Je m’apprête à faire un trip de 8 ou 9 semaines en Asie du Sud Est, avec un départ le 1er avril.
Mon impératif est de partir d’Hanoi et de repartir de Bangkok.
J’ai pense à 2 « itinéraires », mais je ne sais pas lequel choisir : je ne connais pas du tout la région. J’ai surtout envie de voir de beaux paysages et d’éviter les endroits trop touristiques…
Y a-t-il des gens qui connaitraient ces 2 potentiels chemins et qui pourraient m’éclairer ?
Itinéraire 1 : en incluant le Nord de la Thaïlande
- Hanoi + Baie d’Halong 5j
- Alentours de Sapa 10j
- traversée du Nord Laos 10j
- arrivée à Chang Mai et visite Nord Thaïlande à partir de là 15j (il faut que je détaille mon programme…)
- descente en train de nuit sur BKK (+ visite) 4j
- vol pour Phnom Penh et remontée pour Angkor 2j
- visite Angkor 5j
- descente en bateau jusqu'à PP (+ visite) 5j
- train de nuit pour BKK 2j
Itinéraire 2 : sans le Nord de la Thaïlande
- Hanoi + baie d'Along 5j
- Alentours de Sapa 10j
- Dien Bien Phu + frontière Laos 3j
- trek dans le nord du Laos à partir de Luang Nam Tha (ou Muang Sing ou Muang Noi comme base de trek ?) 8j
- descendre le Mékong en bateau vers Luang prabang + visite 3j
- Luang Prabang – Ventiane (bus 8h - ou avion) + visite Ventiane 3j
- longer le Mékong Sud Laos : pause sur îles ex. Don Khong + chutes de Phapeng 7j
- bateau/bus vers le Cambodge bus pour Stung Treng 1j
- Kratie et ses dauphins 5j
- Trek à partir de Sen Monoron Mondulkiri 5j
- Siem Reap & Angkor 5j
- Phnom Penh 2j
- vol pour Bangkok + visite 3j
Un grand merci pour votre aide, toute aide / conseil / avis / bon plan seront les bienvenus !
Pour moi mieux vaut l'itinéraire 2 qui passe plus de temps au Laos.
La Thaïlande mérite d'y consacrer un certain temps, car même si c'est très touristique, il y a beaucoup de choses très belles à voir.
Pour le Nord, j'ai largement préféré Muang Ngoi à Muang Sin et je pense que ça peut être une bonne base pour un trek pas trop long. (Pour notre part, nous avons fait un "trek" de 2j à partir de Luang Namtha et nous avons beaucoup aimé).
Je pense que tu peux abréger un peu le temps à Vientiane, 1 à 2j suffisent, (il y a des bus-couchettes de nuits directs pour Pakse).
Pour le sud Laos je te conseille plutôt Don det, plus accueillante que Don kong et située juste à coté (pour les dauphins, tu en verras aussi depuis Don det).
Pas très loin (à partir de Pakse) il y a aussi le plateau des boloven et ses nombreuses chutes d'eau (dont Tad Fan, Tad Lo...), très agréable de faire le tour sur 2/3 jours en louant une moto (il y a vraiment peu de circulations sur les routes, pas comme au Cambodge et en Thaïlande).
Au Cambodge, si vous êtes à Phnom Penh pour quelques jours, allez passer un peu de temps (voire un nuit) sur Koh Dach (l'ile des tisserands à 18km de PP), ça vaut vraiment le coup et c'est très agréable.
Après, le programme risque surement d'évoluer au fil du voyage et des rencontres, profitez en bien.
Je pense que le 2eme parcours peut-être très intéressant. J'ai l'impression qu'il y a moins d'aller-retour que dans le premier, le Laos est vraiment super agréable et tu saperas moins le Cambodge. Je pense que si tu veux aller en Thaïlande, c'est mieux d'y retourner et d'y consacrer un autre séjour. Trois pays (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodge), c'est déjà pas mal car tous très différents les uns des autres.
Un grand merci à vous trois pour vos avis. Bon ben ça a l'air unanime, c'est le second séjour qui l'emporte.
Je me laisse encore quelques jours de réflexion et affine tout ça.
Rémiii, tu as l'air de bien connaître la région, peut-être que je reviendrai vers toi une fois que j'aurai pris le temps d'affiner mes étapes !
Parcours 2, si je peux ajouter qq petites choses :
- Dien Bien Phu + frontière Laos 3j : Attention, quand on y était on nous déconseillai de passer la frontière terrestre. Je n'aime pas jouer les oiseaux de mauvais augure, mais fais juste bien attention en y passant en bus...
- Luang Prabang – Ventiane (bus 8h - ou avion) + visite Ventiane 3j : Pareil Vientiane en 3 jours, c'est bien si tu as le temps, si tu peux raccourcir pourquoi pas ! Quelques petites choses : aller faire un sauna - massage dans un temple, près de la ville, accessible en vélo (j'ai oublié le nom, mais le temple est très connu), très sympa et pas cher ! Par contre, le trajet LP - vientiane en une nuit, je pense pas que ce soit possible... Il faut faire un arrêt à Vang Vieng... Je sais, la ville est moche et pleine d'anglais bourré, mais ca vaut le coup de s'y arrêter une nuit et de faire un treck autour de la ville ! La ballade à vélo est pas moche et des activités sportives si tu es fan (escalade notamment)
- longer le Mékong Sud Laos : pause sur îles ex. Don Khong + chutes de Phapeng 7j : je serais plutôt Don Khong, je n'ai pas aimé Don Det qui se veut "branchouille" parce que 2, 3 tenanciers d'hotels et de bar ont des dreadlocks... mais ça c'est perso, à toi de voir... par contre ne pas rater les dauphins de l'irriwady ! Pour deux choses : d'abord, c'est magique de voir et surtout d'entendre ces dauphins d'eau douce ! Ensuite, les Laotiens ont compris l'intérêt commercial de ces visites (ils sont pas cousins des Thailandais pour rien !) et préserve ces superbes animaux qui étaient en voie de disparition !
C'est à toi de voir, moi, je ne passerai pas par PP, ville qui ne m'a pas laissé un souvenir impérissable, mais j'ai surement raté des choses... A la place, Vang Vieng (laos) et peut être les bolovens... On m' a dit que tu pouvais aller "chasser" (photos, bien sur) des éléphants sauvages à la frontière vietnamienne... A voir !
Merci pour ta réponse Samsam !
Je pensais m'arrêter à Don Khong dans tous les cas. Peut-on y voir sur place les dauphins de l'irriwady?
J'ai encore une question: si je devais faire une choix entre le Nord de la Thaïlande et le Cambodge, sachant que j'aurai déjà voyagé au Nord Vietnam + Nord Laos, que conseillez-vous?
Non, des îles, de Don Khong ou Don Det, on ne peut en aucun cas, (sauf suprises exceptionnelles d'après ce que nous en a dit...) voir des dauphins irriwady... Ils sont visibles dans une zone bien délimitée ou les bateaux "long nose" sont normalement interdits (en théorie...). En plus, ce ne sont pas des "flippers" qui vont faire des sauts périlleux et atterir sur le bateau, ils sont très timides, les prendre en photo est un peu compliqué (avoir un reflex avec un beau zoom nous a bien servi ! Les personnes avec des APN standards n'ont pas réussi à en prendre).
De Don Khond ou Det, des petites agences de voyage vendent des visites en bateau, souvent combinée avec les visites des chutes voisines. Les mêmes vendent des packages pour quitter les îles + bus
Concernant le choix Nord Thai ou Cambodge... Je dirais de façon complètement débile (je déteste voir cette phrase sur VoyageForum) "ça dépend de ce que tu veux faire"... J'ai fait très rapidement le "Nord" Thailande (Chiang Mai). En dehors de son aspect très touristique, ca reste une très belle ville, que je met en parralèle (mais un peu en deça tout de même) de Luang Prabang, pour ses temples notamment. Les voyageurs qui ont fait le Nord Thai ont été ravis et ceux qu'on a rencontré au Cambodge et qui avait poussé leur voyage dans ce pays étaient aussi très contents, notamment de leurs rencontres humaines au nord du pays, on a fait le choix de ne pas y aller et de passer par le sud pour rejoindre le Vietnam... Après, aller à Sianoukhville pour la plage... Y en a de plus belles au Vietnam ou en Thai. Reste que Kampot / Kep c'est mignon, et que manger des crabes au poivre vert de Kampot, ça reste un souvenir gustatif, même plus d'un an après...
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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
