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.
Ségrégation entre thailandais et touristes
by Seblud
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Et sur Phi Phi Ley, l'accès à la plage payant, ils en font quoi de la Thunes ???😕
Devinez!
Ils en ont fait quoi des milliards de baht destinés à construire le plus grand aéroport du SE asiatique?
Lire la suite ici: http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=116376
Titre et début de l'article:
"Corruption ruined the airport, Thais tell poll
Thai News Agency The Suan Dusit Poll has found that Thais blame corruption more than any other cause for the mess at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Exactly 48 per cent of those polled in the past three days said "rampant corruption" was responsible for the host of problems that have plagued Suvarnabhumi since it began commercial operations in September......"
Ils en ont fait quoi des milliards de baht destinés à construire le plus grand aéroport du SE asiatique?
Lire la suite ici: http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=116376
Titre et début de l'article:
"Corruption ruined the airport, Thais tell poll
Thai News Agency The Suan Dusit Poll has found that Thais blame corruption more than any other cause for the mess at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Exactly 48 per cent of those polled in the past three days said "rampant corruption" was responsible for the host of problems that have plagued Suvarnabhumi since it began commercial operations in September......"
Le sage supporte aequo animo les coups de l'adversite
oui tu as raison ! beaucoup de farangs ont des idées trés naives sur la thailande et d'autres pays asiatiques, ce que j'appelerai des clichés ...😕
La corruption là-bas exite avec un grand " C ", leurs MOI c'est je m'en mets plein les poches et tant pis pour les autres ! et c'est devenu une grande spécialité thailandaise .La thailande se fait réguliérement tirés les oreilles par la communauté internationnale ! I - ssan tu n'es pas pret à voir l'argent qui t'est du : adieu routes, écoles, facultées pour tes jeunes ! Comme disais, quelqu'un que je connais : Dans 20 ans, l'I-ssan sera pareil, elle n'aura pas perdu une seule ride 🤪
La corruption là-bas exite avec un grand " C ", leurs MOI c'est je m'en mets plein les poches et tant pis pour les autres ! et c'est devenu une grande spécialité thailandaise .La thailande se fait réguliérement tirés les oreilles par la communauté internationnale ! I - ssan tu n'es pas pret à voir l'argent qui t'est du : adieu routes, écoles, facultées pour tes jeunes ! Comme disais, quelqu'un que je connais : Dans 20 ans, l'I-ssan sera pareil, elle n'aura pas perdu une seule ride 🤪
je n'ai point d'ennemis, mais si je dois en avoir un, fais que sa force soit égale à la mienne et que seule la vérité chante victoire.
Et si on parlait d'une autre ségrégation ? Il est vrai que sur le plan des principes, je comprends l'agacement de certains d'entre vous à ne pas être égaux devant les prix en Thailande... Ok D'accord... Mais n'existe t'il pas une autre ségrégation plus importante, qui tient à la liberté de voyager... J'ai un ami thailandais (j'en ai plus d'un, mais je développe son cas spécifique😏) ingénieur, la trentaine, parlant anglais, bien sous tous rapports, salaire 35 000 bahts par mois, ce qui n'est pas rien dans ce pays (800 euros à peu près). Il veut voyager, venir en Europe, après avoir vu depuis des années des étrangers venir dans son pays, créer des liens d'amitié, discuter, exciter sa curiosité.
Il lui suffit donc de prendre l'avion comme chacun d'entre nous (européens) et de débarquer où bon lui semble en Europe sans rendre de compte à qui que ce soit ? Tout faux. il doit avoir un visa, montrer l'état de son compte en banque, obtenir un certificat d'hébergement, souscrire une assurance voyage, économiser un mois de son salaire pour payer le billet d'avion, plus trois autres mois pour pouvoir vivre dans nos beaux pays.
Pourquoi ? Je le lui ai dit. Parce qu'il est né au mauvais endroit sur la planète. S'il avait eu le bon gout de naître en Europe, il aurait acheté un billet d'avion, débarqué à Bangkok, on lui aurait mis un tampon sur le passeport pour trente jours sans rien lui demander, même s'il était au chomage, étudiant, sans le sou, RMiste et pas ingénieur. Je ne vois que peu de forumistes pour s'indigner de cette ségrégation, qui tient pourtant à la liberté de voyager, plus importante à mes yeux (chacun ses dadas) que de payer un euro de plus ou de moins sur un ticket de bus... Mais je suis surement à coté de la plaque.... Demandons mes frères l'égalité de traitement aux comptoirs de bus pour Ranong... C'est un magnifique combat...
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
JEAN DIDIER URBAIN "L'idiot du voyage"
JEAN DIDIER URBAIN "L'idiot du voyage"
Je le lui ai dit. Parce qu'il est né au mauvais endroit sur la planète. S'il avait eu le bon gout de naître en Europe, il aurait acheté un billet d'avion, débarqué à Bangkok, on lui aurait mis un tampon sur le passeport pour trente jours sans rien lui demander, même s'il était au chomage, étudiant, sans le sou, RMiste et pas ingénieur.
