Je suis entrain de planifier mon voyage en Thailande tranquillement pas vite car je dois commencer à économiser de l'argent pour ce voyage..
J'ai déjà trouvé les hôtels que j'aimerais allé. Les voicis :
Bangkok - Radisson Suites Bangkok
Chiang Mai - Baan Rai Lanna Resort
Phuket - Andman White Beach Resort
Phi Phi Island - Phi Phi Island Village Resort
Krabi - Centara Grand Krabi Resort
Qu'en pensez-vous ? Est-ce ce sont des bons choix ? Est-ce que vous avez des commentaires positifs ou négatifs sur ces hotels ?
Ce qui me reste à regarder au niveau tarif ce serai les prix des excursions et transferts. Je me déplacerai en avion entre les différentes villes de mon séjour et j'ai déjà été cherché les prix sur Thai Airways et Air Asia.
Est-ce que quelqu"un connait un TO en Thailande ou un ''guide'' afin de leurs écrire pour avoir des bons prix pour des excursions sur mesure. Même si je ne dors pas dans des guesthouses..je n'ai pas un budget à tout casser..Moins que ça me coûte cher, plus j'aurais la chance de faire ce voyage!!
Par contre, j'aimerais tout booker d'avance..mon emploi ici au Canada est d'organiser et négocier à l'année longue donc quand je pars en voyage, j'ai envie que tout soit facile..je n'aime pas me casser la tête ni perdre du temps à chercher un contact sur place ou ect..
Par contre, je déteste les circuits déjà monté car il y a toujours quelques choses qui ne m'intéresse pas et j'haie les attrapes touristes ou le guide t'amène dans une boutique afin que tu achètes quelques choses pour avoir sa comm..en plus c'est toujours de la cochonnerie et on perd du temps à visiter les autres choses..
Voici ce que j'aimerais faire :
Bangkok :
Full Day - Visite du Palais Royal, Temple Bouddha D'Emeraude, Wat Pho, Temple de l'Aube et en PM croisière sur la Chao Phraya.
Half Day - AM : Visite du marché flottan Amphawa.
Full Day - Départ pour Kanchanaburi pour visite les chutes d'Erawan.
Chiang Mai :
Half Day - Trek dans les rizières.
Full Day - Visite du Temple Doi Suthep et visite de villages et ses tribus (tribus Padoung)
Full Day - Randonnée dans la jungle à dos d'éléphant, retour avec le rafting en bamboo. (pas de spectacle d'éléphant SVP)
Phuket :
Half Day ou Full Day - Tour de l'ile de Phuket : Patong, Karon, Kata, Promthep Cape, Wat Chalong, Big Buddha.
Phi Phi Island :
Full Day - Visite de l'ile : Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Ley Bay and Viking Cave.
Krabi :
Full Day - 4 Islands Speedboat Excursion ou excursion en canot.
Ou sera le plaisir si tu planifie tout ?
tu est en vacances !!! quitte l'esprit travail
Si j'ai bien compté tu prévois 9 jrs maxi ;ça risque d'etre un marathon
essaies tout de meme de contacter Philippe MESSIEN de "dj paradise tours" sur l'ile de koh samuy
il est manager/associé de son agence .Il peut t'organiser une partie de tes etapes
Nous sommes passés par lui lors de notre sejour en fev 2011;il est trés pro ; serviable et disponible.
il travaille avec des stés de transports et des guides indépendants
pour les vols interieurs regardes aussi du coté bangkok airways sur 2 vols domestiques ça nous a paru bien
bons préparatifs
jp
"on ne choisit pas les trottoirs de manille ;de paris ou d'alger pour apprendre à marcher" (maxime le forestier)
Non, je prévois rester en Thailande 16 jours en tout.
Le problème est que je ne vais pas à Koh Samui..au Sud, je vais à Phuket, Phi Phi Island et Krabi.
J'ai regardé avec BKK Airways et c'est plus cher et pas tjrs de vols directs.
je ne suis pas allé à Koh Samuy non plus ! mais j'ai tout commandé à Philippe ;ne l'ai eu que par mail avant pour préparer le voyage et par tel avant de partir et par tel sur place au cours de etapes
Nous avoiosn souhaité un voyage personnalisé ; en vehicule privé avec guide et chauffeur sur 7 jrs + 4 jours à koh chang par nos propres moyens en reservant notre hotel nous méme avant le départ .
Tu parles de TO ou de guide , c'est pour cela que je te l'indique il travaille sur toute la thailande
Il pourra te proposer les services de guides ou tu te trouveras et s'occuper de te trouver qqs excursions.
Mais si tu cherches bien sur place il est trés facile de faire au jour le jour il y a des offres de sorties à la journée partout ou tu te trouve ou ds les hotels il te suffit de bien parler anglais
mais au Quebec c'est surement le cas pour toi ..
Tant mieux si tu trouves mieux par les autres Cies pour les vols
bonnes recherches
jp
"on ne choisit pas les trottoirs de manille ;de paris ou d'alger pour apprendre à marcher" (maxime le forestier)
Je suis entrain de regarder son site internet!! C'est en plein ce que je cherchait!!! C'est très intéressant! Un gros merci!! Je rentrerai en contact avec lui!
bonjour petit conseille que tu ne regrettera pas .. fouille dans le moteur de recherche visite les blogs des différents membres .. et je te garanti que tu n'est pas obliger de passer par un TO en plus tu vas faire des économies que peut te permettre par exemple une soirée au sirroco .......😉http://www.lebua.com/en/the-dome-dining/sirocco-restaurant/
puis ne pas oublier a ton retour d'envoyer l’ascenseur .. aux membres .....
tiens ... un blog quebequois..... 😉
http://asiedusud.blogspot.com/
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
Et le marathon de New York ? Pour quelqu'un qui planifie "tranquillement pas vite" c'est drôlement stress !
Erawan en un jour depuis bkk est impossible !
Avis perso : la Thailande se vit plus qu'elle ne se visite. La connaissance d'une culture différente ouvre l'esprit ce que la contemplation de pierres ou paysage ne fait pas.
Bon voyage
Aux modérateurs : désolé, aujourd'hui j'ai la forme... un forme certaine... soyez indulgents svp, ne me virez pas mais mes messages ok, merci !
Il voulait lui donner des fleurs, mais comme il n'y a pas de fleurs sur l'île, il lui a donné l'argent des fleurs
Pour la région Nord Thaïlande, tu pourrais prendre contact avec l'agence ACTIVE THAILAND, dirigée par Alex Brodard.
Alex est suisse et c'est un professionnel installé de longue date à Chiang Mai.
Tu trouveras les coordonnées sur Internet : je n'ai pas les éléments exacts en tête.
A toutes fins utiles, tu pourrais aussi prendre contact avec Guy Gorias spécialisé dans le rafting, à Paï ( à quelques heures de Chiang Maï ) : voir les informations sur le site THAIRAFTING.
Pour la région sud Thaïlande, dans l'île de Phuket, tu pourrais prendre contact avec l'agence PHUKET ADVENTURE dirigée par Christian Chevrier s'il est toujours en activité ( c'est un ancien manager du Club Méditerranée et il connaît son affaire ).
Je te donne ces adresses, car apparemment tu n'as pas de problème de financement mais tu semble limitée par la durée de tes congés ?
Cela dit, il serait sans doute préférable de passer au minimum une semaine dans chaque région visitée, pour s'imprégner de l'atmosphère, se donner le temps de mieux connaître les habitants ... et se reposer, aussi.
En dehors de la Thaïlande, je recommande le Laos et le Myanmar ... pays ne laissant pas les voyageurs indifférents.
Attention, l'Asie évolue vraiment très vite sous l'impulsion de la Chine, du Japon et de la Corée ... sans parler des occidentaux.
Eventuellement, pour le Myanmar, tu pourrais prendre contact avec GULLIVER TRAVELS & TOURS agence dirigée par Hervé Fléjo ( il est connu sur place comme le loup blanc ).
Ces différentes personnes sont des professionnels de longue date et leur réputation de sérieux est établie : à défaut de passer contrat avec eux, tu auras au moins des informations fiables et actualisées.
A toi de jouer ?
Attention, les charmes de l'Asie du Sud Est sont bien réels : la littérature, francophone ou anglophone, est fournie en la matière ...
Bon trip !
Franck
Préservons l'équilibre par le mouvement ?
( une excellente formule qui n'est pas de moi : copiée sur Voyage Forum ).
" Pour certains hommes, il est salutaire d'errer ".
bjr
voilà tu as des réponses!!!! bonne chance dans tes recherches pour ce fabuleux voyage en Thailande ;nous avons étés fascinés ; et avec Thuan et Vagabond 543 ; c'est que du vecu ! donc tuyaux plus que fiables ! fouille aussi les posts du membre Boumbastic et tu auras l'essentiel de ce que tu recherches .
Une partie de mes choix ce sont faits en fouillant les posts si nombreux sur la Thailande
mais pour un 1er voyage en l'Asie j'ai preferé passer par une agence pour la logistique .
Je remercie ici Thuan , pour les conseils glanés sur ses si nombreux posts toujours rationnels et efficients lors de la préparation de notre parcours.
Une des reponses ds ce post disait qu'il faut visiter en s'impregant d'une culture ou etre au contact de la population;mais en si peu de temps c'est impossible .
Un parcours comme celui de notre amie Gabrielle 841 (à l'origine de la discussion) ne peut que donner un aperçu du pays pour mieux y retourner lorsqu'on le peut .
J'ai vécu et travaillé 7 ans en Algérie ;mon épouse est Algérienne et je ne peux dire que je connais la culture ;malgré les liens familliaux et une partie de la vie quotidienne ;il me faudrait une vie et surtout etre resté sur place.
Nous vivons depuis 22 ans aux Antilles et j'ai encore énormement à apprendre sur ce "melting-pot " des antilles Françaises issu de l'histoire humaine et economique si douloureuse initiée à cause du sucre et des épices; par nos ancétres dès le 17 siécle. Je ne parlerai meme pas des anglophones et hispanophones qui sont nos "voisins de palier"......
Seuls nos enfants en sont totalement imprégnés par leur immersion dés la maternelle et dans leur façon de vivre au quotidien.
Les voyages et le choix de chaque pays sont pour moi comme un livre vivant , qu'on ouvre par épisodes en fonction de l'etat d'esprit et dont on lit un ou plusieurs chapitres d'un coup mais quelques fois on a envie d'en lire un d'un seul trait car on est seduit par le style et/ou le recit ;ceci tout en parcourant certains jours quelques paragraphes d'autres livres ....mais la bibliothéque sera toujours trop grande pour y ranger les quelques livres que l'on aura pu lire
entiers ou partiellement.
bons voyages et bons préparatifs à tous
jp
"on ne choisit pas les trottoirs de manille ;de paris ou d'alger pour apprendre à marcher" (maxime le forestier)
En février, nous passerons 4 jours à Chiang Mai et 5 à Krabi. Nous voulons sur ces 2 sites faire quelques excursions, mais visiblement les guides des agences…
Je cherche un guide bien et pas cher pour faire le parc National avec ma femme et deux jeune adultes C'est assez urgent car j'aimerais le faire cette semaine…
De passage pour 4 jours à BANGKOK en Novembre 3 PERSONNES je souhaiterais un guide francophone Avez vous quelques sujétions et contact sur place a vous lire…
Recherche infos pour guide francophon pour les iles du sud de la thailande, ko samui, phuket, ao nang, ko kood, la baie dandaman merci de maider a construire…
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!
Bonjour,
Le 1er septembre, on part 6 semaines à Kalimantan, probablement de Pontianak jusqu'aux îles Derawan.
J'ai beau parcourir ce site qui d'habitude est ma bible 😉, mais aussi d'autres comme Forum Voyage, les renseignements récents ne sont pas légion.
Je suis preneuse de toute information sur tous les lieux où vous seriez passé, notre programme étant en cours d'élaboration.
Nous voyageons à 2 couples, sac à dos, bus, bateau, guesthouses et chez l'habitant.
Merci à vous !
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.
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
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.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!