petit message pour prevenir que le trajet siem reap -battambang se fait en partie en bateau et se termine par deux heures en pick up sur des pistes,
apparemment cela fait un petit moment que cela dure mais bien sur, les vendeurs ne le disent pas, la fin est tres sportive a reserver aux amateurs
il n y a plus assez de hauteur d eau
9 h au total
Bonjour,
Il y a un an nous avons fait le trajet également, mais nous avions réussi à faire tout en bateau. Néanmoins le niveau d'eau était très bas, et on sentait parfois que nous touchions le fonds. Le pilote devait faire très attention, il se faisait aider parfois, car il fallait soulager le bateau avec une longue batte de bois qui prenait appui dans les fonds sableux. Une aventure pitoresque qui dura 9 h. alors qu'il était prévu 3 h. En effet les vendeurs ne préviennent.
exact je l ai fait dans l autre sens ces kif kif ( pas prevenu non plus ), mais c etait la période des basses eaux, mars 2005
question, quand c est la saison des hautes eaux du remplissage de son lae est ce pareil?
ne marchez jamais sur le chemin tracé
il ne te méne que là ou d'autres sont déjà allés
jps
Et il parait que la piste te casse le dos ...
Ça doit être le même genre que celle qui va de Roluos à Kompong Phluk ?
En novembre nous avions rencontré des français qui avaient fait tout le trajet en bateau, ils en étaient enchantés.
A faire d'urgence avant l'envasement total du Tonlé Sap (dans 10 ans disent les pessimistes ...)
la piste est en effet tres casse dos la premiere heure
la traversee est vraiment a faire quand il y a de l eau . en decembre, c etait magnifique, on faisait vraiment bateau taxi et on allait au milieu des zones de peches . cette fois ci, force de suivre la riviere, et final poussiere chleur .
Si les bateaux partent et que tu vois des cambodgiens embarquer, c'est que ca passe ! PS: Gaffe AUSSI à avoir des places, ce sera la periode du nouvel an et les bateaux sont souvent full!!
je deconseille la visite d'angkor pendant le nouvel an....si tu peux y aller avant aucune hesitation! BY
je profite d'avoir lu votre post pour avoir une info: planifiant le déplacement de Phnom pen vers Siem Reap (janvier) en bateau, merci de me faire partager votre expérience !(temps réel etc....).Sinon avez vous une adresse de gh ou autres sympa à PP ?
bonjour, désolée de la réponse tardive.
j'étais au Cambodge en Avril, mais pour répondre à ta question sur le parcours jusqu'à Siem Reap, il faudra vraiment voir avec les voyageurs à ce moment là (janvier ?). Les crues de la rivière sont très différentes et changent le contexte. En Avril le bus était indispensable car il n'y avait pas d'eau. J'aurais préféré le bateau...De PP tu peux trouver un bus très facilement. Les prix sont entre 10 et 14 $ si je me souviens bien (nous étions en période de fête nationale et donc nous avons payé une surcharge). les hôtels se chargent de tout.
A PP nous avons trouvé un hôtel mais sans grand intérêt. Sinon Il y a le Rega Guest house (Regahome@camintel.com), plutôt cher (genre Routard -le guide- milieu de gamme, càd haut de gamme pour Lonely Planet) mais ils parlent français. Sinon, les pas chers sont dans le quartier autour du lac (je ne me rappelle plus le nom), dans les 6/8 $. mais je n'ai pas essayé.
A Siem Reap nous avons trouvé un hôtel bien situé, calme mais juste de l'autre côté du vieux marché, donc bien pour les restau le soir;
Nous avons négocié à 16 $ la nuit (pour 4 jours), avec accès à la petite piscine d'un autre hôtel et une terrasse sur le toit. le what's up guesthouse. Patron sympa, cadre agréable, chambres propres, mais l'adjoint est un con (xcuse my French !).
Nous avons pris un pass de trois jours à Angkor (pas besoin de photo), 40 $, avec un guide francophone, très sympa, parlant bien le français (ce n'est pas toujours le cas), guide officiel et agriculteur le reste du temps... Comme l'hôtel l'avait trouvé, ils se sont pris une commission (sûrement très conséquente), donc si tu peux les courcicuiter (sans leur dire pour ne pas attirer d'ennuis au guide), cela me ferait plaisir.
Il s'appelle M. Khat Sopuy. Il n'a malheureusement pas de mail, seulement un téléphone : (855) 92 477 391.
au fait, tout se paie en dollars au Cambodge, même le café .
j'espère que ceci te seras utile
Merci Pattspi pour ces infos! au moment de rédiger je'n'avais pas pris la carte. J'imagine que la descente (du tonle sap)de SR à PP est plus aisée qd la crue le permet? (que le contraire?) (ça c'est pour planifier le vol d'HCM vers SR.) Sinon bus oblige (+ de 6 h de route? :SR/PP)ou balade du lac aUtour de SR si ce n'est pas "l'arnaka"..
J'ai noté les coord du guide et de la G.H. (pout près du marché c'est ça?) ce sera sympa de le rencontrer et que l'intermédiaire soit zappé, qu'il perçoive + !
Nous étions en 2000, aller à SR qd ils refaisaient la route autour du marché, ça ne grouillent pas trop tout de même depuis ? La magie du Ta Prohm règne encore?!!!
pour répondre à ta question sur le Tonlé Sap, je ne sais pas si c'est l'arnaque. Mon amie y est allée en tuktuk (les petits taxis/motos)de SR mais comme je disais, il y avait peu 'd'eau, et donc pas grand chose à voir. Elle m'a dit qu'on l'avait un peu 'trimballée' et qu'elle s'etait sentie obligée d'acheter des bricoles (en + son bateau s'était embourbé) mais rien de bien méchant.
PP / SR a pris effectivement dans les 5 ou six heures. La gare des bus de SR est assez loin des GH si tu es à pied. Comme nous avions réservé, qq'un de l'hôtel est venu nous chercher. Il y a pas mal de touristes mais c'est sympa quand même.
J'avoue que mon premier contact avec Angkor ressemblait un peu à celui de Pierre Loti (sans prétention, of course). A 5 heures du matin il y avait une foule pas possible et un ciel voilé, donc j'étais un peu déçue . C'était pendant la périonde du Nouvel An, donc une fête nationale. Mais après ça a été fantastique. Il y a toujours moyen d'éviter les groupes japonais ou autres.
je confirme, la ballade en pick-up, carrément dangereux, et les Cambodgiens sont bien installés avec la clim à l'intérieur, le grand air à l'arrière, c'est pour les touristes !!!!
"Il n'y a qu'une seule chose dont vous pouvez être sûr dans la vie: Rien ne se passera jamais comme vous l'avez imaginé".Swami Prajnanpad.
je pense qu' a partir de fevrier, faut se renseigner serieusement sur le trajet integral en bateau ou s'il y aura seance pick up .
un bon moyen de savoir est si vous avez un contact hotel ou autre sur le point d'arrivée, eux ils savent parfaitement si cela passe ou non, puisqu'ils ont des navettes qui vont recuperer les personnes.
au depart, on obtiendra difficilement renseignements, vu qu'il faut vendre les billets
ceci est valable evidemment jusqu'au debut de la saison des pluies, apres, fini les pick up....
Nous sommes 2 cinquantenaires en forme et hésitons a faire ce trajet en bateau ou en bus. ce sera vers le 20 janvier, la navigation est elle correcte a cette…
Les orages de ces tous derniers jours, bien que peu nombreux, ont contribué à augmenter le volume d'eau dans la rivière. Depuis deux jours le trajet bateau…
Apres avoir passe un mois au cambodge (phnom penh, kep, kampot, siem reap), nous allons a battambang le 9 aout. Notre hotel de siem reap nous dit que nous…
Au cambodge deuxièmesemaine de novembre je souhaite faire le trajet siem reap battambang en bateau. J'ai trois questions: combien dure la traversée à cette…
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!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
