De Hong-Kong...au reste de la Chine
by Chevrita
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour a tous amis routards et autres voyageurs! j'ai l'occasion de prolonger mon escale a Hong-kong (trajet Australie-france) et je me dis pourquoi pas en profiter pour visiter un peu Hong-kong voir, un peu du territoire chinois!... Ma seule limite est le budget, et j'hesite entre rester quelques jours...ou quelques semaines (un mois maxi). Je me suis peu renseignee sur ce voyage, (n'etant pas mon voyage initial), et je ne sais pas si ca vaut le coup de rester plusieurs semaines a Hong-kong (les gens semble plutot rester en moyenne 5j) oubien si c'est facile de faire un saut en Chine depuis Hong-kong (visa) et ou? .. Bref je fais appel a ceux qui auraient deja eu ce type d'experience, ou tout simplement ceux qui connaissent bien cette partie du globe, pour savoir si ce projet est realiste... Merci d'avance, et Bonne annee 2009 a tous, ou que vous soyez
cela ne sert a rien de rester plus que qques jours a hong kong. tu peux aller visiter la chine sans probleme.
C'est juste de savoir la duree le budget et savoir qu'estce que tu veux voir/decouvrir
C'est juste de savoir la duree le budget et savoir qu'estce que tu veux voir/decouvrir
Oui, je confirme... meme si j'adore Hong Kong 4-5 jours suffisent largement.
Acceder a la Chine est assez facile. De Hong Kong tu peux facilement obtenir un visa en quelques jours (les agences de voyage chinoises de Hong Kong disent 1 journee mais ca me laisse tres dubitatif...) et partir visiter la Chine.
Cote budget, tout depend de la ou tu souhaites aller et de combien de temps tu disposes. Pas tres loin de Hong Kong, tu as Canton qu'il est interessant de visiter (il y a des trains rapides et directs), Shenzhen etant a mon avis d'un interet limite. Ensuite tu as Guilin et ses environs dans la province de Guangxi. Plus loin tu as le Sichuan et le Tibet... mais ca necessite plus de temps je pense. De Hong Kong, tu peux aussi aller faire un tour a Macao... sans visa. :)
Acceder a la Chine est assez facile. De Hong Kong tu peux facilement obtenir un visa en quelques jours (les agences de voyage chinoises de Hong Kong disent 1 journee mais ca me laisse tres dubitatif...) et partir visiter la Chine.
Cote budget, tout depend de la ou tu souhaites aller et de combien de temps tu disposes. Pas tres loin de Hong Kong, tu as Canton qu'il est interessant de visiter (il y a des trains rapides et directs), Shenzhen etant a mon avis d'un interet limite. Ensuite tu as Guilin et ses environs dans la province de Guangxi. Plus loin tu as le Sichuan et le Tibet... mais ca necessite plus de temps je pense. De Hong Kong, tu peux aussi aller faire un tour a Macao... sans visa. :)
Tout depends de ce que tu veux faire et decouvrir, HK est en effet passionant mais ou comme il a ete dit, tu y passes 4/5 jours et tu changes de cremerie😉, ou tu y passes 15 jours voir plus pour y decouvrir et comprendre la mentalite des lieux, rencontrer des personnages etc....
pour t'aider si tu ne fait qu'y passer: http://denali-sud.chez-alice.fr/fichexpe/Hong_Kong.htm
pour t'aider si tu ne fait qu'y passer: http://denali-sud.chez-alice.fr/fichexpe/Hong_Kong.htm
Il est important de percevoir combien votre propre bonheur est lié à celui des autres, il n'existe pas de bonheur individuel totalement indépendant d'autrui.....(Dalaï-Lama)
Merci beaucoup a vous 3 d'avoir pris le temps de me repondre. Je n'avais pas realise que Canton etait si pres de Hong-kong. Est-ce une ville interessante pour y rester un peu? (ou dans ses environs?). A propos de Guilin, j'ai lu des temoignages positifs dans ce forum. Du coup ca me tente bien d'aller faire un tour en Chine mais je me demande si les formalites sont couteuses ou compliquees: Savez-vous quel est la duree minimum de visa accordee et son prix? Et s'il y a des vaccins obligatoires ou autres formalites auquelles je ne pense pas? (en ce qui concerne H-K, tout c'est apparemment tres simple: visa gratuit, pas de vaccins...)
