Je pars en Thaïlande un mois entre mi octobre et mi novembre. Je compte crapahuter principalement dans le Nord mais j'hésite entre l'Ouest et l'Est...On a tendance à dire que l'Est en plus authentique mais laisser Chiang Mai et autres de côté n'est ce pas dommage? Si quelqu'un connaissant ces deux régions peut me les décrire un peu afin que je me fixe en tenant compte des expériences de chacun, ça serait super!
Sinon, je compte terminer par une petite semaine dans le sud, les pieds en éventail. Quelqu'un connaitrait il une petite île sympa sur la côte Sud Est, pas trop touristique??
Salut,
Tu trouveras sur mon site à la rubrique "Voyages/Juin-Aout 2007" le récit de mes deux mois dans le nord (juillet et aout).
Pour moi, Chiang Mai est la meilleure base de départ. De là tu peux soit faire le tour du triangle d'or dans le nord, faire la boucle CM-Lampang-Phrae-Nan-Phayao-CM ou celle CM-Pai-Mae Hong Son-Mae Sariang-CM.
PS : Si tu souhaites répondre à mon intervention, merci de le faire en message privé ou par email via mon site car je ne peux pas relire tous les messages auxquels j'ai participé sur ce forum.
Ces deux régions sont très différentes. L'Ouest (région de Chiang Maï) est très montagneuse alors que l'Est (l'Issan) est assé plate.
Je dirai que l'Ouest est plus dédiée aux paysages alors que l'Issan est plus dédiée aux rencontres avec les habitants. Par contre L'Ouest étant touristique tu auras beaucoup plus de facilitées pour voyager qu'à l'Est qui ne fait pas partie des circuits touristiques. Si tu visites l'Issan tu auras aussi plus de difficultées à cause de la barrière de la langue et il est plus interressant de visiter l'Issan en Juin, Octobre et Novembre car les gens s'affaire aux travaux des rizières.
Sinon pour l'Issan ce qui est très interressant à visiter, ce sont les temples Khmers qui longent la frontière Cambodgienne, afin de donner un avant gout a la visite d'Angkor au Cambodge. Une autre ballade sympa à faire en Issan est de longer le Mekong en s'arrétant dans les petites villes.
Bref il y a autant à voir et à visiter dans les deux régions.
Pour ma part connaissant les deux régions, je dirai qu'à l'Ouest tu seras plutôt sur l'autoroute touristique (Chiang Maï, le triangle d'or....) alors qu'en Issan tu seras plus dans une région épargnée par le tourisme de masse (c'est pour cela qu'on dit que l'issan est plus authentique, car pas encore atteinte par les travers du buissenes touristique).
Je serai sur place exactement au même dates entre ces deux régions donc si tu as besoins d'infos n'hésites pas.
Autre infos tu seras sur place pour Loy Kratong (2 Novembre) et c'est une fête à ne pas rater et qui est très importantes pour les Thaïs. Par contre si tu désires suivre les festivités sur Sukhothaï ou Ayuthaya (les sites recommandés pour ces festivités, mais cela se déroule aussi partout à travers le pays) il vaut mieux réserver un hotel assé tôt car les Thaïs se déplacent de toutes la Thaïlande pour y assister.
C'est sur que CM est la meilleur base de départ pour ceux qui veulent faire SEULEMENT le NORD-OUEST de la thailande.
Le nord de la Thailande n'est pas seulement CM........😕
Le mieu est de toute manière de démarrer de Chiang Mai, au point le plus éloigner on sera toujours au maximum à 1 journée de Chiang Mai, mais l'Ouest est vraiment très couru alors qu'a l'est (pas l'Isan pour ceux qui n'auraient pas compris)il y a encore tout a faire et a découvrir, il ne faut pas ce croire explorateur car souvent la curiosité c'est nous, mais c'est quand même autre chose.
Pour la description, peu habiter, les distances entre deux points interessant est assez élevée, il y a des Bus partout mais il est presque nécessaire de ce déplacer avec un véhicule, il y a des endroits ou il ne vaut mieu pas tombé en panne car peut de monde passe.
Les paysages des montagnes entrecoupées de vallées, attention au nuit fraiche.
3 photos de la province de NAN (prise en avril, en novembre tous sera plus vert).
Bsr,
Tout dépend de ce que tu recherches dans ton voyage: des activités, (trekking), des sites, des paysages, des rencontres?...
Le LP te donnera tout ce qu'il te faut comme infos sur l'Esaan, où tu peux passer quelques jours, par exemple à Khon Kaen, quelques temples, quelques curiosités. Ville universitaire avec une intense activité, et 15km de large... Ensuite, à part un petit tour dans la campagne avoisinante, si tu ne connais personne sur place, tu risques de vite te lasser...
Tu peux ensuite faire une petite excursion sympa sur Nong Khai et le Mékhong. Je dirais qu'en 5 à 7 jours, tu peux faire un truc sympa, et surtout prendre le rythme de cette région qui n'a rien à voir avec le reste de la Thaïlande, ou malheureusement je constate que la mentalité des autochtones consiste de plus en plus à pomper le maximum de pognon, et vraiment rien d'autre. Il faut bien vivre...Mais quand on vient de l'Esaan, ça devient très vite insupportable...Sachant que dans les petits bleds de l'Esaan, les gens n'ont rien à proposer de "mercantile" aux touristes, les relations sont évidemment différentes. Et de toute façon, la mentalité de KK est plus proche de celle du Laos. Ainsi que la bouffe et l' accent...😉
Chacun possède la force créatrice de l'univers. Il crée sa réalité et se doit d'en assumer les conséquences.
Le Bouddha Gautama, vers 500 av J.C.
Exeptionnelement on ne parle pas de l'Isan, mais du nord-nord qui possède aussi un est, et qui est encore moins fréquenté que le nord-est et qui devrait s'appeler le centre-est.
Alors envoyez les infos sur Nan, Pong etc...
Je plaisante!!! Quel serait le moyen le plus pratique pour visiter le nord est ou le nord ouest de la Thaillande au départ de Bangkok (voiture, bus, train??)…
Chers amis voyageursNous sommes entrain mon amie et moi de commencer à planifier notre voyage en Thaïlande du 20 septembre au 5 octobre soit 15 jours. Nous…
Combien de jours suffisent à visiter Chiang Mai et ses environs (proches)? Nous conseillez-vous de prendre le train / car / ou avion? On louera un scooter sur…
J'ai le plaisir de revenir à Bangkok en août prochain pour 3 jours Mes questions sont très simples: - Le jour d'arrivée à 6H du matin, avez-vous des activités…
On part du 10 fevrier au 24 on commence par chiang mai (visite, trecking...) pour 4 jours ensuite nous aimerions nous faire 6 jours sur une ile pour promenade,…
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
Je me permet de partager cet article de blog qui, à mes yeux, pose un diagnostic d'une modernité absolue sur Hué qui n’est pas vue comme une relique mais comme une reine du style.
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
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,
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 everyone. As I’m planning my trip for next winter, I’m looking for hotel suggestions in Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor. The ones I had in mind seem to be fully booked (unless it’s too early?). For those familiar with the area, is it easy to find accommodations on the spot in January/February? I’m specifically looking for hotels with a pool, beachfront, air conditioning, and easy scooter rental nearby. Thanks for your tips!
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
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing
July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao
August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide
August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena
August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands
August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts)
August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk
August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar
August 17: Rammang Rammang
August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