Tu as tout à fait raison Henri souvent j'ai penser à cela, on c'est pas la chance qu'on a, comme tu dis on achète un billet d'avion et c'est bon, pour les vacances bien sur .
Tu as tout à fait raison Henri souvent j'ai penser à cela, on c'est pas la chance qu'on a, comme tu dis on achète un billet d'avion et c'est bon, pour les vacances bien sur .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
en lisant aussi la réponse de Barbot, ce qui m'insurge c'est qu'il y a des personnes qui ont la chance d'aller voir hors de chez eux et que font-ils, au lieu de s'enrichir humainement au contact de ce monde nouveau pour lui et bien il crie "au voleur" car il voit son escarcelle diminuer de quelques centimes ! peut-être l'objectif est de récupérer l'argent du voyage !
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)
Plage privee ! Idem en France
Oui il n'y a qu'à aller à Juan-Les-Pins par exemple à la plage là il faut payer et pas en bahts .😉
Oui il n'y a qu'à aller à Juan-Les-Pins par exemple à la plage là il faut payer et pas en bahts .😉
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Ce n'est pas parceque tu ne connais pas l'explication qu'il y en a pas !(je ne connais pas ce cas precis mais j'en connais d'autres )
Roger
Tu as perfaitement raison Henri, je crois que tu as resume pas mal de choses dans ton post et j'irai meme plus loin, non seulement cela reduit ses possibilitees de voyager mais un tas d'autres encore meme sans quitter le pays .... on ne sait pas la chance que l'on a !!!!
Il est important de percevoir combien votre propre bonheur est lié à celui des autres, il n'existe pas de bonheur individuel totalement indépendant d'autrui.....(Dalaï-Lama)
Je connais des Thai à Phiphi Don, et PhiPhi Ley est une réserve naturelle, donc l'argent devrait être redistribué. Ce qui n'est pas du tout le cas.
Je connais des Thai à Phiphi Don, et PhiPhi Ley est une réserve naturelle, donc l'argent devrait être redistribué. Ce qui n'est pas du tout le cas.
tu en dis trop ou pas assez, précise, les sous entendus sont une solution de facilité ou de conversation du café du commerce
tu en dis trop ou pas assez, précise, les sous entendus sont une solution de facilité ou de conversation du café du commerce
Bon ba je vais pas faire de sous-entendus, il s'agit là de corruption et de famille mafieuse vivant sur Ley. Voilà, content ?.
davantage d'explication ?
Oui, bien sur ! Mais cela est il interessant?...J'en doute !...Dans un premier temps, j'ai eu moi aussi certaines fois le sentiment de me faire avoir . Donc je cherche à comprendre ce qui peut justifier des dufferences ...et en general, je trouve l'explication ! Pour celà il faut avoir, c'est vrai une connaissance minimale du pays un peu sur tout les plans...Apres il faudrait que je develloppe des ex concrets ...et les explications deviendront polemiques...Alors penses tu que ca vaille le coup ?
Oui, bien sur ! Mais cela est il interessant?...J'en doute !...Dans un premier temps, j'ai eu moi aussi certaines fois le sentiment de me faire avoir . Donc je cherche à comprendre ce qui peut justifier des dufferences ...et en general, je trouve l'explication ! Pour celà il faut avoir, c'est vrai une connaissance minimale du pays un peu sur tout les plans...Apres il faudrait que je develloppe des ex concrets ...et les explications deviendront polemiques...Alors penses tu que ca vaille le coup ?
Roger
Bon ba je vais pas faire de sous-entendus, il s'agit là de corruption et de famille mafieuse vivant sur Ley. Voilà, content ?.
pour répondre a ta question : pas d'états d'âme
pour le reste, au moins c'est précis pour tous les lecteurs, pas d'ambiguïté, j'éspere que tes sources sont sûres, tu a l'air bien au courant de certaines choses que des Thais eux même ignorent
pour répondre a ta question : pas d'états d'âme
pour le reste, au moins c'est précis pour tous les lecteurs, pas d'ambiguïté, j'éspere que tes sources sont sûres, tu a l'air bien au courant de certaines choses que des Thais eux même ignorent
Voilà, mais ne compte pas sur moi pour dire les noms de mes amis sur Don😉.
Celà m'avait été confié au détour d'une conversation sur les fonds d'aides aux tsunamis sur Phiphi et leurs redistributions (quasi nul voir complètement nul). Nous étions en Avril 2006...
Moi : "Mais dis moi, c'est chère, toujours plein de monde, et payant l'accès à la plage ?" Lui : "Oui, c'est une réserve naturelle et l'argent de ces entrées, on en voit pas la couleur sur Don et la région pourtant c'est grace à nous si les gens vont là-bas...". Moi : "Pourquoi ?" Lui : 🙂 "Corruption, la famille qui vit là-bas garde l'argent..."