PS: merci Sidartha pour ton lien sur H-K; j'ai pas encore tout lu mais il a l'air tres complet..
guilin est tres joli et/mais aussi tres touristique, et peut etre bonde a certaines periodes, au point d etre insuportable. a l'oppose il y a le guizhou, et aussi le yunan avec plein de minorites ethniques, parfois tu change de planete entre deux bleds a 50km pres tellement les cultures/origines/costumes/facies/architecture... sont divers et varies
au guizhou, tres peu de touristes et des contacts etonnants avec la population, plus de 1000 fetes locales par an (il y en a tout le temps, je m etais improvise un itineraire autour de ca. je joint le scan de la carte d un guide local recommande par le lonely je crois et qui s'est revele encore meilleur que ce que laissaient penser le lonely, il parle bien anglais et meme un peu de francais
au yunnan, un peu plus de touristes (surtout sur certains spots) mais grande diversite egalement
oups j avais oublie de cliquer sur telecharger l image
Super! C'est exactement ce genre de temoignage que je recherche: j'ignorais que Guilin etait si touristique et c'est en effet pas ce que je recherche... Si vous avez d'autres avis ou coup de coeur, je suis preneuse! (En attendant, je suis charmee par ce site: la passion du voyage et l'entraide)
je rejoins tout les posts précédents
Dans l accessible je te recommande Yangshuo plutot que Guilin, et Dali plutot que Lijang dans le Yunnan.
Canton c est un peu grosse ville et stress, un peu trop business a mon gout mais il y a des petites ruelles ou il fait bon flaner et des parcs.
Si tu veux de la chine rurale, montes sur Guyang, tu seras servi.
Dans l accessible je te recommande Yangshuo plutot que Guilin, et Dali plutot que Lijang dans le Yunnan.
Canton c est un peu grosse ville et stress, un peu trop business a mon gout mais il y a des petites ruelles ou il fait bon flaner et des parcs.
Si tu veux de la chine rurale, montes sur Guyang, tu seras servi.
Bonsoir à tous les globes-trotteurs !
Ce matin j'ai craqué 😊, je me suis acheter un A/R Madrid-Hong Kong pour avril. Un périble de 17 jours en Chine que je comptes bien vivre à fond en mode roots (couchsurfing, hostales, train, amis d'amis à Shangaï et Beijing...)
Bien évidemment, j'ai le vol, mais je n ai encore aucun itinéraire de prévu. Dans mon idée, ce serait arriver à HK le 10 avril au matin, visiter la ville pendant 2 jours, et prendre un train jusqu'à Shangaï (environ 19h de voyage), une fois à Shangaï, visiter la ville et rebolotte pour le train jusqu'à Beijing et visites de la ville. Bien évidemment je ne veux pas me contenter de ces 3 villes, je veux me perdre dans la campagne entre ces 3 "escales". En lisant otus vos commentaires, je me rend comptes que je vais devoir bien choisir mes arrêts car il me semble que tout (ou presque) mérite le détour. Ce que je veux c'est un choc culturel et m'en mettre plein les yeux!!! Mais je ne sais que choisir! Il faut dire que j ai eu peu de temps pour penser à tous ça (billet acheté a 13h, il est 22h 🤪) mais je ne veux pas perdre une minute à dégotter les endroits "magiques" de ce voyage nord-sur par la côte.
Tous vos conseils et astuces sont les bienvenus! Tout au long de mes recherches, je posterais des messages, peut être que cela donnera des idées à certains d'entre vous, et peut être que vous m'aiderez à profiter au mieux de ces 17 jours en Chine.
Bonne soirée,
Ce matin j'ai craqué 😊, je me suis acheter un A/R Madrid-Hong Kong pour avril. Un périble de 17 jours en Chine que je comptes bien vivre à fond en mode roots (couchsurfing, hostales, train, amis d'amis à Shangaï et Beijing...)
