Nous partons pour le Vietnam le 14 Octobre avec un visa multi-entrée de 90 jours.
Nous commençons l'aventure par Saigon.
Notre idée c'est de trouver une moto (180cc maximum comme nous avons put pas mal le lire sur les forums divers, puisque, malheureusement, le permis moto de Monsieur n'est pas valable au Vietnam) et de remonter vers le Nord en prenant notre temps et en tentant d'en voir le maximum.
Nous avons notre "Lonely Planet" et nous allons probablement suivre les routes conseillées mais j'aurai aimé savoir si il y avait, par hasard, des endroits, des petits coins, des perles peu connues que vous pourriez nous conseiller de part votre expérience?
Nous avons le temps de notre côté et tous conseils sont les bienvenus. J'imagine que vous devez surement voir ce genre de messages pas mal de fois sur le forum mais malheureusement nous n'avons aucune expérience du Vietnam et nageons en eau trouble pour le moment.
Passeriez-vous plus de temps au Sud, au Nord, au Centre? Ou le tout mérite-t-il la même attention?
Dans les fabuleuses montagnes du Nord du Vietnam, a couper le souffle surtout a moto. Il y a des parcours extraordinaires.
Attention a cette periode mauvais temps sur le littoral du Centre. Depuis Saigon je vous conseille de gagner les Hauts Plateaux en passant par Dalat. Puis Hoi An et Hue. Plus au Nord, le parc national de Phong Nha Ke Bang. Mettez la moto dans le train pour vous rendre a Ninh Binh pour decouvrir la baie d Along terrestre. Puis gagner la vallee de Mi Chau pour la RN32 pour un fabuleux tour dans les montagnes du Nord.
Vous pouvez louer une moto a Saigon et la rendre a Hanoi 🙂
Merci beaucoup pour vos conseils nous avons pris bonnes notes!
Pour la moto nous allons plutôt opter pour l'achat et carnet de voyage (mon compagnon avait fait cela en Inde) car nous espérons traverser Laos/Cambodge et Thaïlande avec cette dernière également.
Nous avons pris quelques jours sur Saigon pour pouvoir trouver le bon revendeur et la bonne moto :)
Je vois que vous serez au Vietnam pendant 90 jours, donc ceci vous permettra de bien exploiter le Vietnam au Nord du Sud et bien sur cela dépend de votre désirs et souhaits que vous allez rester plus ou moins de temps dans chaque région. Voici les stes a ne pas rater selon mon idée personnelle:
Le Nord: Les régions montganeuses dont Sapa, Hagiang, Caobang, Dien Bien Phu + Baie d'Along + Hoa lu + Tam coc
Le Centre: Reserve de Phong Nha, Hue, Danang, Hoi An, Nha Trang
Le haut plateau: Kontum, Buon ma Thuot, Dalat
Le Sud: Tay Ninh + Cu chi + region de Mekong + ile de Phu Quoc.
Pour louer une moto au Vietnam maintenant, ce sera un peu compliquéet il vous faut une assurance qui vous couvre dans le cas nécessaire.
Le vietnam a moto, c'est dans mes plan aussi pour decembre-janvier ( entre 30 et 45 jours ), votre experience me serai très pratique( location vs achat etc. ). Est-ce possible une fois les formalités prises de publier votre expérience. Merci
Dominic
Bonjour, pour acheter une moto, allez voir sur CraigList, c'est en general le site ou la plupart des particuliers mettent leurs motos en vente...
en 3 mois au Vietnam, vous avez largement le temps de faire du sud au nord ou nord au sud sans avion ni train.
Je dirais: Saigon / Balade dans le Mekong / Phan Thiet Mui Ne /prendre la route qui longe la cote vers le nord jusqu'a Nha Trang/ route de Nha Trang a Dalat / Dalat Buon Ma Thuot / Pleiku / Kon Tum / puis remonter la QL14 jusqu'a Hoi An/ Danang / Hue / Ho Chi Minh Trail jusqu'a Phong Nha (Dong Hoi) / jusqu'a Ninh Binh en passant par Vinh / Mai Chau / Hanoi / puis tout le grand nord
Le Vietnam a moto en decembre/janvier c est pas terrible a moto. Dans les montagnes il va faire froid, voir tres froid. Le Centre c est la saison des pluies.
