A peine rentrée de notre périple de 3 semaines au Centre et au Nord du Vietnam, voilà que je commence à penser à la suite... bien que ça ne sera pas pour cette année. Mais je profite pour solliciter vos conseils pour un futur voyage de 2 semaines (13 ou 14 jours entiers, selon horaires des vols et escale) en hiver au Sud Vietnam et au Cambodge.
Ho Chi Minh (1 ou 2 jours): quels sont les lieux à visiter? Où loger pour être près de tout?
Temple Cao Dai: 1/2 journée
Delta du Mékong (environ 4 jours)
En feuilletant le guide du routard et le lonely planet, j'essaie de repérer ce qui pourrait nous intéresser et qui ne demande pas des trajets interminables
Par exemple: loger à Vinh Long (ou sur l'île d'An Binh comme le conseille le guide du routard?) et faire des excursions autour: bateau et/ou vélo sur l'île d'An Binh et îles environnantes? Marché flottant de Cai Be tôt un matin. Journée à Tra Vinh? Visite de Sadec? Aller jusqu'à Chau Doc évidemment (et visiter) puis jusqu'à Phnom Penh.
Qu'est-ce qui est mieux et + rapide pour se déplacer: bus, voiture avec chauffeur, bateau? Ou mélanger les 3? Pour quels endroits prendre un guide et où y trouver un guide francophone?
Qu'est-ce que vous en pensez? Quels sont vos conseils?
Phnom Penh (1 ou 2 jours): ville, île de la soie? Choury Changvar?
Y a-t-il des villages autour de Phnom Penh où l'on peut aller en vélo depuis la capitale?
Phnom Penh-Siem Reap en bateau (j'ai lu quelque part que ça prend 5h, mais bon, les vols sont trop chers, le bus c'est pénible... il me semble qu'il n'y a que ça comme solution pour pas trop cher).
Angkor: (billet 3 jours) Quels lieux faire en priorité?
Siem Reap, villages flottants (autre que Chong Kneas): quel est le plus intéressant à voir?
Phnom Penh-Siem Reap en bateau (j'ai lu quelque part que ça prend 5h, mais bon, les vols sont trop chers, le bus c'est pénible... il me semble qu'il n'y a que ça comme solution pour pas trop cher).
En bateau le trajet est de 4h ou 5h selon mais au moins six fois plus cher que le bus et très monotone. Absolument aucun paysage à voir. Le bateau oui, mais pour un trajet Battambang et Siem Reap. Ce trajet là est très sympa.
En bus de PP à SR, rien de penible, la route est excellente, clim, de 5 à 6h de trajet ( entre 6 et 11 dollars selon les compagnies)
Siem Reap, villages flottants (autre que Chong Kneas): quel est le plus intéressant à voir?
Kompung phhuk ou Kompong Kleang mais prevoyez un deux ours de plus pour souffler entre les visites de temples.
Est-ce qu'on peut réserver depuis la France? A combien de temps en transports se situent Siem Reap et Phnom Penh des aéroports?
Est-ce que c'est plus intéressant au niveau gain de temps de faire Ho Chi Minh, Delta du Mekong (avec Chau Doc), Ho Chi Minh puis un vol pour Phnom Penh ou alors de Chau Doc, aller en bateau à Phnom Penh puis vol jusqu'à Siem Reap? Pour 85 dollars, le prix est bon. 30 dollars de PP à SR, c'est encore mieux, si on gagne du temps par rapport au bateau.
Ce n'est pas la première fois que je lis sur ce forum des commentaires sur Chong Kneas "trop touristique".
Je retiens pour Phnom Penh "promenade à vélo sur koh dach : géniale!"
Merci pour le lien.
Y a-t-il des spectacles traditionnels (danse, musique) à voir le soir à Phnom Penh et à Siem Reap?
Un voyageur sur un autre forum me déconseille Tra Vinh car beaucoup de transports pour voir peu de choses. Je ne sais pas si Sadec vaut le détour.