Bien évidemment, j'ai le vol, mais je n ai encore aucun itinéraire de prévu. Dans mon idée, ce serait arriver à HK le 10 avril au matin, visiter la ville pendant 2 jours, et prendre un train jusqu'à Shangaï (environ 19h de voyage), une fois à Shangaï, visiter la ville et rebolotte pour le train jusqu'à Beijing et visites de la ville. Bien évidemment je ne veux pas me contenter de ces 3 villes, je veux me perdre dans la campagne entre ces 3 "escales". En lisant otus vos commentaires, je me rend comptes que je vais devoir bien choisir mes arrêts car il me semble que tout (ou presque) mérite le détour. Ce que je veux c'est un choc culturel et m'en mettre plein les yeux!!! Mais je ne sais que choisir! Il faut dire que j ai eu peu de temps pour penser à tous ça (billet acheté a 13h, il est 22h 🤪) mais je ne veux pas perdre une minute à dégotter les endroits "magiques" de ce voyage nord-sur par la côte.
Tous vos conseils et astuces sont les bienvenus! Tout au long de mes recherches, je posterais des messages, peut être que cela donnera des idées à certains d'entre vous, et peut être que vous m'aiderez à profiter au mieux de ces 17 jours en Chine.
Bonne soirée,
Julie.
Vouloir en 17 jours visiter Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing et voir aussi des endroits magiques qui provoquent un choc culturel et en mettent plein les yeux ... c'est quasi mission impossible quoique envisageable.
Je me contenterais de Hong Kong (ville moderne) + Macao (ville coloniale) + Guangzhou (ville chinoise) + Guilin/Yangshuo (nature fabuleuse) et peut être en plus s'il reste du temps Longsheng (rizières en terrasse) + Sanjiang/Chengyang (les ponts et les tours du tambour de la minorité des Dongs) + retour Hong Kong
Horaires des trains sur : http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/index.htm
Je me contenterais de Hong Kong (ville moderne) + Macao (ville coloniale) + Guangzhou (ville chinoise) + Guilin/Yangshuo (nature fabuleuse) et peut être en plus s'il reste du temps Longsheng (rizières en terrasse) + Sanjiang/Chengyang (les ponts et les tours du tambour de la minorité des Dongs) + retour Hong Kong
Horaires des trains sur : http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/index.htm
Le mauvais goût ou les opinions bizarres rendent la coexistence très difficile, mais leur interdiction la rend absolument impossible.
Daniel Innenarity
bonsoir,
apres avoir visité hong kong il n y a pas d'interet a voir shanghai.
je te conseille plutot d'aller a pekin qui te permettra un grand dépaysement. Je te conseille aussi de visiter xi'an.
Tu pourrais aussi aller dans le guilin pour decouvrir la campagne.
apres avoir visité hong kong il n y a pas d'interet a voir shanghai.
je te conseille plutot d'aller a pekin qui te permettra un grand dépaysement. Je te conseille aussi de visiter xi'an.
Tu pourrais aussi aller dans le guilin pour decouvrir la campagne.
Je reviens de 3 semaines de voyage en Chine?
Et pareil je te conseil plutôt Yangshuo que Guillin où je ne suis resté qu'une seule journée.
Par contre, j'ai trouvé Guillin moins remplit de touristes.
A Yangshuo si tu t'éloignes pas dans les petits villages tu risques de te croire dans une station balnéaire en France.😉
Et pareil je te conseil plutôt Yangshuo que Guillin où je ne suis resté qu'une seule journée.
Par contre, j'ai trouvé Guillin moins remplit de touristes.
A Yangshuo si tu t'éloignes pas dans les petits villages tu risques de te croire dans une station balnéaire en France.😉
Sinon pour répondre à nemo1001, j'ai trouvé Hong Kong et Shanghai bien différent niveau culture.
Alors que Hong Kong pourrait être confondu avec une ville occidentale sur de nombreux points: modernité, propreté, langage, comportement... il en est tout autre à Shanghai.
Sinon Macao à part des casinos y a plus intéressant à voir ailleurs🙂
Alors que Hong Kong pourrait être confondu avec une ville occidentale sur de nombreux points: modernité, propreté, langage, comportement... il en est tout autre à Shanghai.
