Mon ami et moi serons sur Hanoi d'ici la fin de semaine pour y rejoindre des amis qui arrivent le 19 novembre 2008. En les attendant, nous souhaiterions en profiter pour visiter un peu le Nord du Vietnam. Comme il ne s'agit que de 4 jours...je pense qu'il faut se focaliser sur un lieu. J'ai fait des recherches sur le forum et j'ai noté Bam Lac Mai Chau. Sinon j'ai aussi vu Sepa mais les avis ne sont pas unanimes. Sinon il y a la Baie d'Halong bien sûr mais nous la ferons probablement avec eux quand ils arriveront.
Si vous avez des idées ....
Mille mercis par avance
A bientôt
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Pour trois jours, le Nord-Est est tres interessant et beau, peu frequente encore par les touristes, vous pourrez y voir la nature, les montagnes, aller a la frontiere chinoise et rencontrer l'une ou l'autre ethnie.
Ha Noi - Lang Son - Cao Bang - chutes de Ban Gioc
Circuit de sapa par le train
3 jours- 4 nuits
une nuit au village des montagnards - une nuit a l'hotel
8 h du soir, aller a la gare Tran Quy Cap pour LAO CAI. coucher sur le train
jour 1. 7:30 matin, le train arrive a la gare LAO CAI
Arrive a sapa a 9h matin. le guise dirige le voyageur au village lao chai, ta van. coucher la maison sur poteaux des montagnards.
jour 2. promenade pour visiter le village giang ta chai. nuitee a l'hotel a sapa.
jour 3. le matin est libre, 4pm le guide invite le voyageur a l'hotel a la gare lao cai, monter sur le train vers hanoi
Bonjour,
Comme vous avez 4 jours, vous pouvez decouvrir une partie des ethnies du haut Tonkin pour voir de beaux paysages, la vie typique de plusieurs ethnies minoritaires et leur marche tres interessant.
Voici un itineraire d'exemple :
J1 Vendredi : HN/Lao Cai train de nuit
J2 Samedi : Lao Cai /Bac Ha/ visite du marche Can can. Balade Ban Pho Nuit a bac ha
J3 Dimanche : Visite du mache de Bac Ha (tres interessant). Apres midi bac ha/Sapa
J4 Lundi Sapa visite. transfert a la gare pour train de nuit Lao Cai/Hanoi
Je pense que tu devrais écouter Ottlnpac, qui est sûrement de bons conseils...
Concernant SAPA, je l'ai fait en tour organisé. Il y a effectivement aussi le train jusqu'à Lao Cai, je trouve que c'est peut-être un peu fatigant. Et ensuite Lao Cai est à une heure de route de Sapa.
Ensuite Bac Ha est à 3 heures de bus, c'est superbe à condition d'assister au marché du Dimanche.
Il faudrait que tes 3 jours de balade tombent le week end, en attendant tes amis ? Est ce possible ?
C'est très intéressant bien sûr, touristique il est vrai, moi j'ai adoré mais j'y étais il y a quelques années déjà.( 97 et 99 ).
Pourquoi ne pas rester tranquillement autour de Hanoï en attendant vos amis ?
Par exemple aller à HOA LU (Ninh Binh), c'est à 3 heures de route à peine. C'est une jolie excursion en barque, la plupart des touristes font l'aller retour dans la journée mais il y a moyen de passer une nuit sur place, c'est sûrement plus agréable.
Il y a aussi l'excursion à "la pagode des parfums", 3 heures de route environ, même type de balade en barque, (peut-être moins jolie), puis excursion jusqu'à la grotte. Il faut marcher une heure environ.
Réserves bien sûr la Baie d'Along pour la suite du voyage, 6 heures de trajet depuis Hanoï.
Je suis toujours contente de rencontrer quelqu'un qui aime autant Hanoi, le Nord et ses environs que moi.... je n'aurais pas fait mieux concernant les indications sur les excursions - un seul bémol, question que je me pose : pourquoi le voyage Hanoi - Sa Pa vous a semblé fatigant ? - on prend le train vers 21 h, - arrivée 6/7 heures à Lao Cai - c'est vrai que le "couchage" est folklo, surtout quand on a eu la couchette du haut comme ce fut mon cas, mais le parcours Lao Cai-Sa Pa se fait en minibus relativement confortable - peut-être y a-t-il eu des améliorations depuis votre séjour ?
