Hiking Mount Bromo off-peak to avoid the crowds

Hi everyone,

I work for a small local agency based in Da Nang, and this is THE question I get asked the most about the northern part of a trip. I’m sharing what we see on the ground here—no sugarcoating—because the answer isn’t always Lan Ha.

Geologically, it’s the same limestone massif. Lan Ha is its southern extension, off Cat Ba Island. The difference is the crowds.

Halong Bay: hundreds of junks on a few marked routes. The landscape is iconic, access from Hanoi is shorter (about 2.5 hours by highway), and there’s a much wider choice of boats, from comfortable to luxurious.

Lan Ha Bay: only a few dozen boats over a comparable area. Result: around a hundred small beaches where you can swim—which is very limited in most of Halong Bay—and free kayaking between islets and caves, instead of guided kayaking in restricted zones. The floating villages are still active, not just visited.

When to choose Halong? In two cases: you have less than three days in the North (boarding for Lan Ha is in Cat Ba, which adds a connection and about 40 minutes each way), or you’re looking for a specific boat—the Lan Ha fleet is smaller and often fully booked two to three months in advance during peak season.

When to choose Lan Ha? Nine times out of ten, for everything else: first cruise, family trip, honeymoon, or if you just want fewer boats around you at sunrise.

Season-wise: March to May and September to November are the best windows—clear skies, calm sea. From December to February, it’s 15 to 18 °C with dense fog: no swimming, but an atmosphere many travelers prefer to full sun. One night on board is enough in most cases: the bay is best experienced in 24 hours, from sunset on deck to morning kayaking.

For boats in the same price range, the cost difference between the two bays is negligible—the real difference comes down to the boat you choose, not the destination.

I’ve broken down the comparison point by point (landscape, swimming, kayaking, floating villages, access, boat options) and the seasons here: full details

Which bay did you choose—and why? I’d love to hear your feedback, especially if you’ve done both.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of markets. No matter where I go, in every country or city I visit, I won’t leave without having seen one. I’m mostly talking about food markets. I love the smells, the colors, and watching people from all walks of life stroll around. It’s like a mirror of a country’s culture, and I love soaking it all in.

Thai markets are particularly appealing to me. In my province, there are so many. Maybe more than elsewhere—I’m not sure—but every day, you can find a "Talat Nat." These are traveling markets that set up in specific places on specific days. They only stay open for a few hours. Some attract more shoppers than others because they have more stalls and a wider variety of products. Sometimes, they’re set up in pretty unusual spots: temples, roadside, even on train tracks...

On top of these, there are also markets in the city that stay open all day.

I’d love for you to share your photos of markets, local product stalls, and why not, let’s talk about gastronomy and cuisine too!

I’ll start with my favorite market—it’s 8 kilometers from my place and happens every Tuesday from 2 PM to 5 PM. I never miss a Tuesday unless there’s a downpour... 😉 It’s located in the countryside, in a village famous for its coffee (ThamSing), and inside the grounds of a slightly unusual temple. It’s easy to get to—over the past 10 years, the roads have been paved, which wasn’t the case before and made the trip a bit risky when it rained...

In the first two photos, you’ll see the temple courtyard on a normal day, without the market.

Hi, We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅 Thanks for your experiences/tips!

Hi, Is it useful to rent a car from Puerto Princesa to get to El Nido? Are there any nice stops along the way? I read that once you arrive in El Nido, most of the beaches and sights are accessed by boat, so I'm wondering if this rental is really worth it... Thanks for your help

Hi there, We’re planning a backpacking trip to Northern Malaysia and northern Sumatra in February/March 2027. It’ll be our first time in these areas (we’re pretty familiar with the rest of Asia). Thanks in advance for your favorite spots and diving recommendations! It’s still very open-ended—we haven’t set anything in stone yet. Thanks,

Hi there, We’re thinking of spending a month in the Philippines at the end of February and the beginning of March. What’s the tourist crowd like during that time—is it super busy? We’re not really used to booking accommodations, transport, etc., in advance. Thanks in advance!

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.