Je comprends aisement pourquoi mes amis ne me faisait pas les éloges de "la Plage" sur Ley et du film (qui stigmatise les Thai, bref). Pour eux Monkey beach était le coin le plus sympa et ils ont bien raison. "La plage" est blindé de monde et j'ai pu y accéder par Losama, bien content de n'avoir pas payé et d'avoir traversé par derrière, c'est un coin fabuleux...😎
Celà m'avait été confié au détour d'une conversation sur les fonds d'aides aux tsunamis sur Phiphi et leurs redistributions (quasi nul voir complètement nul). Nous étions en Avril 2006...
Moi : "Mais dis moi, c'est chère, toujours plein de monde, et payant l'accès à la plage ?" Lui : "Oui, c'est une réserve naturelle et l'argent de ces entrées, on en voit pas la couleur sur Don et la région pourtant c'est grace à nous si les gens vont là-bas...". Moi : "Pourquoi ?" Lui : 🙂 "Corruption, la famille qui vit là-bas garde l'argent..."
Je comprends aisement pourquoi mes amis ne me faisait pas les éloges de "la Plage" sur Ley et du film (qui stigmatise les Thai, bref). Pour eux Monkey beach était le coin le plus sympa et ils ont bien raison. "La plage" est blindé de monde et j'ai pu y accéder par Losama, bien content de n'avoir pas payé et d'avoir traversé par derrière, c'est un coin fabuleux...😎
tu a l'air bien au courant de certaines choses que des Thais eux même ignorent
Pas tous... 😉
Mais voila un sujet particulierement sensible voir dangereux d'exprimer en public en Thailande, quand on ne fait pas parti du cercle autorise. 🤪
Pour l'enduit de finition, il n'est pas inutile de preciser que le groupe d'ilots des Phi Phi est entre autre sous le controle du groupuscule ou plutot des financiers de la triade des grandes familles comme celle de Thaksin Shinawatra !
Juste une annotation suite au desastre du tsunami, le premier ministre de l'epoque c'est rendu immediatement sur les lieux constater les degats et pas ailleurs. Affirmation venant de proche thailandais... 🙂
Pas tous... 😉
Mais voila un sujet particulierement sensible voir dangereux d'exprimer en public en Thailande, quand on ne fait pas parti du cercle autorise. 🤪
Pour l'enduit de finition, il n'est pas inutile de preciser que le groupe d'ilots des Phi Phi est entre autre sous le controle du groupuscule ou plutot des financiers de la triade des grandes familles comme celle de Thaksin Shinawatra !
Juste une annotation suite au desastre du tsunami, le premier ministre de l'epoque c'est rendu immediatement sur les lieux constater les degats et pas ailleurs. Affirmation venant de proche thailandais... 🙂
"la rumeur" nous sommes en plein dedans :
je me réfère à tes 3 derniers post ! tjours aussi difficles à décrypter ! pour l'avant dernier : je parle, mais je ne parle pas ! cela est le comportement des mafiosi !!😠🙁 qd au dernier celà s'appelle l'omertà !!🙁😠
donc ce dernier post tout aussi incompréhensible pour moi, je ne sais pour les autres, est "une rumeur" que tu alimentes ! 🏴☠️ça sert à qui ?
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)
Exactement, on ne peut pas parler de ça sur place avec n'importe qui, évidement !!. Il s'agit là de survie🤪.
Ceylana, tu es définitivement bête, j'ai tout dit.
il doit avoir un visa, montrer l'état de son compte en banque, obtenir un certificat d'hébergement,
Bonjour Henri, Pourrais-tu m'expliquer ? Est-ce le gouvernement thailandais qui demande ceci pour le laisser sortir du pays ou un pays qu'il aurait voulu visiter qui l'exige au niveau de l'immigration ? Je ne suis pas au courant de telles pratiques (en Belgique en tout cas), mais plus rien ne m'étonne, je dois dire.
Au plaisir, Pat
Bonjour Henri, Pourrais-tu m'expliquer ? Est-ce le gouvernement thailandais qui demande ceci pour le laisser sortir du pays ou un pays qu'il aurait voulu visiter qui l'exige au niveau de l'immigration ? Je ne suis pas au courant de telles pratiques (en Belgique en tout cas), mais plus rien ne m'étonne, je dois dire.
Au plaisir, Pat
Non procédure normale pour obtenir un visa Schengen pour tout touriste thailandais venant en voyage individuel ou visite privée. En gros il s'agit de s'assurer qu'il n'a pas l'intention de s'installer dans nos beaux pays. Parfois je souris en me demandant combien de touristes étrangers rempliraient les conditions si la Thailande était aussi exigeante...
