Pour eviter toute polemique je souligne qu il s agit bien sur de mon opinion strictement personnelle.
Les adeptes de farniente aux bords de plage seront déçus de ne pas trouver de renseignements.
Ces deux voyages ont été effectués en solo sans jamais passer par les services d Open Tour
ou autre agence excepté une seule fois à Hué pour un tour DMZ (KHe Shan+tunnels Vinh Moc ).
Remerciements à Abalone & Ottlnpac & breizh29 qui m ont fourni tout une foule de precieux renseignements avant mon depart.
2008 => Itineraire
Hanoi-Ninh Binh (TamCoc/ Hoa Lu-Phat Diem-Hanoi-Hue- Hoi Han via Lanco Col des nuages & Danang-
- Kontum-Buon Me Thuot-Dalat-Saigon HCMV-Can Tho-Chau Doc-Long Xuyen-HCMV
2009 => Itineraire
HCMH-Camau-Hatien via Rach Gia-Chau Doc-HCMV-Dalat-Nha trang-Quy Nhon-Kontum via Pleiku-
- Buon Me Thuot-Lac Lak-Dalat-HCMV-Ben Tre- Vinh Long via My Tho-HCMV
Briévement ,
Les coins que j'ai preférés :
-Hanoi et surtout son quartier des corporations recelant de nombreuses echoppes
- Tam Coc et ses superbes alentours dans la baie d Halong terrestre
- Kontum ville provinciale decontractee et villages de minorites situés aux environs encore epargnés
- Dalat pour son climat apres avoir enduré la fournaise de la cote
- Chau Doc pour la vue depuis le sommet du Mont Sam , la rive donnant sur le Bassac et ballades sur la rive opposee.
- Ben Tre et à proximité ses petites routes et chemins , arroyos, cours d'eau
- La petite route Camau-Rach Gia , la nouvelle route Dalat-Nha Trang à travers jungle et montagnes, et la route entre Nha Trang-Tuy Hoa
devoilant de superbes vues sur la cote
- Hue
Les coins qui m'ont déçus :
Hoi Han , envahie de touristes mais... en arrivant un dimanche
(ville se revelant plus agreable en la parcourant tot le lendemain matin avant la ruée )
Instauration par l office de tourisme local d un systéme de coupons
de visite ne laissant pas assez de souplesse au visiteur pour coincider avec ses preferences personnelles
Ha Tien : ville paraissant charmante en la decouvrant de loin mais l edification du nouveau pont d acces
a laissé des traces au centre ville actuellement en cours de refection .Donc les choses devraient s ameliorer dans les prochains mois .
Les sites que je pensais ecarter de mon itineraire et qui en fait
se revelent etre bien agreables :
-Dalat : climat reposant , belles ballades aux alentours
- Nha Trang : Ville en fait restée" vietnamienne" malgré un quartier moderne occidentalisé dedié aux touristes .
Un charmant petit port de peche à decouvrir à une vingtaine de kms au nord de la ville , tres actif en debut de matinée.
Nha Trang malgré mes à prioris initiaux s’est revelée etre une bonne surprise.
- Quy Nhon : ville nichée au pied de hautes collines dans une jolie baie , mais pas encore aussi developpée que Nha Trang .
Une partie du bord de mer située en face du coin des bateaux de peche offre à la vue des maisons delabrees ( Quelques requins de promoteurs doivent etre à l affut
pour regler leur sort du fait de leur emplacement faisant face à la promenade longeant la mer )
Des coins peu frequentés semblant interessants qui m attireraient lors d' un prochaine voyage :
- Dakto à une quarantaine de kms au Nord de Kontum .
zone montagneuse s etendant plus au nord qui doit etre chouette mais dommage qu on ne puisse parcourir
à fond cette region sans l' obtention d' une autorisation de l office du tourisme
- Bao Loc situee à mi-chemin sur l axe Dalat -Saigon , ville disposant de quelques hotels , entourée d'une campagne vallonnee .
Alentours qui doivent reserver de bonnes surprises et offrir la possibilite d agreables ballades
- la region située au Sud de Vinh et au nord de la DMZ traversée en train
- la region cotiere au Nord de Nha Trang bordée par la montagne et avec peninsule couverte en partie de dunes
Et… peut-etre cet itineraire pour 2010 => projet à peaufiner dans les mois à venir:
Retour à Hanoi et forte envie de revoir Tam Coc .
Et il faudra bien que j y aille faire un saut à cette fameuse baie d' Halong …maritime
Egalement Sapa , Cao Bang , Babe Lake , Hao Giang etc..
( Les mails de " Larsay "& "Routard de 60 ans" sont déjà imprimés, rangés et prets à emploi )
A Jean, je suis d'accord avec toi, nous avons beaucoup aimé Quih Nonh, Kontum, Tam Cauc. J'ai beaucoup moins apprécié Hanoï (j'en avais gardé un souvenir très différent de 1996😄). Pour Hoi An je suis d'accord avec toi, le truc des coupons pour les visites c'est pas top!
Nous avions aussi apprécié Ninh Bin.
Tu as raisons de préciser "mon opinion strictement personnelle", parce que sur le Vietnam ça polémique très vite😏
J'ai mis du temps à lire l'ensemble de vos messages sur vos deux voyages du Vietnam. C'est très intéressant et c'est loin de ce que l'on a l'habitude de lire sur les blogs de voyage.
Pour eviter toute polemique je souligne qu il s agit bien sur de mon opinion strictement personnelle
Il est tout de meme malheureux que l'on soit oblige d'ecrire cela pour ne pas se faire descendre en flammes! Pauvre Forum!!!!
Ceci dit, merci. Tu gardes precieusement mes notes, et reciproquement d'ailleurs 😉 . Je t'attends de pied ferme pour aller crapahuter chez les H'mong de Dong Van (et pour rendre visite a la belle Loan a Tam Coc 🙂)
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Je n'ai pas été déçue par la baie d'halong maritime, nous avons passé une nuit sur un bateau, ce qui nous a permis de nous eloigner un petit peu et de gouter au silence au milieu de tous ces rochers impressionants, la visite des villages pecheurs etait egalement interessante, celle de la ferme de perles beaucoup moins, je ne suis pas une grande acheteuse de bijoux, et puis les pauses achat ça ne me plait pas trop trop.
(le bateau que j'ai choisis est un des plus recent, je garde un excellent souvenir de cette "folie)
j'ai eu la chance de la voir sous le soleil, j'etais contente..
J'ai adoré Hanoi, tres bon moment de repos apres hanoi au village de Mai Chau, le parc national de Cu phuong est tres agreable pour la randonnée, ainsi que son centre de protection de primates,
Hoi an , effectivement tes touristique, mais une douceur de vivre y regne, j'ai fais tous mes achats d'epices sur ce marché, un grand moment, et j'ai craqué pour un pantalon vietnamien, et oui je suis une fille... ! j'ai un de mes meilleurs souvenirs de repas le 'cao lau' nouilles plates, croutons, pousse de bambou, legumes verts le tout couronne de porc emince, les 'banh xeo', savoureuse crepe croustillante roulee avec des herbes dans du papier de riz frais et la 'rose blanche' crevette cuite a la vapeur enveloppee dans une galette de ris, un regal!
saigon, etonnante, beaucoup de personne me l'avait deconseillé, mais je n'ai pas regretté, le contraste avec hanoi est impressionant,
le delta du mekong que j'ai survolé; reste un bon souvenir et mes rencontres à Phu quoc inoubliables.
J'ai été globalement satisfaite des hebergements, (guesthouse, pension, hotel) mais il y a encore du boulot a faire sur des hebergements 3 et 4 etoiles, surtout pour les petits dej , on a voulu faire 2/3 fois un hotel un peu plus confort pour se reposer, et à chaque fois deception, j'ai surement mal selectionné, mais bon les fourmis dans le pain au petit dej je m'en souviendrai longtemps...
je reprendrai la phrase de jean
"Pour eviter toute polemique je souligne qu il s agit bien sur de mon opinion strictement personnelle. "
Aprés avoir lu ton compte rendu j'ai besoin de tes conseils pour un voyage au vietnam prévu en Novembre 2009.En fait je suis un peu perdu à force de lire sur les différents forums.Nous sommes retraités donc pas trop tenus par le temps(nous pensons partir entre 3 semaines et 1 mois, c'est raisonnable je pense pour un premier contact)et voulons aller du Nord au Sud en voyant les principaux sites mais aussi les curiosités qui font sortir des sentiers battus en essayant d'organiser ce voyage nous memes.En te lisant je me suis dit que tu avais certainement les bons plans, c'est pourquoi je te demanderai à la fois un itinéraire conseillé et les modes de déplacements les plus adaptés.J'ai bien compris que tu n'avais pas fait Halong mais cela s'arrangera sur place.Nous ne sommes pas contre non plus un peu de marche à pied pour aller voir villages, ethnies, curiosités particuliéres.Par avance Merci de tes conseils et bons plans.Trés cordialement.
PS:Je me permets de te tutoyer, j'ai remarqué que c'était la régle sur les forums.
Adresse Email:gil.jacky@wanadoo.fr
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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! !