Hello, I’d like to go in March. Could you recommend an agency to finalize my trip? Thanks

Hi,

I’m planning to go to Koh Lipe. Do you know a good site to book a boat ticket from Phuket? And if you’ve visited any nice islands around Koh Lipe, I’d love to hear about them. I’d like to go diving. Thanks

Hello,

We’re planning to spend two full days in Phnom Penh next January.

We really love markets, and I’d love to know which one you think is the most interesting in the capital? The Central Market (Psar Thmei) and the Russian Market are often mentioned.

Thanks in advance for your tips. Have a great day,

Hi there,

I’m planning our summer vacation for August 2027. We’re a family of 4, and here’s what I had in mind: - Arrival in Surabaya (one or two stops, including Jakarta). 6 nights on Java Island (private driver, nights split between Bromo and Yogyakarta) Budget airline. - 7 nights in Bali: 4 in Ubud, 3 in Amed (with a rental car) - And a 3-night stopover in Singapore.

What do you think?

Hi,

During my trip to Thailand, I’ll be spending 2 nights at Tonsai Beach, near Ao Nang Beach, close to Krabi. Tonsai Beach is only accessible by boat, so I was wondering where I could safely leave my car at Ao Nang Beach for 48 hours? Alternatively, at Ao Nam Mao Beach (on the other side), if there are shuttles to Tonsai Beach.

Thanks, Fred

Hello fellow travelers,

We’re planning a two-week trip to the Philippines in August (unfortunately, we don’t have a choice on the dates...) and we’ve seen, especially through many posts here, that a large part of the Philippines is advised against visiting. However, some areas might still be okay for this month.

Based on that, we’re considering the following itinerary: • D1–D2: Flight from France to Manila, overnight transit in Manila. • D3–D5: Camiguin — beaches, Mantigue, White Island, and a volcanic tour (staying at Balai sa Baibai) • D6–D9: Anda — beach, snorkeling, rice terraces, Can-Umantad Falls, Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, waterfalls, and adventure activities (staying at Anda White Beach Resort) • D10–D14: Siquijor — snorkeling, whale shark excursion in Oslob if possible, Apo Island, and sunset fishing (staying at Coco Grove Beach Resort) • D15–D16: Return via Cebu and Manila, then international flight back to France.

We’ll be two families of four with kids over 20...

I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this itinerary is feasible, and I’m open to suggestions for other islands or activities from those who know the destination well. Thanks for your help! :slight_smile:

Pierre

Hi everyone. I’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season. I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash. This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet. Has anyone tried this system before?

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!

Hello fellow travelers, and thanks to everyone for keeping this blog alive! It’s my turn to ask a question. For our trip to Laos next year, I’m torn between using a local agency or organizing everything myself with the Lonely Planet guide and tips from VoyageForum. If I plan it myself, will I still be able to find French-speaking guides on the spot or book excursions in advance? Thanks for sharing your experiences, and if you have any recommendations for local agencies—just for excursions or even transportation—that’d be great! Sylvie Cinefil67

Hello, I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes. I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights? Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi? I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have. Thanks so much! !

Hello everyone,

We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places. We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.

This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok). We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th. We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok... Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya. From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th. On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.

Does this itinerary seem too packed? Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip? Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?

Thanks for your help

Hello. We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).

18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC 20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land 20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding 23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing) 27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City 1/1: Return flight to France.

What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city? Thanks in advance for your insights.

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots. I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary. For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists. So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice: 1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City. 2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay 3- The Heritage Town of Taal 4- Banaue and Batad 5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town) 6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan 7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon) 8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island

I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees. Thanks in advance

Hi, We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam. What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots? Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night? Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites? Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.

Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!

Hi there, We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach. The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days? Thanks in advance for your replies.

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!

Hi there,

I’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?

From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Have a great rest of the day

Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar? Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total. Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel? Thanks, Françoise

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, After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter). Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333? I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!

Hi there, With little time during my trip to Thailand, which should I prioritize: the city of Kanchanaburi or Chiang Rai? Thanks for your replies

I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination? Thanks for your thoughts. Dayi