http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/grand-palace-closed-oct-1-29/
pour les préparatifs du la crémation royale du défunt roi Bhumibol Adulyadej, selon une annonce du Bureau Royal Household.
Le Bureau Royal Household avait déjà annoncé que le 30 septembre sera le dernier jour pour les gens pour presenter le respect au défunt roi dans le Grand Palais.
Les cérémonies funèbres royales auront lieu du 25 au 29 octobre, avec la crémation prévue pour le 26 octobre.
En partant du Grand Palais, Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram ou Wat Phra Kaew
seront également fermés aux touristes entre le 1er au 29 octobre rouvert à partir du 30 oct.
13th October is a new public holiday marking the death of King Bhumibol
The royal funeral will take place from 25th to 29th October 2017.
The actual cremation ceremony will take place on Thursday 26th October.
26th October has been declared a public holiday so that people can attend the funeral
People can go to the Grand Palace to pay last respects until 30th September
The Grand Palace and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha will be CLOSED to the public, including tourists, from 1st to 29th October 2017. It will re-open on 30th October.
There will be rehearsals for the royal procession at Sanam Luang on 7th, 15th and 21st October. I expect you will be able to take photos of this. But please dress respectfully.
The royal crematorium on Sanam Luang will be open to the public from 1st to 30th November, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The BTS skytrain will be free all day on 26th October. On the 25th and 27th October, only the extensions from On Nut to Samrong, and Wongwian Yai to Bang Wa will be free.
The BRT bus service from Sathon to Ratchapreuk will be free from 25th to 27th October
TIMELINE OF FUNERAL:
25th October: A royal merit-making rite will be held to mark the start of the royal cremation ceremonies in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace.
26th October: The body of the late King will be moved from the throne hall to the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang where the royal cremation will be held.
27th October: Following the cremation, a royal ceremony will be held to collect the royal relics of the late King at the royal crematorium.
28th October: A royal merit-making rite for the royal relics will be held in the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall.
29th October: A royal ceremony will be held to enshrine the royal relics at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall at 10:30 a.m., and the ashes of the late King will be kept separately at Wat Rajabopit and Wat Bowon Niwet.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Can I attend the funeral?
A: Literally hundreds of thousands of people will be attending the funeral of King Bhumipol. I expect that as long as you dress respectfully in black, you will be able to attend. But, don’t expect to get close to the actual ceremony.
Q: Can I take pictures of the royal family and the funeral ceremony?
A: You certainly cannot. You have to be accredited members of the media to be able to take photos. You would also need to wear a black suit. I am not going to even try to do this.
Q: Will clubs and bars be closed during the funeral?
A: There has been no official announcement about this yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a ban on the sale of alcohol on the 26th October. The actual cremation will be taking place in the evening and it is unlikely that any bars will open that night. It is also possible that there might be a ban on the sale of alcohol for the main three days of the funeral, 25th-27th October. I will update this information as soon as I hear anything official.
Q: Are tourists expected to wear black?
A: You only need to wear black or grey if you are attending the funeral on Sanam Luang or at one of the many ceremonies held around the country.
Q: Will the shopping malls be closed?
The big shops rarely close for anything. Nothing officially has been announced on this, but I expect you will find the malls open as normal during the funeral. However, I think on the cremation day, and particularly in the evening, you might not find many people out and about. There will probably be at home watching the funeral on TV. So, smaller family run shops could be closed on at least the 26th October.
Q: Will the Grand Palace be open?
A: They have already announced that the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace will be closed to the public during most of October. It will re-open again on 30th October.
Q: Will temples near the Grand Palace, like the Reclining Buddha and Temple of Dawn be open?
A: I expect these will be open as normal.
Q: Is it best to avoid Bangkok during the funeral?
A: Bangkok is a big city and there is no reason to avoid it. However, there will be a big movement of people to Sanam Luang, the site of the royal crematorium. It is best to avoid all roads and the river in that area during the five day funeral. In particular on the 26th October. Khao San Road is also in this area and I wouldn’t personally stay here during the funeral.
