Nous sommes partis du 12 décembre au 21 janvier au Myanmar (4 semaines) et en Thailande (2 semaines) et on voulait remercier encore tous ceux qui nous ont aidé sur le forum (Jean en particulier!)
Voici un petit retour de nos vacances.
On a commencé par le centre de la Thailande, Ayutthaya, Lopburi (pas grand chose à part les singes...) et Kanchanaburi. Puis départ pour le Myanmar!
On a fait Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Kalaw-Lac Inle, Kengtung, retour à Yangon.
C'est magnifique et incroyable, mais attendez-vous quand même à voir des touristes, hein!
Yangon, pas grand chose à part la magnifique paya Shwedagon, où on peut facilement passer l'après-midi à observer les gens vivre... si possible, y aller pour le coucher de soleil! Sinon très beau aussi le monastère taudagki (ou un truc comme ça) où il y a un énorme bouddha couché, puis essayez de trouver un jeune qui vous fera visiter le monastère, c'est super intéressant, on a rencontré le master et pu voir les salles de méditation etc...
Mandalay, la ville est assez sympa, même si bruyante! Il faut monter sur la colline pour le coucher du soleil, et on peut visiter les temples, mais pas la peine de payer le ticket touristique de 10$!
Les alentours de Mandalay sont très beaux, il faut faire la fameuse journée Sagaing, Inwa et le pont U bein au coucher du soleil... je peux vous donner le n° de notre guide tuk-tuk qui parlait anglais et un peu français et qui était génial! Mr Win-Say, à l'hotel Royal City (au cas où, l'hotel est très bien aussi, avec terrasse sur le toit où tu peux prendre ton ptit-déj et une ptite bière le soir!) Il faut le demander directement, car sinon l'hotel prend une commission! Sinon on a fait aussi une journée à Mingun en bateau, et une au monastère où il y a 3 pythons autour du bouddha, et à côté une sorte de mini Bagan perdu au milieu de rien et sans touriste.
Ensuite on a pris le bateau pour Bagan, à faire absolument, c'est magnifique! Le lever de soleil le plus beau de toute notre vie... mais ça caille!!!
Bagan, c'est très beau, mais il y a des vendeurs dans tous les temples... il faut être ferme... on peut louer des vélos, c'est le plus sympa! on a fait aussi une journée en calèche, c'était sympa aussi, mais le vélo est plus marrant! On était à l'hotel Thiri Marlar dans New bagan qui était magnifique, aussi avec terrasse sur le toit! demandez une chambre supérieure, pour 25$ ça vaut trop la peine!
On a vu le Mont Popa, mais je ne recommande pas, il n'y a pas grand-chose...
ensuite départ pour Kalaw, on voulait faire le trek de trois jours dans les ethnies et arriver à Inle Lake, mais j'ai été malade la première nuit chez l'habitant, et on a du rebrousser chemin... mais si vous pouvez, faites le trek, c'est vraiment beau! attention, très très froid la nuit!!! on avait acheté des bonnets au marché! vous pouvez aussi faire juste deux jours/une nuit de trek, si vous avez pas beaucoup de temps, ou même juste des treks d'un jour.
Le lac inle, c'est magnifique. On a pris notre bateau depuis le resto smiling moon (pas excellent soi-dit en passant), pas cher et notre guide était super cool! un vrai cowboy! ;-) Et au cas où, le restorant golden kite est amusant et délicieux, un birman qui fait des pates maison, et qui fait visiter sa cuisine...
Après nous sommes allés à Kengtung, ça prend du temps et de l'énergie, et ça revient cher (tu ne peux y aller qu'en avion, et sur place pas de concurrence entre les hôtels ou les guides), mais c'était les plus beaux moments qu'on ait vécu (des treks dans des tribus qui vivent encore comme il y a 150 ans, et pas de touristes!).