De toutes manières, c'est une belle excursion à faire et les paysages montagneux feront le bonheur des photographes (entre deux nuages peut-être).
Bonne journée - 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)
J'ai déjà lu plusieurs de vos réponses concernant le Vietnam, et remarqué que vous aimiez ce pays...
J'aime vraiment beaucoup Hanoï et le Nord moi aussi, même si j'ai été 2 fois à Sapa je suis consciente de ne pas bien connaître cette région. En 3 jours c'est loin d'être suffisant, les tours organisés sont un peu frustrants bien sûr. L'idéal je suis sûre c'est de louer une voiture et de pouvoir s'arrêter quand on veut, où l'on veut.
Concernant le train jusqu'à Lao cai, je trouve cela fatigant car je suis incapable de dormir...C'est donc un avis personnel bien sûr, et arriver vers 6 heures du matin toute seule ne m'aurait pas vraiment plu. Lao Cai n'est pas une ville très agréable il me semble.
Lorsque j'y étais, la première fois en 97, la route était très mauvaise à certains endroits, pas goudronnée, c'était mieux la deuxième année. Les touristes allaient jusqu'à Sapa en moto, je ne savais pas qu'il y avait des bus. C'est pour cela que j'ai dit que c'était un trajet fatiguant, 12 heures en bus ou une nuit en train cela représente quand même beaucoup d'heures de trajet pour 3 jours à peine, c'est à dire 2 jours de route aller retour.
Mais c'est quand même génial ! Cela reste pour moi à voir absolument.
( La proposition d'Ottlnpac pour le Nord-Est me semble intéressante aussi, question distances est-ce aussi loin ?)
Le tout est de savoir si "lafouine" est vraiment motivée à faire de la route pendant ces 3 jours et si elle avait une idée des distances. Ou si c'est juste une envie de "meubler" 3 jours en attendant ses amis ?
J'espère en tout cas que ces infos l'aideront à y voir un peu plus clair...
Concernant le train jusqu'à Lao cai, je trouve cela fatigant car je suis incapable de dormir...
Vous dormirez mieux si vous prenez des wagons de luxe loués par de nombreuses compagnies privées. Les compartiments sont insonorisés et équipés avec beaucoup de confort (boissons chaudes à volonté). Les tarifs ne me semblent pas prohibitifs car j'ai composé mon séjour avec l'hôtel d'Hanoi (une 4*4 privée pour 3 jours de ballade): Gia Thinh Hôtel
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,
Vous dormirez mieux si vous prenez des wagons de luxe loués par de nombreuses compagnies privées.
Et quand on n'a pas de sous ???😉😉😉
Je comprens Ming, j'ai toutes les peines du monde a dormir ailleurs que dans mon lit. Je m'octroie donc exceptionnellement un petit somnifere (ou un demi selon le nb d'heures a dormir). Ca fait une bonne economie.
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,
Puisqu'on est dans les confidences d'oreiller 😉😉😉😉 comme je n'ai jamais pris l'ombre d'un somnifère de ma vie.. je dors comme un bébé dans un train, un avion, sur un cactus....n'importe où : je crois que le secret est là : faut mieux laisser passer une nuit blanche de temps en temps : on récupérera mieux la nuit suivante ....
Ca explique le trajet Hanoi-Lao Cai où perchée dans ma couchette supérieure, malmenée par les arrêts intempestifs et le hurlement des freins duquel je suis sortie "presque" fraiche comme une rose !!!.....😄😄😄😄
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)
Bonjour,
Pourquoi vous ne restez pas a Hanoi pour decouvrir cette ville?
D'apres moi, 3 jours, vous pouvez profiter du temps de repors en visitant quelques sites.
Un jour pour citytour
Un jour pour croisere sur la riviere de Rouge
Un jour visiter les villages de metiers (Ceramic de Bat Trang et la soie de Ha Dong). Si non tu peux visiter Ninh Binh ou Mai Chau dans 1 jour.
Bon voyage!
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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.
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!
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
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