Sinon Macao à part des casinos y a plus intéressant à voir ailleurs🙂
si tu etais resté plus d'une journee a guilin tu aurais decouvert pleins de choses a comparer a yanshuo dont tu dis toi-meme qu'il ressemble a une ville balnéaire
quand a shanghai, hormis les grattes ciels y a pas vraiment grand chose sauf a aller autour de shanghai
quand a shanghai, hormis les grattes ciels y a pas vraiment grand chose sauf a aller autour de shanghai
si loin que cela pour louer un velo
😎
tu aurais du faire la meme chose a guilin
tu aurais du faire la meme chose a guilin
Si tu es joueur, tu peux te rendre à Macao où il y a des Guesthouse à partir de 9 euros la nuit.Pour le reste de la Chine, ton budget risque de subir les affres de la vie courante qu ne cesse de flamber comme partout ailleurs.La Chine n'est pas un pays bon marché.Tu aurais pu t'arrêter en Malaisie ou au Cambodge, non?
Voyager n'a qu'un prix, celui de l'amour de la connaissance
moi je trouve la chine tres bon marché!
transport pas cher nourriture pas cher hotel pas cher
la seule chose qui est cher c'est les prix des entrées sur les sites
transport pas cher nourriture pas cher hotel pas cher
la seule chose qui est cher c'est les prix des entrées sur les sites
Tout dépend de ce que tu appelles pas cher.Certains hotêls de la capitale proposent des guesthouse à des prix honteux pour une propreté relative et proche de l'abandon.La Chine est la destination la moins intèressante de l'Asie par rapport à ses voisins limitrophes et ce n'est pas que moi qui le dit mais les guides
Voyager n'a qu'un prix, celui de l'amour de la connaissance
mdrrrrrrr
si tu vas dans des hotels miteux cé ton probleme il suffit comme partout de choisir tes hotels, tu sais cé pareil en france
tu peux nous dire le prix que tu as payé en guesthouse?
pourquoi tu ne vas pas dans les vrais ptits hotels?-- La Chine est la destination la moins intèressante de l'Asie par rapport à ses voisins limitrophes et ce n'est pas que moi qui le dit mais les guides--
qui sont ces guides??? 😏😏😏
si tu vas dans des hotels miteux cé ton probleme il suffit comme partout de choisir tes hotels, tu sais cé pareil en france
tu peux nous dire le prix que tu as payé en guesthouse?
pourquoi tu ne vas pas dans les vrais ptits hotels?-- La Chine est la destination la moins intèressante de l'Asie par rapport à ses voisins limitrophes et ce n'est pas que moi qui le dit mais les guides--
qui sont ces guides??? 😏😏😏
Ces guides sont de papier et d'encres mais ne soient pas aggressifs, merci .23 euros pour un hotel miteux et on choisit pas toujours
mdrrrrrrrrr des guides en papier 😏
comme partout il faut visiter avant de prendre la chambre. Et il faut etre idiot pour payer 23 euros un guesthouse meme a pekin. tu as un 2* propre a ce prix 😏
mdrrrrrrrrr des guides en papier 😏
comme partout il faut visiter avant de prendre la chambre. Et il faut etre idiot pour payer 23 euros un guesthouse meme a pekin. tu as un 2* propre a ce prix 😏
Il faut croire que tu es le seul sur terre à ne pas être idiot.Ou alors tu es plus malin que tout le monde.Moi, je me suis fait avoir dès mon arrivée à Delhi par une équipe de malfrat qui n'ont pas hésités à nous arnaquer de près de 120 euros et si j'avais été seul cela aurait peut être été différent mais parfois on ne choisit pas l'heure de son arrivée et c'est souvent craignos d'arriver de nuit dans certaine métropole
Voyager n'a qu'un prix, celui de l'amour de la connaissance
le fait d'arriver tard n'empeche pas d'aller regarder la chambre!
Moi ayant réservé un 4* a pekin et en constatant que ca ne vaut pas le prix alors j'ai changé d'hotel tres facile a faire et sans rien payer a l'hotel.
Et de plus, il n y a aucuns problemes de securité a pekin meme la nuit
Il ne faut pas venir pour mettre en avant tes deboires en inde pour justifier tes propos a propos sur la chine. Et tes justificatifs ne s'appuient que sur les guides papiers et ton prix excessif pour un guesthouse.
Moi ayant réservé un 4* a pekin et en constatant que ca ne vaut pas le prix alors j'ai changé d'hotel tres facile a faire et sans rien payer a l'hotel.
