bonjour mon copain et moi avons commencé à planifier notre voyage en Asie. Celui-ci commencera le 15 novembre 2013, pour se terminer vers le 1er mars 2014.
En gros, nous prévoyons visiter le nord du Vietnam (2 semaines+), Hué, et le sud du Vietanm (2 semaines), Phnom Penh, Sian Reap et Angkor (2 semaines), Vientiane, Luang Prabang et environs (2 semaines) et la Thailande (environ 4 semaines).
Ce qui nous cause du tracas pour l' instant, c' est de trouver par où commencer. Nos points d' entrée et sortie de voyage seront probablement Hanoi et Bangkok, ou alors Bangkok et Saigon. On veut impérativement faire un peu de rando dans le coin de Sapa et passer 3 ou 4 nuits dans le coin de la baie de Halong. Alors soit on commence par le nord du Vietnam en novembre, soit on y termine à la fin fevrier. On est pas trop frileux (Canadiens), mais on aimerait l'avis des habitués pour savoir quelle est la meilleure période pour la rando et pour profiter de la baie d' Halong.
Préférez novembre, car on y a encore de belles journées ensoleillées, sans pluie, même si certains jours deviennent frisquets, mais pour vous ???? lol
Par contre en février, le nord est généralement très médiocre et très frais, pour ne pas dire froid, le soleil est absent, la brume assez tenace - Cette année, tout à fait exceptionnellement, il a l'air d'avoir fait beau (je m'en étais enfuie au sud....) mais pour y avoir passé dix ans, je puis vous dire que février est un mois que je qualifierai de peu accueillant, surtout si vous voulez aller voir les montagnes du nord - Il y neigeait l'an dernier....
Bon voyage - Cordialement - Kimtwo
Le vent et les turbulences sont l'oeuvre de Dieu, mais la voile et le gouvernail nous appartiennent..
Voyager c'est aller de soi à soi, en passant par les autres (proverbe touareg)
Confirmation des proposde Kimtwo, du moins en ce qui concerne la meteo enfevrier.
Nous sommes restes a Hanoi trains pleins pour Sapa ) et nous ne sommes pas alles a la baie d'Along car le temps etait trop mauvais.
Il faisait un temps tres maussade a Hanoi, pluvieux et frais en fin de journee.
La meteo a commence a etre agreable a partir de Danang.
Mais il y avait tout de meme de fortes pluies et ces jours la, il faisait bon, sans plus.
merci pour votre aimable réponse
C`est l`impression que nous avions à la lecture des différents forums, mais c`est bien de se le faire confirmer. Nous amorcerons donc notre périple par le Nord du Vietnam, tout en ayant soin d`apporter un bon pull et des chaussettes chaudes
Suite à de nombreuses recherches (surtout sur voyage forum) et dans quelques livres, nous avons à peu près finalisé un itinéraire (voir l'ébauche plus bas) très très souple ( nous sommes très sensibles au moment présent et n' hésiterons pas a chambouler un itinéraire pour se permettre de vivre un coup de cœur)
Voici donc notre version modifiée. nous avons le visa pour le Vietnam (45 jours...on comprend pas exactement, mais c' est ce qu' on nous a donné lorsqu'on a présenté notre itinéraire), mais on prendra les autres visas au cours du voyage. Voici donc l'itinéraire
14 nov:vol YUL-yyz-HKG
15-18 nov: Hong Kong 19-22 nov: Hanoi et environs 23-25 nov : Baie d'Along retour sur Hanoi 26-30 nov: Sapa et environs 1-3 déc.: Ninh Binh, (Phong Nha Ke Bang et Cuc Phuong)
4-6 déc..: Hue et environs
7-10 déc.: Hoi An, Danang, My Son (îles de Cham?)
11-14 déc.: , Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Doc Let, My Khe et Dalat?
15-19 déc. :Ho Chi Min et delta du Mékong
20 déc.: avion ou autobus vers Phnom Penh 21-22 déc . : Phnom Penh
23-27 déc .: Siem Reap et Angkor Vat
28-29 déc . : bateau vers Battambang et 2 nuits à Battangbang
30 déc.-4 jan: retour sur Siem Reap et départ pour cote et plage ( Kampot, Kep, plage)
5 Jan : retour sur Siem Rep et avion ou autobus pour Laos
6-9 Jan: Vientiane
10-12 Jan: Vang Vieng
13-16 Jan: Luang Prabang
17-19 Jan :Oudomxai, Luang Namtha
19-20 Jan Huay Xai, retour sur Luang Prabang
21 Jan : entrée en Thaïlande par Chiang Mai ( ok si visa 60 jrs, sinon entrer après le 26 Jan= jour 69 Et couper dans l'itinéraire
Chiang Mai et environs: Pai, Mae Hong Song, Mae Sariangcentre: Sukhotai, Lopburi, Ayuthaya
Bangkok
Sud et 1 ou 2 îles
retour sur Bangkok et si temps environs: Khao Yai, Phnom Rung, Phimai
25 février-1mars: 4 nuits :Tokyo.
1er mars: vol tyo-yyz-YUL
qu' en pensez-vous?
Est-ce qu' on a oublié quelque chose d' important
Entre Hanoi et Hue, est-il préférable de prendre l'autobus ou l' avion?
Est-ce qu'on aura des problèmes vers le 25 décembre, est-il complètement fou de visiter Angkor Vat à Noël ?
Est-ce qu' on aura des problèmes vers le 1er janvier
Est-ce qu' on aura des problèmes vers le têt (31 Jan au 3 février)
pour une semaine de vacances tranquille et pas trop chère avant le retour, quelle plage suggérez-vous avant le retour sur Bangkok?
