Je pars seul fin 2009 pour une longue durée en asie du sud-est. Pourquoi ? J'ai entendu qu'il y avait les plus belles plages et forêts du monde dans ce coin du globe.
Je ne sais pas me décider entre les philippines et la thailand...
Sachant que je ne suis pas à la recherche du luxe mais surtout de la nature exotique, palmiers sauvages, plages solitaires, eau chaude, jungle, etc. en gros la mère nature dans sa forme la plus pure et tout ce dont un européen peut rêver. (genre les images utopiques des compagnies arériennes qui vont bientot apparaitre vers nos gares)
j'ai quelques questions de bases:
- dans lequel des deux pays le tourisme est plus fort ? je cherche à éviter les hordes de touriste
- le climat de nov. à fév. est dit "saison sèche" en asie du sud (tout dépend des régions je sais), mais ca veut dire quoi ? pas de pluie et que du soleil ?
- est-ce plutot conseillé la thailande ou les philippines niveau danger ?
- le patrimoine culturel m'intéressse beaucoup chez les deux, mais si on parle uniquement de la nature, quelle est la différence ? Si j'atteris au beau milieu des philippines nul part, j'ai plus de chance à trouver quoi comme genre de nature devant moi ? pareil pour la thailand.
bref j'ai déja feuilleter les divers blogs et sites et vraiment, je ne sais pas me decider !
Toute vos expériences, témoignages, critiques objectives et subjectives sont de bienvenues
Déjà evoqué dans d'autres topics ! diffiçile de concilier ça avec une destination de rêve !
On veut tous aller (pour la majorité) dans de tels endroits.
Je connais pas les Philippines, mais ça doit être sympa !
La Thaïlande, je connais pas mal, et on arrive à trouver des endroits plus où moins tranquille, selon ce que l'on cherche comme commodités.
Moins il y en aura, moins de monde tu auras !
Je pense que c'est la Thaïlande qui a le tourisme le plus important.
Consultes les carnets de voyages, il y a plein de retour d'expérience !
Quel beau projet que tu as, mais si je peux te donner un conseil pour que tu puisses choisir d'une maniere objective selon tes propres gouts, achete un guide ou deux .....
Je vais essayer de repondre a quelques unes de tes interrogations et eclaircir un peu:
Si tu cherche la mere nature, tu peux la retrouver dans les deux pays, mais saches que les deux pays sont developpés et bien peuplés et helas le territoire est bien occuppé et la nature vierge (si tentée qu'elle existe encore) se retranche dans des poches de parcs nationaux qui hélas sont loin d'etre des cartes postales pour y passer des vacances detente exotiques (contrairement aux cartes postales)
Autrement si tes exigences ne sont pas celles d'un LIVINGSTONE ou d'une DIANE FOSSETT tu retrouveras le minimum de nature un peu partout dans l'ensemble de l'asie du sud est avec des soupcons de jungle, quelques poignées de plages blanches et des pincées de cocotiers pour relever tes voyages
- Le tourisme est de loin plus developpé en thailande
- Nov/fév est sec en thailande et s'asseche de plus en plus aux philippines, fevrier etant l'ideal pour vister les philippines
- Les deux pays ont des problemes endemiques avec des mouvements separatistes et politiques qui se battent pour les minorites de confessions musulmanes, ils sont dans les deux pays confinés geographiquement dans les provinces les plus meridionales de thailande et sur l'ile de mindanao et l'archipel des sulu aux philippines, qui sont toutes des regions qui peuvent etre evités et ne constituent pas a prime abord un interet pour un touriste visitant le pays pour une premiere fois.
- Niveau culturel, la thailande a plus a offrir de part son tropisme continental avec les grandes civilisations et mouvemenets religieux et ethniques de l'asie.
- les philippines c'est avant tout un archipel volocanique couvert devegetation tropicale et largement accidenté, de culture occidentale avec des substrats aborigenes et malais
Beaucoup d'autres criteres s'ajoutent pour differencier les deux pays ou au contraire constituer des points communs, a toi de voir et de faire ton choix entre les deux...............ou pas!!
