Avant toute chose, je sais qu'il y'a des tonnes d'hotels à ko lanta, mais ceux qui m'interessent je n'arrive pas à les contacter que ce soit par mail ou telephone !😕
Nous avons presque bouclé notre séjour en thailande avec ma petite famille, mais nous cherchons un endroit sympa pour nous loger à KO Lanta.
Avez-vous des adresses sympas entre 1000 et 2500 (max) bath la nuit du 24mars au 2avril ?
NOus atterissons à Krabi le 24, et je me demande encore si cette île vaut le coup pour se poser 1 semaine ?
Si vous avez des plans je suis preneur, car nous sommes un peu paniqué à l'idée de savoir que nous n'avons rien trouvé à 2 semaines de notre départ.
(certaines personnes m'on dit de reserver 1 ou 2 nuit dans un hotel classique à notre arrivée, et de chercher par la suite une fois sur l'ile, mais est-ce qu'on arrivera à trouver quelque chose à cet période?)
Pas besoin de réserver et surtout de paniquer, c'est la saison basse et il y aura plein de places dispos. Si vous y aller en bateau, on vous proposera pleins d'hotels et de GH sur le trajet, alors pas de souci.
Sinon une bonne adresse sur klong Dao, la 1ère plage, la plus animée mais a cette période, le reste c'est vraiment très très calme 😉:
http://krabidir.com/lantasummer/index.htm
ou mieux encore:
http://lantaseahouse.net/
Merci pour les infos.
En fait nous paniquons car nous aurons notre petit avec nous qui a 2ans et demi, et c'est juste pour lui que nous ne voulons pas galérer à chercher. Car si nous partions en couple, je n'aurais jamais fait de reservation.
Je comprend bien votre situation et ne tiendrai pas le même discours si vous alliez a Phi Phi par exemple, quoiqu'a la basse saison..., mais sur Lanta il n'y a vraiment aucuns soucis a avoir et sur les 2 adresses que je vous ai indiqué ils ont des bungalows familiaux a bons prix, le prix variant en fonction de la taille du bungalow et de la distance a la plage, piscine, AC, TV sat et petit dèj a volonté 😉
nous avons passe 1 semaine en janvier a koh lanta avec notre petit garcon de deux ans et demi; nous avons loge dans 2 endroits differents: le premier etait le lanta nice beach resort; nous y sommes restes une nuit car il ne restait qu un bungalow a 700 bqths la nuit avec ventilo et on a eu tres chaud (trop chaud pour le petit);par contre, ils ont d autres bungalows en front de mer avec clim, beaucoup plus sympas a 2000 baths la nuit et le resto du resort est vraiment excellent et les diners a la bougie sur la plage sont tres sympas.
nous avons ensuite passe 6 nuits au dream team resort, plus au sud de l ile.bungalow avec clim 1350 baths avec petit dej inclus;resort fleuri, bon resto, dans un esprit plus "club" (piscine, car bien qu en front de mer, la plage attenante a ce resort presente beaucoup de rochers)
vous trouverez les references et adresses du dream team dans le lonely)
personnellement, apres avoir passe les 3 deerniers mois en thailande, nous avons ete assez decus de koh lanta et en general du sud ouest de la thailande (Phi phi, aonang krabi) qui est malheureusement devenu trop touristique, a tel point qu on en oublie presque par endroit qu on est en thailande....mais ce n est que mon avis et il reste cependant des coins preserves (koh jum, les iles similan)
Je me doute que le sud ouest de la thailande ne soit pas l'endroit le plus calme du monde, surtout quand le soleil brille et que la mer est à 28°. Nous avons choisi ko lanta, du fait que ce soit prêt d'autres îles pour certaines excursions, qu'il y' ai quand même quelques balades à faire et un peu de vie. Si vous avez d'autres régions à nous conseiller n'hésitez pas 😉 . Mais pour moi, que ce soit la Corse, Ko lanta ou n'importe quel île de la Croatie (que je connais très bien), il y'a et il y'aura toujours des endroits encore sauvage, ou l'on pourra faire de belles rencontres (ça reste mon avis personnel). Nous partons le 19 mars, j'éspère juste qu'il n'y aura pas trop de touriste 😄
merci pour l'infos, mais c'est bon on a trouvé nos bungalows ...
