Nous serons dans 2 mois en Thaïlande pour 15 jours et nous hésitons à louer une voiture!!! et j'aimerai avoir quelques conseils:
Pour planter le décor: nous voyageons avec notre fils de 3 ans et avant la Thaïlande nous auront été 15 jour au Myanmar.Nous aimerions louer une voiture à l’aéroport de Don Muang pour partir directement sur Ayuthaya. => est ce bien de la louer à l’aéroport? est ce que cela coute plus cher? Don Muang-Ayuthaya: facile comme route (pour prendre la voiture en main)? combien de temps à peu près?Ensuite nous aimerions faire: Ayuthaya-kantchanaburi, puis Kantchanaburi -Ban saphan (on n’hésite encore entre Ban saphan/ Ban krut/ Prechuap khiri khan?) pour en fin rendre la voiture à Hua Hin afin d'éviter de conduire dans Bangkok. et nous reviendrons de Hua Hin en train!! Est une bonne idée? est ce que quelqu'un aurait une meilleure idée?
mieux vaut il prendre une carte type Michelin ou une carte sim pour un GPS via nos smartphones?Un tout grand merci pour votre aide et je vous souhaite à tous de merveilleux voyages!
Nous aimerions louer une voiture à l’aéroport de Don Muang pour partir directement sur Ayuthaya. => est ce bien de la louer à l’aéroport? est ce que cela coute plus cher?
Je ne crois pas que ce soit plus cher.
Ce sera toujours plus simple d'avoir la voiture directement a la descente de l'avion que d'avoir a prendre un taxi pour aller recupérer la voiture je ne sais ou.
De plus Don Muang est plutot bien placé pour aller sur Ayuthaya.
Fais des simulations de prix et tu verras si oui ou non c'est plus cher.
Pour info, les prix sont plus interessants en reservant sur les sites Thai des loueurs de voiture plutot que sur leur site en .com ou .fr. Il suffit de rechercher "avis/hertz/sixt/budget thailand" dans ton moteur de recherche préféré pour tomber dessus
Don Muang-Ayuthaya: facile comme route (pour prendre la voiture en main)? combien de temps à peu près?
Je dirais oui. Essentiellement de la 2 voies minimum. tu auras normalement une automatique. C'est deja plus facile a prendre en main. Ca doit faire 1h de route (1h30 pour compter large)
Je te conseille de lire les nombreux sujets sur la conduite en Thailande.
Rien de bien méchant, juste etre attentif a 200% et te dire que tout peut arriver.
Ensuite nous aimerions faire: Ayuthaya-kantchanaburi, puis Kantchanaburi -Ban saphan (on n’hésite encore entre Ban saphan/ Ban krut/ Prechuap khiri khan?) pour en fin rendre la voiture à Hua Hin afin d'éviter de conduire dans Bangkok. et nous reviendrons de Hua Hin en train!! Est une bonne idée? est ce que quelqu'un aurait une meilleure idée?
Une autre idée serait de rendre la voiture a l'aéroport BKK. Pour rejoindre l'aéroport vous traverserez bangkok par les autoroutes. Donc ca se fait plutot bien. Puis depuis l'aéroport, c'est tres simple de rejoindre le centre ville en transport en commun et/ou taxi.
C'est pas forcemment mieux que votre idée initiale. C'est juste une autre idée.
mieux vaut il prendre une carte type Michelin ou une carte sim pour un GPS via nos smartphones?
Meme si vous pourriez vous débrouillez avec une carte michelin (meme si certains sont plus ou moins doués pour lire une carte), utiliser un GPS est tellement plus simple !
Pas forcement nécessaire d'avoir une carte sim pour utiliser son smartphone comme GPS.
Il est possible d'acheter des applis avec les cartes qui sont disponible meme si le smartphone n'est pas connecté à Internet (tomtom, sygic). Il y en a meme des applis gratuites.
De toutes façons IMPERATIF de louer auprès d'un loueur international: hertz budget, avis etc pour des raisons de sérieux du service et des assurances ainsi que de la qualité des véhicules.
j'ajouterais qu'Hertz à Don Muang est très bien : j'ai loué une honda civic en juillet et août derniers, les prix se valent mais l'équipe d'Hertz est très correcte. En revanche, je prends l'assurance FULL, car il m'arrive à chaque fois un petit pépin( égratignure sur la carrosserie, une autre voiture qui m'accroche sur un parking etc.) C'est plus cher, mais je conduis et me gare beaucoup plus tranquillement.
