Nous rentrons tout juste de Birmanie après un séjour de deux semaines, du 4 au 18 novembre. Nous étions six (trois couples) et nous avons visité quatre secteurs : Bagan, Kalaw et ses environs, le lac Inle et Yangon. Un itinéraire très classique, mais nous avons tout de même réussi à passer un peu de temps en dehors des sentiers battus.
J'ai beaucoup utilisé le forum (ainsi que de nombreux blogs, dont certains sont tenus pas des contributeurs de VF) pour préparer ce séjour. Je remercie donc l'ensemble des contributeurs de ces deux dernières années. Je vous ai tous suivi avec assiduité et grâce à vous, notre voyage a été extraordinaire et s'est déroulé parfaitement. Je ne ferai pas de remerciements personnalisés car je risquerai d'oublier certains d'entre-vous, mais sachez que vos contributions ont été une aide précieuse pour moi. Merci encore !
Petite exception pour Kristofe, le "pilier" de VF Birmanie, qui m'a donné de nombreux conseils toujours judicieux et dont le blog m'a fait rêver durant de nombreuses heures. Merci Christophe, notre excellent voyage te doit beaucoup.
Nous avons pleinement apprécié tous les lieux que nous avons visité et chaque jour fut un enchantement permanent. Malgré toutes les beautés que nous avons vues, notre principal coup de cœur est pour les habitants de ce merveilleux pays. Nous avons visité de nombreux pays, y compris en Asie, et nous n'avons jamais connu cela. Cette gentillesse, cette hospitalité, ce sens du partage, cette attention portée aux autres, ces sourires, ne se racontent pas, il faut les vivre. Alors, si vous en avez l'occasion, n'hésitez pas ...
Nous avons eu une vraie bonne surprise : la nourriture ! On lit souvent que la gastronomie birmane n'est pas extraordinaire, et bien nous, nous avons adoré ! Du premier au dernier jour, pas une fausse note. Quels régals ...
Par la suite, je donnerai quelques infos et retours concernant notre séjour afin d'apporter ma contribution aux futurs voyageurs. N'attendez pas mes billets trop rapidement, je les ferai au fil du temps, lorsque je le pourrai. Mais n'hésitez pas à me poser des questions, c'est avec plaisir que j'y répondrai.
Il n'y a pas de raison de rougir, c'est juste la vérité 😉.
Encore merci pour votre aide et effectivement je compte sur vous pour notre deuxième voyage.
Question importante pour ceux qui sont en train de préparer leur séjour : Combien ça coûte ?
Bien qu’il n’y ait pas qu’une réponse possible à cette question, voici ce que nous avons dépensés. Pour rappel, nous étions 6 personnes (3 couples). Nous nous sommes faits plaisir durant tout notre séjour, sans chercher à minimiser les coûts.
Les coûts sont indiqués dans la monnaie où ils ont été payés (Kyats, euros ou dollars). Je confirme que tout peut se payer en Kyats. Nous étions partis avec des euros (billets en très bon état) et nous avons fait du change à l’aéroport de Yangon, puis à Bagan. Préférer les billets de 50 et 100€, qui ont un taux de change légèrement plus favorable que ceux de 20€.
Durant notre séjour, les conversions moyennes étaient les suivantes : 1 € = 1,16 $ = 1 550 MMK.
Tout compris (y compris vols internationaux, deux vols internes, parking à l’aéroport Paris CDC, visas, dépenses pour les cadeaux, …) notre séjour nous est revenu à 1 714 €/pers (1 350 €/pers sans la montgolfière à Bagan) pour 12,5 jours sur place.
Taxis courtes distances :
* taxi aéroport Nuaung U / Bagan - Wet Kyi Inn : 10 000 MMK pour véhicule 6 passagers
* taxi Kalaw - hôtel à l’extérieur de la ville : 10 000 MMK (de nuit / 2 voyages pour 6 pers)
* taxi aéroport Yangon - centre Yangon : 8 000 MMK pour 3 personnes (x 2)
* taxi centre Yangon - aéroport Yangon : 10 000 MMK pour 3 personnes (de nuit / x 2)
* taxi sur quelques km à Yangon : 3 000 à 4 000 MMK pour 6 personnes (dont 2 personnes dans le coffre)
Hôtels :
Tous les hôtels ont été réservés par Agoda quelques mois à l’avance.
