Actuellement au Vietnam, dans le Delta du Mékong, nous passerons la frontière cambodgienne d'Ha Tien dans qq jours, direction Kep, pour lézarder un peu et nous remettre d'aplomb avant de sillonner le Cambodge.
Mais grandes questions :
- y a t'il un ATM à Kep ? etant notre première destination au Cambodge, nous n'aurons sur nous aucun Riels, et seulement quelques dollars, pas de quoi nous faire vivre quelques jours
- Sinon, est il possible de changer des travellers chèques ? (banque ?)
- en dernier recours quelle est la ville où l' ATM est le plus proche ?
désolée de cette question basique... mais d'importance pour nous !
Bonjour
Je reviens du Cambodge ou j'étais expatrié.
Ne t'inquiéte pas la première monnaie c'est le dollar en petites coupures.
La vie au Cambodge est bon marchée pour les occidentaux . Un salaire moyen c'est 100 dollars sans contrat ni sécu.
Les Cambodgiens sont Khmers.....fiers et très sympathiques .....les tuc tuc sont "des voleurs et parfois des truands" pour les étrangers négligeants .......marchandez !
Le peuple Cambodgien est le plus accueuillant d'Asie mais je pense aussi le plus pauvre. Il faut l'aimer et le comprendre.
En sortant un billet de 100 dollars c'est un mois de travail que vous agitez comme argent de poche.......................
Bon séjour et n'hésitez pas si vous avez des questions j'aurais le plaisir de vous répondre.
Actuellement au Vietnam, dans le Delta du Mékong, nous passerons la frontière cambodgienne d'Ha Tien dans qq jours, direction Kep, pour lézarder un peu et nous remettre d'aplomb avant de sillonner le Cambodge.
Mais grandes questions :
- y a t'il un ATM à Kep ? etant notre première destination au Cambodge, nous n'aurons sur nous aucun Riels, et seulement quelques dollars, pas de quoi nous faire vivre quelques jours
- Sinon, est il possible de changer des travellers chèques ? (banque ?)
- en dernier recours quelle est la ville où l' ATM est le plus proche ?
désolée de cette question basique... mais d'importance pour nous !
Merci à tous
à plus,
cécile
bonjour Cécile,
alors pour changer de l'argent(ou retirer dans un ATM) en dollars et pas en riel (la monaie qui est malheureusement utilisé pour tout ce qui coute plus d'un dollars est "le dollars" !)
il faudra si mes souvenirs sont bon (cela date du mois d'octobre) te rendre a kampot qui est a environ 1/2 h en tuk tuk (la aussi je ne suis pas sur a 10min pret du temp)
quand tu dit nous aurons "que quelques dollars" c'est combien ? parsque comme il a été répondu plus haut avec 50 usd en poche tu pourra dormir et manger sans probléme en arrivant a Kep.
le lendemain tu pourra te rendre a kampot pour retirer de l'argent si besoin.
si tu a deja des dollars via le vietnam il n'y aura aucun souci les Kmers te rendron la monaie en riel quand il s'agira de petite somme (inferieur ou egale a 1 ou 2 dollars)
et tout le reste (hotel, gusthousse, resto, visite organisé ou pas) se paye en monaie de l'oncle sam😉
"le véritable coeur de Rome ne se situe pas dans le marbre du sénat, mais dans le sable du colisée"
Nous irons donc à Kampott dès qu on arrivera (nous aurons moins de 10 dollars en poche. Même avec un budget très serré... Ca nous parait chaud pour vivre quelques jours !)
On nous avait aussi dit que pour le vietnam tout se payait en dollars. Depuis que nous y sommes, nous ne payons qu'en dong. A voir si au Cambodge nous pourrons faire pareil. 5plus facile pour nos conversions; et je pense meilleure pour l'économie de leur pays)
oui, il y a au moins un atm a Kampot, j'y ai retiré des sous. Devant une banque mais vous dire son nom.
Il ne fonctionnait pas, je suis rentré dans la banque, je leur ai signalé, il m'ont dis c'est ok maintenant et ça a marché. A croire qu'il y avait un interrupteur on/off.
Bonjour
Au Capmbodge effectivement tout se paie en dollars
Non il n'y a pas d'ATM à Kep, mais par contre il y a une guesthouse qui accepte les cartes de crédit et qui peut te dépanner, ça a été mon cas en mars de cette année.
Tu payes avec la carte le montant des dollars + la commission.
Je ne me rappelle plus son nom mais il faut demander aux commerces ils te l'indiqueront.
La commission demandée n'est pas pire que la commission habituelle des ATM
Bon voyage !!
Je pense qu'il vaut mieux toujours payer en riel au Cambodge pour éviter les arrondis au dollar en votre défaveur.
Maintenant en mangeant comme les cambodgiens dans des petits commerces de coin de rue cela n'est pas cher.
Mais attention demandez le prix local avant de consommer. En demandant avant le prix on montre aussi que l'on ne veut pas payer plus cher.
C'est psychologique.
Oui il vaut mieux s'assurer d'avoir des sous lorsque l'on est sur Kep. Avec ma femme on avait prévu de reste la-bas 2 jours et on avait les sous pour. Mais on a eu un gros coup de cœur pour l'île de Ko-tonsai. On a été "obligés" de partir faute d'argent mais on s'était promis de revenir plus longtemps quelques semaines plus tard et c'est ce qu'on a fait.
Je pense que vous allez adorer !
Récits de voyage et conseils pour la préparation d'un tour du monde sur http://tour-monde.fr/
Les Cambodgiens sont Khmers.....fiers et très sympathiques .....les tuc tuc sont "des voleurs et parfois des truands" pour les étrangers négligeants .......marchandez !
Bonjour
De la part d'un ancien expatrié au Cambodge il est curieux de lire que les "Cambodgiens sont Khmers"
Il ne faut pas confondre "cambodgiens" (ceux qui ont la nationalité cambodgienne) et "khmers" qui correspondent à un groupe ethnique.
Les khmers sont majoritaires parmi les cambodgiens (estimation 90 %) mais il ne faut pas oublier les personnes d'origine chinoise, vietnamienne, les Chams (originaires de l'Annam) et les minorités du Ratanakiri et du Mondulkiri…
Dire que "les tuc tuc sont "des voleurs et parfois des truands" pour les étrangers négligeants"… Là aussi c'est peut-être exagéré, bien sûr parmi eux il y a des voleurs, arnaqueurs… mais tous ne sont pas comme cela…
Bien souvent les conducteurs de tuktuk demandent un prix élevé (surtout si vous sortez d'un hôtel à 50 $ voire plus), mais en marchandant on arrive très souvent à avoir un prix raisonnable.
cela me faire rire mais en même tant c'est triste :
Je te cite Schnacke67 : " De la part d'un ancien expatrié au Cambodge il est curieux de lire que les "Cambodgiens sont Khmers"
" Les khmers sont majoritaires parmi les cambodgiens (estimation 90 %) mais "
Et bien oui sur les forum il y a toujours un "Schnacke67" pour réfuter tout ce que vous dites et vous offenser . C'est facile pour ces ........Schnacke67" car rien n'est vrais a 100%.
100 % c'est un absolu et les "Schnacke67" en usent et en abusent.......................................
Et oui a ce titre le noir n'est pas noir et le blanc n'est plus blanc ........... et pour aller plus loin dans l'ignoble tu écrit pour casser et salire " De la part d'un ancien expatrié au Cambodge il est curieux de..........."
Ce comportement tue les forums. Je discute pour le plaisir d'échanger et je respecte ceux qui postent des messages. Pour moi ce sont des amis d'un jour et on donne avec son cœur quelques informations et un geste d'amitié a ceux qui nous disent bonjours...avant de partir.................
Je suis triste de trouver des "Schnacke67" et je me sent agressé .............et j'ai certainement aussi fait des fautes d'orthographe........!
et pour aller plus loin dans l'ignoble tu écrit pour casser et salire " De la part d'un ancien expatrié au Cambodge il est curieux de..........."
Dans ton message du 23 Juin 2013 (http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6045576#6045576)
Tu as mentionné ceci : "J'ai rencontré des Khmers qui m'ont parlés en français de la réelle histoire de leur pays, de leur vécu. Pas de ce que racontent les médias qui désinforment… Si vous avez des questions sur la vie de tous les jours au Cambodge en dehors du tourisme, pour connaitre les salaires , la vie là bas , la réalité sur les Khmers rouges et les pas rouges , les affaires , la vie des français là bas"….
J'ai donc pensé qu'apparemment tu connaissais bien le pays et ses habitants et c'est pour cette raison que j'ai mentionné : "De la part d'un ancien expatrié au Cambodge il est curieux de lire que les "Cambodgiens sont Khmers" et que "Les tuc tuc sont "des voleurs et parfois des truands"
Je pense que sous l'effet de ton énervement tu as employé des mots comme : "l'ignoble", "casser", "salir", je trouve cela très exagéré de ta part et ne correspond pas à la réalité.… 🙁
je me sent agressé ....!
Si effectivement tu te sens agressé, il est possible qu'il soit difficile (bien sûr je peux me tromper…) de dialoguer avec toi à partir du moment où l'on n'est pas d'accord avec ce que tu dis. 😎
+1
les cambodgiens ne sont pas tous khmers et ce fait est souvent mis en avant dans les discussions surtout par rapport aux chams et aux gens vietnamiens ou d'origine vietnamienne.
Quant à l'avis sur les touk touk ... des truands... Hermetrope ni va pas avec le dos de la cuiller !!! Pour être si virulent, il a du se faire avoir une fois ou deux, comme tout le monde, comme nous tous. En faire une généralité est un raccourci bien facile.
Et les moto-taxis ? plus ou moins truand que les tuktuk ? ;--)
Comme le dit Hermetrope, il faut marchander ; Ce n'est d'ailleurs pas difficile, puisque l'offre est largement supérieur à la demande. Mais pour bien marchander, il est bon de connaitre les prix pour des courses les plus courantes, en consultant ce forum, par exemple, ou celui du routard.
avis sur les touk touk ... des truands... Hermetrope ni va pas avec le dos de la cuiller !!! Pour être si virulent, il a du se faire avoir une fois ou deux, comme tout le monde, comme nous tous. En faire une généralité est un raccourci bien facile.
Et les moto-taxis ? plus ou moins truand que les tuktuk ? ;--)
Juste pour ce qui est des touks-touks, à Phnom Penh, le premier que nous avons pris, quand nous avons posé nos petits sacs à dos à nos pieds, il nous a dit gardez-les sur vos genoux et tenez-les, parfois des motards dépassent rapidement et les arrachent au passage... Sympa de sa part, non ? 😇
Exactement Intérimaire. De toutes façons, les cambodgiens sont du genre à éviter les ennuis. Ce sont les derniers à te chercher des poux dans la tête. Si tu es en voiture, le touk, à l'arrêt, il t'aide à te garer. Bien sur, il y a quelques tête de mule, comme certains, par exemple sur le bord du fleuve, qui, pendant ton break cigarette, devant le resto, vont te proposer, de quoi fumer, des filles. Evidemment, la même scène se reppete depuis des années, devant ce resto, ou tu viens presque chaque mois, en famille... mais bon, certains n'ont pas la mémoire des visages, ou alors, tous les blancs se ressemblent.
Et de plus, ils t'emmènent au bon endroit (certaines fois à condition de leur indiquer le chemin, bien sur), ne te font pas faire le tour de la ville pour augmenter le prix, n'essayent pas de te kidnapper, ni de partir avec ta valise... que demande le peuple ;-)
Je ne suis pas le guide du routard ou le Lonely pour tout détailler a chaque fois et préciser chaque mot et je ne parle que de généralité . Quand je dit Khmers ( 90 % des Cambodgiens et cela se discute aussi et encore mais peu importe ) c'est parce qu'ils sont les plus nombreux ET DE LOIN et c'est une généralité sur les Khmers qui sont différents de leurs voisins et dans un pays moins peuplé .
Et je le redit rien n'est vrais a 100%
Je te cite "En faire une généralité est un raccourci bien facile. " ...................................................alors que j'écrit " parfois des truands".
Oui il faut être prudent notamment le soir seul ou en couple et montrer avec qui et ou on va quand on est touriste.
Pour bien voyager dans un pays pauvre il faut être prudent pour ne pas avoir de problèmes en les provocants inconsciament.
IL ne faut pas s'inquiéter si on reste prudent comme je le conseille et tout se passe très bien.
J'ai habité de longs mois au numéro 55 dans la rue qui est entre le camp S21 et le canal a (un égout a ciel ouvert ! )
Le problème des Khmers rouges n'est pas réglé.
Souvent j'ai discuté en français avec des cambodgiens entre autre a propos du génocide ( et je parle un peu Khmer ).
J'ai acheté une moto chinoise....une " Rambow ! " J'ai beaucoup roulé ! ( avec assurance à l'année pour info il y a un agent d'assurance français ) En cas d'accident la consigne est de s'écarter et de l'appeler tout de suite il se déplace !
Très peu de gens sont assurés en moto et possède un permis. Par exemple a PP des motos roulent a contre sens sur l'artère centrale Monivong et la police ne leur dit rien , c'est banal .
Les motos sont des centaines a faire le taxis pour 1 ou 2 dollars le trajet pour les touristes et 2000 riels en moyenne la course pour un Cambodgien et le prix dépend aussi du trajet. (tout est relatif et il n'y a toujours pas de vérité a 100% ! )
Expatrié pour affaires il faut nouer beaucoup de contacst avec des politiques et la police pour monter une entreprise. Pour un commerce c'est plus simple.
Le Cambodge de tous les jours ou l'on fait son marché en discutant les prix , les familles que l'on invite et qui vous reçoivent est différend du Cambodge touristique et même de celui présenté par les médias qui veulent de l'audience.
Par exemple à PP après 19hoo notre interprète appelait au téléphone le même tuc tuc qu'elle connaissait. Si elle ne connaisait pas le tuc tuc elle demandait à être raccompagnée systématiquement. Elle m'a aussi vivement recommandé de faire attention le soir au bord du Tonlé Sap pour prendre un tu tuc ................après chacun fait comme il veut....c'est ça l'aventure pour nous étrangers.
