Bonjour, Je part pour le Vietnam (Hanoi) et un peu partout on m'invite à prendre (et payer bien sûr) des services pour accélérer le passage des douanes et avoir un transport pour la ville. Pour accélérer l'arrivée au douane, je ne pense pas le prendre (a moins que quelqu'un me le conseil fortement!!!). Mais, pour le taxi c'est une autre histoire!!! Est-ce que les taxis "normaux" sont présent à la sortie de l'aéroport? Son-ils bon marché? organisé? Où, je risque de devoir "dealer" et a la fin payer plus chère que si j'avais fait venir le véhicule privé de l'hôtel!!! (17$) J'avais été positivement impressionné a Bangkok par l'organisation et le prix abordable des taxi. (mais le taxi n'avais jamais trouvé mon hôtel et j'avais du le chercher à pied a 3h am!!) Mais le Vietnam n'est pas la Tailande!!!
Qui a une expérience à me partager?
Merci
MarieFolie, L'aventurière...
Souriez à la vie et elle vous sourira.
Bonjour, Je part pour le Vietnam (Hanoi) et un peu partout on m'invite à prendre (et payer bien sûr) des services pour accélérer le passage des douanes et avoir un transport pour la ville. Pour accélérer l'arrivée au douane, je ne pense pas le prendre (a moins que quelqu'un me le conseil fortement!!!). Mais, pour le taxi c'est une autre histoire!!! Est-ce que les taxis "normaux" sont présent à la sortie de l'aéroport? Son-ils bon marché? organisé? Où, je risque de devoir "dealer" et a la fin payer plus chère que si j'avais fait venir le véhicule privé de l'hôtel!!! (17$) J'avais été positivement impressionné a Bangkok par l'organisation et le prix abordable des taxi. (mais le taxi n'avais jamais trouvé mon hôtel et j'avais du le chercher à pied a 3h am!!) Mais le Vietnam n'est pas la Tailande!!!
Qui a une expérience à me partager?
Merci
Bonsoir,
Le système "forfait arrivée, etc... comprenant un passage en douane plus rapide (ça ça n'existe pas...) Le Vietnam, surtout à Hanoi est raide, rigide, qguindé, glacial: vous ne passerez absolument pas avant qui que ce soit à la douane..... - quand vous aurez vu de quoi il retourne, vous me comprendrez.
Quant aux taxis, il y en a toujours au sortir de l'aérogare - il ne faut les prendre que là, pas suivre un type qui vient vous faire des avances dans l'aérogare - attendre d'être sorti... et là généralement il y a une personne, souvent une femme, qui vous dirigera sur un taxi qui est là juste devant - Le prix est affiché à gauche sur un pilier.. - la dernière fois, c'était 320000 dongs, soit environ un gros 11€ - - le péage est compris dans le prix.
Il peut y avoir des différends et des petites arnaques - il serait préférable que vous vous mettiez d'accord avec votre premier hôtel que vous aurez sans doute retenu, pour qu'il vous envoie un taxi - ce serait mieux... - iln'y aurait pas de discussions d'autant plus stériles que vous ne parlez sans doute pas le vietnamien et que le chauffeur fait semblant de parler anglais... -
Mais le paquet-cadeau... avec accueil, pourquoi pas fleurs 🙁etc.... c'est du profit pour un petit malin.. - à ne pas suivre.
Cordialement - Kimtwo
Le vent et les turbulences sont l'oeuvre de Dieu, mais la voile et le gouvernail nous appartiennent..
Voyager c'est aller de soi à soi, en passant par les autres (proverbe touareg)
bjr
je n'ai jamais payé quoi que ce soit pour accelerer le passage au poste de police a l'aeroport de hanoi (avez vous votre visa en poche ou lettre d'invitation pour prendre le visa a l'aeroport ??))
au niveaux des taxi , ce que vous propose votre hotel (17 $) est un prix correct peut etre pas le moins cher mais correct
si vous voulez en sortant de l'aerogare vous partez ver la droite en longeant le batiment , vous faite une centaine de metres et là vous allez trouver des minibus qui vous emmèneront au centre de hanoi , depose au sud du lac hoam kiem devant les bureaux vietnam air lines de là vous prenez un taxi ou un xe om pour rejoindre votre hotel
attention ces minibus sont pas cher (c'etait 2 $ il y a deux ans ) par contre ils partent quand ils sont complets et des fois s'arrete sur la route faire de la depose ou de la ramasse et dedans on est un peu compressé si on est hors gabarit 🙂
cdlt
kaoua
tu pars quand ?? je tutoie car si je me rappelle dans la belle province on ne connais pas le vous .........
Ben non, le vous ici est râre... 😉
J'arriverai à 11h du soir après 30hrs de vol, je vais donc accepter l'offre de l'hôtel. Comme disait Kimtwo, le taxi risque de me coûter 15$ (320000dg), donc 2$ de plus pour éviter de mauvaises expériences comme bienvenue dans le pays, c'est pas chère payé. Merci de ta réponse.
MarieFolie, L'aventurière...
Souriez à la vie et elle vous sourira.
bonjour,
tu a raison de prendre le taxi proposé par l'hotel car tu arrive tard avec beaucoup d'heure de vol donc la fatigue +le stress de la découverte d'un nouveau (magnifique) pays.
pas de soucis avec la douane du moment ou tu a bien ta lettre d'invitation , ton passeport et tes dollars us pour payer (a moin que ton visa soit déja fait)
a propos des taxi si tu doit en prendre a Hanoi (ou ailleurs) demande bien le prix avant la course 😉 j'ai du batailler (toujours avec le sourire) quelque fois pas pour grand chose mais bon question de principe.
bon vacance.
"le véritable coeur de Rome ne se situe pas dans le marbre du sénat, mais dans le sable du colisée"
bjr
oui tu as raison de prendre le tranfert proposé par l'hotel dans ton cas comme ça pas de stress et le lendemain tu y verra bien plus clair !!( et tu ne trouveras pas beaucoup moins cher en te débrouillant seule )
bon voyage dans ce beau pays , moi je repars le 23 vers saigon , je ferai une icursion a hanoi vers le 31 octobre , si tu es dans le coin fais moi signe
cdlt
Salut Kaouna, J'arrive le 5 nov. K.O. 2 jours, (selon mon expérience passé!) donc, si tu es encore dans le coin, avise moi et on prend un thé ensemble. Si tu as des suggestions pour moi ou conseil, tout est bienvenue. Je suis habitué a voyager et j'aime la campagne et les paysan, mais mon terrain de jeu habituel est plus l'Amérique Latine. Je n'ai pas bcp d'expérience avec l'Asie... Je suis une backpaker à petit budget, je suis plus une voyageuse qu'une touriste. Bonne route et au plaisir de se croiser.
MarieFolie, L'aventurière...
Souriez à la vie et elle vous sourira.
Pouvez vous me dire combien coute environ un taxi de l aeroport de hanoi jusqu au centre ville notre arrivee etant prevue en fin de soiree Merci a tous Bonne…
Existe-t-il un bus de l'aéroprt de Hanoi vers le centre ville de Hanoi (vers le lac Hoan Kiem)?? Je suis déjà allé au Vietnam, mais j'étais venu par Saigon.…
Bj Je dois arriver vers 01.30 (nuit) aéroport Hanoi A part les taxis, y a t'il d'autres transport à cette heure vers le centre ville? Combien coûte un taxi?…
Je pars pour le Vietnam dans moins d'une semaine et je me demandais si je réserve une navette avec l'hôtel (le little hanoi) ou si je prends le bus (ligne 17).…
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!
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 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! 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
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