J'ai quand même visité le site, c'est vrai que c'est clean. Par contre en regardant la galerie, et en voyant des photos du tsunami avec 2 enfants qui courent sur la plage, j'ai eû comme un frisson. Je trouve ça moyen de mettre ce genre de photos.
sophie, je ne savais pas qu'on pouvais louer des tuktuks, je trouve ça trèsintéressant. peux-tu me donner des infos supplémentaires : le prix car nous sommes un couple avec 2 anfants de 2 et 4 ans merci
on l'a loué pour 500 bath/jour on a fait toute l'ile avec (sauf la piste au sud c'est impossible)
super pratique pour la petite famille et les affaires à transporter et en plus tu es à l'ombre
le premier jour pas évident car on roule à gauche et le scooter du tuk tuk n'est pas automatique
les vitesses st inversées par rapport à une moto il faut faire gaffe
tu crois être au point mort et c'est pas le cas !
a koh lanta les tuk st avec le scoot sur le coté (comme un side car)pas comme à bankok où le scoot est devant donc attention ds les tournants
le mieux c'est que ton mari aille se balader une heure tt seul pour prendre l'engin en main surtout les arréts et les départs
on a bien fait rigoler les thais ds notre tuk tuk, on s'est même fait prendre en photo par les touristes !
Pour connaître le chemin, interroge celui qui en vient (proverbe chinois)
bonjour loan,
je souhaite partir à ko lanta du 15/04 au 2/05/2009 et ai déjà réservé mes billets d'avion avec ma famille (nous sommes 5). Je pense que l'hotel dream team a l'air bien et pas trop cher. Pourrais tu s'il te plaît me renseigner sur l'hotel dream team ou si tu connais un autre hotel avec piscine et situé au front de mer, les activités à faire et à voir, les lieux animés, et me dire ce que tu en penses de ko lanta et de ton voyage en thailand. je te remercie d'avance. Sincères salutations.
Bonjour,
J'aurais dû donner mon avis sur la Thaïlande dés mon arrivée, mais avec le choc du retour (Neige le lendemain de notre arrivée à Paris) j'ai eu beaucoup de mal à me remettre de ce superbe voyage !!! Pour faire simple et court, je dirais que c'était un superbe voyage en famille ( le petit avait 2ans 1/2 ). Nous avons beaucoup appréciés Bangkok et tout ses marchés. Nous avons adorés la nourriture (sauf quand c'est trop épicé !!!), nous avons manger de tout et bu de tout dans la rue, et nous ne sommes jamais tombés malade !!! Les Thaï sont sympas, surtout avec les enfants 😉
Alors pour ton message, je vais essayer d'être le plus précis possible. Nous sommes restés à KohLanta 1 semaine, faut dire qu'on y fait vite le tour de KohLanta, mais en 1 semaine on n'a pas le temps de s'ennuyer.
je connais le Dream Team car c'est celui qui est situé juste à côté du Narima ou nous étions. Nous étions à Koh Lanta en Avril, le dream team était un peu désert ... (contrairement au Narima qui était presque complet mais très (TRES ) familialle !!! ), seul grand défaut de cet hôtel c'est que vous pouvez vous baignez uniquement en marrée haute, en marrée basse il n'y a que des cailloux. Vous pouvez quand même ramasser des magnifiques coquillages.
Le " Narima Lanta " est situé au milieu de l'ïle, a quelques minutes en scooter des villages. L'avantage de cette Hôtel c'est que vous êtes en pleine forêt au bord de mer ( un bungalow de type C (- cher) est à 40m de la plage ), il y'a un service impeccable, la nourriture est variée, européenne et asiatique, les crevettes ou le poisson toujours fraies, le petit bar sur la plage sert de supers bons cocktail ( d'ailleurs, vous pouvez laisser dormir vos enfants en toute tranquillité et descendre au bar, vous ne risquez RIEN !!! ). La patronne est vraiment gentille, toujours au petit soint, elle parle très bien l'Anglais ... les jeunes serveurs et serveuses n'on pas le même niveau d'Anglais, mais bon, avec une feuille de papier et un crayon, j'ai réussi à me faire comprendre 😄
la plage de cet hôtel est limite privée, en fait elle est situé sur une petite crique, ce qui fait qu'on a l'impression qu'elle appartient à l'hôtel ... le seul petit hic, c'est qu'il y'a quelques rochers (lisses !! pas coupant ), mais vous pouvez vous baigner sans problème, la mer est très chaude, on se jettent sans y penser !
