bonjour a tous et un salut amical a tous ceux qui contribuent a alimenter ce forum
( Pat de nha trang, Abalone, Larsey, breiz29 etc.)
Me voici de retour pour un mois au Vietnam et cette annee je commence par le sud .
voici quelques infos sur la region du delta, peut etre pas la plus belle mais intressante quand meme.
Deux nuits passees a Saigon chez Miss Loi ( 13 dollars la nuit avec petit dej)
correct mais je m attendais a mieux.
L hotel Thao thanh ou j etais l an dernier est bien ferme malgre qu il figure encore sur l edition 2009 du GR qui trainait abandonnee a la reception .
Taxi matinal de Missloi au bureau Cie Mailinh de la rue Le hong phong 30000 dongs
puis depart a 6 heures de la navette gratuite pour gare routiere MienTai
Personnel tres sympa a ce bureau
Le jour se leve, les rues sont deja pleines de gens en train de pratiquer gym, tai chi, jogging et les anciens sont deja assis en train de papoter .
Le vietnam des leve-tot et qui profite de la fraicheur
Depart Camau 7h00 120000 dongs, arrivee 15h30 via cantho, soctrang et baclieu.
On passe le pont de Cai rang et celui de phung hiep ou j etais alle voir les marches flottants l an passe.
la route entre cantho et soctrang longe une voie d eau animee et sur la berge opposee se trouve un chemin qui la longe sur des kms.
Au bord de la route seche le riz
voila un coin a parcourir en moto ou velo.
par contre de soctrang a Baclieu route moins interessante
Camau nuit d hotel a 380000dongs avec petit dej au Quoc Te hotel
pas grand chose a voir en ville mais population sympa et etonnee de voir un touriste,
beaucoup de filles, honnetes, mais curieuses viennent demander d ou tu viens.
Camau -Hatien : le receptionniste m a explique qu il existait une deuxieme gare routiere a Camau (modeste en fait )
taxi mailinh hotel gare =40000 dongs
billet pour Hatien dans minibus 15 places =85000 dongs depart 6h50, traversee de Rach gia vers 10h, depose de passagers et arrivee hatien 11h45
parcours vraiment chouette qui emprunte une route etroite a travers marais, rizieres,
ponts metalliques etroits, on longe des canaux, bac avant Rach gia qui donne l occasion d une mini croisiere
La section la plus belle a mon avis est entre Camau et Vinh Thuan petite ville qui a l air sympa.
Beaucoup de travaux egalement a proximite des ponts, certains vont etre remplaces par du beton
L arrivee sur hatien offre une jolie vue sur la ville aux tons patels mais le pont flottant n existe plus ( bien joue le GR 2009 toujours aussi a jour ...) et a ete remplace par un pont en beton .
visiblement d autres travaux pour amenager les rives sont en cours et la ville en souffre . mais en s ecartant du centre on decouvre plein de petites rues verdoyantes et le soir le centre ville est sympa sans la folie des grandes villes.
ce matin tour en mototaxi aux plages vers Muinai (campagne pas desagreable) et pagodes
Cet apres midi que des orages qui se sont succedes, donc j ai renonce a aller a la peninsule de Hon chong
demain depart pour revoir Chau doc, une ville qui m avait bien plu
Contente de voir que le coin te plait. Je n'ai pas pu me rendre a Ca Mau comme prevu et suis de retour a Nha Trang apres notre passage a Con Giuoc pour distribuer les mallettes et livres a l'ecole. Je ne bouge plus pour le moment (trop de choses a regler). Si tu passes par ici, contacte moi, je te verrai avec plaisir.
J'espere pouvoir visiter la region par laquelle tu es passe d'ici quelques mois (je crois que je vais attendre la fin de la mousson).
Si tu repasses par Saigon, une bonne adresse de GH, tenue par un Viet Kieu francophone :
PHONG CHO TUE
15/12 HONG HA - F2 - QUAN TAN BINH
(c'est a deux pas de l'aeroport mais pas de bruits d'avion et dans une ruelle tres calme).
mobile : 00.84.933.086.812
Tel avant car il n'y a que 4 chambres, tres propres, pour 12 USD. Le patron est super sympa et connait bien le delta ainsi que la region de Khan Hoa et Ninh Hoa, il pourra te renseigner judicieusement.
