Achat de voiture neuve en Thaïlande
by Gerna94
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour,
J'envisage de prendre ma retraite en thailande en 2010 et je veux acheter un véhicule au nom de mon amie thailandaise dès maintenant , une Toyota Vios
Est il dans les coutumes du pays de négocier une remise dans les garages comme en France! Je crains que mon amie n'osera pas le faire elle même😊, d'autant plus que je l'achèterais sans crédit ! une précision sur la situation géographique : PAKCHONG
merçi de me faire partager votre éventuelle expérience d'expatrié .😉
gerna94
J'ai acheté un véhicule il y a quelques années et ai "négocié" ...
Les remises apparemment étaient "compliquées" et les réticences trop fortes, on s'est contenté d'un "cadeau" (option "gratuite").
🙂
Les remises apparemment étaient "compliquées" et les réticences trop fortes, on s'est contenté d'un "cadeau" (option "gratuite").
🙂
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Bjr,
Ce n'est pas trop dans les habitudes, du moins en ce qui concerne les concessionnaires que j'ai démarchés en juillet 2009. On vous propose souvent des options pour le même prix.
Le fait de démarcher comme "farang" ne va pas inciter le vendeur à descendre ses prix.
Chacun possède la force créatrice de l'univers. Il crée sa réalité et se doit d'en assumer les conséquences.
Le Bouddha Gautama, vers 500 av J.C.
Bonjour,
J'envisage de prendre ma retraite en thailande en 2010 et je veux acheter un véhicule au nom de mon amie thailandaise dès maintenant , une Toyota Vios
merçi de me faire partager votre éventuelle expérience d'expatrié .😉
Bonsoir, Pourquoi ne l'achetez vous pas à votre nom? Cela ne pose aucun problème!
merçi de me faire partager votre éventuelle expérience d'expatrié .😉
Bonsoir, Pourquoi ne l'achetez vous pas à votre nom? Cela ne pose aucun problème!
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
d'occase oui on négocie fortement
neuve : a priori prix fixe de base , (fixe par le siège a bangkok ) et on négocie les options, un tee-shirt, un an d'assurance, une extension de garantie, .. la vendeuse .. ?
bien sur comme mentionné dans les autres mails, le "thai moyen" n'osera pas négocier ; d'autant que la seule chose qu'il va discuter c'est le credit sur 5 ans d'autant que le concessionnaire n'est absolument pas intéressé a vous vendre une voiture paiement cash, car ce qu'il veut c'est vous vendre avec un pret a 200% sur 10 ans d'autant que la vendeuse en face de vous n'aura, fort probablement, aucune autorité à négocier, seul le grand patron le pourrait, quand au sales manager il est occupé et votre petite interlocutrice et vendeuse ne va pas le déranger , ........
mais il existe des "thais moyens" qui savent négocier et qui savent ne pas se laisser perturber par la minijupe a ras le bb de la vendeuse Toyota pour negocier ce qui représente 5 ou 10 années de son salaire de vendeuse !
une petite remarque: meme quand on paie cash tres souvent delai de livraison 2 à 3 mois , sauf cas rare ou ils ont un modèle de démo ( donc un vieux modele qu'ils se feront un plaisir de vous refourguer) , et couleur imposé au choix : argent ou doré sans aucun doute !!
TIT
neuve : a priori prix fixe de base , (fixe par le siège a bangkok ) et on négocie les options, un tee-shirt, un an d'assurance, une extension de garantie, .. la vendeuse .. ?
bien sur comme mentionné dans les autres mails, le "thai moyen" n'osera pas négocier ; d'autant que la seule chose qu'il va discuter c'est le credit sur 5 ans d'autant que le concessionnaire n'est absolument pas intéressé a vous vendre une voiture paiement cash, car ce qu'il veut c'est vous vendre avec un pret a 200% sur 10 ans d'autant que la vendeuse en face de vous n'aura, fort probablement, aucune autorité à négocier, seul le grand patron le pourrait, quand au sales manager il est occupé et votre petite interlocutrice et vendeuse ne va pas le déranger , ........
mais il existe des "thais moyens" qui savent négocier et qui savent ne pas se laisser perturber par la minijupe a ras le bb de la vendeuse Toyota pour negocier ce qui représente 5 ou 10 années de son salaire de vendeuse !
une petite remarque: meme quand on paie cash tres souvent delai de livraison 2 à 3 mois , sauf cas rare ou ils ont un modèle de démo ( donc un vieux modele qu'ils se feront un plaisir de vous refourguer) , et couleur imposé au choix : argent ou doré sans aucun doute !!
TIT
Bonjour,
D'abord faire jouez la concurrence, les garages sont souvent très proche les uns des autres, faire le tour et seulement se décider après, si Toyota sait que le Farang veut cette voiture et pas une autre, pas besoin de baisser le prix, il payera. Par contre le Farang qui arrive avec des propositions de la concurrence (si c'est un bon vendeur) il aura intéret a démontrer pourquoi LA TOYOTA est mieu et faire des cadeaux.
mais il existe des "thais moyens" qui savent négocier et qui savent ne pas se laisser perturber par la minijupe a ras le bb de la vendeuse Toyota pour negocier ce qui représente 5 ou 10 années de son salaire de vendeuse !
+1 ..
bien sur que c'est possible .. et il est vrai que peut de thai n'ose le faire .. ( le coup de perdre la face )
j'ai poser cette question a un ami concessionnaire nisan . dans le coin .. il m'a dit simplement que c'est possible mais peut ose le faire ..
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
Bonjour,
D'abord faire jouez la concurrence, les garages sont souvent très proche les uns des autres, faire le tour et seulement se décider après, si Toyota sait que le Farang veut cette voiture et pas une autre, pas besoin de baisser le prix, il payera. Par contre le Farang qui arrive avec des propositions de la concurrence (si c'est un bon vendeur) il aura intéret a démontrer pourquoi LA TOYOTA est mieu et faire des cadeaux.
OUI ... mais il faut savoir alors que les vendeurs vous téléphoneront tous les jours jusqu'à ce que vous vous soyez décidé à lui dire que vous avez fait affaire ailleurs !
🙂
OUI ... mais il faut savoir alors que les vendeurs vous téléphoneront tous les jours jusqu'à ce que vous vous soyez décidé à lui dire que vous avez fait affaire ailleurs !
🙂
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Bonjour,
Nous avons acheté une Vios (1.5 E auto) il y a 1 ans, pour le prix c'est difficilement négociable par contre il t'offre beaucoup d'option.
Assurance 1 an (18000 bath) bas de caisse, spoiler, aileron arrière couleur carosserie films solaire sur les vitres, Chrome sur les poigné de porte tapis de sol le cout du transport entre BKK et KK (ce n'est pas gratuit comme en France) etc..... Pour info ... révision des 10000 km = 1200 bath 😎
Nous avons acheté une Vios (1.5 E auto) il y a 1 ans, pour le prix c'est difficilement négociable par contre il t'offre beaucoup d'option.
Assurance 1 an (18000 bath) bas de caisse, spoiler, aileron arrière couleur carosserie films solaire sur les vitres, Chrome sur les poigné de porte tapis de sol le cout du transport entre BKK et KK (ce n'est pas gratuit comme en France) etc..... Pour info ... révision des 10000 km = 1200 bath 😎
Olivier
vivre ses rêves....
BJ
Il est possible d acheter une voiture neuve et negocier le prix
Il faurt d abord envoyer un ou une thai , qui va obtenir une remise
qu il vous remettra ou partageras avec vous
Par contre pourquoi acheter au comptant , c est le moyen le plus rapide de perdre sa voiture et sa compagne , comme vous ne l ignorez pas , le prix d une voiture represente six bons numeros au loto pour la pluspart des familles thai et la tentation est grande .........
Mettez votre argent a la banque , a votre nom , et payez le credit
Comme ca vous garderez l amour de votre copine pendant cette periode.
Sans mauvaises pensees, mais avec 25 ans d'experience
Par contre pourquoi acheter au comptant , c est le moyen le plus rapide de perdre sa voiture et sa compagne , comme vous ne l ignorez pas , le prix d une voiture represente six bons numeros au loto pour la pluspart des familles thai et la tentation est grande .........
Mettez votre argent a la banque , a votre nom , et payez le credit
Comme ca vous garderez l amour de votre copine pendant cette periode.
Sans mauvaises pensees, mais avec 25 ans d'experience
kj
plus ou moins 1 mois mais c'est vraiment aléatoire car ils peuvent en avoir de dispo suivant la couleur que vous choisirez.
Tu peux me contacter en MP si tu veux plus de renseignements.
P.S très satisfait de cette voiture.
P.S très satisfait de cette voiture.
Olivier
vivre ses rêves....
BJ
Par contre pourquoi acheter au comptant , c est le moyen le plus rapide de perdre sa voiture et sa compagne , comme vous ne l ignorez pas , le prix d une voiture represente six bons numeros au loto pour la pluspart des familles thai et la tentation est grande .........
Mettez votre argent a la banque , a votre nom , et payez le credit
Comme ca vous garderez l amour de votre copine pendant cette periode.
Sans mauvaises pensees, mais avec 25 ans d'experience
Heureusement que toutes les Thai ne sont pas comme vous le dite................... 😉
Par contre pourquoi acheter au comptant , c est le moyen le plus rapide de perdre sa voiture et sa compagne , comme vous ne l ignorez pas , le prix d une voiture represente six bons numeros au loto pour la pluspart des familles thai et la tentation est grande .........
Mettez votre argent a la banque , a votre nom , et payez le credit
Comme ca vous garderez l amour de votre copine pendant cette periode.
Sans mauvaises pensees, mais avec 25 ans d'experience
Heureusement que toutes les Thai ne sont pas comme vous le dite................... 😉
Olivier
vivre ses rêves....
Je n ai pas dit que cela se passera comme ca
j ai seulement dit que la tentation est grande
kj
mon amie ne peut pas avoir de crédit, salaire insuffisant, comment un farang peut il prendre un crédit ??même avec un compte bancaire en Thailande!!
Ce n'est pas tout à fait un crédit que Toyota propose.... c'est plutôt un leasing
Entre 25% et 50% du prix d'achat en apport puis mensualité sur 3, 4 voir 5 ans. Si vous ne payez pas, toyota récupère la voiture.
Ce n'est pas tout à fait un crédit que Toyota propose.... c'est plutôt un leasing
Entre 25% et 50% du prix d'achat en apport puis mensualité sur 3, 4 voir 5 ans. Si vous ne payez pas, toyota récupère la voiture.
Olivier
vivre ses rêves....
Merçi du conseil, mais je suis très surpris de lire ça, on m'a toujours dis que sans adresse de domicile fixe en thailande , un français ne pouvait pas être propriétaire d'un véhicule! et je n'ai pas encore de visa de résident! donc pas possible??????
Re bonsoir, Il y a maintenant 4 mois, j'ai acheté une Toyota neuve avec un visa touriste double entrée en habitant dans un resort. Je confirme aucun problème et comme dit un autre voyageur: "c'est une sécurité". C'est incroyable le nombre d'idées préconçues sur ce pays, et qui se véhiculent sans vérifications. Allez seul, chez un garagiste d'une autre marque et posez lui la question. Il vous fournira la liste des documents à présenter (sans problèmes en 24H), choisissez une voiture en stock (il y en a beaucoup en ce moment), négociez, passez à votre banque pour libeller le chèque et vous repartez avec votre voiture! + d'infos sans problèmes.
Re bonsoir, Il y a maintenant 4 mois, j'ai acheté une Toyota neuve avec un visa touriste double entrée en habitant dans un resort. Je confirme aucun problème et comme dit un autre voyageur: "c'est une sécurité". C'est incroyable le nombre d'idées préconçues sur ce pays, et qui se véhiculent sans vérifications. Allez seul, chez un garagiste d'une autre marque et posez lui la question. Il vous fournira la liste des documents à présenter (sans problèmes en 24H), choisissez une voiture en stock (il y en a beaucoup en ce moment), négociez, passez à votre banque pour libeller le chèque et vous repartez avec votre voiture! + d'infos sans problèmes.
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
excusez mon ignorance, qu'est que:1/ un visa double entrée?
Visa touriste autorisant un séjour de 2 mois + une extension de 1 mois et après une sortie du pays de nouveau un séjour de 2 mois + une extension de 1 mois; soit 6 mois au total. Mais l'achat d'une voiture à votre nom est possible avec un visa touriste ordinaire.
2/ pourquoi me rendre dans un autre garage?
Pour avoir confirmation de ce que je vous dit
3/ et dois je ouvrir un compte en Thailande?
Pas nécessaire mais c'est plus simple
Visa touriste autorisant un séjour de 2 mois + une extension de 1 mois et après une sortie du pays de nouveau un séjour de 2 mois + une extension de 1 mois; soit 6 mois au total. Mais l'achat d'une voiture à votre nom est possible avec un visa touriste ordinaire.
2/ pourquoi me rendre dans un autre garage?
Pour avoir confirmation de ce que je vous dit
3/ et dois je ouvrir un compte en Thailande?
Pas nécessaire mais c'est plus simple
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
Mr HMH
l'achat de voiture a ton nom propre , avec un visa de tourisme : je ne mets pas ta parole en doute ( et connaissant bien le pays ou j'habite depuis des années, sait bien que tout est possible, et le contraire aussi )
les papiers et les plaques définitives a ton nom ?? l'assurance tous risques , idem ?? le permis thai idem ??
TIT This is Thailand
l'achat de voiture a ton nom propre , avec un visa de tourisme : je ne mets pas ta parole en doute ( et connaissant bien le pays ou j'habite depuis des années, sait bien que tout est possible, et le contraire aussi )
les papiers et les plaques définitives a ton nom ?? l'assurance tous risques , idem ?? le permis thai idem ??
TIT This is Thailand
Mr HMH
l'achat de voiture a ton nom propre , avec un visa de tourisme : je ne mets pas ta parole en doute ( et connaissant bien le pays ou j'habite depuis des années, sait bien que tout est possible, et le contraire aussi )
les papiers et les plaques définitives a ton nom ?? l'assurance tous risques , idem ?? le permis thai idem ??
TIT This is Thailand
IDEM! IDEM! IDEM! Et sans aucun pot de vin ou passe droit. Posez la question à un vendeur automobile étant seul, non accompagné d'un ou d'une Thaï. Relatez moi la suite! @+
l'achat de voiture a ton nom propre , avec un visa de tourisme : je ne mets pas ta parole en doute ( et connaissant bien le pays ou j'habite depuis des années, sait bien que tout est possible, et le contraire aussi )
les papiers et les plaques définitives a ton nom ?? l'assurance tous risques , idem ?? le permis thai idem ??
TIT This is Thailand
IDEM! IDEM! IDEM! Et sans aucun pot de vin ou passe droit. Posez la question à un vendeur automobile étant seul, non accompagné d'un ou d'une Thaï. Relatez moi la suite! @+
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
J'ai oublié, l'assurance tout risques offerte par Toyota qui ne m'a pas fait de rabais sur une promotion.
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
Je ne met pas tes paroles en doute, mais un farang qui se pointe dans une concession Toyota ou autre en Thailande seul sans savoir parler et comprendre le Thai.(les vendeurs ne parlent pas anglais) au niveau négociation puis pour remplir les papiers.. Il est mal barré.
entre savoir le délai des plaques rouge avant de recevoir les definitive. l'assurance où le contrat est écris en thailandais, les démarche pour la vignette que tu dois avoir sur le pare brise etc.... Même un farang calé aura du mal a achété seul un véhicule.
entre savoir le délai des plaques rouge avant de recevoir les definitive. l'assurance où le contrat est écris en thailandais, les démarche pour la vignette que tu dois avoir sur le pare brise etc.... Même un farang calé aura du mal a achété seul un véhicule.
Olivier
vivre ses rêves....
Je ne met pas tes paroles en doute, mais un farang qui se pointe dans une concession Toyota ou autre en Thailande seul sans savoir parler et comprendre le Thai.(les vendeurs ne parlent pas anglais) au niveau négociation puis pour remplir les papiers.. Il est mal barré.
entre savoir le délai des plaques rouge avant de recevoir les definitive. l'assurance où le contrat est écris en thailandais, les démarche pour la vignette que tu dois avoir sur le pare brise etc.... Même un farang calé aura du mal a achété seul un véhicule.
Désolé, A Surat Thani et dans les villes les vendeurs de Toyota parlent l'anglais et c'est le garage qui s'occupent des plaques et des papiers. Je tente de vous rendre service mais après tout débrouillez vous! Un de mes amis a acheté un bateau. Pareil, il l'a mis au nom de sa compagne. 2 mois après, il n'avait plus de compagne et plus de bateau. Faites donc ce que vous voulez!
entre savoir le délai des plaques rouge avant de recevoir les definitive. l'assurance où le contrat est écris en thailandais, les démarche pour la vignette que tu dois avoir sur le pare brise etc.... Même un farang calé aura du mal a achété seul un véhicule.
Désolé, A Surat Thani et dans les villes les vendeurs de Toyota parlent l'anglais et c'est le garage qui s'occupent des plaques et des papiers. Je tente de vous rendre service mais après tout débrouillez vous! Un de mes amis a acheté un bateau. Pareil, il l'a mis au nom de sa compagne. 2 mois après, il n'avait plus de compagne et plus de bateau. Faites donc ce que vous voulez!
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
Je ne met pas tes paroles en doute, mais un farang qui se pointe dans une concession Toyota ou autre en Thailande seul sans savoir parler et comprendre le Thai.(les vendeurs ne parlent pas anglais) au niveau négociation puis pour remplir les papiers.. Il est mal barré
je pense que tu as pas mal d'expérience dans ce domaine .. si un farang se pointe dans une boutique et la vendeuse est morte de trouille , elle court cherche le gérant .. et la , la très grandes majorité parle anglais .. et très correctement .. dans les villes moyennes ou grande ) c'est vrai que le concessionnaire du village du fin fond d'issan il est certain que ce n'est pas évident .. 🤪 la vente de une voiture n'est pas une soupe dans la rue .. surtout en ce moment , on se plie en 4 pour donner satisfaction .. la preuve le lobi automobile a bien fait plier le gouvernement pour la facilité un étranger d'acheter une auto .en son nom . ( ce qui n'était pas le cas autre fois aussi facilement )
pour le membre qui a mis ce post .. je conseille de acheter l'auto a ton nom .. ( je ne suis pas de ceux qui croient que toutes les femmes thaïe sont vénale ) mais un détaille m'a mis la puce a l'oreiller, si tu ne sait pas la différence entre plusieurs visas .. cela veut dire que tu n'a pas grande expérience en thailande , donc prudence comme tu peut le constater par . hmh tu peut acheter le chat en ton nom .. ( merci VF !!)
Un de mes amis a acheté un bateau. Pareil, il l'a mis au nom de sa compagne. 2 mois après, il n'avait plus de compagne et plus de bateau
on appelle cela mettre les voiles ...... 😉
dans ce domaine il y en a tellement que sait Francois devrait ouvrir une rubrique spéciale ..<<< le plumage de farang par la femme thaïe .. >>
je pense que tu as pas mal d'expérience dans ce domaine .. si un farang se pointe dans une boutique et la vendeuse est morte de trouille , elle court cherche le gérant .. et la , la très grandes majorité parle anglais .. et très correctement .. dans les villes moyennes ou grande ) c'est vrai que le concessionnaire du village du fin fond d'issan il est certain que ce n'est pas évident .. 🤪 la vente de une voiture n'est pas une soupe dans la rue .. surtout en ce moment , on se plie en 4 pour donner satisfaction .. la preuve le lobi automobile a bien fait plier le gouvernement pour la facilité un étranger d'acheter une auto .en son nom . ( ce qui n'était pas le cas autre fois aussi facilement )
pour le membre qui a mis ce post .. je conseille de acheter l'auto a ton nom .. ( je ne suis pas de ceux qui croient que toutes les femmes thaïe sont vénale ) mais un détaille m'a mis la puce a l'oreiller, si tu ne sait pas la différence entre plusieurs visas .. cela veut dire que tu n'a pas grande expérience en thailande , donc prudence comme tu peut le constater par . hmh tu peut acheter le chat en ton nom .. ( merci VF !!)
Un de mes amis a acheté un bateau. Pareil, il l'a mis au nom de sa compagne. 2 mois après, il n'avait plus de compagne et plus de bateau
on appelle cela mettre les voiles ...... 😉
dans ce domaine il y en a tellement que sait Francois devrait ouvrir une rubrique spéciale ..<<< le plumage de farang par la femme thaïe .. >>
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
Salut,
Si, des fois, tu n'arrives pas a negocier une remise sur la voiture esssaies de negocier au moin une jolie plaque d'immatriculation thai avec des chiffres "Portes Bonheur" 😉 qui peut parfois coute plus cher que la voiture elle-meme 😎
Voir ci-contre :
http://www.ddnumber.com/...%B8%A2%E0%B8%99-VIP/
Voici quelques prix des plaques thai :
IMMATRICULATIONS / PRIX (BAHT) 1 = 460, 000 1 = 490, 000 3 = 170, 000 3 = 185, 000 6 = 165, 000 33 = 125, 000 33= 165, 000 33 = 190, 000 44 = 125, 000 66 = 125, 000 66 = 98, 000 888 = 380, 000 2222 = 440, 000 5555 = 450, 000 6666 = 350, 000 6666 = 290, 000 7777 = 380, 000
8899 = 135, 000 9988 = 115, 000 9988 = 99, 000 8989 = 125, 000 8998 = 85, 000 9898 = 90, 000 89 = 88, 000 898 = 65, 000 9899 = 135, 000 5599 = 180, 000 8999 = 85, 000 9998 = 75, 000 9998 = 80, 000
lettres jumelles :
79 = 75, 000 1991 = 99, 000 7778 = 78, 000 5959 = 125, 000 9559 = 250, 000 5959 = 195, 000
Immatriculation minibus ( plaques bleu et blanches)
2 = 125, 000 3 = 135, 000 7 = 125, 000 8 = 195, 000 55 = 115, 000 69 = 220, 000 1111 = 888, 888 111 = 195, 000 5555 = 310, 000 7777 = 270, 000 9999 = 560, 000 9999 = 560, 000 8899 = 100, 000 8989 = 80, 000 8989 = 80, 000 3377 = 30, 000 1221 = 30, 000 1331 = 30, 000 1441 = 30, 000
Plaques blanches et noirs :
48 = 28, 000 59 = 65, 000 79 = 75, 000 89 = 88, 000 93 = 35, 000 909 = 39, 000 959 = 59, 000 2999 = 39, 000
Chiffres 1000 et alignes..:
123 = 80, 000 123 = 115, 000 678 = 50, 000 789 = 100, 000 1234 = 90, 000 4564 = 40, 000 4567 = 42, 000 3000 = 55, 000 3000 = 60, 000 7000 = 48, 000 9000 = 88, 000
Si, des fois, tu n'arrives pas a negocier une remise sur la voiture esssaies de negocier au moin une jolie plaque d'immatriculation thai avec des chiffres "Portes Bonheur" 😉 qui peut parfois coute plus cher que la voiture elle-meme 😎
Voir ci-contre :
http://www.ddnumber.com/...%B8%A2%E0%B8%99-VIP/
Voici quelques prix des plaques thai :
IMMATRICULATIONS / PRIX (BAHT) 1 = 460, 000 1 = 490, 000 3 = 170, 000 3 = 185, 000 6 = 165, 000 33 = 125, 000 33= 165, 000 33 = 190, 000 44 = 125, 000 66 = 125, 000 66 = 98, 000 888 = 380, 000 2222 = 440, 000 5555 = 450, 000 6666 = 350, 000 6666 = 290, 000 7777 = 380, 000
8899 = 135, 000 9988 = 115, 000 9988 = 99, 000 8989 = 125, 000 8998 = 85, 000 9898 = 90, 000 89 = 88, 000 898 = 65, 000 9899 = 135, 000 5599 = 180, 000 8999 = 85, 000 9998 = 75, 000 9998 = 80, 000
lettres jumelles :
79 = 75, 000 1991 = 99, 000 7778 = 78, 000 5959 = 125, 000 9559 = 250, 000 5959 = 195, 000
Immatriculation minibus ( plaques bleu et blanches)
2 = 125, 000 3 = 135, 000 7 = 125, 000 8 = 195, 000 55 = 115, 000 69 = 220, 000 1111 = 888, 888 111 = 195, 000 5555 = 310, 000 7777 = 270, 000 9999 = 560, 000 9999 = 560, 000 8899 = 100, 000 8989 = 80, 000 8989 = 80, 000 3377 = 30, 000 1221 = 30, 000 1331 = 30, 000 1441 = 30, 000
Plaques blanches et noirs :
48 = 28, 000 59 = 65, 000 79 = 75, 000 89 = 88, 000 93 = 35, 000 909 = 39, 000 959 = 59, 000 2999 = 39, 000
Chiffres 1000 et alignes..:
123 = 80, 000 123 = 115, 000 678 = 50, 000 789 = 100, 000 1234 = 90, 000 4564 = 40, 000 4567 = 42, 000 3000 = 55, 000 3000 = 60, 000 7000 = 48, 000 9000 = 88, 000
Il y a plus de chose a decouvrir sur terre que sur la lune !
Je ne met pas tes paroles en doute, mais un farang qui se pointe dans une concession Toyota ou autre en Thailande seul sans savoir parler et comprendre le Thai.(les vendeurs ne parlent pas anglais) au niveau négociation puis pour remplir les papiers.. Il est mal barré.
entre savoir le délai des plaques rouge avant de recevoir les definitive. l'assurance où le contrat est écris en thailandais, les démarche pour la vignette que tu dois avoir sur le pare brise etc.... Même un farang calé aura du mal a achété seul un véhicule.
Désolé, A Surat Thani et dans les villes les vendeurs de Toyota parlent l'anglais et c'est le garage qui s'occupent des plaques et des papiers. Je tente de vous rendre service mais après tout débrouillez vous! Un de mes amis a acheté un bateau. Pareil, il l'a mis au nom de sa compagne. 2 mois après, il n'avait plus de compagne et plus de bateau. Faites donc ce que vous voulez!
...La maîtrise de l'anglais est très disparate d'un concessionnaire à l'autre, apparemment... Pour info, je suis passé (à BKK) il y a quelques semaines chez des vendeurs Toyota, Isuzu et Mitsubishi, .... Aucun vendeur ne parlait l'anglais. On a juste trouvé une comptable qui parlait a minima chez l'un des 3. Ce qui ne nous a pas empechés de se débrouiller avec les notices qui étéient en partie en 2 langues.
entre savoir le délai des plaques rouge avant de recevoir les definitive. l'assurance où le contrat est écris en thailandais, les démarche pour la vignette que tu dois avoir sur le pare brise etc.... Même un farang calé aura du mal a achété seul un véhicule.
Désolé, A Surat Thani et dans les villes les vendeurs de Toyota parlent l'anglais et c'est le garage qui s'occupent des plaques et des papiers. Je tente de vous rendre service mais après tout débrouillez vous! Un de mes amis a acheté un bateau. Pareil, il l'a mis au nom de sa compagne. 2 mois après, il n'avait plus de compagne et plus de bateau. Faites donc ce que vous voulez!
...La maîtrise de l'anglais est très disparate d'un concessionnaire à l'autre, apparemment... Pour info, je suis passé (à BKK) il y a quelques semaines chez des vendeurs Toyota, Isuzu et Mitsubishi, .... Aucun vendeur ne parlait l'anglais. On a juste trouvé une comptable qui parlait a minima chez l'un des 3. Ce qui ne nous a pas empechés de se débrouiller avec les notices qui étéient en partie en 2 langues.
Chacun possède la force créatrice de l'univers. Il crée sa réalité et se doit d'en assumer les conséquences.
Le Bouddha Gautama, vers 500 av J.C.
Bonjour,
Je te remercie de tes conseilles, mais comprend qu'à Surat thani, c'est un peu normal que les vendeuses et le gérant parlent anglais (kho samui à coté). 😉 De mon expérience d'acheteur en Issan (KK), le gérant de Toyota (3 succursale) et les vendeuses ne parlais pas l'anglais... Maintenant comme dit Thuan et toi , les farangs peuvent plus facilement maintenant acheter les véhicules à leurs noms, ce qui n'est pas plus mal.
Question... pour que le farang ai la voiture à son nom... faut -il qu'il la paye cash ?? car je pense que le leasing ou crédit n'est pas possible a son nom.... merci pour vos billes
Je te remercie de tes conseilles, mais comprend qu'à Surat thani, c'est un peu normal que les vendeuses et le gérant parlent anglais (kho samui à coté). 😉 De mon expérience d'acheteur en Issan (KK), le gérant de Toyota (3 succursale) et les vendeuses ne parlais pas l'anglais... Maintenant comme dit Thuan et toi , les farangs peuvent plus facilement maintenant acheter les véhicules à leurs noms, ce qui n'est pas plus mal.
Question... pour que le farang ai la voiture à son nom... faut -il qu'il la paye cash ?? car je pense que le leasing ou crédit n'est pas possible a son nom.... merci pour vos billes
Olivier
vivre ses rêves....
une copine a acheter en leasing une vios
le credit leasing avec 25% d apport (6 ans) va lui couter 100000 b pour une voiture de 550000 b (pas pu savoir si y aurait un truc a payer au final comme pour un leasing en france
plein de choix de modele de vios si tu n'est pas trop difficile sur le modele ( plein d automatique en stock) ou la couleur tu peux l avoir en 15 jours 3 semaine si tu veux une manuelle peut etre 2/3 mois
pour ce qui est de faire le tour des concessionaire pas de chance par ex les 3 concessionaires de la region de petchabun appartiennent au meme proprio
les prix sont fixes par toyota tu vas retrouver les mem prix partout alors il n ont pas beaucoup de marge , meme pour les options tu passe vite a un modele superieur
reste l assurance incluse standard mais est ce bien l assurance que tu veux ????
pour un leasing a un farang qui ne bosse pas, pas vraiment possible
pour un leasing comme je te presente pas besoin de revenu pour ta copine juste un apport de 25% et paiement mensuel regulier sinon ils la recuperent
Sawasdee,
J'ai achete l'annee derniere a Kranuan un Toyota Hilux full option et boite auto (avec le volant a droite c'est plus pratique) Pour ce qui est du prix, j'ai reussi a faire descendre de 100000 Baths car justement je l'ai payee cash, mais attention, malgre que ma carte de credit soit ouverte jusqu'a 25000€, ils m'ont demande de payer en liquide !
Bonne retraite 😉
J'ai achete l'annee derniere a Kranuan un Toyota Hilux full option et boite auto (avec le volant a droite c'est plus pratique) Pour ce qui est du prix, j'ai reussi a faire descendre de 100000 Baths car justement je l'ai payee cash, mais attention, malgre que ma carte de credit soit ouverte jusqu'a 25000€, ils m'ont demande de payer en liquide !
Bonne retraite 😉
Thailand forever
Salut,
Si, des fois, tu n'arrives pas a negocier une remise sur la voiture esssaies de negocier au moin une jolie plaque d'immatriculation thai avec des chiffres "Portes Bonheur" 😉 qui peut parfois coute plus cher que la voiture elle-meme 😎
Voir ci-contre :
http://www.ddnumber.com/...%B8%A2%E0%B8%99-VIP/
Voici quelques prix des plaques thai :
Bonjour, Dans la province de Surat Tani il reste encore les N° 8888 à 500'000 THB et 9999 à 450'000 Avis aux amateurs!😉
Si, des fois, tu n'arrives pas a negocier une remise sur la voiture esssaies de negocier au moin une jolie plaque d'immatriculation thai avec des chiffres "Portes Bonheur" 😉 qui peut parfois coute plus cher que la voiture elle-meme 😎
Voir ci-contre :
http://www.ddnumber.com/...%B8%A2%E0%B8%99-VIP/
Voici quelques prix des plaques thai :
Bonjour, Dans la province de Surat Tani il reste encore les N° 8888 à 500'000 THB et 9999 à 450'000 Avis aux amateurs!😉
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
Chat-lut,
Merci du tuyau ...
Mais je pense qu'une "5555" me suffirait (pour le prix d'une tape dans le dos) !
🙂
Merci du tuyau ...
Mais je pense qu'une "5555" me suffirait (pour le prix d'une tape dans le dos) !
🙂
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Saluy tout le monde,
Comme vous pouvez voir sur la photo, j'ai 1234 sur ma plaque pour pas un rond... 😏
Comme vous pouvez voir sur la photo, j'ai 1234 sur ma plaque pour pas un rond... 😏
Thailand forever
Bonjour,
Il faut deja penser qu'un volant a droite est un probleme en France... Les normes n'etant pas les memes en Thailande, il faut aussi considerer un passage aux mines pour l'homologation, et pour finir, le prix du rappatriement. Mais en conclusion, il ne doit pas y avoir d'autres problemes.
Il faut deja penser qu'un volant a droite est un probleme en France... Les normes n'etant pas les memes en Thailande, il faut aussi considerer un passage aux mines pour l'homologation, et pour finir, le prix du rappatriement. Mais en conclusion, il ne doit pas y avoir d'autres problemes.
Thailand forever
Bonsoir,
Désolé, mais je n'en ai aucune idée 😊
Ce serait peut-être un débat à amorcer au niveau de l'Asie.
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
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More discussions
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.
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices? Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis? What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc. Thanks again
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices? Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis? What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc. Thanks again
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Laos in early 2027. Does anyone know the dates for the Vat Phou festival in Champasak? Thanks!
I’m planning a trip to Laos in early 2027. Does anyone know the dates for the Vat Phou festival in Champasak? Thanks!
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
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.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
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.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
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?
Hi there,
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hey everyone,
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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...
Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.
Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.
Hi everyone,
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.
Thanks
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.
Thanks
Hi,
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.
Thanks
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.
Thanks
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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste
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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste
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!
Time to hit the road again!
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...
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...
Hello,
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:
- Battambang (round trip) - Siem Reap / Angkor - Kratie - Kampong Cham - Phnom Penh - Kampot (round trip)
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.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Have a great Sunday
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:
- Battambang (round trip) - Siem Reap / Angkor - Kratie - Kampong Cham - Phnom Penh - Kampot (round trip)
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.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Have a great Sunday
Hi there,
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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
Hello everyone,
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.
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!
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!
Hi everyone,
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…
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!
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…
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!
Hi everyone, I’m looking to do a 15-day Muay Thai training course. Any great places to recommend? Thanks
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


