Bonjour,
Je suis obligée de prendre des jours de congés avant fin mars (c'était pas prévu mais crise oblige...)
Nous pensons nous rendre 3 semaines au Vietnam.
Nous avons l'habitude de partir avec le sac sur le dos et d'éviter les touristes.
1. agence ou pas?
Une amie qui est allée au Vietnam en 2006 me dit qu'il faut réserver ces déplacements et excursions par agence... Perso ça me gêne un peu mais elle a l'air de me dire que c'est difficile de faire autrement...
Qu'en pensez -vous?
2. Qqn a-t-il des régions pas trop touristiques à nous indiquer? J'aimerais notamment voir des rizières, et dans la baie d'Along y a-t-il des coins plus intimes?
Agence, pas agence... Tout ca est une question de choix et de capacite a se debrouiller.
Il est possible de traverser le Viet Nam par ses propres moyens comme n'importe quel pays. Par contre, il est evident que les excursions se reservent via agences, ce qui est tout a fait normal. D'ailleurs, si vous voulez economiser en prenant des excursions collectives, seule l'agence peut vous servir d'intermediaire. Comment feriez-vous pour trouver des accompagnants afin de partager les frais ?
En ce qui concerne les deplacements, c'est pareil. Il existe des bus locaux et vous pouvez aller prendre vos tickets aux terminus et gares routieres. Pour les trains, rien ne vous empeche d'aller a la gare acheter votre billet. Pour l'avion, idem, il y a des sieges des compagnies dans les grandes villes. MAIS ne connaissant ni le pays ni la langue, vous allez perdre un temps precieux a trouver votre chemin, la destination voulue, le bus ou train a prendre, les horaires, etc. Dans ce cas, il reste bien plus simple et plus rapide de vous adresser a un intermediaire qui, bien entendu, prendra sa commission, mais vous obtiendra vos tickets, places, etc. dans l'heure ou au plus tard pour le lendemain matin.
Si vous voulez eviter les touristes, ce n'est pas dans les agences que vous devez aller, elles ne proposent que des circuits standard et vous retrouverez les memes personnes aux memes endroits. Sortir des sentiers battus necessite un guide local qui connait bien son boulot et a envie de travailler. Les guides a moto sont tres pratiques pour les backpackers, pas trop chers, ils vous emmenent dans l'arriere pays avec vos bagages pour un prix raisonnable.
Sans un moyen de locomotion prive, il vous sera tres difficile de sortir des sentiers battus, voila pourquoi, probablement, ton amie qu'il fallait reserver "par agence".
Pour ta seconde question, des rizieres, il y en a partout dans le pays, tout depend de ce que tu entends par la. Pour la baie d'Ha Long, oui, il y en a, mais pas forcement accessibles et il faut y mettre le prix. En fait, vu la frequentation, les parcours sont reglementes et les bateaux ne peuvent pas aller ou ils veulent, quand ils veulent.
Beaucoup adoptent la solution de louer une moto et la conduire eux-memes, mais je n'adhere pas ni ne le conseille, car c'est illegal.
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,
si l'on conduit une moto de 50 cc de cylindrée. C'est largment suffisant pour ses déplacements habituels
Tu es certain ? Enfin, de toute facon, des 50 cc, ca ne court pas les locations.
Si tu as le temps, puisque tu lis le vietnamien et moi pas (je sais, je devrais, mais bon... ), pourrais-tu compulser la loi et nous en faire une traduction (l'article a ce sujet) qu'on puisse savoir exactement de quoi il retourne. Merci pour le travail.
Pas besoin d'agences, surtout en France!!! Tout s'arrange sur place TRES facilement. Pour certaines excursions, vs faites une resa a l'hotel ou vs restez (ils sont tous aussi agence de voyages) a cause des difficultes d'y aller seul (Halong Bay). Les autres, ca se fait tres bien en solo a condition de savoir ou vs voulez aller. Ls htls vs donnent generalement ts les renseignements sur les bus et trains necessaires, pour elsquels ils vs font les resas (ils touchent une comm.)
Ds le nord, que je connais tres bien, a ne pas manquer a part Halong: Tam Coc (la baie d'halong terrestre pres de Ninh Binh). Tousristique, mais magique et, comme d'habitude, personne des que vs faites 500m a droite ou a gauche des lieux visites par les TO Lac Babe (magique et desert de touristes)
Maintenant, si ca vs dit, je peux vs expliquer comment aller "crapahuter" en plein Moyen Age ds les montagnes au nord de Babe pour 2j (ou 3). Rudimentaire mais unique!!!!
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Concernant le sujet qui t'intéresse, il est décrit à l'article 59. Il existe différents types de permis
Le permis A1 est obligatoire pour les cylindrées allant de 50 à 175 cc Le permis A2 pour les cylindrées au dessus de 175 cc. etc ...
Donc en dessous de 50 cc, il n'est pas besoin de permis dans la pratique. Je publierai la moto en dessous de 50 cc un de ces jours. De visu, ca ressemble aux autres motos, mais les agents de police savent distinguer en un simple coup d'oeil.
On en discute beaucoup sur le permis pour les motos électriques, peut-être l'Assemblée nationale se penche sur la question un de ces jours.
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,
mais quid des etrangers ?
Les étrangers ont le droit de conduire un vélo, donc une moto de cylindrée inférieure ou égale à 50 cc.
Il suffit d'avoir 18 ans🙂
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,
Nous rentrons d'un mois complet là-bas et, si vous voulez, nous pouvons vous aider. Nous nous étions fait un itinéraire sur mesure. Nous avons été enchantés. Y compris par ceux qui nous ont pris en charge là-bas en "collant" 100% à nos exigences.
Car, oui, si vous voulez ne pas perdre trop de temps à chaque fois trouver les services qu'il vous faut (et, au Vietnam, il faut se méfier des arnaques), il vaut mieux avoir quelqu'un.
Votre propositionest intéressante.
De mon côté, je pars en avril pour un mois. Je prépare le voyage et votre proposition est fort intéressante. Est-il possible que vous partagiez votre itinéraire avec moi aussi? De plus avez-vous le nom des agences ou circuits que vous avez pris? Le nom d'hôtels que vous me recommanderiez?
Bonjour,
suis interessé par itineraire region nord du lac.
Quel moyen locomotion, sejour chez l'habitant possible?
peut on louer voiture sur place et si oui, dans quel village localité.
merci
Qu'entendez vous par "region au nord du lac"? Ca va du lac a la frontiere chinoise, soit plus de 200km de tres mauvaises routes. Si vs parlez uniquement des montagnes immediatement au nord du lac, tres peu de routes et aucune voiture de location; seulement des taxis locaux a 17km du lac, avec des chauffeurs ne parlant pas un mot de francais ou d'anglais et connaissant tres mal la region. Le Vietnam n'est pas -heureusement- la Thailande. La ballade ds ces montagnes se fait en trekking, avec des logements extremement rudimeantaires, compenses par des paysages magnifiques. Si ca vs interesse, donnez-moi votre adresse e-mail par MP et je vs enverrai mes tres nombreuses notes de voyage incluant itineraires, htls, restaus, et comment y aller en bus publics ou en 4x4 avec chauffeur (en fait, ces notes -15 pages- couvrent tout le nord du Vietnam de Tam Coc a Sapa/Ha Giang/Cao Bang, regions que je connais a fond pour les avoir sillonnees en long, en large, et en travers en 3 fois 1 mois avec un chauffeur extraordinaire
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
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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,
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 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! 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