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
JEAN DIDIER URBAIN "L'idiot du voyage"
JEAN DIDIER URBAIN "L'idiot du voyage"
A ma connaissance, les taxes de 400 bahts sont encaissées par les fonctionnaires du Parc National, dont fait partie Phi Phi Ley, et non par une société privée. Phy Phy Lei n'appartient à personne, mais est mise en concession pour les nids d'hirondelle. Plus des trois quarts des terrains de Phi Phi appartiennent encore à des familles locales et non pas à des triades chinoises... Mais bon, ce que je vous en dis...
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
JEAN DIDIER URBAIN "L'idiot du voyage"
JEAN DIDIER URBAIN "L'idiot du voyage"
En gros il s'agit de s'assurer qu'il n'a pas l'intention de s'installer dans nos beaux pays.
Merci pour l'info, je n'étais pas au courant. C'est d'autant plus étonnant que les communautés asiatiques (vietnamiens pour celles que je connais personnellement) ne sont pas reconnues comme "fauteuses de troubles". Il y aurait tout un débat à faire sur ces pratiques TRESségrégationistes, mais bon... on est sur VF, pas à Mise au Point. A bientôt, Pat
Merci pour l'info, je n'étais pas au courant. C'est d'autant plus étonnant que les communautés asiatiques (vietnamiens pour celles que je connais personnellement) ne sont pas reconnues comme "fauteuses de troubles". Il y aurait tout un débat à faire sur ces pratiques TRESségrégationistes, mais bon... on est sur VF, pas à Mise au Point. A bientôt, Pat
sais-tu ce qu'est une rumeur, sur quoi elle se fonde, et comment elle fonctionne ... ce n'est nécessaire de me dire que je suis définitivement bête : ma réaction : rire et re-rire(s)
mais je t'assure que souvent ce n'est pas compréhensible : bien écrire est une politesse vis à vis des personnes quexquelles on s'adresse ! il ne s'agit pas de "taper" comme un ou une malade ... le VF n'est pas un défouloir ....
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)
Y'a pas de rumeur et henridusud a partiellement résumé le problème et complète ce que j'ai dit à ce sujet. Voilà, maintenant, peut être que le sujet t'échappe, soit. Va poster sur un autre thread.
Ségrégation entre thailandais et touristes
Surprenant que ce sujet soit parti d'une banalite (difference de prix de quelques baht pour un ticket d'autocar) pour exprimer une telle chose ?
Car meme si le pays est tres agreable a vivre, ce message aurait du amener de la matiere et pas seulement ceux des touristes.
Comme par exemple le parcage (logement) des etrangers expatries autour de Sathorn, Sukhumvit, Silom, etc... sur Bangkok. Une ghettoisation qui d'ordinaire n'a pas vraiment lieu dans le pays puisque l'on peut voir jusque dans les villes de la Thailande profonde, des quartiers, des rues ou les belles villas cotoient des baraques en planche !
Qu'en province, certains puissent vous dire en toute honnetete : "on apprecie pas quand le farang comprend notre langue"
Qu'ailleurs lors d'une reunion, invitation, des thailandais de la bonne societe "au teint clair" vous lancent sans gene dans l'oreille : "pourquoi le farang est avec une thailandaise a peau blanche ?"
Et devant l'interrogation d'ajouter : "Parce que d'ordinaire, il prend les femmes a peau noire !"
A ce propos, ils n'ont jamais eu le courage d'aller demander a mon epouse pourquoi elle vivait avec un farang...
Evidemment les etrangers qui font etape dans un contexte de loisir ne seront surement pas confrontes a cette subtilite et verront plutot des gens serviables voir affables qui feront tout pour agrementer leur sejour.
😇
Surprenant que ce sujet soit parti d'une banalite (difference de prix de quelques baht pour un ticket d'autocar) pour exprimer une telle chose ?
Car meme si le pays est tres agreable a vivre, ce message aurait du amener de la matiere et pas seulement ceux des touristes.
Comme par exemple le parcage (logement) des etrangers expatries autour de Sathorn, Sukhumvit, Silom, etc... sur Bangkok. Une ghettoisation qui d'ordinaire n'a pas vraiment lieu dans le pays puisque l'on peut voir jusque dans les villes de la Thailande profonde, des quartiers, des rues ou les belles villas cotoient des baraques en planche !
Qu'en province, certains puissent vous dire en toute honnetete : "on apprecie pas quand le farang comprend notre langue"
Qu'ailleurs lors d'une reunion, invitation, des thailandais de la bonne societe "au teint clair" vous lancent sans gene dans l'oreille : "pourquoi le farang est avec une thailandaise a peau blanche ?"
Et devant l'interrogation d'ajouter : "Parce que d'ordinaire, il prend les femmes a peau noire !"
A ce propos, ils n'ont jamais eu le courage d'aller demander a mon epouse pourquoi elle vivait avec un farang...