Et de plus, il n y a aucuns problemes de securité a pekin meme la nuit
Il ne faut pas venir pour mettre en avant tes deboires en inde pour justifier tes propos a propos sur la chine. Et tes justificatifs ne s'appuient que sur les guides papiers et ton prix excessif pour un guesthouse.
raconte nous tes arnaques futures pour qu'on rigole un peu
😛
... "parfois on ne choisit pas l'heure de son arrivée et c'est souvent craignos d'arriver de nuit dans certaine métropole"
Rien ne sert de courir il faut partir à temps.
Je vois pas où est le problème pour trouver des vols qui arrive entre tôt le matin et midi. Ensuite t'es peinard pour te choisir l'hôtel au prix que tu souhaites.
C'est vrai qu'au début je me trompais à vouloir prendre des vols pas chers qui arrivaient à pas d'heure (en plus ça réveille ceux qui dorment - en l'ocurrence, moi - quand on débarque au milieu de la nuit dans des hôtels - la majorité - où l'insonorisation a été réalisée par des sourds) et puis au fur et à mesure j'ai appris qu'il ne servait à rien de speeder et que tout était plus facile quand on y allait piano. Chacun vit 24 heures par jour pas plus. Non ?
Et puis une fois sur le terrain toujours par petites étapes de 4 à 5 heures pour pas arriver trop tard et devoir galèrer pour se trouver une chambre en étant dans une position de faiblesse, sans avoir les atouts en main, être le demandeur alors que l'offre s'est raréfiée. En Chine ce qui est bien c'est qu'il y a souvent le soir des rabatteurs devant les gares avec des offres d'hôtels bon marché.
Très peu de train de nuit aussi pour lesquels il faut faire des réservations à l'avance et donc perdre la spontanéité
C'est pas toujours 100% nickel y'a toujours de temps en temps des couacs mais ça fait partie du voyage et on continue à apprendre sinon à quoi ça servirait de continuer à voyager si y'avait plus rien à apprendre.
Chi va piano va sano
Rien ne sert de courir il faut partir à temps.
Je vois pas où est le problème pour trouver des vols qui arrive entre tôt le matin et midi. Ensuite t'es peinard pour te choisir l'hôtel au prix que tu souhaites.
C'est vrai qu'au début je me trompais à vouloir prendre des vols pas chers qui arrivaient à pas d'heure (en plus ça réveille ceux qui dorment - en l'ocurrence, moi - quand on débarque au milieu de la nuit dans des hôtels - la majorité - où l'insonorisation a été réalisée par des sourds) et puis au fur et à mesure j'ai appris qu'il ne servait à rien de speeder et que tout était plus facile quand on y allait piano. Chacun vit 24 heures par jour pas plus. Non ?
Et puis une fois sur le terrain toujours par petites étapes de 4 à 5 heures pour pas arriver trop tard et devoir galèrer pour se trouver une chambre en étant dans une position de faiblesse, sans avoir les atouts en main, être le demandeur alors que l'offre s'est raréfiée. En Chine ce qui est bien c'est qu'il y a souvent le soir des rabatteurs devant les gares avec des offres d'hôtels bon marché.
Très peu de train de nuit aussi pour lesquels il faut faire des réservations à l'avance et donc perdre la spontanéité
C'est pas toujours 100% nickel y'a toujours de temps en temps des couacs mais ça fait partie du voyage et on continue à apprendre sinon à quoi ça servirait de continuer à voyager si y'avait plus rien à apprendre.
Chi va piano va sano
"Nous ne sommes plus une communauté d'être humains qui se parlent mais un conglomérat de grappes de consommateurs en niches, séparés les uns des autres par des obsessions diverses et innombrables. Nous sommes de l'ère de la désintégration." Marc Moulin (1942-2008) in Humoeurs
Et s'il y a des vaccins obligatoires ou autres formalites auquelles je ne pense pas?
Salut, tu trouveras beaucoup de réponses aux questions de santé ( suivant où tu te rends)sur le site suivant : http://www.chu-toulouse.fr/-conseils-aux-voyageurs- Vincent
Salut, tu trouveras beaucoup de réponses aux questions de santé ( suivant où tu te rends)sur le site suivant : http://www.chu-toulouse.fr/-conseils-aux-voyageurs- Vincent
😠 chacun ces experiences, chacun ces voyages, chacun sa façon de voir, chacun sa façon de vivre, n'imposont a personne sa propre experience bonne pour certains et c'est tant mieux pour eux! malheureuse pour d'autre .... heureusement que tous le monde est different..... faut pas ce croire superieur a la terre et ne pas ce croire superieur parce qu'ont a jamais ete anarquer dans un pays....tout peut arriver n'importe ou...
