Bonjour tout le monde,
Partant pour 2 semaines au phillipines debut janvier 2010 avec vietnam airlines, j'ai une escale prévu au retour de 14H a Ho Chi Minh Ville.
J'aimerai savoir si il était possible de sortir de l'aéroport,
si oui faut-il prendre son visa par avance?
et que me conseiller vous de faire a Ho Chi Minh Ville durant une journée!!
Si vous souhaitez sortir de la zone internationale il vous faudra obligatoirement un visa pour vous rendre en ville. 7 kilomètres à faire pour rejoindre le centre ville (District 1). Taxi Vinasun ou Mai Linh recommandés pour faire le parcours qui coûte 75 000 VND. Parcourir ce district pour la journée avant de repartir est une bonne approche même si elle est assez "touristique".
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Comme ils vont devoir payer 95 000 VND, ils vont encore crier à l'arnaque!
Pas du tout, puisque de toutes façons, ils paieront ce qu'il y a d'inscrit au compteur avec une petite marge en fonction du trafic. De la cathédrale, je n'ai jamais payé plus cher que cela.
Pas du tout, puisque de toutes façons, ils paieront ce qu'il y a d'inscrit au compteur avec une petite marge en fonction du trafic
On paie selon la distance et non selon le temps. Si le compteur saute à l'arrêt, il faut descendre tout de suite du taxi🙂
Il se peut que de la cathédrale, la distance est légèrement inférieure de 1, 5 km par rapport à la rue Pham Ngu Lao, cela fait déjà 16 000 dông de plus, sans compter l'augmentation de prix du carburant d'il y a 3 jours qui a passé de 14 500 à 16 500, c'est à dire de 15%.
Autre chose, dorénavant, le péage est demandé à la sortie de l'aéroport, et les compagnies répercutent réglémentairement, ce péage dans le prix du trajet.
Je suis content de discuter de manière pratique sur un exemple concret car je suis d'humeur mauvaise quand je lis des accusations d'arnaque sans étayer tous les faits précis ni de pouvoir écouter les 2 tenants de l'histoire!
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
On paie selon la distance et non selon le temps. Si le compteur saute à l'arrêt, il faut descendre tout de suite du taxi🙂
Faux, il y a un autocollant de la compagnie (Vinasun ou Mai Linh) sous le taximeter qui indique les tarifs en général 9 à 10 000 VND du kilomètre après le montant forfaitaire de la prise en charge ainsi qu'un certain montant toutes les 5mns notamment parce que dans les embouteillages vous consommez quand même du carburant et que le chauffeur n'est pas en train de se divertir mais de travailler ce qui mérite salaire. Y est indiqué ainsi aussi le prix pour les très longues courses et les suppléments éventuels à la charge du client comme les péages.
Je ne porte aucune accusation d'arnaque et je rentre ce matin même de l'aéroport ce qui n'est sûrement pas votre cas. Les détenteurs de la science infuse sont légion sur ce forum et ne supportent pas la contradiction. Pour le paiement à la sortie de l'aéroport cela n'est pas nouveau, je l'ai toujours connu et cela est inclu dans le tarif que je donne. Le prix de l'essence bouge à la hausse ou la baisse comme partout dans le monde et ce n'est pas pour cela que les compagnies changent leurs tarifs en permanence au Viêt Nam comme à Paris.
les tarifs en général 9 à 10 000 VND du kilomètre après le montant forfaitaire de la prise en charge ainsi qu'un certain montant toutes les 5mns notamment parce que dans les embouteillages vous consommez quand même du carburant et que le chauffeur n'est pas en train de se divertir mais de travailler ce qui mérite salaire
J'ai eu l'occasion de poser la question au chauffeur de chez Mai Linh, si le compteur saute à l'arrêt, il m'avait affirmé que c'est négatif, je reposerai la question et au besoin je me renseignerai auprès de la centrale de la Compagnie.
Quoiqu'il en soit, vos affirmations démontrent que les accusations d'arnaque (je ne parle pas de vous bien entendu) devraient être étayées concrètement avant d'être prises au sérieux.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
La tranche des 5 mns correspond au temps d'attente que pourrait par exemple effectuer le chauffeur si son client lui demandait de l'attendre pendant qu'il fait une course avant de remonter dans le véhicule et de poursuivre la course. Ce principe s'applique aussi dans les embouteillages. De toute manière cela ne rapporte pas suffisamment et les chauffeurs préfèrent alors prendre les chemins de traverses que de rester bloqués. Tout le monde y gagne, le chauffeur et le client qui arrive plus vite à destination.
Au fait pourquoi aller jusqu'à Pham Ngu Lao pour une escapade de quelques heures à Saïgon ? Il n'y a rien a voir.
les chauffeurs préfèrent alors prendre les chemins de traverses que de rester bloqués. Tout le monde y gagne, le chauffeur et le client qui arrive plus vite à destination.