Evidemment les etrangers qui font etape dans un contexte de loisir ne seront surement pas confrontes a cette subtilite et verront plutot des gens serviables voir affables qui feront tout pour agrementer leur sejour.
😇
__
Qu'ailleurs lors d'une reunion, invitation, des thailandais de la bonne societe "au teint clair" vous lancent sans gene dans l'oreille : "pourquoi le farang est avec une thailandaise a peau blanche ?"
Et devant l'interrogation d'ajouter : "Parce que d'ordinaire, il prend les femmes a peau noire !"
A ce propos, ils n'ont jamais eu le courage d'aller demander a mon epouse pourquoi elle vivait avec un farang...
__
Il s'agit là d'une manifestation d'une autre ségrégation trés présente en Thailande : celle qui sépare les thailandais "à peau claire" de ceux "à peau noire". Bien entendu cela recoupe aussi des différenciations sociales. mais il suffit de regarder les feuilletons thai à la télé pour s'apercevoir que rares sont les actrices et les acteurs qui pourraient jouer dans "Les Bronzés"....
Qu'ailleurs lors d'une reunion, invitation, des thailandais de la bonne societe "au teint clair" vous lancent sans gene dans l'oreille : "pourquoi le farang est avec une thailandaise a peau blanche ?"
Et devant l'interrogation d'ajouter : "Parce que d'ordinaire, il prend les femmes a peau noire !"
A ce propos, ils n'ont jamais eu le courage d'aller demander a mon epouse pourquoi elle vivait avec un farang...
__
Il s'agit là d'une manifestation d'une autre ségrégation trés présente en Thailande : celle qui sépare les thailandais "à peau claire" de ceux "à peau noire". Bien entendu cela recoupe aussi des différenciations sociales. mais il suffit de regarder les feuilletons thai à la télé pour s'apercevoir que rares sont les actrices et les acteurs qui pourraient jouer dans "Les Bronzés"....
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
JEAN DIDIER URBAIN "L'idiot du voyage"
JEAN DIDIER URBAIN "L'idiot du voyage"
Plus des trois quarts des terrains de Phi Phi appartiennent encore à des familles locales et non pas à des triades chinoises...
Tu as raison sur le visuel. Dans un certain jargon, ca s'appelle "des couvertures"... 😕
En parlant plus serieusement, il faudrait expliquer comment des "culs-terreux" peuvent etre encore proprietaire de lieux qui rapportent autant.
Quant a ses nids d'hirondelle, les consommateurs en Thailande sont les sino-thailandais et le reste va a l'exportation en Chine, Taiwan, Singapour enfin la ou il y a des chinois. Une mine d'or locale au kilo ! 🙂
Tu as raison sur le visuel. Dans un certain jargon, ca s'appelle "des couvertures"... 😕
En parlant plus serieusement, il faudrait expliquer comment des "culs-terreux" peuvent etre encore proprietaire de lieux qui rapportent autant.
Quant a ses nids d'hirondelle, les consommateurs en Thailande sont les sino-thailandais et le reste va a l'exportation en Chine, Taiwan, Singapour enfin la ou il y a des chinois. Une mine d'or locale au kilo ! 🙂
Oui c'est ce que je disais plus haut sur ce thread, le racisme entre eux et avec les farangs. Les Thai, dans ce domaine, sont très fort...
Je vois bien les allusions avec "la femme typée" d'Isan qui vient nourrir sa famille en bossant sur Bangkok, ou même "black lady" type malais du Sud...
Les femmes veulent être maigre et blanche, cas d'anorexies à prévoir.
Il faut dénoncer cette attitude, ce racisme sociale, cette connerie. 😠
Je vois bien les allusions avec "la femme typée" d'Isan qui vient nourrir sa famille en bossant sur Bangkok, ou même "black lady" type malais du Sud...
Les femmes veulent être maigre et blanche, cas d'anorexies à prévoir.
Il faut dénoncer cette attitude, ce racisme sociale, cette connerie. 😠
En l'occurence et sur un sujet que je connais un peu (les proprios de Phi Phi) il se trouve que des familles ont été assez intelligentes pour exploiter elles mêmes les terrains. D'autres les ont vendu à l'occasion de successions, mais il y a encore une majorité de locaux musulmans propriétaires et qui louent leurs terrains ou les exploitent eux mêmes.
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
JEAN DIDIER URBAIN "L'idiot du voyage"
JEAN DIDIER URBAIN "L'idiot du voyage"
Les femmes veulent être maigre et blanche, cas d'anorexies à prévoir.
Il faut dénoncer cette attitude, ce racisme sociale, cette connerie.
On peut meme parler d'un pitoyable acharnement...
Les spots publicitaires dans les medias, les feuilletons, les emissions, etc... ne font jamais relache a ce sujet. Une deviance qui ne devrait plus passer. Meme l'Afrique du Sud a fini par le comprendre !