Q: Will tourist attractions be open during October?
A: I expect these will be open as normal. However, government run museums will be closed on the public holidays on 23rd and 26th October. This is normal.
Q: Will public transport like the skytrain, buses and boats be open as normal?
A: Yes, of course. Life does go on. But, they’ve already hinted that some services will either be free or have reduced fares. I would think that the skytrain will be very busy at major intersections like Siam, Victory Monument and Saphan Taksin.
On eu le siècle des Lumières,
puis un con a dû éteindre
Autre grande nouvelle : vers la fin du premier semestre 2017, les supérettes 7/11 ont ouvert leur 10000ème magasin en Thailande, au bout de 28 ans.
Nouvelle à relativiser toutefois, car en ce qui nous concerne nous atteindrons le 10000ème message d'Obéo après seulement 8 ans !
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Autre grande nouvelle : vers la fin du premier semestre 2017, les supérettes 7/11 ont ouvert leur 10000ème magasin en Thailande, au bout de 28 ans
HS sympathique; j’adhère ! (une fois)
Un des plaisirs de la vie des 7/11, les cérémonies/bénédiction d'ouverture
7/11 et repas des moines:
a voir >>ICI<<
Et le saviez vous ?:
Le 16 octobre 2013, SAR la Princesse Sirindhorn a inauguré le "Seven Eleven" Dusit.
Le but est de fournir et de faciliter la vie aux visiteurs , courtisans et, fonctionnaires.
qui viennent et, travaillent au " Dusit Palace. "
Source photos/texte: 7-Eleven Thaïlande
Effectivement, infos complémentaires et, lien de mise a jour qui seront très utiles aux voyageurs du moment
Pour ceux qui sont actuellement à Bangkok, pour les quelques jours restants,
je ne peux que leur conseiller de se promener aux alentours du grand palais
qu'on adhère ou pas, ils assisterons a quelque chose d'unique :
La densité et, la ferveur phénoménale d'un peuple pour son roi
et éventuellement, prendre quelques photos souvenirs,
au hasard :
livraison de statues pour le crematorium royal
les exquises tenues pour aller présenter ses respects a Rama IX
puis, mitoyen,
visiter l'amulet market et ses codes mystérieux pour un occidental
les supérettes 7/11 ont ouvert leur 10000ème magasin en Thailande, au bout de 28 ans.
J'vois pas bien le rapport entre les 7/11, qui rappelons le est une boite americano-nippone et non pas du made in Thailand, et les cérémonies funèbres royales mais si un membre historique qui aurait dû passer la barre des 10 000 posts depuis longtemps si la censure n'était pas si fréquente, y trouve une note d'humour, tout va bien...
P't'être que k. Obeo va perdurer sur VF aussi longtemps que le règne du roi Bhumibol. 😄
7 décennies qui me font presque regretter d'arriver un chouïa trop tard pour y assister et partager un peu de ce respect avec ceux qui m'ont fait aimer tant ce pays.
Qu'on le comprenne ou pas, à l'instar de l'avatar actuel de Charlie120 et pour avoir vu le portrait du roi durant toutes ces années un peu partout où j'ai trainé mes pieds, si quelques VFistes de passage ou sur place au moment des cérémonies pouvaient nous faire un retour en photo ou video, voire même un ressenti perso, je suis preneuse.
D'avance merci.
Le principal c'est que le fil garde en visibilité et, serve a des futurs voyageurs
et il semblerait que sans tambours ni trompettes cela soi le cas :
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=8251737#8251737
Je soussigné certifie sur l'honneur n'avoir jamais demandé la radiation de message ni la censure du membre Obeo. J'avoue par contre n'avoir par négligence, fatigue ou manque de temps pas consulté certaines de ses vidéos ou avoir répondu en retard à certains de ses messages.