Merci à l'avance pour tous vos conseils et un gros merci pour ce que vous avez déjà contribué sur le site
Danielle et Alfred
bonjour mon copain et moi avons commencé à planifier notre voyage en Asie. Celui-ci commencera le 15 novembre 2013, pour se terminer vers le 1er mars 2014.
En gros, nous prévoyons visiter le nord du Vietnam (2 semaines+), Hué, et le sud du Vietanm (2 semaines), Phnom Penh, Sian Reap et Angkor (2 semaines), Vientiane, Luang Prabang et environs (2 semaines) et la Thailande (environ 4 semaines).
Ce qui nous cause du tracas pour l' instant, c' est de trouver par où commencer. Nos points d' entrée et sortie de voyage seront probablement Hanoi et Bangkok, ou alors Bangkok et Saigon. On veut impérativement faire un peu de rando dans le coin de Sapa et passer 3 ou 4 nuits dans le coin de la baie de Halong. Alors soit on commence par le nord du Vietnam en novembre, soit on y termine à la fin fevrier. On est pas trop frileux (Canadiens), mais on aimerait l'avis des habitués pour savoir quelle est la meilleure période pour la rando et pour profiter de la baie d' Halong.
"nous avons à peu près finalisé un itinéraire (voir l'ébauche plus bas) très très souple ( nous sommes très sensibles au moment présent et n' hésiterons pas a chambouler un itinéraire pour se permettre de vivre un coup de cœur) "
J'espère que vous aurez au moins un coup de coeur pour ma chère ville de Huê au centre du Viêtnam .
( en français, ce mot, ce nom, Viêtnam s'écrit en un seul mot alors qu'en viêtnamien, langue mono-syllabique, c'est en deux mots sans trait d'union ); et ça veut dire le pays des viêt au sud ( de la Chine ) nam, en viêtnamien a plusieurs significations dont : le sud .
En ce qui concerne la Thaïlande vous avez malheureusement oublié un tas d'endroits...mais ça n'est pas de votre faute..
Le temps n'est pas extensible " ô temps suspend ton vol" c'est dans la poésie pas dans la vraie vie malheureusement...😉
Quelques explications :
"Chiang Mai et environs: Pai, Mae Hong Song, Mae Sariang"
On ne peut pas vraiment parler d'environs;
Chiang Maï vers Paï sont dans deux provinces différentes , il faut une bonne demi-journée d'autocar pour aller de l'une à l'autre...environ 150 kilomètres . La célèbre route 1095 est particulièrement sinueuse plus de belles pentes à deux sens ( montées et descentes, le toboggan...);
Les dates n'existant plus sur votre itinéraire, je suppose que vous restez soit 60 jours ( visa ) soit 15 jours ( exemption de visa, entrée par voie terrestre? mais où en Thaïlande ? en venant du Laos ? ...
15 jours, ça va pas le faire pour le programme que vous écrivez.
"centre: Sukhotai, Lopburi, Ayuthaya"
Indigestion de vieilles pierres surtout si en plus vous avez l'intention de visiter Phanom Rung, Phimai .
Deux sites qui sont dans l'un dans la province de Khorat ( Phimaï ), l'autre dans celle de Buriram.
Mon humble avis qui est donc subjectif :
visitez Phanom_Rung et Phimaï et oubliez Ayuttaya et Sukkhothai..( et Si_Satchanalaï pas loin de Sukkhothaï et que vous avez oublié dans votre liste)
Je vais faire hurler certains sur ce forum mais il faut parfois faire des choix cornéliens.
Je constate que vous allez à la plage au Cambodge ET en Thaïlande...; faîtes un choix.
Et entre Hanoï et Huê, prenez l'avion, la route est monotone de chez monotone, de plus limitée à 60 km/h;
pleine cambrousse au Viêtnam, c'est 60 à l'heure;
et en ville c'est 30 à l'heure.
Ma suggestion de plages tranquilles ( plus que certaines qui sont sur l'autoroute touristique) en Thaïlande :
Cha_Am ou plus bas Prachuap_Khiri_Khan ( en descendant vers la Malaisie qui est encore très loin)
Quelques précisions: effectivement pour la Thaïlande, l'itinéraire est un plus flou, car je suis un peu moins préparée, j'y travaille encore. Nous prévoyons prendre l'avion de Luang Prabang a Chiang Mai vers le 25 janvier (on devrait donc obtenir un visa de 30 jours à l'arrivée). Nous repartons de Bangkok pour Tokyo le 25 février.
Donc pour les jours en Thaïlande, on aurait 1 semaine au nord: 2 nuits a Chiang Mai et 4-5 pour faire une boucle vers le nord-ouest. Ensuite 5-6 jours pour descendre vers Bangkok: j'ai écrit Sukhotai, Lopburi et Ayuthaya, mais j'ai beaucoup de lecture à faire! Ensuite 5 a 7 jours de plage (après 3 mois de voyage, ça ne sera pas trop pour les jeunes retraités que nous sommes). ensuite de retour à Bangkok et 1 semaine dans les environs. Ça devrait faire environ 30 jours
Nous sommes à planifier un voyage de 25-26 jours au Vietnam (notre premier voyage la bas) à compter du 21 novembre prochain. Nous sommes 4 adultes et désirons…
Je pars au Vietnam du 18/11/07 au 16/12/07. Je me demandais si la fin novembre était propice, au niveau climatique notamment, pour partir en rando dans la…
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Photographie et vidéo en voyage › Vietnam · 2 replies
J'envisage un séjour de 15 jours au Nord Vietnam de fin décembre à début Janvier. Je me pose deux questions précises: - d'une manière générale, pouvez-vous…
Je travaille sur notre itinéraire au Vietnam pour Août 2017 Nous arrivons (petite famille 2 adults + 2 kids..) fin juillet pour 20 jours; HCN: 3 nuits Avion…
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
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. ;-)