Je suis allé 2 fois aux philippines : en mars 2008 (2 sem) et en février 2009 (3 sem) et j'y retourne en 2010. L'ile de Bohol est parfaite si tu veux combiner végétation et belles plages. Le pays n'est pas trop touristique, tu trouves encore des coins sans hotels ni étrangers mais ça dépend des iles. Un magnifique pays dont je n'ai vu qu'une petite partie mais assez pour me faire une idée générale.
Pour ce qui est de la thailande, je n'y suis jamais allé mais je connais pas mal de monde qui s'y rend régulièrement et d'après ce que j'entends, c'est nettement plus touristique. Tu y trouves des plages pleines à craquer de touristes mais aussi des coins sans (je pense).
J"ai voyage dans les deux pays.Je prefere largement les Philippines.
Au Philippines , tu trouveras beaucoup moins de touristes.Le contact avec les locaux est beaucoup plus sincere (presque tout le monde parle anglais ).Tu peux avoir une vraie discution avec ton chauffeur ou le serveur du restaurant, la ou en Thailande tu n'auras de reponse qu'un sourire niais.Je n'ai pas vu de racoleur comme tu en est envahi en Thailande .Au point de vue securite , la rubrique arnaques est beaucoup moins importante au Philippines qu'en Thailande .Si tu est plongeur , aux Philippines les sites sont beaucoup plus diversifies (en Thailande il n'y a que les Similans et Surin , attention a l'arnaque de Koh Tao ).Je donnerais aussi avantage aux Philippines pour la diversite des paysages.
Le seul petit avantage a la Thailande va peut-etre a la nouriture , bien qu'avec un peu d'habitude tu decouvriras plein de bon plat au Philippines.
Bonjour, je m appelle Leo et je suis journaliste specialise Asie du sud-est.
Desole je tape sur un clavier qwerty: pas d accents...J ai effectivement pas mal voyage dans ces deux pays et je suis assez d accord avec les reponses que tu as deja recues.
La Thailande c est hyper touristique en comparaison avec les Philippines. Les Philippines sont en phase d expansion touristique mais a l heure actuelle on ne peut pas dire que le pays est touche par le tourisme de masse.
Mon choix personnel se porte definitivement sur les Philippines.
La population y est de maniere generale beaucoup plus ouverte et les Philippins tenteront toujours de t aider en cas de probleme. Ceci dit il faut quand meme faire gaffe car ils preferont parfois te renseigner a l emporte piece que de ne pas t aider. Demande a differentes personnes ton chemin avant de t engager dans une direction si tu es perdu par exemple.
La diversite geographique et ethnographique des Philippines m impressionne toujours. Tu as des montagnes aux paysages superbes, des plages de sable blanc desertes (mais faut les connaitre), des volcans (au milieu de lacs, de rizieres...), des minorites culturelles tres variees...
Un conseil si tu visites ce pays: ne te contente pas de te poser a un endroit mais visite au maximum comme tu as le temps.
Quelques sites incontournables: 1. aux environs de Manille: Taal lake et ses volcans, Pagsanjan River and Falls (certaines scenes du film Apocalyse Now de F.F. Coppola y ont ete tournees), Mont Pinatubo (volcan), Mayon volcano, les terrasses de riz de Banaue, Sagada, Baguio, Vigan...
2. ailleurs: les iles paradisiaques bien sur et Palawan en particulier qui rassemble quasiment toutes les caracteristiques que tu recherches. Mindoro n est connu que pour sa partie nord mais vaut vraiment le coup aussi...et ca evite de prendre un vol interne (de plus).
Voila, comme tu peux le voir je suis un passionne et si tu as besoin de renseignements plus precis, n hesite pas.
Gros merci pour vos réponses, je vois beaucoup plus clair maintenant !
J'ai parlé avec des amis dont une personne qui connait les deux pays comme fredd02 et Leo, et lui aussi me dit que niveau tranquilité et tourisme les Philippines c'est mieux pour mes critères.
D'ailleurs, en regardant des guides de voyages, en Thailand on parle souvent de "paysage arrachée par le tourisme" mais bon je me dit qu'il existe surement un Phuket aux Philippines aussi.. ou je me trompe ?
Donc pour l'instant je penche plutot vers les Philippines, c'est plutot ce genre d'endroit que je suis à la recherche. Mais puisque le tourisme est peu développé, est-ce que j'y trouve quand-meme des hotels, divertissements, etc. ? J'ai pas non plus envie de trop me couper du monde
Je vais encore voir avec mon agence de voyage si je peu pas trouver un arrangement pour les deux, j'ai entendu (corrigez-moi s'il le faut) que les prix des avions interne en Asie ne coute presque rien, genre 100 euros Manille-Bonkok ?? De toute facon j'ai largement le temps de voir les deux.