Je promets solennellement de tenter de ne pas recommencer.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Qu'on le comprenne ou pas, à l'instar de l'avatar actuel de Charlie120 et pour avoir vu le portrait du roi durant toutes ces années un peu partout où j'ai trainé mes pieds, si quelques VFistes de passage ou sur place au moment des cérémonies pouvaient nous faire un retour en photo ou video, voire même un ressenti perso, je suis preneuse.
Les photos/vidéos seront interdites, sauf accréditation
Et, ayant vécu le passage d'un cortège royal en province,
je peux garantir qu'il ne faudra même pas essayer de passer outre
pour le ressenti, espérons un volontaire
perso, je suivrais a la télévision
Je promets solennellement de tenter de ne pas recommencer.
c'est bien aussi
Pour revenir dans le fil d'info (merci d'y rester pour les voyageurs):
"""...Les opérateurs de transport en commun fourniront un service gratuit aux personnes en deuil qui rendent leur dernier respect à la fin du roi Bhumibol Adulyadej lors de la journée de crémation royale du mois prochain.
Toutes les lignes, y compris le BTS, BRT, Airport Rail Link et MRT, donneront un accés gratuit le 26 octobre, ont indiqué les opérateurs vendredi.
Le service gratuit pour les autres jours pendant la période de cinq jours de rite de crémation varie selon les opérateurs.
Un service gratuit sera disponible les 25 et 26 octobre sur Airport Rail Link, Purple Line, BRT et les sections BTS entre Onnuj et Samrong, et Wong Wian Yai à Bang Wa."""...
Les infos complètes
www.bangkokpost.com/...aign=most_recent_box
"Quand l'injustice devient loi, la rébellion devient devoir. " Thomas Jefferson
« Le doute est l’apanage des gens intelligents, les cons n’ont que des certitudes »
(Alain Leblay)
COMMUNIQUÉ DE LA TAT
« Le gouvernement royal de la Thaïlande a annoncé que les cérémonies pour la crémation royale du défunt roi Bhumibol Adulyadej sont prévues du 25 au 29 octobre 2017.
Le jeudi 26 octobre sera le jour de la crémation royale et il a été déclaré jour férié par le Cabinet afin de permettre aux gens de participer à un dernier hommage au défunt roi.
Pendant le processus de la crémation royale qui durera cinq jours, toutes les attractions touristiques en Thaïlande seront ouvertes comme d’habitude à l’exception du Grand Palais de Bangkok et du Temple du Bouddha d’Émeraude, qui seront fermés du 1er au 29 octobre 2017, car ils seront le lieu de la crémation royal. Tous les transports, banques, centres commerciaux, hôpitaux et autres services publics fonctionneront comme d’habitude.
Cependant, l’Autorité de Tourisme de la Thaïlande souhaite recommander à tous les visiteurs ayant des plans de voyage ou de tourisme de reconfirmer avec les agents de voyage et de vérifier régulièrement les médias locaux ainsi que les conseils des autorités locales et les annonces et mises à jour.
Dans certains domaines, le transport pourrait être affecté. Nous demandons également aux touristes et aux visiteurs leur compréhension et leur patience si ils subissent des retards ou si certaines routes sont coupées à la circulation.
En cette période de grande tristesse et de deuil, nous souhaitons demander à chacun d’utiliser son jugement sur la façon ou les modalités d’organisation des événements prévus en Thaïlande. En outre, nous souhaitons demander aux visiteurs de comprendre qu’ils seront là à un moment délicat pour la Thaïlande et qu’ils doivent respecter les sentiments et la sensibilité du peuple thaïlandais.
Beaucoup de personnes thaïlandaises porteront des vêtements noirs comme signe de deuil. Ceci n’est pas exigé des visiteurs mais, si possible, ils doivent porter des vêtements respectueux en public. Nous souhaitons également demander que la solennité de crémation royale soit observée, les visiteurs doivent s’abstenir d’avoir un comportement inapproprié ou irrespectueux.
