Nous allons passer deux mois et demi en asie du sud-est entre le 27 octobre 2008 et le 09 janvier 2009 et je galère un peu à établir un itinéraire... Peut-être que des voyageurs connaissant la région auront la gentilesse de nous aider...
Nous arrivons à Bangkok et comptons remonter vers le Nord, atteindre le Vietnam (nord) en traversant le Laos. D'Hanoï prendre un avion pour Ho chi minh ville et remonter le détroit du mékong jusqu'au Cambodge (Phnom Penh) puis Angkor. Retour en Thaïlande par la route et farniente dans les îles du sud...
Cela vous paraît-il jouable ? N'est-ce pas trop galère au niveau des postes-frontière ? Un itinéraire entre Bangkok et le Laos ? Entre le Laos et le Vietnam ? Merci par avance de tous vos conseils... Vous valez mille guides !
C'est faisable, mais c'est pas facile. Il faut savoir que, a part en Thailande, la majorite des routes au Laos, Cambodge, et Vietnam, sorti des grands axes -et encore- c'est une experience pour les reins!. J'ai rencontre a Mai Chau un couple suisse qui s'etait tape Vientiane-Hanoi en bus; ils m'ont dit qu'ils ne le referaient jamais, et c'etait pas le genre a se plaindre parce que les robinets ne sont pas en or massif. Il faut egalement savoir qu'il y a bien des postes-frontieres un peu partout, mais on ne passe pas a travers certains (par ex, au poste pour passer du Laos a Dien Bien Phu, qui serait pourtant bien pratique, le passage depend surtout de l'humeur de ces messieurs -ou de l'epaisseur du backchich; qu'il faille que tu refasses 2-3o0km pour retourner d'ou tu viens s'ils ont nvie de te refouler, ils en ont rien a cirer!). Donc, ton pb, ca va etre le passage entre le Laos et le Vietnam SANS PROBLEME pour arriver le + pres possible du Nord Ouest du Vietnam (il y a 2 passages: sur Laichau et sur DBP, mais je crois que c'est + ou - ferme). Je suis sur que certains membres vt te donner la meilleure route. Une fois au Vietnam, le passage du nord au centre puis au sud, puis a Siem Reap (bus HCMC-Siem Reap ou bateau sur le Mekong) et retour a Bangkok (par Pnomh Penh; Siem Reap-Bangkok, c'est une arnaque ignoble dont tout le monde se plaint) ne pose aucun probleme
Pour les grandes lignes, des 4 pays, a part les iles, c'est la Thailande le moins interessant (je l'ai sillonnee; j'habite a Bangkok -helas!- depuis 7 ans). En fait, tout le monde parle Chiang Mai, mais c'est parce qu'ils ne sont pas alles dans les montagnes du Nord Vietnam! Je ferai donc Bangkok-Vientiane-Luang Prabang. Je ne connais pas du tout le Laos, donc vois avec un autre membre le meilleur passage entre le Laos et le Vietnam. A part les temples d'Angkor (epoustouflant!), il est certain que les plus beaux paysages st ds le Vietnam du Nord (voir mes sites "Grand Tour du Nord-est", et "Tam Coc"; je ne me suis pas fatigue a en faire un sur Along, tt le monde sait que c'est unique au monde).-
2 mois 1'/2? Je dirais 10-12j semaine Thailande a l'aller/10-12j Laos/15j minimum Vietnam du nord seulement/8j-10j ds le centre/8j ds le sud/5j Angkor/2-3j Pnomh Penh, et apres, a moi les iles et les petites thaies!
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Merci pour toutes tes infos, Larsay. C'est en effet au niveau des postes-frontières Laos/Vietnam que je trime... Je retiens l'arnaque Siem Reap-Thaïlande... A priori, on ne fera pas le centre du Vietnam parce qu'il paraît que c'est le pire moment pour y aller car il y pleut sans discontinuer en novembre/décembre(si j'en crois le Routard qui, franchement, ne m'aide pas des masses).
Rejoindre Ventiane depuis la Thaïlande, puis passer au Vietnam via Nang Het/ Nam Kanh... mais on est encore loin d'Hanoi et du nord Vietnam, damned ! Pas simple... Je me permets encore d'abuser de ta gentillesse : au niveau des îles du sud Thaïlande, tu nous conseilles quoi (sachant qu'on est plutôt branché balades, nature, calme et authenticité !)
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Oui, tout à fait d'accord ...D'ailleurs en deux mois et demi, conseiller le tour des capitales impériales et actuelles est déjà un super programme ! Mais il y pleut autant qu'à Angkor...
