Je suis invité par un vieil ami australien à son mariage qui a lieu aux Philippines en octobre prochain.
Ne connaissant pas du tout le coin (premier voyage en Asie du Sud est), je ne sais pas trop à quoi m'attendre.
A lire les différents posts, le nord des Philippines n'est pas le coeur de l'activité touristique. Je serai à Vigan, à 8h au nord de Manille en bus (visiblement). Connaissez-vous cette région? y'a t'il beaucoup de choses à faire? Car je resterai 8/9 jours après la noce pour visiter un peu le pays.
Par ailleurs, il semblerait qu'à cette période, ce soit encore la saison des pluies. A quoi dois-je m'attendre dans ce secteur? Et si je bouge, vers quelle zone serait-il plus intéressant de bouger vue la saison?
Tu ne seras pas trop mal placé pour descendre sur Bontoc, Babaue, Sagada, voire Baguio.
Quant aux conditions climatiques du moment, c'est un grand point d' interrogation : les années se suivent et ne se ressemblent vraiment pas!!!!
Merci de ta réponse. En clair : pas de panique pour le temps. De tte façon, on ne peut rien prévoir. Et pour le circuit d'une semaine, se concentrer sur les rizières et la région montagneuse autour de Bontoc. Je prends bonne note...
Petite question subsidiaire concernant les traditions autour du mariage aux Philippines. Comme je l'ai évoqué de manière allusive dans mon précédent message, je serai le témoin français d'un mariage entre un australien et une philippine qui vivent à Singapour (ah la mondialisation...). J'aurais aimé connaitre ton (votre) avis sur mon rôle de témoin dans un mariage international aux Philippines. Je sais que le culte sera catholique, ce qui ne me dépaysera pas, mais je m'attend à quelques coutumes et traditions locales bien spécifiques... Quel genre de cadeaux? Quel rôle pour le témoin (si cela diffère de nos habitudes occidentales, ce qui ne serait pas pour me déplaire!). Bref, sans vouloir briser l'effet de surprise, je suis intéressé par en savoir un peu plus. Bien sûr les mariés m'ont donné des pistes et des indications, mais je pense qu'ils sont déjà contents que je vienne et ne veulent pas forcément charger la barque outre mesure. Mais, ça me tient à coeur, donc...
Finalement, il n' y a pas tant de différences entre un mariage ici ou bien chez nous.
Le rôle du témoin est relativement limité. Il doit simplement signer l' acte de mariage.
Si c'est un mariage religieux, on porte le barong tagalog, sorte de chemise de cérémonie faite de fibres végétales.
Les témoins sont ici plutôt appelés " sponsors" ou " parrains et marraines" du mariage. Il peut y en avoir jusqu' à six.
Le " sponsoring" est à la fois moral et...financier. On attend des sponsors la discrète remise d' une petite enveloppe.....pour couvrir les frais du mariage ( qui coûte de 30000 à 500000 pesos en général).
Le cadeau est usuellement un article utile pour le ménage qui s' installe. Petit électroménager etc....
Mais bien sûr, il y a beaucoup de mariages dont le mari est un homme plus âgé ( étranger), qui est déjà installé dans la vie. A ce moment, un cadeau plus personnel à l' intention de la mariée sera aussi bienvenu.
Sinon j'ai un copain qui a épousé une Filipina relativement aisée et d' un certain âge, ils ont fait une liste de mariage déposée....chez un négociant en vins!!!!
Ne t'étonnes pas si ton cadeau est reçu sans remerciements particuliers et si la jeune mariée le dépose "négligemment" dans un coin sans même l' ouvrir. C'est la coutume. On n' ouvre pas un cadeau en présence du donateur. Elle l' ouvrira plus tard, lorsqu'elle sera seule avec son mari, et les vrais remerciements viendront lors de votre prochaine rencontre! Il faut le savoir pour ne pas se vexer inutilement!
Quant au repas de mariage, il est lui assez différent.
Souvent agrémenté en pièce mâîtresse d' un cochon grillé ( lechon baboy), il regroupe non seulement la famille, mais à peu près tout qui passe par là et s' invite...
Donc on peut atteindre 300 convives assez facilement!
Le repas n'est pas nécessairement servi avec des boissons alcoolisées, souvent un simple jus de fruits ou le sempiternel thé glacé ou Coca-Cola.
Il est aussi assez bref : en général au bout de deux ou trois heures, les convives s'en vont....Donc pas de soirées dansantes etc....comme on y est habitués en Europe.
Bon, mon voyage aux Philippines se précise. Je rappelle que je suis invité à un mariage à Vigan et que ce sera mon premier voyage dans la zone. J'aurais donc encore besoin de votre expertise pour préparer mon séjour. D'avance, merci!
J'arriverai aux Philippines le lundi 13 octobre en début de matinée avec Air France. Je dois être le jeudi 16 en fin d'après midi à Laoag. De là, je serai sur Vigan pour le mariage qui a lieu le samedi 18. Du lundi 20 au mercredi 22 je prévois de revenir à Manille sur la route des rizières (Banaue, Sagada, Baguio). Retour en France le 23.
Celà veut dire que j'ai trois jours pleins (quatre, s'il faut, j'irai à Vigan le vendredi). Si vous étiez à ma place, que feriez-vous pendant ces trois/quatre jours. Où iriez-vous? Qu'est ce qui vous parait le plus réaliste ? Je ne suis ni un plongeur ni un fan de la jungle, autant le préciser, celà permettra d'affiner les propositions. Je suis tout à fait près à prendre des vols intérieurs (ce qui permet j'imagine un choix assez large de destinations).
Je vais encore faire hurler ceux qui, sur ce forum, se croient obligés de défendre un idéal de routard qui couche à la dure et qui avale n' importe quoi pourvu que ce soit pas cher....
Si tu pars de Manille et que tu disposes de 3 à 4 jours, pas moins pas plus, et si tu veux connaître la plage la plus belle, - non pas des Philippines, mais de l' Asie du Sud-Est-, fais un saut à Boracay.
Ce n'est pas la saison idéale, bien sûr, mais il faut connaître Boracay. Pas besoin de réserver en cette saison : tu prends un vol " au vol" et une heure trente plus tard, tu es sur la White Beach.
Je souhaite combiner fin octobre-début novembre un séjour mêlant 4-5 jours de trek (ou 2 X 2 ou3 jours à des endroits différents) et le reste au bord de l'eau,…
J’habite en France et j’envisage de partir en voyage aux Philippines fin octobre de cette année pour trois semaines environ ... Beaucoup de compagnie aérienne…
Dans le cadre de notre voyage de noces, nous aimerions séjourner 3 petites semaines (18/19 jours sur place) aux Philippines fin janvier prochain. Nous avons…
Nous envisageons de repartir aux Philippines dès ce 20 novembre, pour une vingtaine de jours, mais la météo nous fait un peu peur... Nous voulons nous…
Nous partons au Philippines du 20 Janvier au 5 Février Trajets: Manille - Puerto Princessa pour rejoindre El Nido El Nido - Cebu et pour terminer Cebu - Bohol…
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,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
