" Des attentats à l'explosif devant des magasins de Hat Yai, dans le sud de la Thaïlande, ont fait samedi soir quatre morts, dont un citoyen canadien, et une soixantaine de blessés.
Cinq bombes ont explosé simultanément à 21h15 locale (14h15 gmt), a précisé le colonel Pattanawut Angkanawin de la police thaïlandaise. Une soixantaine de personnes ont en outre été blessées, selon le ministère de la santé. Deux des engins explosifs ont sauté devant un pub et un parking du centre commercial Odean, une troisième bombe devant un salon de massage et les deux autres dans des grands magasins du Centre commercial Odean.
Les attentats n'ont pas revendiqués dans l'immédiat mais les enquêteurs soupçonnent les séparatistes musulmans présents dans la région.
Un citoyen canadien de 29 ans se trouvait parmi les victimes, a précisé le lieutenant-colonel Prasit Paocsoo de la police.
Un porte-parole du ministère canadien des Affaires étrangères à Ottawa a confirmé le décès d'un Canadien dans ces attentats, mais s'est refusé à donner plus d'informations. "
Aïe, ça faisait longtemps qu'il n'y avait pas eu d'attentat à Hat Yai. Celui-ci est grave et va avoir de lourdes conséquences sur le tourisme dans le sud.
Celui-ci est grave et va avoir de lourdes conséquences sur le tourisme dans le sud.
C'est curieux que chaque fois qu'il y a un attentat on commence par penser au tourisme, alors que les premiers affectés sont les populations locales.
Il faut rappeler que hors Irak la pays où il y a le plus d'attentats est la Thaïlande. Mais comme c'est en général hors zone touristique (sic) on n'en parle pas.
Merci pour la morale, mais VF est un site de voyages n'est-il pas ?
Par ailleurs, d'où sors-tu tes chiffres sur les attentats ? Je suis curieux de les vérifier.
Je comprends ce que le Piaf a voulu dire..c'est dur de se dire que les gens ne voudront plus aller dans le sud pour cause d'attentats..(c'est vraiment moche ce qui vient de se passer) et je comprends aussi ton point de vue...Mais La Thaïlande se passerait bien de se priver de touristes...😕
Toujours aussi agréable "il suffit de suivre l'actualité", sous-entendu que je ne le fais pas ...
Mais tu ne réponds pas à ma question, pour avancer "Il faut rappeler que hors Irak la pays où il y a le plus d'attentats est la Thaïlande.", il faut pouvoir le justifier.
Erika. Sécurité HAUT DE PAGE
Des incidents quasi-quotidiens, qui ont fait au total plus de 1.000 morts, ont lieu depuis le mois de janvier 2004 dans l’extrême sud du pays. Les voyages sont déconseillés dans ces régions où a été décrété l’état d’urgence: Provinces de Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Songkla, sauf pour raisons professionnelles impératives.
S’agissant des risques d’attentat dans le reste du pays, il convient de faire preuve de prudence dans les lieux de rassemblement touristique : Pattaya et Phuket notamment, ainsi que certains quartiers de Bangkok.
Par ailleurs, une certaine prudence est nécessaire dans les zones frontalières avec la Birmanie, en raison des risques de brigandage transfrontaliers et de terrorisme, ainsi que de l’existence de nombreux trafics (drogues surtout). Le risque existe aussi d’opérations militaires le long de la frontière, liées à la situation politique intérieure en Birmanie, où plusieurs armées ethniques (Karen, Shan, etc...) sont en conflit déclaré ou larvé, selon les moments, avec les forces gouvernementales. Le franchissement de la frontière hors des points de passage autorisés est illégal et peut entraîner de graves conséquences (disparition de plusieurs de nos ressortissants).
" Des attentats à l'explosif devant des magasins de Hat Yai, dans le sud de la Thaïlande, ont fait samedi soir quatre morts, dont un citoyen canadien, et une soixantaine de blessés.