J'ai noté aussi cet itinéraire, mais il me semble que c'est beaucoup de transports:
Saigon - Vinh Long - Chau Doc - Ha Tien - Kep - Phnom Penh (quel est l'intérêt de Ha Tien et Kep? Ha Tien est-ce vraiment dans le genre de la baie d'Halong comme je l'ai lu parfois)
Ou plus simple: Saigon - Vinh Long - Chau Doc - Phnom Penh, et prendre le temps de faire les environs en vélo. Que conseillez-vous?
si tu decides d aller jusqu a ha tien, tu dois dormir a la baie de hon chong a 25km, c est beaucoup plus jolie et c est relativement paisible et peu cher.
ha tien c est juste pour le passage au cambodge, j y ai trouve des plages assez sales, pas toutes bien sur, j ai largement prefere hon chong, j y ai une excellente adresse pour loger et manger.
hotel my lan, les chambres les moins cheres, 160 000 dongs prix affiche, (decembre 2009) tres correctes, et l on peut manger sur place, il y a un tres bon resto avec une excellente cuisine.
la route entre chau doc et ha tien, 90km, est tres sympathique, elle longe presque tout le temps un cours d eau, avec vu sur le cambodge au loin, et il y a des pagodes kmers.
si tu as le temps, prends cette option, si tu es presse, passe par chau doc, soit par bateau, soit par bus au depart de saigon.
tu peux voir mes photos sur picasa, de ma boucle dans le sud a moto, j y ai passe un agreable sejour, j ai adore le delta profond, moi qui avait toujours fait comme tout le monde, jusqu a can tho pendant des années.
les gens du sud sont tres acceuillant, les prix peu chers et pas gonfles pour les touristes, du moins c est ce que j ai vecu.
pour cao dai, si tu as le temps, dors y une nuit et rend toi a la messe de 18h00 au temple, tu seras surement comme moi, la seule a cette heure la, et c est tres appreciable, plutot que de se retrouver a milieu de dizaines de touristes.
les alentours du temple sont tres jolies aussi.
Nous sommes passés à Ha Tien en février dernier, halte/point de départ de notre petit périple à vélo vers Kep et Kampot (Cambodge).
J'avais laissé un message, à notre retour : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=4184313;#4184313
Parcourez l'album, il vous donnera un aperçu de ce qu'il est possible de voir et de faire entre Kep et Kampot. Nous avons beaucoup aimé nous y poser quelques jours, pour l'ambiance des lieux, pour y respirer l'air du temps… C'est souvent là où il n'y a "rien à voir" que nous savourons des jours heureux dans nos voyages 😉
Ha Tien est-ce vraiment dans le genre de la baie d'Halong comme je l'ai lu parfois
Non, rien de comparable même si très ponctuellement certaines vues peuvent évoquer ce type de paysage (la photo attachée, extraite de Panoramio/GoogleEarth, n'est pas de nous mais d'un certain Tu Nguyen ; merci à lui !).
Le mieux est d'aller sur GoogleEarth et de regarder les photos postées par les voyageurs (bien souvent des Vietnamiens pour ces zones hors tourisme conventionnel) ; puis il suffit d'activer la couche "photos" "panoramio" dans les "données géographiques". Plus on zoome, plus il y en a qui apparaissent… Elles permettent de se faire une bonne idée des lieux.
Idem pour la route Chau Doc/Ha Tien dont parle fred66.
Très sympas ces albums... 🙂 je m'y vois bien et j'ai l'impression que nous connaissons un peu "le même" Vietnam.
J'allais pester contre le fait que tu n'avais mis aucun nom sous tes photos et puis j'ai vu que la plupart étaient géo-localisées... N'empêche, juste le nom sous les photos, ce serait bien ! 😉
tout a fait d accord avec toi, mais depuis que je suis rentre en avril 2010, entre la reprise du boulot, le troisieme enfant et le reste, pas vraiment le temps de faire ce que tu demandes, et puis, ca permet aux personnes de poser des questions sur les photos, donc de creer des liens😛
a+
Tout d'abord j'imagine que la réponse à mes questions se trouve quelque part sur le forum mais je fouille depuis des heures et je suis perdu dans la foultitude…
J'aimerais partir en voyage solo (sac à dos) pour environ 2 semaines et demi, sur fin février/début mars 2016. J'hésite entre Thaïlande, Vietnam, Cambodge…
Je prévois actuellement un road trip en asie du sud-est au début du mois de novembre. Malheureusement le temps nous sera limité puisqu'il durera 15 jours. Je…
J'ai envie d'aller en Asie en février 2014, avec mes trois enfants (16/15 et 10 ans en 2014) et... mon mari. Ce serait notre premier voyage sur ce continent,…
J'ai 2 semaines en mars prochain pour faire un beau voyage en asie du sud est: Vietnam / laos / camborge (j'ai déjà fait la thailande). Mes désirs: = Partir en…
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!