L'affligeance d'apercevoir une annonce pour une creme de beaute avec 4 jeunes femmes, deux au teint blanc immacule et les deux autres legerement brunes se frotter comme des desesperer avec une "spontex" et un air de degout dans l'espoir d'avoir la peau blanche ?
Seulement voila grace a la creme "machin", elles reussiront a rendre leur pigmentation presentable... 😕
Pourtant le syndrome de Michael Jackson concernait que lui ?
Comme quoi cette partie de l'Asie beneficie encore d'une etrange tolerance fasse a cette apartheid particulierement cynique et a toutes les etapes de la vie. Qu'ils n'osent pas faire croire leur foutaise que cette nation est soudee dans l'esprit comme les doigts d'une main !
Il faut dénoncer cette attitude, ce racisme sociale, cette connerie.
On peut meme parler d'un pitoyable acharnement...
Les spots publicitaires dans les medias, les feuilletons, les emissions, etc... ne font jamais relache a ce sujet. Une deviance qui ne devrait plus passer. Meme l'Afrique du Sud a fini par le comprendre !
L'affligeance d'apercevoir une annonce pour une creme de beaute avec 4 jeunes femmes, deux au teint blanc immacule et les deux autres legerement brunes se frotter comme des desesperer avec une "spontex" et un air de degout dans l'espoir d'avoir la peau blanche ?
Seulement voila grace a la creme "machin", elles reussiront a rendre leur pigmentation presentable... 😕
Pourtant le syndrome de Michael Jackson concernait que lui ?
Comme quoi cette partie de l'Asie beneficie encore d'une etrange tolerance fasse a cette apartheid particulierement cynique et a toutes les etapes de la vie. Qu'ils n'osent pas faire croire leur foutaise que cette nation est soudee dans l'esprit comme les doigts d'une main !
Va poster sur un autre thread.
tu joues à quoi à donner des ordres : cela fait désordre ....
discuter ds un Forum ce n'est pas dialoguer : pour cela il y a les MP et non pas le PM 😉
ma difficulté je le reconnais c'est un problème de syntaxe : il va falloir que je retourne à l'école : tu me conseilles quoi ? la maternelle ? le primaire ? le collège ? le lycée ? ...
tu joues à quoi à donner des ordres : cela fait désordre ....
discuter ds un Forum ce n'est pas dialoguer : pour cela il y a les MP et non pas le PM 😉
ma difficulté je le reconnais c'est un problème de syntaxe : il va falloir que je retourne à l'école : tu me conseilles quoi ? la maternelle ? le primaire ? le collège ? le lycée ? ...
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)
😕ça n'a rien à avoir avec le comportement une fois ds le pays d'accueil mais pour éviter l'immigration clandestine...
Avt je fréquentais souvent un resto ds PARIS ou la cuisinière ets de la région d'ISSAN ...aroy kha .
d'ailleurs elle est tjrs ici et en tte illégalité.
et il y en a bcp d'autres.
le peu de tps que je les cotoies je me croirais là bas...
🤪cela fait des siècles en asie que la blancheur est synonyme de beauté et pureté.
😛et d'ailleurs je teste tjrs cet effet à chaque fois que je retourne en thailande :
je suis asiat, et je vois l'expression de leur visage à l'accueil des hotels et du personnel travaillant prés de la piscine qd il me voient me "cramer " au soleil d'autant qu'avec ma peau en 2 jours j'ai la couleur de qq'un de la région d'Issan et j'ADORE. alors qd j'allume ma cigarette...c'est l'apothéose.!!! Tu sais à force on s'y fait, l'important c'est de se respecter soi meme, peut importe les regards des autres, pour ma part j'essayes tjrs de voir "l'intérieur" des gens peu m'importe leur apparence extérieur...
je suis asiat, et je vois l'expression de leur visage à l'accueil des hotels et du personnel travaillant prés de la piscine qd il me voient me "cramer " au soleil d'autant qu'avec ma peau en 2 jours j'ai la couleur de qq'un de la région d'Issan et j'ADORE. alors qd j'allume ma cigarette...c'est l'apothéose.!!! Tu sais à force on s'y fait, l'important c'est de se respecter soi meme, peut importe les regards des autres, pour ma part j'essayes tjrs de voir "l'intérieur" des gens peu m'importe leur apparence extérieur...
Les spots publicitaires dans les medias, les feuilletons, les emissions, etc... ne font jamais relache a ce sujet. Une deviance qui ne devrait plus passer.
Rien à voir avec la Thailande, là c'est la blancheur de la peau, ici c'est la minceur, ailleurs ce sont les culs rebondis ou les seins énormes... Partout dans le monde, la publicité et les média pratiquent la ségrégation physique; l'important est de gagner un maximum d'argent et donc de faire en sorte que les gens aient l'air de ce qu'ils ne sont pas naturellement selon leur origine ethnique ou géographique. La mode se fiche bien des gens, elle ne veut que du PO-GNON !!!
