Bonjour à tous,
nous allons quelques jours à Koh Tao début février, pour plonger et profiter de la plage. J'ai cru comprendre que presque tous les centres de plongée proposaient des "packages" plongée+hotel. Nous aimerions plonger mais également être dans un endroit sympa, avec une belle plage, faire du snorkling et avoir la possibilité de manger à l'exterieur (pas vraiment envie d'etre obligés de diner à l'hotel...).
Connaissez vous de bons centres de plongée, de préférence francophones, qui pourraient correspondre à nos envies?
Merci de vos reponses !
tanote bay c'est bien même très bien pour le snorkelink,
Il y a 2 centres de plongés (francophone? je crois pas) 4-5 hotel resto, mais là franchement le cadre change un peu mais tu as toujours l'impression de manger la même chose !
Dans ce cas, c'est peut etre mieux de dormir a Sairee beach ou a Chalok Baan Kao, et de bouger pour aller rejoindre les criques et autres baies pour faire du snorkling, non? On peut se deplacer facilement sur Koh Tao?
Oui on peut se déplacer facilement. Mais il y a quelques endroits comme tanote Bay qui sont vraiment pénibles à atteindre en deux roues (à moins d'avoir l'habitude des deux roues en tout terrain).
Mais si tu veux de l'animation le soir, c'est sans doute la meilleure solution.
Je suis allé deux fois sur Koh tao (2005 et 2007), les constructions du c��té de Sairee Beach ont doublées ! c'est un peu trop à mon goût (bcp trop !)
bonjour
moi Sairee beach j'eviterai absolument mais parcontre Chalok c'est sympa(tu as une tres bonne Guest House à Freedom beach au dessus d'une mini plage absolument fabuleuse et de là tu peux aller nager au milieu des petits requins à pointe noires àThiang og bay
pour circuler le mieux c'est le scooter mais pour rejoindre certaine baies isolees tu as interet à faire gaffe
(Hin wong bay ) par exemple, bonjour le chemin!!
tres bonnes vacances
Alain
ps :evite le coral wiev à AO leuk car tu seras planté alors que de Chalok tu peux sortir facilement
N'es pa béù qu'es béù, es béù so qu'agrada!
traduction pour les nons provencaux :n'est pas beau ce qui est beau , est beau ce qu'on aime !
C'est sur qu'on veut pouvoir circuler. On a vraiment envie de profiter de l'ile sans pour autant etre assaillis par les infrastructures touristiques!!
Tu te souviendrais du nom de la guest house a freedom beach?
Quelqu'un connaitrait un bon centre de plongee a proximité (peut etre avec son hotel/guest house associée??)?
Je crois aussi que c'est la haute saison debut fevrier, non? Faut-il reserver à l'avance, ou est ce qu'on aura la possibilite de se trouver de quoi se loger directement sur place?
A Chalok, je te conseille deux hôtels : si tu as un bon budget et que tu veux quelque chose de confortable avec du charme, le New Heaven Bungalow, situé sur les hauteurs du village. De magnifiques bungalows dans un beau jardin avec une vue sur la mer, différents niveaux de confort et de prix mais tous sont très biens. Le resto est délicieux également. Nous avions payé 1500 B/nuit la double au mois de janvier (haute saison) ; moins cher mais très correct aussi, le JB Guesthouse. Pas vraiment de charme, les bungalows sont tous alignés dans un grand jardin et c'est un peu l'usine mais ils sont très propres, avec une magnifique vue sur la mer et au calme à deux pas du village et de l'animation. En visiter plusieurs pour choisir, certains sont mieux que d'autres. Prix vraiment pas chers pour le confort à 500 B/nuit la double.
Le club de plongée du New Heaven est très bien, de mémoire je crois que cela s'appelle New Heaven Diving School ou quelque chose comme ça, ils ont la pub à l'hôtel puisque c'est tenu par la même famille. Il est dans le village juste en dessous de l'hôtel et c'est un petit club familial sympa, loin de certaines usines à plongeurs que l'on trouve beaucoup à Koh Tao. Bon matériel, moniteurs très sympas et bonne ambiance !
Nous y sommes allés en janvier (haute saison aussi apparemment) et n'avions rien réservé, nous avons trouvé à nous loger sans trop de problème et avons juste dû changer d'hôtel pour les deux dernières nuits car tout était plein au New Heaven (d'où le choix du JB Resort). Si tu préfères voir l'hôtel avant de choisir tu peux attendre d'arriver là bas, tu trouveras toujours quelque chose, sinon si tu tiens à aller à un endroit précis je pense qu'il vaut mieux réserver.
Notre tour du monde d'un an d'août 2006 à août 2007 :
Sairee Beach, c'est vraiment pas top pour dormir, sympa pour y manger, s'y ballader, aller s'entraîner au Muay Thai Island ... mais c'est tout . La plage est toute plate, les benalows sont entassés les uns sur les atres avec vue sur ... rien .