A quelques métres de l'hôtel, il y'a une autre plage, vous devez passer par une forêt (habité par des singes) pour y accéder, aucun rocher, des noix de coco partout (prévoir un bon coupe choux pour se servir en jus de coco).
Si nous avons choisi cet hotêl c'est que nous voulions être à l'écart de tout autre vie cytadine, car sur les autres grandes plages tous les hôtels sont les uns derriére les autres .... mais les plages sont quand même belles.
En tout cas si nous devions retourner a Koh Lanta nous irions au Narima Lanta ( lanta coral beach ) !!
Alors que peux-t-on faire à Koh Lanta ! Koh Lanta c'est familialle, alors vous ne trouverez pas tout ce qui fait défaut à certaines stations balnéaires de la Thaïlande ( du bruit, des discothèques, du monde partout, de la prostitution .... ) cependant, les prix sont quand même plus élevés qu'à Bangkok. ça vous coutera 2 à 3 fois plus cher qu'à BKK (exemple, un cocktail vous coutera 3 ou 4 euros à KohLanta, à BKK entre 1 et 2 euros, pour la bouffe pareil, compter 6 euros par personne, à BKK vous pouvez manger pour 1 euros !! ).
Pour les boutiques laissez tomber, si vous voulez dépenser de l'argent, acheter à Bangkok !!! Il n'y a rien à acheter à Koh Lanta.
Pour visiter Koh Lanta, le meilleur moyen c'est le scooter, ça ne coute pas très cher entre 250 et 300 baths, vous pouvez monter à 3 dessus sans problème, nous l'avons fait avec notre petit de 2ans1/2. Vous pourrez accéder aux plages du sud qui sont magnifiques !!!!!! et rejoindre le nord de l'île (15min en scooter) pour faire quelques achats ( fruits, gâteaux, couches, cigarettes, retrait d'argent, un petit resto .... ), les plages du Nord Ouest sont grandes et très propres, mais aucun intérêt, pas assez sauvages !
Vous pourrez faire du Treking à dos d'élèphant, très rigolo avec les enfants ( voir du trekking à pied ), le musée du papillon et de l'orchidé est à éviter ( rien à voir ! ), vous pourrez aussi rejoindre le viewpoint de Koh Lanta situé sur l'Est de l'île (20min en scooter, belle route) il y'a 2 resto/bar qui servent de bons repas et boissons à des tarifs raisonables avec une vue sur tout la côte ( magnifique !! ), vous pourrez rejoindre le village de pêcheur ( Lanta Town ), superbe village avec des maisons typiques et quelques restos qui vous serviront du poissons frais ( D'ailleurs en arrivant sur Lanta Town, remonter vers le nord du village en longeant la mer et la route, il y'a 2 magnifiques restos avec des terrasses au dessus de l'eau, à faire absoluement ! ).
Ensuite vous devez absolument, faire quelques excurssions sur les îles voisines ( sauvages et avec aucun touriste ) essayer de louer des Long Tails ( bateaux locaux )
avec un chauffeur pour vous amener sur les îles ( c'est moins cher et beaucoup plus marrant ), pour en trouver demander à des pêcheurs de Lanta Town, ou descendez sur " Last Beach " la dernière plage du sud de Koh Lanta et demander au bar/resto de louer un Long Tail.