Rien à voir avec la Thailande, là c'est la blancheur de la peau, ici c'est la minceur, ailleurs ce sont les culs rebondis ou les seins énormes... Partout dans le monde, la publicité et les média pratiquent la ségrégation physique; l'important est de gagner un maximum d'argent et donc de faire en sorte que les gens aient l'air de ce qu'ils ne sont pas naturellement selon leur origine ethnique ou géographique. La mode se fiche bien des gens, elle ne veut que du PO-GNON !!!
Dommage que ces deux derniers messages ci-dessus se soient attardes sur l'evidence, j'aurais preferer que vous puissiez reagir sur celui-ci :
Ségrégation entre thailandais et touristes
Surprenant que ce sujet soit parti d'une banalite (difference de prix de quelques baht pour un ticket d'autocar) pour exprimer une telle chose ?
Car meme si le pays est tres agreable a vivre, ce message aurait du amener de la matiere et pas seulement ceux des touristes.
Comme par exemple le parcage (logement) des etrangers expatries autour de Sathorn, Sukhumvit, Silom, etc... sur Bangkok. Une ghettoisation qui d'ordinaire n'a pas vraiment lieu dans le pays puisque l'on peut voir jusque dans les villes de la Thailande profonde, des quartiers, des rues ou les belles villas cotoient des baraques en planche !
Qu'en province, certains puissent vous dire en toute honnetete : "on apprecie pas quand le farang comprend notre langue"
Qu'ailleurs lors d'une reunion, invitation, des thailandais de la bonne societe "au teint clair" vous lancent sans gene dans l'oreille : "pourquoi le farang est avec une thailandaise a peau blanche ?"
Et devant l'interrogation d'ajouter : "Parce que d'ordinaire, il prend les femmes a peau noire !"
A ce propos, ils n'ont jamais eu le courage d'aller demander a mon epouse pourquoi elle vivait avec un farang...
Evidemment les etrangers qui font etape dans un contexte de loisir ne seront surement pas confrontes a cette subtilite et verront plutot des gens serviables voir affables qui feront tout pour agrementer leur sejour.
Merci, 🙂
Ségrégation entre thailandais et touristes
Surprenant que ce sujet soit parti d'une banalite (difference de prix de quelques baht pour un ticket d'autocar) pour exprimer une telle chose ?
Car meme si le pays est tres agreable a vivre, ce message aurait du amener de la matiere et pas seulement ceux des touristes.
Comme par exemple le parcage (logement) des etrangers expatries autour de Sathorn, Sukhumvit, Silom, etc... sur Bangkok. Une ghettoisation qui d'ordinaire n'a pas vraiment lieu dans le pays puisque l'on peut voir jusque dans les villes de la Thailande profonde, des quartiers, des rues ou les belles villas cotoient des baraques en planche !
Qu'en province, certains puissent vous dire en toute honnetete : "on apprecie pas quand le farang comprend notre langue"
Qu'ailleurs lors d'une reunion, invitation, des thailandais de la bonne societe "au teint clair" vous lancent sans gene dans l'oreille : "pourquoi le farang est avec une thailandaise a peau blanche ?"
Et devant l'interrogation d'ajouter : "Parce que d'ordinaire, il prend les femmes a peau noire !"
A ce propos, ils n'ont jamais eu le courage d'aller demander a mon epouse pourquoi elle vivait avec un farang...
Evidemment les etrangers qui font etape dans un contexte de loisir ne seront surement pas confrontes a cette subtilite et verront plutot des gens serviables voir affables qui feront tout pour agrementer leur sejour.
Merci, 🙂
On est bien d'accord !😏
PUUUURE WHITE !!
MDR
Les entrées au Lumpini ou Rajadamnern en ring side 1500baths pour les farangs (ou + je sais plus trop), scandaleux !!!😠
Dommage que ces deux derniers messages ci-dessus se soient attardes sur l'evidence, j'aurais preferer que vous puissiez reagir sur celui-ci
En ce qui me concerne, je n'ai pas été confrontée à ces problèmes et je ne connais pas suffisamment le pays pour avoir une opinion. Excuse-moi d'avoir pris de la place pour réagir sur "une évidence"..., à l'avenir, la blonde que je suis se taira, monsieur le Professeur ! 😕 Et je me joins de ce fait à l'avis de Fortini...
En ce qui me concerne, je n'ai pas été confrontée à ces problèmes et je ne connais pas suffisamment le pays pour avoir une opinion. Excuse-moi d'avoir pris de la place pour réagir sur "une évidence"..., à l'avenir, la blonde que je suis se taira, monsieur le Professeur ! 😕 Et je me joins de ce fait à l'avis de Fortini...