* New Wave guesthouse à Wet Kyi Inn / Bagan (à l’ouest de Nyaung U) : 42 €/nuit en chambre double (très bien/ très calme dans le bâtiment situé sur l’arrière de la route / petit déjeuner corrects mais sans plus)
* Hillock Villa sur les hauteurs de Kalaw : 34 €/nuit en chambre double (très bien / éviter absolument les chambres au rez-de-chaussée du bâtiment de réception car il y a des gens qui arrivent quasiment toutes les nuits et qui y finissement leur nuit / petit déjeuner extra / la patronne est très sympathique, très professionnelle et peut s’occuper de tout ce que vous voudrez)
* Aquarius Inn à Nyaung Shwe : 29 €/nuit en chambre double (parfait, le meilleur hôtel de notre séjour / très calme / petit déjeuner correct / accueil extraordinaire)
* Hotel Grand United Chinatown à Yangon : 46 €/nuit en chambre double (correct, surtout pour Yangon / calme / très bon petit déjeuner)
Repas :
Question repas, nous nous sommes faits plaisir. Nous avons plutôt cherché de bons restaurants et essayé pas mal de choses dans les rues et les marchés. Nous avons adoré ! Nos repas comprenaient généralement un plat le midi et une entrée + un plat le soir.
Nos grands coups de cœur : Queen restaurant à Bagan, Green Chili à Nyuang Shwe et Shan Yoe Yar à Yangon.
* repas midi hors boissons : 25 000 MMK moyen par repas pour 6 pers (soit 2,7 €/pers)
* repas soir hors boissons : 42 000 MMK moyen par repas pour 6 pers (soit 4,5 €/pers)
* boissons : de l’ordre de 10 000 à 15 000 MMK par repas (généralement une boisson par personne plus de l’eau)
Droits d’entrée :
* Bagan : 25 000 MMK/pers
* Pindaya : 6 500 MMK/pers + 3 000 MMK/pers pour la grotte + 300 MMK/pers de droit photos
* lac Inle : 13 500 MMK/pers
* In Dein (lac Inle) : 500 MMK/pers de droit photos
* pagode Shwedagon (Yangon) : 8 000 MMK/pers
* pagode Sule (Yangon) : 3 000 MMK/pers
* pagode Botatung (Yangon) : 6 000 MMK/pers
Activités :
* location e-bike à Bagan : 5 000 MMK la 1/2 journée et 10 000 MMK la journée (pour 2 personnes)
* montgolfière à Bagan : 364 €/pers avec Oriental Ballooning (montgolfière 12 places / organisation hyper pro / très cher mais extraordinaire / un des grands souvenirs de notre voyage)
* cooking class à Bagan : 30 $/pers (chez l’habitant avec une jeune birmane et sa famille qui essayent de monter leur affaire / pas très pro, mais très sympa et authentique)
* location e-bike à Kalaw : 6 750 MMK la 1/2 journée (pour 1 personne)
* trek de 2J/1N dans les environs de Kalaw (au nord) : 230 000 MMK (tout compris pour 6 personnes / avec départ et retour de Kalaw en tuk-tuk / fait avec Polestar Trekking, la seule agence de Kalaw qui a pris en compte mes demandes spécifiques / nuit chez l’habitant / pas un seul touriste à part nous sur deux jours / très très bon souvenirs)
* massage à Kalaw au Pine Land Paradise spa : 13 000 MMK/pers pour les hommes (30 min) et 45 000 MMK/pers pour les femmes (1h) : très bien mas cher
* pirogue pour le lac Inle : 35 000 MMK (pour 6 personnes) pour un tour entièrement personnalisé et sans arrêts commerciaux (avec lever de soleil et visite de In Dein entre autre)
* pirogue pour le lac Sankar : 68 000 MMK (pour 6 personnes)
* location vélo à Nyaug Shwe : 1 500 MMK la journée
* traversée du lac Inle en pirogue : 10 000 MMK pour 6 personnes et avec les vélos
* visite en pirogue à rame du village sur pilotis de Maing Thaux (lac Inle) : 6 000 MMK (pour 3 personnes) pour une durée d’environ 30 min
* cooking class sur le lac Inle : 35 $/pers (Mr Min Cooking class / organisation au top / site extraordinaire : une petite maison sur pilotis sur le lac Inle / nourriture excellente / parfait !)
* massage à Nyuang Shwe : 6 000 MMK/pers (1h) : très bien et rapport qualité-prix extra (chez une famille birmane)
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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! !
