Libertés - 90 jours pour libérer Aung Sa Suu Kyi.-Lundi prochain sera lancée l’opération 90 jours pour libérer Aung San Suu Kyi, une action médiatique de soutien à la dirigeante de la Ligue Nationale pour la Démocratie en Birmanie, prix Nobel de la Paix 1991, qui a passé 12 des 17 dernières années privée de liberté, mise en résidence surveillée à plusieurs reprises par la junte birmane.
A cette occasion sortira aux éditions Florent Massot le dernier livre du photoreporter Thierry Falise Le jasmin ou la lune.
Dans cette biographie de la Dame de Rangoon, le journaliste belge cherche, au travers d’anecdotes et conversations souvent inédites, à dévoiler l’être humain qui se dissimule derrière l’icône, avec ses qualités et ses défauts, ses forces et ses faiblesses.
Les éditions Florent Massot co-organisent en partenariat avec Canal+ et Dailymotion l’opération 90 jours pour libérer ASSK pour laquelle un site Internet d’information sur l’actualité de la Birmanie (www.asskforfreedom.org) a été tout spécialement crée et mis en ligne hier avec la participation du magazine Irrawaddy . Le petit journal de Bangkok.
Et voir aussi ceci .http://www.asskforfreedom.org/reportage.php?id=
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
La grande dame de Rangoon pas demain la veille qelle sera de nouveau libre. Il n'y a pas longemps la junte láccusait dévasion... fiscale.
En fait elle na'vait pas depenser l'argent de son Nobel au Myanmar et cést par "pure bonte d'ame" que la junte la laisse en residence surveillee.
Et puis on a vu le resultat de la pitoyable manoeuvre americaine a lÓNU en janvier dernier. Chine Thailande et Inde tireront encore longtemps les benefices de lïsolement de la junte. ne parlons pas de Total qui font office dénfants de coeurs a cote des trois etats cites.
Hasard des lecture, le magazine afrique-asie en parle sce mois sure son site.
Enfin c'mest toujopurts biern de ne pas oublier cette grandfe dame. peut etre que John Rambo jeune retraite a BKK ira la liberer prochainement...
pquoi es-tu sceptique ? quelles sont tes craintes ? les dire, les expliter, peut nous permettre d'avancer dans la conversation car souvent nous sommes le "nez dans le guidon" 😉
le peuple est doublement attachée a elle que il y a dans la mythologie birmane une princesse qui viens sauver le peuple, ,
est-ce à dire que dans de nombreuses années, elle rejoindra le panthéon des divinités birmanes ?
moi, j'en serai ravie, ainsi bercera-t-elle les nombreux enfants d'alors, les fera rêver et leur donnera de la force 😉
très jolie perspective😉 mais revenons au présent
merci pour cette information qui nous renvoie à la culture birmane
pquoi es-tu sceptique ? quelles sont tes craintes ? les dire, les expliter, peut nous permettre d'avancer dans la conversation car souvent nous sommes le "nez dans le guidon" 😉
les bonnes paroles sont la, , même un prix nobel de la paix, , mais la conjoncture locale n'y est pas, , et comme il a été bien dit les pays avoisinant ne sont pas trop favorable a ce que la birmaine soit ouverte,
la thailande par exemple et la chine, profitent bien de c'est état de faiblesse, , on leur pique les ressources naturelles, on vend des produits de première nécessitée, , on a des ouvriers bien museler ( ne pas oublier que pas mal de < farms > ont leur presque esclaves et c'est grâce a cela si la nourriture est si abordable, , en Thailande
ne parlons pas des ouvriers qui prennent des risques insensée dans la construction, et par exemple dans le nettoyages des cuves toxiques, ,
les chambres d'hôtels tropicales dont vous dormes, a Phulet par exemple sont fait de la sueur des birmans et birmanes, , pour 2 euros par jour, ,
Puis le grand danger pour les pays avoisinant est le tourisme, , le jour ou la birmnie est ouverte, , la Thailande et sa land of smiles, sera reléguée au 2 emme rang, ,
( exemple il n'y a pas plus belles îles que en Birmanie, et c'est le seul pays du coin qui peut ouvrir des station de ski !!! )
ne parlons pas de la diversité géographique et humaine, ,
et un pays anglophone pardessus tout !!
voila une des nombreuses raisons pour laquelle la birmanie est tres pratique que elle soit museler, ,
Cette damne la sait, mais elle tiens bon, et je crains que elle va avoir le même sort que son pere, , un martyr, ,
que peut on?? en parler, ? la voir? ( j'ai eut ce privilège ) mais autrement ??
une des théories locale ( très exotique mais qui a fait ses preuves ..)
pour chasser des militaires, il faut les corrompes, et c'est vos euros qui peuvent le faire, , a vous de réfléchir, , ( le pauvre thuan a une interdiction a vie de mettre les pieds en birmanie, , il ne peut rien faire )
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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😉 Bonsoir Marco. Tu as bien fait de mettre cette annonce concernant A.S.S.K.
Je suis un peu loin de Paris pour participer en ce moment . Je suivrai donc cette
operation avec grand interet d ici . Tu vas bien ? Amities. Thanh.
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non à l'oubli😉 dans la presse on rappelle qu'etre Prix Nobel de la Paix est non seulement un atout et une arme, actuellement ce n'est qu'un atout (à mon humble avis)
ces démarches semblent correspondre avec l'emprisonnement de Mme Betancourt
Pour faire suite et surtout pour montrer que les opposants au régime des généraux sont plus actifs que la situation pourrait le faire croire, voici un excellent article d'Asia Times on line qui montre que l'oppossition au régime en place dans ce pays n'est pas un vain mot .......
Le régime militaire du Myanmar a peut-être échappé de justesse à une sanction du Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies , mais il se trouve confronté à une crise interne sans précédent. Son autorité est mise en question, non pas par la Ligue nationale pour la démocratie (NLD), un parti d’opposition réduit à l’impuissance, mais par un nouveau réseau de dissidents, le Groupe d’étudiants de la génération 88. A la différence de la NLD, ce mouvement n’est pas un parti politique, mais une organisation regroupant d’anciens étudiants qui ont participé au soulèvement prodémocratique de 1988 [à partir du 8 août 1988, une grève générale avait paralysé la capitale]. A l’époque, le régime avait réprimé les manifestations et condamné un grand nombre de militants à des peines de prison pour crime contre l’Etat. Près de vingt ans plus tard, ces militants, dans la force de l’âge, ont lancé une série de campagnes de désobéissance civile ouvertement dirigées contre la junte.
Ces vétérans ont commencé à se réunir, il y a deux ans, dans des cafés de Rangoon. La plupart d’entre eux avaient passé de longues années en prison, “arrachés à leur famille et à leurs études”, ainsi que le rapporte un observateur étranger qui en a rencontré plusieurs. “Bien qu’ils soient enfin libres, indique-t-il, ils continuent à vivre dans une sorte de captivité, interdits d’accès dans les universités où ils étaient jadis promis à une carrière relativement gratifiante.” Le réseau Génération 88 a été créé dans la clandestinité en août 2006. Comme il fallait s’y attendre, les leaders les plus en vue du groupe ont été arrêtés le mois suivant. Mais, dès le mois d’octobre, d’autres membres ont lancé une pétition nationale pour réclamer la libération de quelque 1 100 prisonniers politiques – dont les leaders du groupe – et l’ouverture d’une véritable procédure de réconciliation nationale. Les membres du réseau, symboliquement vêtus de blanc, ont parcouru le pays et recueilli 535 580 signatures, qui ont été ultérieurement envoyées au gouvernement et à divers organismes des Nations unies. En novembre, Génération 88 a lancé une campagne de prière pluriconfessionnelle. Les gens étaient invités à s’habiller de blanc et à prendre part à des veillées aux flambeaux dans des lieux de culte bouddhistes, chrétiens, hindous et musulmans. Plusieurs dizaines de milliers de personnes ont répondu à l’appel et prié pour un règlement pacifique de la crise politique du Myanmar. Le 4 janvier, jour de l’indépendance du pays, le mouvement a lancé une autre campagne audacieuse, baptisée “A cœur ouvert”, qui incite les citoyens à adresser la liste de leurs griefs quotidiens au réseau, lequel, ensuite, les transmettra au général Than Shwe, chef de la junte.
Le régime a été surpris par ces expressions de désaccord massives mais pacifiques. Fait sans précédent, il a relâché les cinq dirigeants de Génération 88 qui avaient été arrêtés en décembre dernier. La réaction mesurée dont la junte a fait preuve reste difficile à interpréter. Une théorie largement admise est que les généraux attribuent l’autorité morale dont jouit le mouvement auprès du public aux longues années d’emprisonnement de ses dirigeants et craignent la colère du peuple s’ils se montraient trop brutaux avec eux. Une autre interprétation est qu’ils sont absorbés par l’aménagement de Naypyidaw, la nouvelle capitale, et négligent de ce fait la sécurité dans l’ancienne.
Difficile pour la junte d’anéantir une génération
Des voyageurs qui se sont récemment rendus à Rangoon rapportent que les mécanismes de contrôle de la ville semblent moins bien fonctionner depuis le transfert de la capitale à Naypyidaw, en novembre 2005. En tout état de cause, la montée en force de Génération 88 va compliquer les plans de la junte pour mettre en place un système de “démocratie militaire”, dans la mesure où il existe désormais une alternative civile crédible au régime des généraux, même si elle n’a pas encore pris forme.
Le membre le plus en vue de Génération 88 s’appelle Paw Oo Tun, dont le nom de guerre, Min Ko Naing, signifie “conquérant des rois”. En août 1988, alors étudiant en zoologie âgé de 26 ans, il haranguait des dizaines de milliers de manifestants dans les rues de Rangoon. Après la répression sanglante du mouvement et l’arrestation des principaux chefs, Min Ko Naing est passé dans la clandestinité, le 18 septembre 1988. Arrêté par les renseignements militaires en mars 1989, il a passé près de seize ans au secret. Libéré en novembre 2004, l’homme mûr qu’il est devenu porte les stigmates des conditions abominables de sa détention. Mais ces longues années de prison n’ont manifestement pas eu raison de l’esprit combatif du militant de la démocratie. “Le peuple du Myanmar doit avoir le courage de dire non à l’injustice et oui à la vérité”, a-t-il déclaré lors du premier meeting de Génération 88, en août 2006. “Il doit aussi réparer les torts qu’il a lui-même causés à la société.” Avec ses milliers de partisans, Génération 88 est un phénomène complètement nouveau au Myanmar, et il a manifestement déconcerté le régime en place. Ce n’est pas un hasard si sa récente montée en puissance se produit au moment où la NLD, le principal parti d’opposition, parvient tout juste à assurer sa propre survie. Bien que le mouvement n’ait pas de véritable direction ni de structure organisationnelle, c’est une force avec laquelle il faudra désormais compter. Avec les restrictions draconiennes qui continuent à peser sur la liberté d’association et de réunion, il est peu probable que Génération 88 devienne un mouvement politique à part entière dans un avenir proche. Mais c’est peut-être en cela que réside sa force. La junte a montré qu’elle était prompte à écraser des partis politiques, mais il lui sera beaucoup plus difficile d’anéantir une génération entière.
Bertil Lintner
Asia Times On line
Cette damne la sait, mais elle tiens bon, et je crains que elle va avoir le même sort que son pere, , un martyr
Dieu sait si tu es un de mes VF préféré et tu le sais bien Thuan mais j'espère que pour une fois tu te trompera ....
je suis le premier a vouloir me tromper, comme cela je pourrais enfin prendre l'avion pour ce pays et m'y installer, ,
Mais hélas il faut voir un peut la réalité en face, , ce n'est pas de bons articles comme celui de Alan qui vont faire un changement, , il n'y a que une poignée d'intellectuelles qui soutiennent le changement,
et quelques fous sur places qui sont éliminer tranquillement un par un sur place, , en toute discrétion
Il faut pas se leurrer dans le coin c'est la politique économique qui prime sur tout, , et cela n'arrange en rien que se pays se libère, ,
Quoi?? il peut se subvenir ?? il peut exporter?? bien non, , on va soutenir les militaires pour que ils gardent leur pouvoir, , comme cela rien ne changeras, , ( c'est cela les meetings entre paye du coin, , )
et le plus redoutable est un pays tapis dans le coin est Singapour,
qui manie les ficelles, , c'est ce pays qui en 88 a fait capoter l'élan démocratique, , Simplement l'armée était aux frontières entrain de faire la guerre aux minorités ethniques, , et c'est Singapore qui a permis a l'armée de rentrer a la maison avec sa logistique et son pétrole et établir l'ordre, , depuis il est une pièce maitresse dans ce pays, ,
ne pas trop attendre des pays avoisinant a aider ce pays a vers la démocratie, , les seuls a pouvoir le faire est vous, , en pourrissant les militaires une fois que ils vont se ramollir avec vos euros, , ils vont peut a peut ils vont passer de un pouvoir militaire a un pouvoir économique, ( exemple la thailande )
sur se point Aung sa suu kyi a un doute, , qui sera mieux pour son peuple ??? nous a dit, ,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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bonjour,
je ne suis pas très douée dans la compréhension de la politique en général, mais je m'élève contre toute formes d'emprisonnement... bcp ferment les yeux, surtout ne pas voir et ne rien entendre, qui perturbe notre vie.
L'intolérance est un mot que j'ai bani de mon vocabulaire, .
Je ne ferme pas les yeux, je veux tout voir et tout entendre, j'en parle autour de moi, mais souvent je me heurte a une incompréhension totale. Certains ne sont meme pas au courant de se qui se passe en Birmanie, au Tibet, au Népal.
Bonne journée à tous
Franca
<< .....notre soif de survie dans le futur nous rend incapables de vivre dans le présent .....>>. Chuang TZU
bonjour,
je ne suis pas très douée dans la compréhension de la politique en général, mais je m'élève contre toute formes d'emprisonnement... bcp ferment les yeux, surtout ne pas voir et ne rien entendre, qui perturbe notre vie.
L'intolérance est un mot que j'ai bani de mon vocabulaire, .
Je ne ferme pas les yeux, je veux tout voir et tout entendre, j'en parle autour de moi, mais souvent je me heurte a une incompréhension totale. Certains ne sont meme pas au courant de se qui se passe en Birmanie, au Tibet, au Népal.
Bonne journée à tous
Franca
dans ce domaine j;en ait une pas mal 😉
A la suite de une rencontre avec un congressiste américain a bkk ( je ne dirais pas son mon😛 ) je lui ait suggérer de rencontrer une membre éminent de la communauté Karen, , ( et oui si je peut aider😉 .........)
sa reponse << bien sur je serais charmée de rencontrer cette damne, , >> sans commentaire, ,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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c'est pourquoi le Forum Birmanie doit-être chaque jour animé de conversations nouvelles comme d'autres pays limitrophes dont on parle pour des raisons autres.
mais Thuan, je n'ai pas bien compris si tu es pour que nous allions en Birmanie ou non ? pour ce qui me concerne je suis pour y aller et tout faire, tt au moins essayer d'utiliser des structures tenues par le peuple birman😉
A la suite de une rencontre avec un congressiste américain a bkk ( je ne dirais pas son mon😛 ) je lui ait suggérer de rencontrer une membre éminent de la communauté Karen, , ( et oui si je peut aider😉 .........)
sa reponse << bien sur je serais charmée de rencontrer cette damne, , >> sans commentaire, ,
Thuan ( J'adhère complètement à son analyse) t'explique que la pire des conneries qui empêche le pays d'aller vers une ouverture est d'avoir était soumis au boycott de l'ouest. Ce qui au lieu de leur poser des problèmes (aux militaires) les ont assis dans leur autorité et leur incompétence.
merci luky
mais Thuan, je n'ai pas bien compris si tu es pour que nous allions en Birmanie ou non ? pour ce qui me concerne je suis pour y aller et tout faire, tt au moins essayer d'utiliser des structures tenues par le peuple birman😉
je dis << il faut y aller, , >>> boycotter ce pays ne fait que ce que veulent les militaires ( ils appellent cela le contrôle touristique ) simple si on a peut de monde sur le territoire il est relativement facile de contrôler ce qui ce passe, , au contraire si il ya une masse de tourisme qui débarque il y a moins de contrôla possible du coup la communication l'entre aide le support morale ou matériel passe, et surtout larme la plus redoutable, , la motivation, si les birmans sont motivée et soutenus ils pourront peut être faire quelque chose,
mais un peuple abandonner et isoler de la communauté internationale est en état de faiblesse, ,
et ce n'est pas les beaux articles bien pensants et politiquement correct qui vont changer qui que se soit a l'intérieur du pays, ,
c'est nous c'est vous, , que sa soit en voyage organiser, ou en solo
vous été physiquement sur place, , je soutiens que faire du tourisme est un acte politique en birmanie, , vous voulez soutenir une très beau peuple ?? aller en birmanie, , 1 jour un mois 1 ans, , mais y aller,
mais attention aller et pas faire n'importe quoi, , ne pas mettre en danger la population, , vous étés relativement libre en birmaine mais pas eux, , on peut faire des dégâts irréversibles, ,
a titre d'exemple, , comme je ne parle pas birman dans les annees 80 j'avais un assistant, et on vivait en thailande, , un jour il a voulu revoir sa famille a rangoon, , bien il est bien arriver a destination, , mais 2 jours après il été arreter et disparu, ,
c'est ce que les singapourien on appris aux birman, , ne pas faire de la répression spectacle, , mais en douceur, on arrete les gens discrètement le matin tôt, 1 par un, , , on prend son temps,
c'est une façon extrêmement efficace pour éliminer la résistance birmane, ,
Savez vous que il n'y a pas de surpopulation dans les prisons birmanes ..... la raison est simple, , on fait disparaître les gens pour avoir toujours de la place, , on pourrait appeler cela, , de la répression a l'asiatique ........
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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matinée de révolte parmi tant d'autres.... suite à une discussion j'ai relu cet article....
Finalement, en décembre dernier, le Conseil de Sécurité a inscrit la question Birmane à son ordre du jour. Il a par ailleurs établi dans une récente résolution prise à l’unanimité que “toutes les Nations ont le devoir de protéger leurs citoyens contre toute tentative de génocide, «d’épuration ethnique” de «crimes contre l’humanité» et de «crimes de guerre”, éventuellement par la force, conformément au chapitre VII de la Charte des Nations Unis.
En Europe on ne formule non pas de condamnations pour mépris des droits de l’homme, et institution du travail forcé imposé à la paysannerie, mais des remontrances et des vœux pour cela change. >>
Il faut continuer a en parler pendant que certains formulent simplement des voeux !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quand on lit cela, on ne peut rester insensible à tout ce qui se passe dans le monde, eh bien non !!!, certains formulent des voeux......
Bonne journée à Tous
Franca
<< .....notre soif de survie dans le futur nous rend incapables de vivre dans le présent .....>>. Chuang TZU
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
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...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
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,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
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.
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
However, I’m not quite sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
Hi there, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise
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
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.
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!