Bien vu Observateur 😉 (sans
rire). Meme si je ne suis pas d'accord avec le parcquage des etrangers
(je reste Samsen 13 -apres c'est aussi le choix des etrangers non ? C'est quand meme relativement facile de touver des endroits a louer dans Bangkok-),
le reste semble identique a mon experience.
mai pen rai krap
j'ecrit sur clavier américain désolé pour les accents...
Celà m'avait été confié au détour d'une conversation
a tu entendu parler de stages sur la "rumeur" en management ? je t'éxplique : 1 formateur, 12 participants, le formateur raconte une histoire au 1° participant, on fait rentrer le 2° et, le 1° lui raconte l' histoire et sort, ainsi desuite jusqu'au 12° et là je peux te dire que le 12° te raconte tout sauf l'histoire de départ, donc, tu a entendu de la par de personnes qui on entendu ect... faut se méfier de la rumeur, c'est une arme redoutable
a tu entendu parler de stages sur la "rumeur" en management ? je t'éxplique : 1 formateur, 12 participants, le formateur raconte une histoire au 1° participant, on fait rentrer le 2° et, le 1° lui raconte l' histoire et sort, ainsi desuite jusqu'au 12° et là je peux te dire que le 12° te raconte tout sauf l'histoire de départ, donc, tu a entendu de la par de personnes qui on entendu ect... faut se méfier de la rumeur, c'est une arme redoutable
c'est le propre d'un forum, une question, en appele une autre
Surprenant que ce sujet soit parti d'une banalite (difference de prix de quelques baht pour un ticket d'autocar) pour exprimer une telle chose ? __ Qu'en province, certains puissent vous dire en toute honnetete : "on apprecie pas quand le farang comprend notre langue" Qu'ailleurs lors d'une reunion, invitation, des thailandais de la bonne societe "au teint clair" vous lancent sans gene dans l'oreille : "pourquoi le farang est avec une thailandaise a peau blanche ?" Et devant l'interrogation d'ajouter : "Parce que d'ordinaire, il prend les femmes a peau noire !" A ce propos, ils n'ont jamais eu le courage d'aller demander a mon epouse pourquoi elle vivait avec un farang... Evidemment les etrangers qui font etape dans un contexte de loisir ne seront surement pas confrontes a cette subtilite et verront plutot des gens serviables voir affables qui feront tout pour agrementer leur sejour.
je confirme, ma compagne a la peau "foncée, " en sait quelque chose, (tout n'est pas rose au pays du sourire)mais le rascisme et la c....... c'est international, pas spécifique a la Thailande, c'est bien d'en informer les visiteurs 😐
Surprenant que ce sujet soit parti d'une banalite (difference de prix de quelques baht pour un ticket d'autocar) pour exprimer une telle chose ? __ Qu'en province, certains puissent vous dire en toute honnetete : "on apprecie pas quand le farang comprend notre langue" Qu'ailleurs lors d'une reunion, invitation, des thailandais de la bonne societe "au teint clair" vous lancent sans gene dans l'oreille : "pourquoi le farang est avec une thailandaise a peau blanche ?" Et devant l'interrogation d'ajouter : "Parce que d'ordinaire, il prend les femmes a peau noire !" A ce propos, ils n'ont jamais eu le courage d'aller demander a mon epouse pourquoi elle vivait avec un farang... Evidemment les etrangers qui font etape dans un contexte de loisir ne seront surement pas confrontes a cette subtilite et verront plutot des gens serviables voir affables qui feront tout pour agrementer leur sejour.
je confirme, ma compagne a la peau "foncée, " en sait quelque chose, (tout n'est pas rose au pays du sourire)mais le rascisme et la c....... c'est international, pas spécifique a la Thailande, c'est bien d'en informer les visiteurs 😐
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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.
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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?
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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
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
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Laos in early 2027. Does anyone know the dates for the Vat Phou festival in Champasak? Thanks!
I’m planning a trip to Laos in early 2027. Does anyone know the dates for the Vat Phou festival in Champasak? Thanks!
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.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
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.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
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Hi everyone,
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Hi there,
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.
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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?
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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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hey everyone,
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Thanks! 🙂
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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...
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Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.
Hi everyone,
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.
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Thanks
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.
Thanks
Hi,
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.
Thanks
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.
Thanks
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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste
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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste
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!
Time to hit the road again!
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...
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...
Hello,
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:
- Battambang (round trip) - Siem Reap / Angkor - Kratie - Kampong Cham - Phnom Penh - Kampot (round trip)
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.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Have a great Sunday
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:
- Battambang (round trip) - Siem Reap / Angkor - Kratie - Kampong Cham - Phnom Penh - Kampot (round trip)
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.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Have a great Sunday
Hi there,
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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
Hello everyone,
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.
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!
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!
Hi everyone,
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…
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!
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…
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!
Hi everyone, I’m looking to do a 15-day Muay Thai training course. Any great places to recommend? Thanks
Hi there, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise