Bonjour,
je souhaite faire un "périple" départ de Saigon, visite du Delta du Mekong, passage en bateau j'usqu'à Phu Quoc et retour en avion.
Ayant une fille de moins de 5 ans je préfère que tout soit bien prévu (donc pas trop d'improvisation...)
Je recherche donc une agence pour m'aider et ai trouvé Tropic Tour qui propose le plan suivant:
un "périple" départ de Saigon, visite du Delta du Mekong, passage en bateau j'usqu'à Phu Quoc et retour en avion.
Un programme classique mais avec un passage intéressant à Hatien, que peu de touristes étrangers fréquentent.
60 dollars par jour, ce n'est pas excessif. Sur les 365 dollars, il y a des frais incompressibles, par exemple le transport (environ 80 dollars. Il reste donc 265 dollars. Pour l'hôtel, il faut compter 20 dollars par jour minimum (30 dollars par jour à deux, dans un hôtel confortable), cela fait 120 dollars. Pour les repas, il faut compter 5 dollars par personne par personne, cela fera 30 dollars, il reste alors [265 - (120+30)] = 115 dollars, marge de l'agence.
Cela me semble tout à fait correct.
PS: il faut penser aux 2 journées de location de moto (15 dollars par jour), pour visiter l'ile et découvrir les vraies plages paradisiaques et une location de bateau d'une journée (30 à 40 dollars par jour)
Je ne saurais vous conseiller de nouer des relations étroites avec le responsable de l'agence afin de personnaliser votre contact, et votre séjour sera pris en charge minutieusement et réussi.
Un touriste qui se croit pouvoir tout payer avec ses dollars (le fameux dollar sur patte) sera dégouté de son séjour.
Merci beaucoup Abalone.
Depuis quelques semnaines je lis tes messages passés (j'ai même fait une recherche sur le forum en filtrant "messages écrits pas Abalone"... pour dire...)
Je vais donc les contacter pour voir comment personnaliser ce voyage.
Un programme classique mais avec un passage intéressant à Hatien, que peu de touristes étrangers fréquentent.
Je confirme ! Ha Tien est tout nouvellement ouverte aux touristes non-Vietnamiens et possede encore toute sa "verdeur". J'ai garde un excellent souvenir de mon passage dans cette ville.
Cette fameuse agence ne m'a jamais répondu malgre plusieurs mails (en anglais bien sûr)
Une autre (phoenix voyage) s'est montrée très professionelle et vient de me faire parvenir un devis détaillé.
Le progarmme est alléchant, mais pour 1500 USD par tête je trouve ca un peu cher. (3350 pour 2 adultes et 1 enfant)
14 nuits en hotel (des hotels à environ 80 USD) la nuit, des vols interne pour environ 400 USD, on arrive à la moitié.
Reste le guide, les transports en voiture, bateau, visitites... Bref on doit y arriver.
Et puis leurs services ne sont pas bénévoles ce qui est normal.
Bon, je vais y réfléchir
pour info le programme et tarif attaché plus bas
PROPOSAL of TOUR 15 days/ 14 nights
Day 1 – HO CHI MINH arrival
Upon your arrival, welcome and transfer to check in your hotel
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2 - HO CHIMINHCITY / CAI BE / VINH LONG / CAN THO (B/L)
After breakfast, depart Ho Chi Minh City and drive to Cai Be in the heart of the Mekong Delta. On arrival, board a sampan for a journey on the Mekong River and its myriad canals to Vinh Long. Visit an old colonial house, a rice popcorn factory and taste local specialties for lunch. In the afternoon, continue the trip to Can Tho, the principal town of the Mekong Delta.
Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 3 - CAN THO / CAI RANG / CHAU DOC (B)
After breakfast, board a sampan to visit Cai Rang floating market and a family run noodle-making factory and observe the rural life and enjoy the lush vegetation along the riverbanks. Discover Can Tho’s market and then drive to Chau Doc, near the Cambodian border. On arrival, visit Sam Mountain, a popular pilgrimage site with a selection of Chinese, Cham and Khmer temples before checking into your hotel.
Overnight in Chau Doc.
Day 4 - CHAU DOC / HO CHIMINHCITY(B)
After breakfast, travel through a fascinating floating village where fish are bred in their natural environment, and learn more about Cham culture while visiting a small village and its mosque. In the afternoon, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City via Cao Lanh. Arrive early in the evening.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 5 – HO CHI MINH/ DANANG/ HOI AN (B)
After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Danang.
On arrival, stop to visit Cham Museum and Marble Mountain then continue to Hoi An
Rest of the day is free at your leisure
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 6 - HOI AN (B)
After breakfast, visit the riverside town of Hoi An which was an important trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries and which is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a walking tour round Hoi An’s ancient town and explore its treasures including the Japanese Bridge, Phuc Kien Pagoda, Phung Hung Old Merchant House, Quang Dong Assembly Hall and visit a lantern making cottage and try to make your own lantern.
In the afternoon, free time to explore the town.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 7 – HOI AN/ HUE (B)
Free time at your leisure until you transfer to Hue
Rest of the day is free at your leisure
Overnight in Hue
Day 8 – HUE(B)
After breakfast, continue by car and visit the Imperial Citadel.
