Le Premier ministre thaïlandais installé par la junte militaire à la suite du coup d'Etat de septembre 2006 a annoncé hier que son prédécesseur, chassé par les généraux, Thaksin Shinawatra, pourrait rentrer dans son pays pour se défendre d'accusations de corruption. « Ses raisons de vouloir rentrer sont compréhensibles », a dit le Premier ministre, Surayud Chulanont. L'avocat de Thaksin avait indiqué auparavant que l'ancien Premier ministre pensait regagner la Thaïlande, afin de se défendre après que les autorités ont gelé lundi 1, 5 milliard de dollars sur ses comptes bancaires. http://www.lesechos.fr/info/inter/4588488.htm 13/06/07
Ex-1er ministre en exil autorisé à rentre au pays
Bangkok- Selon la junte au pouvoir, l'ex-1er ministre thailandais Thaksin Shinawatra, exilé depuis son renversement en septembre 2006, peut revenir dans son pays pour se défendre des accusations de corruption portées contre lui.
Il doit le faire pour combattre les accusations qui ont poussé une commission anticorruption à geler plus de 1, 85mia de Francs (suisses) sur ses comptes bancaires en Thailande, a dit le 1er ministre intérimaire, Surayud Chulanont.
(PHOTO de manifestants: Hier soir, ils étaient encore plus de 8000 à manifester pour le retour de l'ex-1er ministre)
20minutes, Genève, 13 juin 2007
Politique – Interdit bancaire et sans parti, Thaksin a le feu vert pour rentrer.
Le gouvernement a donné hier le feu vert à Thaksin Shinawatra pour rentrer au pays. L’ancien Premier Ministre, en exil depuis le renversement de son gouvernement par les militaires le 19 septembre l’an dernier, entend se défendre des charges accumulées par le panel anti-corruption. Cette nouvelle arrive d’ailleurs un jour après que l’Assets Examination Committee, sorte d’observatoire des comptes thaïlandais, a gelé vingt-et-un comptes de Thaksin, sa femme, deux de ses enfants et deux autres membres de sa famille. Un gel qui concerne la coquette somme de 52 milliards de bahts (1, 12 milliards d’euros), argent gagné avec la vente controversée de la société familiale Shin Corp. Sur les 73 milliards de bahts de la transaction, l’AEC n’a retrouvé que ces 52 milliards sur les comptes, indiquait hier le Bangkok Post. Thaksin et les cinq autres membres de sa famille ont 60 jours pour fournir les preuves de leur honnêteté. « Cette mesure n’est pas une condamnation, a précisé Kaewsan Atipho, secrétaire de l’ASC, ce n’est pas notre jugement définitif ». Avant d’ajouter que l’observatoire avait réuni les preuves de cinq cas de malversation et de six autres cas d’abus de pouvoir. CT. Le petit journal de Bangkok .
@+ , 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 .
Il doit le faire pour combattre les accusations qui ont poussé une commission anticorruption à geler plus de 1, 85mia de Francs (suisses) sur ses comptes bancaires en Thailande
Ah ben ça... je croyais qu'il voulait revenir par amour pour sa patrie... zut alors, je me suis encore trompée 😎😎😎
La question est de savoir si en arrivant au pays, Mr Taksin sera emprisonné ou porté comme un héros !
à mon avis, ni l'un ni l'autre. La Thailande ne pourrait s'empêcher de montrer un autre visage au monde, elle veut préserver et démontrer qu'elle est un état de droit où la justice est assurée comme dans la plupart des nations dites civilisées, elle ne peut se permettre de le mettre en prison directement sans jugement.
Il sera d'abord jugé. Quand à l'impartialité des juges, là je ne peux pas être catégorique.
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
Tout d'abord pourquoi dire qu'il peut renter..on ne le lui a jamais interdit
D'apres mes infos..il rentrera apres la nouvelle constitution voire meme le nouveau gouvernement, il n'est pas fou, il prefere negocier avec des civils corrompus que des militaires.
Autre info sa famille a quitter le pays il y a au moins 15 jours. ( je vous signale au passage qu'ils ont deja ete comdamnes......)
Des qu'il rentre il est attendu a l'aeroport, sera conduit a un poste de police...sera entendu, et il paiera une "garantie" et passera au tribunal "libre"
apres.......seul Boudha sait.
Quant au heros...avec toutes les charges qu'il a contre lui, les gens devraient vite comprendre.
Ne lisez pas trop les journaux Thai🏴☠️
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
que dire sur ce post !
j'avoue que cela m'indiffère de savoir ce que va devenir taksin, n'ayant pas pris le thé avec lui, son avenir m'importe peu, seule la stabilité de la thailande est importante avec la malaisie et l'indonésie pas loin !
j'ai le comportement d'un occidental qui ne connait ce pays que depuis 25 ans et ne sait pas vraiement ce qui est bon pour lui!
on ne sait même pas ce qui est bon pour nous en France, alors les autres pays !
bises ensoléillées de corse a vous deux
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
Tout d'abord pourquoi dire qu'il peut renter..on ne le lui a jamais interdit
Ici sur ce post VF, personne ne l'a dit, seul le premier ministre en place l'a dit : Le Premier ministre thaïlandais installé par la junte militaire à la suite du coup d'Etat de septembre 2006 a annoncé hier que son prédécesseur, chassé par les généraux, Thaksin Shinawatra, pourrait rentrer dans son pays pour se défendre d'accusations de corruption http://www.lesechos.fr/info/inter/4588488.htm
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
Vous avez lu sur un journal francais.
Je vis ici..je regarde la tele thai, je parle la langue...l'ecrit et la lit....
alors svp...les journaux ne sont pas " paroles d'evangile"
Puis j'ai d'autres echos surment plus officiels.
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
Vous avez lu sur un journal francais.
Je vis ici..je regarde la tele thai, je parle la langue...l'ecrit et la lit....
alors svp...les journaux ne sont pas " paroles d'evangile"
Puis j'ai d'autres echos surment plus officiels.
Oui c'est vrai ""les journaux ne sont pas " paroles d'evangile" rien qu'avec l'affaire de Sarkozy soit disant qu'il c'est pris une cuite au vodka orange, en effet les médias faut s'en méfier car souvent ils déforment lé réalité .
@+ , 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 .
Vous avez lu sur un journal francais.
Je vis ici..je regarde la tele thai, je parle la langue...l'ecrit et la lit....
alors svp...les journaux ne sont pas " paroles d'evangile"
Puis j'ai d'autres echos surment plus officiels.
Oui c'est vrai ""les journaux ne sont pas " paroles d'evangile" rien qu'avec l'affaire de Sarkozy soit disant qu'il c'est pris une cuite au vodka orange, en effet les médias faut s'en méfier car souvent ils déforment lé réalité .
Juste, les journaux ne sont pas paroles d'évangile, il faut savoir trier, mais bon, ici on a pas eu un coup d'état militaire récemment et qui intimident les médias 😉
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
Vous avez lu sur un journal francais.
Je vis ici..je regarde la tele thai, je parle la langue...l'ecrit et la lit....
alors svp...les journaux ne sont pas " paroles d'evangile"
Puis j'ai d'autres echos surment plus officiels.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said yesterday that Thaksin Shinwatra, who was ousted in the September 19 coup, had telephoned him to ask about a return to Thailand.
Speaking to reporters after returning from his first official visit to Laos, Surayud said the former premier can come back because he is a Thai citizen, but there must be prior consultation about the appropriate timing.
"He does not have to seek permission" from the Council for National Security, Surayud told reporters when informed of Thaksin's plan to return to defend his assets.
Surayud said he understood Thaksin's need to return to the country after the Assets Examination Committee charged him with being unusually rich and ordered a freeze of his assets.
The Nation
Merci d'avance pour vos éclaircissements !
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
C’est bizarre, taksin essayait d’écarter les proches du roi du pouvoir, il a foutu le bordel dans le sud, fait tué plein de musulmans innocent et toujours été soutenu a fond par les usa .
depuis qu’il est parti, les Etats-Unis sont en colère, ont arrêté une grande parti des aides militaires a la Thaïlande et il n’y a jamais eu autant d’attentat, même jusqu’à Bangkok qui été pourtant épargné jusqu'à la, alors que le nouveau pouvoir leur tend la main !
la haine contre les musulmans monte dans tout le pays, les amalgames sont fait avec les autres musulmans qui n’ont rien a voir avec les séparatistes du sud, et bien sur ca arrange celui qui a été le plus dur avec et qui est en grande parti responsable du problèmes.
comme si les terroristes regrettaient leur pire ennemie et faisais tout pour qu’ils reviennent au affaire soutenu par une partie de la population thai qui en a marre de tout ces attentats.
Si on réfléchi un peu on peut avoir un doute a propos de ceux qui commettent les crimes.
ce n'est pas parce qu'il n'est plus au pouvoir qu'il n'a plus de pouvoir .....😉😉 pour faire executer certains ordres !!
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)
Thaïlande : Thaksin ne reviendra pas dans le pays ????
Noppadon Pattama, l'avocat de l'ex-Premier ministre thaïlandais Thaksin Shi- nawatra, exilé depuis son limogeage en septembre 2006, a déclaré le 14 juin que son client ne reviendrait pas en Thaïlande pour se défendre des accusations de corruption portées à son encontre, pour des raisons de sécurité.
"Tout le monde a peur de la mort. Si le Premier ministre intérimaire ou le Conseil de sécurité nationale (CNS) ne garantissent pas sa sécurité, je pense qu'il ne devrait pas rentrer", a dit M. Noppadon.
Le Premier ministre thaïlandais par intérim Surayud Chulanont a déclaré mardi que M. Thaskin pourrait revenir au pays pour se défendre des accusions de corruption portées contre lui. Cependant, le président du CNS, le général Southi Boonyaratkalin, a déclaré mercredi que Thaksin pourrait revenir mais sa sécurité ne serait pas assurée. La scène politique thaïlandaise connaît des hauts et des bas alors que la violence se poursuit dans le Sud.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has ordered deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, his wife Potjaman, Bussaba Damapong and a representative of SC Asset to appear to face charges of concealing assets by June 29.
The DSI set June 26 to 29 as the period for the four to hear the charges in person after the summons was issued last Friday.
"Those who have been accused can defend themselves. And if they have sufficient reasons to counter the charges, the DSI will not indict them, " said DSI director-general Sunai Manomai-udom yesterday while explaining the case.
Mrs Bussaba is Mr Thaksin's sister-in-law and a former executive of SC Asset. She is the wife of Bannapot, who is Khunying Potjaman's step-brother.
Noppadon Pattama, Mr Thaksin's legal adviser, said the former prime minister and his wife, who is now in Singapore, may ask the DSI to allow them to appoint representatives to act on their behalf in the event they are busy or ill.
But the DSI chief said they cannot assign other people to appear.
The accused have the right to postpone a summons three times but if they are found to be trying not to meet the investigators, they will be served with arrest warrants, Mr Sunai said.
If they are abroad, they will have to return to Thailand, he added.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont guaranteed Mr Thaksin's safety if he comes back to fight the DSI's charges in Thailand. The government will take special care of him but will not detain him because the charges against him are not finalised, he added.
The assets concealment case involving Mr Thaksin and his kin has been under investigation by the DSI since March of this year at the request of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
DSI investigators, with help from the SEC, traced shares through several firms and found that the Shinawatra family reported its shareholding in SC Asset at 60.82% in its listing filing to the SEC and also in its prospectus when the shares were floated to the public.
But the family did not include its hidden shares held by Overseas Growth Fund and Offshore Dynamic Fund, which were its nominees.
If the stakes held by the two funds were included, the Shinawatra family would own up to 79.87% of SC Asset.
Holding a 79.87% stake means that the family could control the board and the shareholders' meeting even in the case of important issues where up to three-quarters of shareholders' votes who attend the meeting are required.
Mr Thaksin himself should be found guilty of wrongly declaring assets when he was prime minister, Mr Sunai said.
Mr Sunai said the DSI will forward the case to the National Counter Corruption Commission later as Mr Thaksin did not report his hidden assets when he was prime minister.
If convicted, Mr Thaksin and his wife could face jail of up to two years or a fine of up to 500, 000 baht and a fine of another 10, 000 baht a day since committing the offences, or both.
SC Asset and Mrs Bussaba could face up to five years in jail and a fine of up to two times the sale price of the assets.
Prasong Vinaiphat, the SEC's deputy secretary-general, said that after the DSI sent the case on to the prosecutors, the SEC would get involved by providing additional information.
"We are now asking for information from the DSI if any management executives of SC Asset had roles in this case. If anyone is accused of wrongdoing, the company will be prohibited from carrying out financial transactions such as a recapitalisation, " he said. Accused executives would be required to resign from the listed company as well.
Patareeya Benjapolchai, president of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), said market regulators would not suspend or halt trading of SC Asset shares.
SC Asset told the SET that it disclosed its information legally in regard to the sale of its shares in its prospectus and that it proceeded under the law.
In another case, the ousted premier and his kin will submit a request within this week to the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC), asking for a partial unfreezing of the assets that they acquired before Mr Thaksin's first tenure as prime minister in 2001, said Mr Noppadon.
The ASC recently ordered local banks to freeze the bank accounts of Mr Thaksin, Khunying Potjaman, his two grown-up children Panthongtae and Pinthongta, his younger sister Yingluck Shinawatra and those of Mr Bannapot, holding over 52 billion baht.
But Mr Noppadon said Mr Thaksin and Khunying Potjaman had already made about 46 billion baht in total prior to Mr Thaksin's first term in office, which included Shin Corp shares valued at around 31 billion baht.
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
Bonjour Salsa.....
Encore une fois attention a ce que vous pouvez lire dans les journaux et ce qui se passe en realite ici sur le terrain, Taksin n'est pasloin en ce moment et il prepare lui meme sa rentree comme il a preparee s a sortie .....😉
de toute facon, il y aura du nouveau le 24 juin prochain car ce 23 juin une grande marche de protestation va avoir lieu depuis Sanam Luang jusqu'aux QG de l'armee pour montrer au "gouvernement" actuel qu'il y a un gros ras le bol de la population et que la volonte de revenir a la democratie est la plus forte dans le pays ;
Hier soir encore, dans les rues, on parlait de plus de 150.000 personnes qui seront reunis avec une presence accrue des televisions etrangeres..... a suivre donc !!
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)
Bonjour Sid, contente de te retrouver en ligne, ja t'ai fait passer 2 messages en MP mais j'ai pas eu de reponse, as tu recu ou alors, pas le temps de me renvoyer ?
apparement, je vois que ca bouge pas mal dans la capitale d'apres ce que tu nous dit !🤪
Essayes de nous donner des nouvelles et puis si tu peux nous mettre quelques photos dont tuas le secret, ce sera avec plaisir😏😏
bisoux
P.S: j'ai pas oublier pour les chocolats !!!
Une chose est sûre, il faut faire quelque chose !!!!!!
Quand on vit en I-San, on voit les choses bien différemment par rapport aux habitants de Bangkok; je ne parle même pas des expats (qui bossent ou non) qui pour la plupart ne lisent pas et ne comprennent pas le thai.
Ici, dans la province de Sakon Nakhon, Taksin est attendu comme le messie;
Les paysans, qui en général sont assez "terre à terre", ne jurent que par lui;
Il a peut-être et même certainement commis des malversations, mais le peuple ne regarde que ce qu'il a fait de bien pour lui (le peuple);
Création de la CMU à la mode thailandaise;
vélo offert à tous les orphelins de père; quand j'écris orphelin, j'écris enfant dont le père a disparu (pour une raison ou une autre); il n'est pas automatiquement mort, souvent il est allé voir si l'herbe est plus verte ailleurs.
Instauration de systèmes de crédits à intérêts réduits; ça, je suis pas sûr que ce soit la meilleure des choses qu'il ait créé car beaucoup se sont engoufrés dedans sans réfléchir à la façon de rembourser le capital et les intérêts.
Et les candidats qui faisaient il y a encore quelques semaines campagne dans les villes et les rizières savent se montrer proche du peuple;
maintenant que son parti est dissous et que ses principaux dirigeants sont inéligibles, j'ai peur que les campagnes ne se révoltent, d'une façon ou d'une autre;
c'est peut-être aussi pour cela que la junte au pouvoir lui (lui =Taksin) permet de rentrer afin de peut-être calmer les esprits, mais il faudrait pour cela que le Thai Rak Thai n'ait pas été dissous;
La machine s'est emballée, je ne vois pas comment ça va se terminer....
Le sage supporte aequo animo les coups de l'adversite
Le Premier ministre thaïlandais installé par la junte militaire à la suite du coup d'Etat de septembre 2006 a annoncé hier que son prédécesseur, chassé par les généraux, Thaksin Shinawatra, pourrait rentrer dans son pays pour se défendre d'accusations de corruption. « Ses raisons de vouloir rentrer sont compréhensibles », a dit le Premier ministre, Surayud Chulanont. L'avocat de Thaksin avait indiqué auparavant que l'ancien Premier ministre pensait regagner la Thaïlande, afin de se défendre après que les autorités ont gelé lundi 1, 5 milliard de dollars sur ses comptes bancaires. http://www.lesechos.fr/info/inter/4588488.htm 13/06/07
je ne vois pas ce qu'apporte ce topic sur ce forum
c'est un peu comme si dans le forum france on parlait de chirac qui perdait son immunite
ce n'est pas parce qu'il n'est plus au pouvoir qu'il n'a plus de pouvoir .....😉😉 pour faire executer certains ordres !!
ni d'argent non plus!!! entendu ce matin qu'il venait d'acheter le club de foot de M' City pour 121 M €😏
- J'ai des envies de voyage."L'Océanie, Bora-Bora, les Vahinés, tu connais?"
- "Pourquoi, tu veux m'emmener?"
- "On n'emmène pas des saucisses quand on va à Francfort.."
- t'aurais pu dire;"une rose quand on va sur la Loire, question de terme.."
Dans cette soupe aux crabes, difficile de savoir le vrai du faux... 😎
Vraissemblablement l'ex premier ministre a d'autre preoccupation sur son territoire d'exil puisqu'il parait, une fois de plus, tres motive pour investir dans un club de football anglais !
Quant a la reussite du gele de 20 comptes banquaires pour un montant total de 1, 5 milliards de $. Il demontrerait d'une part qu'il n'a pas besoin de cette somme pour vivre et de l'autre une faille dans la strategie de la famille Shinawatra pour placer son argent... 😉
Dans cette soupe aux crabes, difficile de savoir le vrai du faux... 😎
Tu l'as dit, ca devient incroyablement embrouiller, hier soir la manifestation n'a pas donnee ce que l'on attendait d'elle en raison de pluies diluviennes qui se sont abattues et de la peur de certains de se voir en photo dans les journaux locaux pour avoir recu de l'argent pour etre present..... ce que certains journaux thais se sont empresses de reprendre a leur compte😉 en amplifiant la reaction et en promettant l'arrestation des dissidents !!!! Celle qui devait avoir lieu a midi ce Dimanche est aussi annulee et donc, c'est (peut etre) ce soir que se rassemblerons les antis-juntesmais avec une baisse d'intensitee... comme quoi, rien n'est pour le moment jouer.
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 comprend ton point de vue (partage par d autres egalement avant toi).
C bien d avoir des avis divergeants.
Moi j aime bien, je trouve au contraire interessant de savoir pourquoi les gens protestent dans la rue si on est a Bangkok ou ailleurs.
De plus si tu t amuses a ce petit jeu tu vas avoir du travail sur VF 😉
En ettant sympas je dirais que la moitie des posts n ont pas de rapport direct au voyage.
Sur ce je retour dans ma jungle pres de Khon Kaen.
A plus.
Salut khiNorn, il y a des gens que ca intéresse comme moi et Sid par exemple...de plus cela touche aussi le voyage comme information sur la situation politique et la sécurité en Thailande...et sur les risques qu'encourent les amis qu'on peut y avoir. Merci pour les infos 😉
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Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
However, I’m not quite sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
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
Thaïlande : Thaksin ne reviendra pas dans le pays ????
Noppadon Pattama, l'avocat de l'ex-Premier ministre thaïlandais Thaksin Shi- nawatra, exilé depuis son limogeage en septembre 2006, a déclaré le 14 juin que son client ne reviendrait pas en Thaïlande pour se défendre des accusations de corruption portées à son encontre, pour des raisons de sécurité.
"Tout le monde a peur de la mort. Si le Premier ministre intérimaire ou le Conseil de sécurité nationale (CNS) ne garantissent pas sa sécurité, je pense qu'il ne devrait pas rentrer", a dit M. Noppadon.
Le Premier ministre thaïlandais par intérim Surayud Chulanont a déclaré mardi que M. Thaskin pourrait revenir au pays pour se défendre des accusions de corruption portées contre lui. Cependant, le président du CNS, le général Southi Boonyaratkalin, a déclaré mercredi que Thaksin pourrait revenir mais sa sécurité ne serait pas assurée. La scène politique thaïlandaise connaît des hauts et des bas alors que la violence se poursuit dans le Sud.