Cinq bombes ont explosé simultanément à 21h15 locale (14h15 gmt), a précisé le colonel Pattanawut Angkanawin de la police thaïlandaise. Une soixantaine de personnes ont en outre été blessées, selon le ministère de la santé. Deux des engins explosifs ont sauté devant un pub et un parking du centre commercial Odean, une troisième bombe devant un salon de massage et les deux autres dans des grands magasins du Centre commercial Odean.
Les attentats n'ont pas revendiqués dans l'immédiat mais les enquêteurs soupçonnent les séparatistes musulmans présents dans la région.
Un citoyen canadien de 29 ans se trouvait parmi les victimes, a précisé le lieutenant-colonel Prasit Paocsoo de la police.
Un porte-parole du ministère canadien des Affaires étrangères à Ottawa a confirmé le décès d'un Canadien dans ces attentats, mais s'est refusé à donner plus d'informations. "
Le sage se conforme aux principes éternels :
de la modération, de la droiture, de l'humanité
et de la justice. (Philosophie chinoise).
September 13, 2006
At 10:22am on September 13, 2006 the separatist called my mobile phone. The conversation was in Yawi . Here is the conversation:
Separatist: Are you the director of school?
E: Yes, I am.
Separatist: Are you ?
E: Yes.
Separatist: Tell the Thai Buddhist teachers.
E: What?
Separatist: Watch themselves. If we are arrested or surrounded, we will shoot all of them. Let me talk to a Thai Buddhist teacher.
E: The Thai teachers are busy. They are practicing sports with students.
Separatist: Tell the Thai teachers… You must tell them. If you don’t tell, you will be harmed.
E: If you want me to tell, what's your name?
Separatist: You don’t have to know. I am the one who shot the officer at Bannangkuwae Bannangkuwae Mu 4, Thambon Bannangsatar, Amphur Bannangstar, Yala.
E: I was a teacher there.
Separatist: I am not Bannangkuwae resident. I come from the north. I am Yuwae. You have to tell them because I know your house. You stay in , drive a car, resister no. . I know you and know teacher and teacher .
E: O.k. I’ll tell them. But may I ask... are you Muslim?
Separatist: Yes, I am.
E: If you are Muslim. Does Muslim do like this? And why here?
Separatist: Muslim don’t kill Muslim. I kill Thai Buddhists... who corporate with officers.
E: O.k. I ‘ll tell them. So, that’s it?
Separatist: You must tell Thai Buddhists teachers.
While I was talking with the separatist:, the protecting teacher volunteer was there also. After the conversation, the volunteer called to the Deputy Sheriff of who responsible all volunteers and I discussed with the rest of the volunteers in order to analyze the situation. Then I walked to the house of the education committee chairperson. His wife said he went to a meeting so I told her the story and went back to the school.
At 10:45 I called to the Sheriff of , he said he knew already and told me to check the original place of phone number. I checked . The officer said it was the number of a canteen in a vocational education school in Yala.
At 11:20 The sheriff of and police came to the school asking about the incident and have a meeting to make a new plan with more protecting teacher volunteers.
At 12:30 After teachers finished lunch, I asked them to have meeting and tell them my conversation with Separatist to the teachers and tell about the procedures of safety.
Mostly the teacher cannot accept with the incident. Some got sweaty, some were shivering. So I told them to be calm. For traveling from home to school, not to worry because the safety volunteers are a good safety system. But I am worried when people stay at home because if the Separatists target us it is dangerous for us. But it can happen to anyone, not us only. But we must not forget that in three southernmost provinces all areas are red. No matter if we move or not, it is not different… but I will not move, I will be here.
SEPTEMBER 14, , 2006
Today at 12:20 the same separatist called to the religious lecturer of about what he talked to the "E" yesterday.
The separatist repeated what he talked about on the 13th and said this must be told to Thai teachers. He also asked if Thai Buddhists were there. The religious lecturer replied that the Thai teachers did not come today.
At 14:20 the separatist called the school again.
Separatist: Tell all Thai Buddhists teachers to resign and move from the area. At present we are pressured. We will kill all teachers from .
Religious lecturer: Umm...
Separatist: You say "yes." You must tell them. If you don’t, I will not guarantee of your safety. I will shoot you all.
Religious lecturer: I don’ t have power to decide. I will tell the director.
Separatist: Umm... Ok.
The separatist used phone number .
At 16:00 pm I was informed from the director of that the separatist called and said “Watch yourself, I will shoot you to death.” The separatist called to teachers at .
September 15, 2006
Today the school is closed while authorities to decide how to handle this situation
Il est important de percevoir combien votre propre bonheur est lié à celui des autres, il n'existe pas de bonheur individuel totalement indépendant d'autrui.....(Dalaï-Lama)
Ça fait un peu froid dans le dos! Se dire à tout moment que l'on peut être une cible... C'est pas vraiment jours tranquilles à Bannangkuwae 🤪
Je ne connais pas vraiment le problème là-bas et n'est pas trop suivi, mais est-ce la première fois qu'un des membres de ces groupes séparatistes revendique clairement sa volonté de tuer des boudhistes?
L'autre aspect inquiétant des derniers attentats, si j'ai bien compris, cc'est qu'ils frappent maintenant clairement des lieux très fréquentés par des civils, au risque de tuer aussi bien d'ailleurs des boudhistes que des musulmans, alors qu'en général jusqu'alors il visaient plutôt des "représentants" des autorités. Un changement de stratégie? Une radicalisation?
L'autre aspect inquiétant des derniers attentats, si j'ai bien compris, cc'est qu'ils frappent maintenant clairement des lieux très fréquentés par des civils, au risque de tuer aussi bien d'ailleurs des boudhistes que des musulmans, alors qu'en général jusqu'alors il visaient plutôt des "représentants" des autorités. Un changement de stratégie? Une radicalisation?
c'est exactement ce que je crains, maintenant pour l'nalyse exacte, je suis bien loin d'être un géo-politicien 😉, mais je suis comme toi cr de plus, je pense que si un barreau de l'échelle est franchit, il n'y a pas de raison qu'un autre ne le soit pas (surtout dans la situation actuelle du pays ), et alors là...
Il est important de percevoir combien votre propre bonheur est lié à celui des autres, il n'existe pas de bonheur individuel totalement indépendant d'autrui.....(Dalaï-Lama)
Là, c'est vraiment raconter du n'importe quoi: en disant que la Thaïlande est aprèsl'Irak le plus dangereux, attentats quotidiens..Tiens avant de lancer des stupidités pour fuir des gens qui souhaitent voyager dans ce merveilleux pays, il faudrait développer et donner des sources
Là, c'est vraiment raconter du n'importe quoi: en disant que la Thaïlande est aprèsl'Irak le plus dangereux, attentats quotidiens..Tiens avant de lancer des stupidités pour fuir des gens qui souhaitent voyager dans ce merveilleux pays, il faudrait développer et donner des sources
Comme tu dis c'est ce qu'on appelle de la connerie à l'état pure en matière d'infos, faut pas rentrer dans psychose de la paranoïa non plus .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Meme si les informations sont plus que frileuses voir detournees par la presse locale par obligation, les attentats sont quotidiens dans le sud du pays.
Ils vous sera surement difficile en tant qu'etranger occidental d'aller faire un tour la-bas puisque les autorites thailandaises le deconseillent depuis deja longtemps.
Mesure securitaire mais egalement preventive sur d'eventuels regards venant d'ailleurs !
Bien sur moi même me viendrait pas à l'idée d'aller vers ces coins là, je suis descendu vers le Sud il y a deux ans de ce côté là mais pas dans les zones sensibles comme on dit, et comme tu dis """" mais egalement preventive sur d'eventuels regards venant d'ailleurs """ cela ne fait pas du tout de la bonne publicité .😉
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
c'est delicat tout ca.
parler au nom du tourisme sur un forum de voyage, quoi de plus normal.
or c'est un fait qui est relaté dans toutes les sources d'infos que l'on peux croiser ici. les touristes. les occidentaux.
je comprend que l'on signale l'incident...mais je pense aussi qu'il faut plutot se focaliser sur ce qu'il s'est passé reelement.
personnelement, qu'un touriste canadien se soit fait tuer ou un thaï, cela ne change rien du tout. un mort est un mort. un attentat est un attentat.
surtout que pour le moment, les touristes sont loin d'etre les cibles.
qu'un attentat touche une zone touristique est une chose a signaler, c'est bien normal.
or parfois, la parano qui tourne autour du touriste tué (avec tout mon respect) est un peu enervante.
je crois qu'il faut regarder les choses dans sa globalité aux lieux de s'attarder a des chiffres ou des nationalité.
je me doute bien que cela aura un impact negatif sur le tourisme dans cette region. j'espere juste que les canadiens ne s'empecheront pas de venir en thailande.
😕
Oui c'est vrai ce que tu dis Poupette "" c'est délicat tout ça "" mais je voudrais savoir qu'on me site un pays dans le monde ou il n'y a rien en matière de crimes et de délinquance j'y vais de suite et m'installe .😉
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
qu'un touriste canadien se soit fait tuer ou un thaï, cela ne change rien du tout. un mort est un mort.
Mais non ça change quelque chose. Auparavant les attentats dans le sud étaient ciblés (policiers, enseignants...) alors que celui-ci est aveugle (un centre commercial) et ça prouve que maintenant tout le monde peut être touché (y compris leurs "frères" musulmans). Un pas vient donc d' être apparemment franchi.
Quant au fait qu' on ait signalé la présence d' un mort canadien ce n' est pas comme tu sembles le penser parce qu' on place plus haut la vie d' un étranger que la vie d' un thai mais c' est parce que c' est le premier touriste tué dans cette zone et c' est normal qu' en tant que voyageurs français que nous sommes on se soit un peu plus identifié à ce voyageur canadien.
Les crimes en Thailande sont si commun qu'il effraieraient n'importe quel etranger venant de pays ou le meurtre interpelle l'opinion publique.
Et la c'est le silence absolu dans la presse internationale, pourquoi ?
Meme les chancelleries des ambassades ne peuvent ignorer la chose, aucun commentaire !
Quant a la region sud du pays, les autorites actuelles poussees par son sponsor des USA profitent de l'amalgame du terrorisme international.
N'oublions pas que ce coin musulman du pays fut un sultanat independant dans le passe et qu'ils ont perdu leur souverainete suite aux guerres entre le Siam et La Malaisie !
Donc ces troubles ne sont pas nouveaux, ils sont meme perpetuels depuis des decennies. Comme les 400 tues en une seule journee dans les annees 60.
je crois qu'ils sont nombreux a t'avoir repondu et si je peux mettre mon grain de sel, je dirai, descends(surtout avec le train qui descends sur kuala) et ne pense pas trop à çà, qu'en penses tu, ici chez nous en bemlgique, ce n'est même pas évoquér aux journal !!
Une chose est sûre, il faut faire quelque chose !!!!!!
Merci tous les 3 pour vos reponses rassurantes. Je flippe toujours d ailleurs. Franchement, j aime pas ca. Je m en passerais bien, moi, des chars a Bangkok. D ailleurs, j y vais pas.
Merci beaucoup pour vos encouragements.
Merci à tous ceux et celles qui nous filent de bons tuyeaux
Juste pour information... Des séparatistes musulmans présumés ont mené plus de trente attaques lundi 12 mai dans le sud de la Thaïlande, provoquant l'incendie…
Pour ceux qui sont ds le coin de hat yai et a la frontiere de malaisie j'arrive en thailande dans 5 jours, est ce qu'il est conseillé de descendre ds le sud…
N'ayant pas vu sur VF cette information qui peut concerner la sécurité des voyageurs dans le sud de la Thailande, je vous la copie ici: Le Sud de la Thaïlande…
Deux attentats commis à deux minutes d'intervalle ont fait 62 blessés mardi dans le sud de la Thaïlande, région en proie à une insurrection séparatiste…
Les 7 attentats coordonnés ont eu lieu à Songkhla et HatYai! Il semblerait que çà ne soit pas politiquement correct d'en parler... Dormez tranquille, braves…
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
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.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Hi 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