Et merci Léo j'ai noté tes sites :)
Ne connaissant pas la Thailande; je vote pour les philippines; j'ai adoré.
Grande diversité de paysages (vu le nombre dîle)
Population très accueillante
Relativement peu de touristes en comparaison de la Thailande.
Au niveau danger; précautions d'usage suffisent; un peu plus de prudence dans les grandes agglomérations; manille surtout et un peu Cébu
D'ailleurs, en regardant des guides de voyages, en Thailand on parle souvent de "paysage arrachée par le tourisme" mais bon je me dit qu'il existe surement un Phuket aux Philippines aussi.. ou je me trompe ?
Exacte, le Phuket des Philippines se nome Boracay pour le côté pile et Puerto Galera pour le côté face... LOL 😄
Sinon selon tes attentes je ne peux que te conseillé également les Philippines, mais comme tu as le temps tu ne devrais pas négligé la merveilleuse Thaïlande. Dans les deux cas y aller c'est déjà y retourner...😎
j'ai entendu (corrigez-moi s'il le faut) que les prix des avions interne en Asie ne coute presque rien, genre 100 euros Manille-Bonkok ??
Effectivement si 100 Euros n'est presque rien pour toi alors tu trouveras largement de quoi combler ton bonheur avec Air Asia et Cebu Pacific.
les visayas aux phils est une tres belle destination vu le nombre de francophones que je recois et qui repartent enchantes donc de ce cote la tu prends aucun risques
si tu veux des renseignements regardes les differents posts sur les visayas ou via les gens qui y habitent
pinoy7
denis a bantayan
moi meme et eva a bohol/panglao
tu as getehem aussi a tagatay c'est pas les visayas mais c'est un super spot a voir le taal lake
Encore 2 petits conseils si tu veux economiser des sous:
1. Passe par des agences locales pour les visites internes. Par exemple pour les Philippines tu peux contacter de ma part philippinestours@yahoo.com.ph envoie leur un mail et renseigne toi, ils sont francophones et peuvent te proposer des circuits bien moins chers qu au depart de l Europe (moins d intermediaire et meilleure connaissance du pays).
2. Exemple de vol aller simple Bangkok-Manille le 24 novembre 2009 (j ai tape la date dans le tas): 70 euros (3355 THB) avec Cebu Pacific, compagnie philippine.
Est-il possible de te joindre en messagerie privée, je suis photographe et souhaiterai m'entretenir avec toi.
Ma messagerie est jacques46@neuf.fr
Merçi
Mon choix se porte définitivement sur les Philippines, plus j'apprends et lis sur ce pays plus j'ai l'impression d'avoir
trouvé la perle en Asie! Pour ce qui concerne les monuments et temples, vu le prix des vols, je peux me permettre un
Manille-Bangkok facilement. (meme que faudrait tripler le prix actuel du billet car je pensais pas le réserver à l'avance mais plutot sur place le jour
d'avant)
Je NE PEUX PAS partir en Asie sans voir les merveilles bouddhistes et ses fonds tropicaux..
Sinon merci pour les conseils et déstinations je note tout :)
L'ile de Palawan m'as l'air incroyable, je pense que se sera ma première destination, puis les Visayas aussi mais bon je
verrai bien sur place. Et bien sur le détour en Thailand :D
Quoi qu'il en soit j'essayerai de ne pas trop m'attarder sur une seule place, je veux vraiment tout voir!
Si vous avez d'autres lieux à conseiller je note tout j'ai encore la place sur mon bloc-note ;)
questions fonds tropicaux !! les phils n'ont rien a envier a la thailande !! je peux te l'assurer j'ai fais les deux !! et les spots de plongees comme apo island / negros ou balicasag a panglao/bohol sont de reputation mondiale!!
par contre c'est vrai que cote temple bouddhiste dans un pays a 95 pour cent catholique ou assimile ca sera difficile d'en trouver mais comme tu dis un petit voyage a angkor ou en thailande voir la chine tout pres est trs facilement realisable
amities
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