Le monde est bienvenu en Thaïlande pendant cette période historique. Les visiteurs du royaume à ce moment-là verront le grand amour et la révérence que les Thaïlandais ont pour leur très aimé Roi dans la manière dont ils pleurent et lui rendent hommage. Et pendant cette période, la Thaïlande est reconnaissante de ses amis qui viennent partager sa tristesse et transmettre leurs condoléances. Les habitants de la Thaïlande se rappelleront longtemps de ce geste d’empathie et d’amitié pour les décennies à venir. »
des fois que certains aient des idées,
celle là, pas vraiment la bonne
Au cours de la crémation royale à venir, les utilisateurs de drones sont averti qu'ils sont interdits de faire voler leurs drones dans ou près du site de crémation royale,
Cela ne comprend pas les drones qui ont obtenu l'autorisation de voler durant la cérémonie pour capturer les vues aériennes de la crémation.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/11-million-people-pay-respect-late-king/
" Les gens de tout le pays continuent d'arriver au Düsit Maha Prasart Throne Hall du Grand Palais
pour presenter le respect a l'urne royale du défunt roi Bhumibol Adulyade
samedi le dernier chiffre montre que plus de 11 millions de personnes l'on visité.
Selon le Bureau des Royal Household, un total de 11 065 577 personnes sont arrivées et ont payé le respect avant l'Urne Royale
au cours des 324 derniers jours après que le roi adoré Bhumibol Adulyadej est décédé le 13 octobre l'année dernière.
le vendredi 22 septembre, 69 027 personnes sont arrivées pour rendre hommage au défunt roi.
Le bureau a ajouté que jusqu'à présent, les dons des gens représentaient plus de 820 millions de bahts. "
Le mois d'octobre sera en noir et blanc
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/business/2017/09/28/told-tone-media-will-shoulder-losses-royal-funeral/
extraits:
""Il n'y aura pas de divertissement et beaucoup moins de publicité en ligne et sur les ondes le mois prochain,
les sites Web et les diffusions seront monochromes et les choses sont atténuées sur toutes les plates-formes pour montrer le respect de Sa Majesté, le défunt roi Bhumibol.
Le gouvernement militaire a déclaré mardi aux agences de presse de s'abstenir de diffuser des contenus de divertissement dans la foulée des funérailles royales.
les associations de médias et de publicité suggèrent un arrêt des publicités pour faire preuve de respect pour le défunt monarque.""
Le 26 où que vous soyez, prévoyez que le temps sera suspendu
"Les artisans et les ouvriers accélèrent la construction de répliques du crematoire royal
dans toutes les provinces, et 9 autour de Bangkok
afin que les gens de tout le pays puissent se joindre leurs compatriotes à Bangkok
pour rendre hommage au feu roi Bhumibol Adulyadej lors de la cérémonie de crémation royale le 26 octobre."
Ici a Chumpon
Prenez le temps de voir la cérémonie de finalisation
(passez le coté "officiels" commencez a +/- 10')
C'est impressionnant de ferveur et de logistique
youtu.be/gkDK1GHCjj8
Autre grande nouvelle : vers la fin du premier semestre 2017, les supérettes 7/11 ont ouvert leur 10000ème magasin en Thailande, au bout de 28 ans.
Nouvelle à relativiser toutefois, car en ce qui nous concerne nous atteindrons le 10000ème message d'Obéo après seulement 8 ans !
Information capitale pour les survivalistes : les 10 000 supérettes 7/11seront fermées le 26 octobre de 14H30 à minuit.
Nous avons visité ce jour le grand palais et le wat pho (boudha couché) Voici quelques éléments utiles Pour le grand palais Il faut avoir les épaules et jambes…
Juste un petit message pour vous signaler que cette semaine, le temple du Wat Phra Keo est exceptionnellement ouvert au visiteur la nuit. A partir de 18h…
Je n'ai que deux jours à Bangkok et aimerait voir plein de choses... que me conseillez vous de visiter entre le Grand Palais ou le What pho?? Merci Myriam
Nous allons passer 36 h environ à Bangkok, en retour d'un voyage au Cambodge, nous cherchons un hôtel à proximité du Grand Palais, pas plus de 50 euros, assez…
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!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
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.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
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...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