Le problème c'est que les suspicions d'arnaque à priori pèsent lourd dans certaines mentalités.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
C'est pourquoi avec une indication de 75 000 VND pour ce trajet avec une marge de 10%, l'auteur du post a une indication précise du coût du trajet et équipé d'un plan il pourra s'assurer de la bonne direction mais avec ces 2 compagnies il ne devrait pas avoir de problème.
La seule fois ou j'ai eu un problème c'est sur la direction à prendre : à droite d'après le chauffeur alors qu'à gauche un nouveau venait d'ouvrir pour relier 2 districts. Il m'a fait comprendre qu'il n'était pas en service, je lui ai fait comprendre que je n'étais pas touriste et connaissais un peu la ville pour la pratiquer en moto. Son entêtement m'a conduit à descendre du véhicule promptement, lui régler la prise en charge car le compteur n'avait pas eu le temps de tourner et de prendre son collègue sur le trottoir d'en face qui avait bien compris qu'il fallait tourner à gauche.
... une escale prévu au retour de 14H a Ho Chi Minh Ville.
J'aimerai savoir si il était possible de sortir de l'aéroport, si oui faut-il prendre son visa par avance?
Pose la question a la Cia concernée car il arrive parfois qu'un visa (il en faut un) puisse etre obtenu pour ce genre de cas particulier (quelques heures) par leur intermédiaire.
Bon voyage et surtout voyagez zen!
Michel France (85)
Pose la question a la Cia concernée car il arrive parfois qu'un visa (il en faut un) puisse etre obtenu pour ce genre de cas particulier (quelques heures) par leur intermédiaire.
Quelque soit la Cie, elle n'a aucun pouvoir sur un territoire d'un pays🙂.
La seule autorité à solliciter, c'est la douane elle-même. Elle ne délivrera pas de visa provisoire qui doit émaner du ministère de l'intérieur ou des affaires étrangères, mais elle conserve le passeport en laissant sortir de l'espace international.
Cela est arrivé qu'en cas de force majeure, l'exemple d'un avion qui a subi une avarie obligeant à attendre 12 H plus tard pour prendre un autre vol.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Je ne porte aucune accusation d'arnaque et je rentre ce matin même de l'aéroport ce qui n'est sûrement pas votre cas. Les détenteurs de la science infuse sont légion sur ce forum et ne supportent pas la contradiction. Pour le paiement à la sortie de l'aéroport cela n'est pas nouveau, je l'ai toujours connu et cela est inclu dans le tarif que je donne. Le prix de l'essence bouge à la hausse ou la baisse comme partout dans le monde et ce n'est pas pour cela que les compagnies changent leurs tarifs en permanence au Viêt Nam comme à Paris.
Je viens de découvrir ce paragraphe ajouté (à mon insu) après ma réponse!
Qui ne supporte pas la contradiction, dites-vous? Pas moi en tout cas!
La contradiction doit être valable dans les 2 sens, la personne qui évoque cet argument pour fustiger son interlocuteur doit se poser la question à elle-même.
Je ne prends évidemment pas le trajet de l'aéroport tous les matins, mais suffisamment depuis très longtemps et tout récemment aussi pour savoir le prix à payer depuis toujours, en l'occurence, la politique à faire payer le péage en sortie a changé depuis la nouvelle mise en service des voies d'accès de l'aéroport.
Cela dit, ce matin, si vous avez pris le trajet de l'aéroport à la Cathédrale, vous n'avez pas un problème d'embouteillage avec le défilé de la Croix Rouge Viêtnamienne et Singaporienne?
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Quelque soit la Cie, elle n'a aucun pouvoir sur un territoire d'un pays🙂.
..l.
Et non il ya de nombreux pays ou les Cies assurent la demande de visa de transit donc evite d'etre aussi affimatif dans tes propos SVP
... je disai de se renseigner pour le Vietnam c'est tout !
Bon voyage et surtout voyagez zen!
Michel France (85)
donc evite d'etre aussi affimatif dans tes propos SVP
... je disai de se renseigner pour le Vietnam c'est tout
Entre ta phrase initiale et la mienne, il n'y a pas d'incompatibilité🙂
Une cie peut faire l'intermédiaire pour solliciter pour un visa et le fait qu'elle n'a aucun pouvoir sur le territoire d'un pays, il n'y a pas d'incompatibilité.
Dans le cas du ViêtNam, j'ai un gros doute, parce que j'en suis confronté réellement à la situation et la réponse était non! Les autorités de l'aéroport étaient d'accord, mais pas la douane.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
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.
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.
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
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. ;-)