Puis retour sur Yangon, départ pour Koh Chang via BKK pour 5 jours de plages, puis 4 jours à Bangkok, et il est déjà l'heure de rentrer! :(
Sinon, petits conseils pour le Myanmar : prenez un sac à viande, pour la saleté des draps parfois, et surtout pour le froid. Prévoire une polaire, une écharpe, et un coupe-vent. Une lampe de poche car parfois des coupure de courant. Des tongs pour visiter les temples, il faut toujours enlever ses chaussures...
Et ne prendre que des 100$, il y aura un meilleur taux, et aussi quelques petits billets 5$. ATTENTION, il faut que les billets soient neufs! ou aient l'air neuf en tout cas! s'il y a la moindre marque, pli au milieu, etc, ils ne les changeront pas!!!
Voilà! J'espère vous avoir aidé, et vous souhaite un magnifique voyage au pays du sourire!
Bonjour,
Je ne suis pas d'accord pour le Mont Popa. C'est comme le dit le LP , un des lieux les plus fascinants de Birmanie si on prend un peu plus que le temps de le gravir...
Pour le Mont Popa, nous avions pris un guide, mais je pense qu'il n'était alors pas bon, car les nat (esprits) nous intéressaient beaucoup, mais nous n'avons pas appris grand-chose (et pourtant c'était pas donné!)... Je parle juste de notre expérience.
Ah la Birmanie, je reviens d'un séjour d'un mois. Et je crois que comme tu le dis, le pays ne regorge pas de sites exceptionnel, mais les gens et la spiritualité sont exceptionnel partout.
Pour les sites à voir absolument, oui, ils sont à couper le souffle.
Personnellement j'ai mis les impressions en vidéo :
🤪Lorsqu'ils étaient mourants, tiraillés par la faim et paralysés par leurs blessures, les touristes leurs repondent par un sourire dont ils n ont rien compris.
Nous partons la semaine prochaine et nous avons réservé l'avion de Heho à Tachileik; peux-tu me donner quelques infos pratiques? notamment comment rejoint-on Kentung de Tachileik? (on arrive en principe à 14h20)
As-tu des adresses à éviter ou à recommander? des guides?
Merci d'avance
Françoise
(citation)"Voyageur, Il n'y a pas de chemin, Le chemin se fait en marchant.
Le chemin se fait en marchant...."(A; Machado)
Pour rejoindre Kengtung de Tachileik, il n'y a que deux bus, mais je crois uniquement le matin et à midi...à vérifier sur place... ce qui vous forcerait à passer une nuit à Tachileik (ce que nous avions dû faire au retour). Le bus met environ 5 heures, mais la route est assez belle.
Sinon, éventuellement un taxi, mais ça sera très cher, et je ne suis même pas sure que vous en trouviez, je m'étais un peu renseignée à l'aéroport et il n'y en avait pas ce jour-là!
Nous avions trouvé dans l'avion un groupe de touristes italiens qui avaient acceptés de nous prendre dans leur bus pour 50$ pour 2 personnes. C'est grâce à cela que nous avons pu arriver à Kengtung le jour-même, car il faut savoir que la ville ferme ses frontières à 18H! Ils nous ont laissés passés à 18h30 car nous étions avec un tour opérateur, mais pas sûr qu'ils fassent de même pour 2 touristes en taxi...
Comme vous pourrez le constater, c'est une région compliquée à visiter.
Nous avions un guide génial, il faut le demander à l'hotel Law Ye Chain. Nous logions là-bas, car le princess hotel était complet, ou beaucoup trop cher pour ce qu'il proposait comme chambre! Nous avons été ravis! Hotel chinois, petit-déj chinois changeant tous les jours (il faut le demander, sinon on vous sert les fameux oeufs avec toasts qui vous sortent par les trous de nez à la fin du voyage 😉 )
Voilà... sinon le reste est dans mon post de départ!
Bon voyage et profitez de ce moment hors du temps!
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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!
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).
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.
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
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
