Voyage merveilleux avec qqs déceptions (3 au 26 mars 2009) Bangkok 5 j au Royal Princess larn Luang : excellent rapport qualité prix dans une rue très calme, bonne cuisine, personnel aux petits soins, grande chambre très calme, avec une grande piscine trsè appréciable après les embouteillages de BKK. Soirée magique sur le LOY NAVA, excellente cuisine, très copieux. Chiang Mai 4j a la Guest House de Ludo et Manu rapport qualité très bon, petits déjeuner très sympa avec pancake géant.....très joli cadre. Un peu éloigné du centre pour qqn comme moi qui ne peut guère marcher. Très bonnes excursions, un peu chères pour le pays mais sympa; personnel très gentil. Bungalows rustiques mais pour le prix !!!! ar contre s'ils sont charmanrt et cnnaissent très bien la Thaïlande, ils ne déteste pas l'argent....se sont de bopn commerciaux. Koh Samui : enchanté malgrè les nombreux avis entendus avant de partir. Nous avions réserver au Garden Tropical Resort ......on devait nous attendre à l'aéroport.....personne......j'ai du téléphoner et le propriétaire est arrivé 1 h après sans m^me s'excusé.....! en arrivant : double choc : on passe au milieu d'un chantier très en pente avant d'atteindre la soi-disant reception (environ 100 m de la principale route de Koh Samui). Il fallait faire encore 3/400 m pour atteindre la plage par un chemin toujour en pente raide. Rien avoir avec le site internet.Mon épouse est aller voir les bungalows qui semblent très bien. Nous avons appelé un taxi et nous sommes rabattus sur l'hotel IBIS sur la plage : trsè bon rapport qualité prix d'autant qu'il y avait trsè peu de monde à Koh Samui. Personnel trsè sympa, bonne cuisine thaï, chambres IBIS, c'est à dire petite et surtout sans guère de possibilité de rangement.
Autrement nous avons adoré l'ile. Il faut éviter Chowen qui n'a rien d'interessant en dehors des gogo bar et où les restaurants sont mauvais. le reste de l'isle est fantastique en particulier les côtes ouest et sud qui ne sont pas encore trop construite.
J'ai hâte d'y retourner et même sans doute, puisque je suis retraité, m'y installé.
D'autres commentaires si vous le souhaitez
Philippe
Je pars pour deux semaine le 10 mai avec ma femme destination Khaolak dans un Hotel Merlin Resort....Pourriez juste me renseigner enfin si vous savez sur le temps qu'il fait la bas durant le mois de mai...Avez vous eu du beau temps, soleil....
Désolé mais je n'ai pas la moindre idée du climat sur cette île que je ne connais pas. Elle est très belle et surtout loin de la foule . Je suis allé à Koh Samui au sud est.
bon séjour
par contre je suis intéressé par tes commentaires à ton retour.
Philippe
Merci beaucoup pour ta reponse rapide...Bah ok c avec plaisir que je te ferai part de mon sejour a Khaolak...je reviens si tt va bien la 25 mais donc ......je te dis au 25 pour mes comentaire
Juste pour info, Khao Lak n'est pas une ile mais une petite ville sur le continent au dessus de l'île de Phuket et en dessus du parc naturel de Khao Sok, voir ICI. Le mois de mai n'est pas vraiment la bonne période en mer Andaman puisqu'au début de la saison des pluies (qui est en avance cette année), si le but est d'aller faire de la plongée aux Similans, la mer risque d'être trouble 😕
Il faut éviter Chowen qui n'a rien d'interessant en dehors des gogo bar et où les restaurants sont mauvais.
Il est à noter que le marché de Chaweng possède un endroit restauration où là on est pas déçu (mars 2005), cuisine excellente, spécialités culinaires, bon marché même si ça paie pas de mine.
BYe.
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
on m'a egalement infome que c'etait la debut de la periode des pluies mais generalement les averses etaient plus situees en debut de soiree...et meme si il elles se font en journee, ce ne sont que des averses passageres de 10 minutes voir un peu plus ?????? est ce vrai?????
Je vais plutot pour le repose et juste le prelasser et nager dans la mer donc pas de plongee pour cette fois ci😉
C'est pas la que je serai allé a cette période (la mer ne sera pas très belle même pour se baigner 😕) mais je te souhaites de bonnes vacances et que les dieux de la pluie te soient cléments 😉
mwouais bon tu me fais peur mnt😉....g pas envie de me retrouver comme si j'etais a la mer du nord avec en plus des averses lolll.....tu me conseilles quoi alors pour avoir plus de chance avec le climat pffffffffff🙁
c'est vrai ! soit la nuit soit pendant qqs minutes.
çà permet de ne pas bruler au soleil !!!!lles cotes nord et ouest sont très agréables avec de belles plage. A l'ouest, il faut choisir son coin car il y a de belles falaises.
Comme dab a cette période c'est soit disant mieux coté mer du golfe, koh Samui, Koh Tao, Kho Phangan, etc... mais bon les mystères de la météo sont impénétrables et il n'y a pas de règles, juste des tendances 😉
galyphil ne connait pas Khao Lak, il croit même que c'est une île, il croyait que je parlais de Samui. Bref il n'a rien compris a mes messages, je te disais justement qu'a cette période c'est généralement mieux a Samui, côte Est-mer du golfe de Thailande, que sur la côte Ouest-mer Andaman 😉
Je vous prie de m'excuser, je ne voulais pas être incorrect mais vos propos étaient pour le moins incohérent, je vous cite:
Re: Retour de vingt-six jours en Thaïlande (du 3 au 26 mars 2009) [Citer | Répondre
ah bon !!!!je n'ai pas remarqué que la mer était "pas belle" pour se baigner.
au contraire : très clair et trsè agréble, pas trop salée.
De quelle mer parlez-vous si ce n'est celle de Samui puisque vous n'avez pas été ailleurs? Je ne parlais que de la mer Andaman, rien de savant dans mes propos juste l'expérience de l'avoir connu 😛
Autre incohérence, un message a Fabrice:
Re: Retour de vingt-six jours en Thaïlande (du 3 au 26 mars 2009) [Citer | Répondre
c'est vrai ! soit la nuit soit pendant qqs minutes.
çà permet de ne pas bruler au soleil !!!!lles cotes nord et ouest sont très agréables avec de belles plage. A l'ouest, il faut choisir son coin car il y a de belles falaises.
Quel intérêt s'il va a Khao Lak et pas a samui? De plus les moussons étant "inversées" entre la côte Ouest et la côte Est, ce que vous avez vécu n'a rien a voir avec ce que Fabrice verra 😉
Je vous avais invité a vous relire et a relire mes messages, ce que vous n'avez pas fait de toute évidence.
Bonne journée, ici il fait très beau malgré les avis défavorables de la météo depuis la semaine dernière 😛
MERCI pour tes infos mais bon n'allons pas jusqu'a nous disputer pour si peu 😉 keep smile😎.....donc voila que me conseilles tu, de partir ou pas??? car je vais demain a l'agence pour donner mon accompte...aie aie......Qu'il pleuve je m'en preoccupe du moment que ce ne soit pas pendant des heures et des heures......10 minutes de pluie sur une journee c'est tout a fait supportable......et en ce ki concerne les plages de Khaolak, je ne risque pas d'etre decu, sont elles bien claires....????
desole de toutes ces questions mais g quand meme envie de reussir mon voyage😉
Après avoir passé 25 jours en Thailande, j'ai trouvé que ce n'étais pas suffisant nous avons eu pas mal de pluie une liaison entre koh phi phi et phuket…
Je part en thailande en octobre, j'ai peur d'être un peu deçu avec le tourisme de masse (15 millions de touristes en 2007). j'ai connu phuket qui était une…
Enfin le 30 Juin 2020 le gouvernement Thaïlandais a décidé la réouverture de son aéroport international. Les premiers avions peuvent le 01 Juillet 2020…
J'espère être au bon endroit pour poser ma question. Après un voyage de deux mois (Thaïlande et Cambodge) nous rentrons en France avec la compagnie Turkish…
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 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).
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