Preferez le Laos a cette periode, vous ne le regreterrez pas 😉
Merci du conseil. Le site "quandpartir" est très favorable pour cette periode je vais faire quelque recherche pour ajusté mon itinéraire puisque je part 6 mois et veux faire la thailande, Laos, Vietnam et Cambodge ca me donne de la latitude. Je commence mon voyage a BKK le 1 novembre ..mon itinéraire est pas encore défini. Serai quand le meilleur moment pour faire le Vietnam ( timeframe de 30-45 jours ) et direction nord-sud ou sud-nord..d'apres toi ? Moyen de transport pour le Vietnam sera la moto ainsi que pour le Laos. Thaïlande serai en bus , train.
Le nord du Vietnam en moto en décembre-février ? Ce n'est pas le Canada (où j'ai fait du ski à la frontière du Maine en février ; never again !!!!)mais vous pouvez tout de même amener les gros pulls, les anoraks, les gros gants et les bottes fourées ! Décembre est OK dans le Nord, mais janvier et février sont 2 mois de climat horrible. J'ai connu 5° le matin et le soir à Sapa (et les maisons d'hôtes pour le trekking ne sont pas chauffées) et des brouillards glacials qui peuvent durer pendant des jours. Donc, si vous insitez sur cette période, commencer par le Nord.
Le problème de la location de moto est double : il faut obligatoirement ramener la moto à son point de départ, et, à moins de payer une caution de 4-500$, il faut laisser son passeport en garantie. Mieux vaut un achat, 350-450$ pour une bonne 125cc d'occasion, facilement revendable dans le quartier des Routards, où vous trouvez facilement vendeurs et acheteurs. Ne pas prendre une automatique car pas de frein moteur et les freins deviennent brûlants dans les longues descentes des cols du Nord.
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Merci pour les conseils, Ainsi je vais évité le nord Vietnam en janvier et février , je suis pas maso quand même..j'aime avoir chaud en peu :-). Le mode achat/revente sera la méthode a utilisé pour la moto. Pas facile de faire un itinéraire en tenant compte de la température mais c'est un joli problème...
Merci à tous pour vos réponses et navrée du délai!
Nous allons de suivre un maximum vos conseils.
Nous avions jeté un coup d'oeil à Craiglist mais nous pensons tenter de trouver un magasin et y trouver la moto qui conviendra le plus à notre compagnon. Nous avons récupéré quelques adresses via d'autres voyageurs pour jeter un coup d'oeil sur Saigon.
Pour nous l'achat est plus intéressant: nous prévoyons également le Laos, la Thaïlande et le Cambodge avec cette dernière.
Comme déjà dit dans l'un de vos postes: l'achat est généralement intéressant, la revente est parfois au même prix que l'achat (plus ou moins). C'est un gros investissement au début mais qui en vaut la peine sur le long terme. Mon compagnon avait acheté une Enfield en Inde à 500 dollars et l'a revendu à 450 dollars après un an et 25 000 km. On va donc encore opter pour cette solution.
En tout cas j'ai bien hâte de découvrir de pays! Comme vous l'avez dit le Nord sera un peu frisquet en Décembre mais nous devrons faire avec!
Encore une fois merci à tous de vos retours, de vos expériences, nous échangerons la notre durant notre voyage!
Déjà merci à tous, nous sommes au Vietnam depuis déjà presque 3 semaines, le temps passe vite, et on avance cool Raoul (on est seulement à Dalat qu'on a trouvé tellement sympa et relaxant qu'on y a passé une semaine.)
On descend tout juste sur Nha Trang et vous nous aviez conseillé Buon Ma Thuot également sur le chemin. Je me demandais: est-ce que Quy Nhon à la place vaut le coup ou Buon Ma Thuot vaut réellement le détour?
En tout cas nous comprenons mieux toutes ces réglementations sur les motos au Vietnam et tous les messages à ce sujet sur le forum. Il est hors de question pour moi de toucher à une moto en tant que conductrice (déjà parce que je n'ai pas de permis moto vietnamien et international mais surtout parce que sans expérience je ne me vois pas éviter bus/camions et j'en passe sur ce genre de routes!) et je laisse tout le boulot à Monsieur.
Sinon, avec notre petite expérience de 3 semaines, on A-DO-RE le Vietnam! On a rencontré des personnes adorables, la nourriture est vraiment sympa, on en prend plein les yeux, alors merci à Voyageforum et ceux qui y contribuent, vous nous avez aidé à bien débuter notre voyage et je vous suis super reconnaissante!
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Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure