D’abord merci à tous vos posts, c’est un vrai plaisir que de lire les carnets de routes des uns et des autres🙂. Mais je patauge toujours dans l’élaboration de mon itinéraire au Vietnam, alors que le départ est dans moins de 15 jours, aussi j’ai besoin des avis d’autres voyageurs sur de nombreux points .Je mets les questions en gras.
Tout d’abord mon itinéraire et les éventuels visites :
- Vendredi 27/07 JOUR 1 :Arrivée Hanoi 6H 30 : Flânerie dans le vieux quartier de Hanoi+ Lac Hoan Kiem .Nuit à Hanoi.
- Samedi 28/07 Jour 2 :Visite Hanoi (monuments pagodes musées etc.).Nuit à Hanoi.
- Dimanche 29/07 Jour 3 :Suite visite de la ville.Nuit à Hanoi
- Lundi 30/07 Jour 4 :Excursion baie de Halong (ou plutôt Bai Tu Long) Nuit dans la baie.
Mardi 31/07 Jour 5 :Retour de Halong. Nuit dans le train pour Lao Cai.
Mercredi 01/08 Jour 6 :Transfert de Lao Cai à Sapa .Petit temps de repos + découverte de la ville et les environs immédiats.Nuit à Sapa.
Et maintenant les questions pour les journées du jeudi 02/08, vendredi 03/08, et samedi 04/08
- comment profiter au mieux des environs, sachant que j’aimerais dormir chez l’habitant , en plus de voir de belles rizières en terrasses? (à ce propos, je regrette de ne pas pouvoir aller à Mu Cang Chai et ses environs, comme on me l’a conseillé sur ce forum, faute de moyens🙁).
- Où randonner et passer une nuit ou deux sympa chez l’habitant ? Avez-vous des retours d’expériences sympas et surtout qui contacter ? Excursion Marché du jeudi àTam Duong puis homestay à Binh lu , est-ce réalisable facilement ?
- Ou bien marché de Lung Khaw Ninh et retour vers Sapa ?
- Ou bien , sachant qu’il faut qu’on dorme à Bac Ha samedi soir pour profiter au mieux du marché du dimanche matin, vaut-il mieux passer une nuit chez l’habitant chez les Hmong Fleurs la nuit du vendredi au samedi et avoir ainsi l’occasion de découvrir les environs de Bac Ha ?
Donc je n’ai aucun programme concret pour ces trois jours.Si quelqu’un peut m’éclairer par ses propres expériences ou ses projets?
Jeudi 02/08 Jour 7 ??
Vendredi 03/08 Jour 8 ??
Samedi 04/08 Jour 9 ??
Dimanche 05/08 Jour 10 :Visite Marché de Bac Ha +(peut être un apercu de celui de Lung Phin à 11KMS de là) Trajet Bac Ha Ha Giang .nuit à Ha Giang.
Quels haltes sur la route ? Les environs de Xin Man ? Houang Su phi ?(trop loin je suppose ?) quels haltes sont faisables vu l’état des routes et le peu de temps dont on dispose ?
Lundi 06/08 Jour 11 :Visites Villages de minorités autour de Ha Giang Nuit à Ha Giang :
Comment profiter au mieux de cette journée autour de Ha giang sans faire des kms en voiture ?
Mardi 07/08 Jour 12 :Ha Giang -Dong Van Nuit à Dong Van.
Mercredi 08/08 Jour 13 : Dong Van -Méo Vac- Ha Giang par le col du Ma Pi Leng. Nuit à Ha Giang.
Jeudi 09/08 Jour 14 :Ha Giang -Hanoi : Ya-t-il des petites haltes faciles entre Ha Giang et Hanoi ? Mais le trajet dure déjà 7 heures, donc…🤪 Nuit à Hanoi.
Vendredi 10/08 Jour 15 : Transfert de Hanoi à Nihn Binh Tam Coc, visite des environs (Hang Mua, etc.)Nuit à Tam Coc.
Samedi 11 /08 Jour 16 : Suite Visite Trang An, Bai Dihn, Hoa Lu.Nuit à Tam Coc.
Dimanche12 /08 Jour 17 : Transfert Ninh Binh -Hanoi puis avion pour Danang. Nuit à Hoi An.
Ou bien vaut-il mieux prendre le train de nuit le samedi 11à Ninh Binh et arriver à Danang le dimanche puis transfert à Hoi An ?Si on veut visiter juste le Musée Cham à Danang avant de rejoindre Hoi An, où laisser ses bagages ?
Lundi 13/08 Jour 18 : Visite Hoi AN + Excursion à MySon. Nuit à Hoi An.
Mardi 14/08 Jour 19 :Visite Hoi AN + flanerie +Plage. Nuit à Hoi An.
Mercredi 15/08 Jour 20 : Transfert matinal Hoi An _Hanoi _Luang Prabang. Arrivée midi à Luang Prabang.Nuit à Luang Prabang .
(Nous avons finalement décidé d’aller visiter les alentours de Luang Prabang pour notre dernière semaine de vacances à cause du climat qui pourrait être capricieux si on descend plus dans le sud du Vietnam. Désolée de la longueur un peu rébarbative de mon message. Et d’ores et déjà merci pour vos conseils ou remarques, qui sont les bienvenus.)
je laisserai la parole et les conseils sur le Nord aux autres membres.
Je vous conseille juste pour le centre...
Ou bien vaut-il mieux prendre le train de nuit le samedi 11à Ninh Binh et arriver à Danang le dimanche puis transfert à Hoi An ?Si on veut visiter juste le Musée Cham à Danang avant de rejoindre Hoi An, où laisser ses bagages ?
Lundi 13/08 Jour 18 : Visite Hoi AN + Excursion à MySon. Nuit à Hoi An.
Mardi 14/08 Jour 19 :Visite Hoi AN + flanerie +Plage. Nuit à Hoi An.
Hoi An et Da Nang sont assez proches donc si vous voulez faire le musee Cham, vous pouvez tres bien y aller le jour 19 au matin et ensuite passer toute la journee a Hoi An. La ville de Hoi An est petite donc vous n'avez pas besoin de 2 jours pour la visiter.
Mon conseil pour le mardi 14 Aout:
Matin: visite du musee Cham a Danang et exploration de la Peninsule de Son Tra (si vous pouvez louer des scooters c'est le mieux, le centre est tres calme et beaucoup de voyageurs en louent), un lieux vraiment tres beau et il est bien dommage que si peu de touristes le visitent. Ensuite, visite de Marble Mountain sur le chemin de retour a Hoi An. Dejeuner a Hoi An, apres-midi plage et flaneries dans les rues de Hoi An.
Voila, bien sur il y a des centaines d'autres lieux a voir autour de Hoi An mais si vous voulez visiter le musee Cham alors autant visiter egalement des must-see de Da Nang.
Bonjour je souhaite préparer un séjour de 15 jours en Malaisie, l'idée serait de visiter KL sur 2/3 jours puis Bornéo, le reste du temps, qu'en pensez vous? et terminer par les iles Perenthian...je veux bien vos avis vos conseils et je vous remercie
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?