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Salut Jules et Amélie,
Si vous passez dans le nord du Vietnam...il y a un très beau voyage (que j'ai fait à moto -non non j'ai pas conduit! :) à faire, une vraie merveille, un des plus beaux morceaux de mon voyage de 3 mois et demi en Asie du sud est : une boucle de Ha Noi - Mai Chau - Son La - Sa Pa - marché de Bac Ha - lac Thac Ba - Ha Noi (si vous voulez plus de détails et qq photos, j'ai écrit un petit article si ça vous dit :
http://citoyensenaction.org/index.php?2008/01/29/70-une-minsk-un-driver-et-du-chocolat )
Sans parler de la mythique Baie de Ha long, mais il serait bien de sortir des sentiers battus pour bien en profiter: se rendre là bas en bus, puis prendre une petite barque qui emmène sur l'ile du sel, y passer une nuit, puis reprendre un petit bateau pour faire une balade dans la baie (dis Abalone si je me trompe sur quelque chose d'ac?)..malheureusement je n'ai pu le faire car le soleil était endoudounné dans un épais brouillard!
Très bon voyage
Zineb
"sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul"
En ce qui concerne le passage Laos-Nord Viet, il y a un poste frontiere bien + au nord que Nam Can: tu fais Luang Prabang-la Plaine des Jarres et, au lieu de continuer tout droit sur Nam Canh, tu prned sla route nord via Sam Nua et arrive au poste-=frontiere de Na Meo. Dela, tu rejoins facilement les magnifiques regions soit de Nin Binh (Tam Coc/Hoa LU...) a l'est ou Mai Chau-Sonla-DBP... au nord (rte No 15).
Helas helas, les iles de la Thailande, ca commence a ressembler a la Cote d'Azur! Mais tu as de la chance, la seule ile qui n'est pas (encore) trop defiguree, c'est Koh Chang, et tu passes devant (TRAT) en allant de Pnomh Penh a Bangkok! Donc, tu fais PP-Trat et la, tu prends le bateau pour Koh Chang
A part ca, Koh Samui est OK des que l'on sort de Chaweng (j'ai bien aime Lamai, et decouvert que, des qu'on va plus loin que cette derniere, il n'y a pas grand monde, preuve que la plupart des touristes sont des moutons!). Les 2 annexes de KS, Koh Phangan et Ko Tao (superbes plongees) ne st pas encore "pourries' du fait qu'il n'y a pas d'aeroport et qu'elles sont assez eloignees des cotes. Evidemment, Phuket est a fuir, a moins que tu aimes le beton, les hotels pretentieux hors de prix, et les bars a filles!
Ceci dit, je ne les ai pas toutes vues, hein!
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
je t invite a visitee les phillippines de thailand il ya des vol reguliere tous les jour et pour pas cher
sur place quand vous aller passer les douanes vous aurrais 21 jour.a tamponee en ville a l imigration pour restee plus de 21 jour....mais 5 jour avant de partir.
les paysage a decouvrir sais baguio, bontoc, banawe et dans le sud sais cebu, negros, bohol ile de pangalao, siquijour camiguin.sur le sud de cebu il ya moalboal kawasan falls.
a bohol ile de pangalao chocolate hills.
apres au niveau de prix sais pas cher en moyenne la chambre correct et de 10 euros minimum
J'ai pris deux fois le bus entre le Laos et le Vietnam. Le bus etait bondé, mais vraiment bondé de chez bondé. Impossible de bouger tellement le bus était plein à craquer. Mais à part ça aucun souci.
Jeune couple nous aimerions prendre la route de l'Asie du sud est en mai/ juin pour une première virée hors d'Europe.:) DEUX MOIS donc! notre question…
Je suis en pleine préparation d'un voyage de 2 mois, de début juillet à début septembre prochain. Nous avons décidé avec mon compagnon de visiter le Cambodge,…
En mettant par écrit mon projet de trajet, des questions me sont parvenues: depuis Phonsavan comment aller à savanhakhet? TEMPS ET PRIX? depuis paksé je veux…
Je pars cet été pour 2 mois au Vietnam avec 3 amis, et j'aimerais avoir vos avis sur l'itinéraire auquel on a pensé.Arrivée à Hanoi le 3 Juillet3 jours de…
Ayant pas réussi à obtenir de conseils dans la partie voyage avec enfants, je tente ma chance ici... Nous partons, avec mon conjoint et notre fille de 3 ans et…
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
