je pars à Koh tao très bientôt mais j'ai quelques petites difficultés pour choisir les endroits et notamment les plages.
J'aimerais connaître les plages où l'on peut se baigner et nager sans difficulté, et ce quelle que soit la marée.
Connaissez vous des plages de ce type si possible avec des bungalows (1000 bath grand max) sur la plage, pas trop isolé de resto et bar cools.
aussi, j'aimerais faire un tour à koh phangan mais la full moon a lieu le 1er Mai et je voudrais l'éviter. Il paraît que les hotels sont pleins 3j avant et 3j aprés. merci de me confirmer cette info.
J'ai envie de passer des vacances cools, avec un peu de vie le soir sans que cela soit de l'orgie.
J'ai quand même axé mon voyage sur koh tao donc merci de me donner des infos si vous en avez.
J'ai fait des recherches sur le forum mais ça n'a pour le moment pas répondu à mes attentes.
slt
effectivement pour koh phangan, mieux vaut eviter les jours avant et apres la full moon car les places sont cheres ... et franchement rien de typiquement thai dans cette nuit...
Un conseil pour votre voyage en Thailande ou au Laos, ecrivez moi en MP je vous communiquerai les liens. (que visiter, bon plan hotel ou Guesthouse, etc...)
J'étais il y a deux semaines au big fish resort sur Chalok, j'avais une chambre au-dessus de leur petit magasin, 400BHT, et c'était correct. T'es à deux pas de la plage, ils ont aussi des bungalows qui ont l'air pas mal mais je connais pas les prix.
j ai l impression que tout le monde te parle de phangan et pas de koh tao..
donc pour koh tao, je te conseille le new heaven huts, avec des bungalows de 300 a 500 baths, sur saï dong beach.. il faut aller au new heaven restaurant (rocky beach) tous les taxi connaissent, et ensuite tu as une navette bateau gratuite... par contre c est assez isolé pour les bars, mais le restau de la guest house est parfait.
Si tu vas à l'opposé de Haad Rin (Ao Chaloklum par exemple au nord, le wattana Resort, tres sympa), tu devrais pouvoir te loger malgré la full moon, au pire tu appels un peu avant pour réserver.
et d accord avec thesamy pour le watana, tes té et approuvé, bungalows devant la mer a 300beths pour deux, y a toujours des places et t es le plus loin possible de haad rin 😛
je sais plus si j ai insisté sur le coté paradisiaque du new heaven......? 😇
tout dépend de l'ambience recherchée.
si tu aimes les plages pleines d'étrangers de bars jusqu'à pas d'heure de tatoueurs et limite de quoi dancer, c'est du coté de sairee beach qu'il faut aller.
si ti préfères un petit coin de lagon calme mais avec un petit bar dans une hutte en bois bien sympa, des restau y en aura toujours plusieurs, et un petit massage juste au bord de mer, il y a Ao Chalok Ban Kao, là les prix sont corrects (perso, j'avais négocié une chambre à 300 baths).
pour les autres plages, je les connais mal. quand j'y suis allée en aout, il y avait la plage déserte et magnifique d'à coté d'ao chalok ban kao (shark bay) qui était en vente : peut etre qu'elle a été vendue et qu'il y a un petit truc. mais entre ces 2 plages il y a des resort à flan de montagne, c'est magique.
dans tous les cas, une fis sur l'ile, aller d'une plage à une autre c'est pas grand chose. j'allais souvent à sairee beach à pieds ou en moto depuis ao chalok ban kao.
sinon, si tu veux du encore plus zen, tout en haut de l'ile au nord, juste en face de l'ile nanguyan, il y a un resort plutot "zen calme et tranquilité" :D quand au coté est de l'ile, je l'ai pas du tout fait, c'était trop escarpé et dangereux en moto pour moi. je ne peux donc pas t'en parler.
et pour le taxi, si tu trouves des gens qui montent avec toi, tu peux négocier un petit 50 baths pour t'y ammenner. en général c'est 100 baths si tu es seul.
voilà, et pour koh phangan franchement, à moins que tu aies l'esprit jeune teuffeur extasy et techno, je doute que ce soit le bon moment pour y aller.
j'allais oublier, de mon coté je n'ai eu AUCUN soucis de marée ou de courant en nageant dans la baie d'ao chalok ban kao ou de shark bay (au contraire du pur bonheur : assise dans l'eau quasi brulante, avec les pitits poissons tropicaux qui viennent te faire coucou et te chatouiller la peau, un délice)
D'accord avec toi pour Koh Tao. La "baie deserte" a été vendu il y a un peu plus d'un an. J'avais visité à l'époque..... il y a maintenant un nouveau resort qui, d'après mon frère (je ne l'ai pas encore visité), ne vaut pas le Taa Tho Lagoon juste à côté. Comme les deux sont très proche, rien n'empêche de jeter un oeil à l'un et l'autre avant de se décider.
je n'ai pas fait de snorkeling (j'ai fait de la plongée) mais je me suis aussi bien baignée au bord de la plage, en faisant la planche au soleil : la visibilité était bonne, aucun problème de ce coté. la basse saison commence en octobre là bas je crois pour info.
J'essayerai de me trouve un p'tit bungalow tranquille ou je pourrai passer mes journées a faire du snorkeling, massage, petit cocktail...apres l'Inde, je pense que cela ne me fera pas de mal!lol!
Et puis, avec la basse saison qui arrive, peut etre qu'apres un peu de négociation, j'arriverai a paye que 200baths...we never know...😛
en, aout et septembre c'est pas du tout la basse saison. mais j'avais trouvé des bungalows à pas cher (tjrs à ao chalok ban kao) : 350 baths la nuit (à Scuba Shack qui avait un ancien nom avant, flute je m'en souviens plus). ensuite pour des bungalow plein de charmes faut compter un peu plus. juste à coté de scuba shack y a le fameux petit kiosque en bois au bord de mer ou on peut se faire masser (pas testé moi j'ai testé une autre adresse, conseillée par les locaux) et le cyber café d'à coté loue tout ce qu'il faut pour faire du snorkeling.
si tu plonges evidement, tu peux meme négocier le bungalow pour gratos :)
j'ai pas testé les autres hebergements.
Alors pour 200 Baths, reflechissons...il me reste plus que le poséïdon sur Chalok bay ou le KFT mais je vais devoir marché un peu et ne serai pas pres de la plage...arrffff!lol!
Si je ne dépense pas trop en Inde, je me ferai plaisir en Thaïlande...😛
200 baths en effet c'est peu, meme pour koh tao. déjà rien que pour bangkok le moins cher que j'avais trouvé c'était 250 baths.
bon apres j'ai entendu 2 filles qui rentraient de koh tao quand j'étais là bas qui me disaient avoir trouvé un bungalow a coté de la plage pour 250 baths (je ne sais plus quelle plage) mais l'état du bungalow etait vraiiiiiment roots. faut fouiller je pense, comme partout en thailande 🙂
Avec l'état des chambres dans lesquelles je vais loger en Inde, je te promet entre nous que même le bungalow le plus "roots" sera le bienvenu!lol!😉
Plus sérieusement, avec un peu de chance et une bonne négoce (est ce que mes profs auront su faire de moi un bon eleve? that's the question!lol!), peut etre que je trouverai a ce prix la, au bord d'Ao Leuk et avec en prime un massage offert par la maison pour me reveiler tranquille le matin de mes soirées...non la je rêve😛
je fais à ton message car je parts également sur Ko tao pendant une semaine en aout et j'ai quelques questions :
je n'ai pas mon PADI et je voudrais savoir quelle est la meilleure plage pour pratiquer le snorkeling et en même temps la plongée (combien de jours il faut pour avoir le PADI ?)
En même temps, je cherche une plage où les bungalows sont sympas, où il y a du monde mais sans plus et où on peut se détendre entre boire un verre et se faire masser...
Est ce que la partie Est (HAAD SAIREE --> Ao MAE SAAD) est elle vraiment un st tropez du sud de la France ?
Qu'en est il de Chalok baan KAO ?
Pour continuer la discussion, j'hésite entre 2 resorts: le New heaven Resort et le Viewpoint Resort, ils ne sont pas très loin l'un de l'autre. Bcp encencent le new heaven mais je le trouve un peu cher.
On est un peu perdus dans les plages de ces 2 îles...quelqu'un pourrait il nous dire quelles sont les plages à Tao et Phan Gan où il y a le plus d'eau en aout?…
Nous souhaitons visiter Koh Pha Ngan et Koh Tao, en Mai, mon ami et moi. Je voudrais votre avis sur les plages où s'installer. Nous voudrions biensûr qu'elles…
Après avoir lu différents posts sur la mauvaise condition des routes de Koh Phangan et Koh Tao et après avoir potassé le site de phangan-guide, je n'arrive…
Nous pensons aller faire les chutes d'Erawan en avril un peu avant Songhkran, aux alentours du 10 avril je pense. Quelqu'un pourrait-il nous donner des…
De retour de Thaîlande, je ne peux que me réjouir des ces 3 semaines dans un pays agréable, avec des expériences extraordinaires (GANESHA PARK et snorkeling à…
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!