In the afternoon, drive to the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda on the riverbank at around 16h30 where you can watch the monks at their daily prayer. You will end the day with a boat trip on the gentle Perfume River.
Overnight in Hue
Day 9 – HUE/ HO CHI MINH (B)
After an early breakfast, depart to Hue airport for your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Rest of the day is free at your leisure
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10 – HO CHI MINH/ PHU QUOC (B)
Free time at your leisure until you transfer to airport for flight to Phu Quoc
Rest of the day is free at your leisure
Overnight in Phu Quoc
Day 11 – PHU QUOC (B)
Full day is free at your leisure
Overnight in Phu Quoc
Day 12 – PHU QUOC (B)
Full day is free at your leisure
Overnight in Phu Quoc
Day 13 – PHU QUOC (B)
Full day is free at your leisure
Overnight in Phu Quoc
Day 14 – PHU QUOC/ HO CHI MINH (B)
Free time at your leisure until you transfer to airport for the flight back to Ho Chi Minh
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 15 – HO CHI MINH departure (B)
Transfer to airport for your departure flight.
End of our services.
Hotels selected:
Ho Chi Minh : May hotel (Deluxe room) www.mayhotel.com.vn
Can Tho : Victoria Can Tho (Superior Garden view) www.victoriahotels-asia.com
Chau Doc : Victoria Chau Doc (Superior Garden view)
Hoi An : Ancient House Resort (Special Garden view-River view) www.ancienthouseresort.com
Hue : Pilgrimage Village hotel (ROH) www.pilgrimagevillage.com
Phu Quoc : Saigon Phu Quoc Resort (Star Cruise) www.vietnamphuquoc.com
Price per person in USD
Base 02 adult 01 child
Package 1, 450 450
TOTAL : US$3, 350
Our prices include:
· Accommodation in double room and extra bed at hotels selected.
· Transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle as per program.
· French speaking guide for each area as per program.
· Entry fees for all sightseeing as mentioned on the program.
· Boat for cruises mentioned.
· Meals as mentioned on the program: (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch
· Flights Ho Chi Minh – Danang//Hue – Ho Chi Minh – Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh on Economy class including airport taxes.
· Government taxes currently in force (VAT…)
Our prices do not include:
· Visa for Vietnam (US$65 per person upon arrival including stamping fee)
· International flights and airport taxes.
· Insurances.
· Drinks, tips, personal expenses and all services not clearly mentioned.
Note:
· Offer subject to availability.
· Possibility to get a letter of authorization through Phoenix Voyages to get your visa for Vietnam upon arrival. Be careful: visa upon arrival can not be delivered without authorization letter.
· Program is subject to change without prior notice due to airlines unexpected changes of schedule or flight cancellations.
· We reserve the right to adjust the prices at any time in the event of an increase of the fuel surcharge applied by airlines companies or any other transport companies.
Guest name(s): 2 adults + 1 child
Flights details: booked by Phoenix Voyages
24th March, 08 Ho Chi Minh – Danang VN322 1130/1240
28th March, 08 Hue – Ho Chi Minh VN251 0915/1035
29th March, 08 Ho Chi Minh – Phu Quoc VN481 1320/1420
02nd April, 08 Phu Quoc – Ho Chi Minh VN480 1500/1605
Oui, le visa sera pris avant.
Cette agence parait vraiment très sérieuse.
Je comprends que cela ait un prix, mais j'aimerai avoir une idée de la valeur de ce voyage si je me débrouillais un peu tout seul.
J'imagine la moitié. Alors, suis-je prêt à payer 1500 USD (1000 euros) pour ne rien avoir à faire...
80 dollars par nuit, c'est bien pour un bon confort.
Si la logistique et le guide sont nécessaires dans le delta du Mékong pour comprendre un peu de culture, il n'est pas indispensable au vu de ce qu'on vous propose pour Hoi An et Hue, c'est vraiment insuffisant.
Encore que pour le delta du Mékong, j'aurais aimé que vous passez un petit séjour à Hatien et au retour faire une halte à Cao Lanh pour faire une promenade à Gao Giông (inconnu des touristes occidentaux) mais d'une beauté rare (voir mon Carnet de voyage de 18 jours), avant de rentrer à HoChiMinhVille et prendre son vol direct jusqu'à Danang et taxi à HoiAn où je vous recommande l'hôtel Hoi An Beach Resort. A Hoi An, vous pouvez demander à l'hôtel les différentes visites que vous pouvez faire dans la région: les ateliers artisanaux de travail sur bois sur les rives du fleuve ou les travaux potagers de la campagne de Hoi An (aspect très culturel typique de la région). La visite de la ville peut se faire en vélo, sans besoin de guide, sinon il existe des guides que vous pouvez solliciter à votre hôtel.
Pour Huê, je vous recommande un guide qui s'appelle Hoa Pierre dont on souvent évoqué sur VoyageForum. Il vous fera connaitre l'aspect culturel de cette cité car j'ai vu que le programme proposé par Phoenix est vraiment superficiel. Vous ne pourrez jamais aimé Huê comme un certain nombre de gens qui vont ce genre de visite.
