Vous etes a la recherche d une region qui est certainement l une des plus belles d asie du sud est, pas vraiment touristique et pas trop cher ( allez faites pas les innocents, ici on cherche tous la meme chose !!😛)
et bien cherchez plus !!! : 🙂
Il y a deja des gens qui ont deja parle de cela tres bien ici avant moi (Abalone, Larsay que l on a croise sur Hanoi et qui nous a donne plein d infos... on les remerciera jamais assez...) mais je voulais faire un post plus precis pour le trajet Bac Ha - Meo Vac :
Notre but etait le suivant:
visitez cette region un peu reculee (apres avoir hesiter avec Sapa), mais en en quelques jours et pour pas trop cher, et si possible en moto... cela eliminait donc le fait de passer par une agence de Hanoi, genre la compagnie bourlingue, qui ont l air de proposer quelquechose de vraiment super mais qui etait vraiment hors budget pour nous.
Nos questions avant d y aller:
Est-ce que lon peut trouver une agence ou louer une moto pour visiter cette region apres avoir visiter les marches du Nord... la reponse est:
Sapa: oui sans probleme mais c est un peu loin et pas pratique apres pour aller vers Meo Vac
Bac Ha: oui c est l option qu on a prise
Ha Giang: oui d apres une canadienne qui m a dit qu elle avait pu le faire, on a pas vu d agence sur place mais la ville est suffisamment grande pour trouver une moto et un guide a mon avis
Ce que nous avons fait pour arriver a Bac Ha:
On est parti d Hanoi le vendredi soir en train, arrive sur Lao Cai le samedi matin vers 5h30 on a vite pris le bus public pour Bac Ha(ne pas ecouter les rabatteurs et descendre l avenue en face de la gare, vous allez directement tomber sur la gare routiere mais ne tarder pas car le bus enchaine assez rapidement apres le train.
On est a passez la journee autour de Sapa, vous pouvez soit aller a un marche non loin de la mais il vous faudra prendre une moto taxi (il est plutot difficile ou cher de trouver une voiture taxi a Bac Ha ), soit faire comme nous et visiter les villages alentours tres sympa avec des villageois accueillant qui vous invite a boire un coup chez eux !!
Et dans l apres midi, organiser votre excursion vers Meo Vac.
A Bac Ha, vous avez la possibilite pour rejoindre Ha Giang, de: louer une moto pour plusieurs jours, 8 dollars la journee
avantage: pas cher, vous allez ou vous voulez, la route apres Ha giang est plutot simple a trouver (quoique...)
inconvenient: pas de guide donc vous galerez un peu pour trouver votre chemin (surtout au debut) et les trajet sont assez long donc il faut vous levez tot pour etre sur de pas arriver dans la nuit, si vous avez la moindre m... et bah vous etes tout seul comme un c.. et tres peu de personne parlent anglais la ou vous passez, vous portez votre sac a dos
- louer une moto avec guide: pour deux ca nous a couter 120 dollars pour 4 jours (a 2 sur la moto), permis inclus (pour entrer dans la region). exclus: bouffe, hotel et essence pour nous et notre moto
avantage: c est quand meme nettement plus rassurant en cas de probleme, le guide peu faire l intermediare au niveau langue quand on croise des ethnies, il nous a montre des coins qu on aurait peu etre loupe en etant seul, il nous a pris notre gros sac sur sa moto
inconvenient: c est plus cher, ce n est pas des motos de cross mais des scooters classiques donc dans la boue il faut maitriser, le circuit est un peu plus balise (quoique...) louer une jeep avec le guide: dans les meme conditions que la moto c est 300 dollars pour 2 mais franchement si vous pouvez, pour decouvrir cette magnifique region choisissez la moto le bus ? : il n y a pas de bus direct qui rejoint Bac Ha a Ha Giang!!!!
Le trajet Bac Ha - Meo Vac
jour 1 (dimanche):
Marche de Bac Ha des 7h30, genial, super colore, tres peu de touriste a cette heure
Depart Bac Ha: 9h45
Passage par Lung Phin - Coc Pai (Xin Man) - Tan Quang
Arrivee Ha Giang 18h
Temps sur la moto: 7h
km: 200
Ce premier jour est le plus fatiguant, il est long et surtout le passage entre Lung Phin et Coc Pai est du chenin de terre, boueux puis caillouteux donc pas forcement facile... surtout avec un scooter !!!!... mais ca passe.... On y rencontre pas mal d ethnies, c est un circuit en lacet tres beaux dans les montagnes, on traverse des forets de pins etc... on rejoint ensuite la grande route pour rejoindre Ha Giang.
jour 2 :
Depart HaGiang: 8h00
Passage par Tam Son - Yen Minh - Sa Pinh - Dong Van
Arrivee Meo Vac : 18h
Temps sur la moto: 6-7h
km: 180
La beaute au cours du trajet en partant de Ha giang va en grandissant pour arriver a son point d orgue entre Dong Van et Meo Vac. Vous etes entoures de pitons calcaire tout le long, imaginez la baie d halong... mais en montagne avec un precipice de l autre cote...
Un arret peu etre fait pret de Sa Phin pour aller voir le H'mong Palace, plus une belle demeure en bois qu un palace mais ca vaut le coup d oeil quand meme !!
Personnellement nous avons pas mal voyager en asie du sud est, on est loin d avoir la pretention d avoir tout vu mais il faut avouer que cette route est fabuleuse et avec le lac Inle en birmanie, l un des paysages les plus fabuleux qu on est vu dans le coin....
A meo Vac, on a trouver un hotel tout a fait correct pour 120 d et pour les restos et bien c est resto populaire... mais pas si mal non plus
jour 3 :
Depart Meo Vac: 9h
Passage par Lung Phin - Mau Due - Yen Minh MAIS possibilite de passer a partir de Mau Due par Du Gia et Minh Ngoc ca rajoute 30 km, la route est en partie boueuse et difficile mais apparemment elle est tres belle et ca permet de ne pas repasser par le meme chemin a la fin... on ne l a pas fait car il pleuvait donc impraticable... 😕
Arrivee Ha Giang 17h
Temps sur la moto: 6h
km: 170
La route est une nouvelle fois magnifique, surtout apres Meo Vac,
ca ne nous a pas du tout derange de reprendre la meme route vers la fin, on la redecouvre sous un autre angle et si vous avez un peu de chance (ou malchance) comme nous, le matin vous vous taper des trombes d eau mais vous etes recompense l apres midi car vous voyez les H'mong blancs du coin sortir la charrue et les buffles pour labourer la terre humide !!!
jour 4 :
Depart Ha Giang: 9h
Passage par Viet Quang (Bac Quang) - Yen Binh (Quang Binh) - Pho Rang - Pac Ngam
Arrivee Bac Ha: 15h
Temps sur la moto: 6h
km: 180
La route est assez facile et heureusement car au bout de 4 jours de scooter c est fatiguant, le matin vous passez par des coins assez sympa et peu frequete dans la campagne et les rizieres, c est tres sympa... les deux dernieres heures sont par contre plutot chiante a partir de yen binh a remonter la montagne pour arriver sur Bac Ha...
Si vous voulez prendre le dernier bus pour Lao Cai (a 15 h ) levez vous plus tot !!!
L agence par laquelle on est passee:
Hoang Vu Tours - Hoang Yen Bar et restaurant, en face du Sao Mai Hotel
Email: hoangyenbar@gmail.com
Website: http://www.bachatourism.com
Rien a dire si ce n est que notre guide Bon Do Van etait tres competent, il connait vraiment bien la region, et prenait le temps de s arreter dans tous les coins qui paraissait sympa, c est pas le super pote avec lequel tu vas boire un coup le soir mais il fait tres bien son boulot et il n y a pas de probleme si tu souhaite allez voir un truc pas prevu dans le coin...
Lagence organise aussi un tas de treck de 1j, 2j voir 10j !!! dans le coin et elle loue une jeep (celle a 300 dollars pour 4 j...)
Voila je crois que je vous ai tout dit... une derniere chose... on ne connait du coup pas Sapa mais on ne regrette pas le moins du monde notre choix car ce que l on se doutait pas c est que certe la portion la plus belle est autour de Meo Vac mais que la route est splendide tout au long du parcours !!!!!
Pour les sceptiques (il y en a encore???!!!! 🏴☠️) une petite photo... si vous en voulez d autres... et avoir notre ressenti en direct cliquez sur notre blog !!!
Il vaut mieux avoir vu une fois qu'avoir entendu cent fois.
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,
Ce n est pas une route oubliee, c est juste que beaucoup prefere te conter du Sapa, du Hoi An ou du Phu Quoc.
Pour te rappeler a tes bons souvenirs :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXSoUKourDQ
Sauf que la route Bac Ha-Hoang Su Phi est maintenant en plein travaux pour plusieurs mois (confirme par 3 personnes differentes) et qu'il semblerait qu'on ne passe plus ou tres difficilement (j'attends confirmation). Si ca ne passe pas, il faut redescendre sur la 70 jusqu'a Pho Rang puis remonter sur la 279 direction Viet Quang, puis la 2 pour HG
Pour le reste, voir mes 20 pages de notes du 23 sept 2009 (je n'arrive pas a etablir le lien -Pb d'Internet ces temps ci)
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Ce n est pas une route oubliee, c est juste que beaucoup prefere te conter du Sapa, du Hoi An ou du Phu Quoc.
Pour te rappeler a tes bons souvenirs :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXSoUKourDQ
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
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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. ;-)
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! :-)
