Je me souviens d' avoir vu en 1981 un bon Francais attendre la monnaie sur 5 rupies pour une noix de coco achetee au bord de la route NAVRANT
la dessus, 100% d'accord
discutent pour 3 frs 6 sous a l'etranger et payent un petit noir 2 euros en france et bonjour le prix des clopes
la dessus, pas tout a fait d'accord, car il m'arrive de marchander juste pour le plaisir, meme si c'est pour 3frs 6 sous, mais je sais qu'a la fin je paierai le prix demandé ; tu sais le marchandage "comme je le pratique", est une forme de communication avec le vendeur, création d'un lien, meme s'il est fugace, au lieu d'acheter sans rien dire et s'en aller ; j'aime je dois dire communiquer avec les gens et le marchandage en est une des façons ... mais ce n'est en aucun cas pour faire cette économie de 3frs 6 sous ...
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
Bien attendu le marchandage fait parti e dujeu et je le pratique abondamment mais je sais poser mes limites
surtout aupres des gens vivant des petits hebergements ou des petits restos, commerces car c'est leur seule source de revenus
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 !
Sai tai mai ( la gare routiere du sud) est bien le dernier endroit ou on essaiera d'arnaquer un touriste ! Quand on achete un billet, le prix est marque dessus, et dans le car tout le monde arbore le meme billet.
Voyager en Thailande, c'est simple comme bonjour ! Et puis, c'est quand meme plus confortable qu'en Inde !
Voyager c'est découvrir que tout le monde a tort.
Aldous Huxley
l'essentiel où que l'on soit est d'avoir le sentiment de payer le prix " juste"
même en qualité " d'expat pour un an", comme qqn l'a dit précédemment tu pars avec un budget
je pense surtout que l'attitude des personnes que tu as rencontré ( les employés de la gare) était sans doute de l'incompréhension.
la situation est la même partout dans le monde.
pour ma part, je suis restée six mois en indonésie, quand on allait dans un warung ( resto typique), on payait un prix modique ; une fois on est allé avec l'indonésien qui travaillait avec nous, il n'a pas payé pareil( moitié moins) mais pourquoi sans offusquer quand le repas te revient à 0.30 euro; et que le salaire moyen est de 15 euro par mois.
quand tu vas en chine ( hotels), tu as un prix public que tu négocies et si qqn qui parles chinois négocie pour toi, tu paies encore une fois un prix différent.
ça sert à rien de jouer les effarouchés, quoi que nous fassions, pour eux nous sommes des touristes avec de l'argent ( imagine ce que représente le prix du billet d'avion pour eux)que l'on en ait ou pas.
il faut juste que cela ne soit pas disproportionné
désolée si mon post est long mais je ne supporte les personnes qui arrivent avec leurs préjugés occidentaux même en étant expat depuis six mois.
il faut juste profiter des richesses que ces voyages nous apportent
franchement qu'est ce que tu en as à foutre de son poste à ce type en chemise blanche quelle importance tu vas le balancer aux généraux ? ? le faire mettre en prison peut être puisque tu y es !!! pour arnaque à 2 balles ?
ton problème c'est les Baths et sous prétexe que laThailande est réputée moins chère qu'ailleurs, tu as l'air d'exiger qu'on te fasse obligatoirement les prix de ton bouquin périmé surement ! et- jamais tu te dis que venir sur ce forum pour raconter cette histoire d'arnaque à 2 balles c'est ridicule ?non mais franchement si ton problème il est sur 70 Baths = 1€40 je pense sincèrement que tu devrais arrêter de voyager et nous économiser tes récits nuls qui n'ont pour effet que de vouloir critiquer ce magnifique pays ! voila c'est dit
Les tarifs sur les guides ne sont jamais a jour. Meme les adresses changent d'une annee sur l'autre... Les guides sont des indicateurs ou des annuaires - C'est ce que je crois - Le LP est le meilleur sur la Thailande je pense-Pas a jour non plus sur la derniere edition, mais bon... - Une bonne carte de l'office de tourisme (TAT ou to to to 🙂)... 350/400 b pour Ranong c'est le prix normal. Apres si tu veux prendre les bus publics tu descends a Chumpon pour prendre une correspondance pour Ranong ou des minibus prives... Mais c'est chi... Tu as le choix donc.... Les tarifs pour les farangs ou les Thais sont (pour les transports) les memes. Ce n'est pas la meme chose pour les muses etc... bien sur... je trouve ca normal. Les touristes n'ont pas le meme pouvoir d'achat que les Thais.
mai pen rai krap
j'ecrit sur clavier américain désolé pour les accents...
nous retrons de é mois en Asie du sud-est dont au moins 3 semaines en Thailande du nord où nous n'avons voyagé qu'en bus et nous n'avons pas eu du toit ce sentiment. Comme indiqué dans un message, il y a 3 catégories de bus et les prix indiqués dans les guides sont souvent dépassés.
par contre, dans certains lieux touristiques, il peut y avoir un prix d'entrée pour touristes étrangers et un pour locaux.
bon voyage
On trouve des différences de prix et affichées dans les parcs et divertissements, souvent moitié prix pour les thais, ce que je comprend tout à fait mais qui est toujours surprenant.
Si tu trouves normal de payer ton billet plus cher qu'un Thai c'est parfait.Moi, je ne comprends pas cette démarche.
Qu'un commerçant Thai, Indo ou Birman essaye de me vendre un produit plus cher parce que je suis un touriste européen et qu'apparemment j'ai du fric, je suis prêt à l'admettre. J'achète ou je n'achète pas.
Qu'une compagnie aérienne qui se veut international fasse de la discrimination je trouve cela anormal et je ne voyage plus sur cette compagnie.
Doit - on sous prétexte " Qu'on n'est pas chez nous " ne pas avoir d'avis et trouver tout normal ?
merci fortini de ta bonne humeur, ca fait du bien... (ya qu a voir le post juste au dessus de moi)
je ne suis evidement pas pour le post de lepiaf qui dit d effacer le message, je ne suis pas pour les messages insultant envers sebuld (pardon je me sousviens plus du nom exact)
des fois je me dis qu il est possible de s expliquer normalement et pas de s insulter (oui marseillé tu peux prendre ca pour toi)
negocier c est tres tres important. meme en afrique (surtout en afrique).. montrer son guide au vendeur de tickets de bus c est n importe quoi.. il faut etre un peu humble, et se dire que la verité est nulle part, c est a dire que ton lonely planet est treeeees loin de dire toujours vrai et ca a été repété maintes et maintes fois. si tu sens que tu te fais entubé, beh tu t en vas... je trouve tres moyen de mettre une gamine qui n a rien demandé dans tes altercations...
je suis tout de meme d accord avec quelques trucs que tu dis (cest toujours a sebuld que je parle), mais malheureusement ton discours est bourré d amalgames, tu te decridibilises completement... absolument rien a voir avec les militaires, faut arreter, juste avec ta gueule de porte monnaie (ce n est pas une insulte, j ai la meme) et ca tu ne pourras jamais lutter..
et juste une question....? dehli est plus typique que bangkok parcequ il n y a pas de metro aerien et qu il y a plus de mendiants?? typique ca veut dire pauvre??? je ne comprends pas... paris c est typique ou pas? et bombay tiens...?? qu est ce que c est typique je crois qu on a pas la meme signification de ce mot....
en tout cas voila... merci nguyenclaude de ton post au tout debut du topic.
Ca veut dire quoi manger a la nepalaise? et se laver comme le Thailandais?
Ca peut m'interesser car moi aussi je vis comme les "locaux", je marche pieds nus dans les rues de Bangkok, je porte un vaste pantalon indien, comme les locaux, je mets des ticheurtes same same but different, comme les locaux, je vais manger dans les petites echoppes, guide en main, doigt sur le prix indique, pas qu'on me prenne pour une bille, comme les locaux, bref je suis en osmose (putain, je sais jamais comment ca s'ecrit ce mot a la con!) avec les locaux, d'ailleurs je suis tres connu en Thailande ou on m'appelle le Local.
Bon, j'arrete, faut que j'aille croquer local (au menu:falafel et pizza) (avec des baguettes!)
J'peux pas m'en empêcher, Dieu me pardonne... Annie Cordy.
🙂🙂🙂 Ton message fais chaud au coeur.. je crois qu il faut voyager un certain temps pour comprendre que voyager c est oublie un peu son chez soi, on apprend a avoir d autres reperes.
Et je suis totalement d accord sur le fait que les touristes qui ne regarde pas sur les prix cree une inflation qui defavorise les locaux...
''Se laver a la thailandaise ''j ai un peu exagerer, sinon manger a la nepalaise ou a l indienne c est manger un dal bat avec ses mains dans un resto pour locaux, sinon se laver a la nepalaise c est parfois se laver dans la riviere a moitier habille et a midi ( il fait froid en hiver) sinon pour se torcher le cul j ai l impression que tu sais...
je ne suis evidement pas pour le post de lepiaf qui dit d effacer le message
Avant d'émettre un jugement, il faut bien lire, par exemple ma réponse :
Quand j'ai écrit mon post, le message initial était vide, il a été modifié après.
Heure du message initial : 9h59
Heure de ma réponse : 10h15
Heure de modification : 10h43 avec le commentaire suivant : je n ai pas reussi a ecrire mon message la premiere fois
Je n'ai donc émis aucune opinion sur le post de Seblud, OK ?
le piaf, j ai deux choix là... soit continuer a etre cordial, soit commencer a mal parler comme tu le fait.
je vais choisir la premiere option sinon on s en sort pas et apres on boucle ok, car c est totalement ininterressant comme ambrouille:
je ne comprends rien a ton message "modifié a 10h14 remodifié a 12h54 et vide avant" ... tout ce que je vois c est le deuxieme message du topic, c est toi qui dit "tu devrais effacer ton message" point. je t ai demandé pourquoi, t as pas repondu.
et puis puisqu apparement il faut tout expliquer: JE N AI JAMAIS APPORTE DE JUGEMENT j ai dit "je ne suis pas pour" a aucun moment j ai dit " t es un gros con de parler comme ca".
et si c est pour mal parler, evidement je me passerai de tes commentaires a mon egard.
Puisque tu n'as pas compris (j'ai répondu, mais au premier qui m'a fait une remarque), je vais recommencer.
Quand j'ai écrit "Tu devrais supprimer ton message", il n'y avait pas de message, ce n'est qu'après mon post que seblud a écrit quelque chose dans le sien.
C'est pour cette raison que je précise n'avoir jamais donné aucun avis sur le message de seblud.
Si ça continue, je vais demander à la modération de supprimer mon message initial et toutes les réponses fantaisistes s'y rapportant.
As-tu compris ?
Où lis-tu que je parle mal ?
Je le répète, ne juge pas sans avoir bien lu et compris.
ok, je te pries d accepter mes excuses
donc il faut relire mon premier message et a la place de "lepiaf", vous lisez "tous ceux qui ont dis d accord avec le piaf"
je crois que tu es en droit de connaître le prix normal de ce que tu achètes. C'est une question de principe. Ce n'est pas parce qu'on visite un pays que l'on doit toujours passer pour un con.
Ce n'est dons pas une question de Batths, je crois que personne ne l'a compris mais une question de principe et d'honneteté.
J'ai moi meme payé au guichet de la gare centrale de Bangkok pour Ayuthaya un billet simple 200 batths. J'ai appris plus tard que le véritable prix était de 30 Batths et j'avais un billet officiel...
J'appelle cela du rackett... Ce n'est pas une question de prix mais de respect de la personne !
L'Abbé Pierre s'est éteint ce matin à l'hopital du Val de Grâce;
j'ai entendu cette info sur France Info vers 5 ou 6 h du matin...
J'ai édité ton post d'un morceau de phrase...
J'espère simplement que le candidat qui sera élu bientôt en France à la plus haute marche tienne compte de tout ce qu'il a fait et surtout réponde à ses demandes insatisfaites.
les fusils sont rentrés et tu peux te remettre sur ta branche,
siffle moi un air doux, car aujourd'hui je suis triste !!
une des lumières de ce siècle (et surtout du siècle précédent) vient de s'éteindre !!
Le sage supporte aequo animo les coups de l'adversite
Ben il suffit de voir l'entrée au Grand Palais de BKK, j'ai été surprise et même mal à l'aise de voir qu'il y avait deux entrés : une pour touriste et une plus loin pour les THais !!🤪 si c pas de la segré ça, faut qu'ont m'explique !!! Idem dans le train, tout les touristes = derniers wagons 😇
vous dérapez ! une petite question : cela fait un moment que vous pianotez vos invectives ! cela va vous coûter combien de baths ?
je vous laisse car une nouvelle d'importance vient de "tomber" dans cette discussion.
un
marraîne d'une enfant Karen qui vit avec sa famille dans un camp de réfugiés en Thaïlande : enfant choisie de par ses origines (Karen et Birmane)
Les tarifs pour les farangs ou les Thais sont (pour les transports) les memes. Ce n'est pas la meme chose pour les muses etc... bien sur... je trouve ca normal. Les touristes n'ont pas le meme pouvoir d'achat que les Thais.
Il ne faudrait pas oublier qu'il y a egalement des etrangers qui ne sont pas uniquement des vacanciers en Thailande ou autres pays de la region !
Et un bon nombre d'entre eux ont un toit, une vie de famille, des enfants, pour certains travaillent, ont meme fait l'effort d'apprendre la langue du pays pour ne pas rester marginaux avec un langage intermediaire comme l'anglais... 😮
Donc si l'on comprend bien, il serait normal parce que nous venons de pays dit "riches" de payer plus cher qu'un local ?
Pendant 10, 20, 30 ans a passer a la caisse avec une majoration permanente ?
A moins d'avoir une ame de mécène, cet etat de fait peu s'averer lassant voir humiliant a la longue...
D'autant que tous les "etrangers" n'ont pas forcement des millions par mois a jeter par les fenetres !
Toutefois meme si cela peu etre vrai dans quelques cas, connaitre la valeur des choses et parler la langue du pays d'adoption arrange souvent les choses !
C'est bien d'essayer de passer pour un martyr mais tu devrais aussi préciser dans ton intervention qu'avec ton permis de conduire thai, tu payes comme les autochtones;
les touristes ne peuvent pas avoir un permis de conduire thai;
Par contre, tu as tout à fait raison en précisant qu'apprendre à parler la langue et si possible savoir la lire permet de mettre pas mal de pendules à l'heure.
Mais ceci est valable pour tous les pays.
Le sage supporte aequo animo les coups de l'adversite
Donc si l'on comprend bien, il serait normal parce que nous venons de pays dit "riches" de payer plus cher qu'un local ?
Pendant 10, 20, 30 ans a passer a la caisse avec une majoration permanente ?--
je crains que oui, , il faut l'accepter sinon c'est invivable, ,
mais le pourcentage entre un farang et un local est très acceptable, ,
en général ceux qui n'ont pas compris cela ne dépassent pas les 2 ans, et partent amères, ,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
JE TE REMERCIE de cette intervention, et dont je vois que beaucoup passent a coté, alors que les lumières comme tu l'as écrit manquent cruellement !!
il est sur, qu'il est plus important pour certains ( que mes amis ne se sentent pas visés) de savoir qu'ils paieront ou pas le même prix que les thais; comment peux t'on penser humanité et portefeuille ?
aujourd'hui ma tristese ne me fait pas répondre a ces posts, de l'humour oui, nous en avons besoin le reste bof !!!!!!!!
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
Bravo.... tout ça pour gagner 2€ ! Je trouve dommage de perdre autant de temps, autants de conversations inutiles... pour ce qu'il y a à gagner. Il ne faut pas oublié que nous sommes les touristes, pret à claquer 40 000 bths pour aller dans ce pays, alors je ne sais pas ce que nos hotes pensent quand ils nous voient negocier pour 2€, alors qu'en étant un peu plus genereux, on leur donne nos 2€, et ils peuvent se faire 2 repas...
fau t relativiser, je sais pas, je pose la question!
J'ai un profond respect pour ce pays et ses habitants, dans l'ensemble ce sont des gens biens, qui n'ont pas oublié les vrais valeurs de la vie, les choses simples...alors 1 € par çi par là .... qu'est ce que ça change!
😊 Si c'était votre premier voyage en Asie, je comprends votre réaction.........vous avez oublié que ....le prix d'essence augmente sans arrêt......
En France, avec 6 euros.....on ne peut pas faire 30 km en bus.........avec cette même somme ....en Asie......on a le plaisir de voyager, connaitre d'autres cultures.......
Depuis quelques années, je m'éclate en Asie .......
La jeunesse se forme ....en voyageant ....
en général ceux qui n'ont pas compris cela ne dépassent pas les 2 ans, et partent amères, , --
Et l'on peut croire que c'est aussi valable pour quelqu'uns qui pratiquent le pays uniquement pour les vacanceset qui se confortent aveuglement a un idealisme "autoritaire"... 😉
JE TE REMERCIE de cette intervention, et dont je vois que beaucoup passent a coté, alors que les lumières comme tu l'as écrit manquent cruellement !!
Je ne pense pas que nous passions à côté, mais pour certains, dont je fais partie, la mort est la fin de la vie, point. L'Abbé Pierre a fait énormément au cours de la sienne, il était une figure emblématique de l'amour et de la bonté et, sans le connaître personnellement, je présume qu'il n'aurait pas souhaité que sa mort soit ressentie avec tristesse. Selon ses convictions, il est allé là où il souhaitait, auprès de son Sauveur.
L'important maintenant est de ne pas oublier son oeuvre et de la perpétuer dans la mesure de nos moyens.
feryane.fr
Le premier appel de l'Abbé Pierre date de 1954. Cinquante ans plus tard, il est toujours d'actualité. Ses réflexions, ses questions notées précieusement depuis l'âge de vingt ans ont donné naissance à Testament..., le seul livre qu'il ait écrit à la première personne.
Témoin d'un siècle, il décrit son itinéraire d'homme de foi : "La vie, c'est apprendre à aimer".
Bonjour,
Je pense partir bientôt pour la Malaisie
J'ai vu des prix interessant et vol direct de Paris avec Malaysia Airlines
Est ce une compagnie fiable?
Merci pour vos retours
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.
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
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...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
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,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
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.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
However, I’m not quite sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
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!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