A éviter !!!! Koh Phi Phi !!!! C'est NUL !!! Bonder de touriste, c'est le rendez-vous des moutons !!!! Ne faite pas d'éxcurssions sur Koh Phi Phi, c'est Horrible, Les criques sont entiérement détruite par l'arrivée en masse des touristes, même la fameuse plage du film " La Plage " est payante !! L'île n'est pas plus intéressante, beaucoup de touristes, des bars et des vendeurs de produits bas de gammes, des anglais et des allemands avec le ventre bedonnant et une bière à la main !!!! Pourtant nous étions en basse saison !
Alors c'est vrai que Koh Lanta, c'est pas les nuits de folies, avec des journées jetski, parapente, bouée, banane ... mais c'est la tranquilité assurée et des vrais vacances en famille !!! Nous avions choisi Koh Lanta, car nous avions passé 5 jours à Bangkok, et BKK s'est SPORT !!!! Entre les longues marches, les trains, les marchés, les taxis, les restos dans la rue, les temples, le zoo ( à faire aussi !! ), il nous fallait du repos !
Moi je vous conseil pour un premier voyage d'essayer de passer 3 ou 5 jours à BKK, et le reste sur Koh Lanta, ça vous permettra de voir la différence entre les 2 modes de vie extrêmes de la Thaïlande ! Le voyage en avion de BKK à Krabi (avec transfert Koh Lanta) ne coûte pas cher ( entre 40 et 80 euros aller/retour par personne )
Encore une chose, c'est vrai qu'il fait toujours beau !! Mais ne vous étonnez pas de reçevoir une averse sur la tête ou le passage d'un très gros orage, ça ne dure souvent pas très longtemp, et ça fait du bien 😉 Et puis vous profiterez aussi des plus beaux couchés de soleil au monde !!! Je n'ai jamais rien vu de pareil !!!!!!
Sinon, si vous voulez plus de monde, avec plus de bruit, de bars, des jolies plages, il y'a AO Nang ( à côté de Krabi ), nous y sommes passés, et les plages sont très jolies, et l'arrière pays d'Ao Nang mérite d'être visiter ! Bon, le seul Hic, c'est qu'il y' a une petite ville du coup, c'est moins sauvage et paisible que Koh Lanta !
Pour ce qui est de la population Thaï, je n'ai rien à dire, ils sont toujours gentils surtout si vous avez des enfants !!
Voilà, c'est le matin, j'ai essayé d'écrire le plus vite possible, il doit y'avoir un paquet de fautes d'orthographes, mais je n'ai pas le courage de me relire 😎 si vous avez d'autres questions, n'hésitez pas !
Pour les boutiques laissez tomber, si vous voulez dépenser de l'argent, acheter à Bangkok !!! Il n'y a rien à acheter à Koh Lanta.
Faux il y a des trucs a acheter sur Lanta qu'on ne trouve pas a BKK, mais bon faut pas se retrouver sur une plage perdue au milieu de l'île c'est sur mais près de Saladan a Klong Dao par exemple, c'est sur c'est moins isolé, il y a "un peu de monde" (1 personne tous les 800 m2 😉) mais au moins on peut faire du shopping, des tee shirts originaux, de l'artisanat local et autres 😛
OK, mais bon nous avons trouvé que les prix était 2 à 3 fois plus élevé qu'à BKK.
Et pour nous ce n'était peut-être pas assez originaux !
Ou alors, nous n'avons pas vu ces boutiques !
C'est en plein "centre ville" des boutiques assez grandes ou il faut fouiner dans les arrières boutiques mais on y trouve des trucs made in Lanta et même des tee shirts jaunes d'équipes Thailandaises genre basket ou badmington avec un gros Thailande dans le dos et un écusson éléphant sur le devant que j'ai pas retrouvé a bangkok sur Sukhumvit, Pratunam ou chatuchak, j'ai regretté de pas avoir acheté sur Lanta, je me suis dit justement dit que je trouverai les mêmes moins chers a Bangkok....et non 😕 tout ca pour 2-3 euros 🙁
Ok, je m'en souviens ....
Donc, moi je n'ai rien acheté la-bas, car :
1- On a cru que j'étais milliardaire ! un t-shirt d'enfant (taille 3ans) 600 baths !
Les prix n'étaient pas affiché, c'est le vendeur qui m'a dit ça en nous voyant.