Voilà ce sont des généralités , de la vie de tous les jours sans plus et chaque mot et chaque phrase n'est pas vrais à 100% . En dehors des agences et des voyages en autocars par groupes c'est l'aventure et la vrais découverte.
Je connais aussi le Vietnam , la Thaïlande , les Philippines et Singapour. Maintenant je suis sur Paris et j'aime parler du Cambodge car c'est le pays que je préfère et que je trouve le plus attachant pour y vivre en tant que français.
Maintenant même en France à Paris il faut se méfier des taxis il y a des voleurs et j'en sais quelque chose j'ai été taxi parisien ! Et les touristes ont raison de se plaindre. La tarification est compliquée et même la police se trompe. Il faut plusieurs semaines pour apprendre la tarification. Pour passer le permis taxis : six mois en tout de stage .
De Kep vers Kampot, il faut prendre le bus de la cie Sorya ( 10kR = 2,5 $ ) pour environ 45mn.A la station de Sorya a Kampot(terminus), il y a la banque Acleda, environ 100m sur la gauche de l`arret du bus, si on prend la grande avenue.
On peut y retirer des riels ou des $$.Le mieux est de retirer le maximum.
Il faut faire attention au rendu de monnaie car la moindre dechirure, le billet pourrait perdre la valeur jusqu`a 30 ou 40% de sa valeur.Surtout pour les grosses coupures.Bien verifier l`etat du billet avant de le mettre dans la poche.
"Je te cite "En faire une généralité est un raccourci bien facile. " ...................................................alors que j'écrit " parfois des truands".
Je suis d'accord avec toi à 100% tu n'as pas écrit que "les tuktuks étaient des truands" mais que "les tuktuks étaient parfois des truands", ce qui n'est pas la même chose…
A l'origine la phrase exacte était la suivante :
les tuc tuc sont "des voleurs et parfois des truands"
Si j'ai bien compris se sont des voleurs mais de temps en temps des truands…
Le fait de dire que se sont des voleurs est effectivement (comme le dit Bongphilou) un raccourci facile.
Tu as probablement rencontré des tuktuks qui étaient des voleurs mais il ne faut surtout pas généraliser.
En écrivant cela j'estime que tu ne respectes pas les tuktuks qui sont honnêtes comme celui qu' Interimaire a rencontré à Phnom Penh et bien d'autres…
Quant au reste de ton message j'avoue que je n'ai pas compris à 100 %, où veux-tu en venir, tu essayes peut-être de te justifier où alors c'est le début d'un carnet de voyage, de tes aventures de A à Z (sur un clavier "azerty" 😉) ?
En principe tu ne devrais pas me répondre car tu as écris "Je ne discute pas avec les "Schnacke67"… qui usent et abusent du 100%.
Mais si jamais tu veux répondre je me permets de te donner un conseil, tu devrais répondre calmement, cela éviterait te t'énerver inutilement ce qui peut entraîner l'emploi de mots absurdes comme tu as fait dans ta réponse du 19 juillet 2013 à 11h09. Cela serait tellement plus agréable 😉🤪😄
Effectivement devant l'absurde et le ridicule il n'est pas facile de rester zen… Mais j'ai l'impression que je suis entré (tardivement) dans la période de la sagesse… 😎
En ce qui te concerne cela peut encore t'arriver mais ce n'est pas sûr à 100 %… 😏
- en dernier recours quelle est la ville où l' ATM est le plus proche ?
pas de nouvelle, j epere que je ne reponds pas dans le vide
la ville avec atm la plus proche est kampot comme ca a deja ete dit. la route kep-kampot est dans un etat deplorable, mais en venant du vietnam, tu en auras un avant gout avant d arrivee a kep, ce ne sera qu un echauffement tres doux, la route est en travaux tout le long quasiment, par endroit les ornieres ne permettaient qu un passage alternatif des vehicules, et pour couronner le tout des travaux lourds sont en cours pour mettre en place une tripotee de ponts. si tu n as pas de chance, tu peux compter sur 2h en bus (c est ce que ca m a pris hier!). Je comptais me balader en moto depuis kampot, le trajet en bus m a fait abandonner cette idee
enfin, si tu ne peux te contenter d un ATM (change ou retrait au guichet), les horaires d ouverture des banques sont: 8h-15h30 du lundi au vendredi (vise le matin!), 8h-11h le samedi matin et nada le dimanche
encore une fois au mieux, ca ferme a 15h30, donc pas de salut si tu ne pars pas le matin de kep, hier je suis arrivé trop tard
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
However, I’m not quite sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
Hi there, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