Préférez Chalok, criques maginifiques, certains bengalows les pilotis dans l'eau... et toutefois plage animée le soirdans une bonne ambiance générale. Si vous louez un scooter, il vous faudra 5mn pour aller à Sairee (J'avais prévu d'y rester 3ou 4 jours, j'ai tellement aimé que le temps imparti à Koh Tao a été de 12 jours ..., et avec mes 2 fils de 12 et 15 donc sans scooter, nous allions à Sairee à pied, assez réulièrement même ...)
Mieux vaut être belle et rebelle que moche et remoche
Salut
IL s'agit du FREEDOM beach bungalows tout simplement
Tu as 2 styles de bungalow 1)les bung en dur à toit vert tres confortable et ayant un vue superbe sur la plage et la mer depuis une belle terrasse, equipes de :soit fan ou clim et TV, le patron te branche ce que tu veux ( prix 800 bth avec ventilateur )
2)les "cabanes bleus " à 500 bath mais qui sont à eviter à tout prix (tres rudimentaires )
A chalok tu trouveras plusieurs centre de plongee
Bye Alain
ps freedom :tel 077-456596
077-456986 essaye de reserver en arrivant à Chuphon
N'es pa béù qu'es béù, es béù so qu'agrada!
traduction pour les nons provencaux :n'est pas beau ce qui est beau , est beau ce qu'on aime !
Bon, j'ai cherché des hotels et des centres de plongée à Chalok, mais ce que je retire de tous les commentaires que j'ai trouvés sur internet, c'est que généralement, les combinés plongée+hotel ne sont pas terribles: on se retrouve dans les bungalows les moins bien...
Ensuite, j'ai vu beaucoup de commentaires negatifs sur l'hotel "new heaven". Beaucoup de gens disent qu'ils estimaient que c'etait trop cher pour le service proposé et qu'ils ont trouvé beaucoup mieux pour moins cher à proximité (apparemment depuis leurs travaux de rénovation). Pas terrible non plus pour le Koh Tao Resort (disons que c'est tres mitigé)....
Pour le freedom beach bungalow, apparemment c'est assez loin des clubs de plongee, qui sont dans le centre.
Je crois donc qu'on fera un peu le tour des hotels en arrivant, puis le tour des dive centers pour prendre qqch qui nous semble bien. En esperant qu'on n'y perde pas trop de temps...😕
Bonjour, je suis en train de me renseigner sur des ghesthouses sur koh tao. j'entend beaucoup parler de Freedom Beach. vous pensez qu'il faut réserver pour avoir une des bungalows en dur. Nous y serons début mars.
Sinon est ce que quelqu'un aurait un mail pour les joindre... car au téléphone ça me semble compliqué à moins qu'il parle français.
Merci d'avance pour votre aide.
Lili
Un ami allemand (Uwe) loue des chambres et bungalows a petit prix sur Koh Tao ( de 250 à 750 bahts). Possibilite de louer un buingalows ou une chambre à l'année ou au mois.
Egalement, il est possible de lui louer une 125cc pouyr faire le tour de l'ile pour 100 bahts (seulement si location chambre).
Si vous etes interesse, j'ai mis son adresse et telephone sur mon blog. 😉
www.namaste.over-blog.com (page d'accueil)
PS: Vous serez au calme avec un acces privée a la mer 😛
PS2: Il parle français, anglais, espagnol, portugais et thailandais courament!
C'était le paradis !!!
On n'a pas réservé à l'avance, il restait des bungalows en dur... qui ne nous emballait pas trop! L'impression d'étouffer dedans.
Et des petits bungalows moins chers tout simple sur piloti, l'impression de s'endormir à même la plage, le rêve!
Petit resto sur place, typique, assis à même le sol sur des coussins, à hauteur de la mer... Un semblant de Sychelles en Thailande!
J'y serai bien resté si on avait pu.
Bon c'est décidé ce sera donc koh tao. Juste une petite question. Ou est-ce le mieux pour loger? D'après ce que je lis SAI DENG à l'air TB mais un peu loin de…
Slt à tous!!! Avec ma copine, on part en thailande début juin. Nous comptons aller à koh tao, auriez vous des bons plans de bungalow (quelques hotel à nous…
Quelqu'un connait-il des bungalows les pieds dans l'eau sur koh tao dans les 50-70 euros, l'emplacement etant plus important que le confort, j'aimerais eviter…
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi everyone. As I’m planning my trip for next winter, I’m looking for hotel suggestions in Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor. The ones I had in mind seem to be fully booked (unless it’s too early?). For those familiar with the area, is it easy to find accommodations on the spot in January/February? I’m specifically looking for hotels with a pool, beachfront, air conditioning, and easy scooter rental nearby. Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing
July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao
August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide
August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena
August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands
August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts)
August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk
August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar
August 17: Rammang Rammang
August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
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!