( je rappel qu'à BKK on achète des tshirts adultes originaux ( sérigraphier la-bas) pour 100 ou 200baths.
2- Leur choix est plus que douteux, des marques, des marques et des marques, je ne pense même pas qu'elles soient vraies !
3- Leurs souvenirs .... bof, je préfère rejoindre le nord de la Thaïlande pour acheter des vrais objets d'artisans.
Nous avons préférés faire les marchés locaux de Koh Lanta, beaucoup plus sympa, des prix ridicules, de la bonne bouffe
( goûter les petits beignets avec la sauce piquante ), des fruits et des légumes pour préparer des piques-niques, et les gens vraiment gentils
( bein oui y'a peut de touriste qui vont dans ces marchés ! )
c'est tout ....
Après les goûts et les couleurs de chacun, ça ne se discute pas.
Oui je comprend mieux 😕
1- les tee shirts originaux from Lanta avec design local (pas du I love Lanta 😏) 100-150 THB...ca se négocie a l'achat de plus d'un 😉
2- Il faut mieux éviter mais ca c'est partout en Thailande dans les zones touristiques, ne pas s'arreter qu'aux boutiques sur rue ou en bord de plage mais farfouiller a l'intérieur 😛
3- C'est clair que le Nord de la Thailande est mieux pour ca mais on trouve 2-3 trucs style sarong aux couleurs de l'île ou quelques quolifichets en bois 😉 Les ptits marchés de l'île en bord de route c'est encore mieux 😎
PS. khun thuan: Radin, oui et non je sais pas, quand on pense en Bahts on se rend plus compte parfois que ce ne sont que quelques euros 😊 je préfère acheter un tee shirt 50 THB a Pratunam que le même 200 a Patong 😛
bonjour sophie74,
peux tu me donner les coordonnées de l'endroit où tu as louer les tuk tuk. je suis très intéressée car je serai à ko lanta en avril prochain et je serai plus a l'aise pour visiter l'ile. j'ai visité le site de l'hotel que tu as donné kaw kwang beach resort. Ca a l'air vraiment sympa. peux tu m'en parler un peu plus sur cet hotel. la piscine est elle belle, la plage elle est comment... merci de ta réponse.
Je n'ai pas pris le temps de lire toutes les réponses, donc si je répètes, désolé.
De mon coté, j'ai passé une semaine au Bee Bee's, un petit resort assez rustique, avec sur la plage des petites huttes individuelles ( 4 max) pour relaxer, manger, passer la soirée, boire et jouer a différents jeux de sociétés.
Le services est vraiment tres bien, amical, je dirais meme familial.
Bon voyage!
Global citizenship throught universal responsability
je me rapelle pas pour les tuk tuk c'était sur la route principale à 2-3 km de la ville si tu demande à un thaî il te dira-l'hotel en loue un mais je connais pas le tarif
sinon pour nous l'hotel était top piscine plage massage calme
je te mets une photo
Pour connaître le chemin, interroge celui qui en vient (proverbe chinois)
j ai vu votre message de l an dernier ou etes vous allez a quel hotel ou bungalow a koh lanta est ce bien ? nous partons en novembre 8 jours a rawai et les autres 8 jours nous n avons toujours rien réservé merci de vos conseils flo
Je tiens à poster ce message d'alerte concernant l’hôtel Lanta sunmoon Bungalow à Koh lanta, n'y allez surtout pas!!!! Non seulement l'hotel est un vrai…
Je m'appelle Linus, et ma femme yago. Comme précisé dans le titre, on cherche depuis quelques temps le bungalow idéal. On a déjà épluché soigneusement la base…
Je recherche pour quelques jours en décembre un resort ou GH ou Bungalow à Koh Lanta voilà quelques critères pour déterminer le choix: un endroit calme, donc…
Hôtels en forfait tout-inclus › Thaïlande · 10 replies
Qui connait le sandy beach bungalow à Koh Lanta et le sea front thai à krabi (Ao nang)?j'ai envie de réserver à ces endroits, mais en ce qui concerne le sandy…
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!