Un GPS, c'est le mieux, le mien sert à chaque fois et la traversée de Bangkok ne pose pas vraiment de problème si ce n'est les embouteillages aux heures de pointe.
Hua hin Bangkok en train... c'est long et tranquille. Personnellement , je préfère remonter avec ma voiture de location à Don Muang.
Regarde sur les sites des loueurs, il y a toutes les localités ou tu peux prendre ou laisser un véhicule.
Pour la conduite, le GPS est intéressant, surtout dans les localités et en dehors des grands axes. Ceci dit presque tous les panneaux indicateurs sont en thai ET en lettres comme chez nous, donc c'est possible de se repérer. Tu peux trouver des cartes micro SD de l'Asie pour moins cher sur ebay. Pas encore essayé avec un smartphone.
Bonjour,
Hertz serait-il présent à Hua Hin, Surat Thani, et Krabi, je n'ai trouvé aucun contact sur cs destinations???
Cordialement.
Hertz n'était pas à Hua Hin mais il semblerait que l'agence s'y trouve depuis cette année ou depuis peu de temps.
Ne pas avoir peur de les appeler, ils répondent facilement et ne nous font pas le coup des répondeurs " dans le cas de...appuyez sur 3"...
De toutes les façons, je pense que les prix et prestations des professionnels style Avis, et autres se valent, il y a peut-être une différence dans le type de voiture louée... Quand on conduit 10h d'affilée, Il y a des différences entre une honda Jazz et une nissan micra... etc. Je parle pour une location premier prix. Ceux qui louent un Toyota fortuner n'ont pas de soucis de confort...
Pays que je fréquente régulièrement, j'ai une fois loué Avis (par leur site thaïlandais) pour quelques jours à Phuket (airport)
Service très correct mais les véhicules ont souvent des griffes et des petits dégâts non réparés donc mon conseil en plus du document mentionnant l'état du véhicule, prenez des photos du véhicule qui permettent de voir l'endroit (prouver quand elles ont été prises).
A la reprise, ils ont fait un tour rapide, je dois dire qu'ils ont l'air moins pointilleux qu'en Europe.
Pour le gps, j'utilise l'app sygic sur smartphone qui fonctionne sans liaison data et la carte de thailande est très bien.
Je vais aller faire un tour sur hertz car je n'ai regardé que avis jusqu'à présent. Et je pense qu'effectivement, nous remonterons avec la voiture jusque Don Muang car le train est long!!!
merci également pour l'application sygic sur smartphone.
Faites vos simulations de prix en ligne.
N'hesitez pas ensuite a les contacter par email (en anglais) pour leur demander si il n'y a pas des offres spéciales.
Ils sont tres reactifs et efficaces.
Dernier point sur les locs de voitures (mais qui concerne tous les loueurs), si on vous donne une voiture ayant une plaque d'immatriculation rouge (plaque temporaire), demandez au loueur de vous expliquer ce que vous devez faire.
Car dans ce cas, vous devez inscrire sur un carnet vos déplacements hors de la region. Si le trajet n'est pas inscrit, la police peut vous verbaliser. Ce n'est pas tres clair pour moi, donc faites vous preciser les choses par le loueur.
J'ai été verbalisé une fois a cause de cela.
Les controles de police sont fréquent, surtout si vous faites de long déplacement.
La police a toujours été très correctes. A partir du moment ou tu es en regle, il ne devrait pas y avoir de probleme
Mon fils part avec son épouse et les enfants pour 3 semaines a koh samui les enfants 1 garçon de 5 ans 1 fille de 8 ans et 1 fille 1 an donc pas question de…
Nous allons passer en avril, 4 jours à Krabi pas mal de balades, randos et sites à découvrir, à environ une trentaine de KM. je m interroge, car pas fan fan…
Je prépare un voyage pour début juillet et je cherche à louer une voiture entre hua hin et chumpon pour découvrir à notre rythme la cote et les terres. Ou…
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!
