. Je suis plutôt de l'avis de Jean-Marc et Sophie : Hoi An et Hué pour le plus nord et descendre jusque dans le delta du Mékong (M tho, Cantho, ...)
J'ai un besoin d'une info complementaire concernant la moto : il fo se faire faire un permis ou le permis A francais suffit ? (par exemple a bali, j'ai du payer 25euros pour avoir le ptit bout de carton qui va bien ).
Pour info, le permis international et national ne sont pas reconnus par le Vietnam. Il n' y a normalement que les résidents étrangers (expatriés) qui peuvent demander un permis vietnamien en convertissant leur permis de leur pays d' origine. Néanmoins la police a une grande tolérance envers les touristes qui conduisent des motos.
Je tenais à te le signaler.
Et bé, les conseils circulent vite ici, merci encore :D
J'avoue que je suis plutot tenté par le nord, peut-être influencé par le site vietnamtourism qui semble degager plus d'interêt pour le nord. Mais quel est le "gros" argument pour le sud hormis la question temperature.
Il me semble que les villes du sud que vous presentez sont cotières et Je suis pas un tres grand fan des "longue plages paradisiaque". j'etudie attentivement les villes du sud evoquées et peut-etre me laisser convaincre avant de fermer l'oeil.
Pour le sud, si tu n' aimes pas trop les plages, intéresse toi à Dalat qui est une ville sympa à 1500 mètres d' altitude. C' est très nature, beaucoup de forets, de chutes d' eau et il y a de bonnes ballades en moto à faire aussi.
Toutes les côtes ne sont pas des plages, et toutes les plages ne sont paradisiaques, et toutes le plages paradisiaques ne sont pas dénuées d'intérêt (cf pêcheurs triant les petits poissons et les séchant sur l'île de Ceylan et les buffles qui tirent les paniers de poissons sur la côte est de la malaisie.
Le delta du Mékong, c'est le delta du Mékong. Des îles séparées par des multitudes de bras plu ou moins sauma^tre en fonction de l'éloignement de la mer, des plantations mélange de mangroves et de palmiers d'eau, des rizières fournissant 60% de la production de tout le Vietnam avec 3 récoltes par an, des vergers de fruitiers (longanes, mangues, oranges, citrons, ananas, grenades, prunes, coco, ...), des fabricaques artisanales, souvent familiales de galettes de riz, de riz soufflé, de caramel fabriqué par concentration du lait de coco ...
Et c'est là que j'ai vu un des plus gros marché flottants où grouillent les barges ventrues et les petites barques qui viennent essayer de se frayer un chemin pour venir acheter.
On ne peut certainement pas dire qu'il y a moins à voir au Sud qu'au Nord !!!
Certainement moins de monuments et de boutiques pour le shopping, ça oui, mais pas moins à voir, oh non !
Helloooo Collins, Alors moi je te propose de partir au Nord du Vietnam! en 2 semaines tu auras le temps d'aller à Sapa (4 ou 5 jours de trekk, dormir chez l'habitant....) et puis d aller faire un tour sur la baie d'Halong (2 jours, 1 nuit sur le bâteau!!!)
je suis partie l'année dernière 5 semaines et j' ai fais le pays du Nord au Sud! C est sûre qu'il fait un peu froid! en haut.....Mais tu verras c'est MAGNIFIQUE!!
Bon voyage
Isa
Michel, je ne me permet pas de critiquer le nord ou le sud j'essai de me convaincre de faire le bon choix. Et vu le temps qu'il me reste pour me decider je tranche un peu dans le vif. Néanmoins, ta présentation du sud semble tres allechante je m'y recolle dès ce soir :).
Merci encore,
Colin
bon je n ai rien a dire d instructif sur le sujet je voulais juste dire un enorme MERCI a ce forum, a toi et aux autres ! je suis en thailande (je finis mon mois) et je m apprete a m envoler pour le vietnam : je parcours ce site et je glane 10.000 infos geniales...!
merci a tous 😉😉😉
Effectivement le nord du Vietnam est ce que j'ai prefere de loin. Deja tu as plus de chance d'echapper au circuit de l'"open ticket" qui draine tous les touristes dans les memes villes (Hanoi Hoi An, Nha Tran Dalat Ho Chi Minh) et de plus au niveau des paysages, apres un an de voyage en Asie du Sud Est je n'ai jamais retrouve une beaute pareille. Les rizieres en terrasse, les minorites ethniques de Sapa, quel souvenir! Tu peux t'y rendre en train d'Hanoi par toi meme. Evite d'acheter un circuit organise car il est tres facile et beaucoup moins onereux de trouver un hotel et un guide sur place. En revanche, sois vigilent avec tes affaires car il y a parfois des vols sur cette ligne de chemin de fer!
Hanoi est egalement une belle ville, qui vaut 1000 fois Saigon a mon avis. Quant a la baie d'Halong... un must! Si tu peux prendre 3 jours, il est tres interessant de se rendre sur l'ile de Cat Ba (reserve naturelle)
Voila je me permets de te donner mon avis car au fil des rencontres avec d'autres voyageurs, c'est toujours le nord qui revient!
AU fait, la motorbike est un tres bon moyen de se deplacer et je te conseille quand meme le permis international qui est gratuit et qui meme s'il n'est pas reconnu, augmente la tolerance des policiers.
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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!
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 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.
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! !
