Bonjour,
Nous allons au Vietnam du 26 novembre au 14 décembre (le 5 je fête mes 50 ans et j'espère bien le faire dans la baie d'Halong 😉 ). Nous avons pris contact avec un guide via des copains de copains...Au départ le contact par courriel fut très bon. Il l'est toujours mais il nous sembe de plus en plus hésitant. Du coup nous sommes un peu perdus. Il nous demande 20 euros par jour plus 100 euros pour venir d'Ho-Chi-Minh ville à Hanoï, et dit qu'il faut compter en gros 50 euros pour une voiture avec chauffeur. Tout cela ne nous choque pas et les prix nous semblent raisonnable. Mais vu ses hésitations, nous nous posons la question : un guide apporte t-il un plus et comment vous déplacez vous d'un endroit à l'autre (en dehors du train et de l'avion)? Avez-vous des noms d'agences de location?
Autre petite question que l'on se pose, nous ne sommes plus très adeptes du sac à dos (lourd et encombrant), mais pas encore du voyage avec porteur 😛. Que nous conseillez vous dans ce cas comme baggage?
Enfin avez vous des nouvelles de l'état du nord est après le passage du typhon? En 17 jours je ne pourrais pas tous faire et je me demande si je ne préfèrerais pas Ba Be à Sapa...me trompes-je?
Merci en tous cas de tous vos éclairages
Le guide vous demande 100 euros pour venir de saigon à Hanoi, c'est normal parce que vous devrez payer son voyage en avion. Mais en tout cas, je vous conseille de passer par une agence locale pour voir un maximum de choses. Ces agences connaissent les sites à visiter, les modes de transport, les hotels, les guides… et vous proposont des prix nettement meilleurs que ce que vous pourriez trouver par vous-même. Elles sauront également accélérer la procédure d’obtention de visa (à l’aéroport) ... Le guide travaille librement, il ne sera pas responsable pour les problèmes sur la route. Il n'y a aucun contract entre vous et lui. Par ailleurs, il ne benéficie pas des tarifs contractuels comme les agences.
Le Nord n'a pas été touché par le typhon. Le centre se remet doucement.
Bonjour,
Merci de me répondre si vite. Pour les 100 euros nous n'étions pas choqués car vivant à Ho Chi Minh ville et nous rejoignant à Hanoï, il fallait bien qu'il prenne un moyen de transport. Par contre vous parlez de responsabilité pour "les problèmes sur la route. Il n'y a aucun contract entre vous et lui. Par ailleurs, il ne benéficie pas des tarifs contractuels comme les agences." Pouvez-vous m'en dire un peu plus sur le sens précis de vos propos.
Vous évoquez par ailleurs les "...agence locale pour voir un maximum de choses. Ces agences connaissent les sites à visiter, les modes de transport, les hotels, les guides… et vous proposont des prix nettement meilleurs que ce que vous pourriez trouver par vous-même.." Pouvez vous me donner des noms et des adresses de site et/ou courriel.
Enfin avez-vous un avis sur Ba Be, voir même des adresses?
Merci
Bonjour,
Est-ce que votre "guide" est un guide officiel, avec licence, ou pas ? Travaille-t-il pour une agence, ou est-ce une personne privée qui offre des services ? C'est très différent. D'autre part, si ce guide est du Sud, il connaîtra sa région et pas forcément le Nord, sauf s'il travaille pour une agence et qu'il a déjà été basé à Hanoi.
Si je comprends bien, vous arrivez à Hanoi et vous vous déplacerez dans tout le Vietnam ?
Qu'est-ce qui est compris dans les 20 $ /jour ? Sera-t-il responsable de l'itinéraire? Choisira-t-il les hôtels?
Pour la voiture, avec quelle agence travaille-t-il? (Demandez des références!) Est-ce que cette agence a des bureaux dans les villes où vous irez ? Le métier de guide est assez réglementé, n'importe qui ne peut pas s'intituler guide. Il y a par contre moins de guides francophones qu'anglophones et il est bon de s'assurer du niveau de français du guide pour éviter des déceptions!
Sachez aussi que le guide ne conduira pas la voiture, (il vaut mieux pas!) il faudra vous adresser à une agence de voyage qui loue voiture et chauffeur. Les chauffeurs parlent rarement une autre langue que le vietnamien . (Des exceptions existent bien entendu)
Personnellement, je trouve qu'un guide francophone apporte beaucoup, car il peut vous donne une vision du pays que vous ne pourrez pas avoir si vous ne parlez pas la langue. D'autre part, il peut s'occuper de tout pour vous, (bien spécifier ça dans le contrat!) et vous laisse du temps pour vivre votre voyage.
Pour les bagages, une valise à roulettes convient très bien, (20 Kg) il est rare que vous aurez à porter vos valises. Vous pouvez prendre un petit sac à dos pour la journée, pratique. Votre chauffeur veillera à vos bagages pendant vos visites, vous pourrez laisser le tout en sécurité dans la voiture.
Ba Be ou Sapa ? Pas tout à fait semblable, ça dépend de ce que vous aimez faire. Sapa est plus touristique, Ba Be plus sauvage. Les infrastructures à Sapa sont meilleures, plus rudimentaires à Ba Be. J'ai vu des choses magnigiques dans les deux endroits, je retournerais aux deux sans hésiter. La route vers BaBe n'est pas très intéressante, pour Sapa on prend le train de nuit.
Danang se remet doucement du passage du typhon, beaucoup de desctruction. Hoi An devrait être rétablie
le sommet de l' APEC
pourquoi prendre un guide vivant a Saigon pour visiter le Nord?? c'est comme si vous arrivez a Paris et que vous prenez un guide habitant a Marseille!!! il vaut mieux prendre un guide originaire de Hanoi pour cela adressez vous a des agences a Hanoi pour la location des voitures ainsi qu'un guide, il y en a pleins partout en ville...
Le guide fait son boulot et il doit gagner sa vie. Si vous voulez lui faire venir de Saigon à Hanoi, c'est normal que vous devez payer le transport pour lui. Si vous etes ses amis proches, ce n'est pas le cas !!!!
Par ailleurs, tous les guides officiels doivent avoir la licence delivré par le service de tourisme et ils ont du boulot avec leur agence, ils ne cherchent pas le travail à coté, par contre si vous rencontrez des guides vagabons, ils acceptent tout.
Comme je vous ai dit, vous travaillez avec lui par un contrat oral, si il y a des problème ou des domages, c'est vous qui payerez. Il travaille liberement et personne n'est responsable.
Par contre, les agences locales vous accueillent, elles doivent avoir une licence de tourisme internationale delivrée par le service de tourisme national et elles doivent mettre 25000 US$ pour la garantie. Quand il y a des dommages ou des fautes techniques des agences, leurs clients seront remboursés et la loi vietnamienne vous protègera.
Pour Babe, je vous conseille vivement d'y aller, les paysages sont très beaux et vous aurez occasion de découvrir la vie des ethines au tour du lac. Concernant l'hébergement à Babe, vous pouvez vous loger dans les bungalow écologiques du parc national de babe.
Concernant les agences locales, on n'a pas le droit afficher sur ce forum. Si vous le souhaitez, envoyez à ma boite privée, je vous les communiquera.
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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!
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 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! 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
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