Me voici arrive de retour a Chau Doc .
J ai quitte ma guest house de Hatien, filles de la reception parlant tres mal anglais mais gentilles, souriantes et toujours en train de rigoler.
Maintenant elle savent prononcer 'Do you need Bath towels ?'
je n avais rien compris a ce qu elles me proposaient en arrivant.
La salle de sejour / entree de la guest etait remplie de touristes vietnamiennes hier soir.Un veritable campement de refugiees, chacune avait sa natte et son oreiller pour dormir sur le carrelage . Etonnant .
Quel goujat que je suis moi qui avait une chambre avec deux grands lits d avoir laisse ces pauvres femmes dormir a la dure.
Ce matin elles decampaient en bus prive a 5h30, du coup reveil matinal et je suis parti tot car le bus pour Chaudoc etait soi disant.... a 8 heures.
En se rendant a la gare routiere on croise le fameux bus qui etait deja parti a 6h30
le xeom lui fait signe de s arreter, prix du billet annonce par l assistant 120000 dongs
La je ne suis pas content, ce n est pas ruineux mais pour ce prix j ai fait Saigon Camau dans un minibus valable, celui ci est une antiquite en sale etat
et j aime pas etre pris pour un pigeon >du coup je fais semblant de redescendre, et le tarif annonce chute a 40000 dongs ce qui fait rigoler un passager vietnamien anglophone qui raconte l histoire aux autres passagers qui m approuvent.
Pour atteindre Chaudoc on a mis 4 heures.
au depart moitie des places occupees mais par la suite c etait bourre et de plus en plus folklorique.
j etais assis plie en quatre entre deux rangees de pipelettes locales qui se racontaient leur vie, celle de derriere avec une voix aigue, un vrai moulin a paroles et bonjour les decibels dans mes pauvres tympans. plus les kms passaient plus me prenait l envie de l etrangler .
A un moment elle est descendue, quel soulagement pour mes oreilles.
Cependant je n ai pas fait de progres pour reconnaitre les differentes intonations.
sinon une autre pipelette de derriere avait mal au coeur et avait recupere un sac papier, moi je me voyais bien parti pour nettoyer mon petit sac a dos place devant elle, tandis que pipelette de devant elle crachait sur le plancher pres de mes pieds.
Donc quelques moments de franche misogynie m ont traverse l esprit.
Dire que hier mon taximoto de Hatien me proposait d epouser sa soeur pas mariee a 35 ans . (Il faut prevoir un baillon dans la dot et des boules quies si elle est du meme tonneau )
Je ne parle par des gars qui fument dans le bus, du chauffeur qui coupe pas le moteur a la station service, mais bon ce sont des bons moments quand on y repense et fait le charme de l aventure.
La route Hatien Chaudoc est quelconque, passe par kien long, Tri ton, Nha bang
route etroite entre Nha bang et Chaudoc et embouteillages sur la fin avec les visiteurs du mont Sam.
Demain mon hotel me passe un velo, je traverse le Bassac et revisite de ce coin merveilleux qui m avait enchante l an passe .
cdlt
Jean
En se rendant a la gare routiere on croise le fameux bus qui etait deja parti a 6h30
Il y a un autre bus qui parte pour Chau Doc autour de 10 H 00. Celui-là passe à la frontière de Ha Tien pour prendre des passagers en provenance du Cambodge. Le café restaurant à cette frontière sert un peu de salles d'attente pour les passagers.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Je lis avec plaisir et grand amusement que tu as decouvert les joies du delta populaire. C'est vrai que cela surprend et enerve, mais c'est tellement "Viet Nam".
Je te "rassure" tout de suite, tu peux rencontrer les memes pipelettes dans les bus touristiques. Dernierement, j'ai pris le Sinh Cafe de jour entre Nha Trang et Mui Ne et j'avais comme voisines deux Chinoises, mere et fille, qui n'arretaient pas non plus, meme en mangeant. J'ai commence a compter les temps morts et ne suis jamais arrivee au-dela des 12 secondes. Cinq heures trente de pepiements ! Bienvenue au Club !😎😎😎😎
Malgre la difficulte de ce genre de trajet, je ne manque pas de remettre le couvert de temps a autre, ca a vraiment son charme et il y a de quoi pondre des articles interessants.
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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