Ensuite, envol direct pour Phu Quôc, sans dormir à HoChiMinhVille, vous faites jusque un transit à l'aéroport de Tân Son Nhât. A Phu Quôc, pour un budget de 50 dollars par nuit, vous avez le choix de beaucoup d'hôtel (Saigon Phu Quôc Resort ou Tropicana Resort par exemple) et louez les taxis pour 30 Euros par jour pour visite et baignade pendant 2 jours et une sortie en bateau (40 Euros par jour) un jour entre ces journées. Il me semble que Phoenix se contente de vous acheminer le trajet par avion seulement.
Vous pourriez couper d'un tiers le budget annoncé (30% de marge de l'agence?) et surtout faire beaucoup plus de choses intéressantes.
Merci pour cette réponse.
C'est vrai que mon besoin principal est un bon guide pour le mekong.
Après, Hue/Hoi An et La plage, je saurai gérer.
Passer par une agence perlet d'optimiser et de ne pas perdre de temps à rechercher le trajet, billets d'avion etc...
A réfléchir tout ca (mais vite car départ bientôt...)
mon besoin principal est un bon guide pour le mekong
Lisez toutes mes contributions sur le delta du Mékong pour avoir des repères et soumettez à un guide pour un devis.
Vous pouvez organiser vos trajets en avion, etc ... avec l'aide de votre hôtel. La catégorie d'hôtel que vous utilisez est apte à vous fournir largement ce service, moyennant parfois une petite commision, rien de comparable à la marge d'une agence et en vous évitant de vous tracasser à aller réserver et chercher vos billets par vous-même.
Avant tout ne ratez pas Hue et Hoi AN, les deux plus belles villes du Vietnam.
Pour une agence dans le sud, vous pouvez opter pour la robuste Exotissimo.
Visible sur leur site net.
Attention la côte sud du Vietnam est très venteuse et fort dangereuse à la baignade, pas trop grave, mais mieux vaut le savoir.
N'hésitez pas c'est super magnifique. Attention aussi à la malaria dans le delta du Mekong.. Un peu de Malarone ne vous fera aucun mal.
Sortez des sentiers battus, même en ville comme à Saigon.
Vous avez des pagodes admirables en périphérie.
Déplacez vous en Xe om mais négociez toujours le prix.
Et du reste profitez en bien .
Bonne vacances .
Jcl
Je vois qu'Abalone a pris le relais, bien mieux que je pourrais le faire. En effet, je suis plutot bonne conseillere en "petits budgets". En ce qui concerne la proposition de l'agence, je vais encore me repeter, mais cela ressemble plus a un marathon. Tu verras de jolies choses, feras de belles photos, mais tu n'auras pas le temps de decouvrir le VietNam...
Attention aussi à la malaria dans le delta du Mekong.. Un peu de Malarone ne vous fera aucun mal.
Fin Mars, il ne pleut pas encore dans le delta et lorque le budget le permet, dormir dans les hôtels Victoria ou hotel du Golf de Can Tho, Chau Doc etc ... la Malarone est de trop (?)
Sortez des sentiers battus, même en ville comme à Saigon.
Pour ceux qui se plaignent de la pollution de Saigon, rendez-vous dans la presqu'ile Thanh Da (environ 8 km), au village de Binh Quoi avec de très beaux resorts intégrés dans la nature, vous permettant de visiter le tunnel de Cu Chi ou de venir visiter le centre ville en bateau. Budget non backpacker.
Déplacez vous en Xe om mais négociez toujours le prix.
Pas idéal avec un enfant de 5 ans et plus cher que le taxi pour un couple avec un enfant🙂
Bonjour à tous
j'ai l'intention de découvrir le Vietnam en SEP/OCT pas de date précise pour l'instant ce sera selon les prix de l'aérien.
jusqu'à prèsent je partais en indiv mais cette fois ci je pense passer par une agence.
en cherchant sur internet j'ai trouvé : kimtours et vietnam opentours qui semble être les mêmes ??
quelqu'un connait-il ces agences les prix en US me semble correct et les circuits bien étudiés.
je suis preneur de toutes infos pour choisir une agence
merci de me faire partager vos expériences
et plus cher que le taxi pour un couple avec un enfant🙂
En effet, on oublie souvent que le xe om est bien pour une personne seule, mais une fois que l'on doit multiplier par deux, ca devient "kif kif" pour plus de confort et, par trois, bien plus interessant.
Finalement nous allons abandonnr Phu Quoc et privilégier Con Dao.
L'hôtel ser le Con Dao Resort car il a l'air de faire l'unanimité.
Par contre je ne sais toujours pas trop comment m'organiser pour le voyage à travers le Mékong.
Arrivant tard un soir a HCM, je souhaite partir dès le lendemain et donc pas trainer à courir une agence etc.. et partir que le jour suivant.
En plus, avec les bagages c'est surement pas pratique de se ballader dans le Mékong. Il faut donc que je book une agence qui me prévoit tout, avant de partir. dur dur, je pars dans 10 jours...
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
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...
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 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! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
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 dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
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
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.
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.
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 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 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.
