Help!
Pensez vous que cela soit possible de trouver le logement une fois sur place sans réservation préalable??? je pars du 1 juillet au 4 aout à Bali, mais aussi lombok Gilis, avec ma fille de 9ans. je voulais juste réserver les premières nuits, puis poursuivre ensuite notre route libre en trouvant au fur et à mesure les lieux pour dormir...
Et si les réservations sont nécessaires....est-ce qu'un simple mail, ou coup de fil à l'hotel, sans acompte, garantie la réservation?
Merci des tuyaux!
Moi je conseille toujours vivement de reserver ses hotels quand on part en pleine saison si on ne veut pas se galerer a faire plusieurs hotels le soir qui vous diront qu`ils sont pleins ou bien un qui vous dira qu`il lui restera quelques chambres de libres vous direz que vous aller y reflechir poursuivre votre recherche d`hotels et au final reviendrez a celui qui avait des chambres de libres sauf que manque de chance et bien en meme pas une heure les chambres libres ont ete prises.... Ca peut paraitre bete comme ca mais cela arrive souvent. De plus en cherchant sur place vous aurez un choix limiter car beaucoup d`hotels seront pleins contrairement a si vous reservez par internet. Neanmoins si vous voulez toujours tenter de rechercher vos hotels sur place et bien je vous conseille au moins de reserver votre hotel pour les premieres nuits surtout que vous venez avec votre fille.
Pour les reservations ca depend des hotels, certains acceptent les reservations avec un simple e mail ou un coup de telephone d`autre exigent un accompte, chaque hotel fixe ses propres regles...
Bien sûr, tu pars avec une petite fille de 9 ans mais quand même! Regarde le nombre d'hôtels qu'offre Bali, sans compter les homestays (logements chez l'habitant dont tu peux me demander la liste en m'indiquant ton adresse mail)! La liste d'hébergements est impressionnante, tu ne risques pas de coucher dehors!!!!
Si tu réserves à l'avance, tu te restreinds dans ton emploi du temps, tu ne pourras pas raccourcir la durée de ton séjour dans un hôtel ou la rallonger, tu vas t'imposer des contraintes inutiles.
Imagine, tu trouves des gens sympas dans une ville ou ta fille veut rester plus longtemps et finalement donc tu veux y rester! Ben non, t'as réservé ailleurs, tu es obligée de partir.
Je ne suis pas encore allée à Bali mais on fera comme on fait toujours: réserver la première nuit et après on voit. D'habitude - et c'est toujours pendant les vacances scolaires -(Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Equateur), on se pointe à l'hôtel et on visite une chambre pour voir si cela convient OU ce que l'on fait souvent aussi, on envoie un mail 2 ou 3 jours avant.
Cette fois-ci, pour Bali, peu d'hôtels ont un mail; donc, je leur téléphonerai la veille s'il s'agit d'un hôtel où je veux absolument descendre et dans un bourg où il y a peu d'hôtels (je pense à Munduk, Yeh Ganngah, par exemple).
Sinon, à Ubud, on prend un taxi (c'est pas cher d'après ce que j'ai vu) et on circule avec jusqu'à ce qu'on trouve mais franchement je serais étonnée de tourner longtemps. Pour exemple, au Vietnam, on a presque toujours trouvé du premier coup.
Le fait de procéder ainsi te permet de gérer ton temps comme tu le souhaites. Tu es maître de ton temps et libre comme l'air, le bonheur!
Omega3 tu restes quand a Bali ? Car si tu y es pendant le gros mois d`aout ou il y a la plus forte affluence de touristes a Bali tu risques fort d`etre surpris certes il y a beaucoup d`hotels, mais les moins chers sont tres vite pris d`assaut, vu la quantite de touristes qu`il y a a Bali au mois d`aout !!! Donc moi je te conseillerais de changer de tactique si tu y vas au mois d`aout mais comme tu as l`air sur de toi et etre un routard pure et dur je n`insisterais pas. Mais tu constateras par toi meme le nombre important de touristes qu`il y a a Bali l`ete notamment en aout. Je sais de quoi je parle quand je dis que Bali est envahit de touristes l`ete surtout en aout !!!
Et a Ubud avis aux francais : vous allez croiser beaucoup de compatriotes touristes la bas 😄
Ah oui precision a Ubud il n`y a pas de taxis ou si il y en a ils sont tres tres rares donc c`est chauffeur avec voiture ou location de scooter-voiture-velo. Precision encore le Vietnam et Bali ca n`a rien avoir. Bali est beaucoup plus touristique et sujette au tourisme de masse que le Vietnam ou le Sri Lanka
Ceci n`est qu`un avis apres libre a toi d`en tenir compte ou non 🙂
J'y vais début Juillet mais je ne m'inquiète pas du tout. Pour clore le sujet, je n'omettrai pas à mon retour de dire comment cela s'est passé.
Mais au Viet Nam, il y avait moins d'offres qu'à Bali et nous, on fonctionne comme cela et jusqu'à présent, cela a toujours bien marché. De plus, je ne recherche pas les endroits très à la mode du genre Kuta, ....là où va un grand nombre de touristes.
On ne part jamais au mois d'Août, déjà ça aide mais réserver comme font certaines personnes, voire pour tout leur séjour, perso je trouve que cela manque totalement de charme. Enfin, je l'ai déjà expliqué, je ne vais pas recommencer.
je pars du 1 juillet au 4 aout à Bali, mais aussi lombok Gilis, avec ma fille de 9ans. Merci des tuyaux!
avec enfant de 9 ans reserve ! alors avant pour les "gros trucs " sur place pour les autres .. et attention aux rabateurs dans aeroports, ports, stations bus .... je suppose qu'a Bali on trouve les même que +/- partout dans la région... ne pas oublier que oui tu trouveras toujours un hotel partout ... mais pas que du bon (exp perso pas a Bali)
Je vais a Bali en Mai et je reserve +/- tout !
et routad pour reprendre l'expression de omega avec un enfant de 9 ans ... c pas trop le concept !
Bon voyage et surtout voyagez zen!
Michel France (85)
je ne pense pas qu'un coup de fil ou un mail te garantira une réservation sûre ! 😕
à SANUR il y a SWATISKA BUNGALOW (piscine) à 15€ avec petit dèj et à UBUD : WARSA GARDEN'S BUNGALOW (piscine) à 12€ avec petit dèj mais je les ai trouvés en étant sur place à BALI
et c'était en mai ( donc moins demandé )
bonnes recherches
Merci pour les adresses et pour vos différent avis à tous!
bon... finalement j'ai l'impression que, réserver ou pas, c'est surtout une question assez perso....c'est clair qu'une fois sur place le choix peut être restreint....mais n'y a t-il pas l'avantage d'être plus libre, rester plus ou moins selon l'humeur et les rencontres du moment....j'ai 5 semaines et peut être que cela s'y prette..je ne prendrai pas ce risque pour 15 jours...je lance encore un petit sondage aux personnes qui ont vécu l'expérience en pleine saison de partir sans avoir rien résservé....ont-ils des secrets à dévoiler qui les ont permis de sortir de la galère...si pour autant galère il y eut!!
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Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
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!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
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!
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.
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! 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
