Voici quelques infos sur notre voyage en Thaïlande au mois de juillet 2010 en famille avec nos 2 enfants de 10 et 12 ans afin d’aider ceux qui partiront bientôt. Humble avis personnel évidemment pour aider.
Bangkok :
Les +
Hotel Lamphutree très bon rapport qualité prix avec belle piscine et très bon petit déjeuner inclus, bien placé pas loin du quartier touristique.
On a aimé visiter le quartier chinois (le mieux est de le visiter le soir pour voir les enseignes lumineuses), les temples bien sur WAT PHRA KAEO, WAT PO, sympa avant le coucher du soleil de traverser en ferry pour visiter le WAT ARUM, que l’on voit de l’autre rive, le sanctuaire ERAVAN très étonnant sous le métro aérien au milieu des buildings avec ses danseuses et musiciens thai pour les prières à la demande,
la maison de JIM THOMSON (je n’avais pas envie d’y aller mais c’est top !) avec guide en français compris dans le pris de l’entrée très bien organisé,
le métro aérien même si on gèle avec la clim à fond sécurité et confort absolu,
la ballade des khongs avec THUAN trouvé sur voyage forum un must !!Thuan est accueillant, gentil, aidant et connait plein de choses et nous en fait profiter, la ballade est très sympa et son ami Thaïlandais de son association de réparation de bateaux est lui aussi charmant. Le mieux est de le faire en we pour le marché.
Les –
Le shopping dans le quartier des affaires, très fatiguant !! Pour les marques c’est le même prix qu’en France, le reste mieux mais faut vraiment aimer ça car il y a profusion. Pas assez de temps pour faire les marchés, 3 jours c’est trop juste !!!Prendre plutôt les taxis avec compteur que les tuktuks car même prix ou moins , moins la pollution. Dommage les matchs de boxe thai c’est hors de prix !!
Kanchanaburi :
Les +
Pongphen Guesthouse très bon rapport qualité prix, chambre correcte (divers tarifs et confort proposés), piscine. Gentils, organisés proposant beaucoup d’excursions.
Les chutes d’Erawan avec ses petits poissons qui vous sucent les pieds et ses magnifiques cascades sur 6 ou 7 niveaux, le musée mémorial, le train sur le pont de la rivière kwai, les eaux chaudes.
Une journée avec les éléphants chez Ganesha park avec ses plus et ses moins !!!
Les –
Par facilité nous avions choisi une organisation Française pour avoir une journée en pleine nature au contact des éléphants plus des excursions mais je regrette !!L’association SAFARINE/GANESHA PARK il y a surement mieux alors chercher.. Sauf si cela ne vous dérange pas de payer cash le solde des prestations dans la seconde où ils vous prennent en charge, de supporter les différents entre les deux gentils organisateurs, de dormir dans une chambre très « nature !! », d’être tout de même le touriste gogo qui doit s’extasier point barre. Bon j’arrête …
Ayuthaya :
Les +
Luang chumni village guesthouse, très bon rapport qualité prix, bien placé .On avait l’impression de dormir dans la maison de JIM THOMSON charmant cadre pour cette maison tradi avec un bon accueil.
Petite ville très agréable avec des temples à profusion bien entretenus, marché de nuit, marché flottant touristique thai très rigolo dommage on s’est trompé d’endroit mais il y a une association qui accueillent des éléphants (nous on s’est retrouvé devant des ballades d’éléphants tour classique avec siège sur l’éléphant pas fait).
Les –
Les tuktuks un peu saouls qui ne connaissent pas la ville surtout le soir !!
Pas de taxis.
Le train de nuit de Bangkok à CHUMPHON en train couchette 1ère super expérience, à faire mais réserver à l’avance.
Ko Tao :
Les +
Aow Leuk 2 guesthouse que 5 bungalows au bord d’une belle petite plage à 10 minutes du port (ils viennent vous chercher) vue imprenable. Réserver à l’avance mais seulement par téléphone.
Les beaux poissons, les paysages.
Les –
Routes trop défoncées pour faire un tour en scooter avec les enfants.
Ambiance moins thai pour les iles, regret de ne pas avoir pris l’option de descendre plutôt la cote depuis Bangkok ?!
Ko Phagan :
Les +
Dreamland resort des bungalows très sympas avec belle piscine et accueil très sympa sur la belle plage de Thong nai pan yai (la plus grande des 2).
Belles plages, beau paysage, pas de grandes routes du coup ile pas encore abimée.
Les –
Le catamaran express c’est bien mais quand la mer est agitée bonjour l’expérience !!
En résumé pour notre premier pays en Asie, on a beaucoup aimé le calme, la sécurité, les sourires, la propreté en général, les massages surtout le foot massage, la découverte du bouddhisme et de ses temples .
Retour d'infos très sympa, merci !
Juste votre avis sur Ganesha Park qui m'interpelle.
Je ne comprends pas bien ce "mélange" Safarine-Ganesha. Je croyais que c'était complètement différent ? Séparé ? Qu'avez-vous payé comme prestations chez l'un et chez l'autre, si ce n'est pas indiscret ? (ou alors en MP).
On a fait une journée en famille avec Safarine en juillet cet année: éléphants bain + balade sur le dos (génial pour les enfants), Parc d' Erawan (magnifique!) et descente sur la rivière Kwai en kayak (expérience géniale en fin de journée) et c'était tout en bus privé, on a même pas vu d'autres touristes. Et j'ai trouvé l'organisation de Safarine vraiment Top...
Safarine et le Ganesha sont indépendants l'un de l'autre et tenus par 2 français.Pour aller au Ganesha qui se trouve à 2-3h de Kanchanaburi, on peut y aller en bus, taxi ou louer une voiture (ce que nous avons fait) ou prendre un tour organisé par Safarine qui vous achemine au Ganesha.
Safarine et le Ganesha sont indépendants l'un de l'autre et tenus par 2 français.Pour aller au Ganesha qui se trouve à 2-3h de Kanchanaburi, on peut y aller en bus, taxi ou louer une voiture (ce que nous avons fait) ou prendre un tour organisé par Safarine qui vous achemine au Ganesha.
Ok, merci.
Mais alors pourquoi écrire : "je regrette !!L’association SAFARINE/GANESHA PARK il y a surement mieux" ??
Attendons...
Les différentes possibilités y sont (avec ou sans Safarine).
Nous, on avait opté pour la location de voiture à partir de Kanchanaburi, ce qui revenait nettement moins cher à 5 et nous permettait de voir ce qu'on voulait sur la route. Les français qui étaient au ganesha avant nous et ceux qui sont arrivés le lendemain sont venus avec Safarine et étaient ravis.
En tous cas, on a adoré le ganesha park, ambiance, paysages et bien sûr la journée avec les éléphants extraordinaire. Notre meilleur souvenir de Thaïlande à tous les 5!
Merci pour les bons plans sur Phangan et Tao, suite à notre premier voyage(BKK, Ayuthayya, Kan'buri, Samui, ...), on avait l intention d'aller sur ces iles...
Je compte également partir en juillet l'année prochaine donc j'ai une petite question : qu'avez vous rencontrer dans ces différents endroits comme conditions méteo ?
Cette année en juillet, on est parti 3 semaines (arrivé le 7 juillet sur place) BKK: pas une goutte, Kanchanaburi: 3 jours radieux (il a plu la nuit quand on dormait), on est allé 4 jours à Angkor (soleil avec parfois un nuage), 4 jours à Koh Samui (beau le matin puis nuageux et à chaque fois vers 15h30 la grosse averse parfois durant des heures), 5 jours à Koh Tao (soleil radieux, parfois un nuage, 1x une toute petite averse vers 18h qui a même pas duré 30min, grisaille le jour de notre départ et mer agitée bonjour la traversée en bateau pour rentrer!!!) Donc franchement au total, on a surtout eu du beau temps ensoleillé et avec un nuage de temps en temps, ça fait un peu d'ombre qui fait du bien. Premier voyage en Thaïlande en juillet donc je ne sais pas si c'est de la chance ou normal.
Bonjour. Nous avons parcouru la Thailande l'ete dernier. NIveau meteo, c'est vrai que la region de kanchanaburi etait la plus humide. Pour le reste, beaucoup de ciel bleu...et quelquefois une averse en fin d apres midi mais ca ne dure pas longtemps. Sur Ko Tao, fin juillet, 10 jours de tres beau temps.
Plus d infos, photos et videos sur : http://chonxchon.wordpress.com
Récits de voyage et conseils aux voyageurs sur le blog http://www.onedayonetravel.com #Thaïlande #Indonésie #Brésil #Cambodge #Europe #Inde #Suède #Argentine
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We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
Bonjour,
Le 1er septembre, on part 6 semaines à Kalimantan, probablement de Pontianak jusqu'aux îles Derawan.
J'ai beau parcourir ce site qui d'habitude est ma bible 😉, mais aussi d'autres comme Forum Voyage, les renseignements récents ne sont pas légion.
Je suis preneuse de toute information sur tous les lieux où vous seriez passé, notre programme étant en cours d'élaboration.
Nous voyageons à 2 couples, sac à dos, bus, bateau, guesthouses et chez l'habitant.
Merci à vous !
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
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,
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!