le plus cher que j ai paye en chine en 2007, c etait a shanghai et pekin, a chaque fois j ai choisi une chambre avec interne ET ordi pour decharger mes photos, organiser la suite de mon voyage, donner des nouvelles... a chaque fois clean, grand, confortable... le tout pour 25euros la nuit, en cherchant tu peux avoir bcp mieux comme prix (mais il faut chercher un peu plus loin que sur les guides papiers)
j ai des souvenirs magiques de chambres dhotels ou de guest houses a 5 euros la nuit, y compris dans des coins tres frequentes dans differentes provinces
je suis un fana de gastronomie, et je me suis lache en chine mais j ai aussi mange a pekin (ville tres chere pour la bouffe) dans la rue pour un yuan (10cts d euro) un bol de riz avec une brochette de calamar a la plancha et sa petite sauce, un bonheur.quand je suis arrive, a wuhan, des potes m ont emmene dans un coin avec des stands de rue, on etait 14 personnes dont deux touristes fraichement arrives, on est reste 4 heures, a gouter a tout (legumes, champignons, viandes, ecrevisses, raviolis, riz, nouilles, fruits...), et a picoler (4 caisses de bieres, je crois que c etait 12x0.5L chaque caisse, on a fait un peu plus de chemin en rentrant a pied), quand la note est arrivee, 22 euros!!! cher? non
j ai passe 3 mois en chine, j ai gouter a presque tous lestrucs exotiques que je trouvais (et j ai cherche, et j en ai trouve souvent plus que je ne pouvais en gouter), pas une seule tourista. prix incroyablement bas quand tu sors des gros bleds et des restos chicos, sans laisser la gastronomie de cote
si tu cherches a sauegarder ton budget, tu peux manger pour quelques yuans (a la louche 2 euros par repas en moyenne en comptant les coins touristiques et chers) et te loger pour 5 a 10 euros par nuit avec du confort en province (chambre avec sdb)
toutes ces constatation datent de fin 2007, un peu plus d un an, il y a surement eu de l inflation, mais pour la nouriture, je doute que ca ait fait un bond: le milliard de chinois des cambrousses doit bouffer, et il n a pas les moyens de mettre plus de quelques yuans par repas
... "j ai des souvenirs magiques de chambres dhotels ou de guest houses a 5 euros la nuit, y compris dans des coins tres frequentes dans differentes provinces" ...
Ce serait sympa de donner les noms des villes et des hôtels à 5 Euro ça peut servir aux autres
Ce serait sympa de donner les noms des villes et des hôtels à 5 Euro ça peut servir aux autres
"Nous ne sommes plus une communauté d'être humains qui se parlent mais un conglomérat de grappes de consommateurs en niches, séparés les uns des autres par des obsessions diverses et innombrables. Nous sommes de l'ère de la désintégration." Marc Moulin (1942-2008) in Humoeurs
en scans la carte d un endroit que j ai adore a lijiang dans le yunan, ou j ai paye 50 yuan (moins de 5 euros en octobre 2007) dans la vieille ville, pretty, comme elle se fait appeler, se debrouille en anglais, en naxi (langue locale) et en mandarin encore mieux, elle connait ts les plans pour reserver avions trains bus hebergements ds le yunan, organiser des trips autour de lijiang: on a fait une petite balade a cheval sur les cretes autour de lijiang, ou elle a aussi joue le role d interprete. la pension est dans la vieille ville, je me suis arrete pour demander s il y avait de la place, elle ne figure sur aucun guide. Cest une construction naxi traditionnelle, en bois ajoure, je vous laisse apprecier
J ai trouve des choses similaires en cherchant dans la rue et en demandant dans certains bleds du yunan (je me souviens de mengla, ganlanba et menglun, mais pas de scans, pareil en cherchant dans le rue (trop petits bleds pour figurer sur les guides) et surtout dans la province du guizhou, avec plein de petits bleds tres folklos, je laisse le scan de la carte d un guidetouristique du guizhou, qui parle anglais et meme un peu francais, j ai deja parle du guizhou de maniere un peu plus detaillee sur VF
bonne lecture et bon voyage
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Hi there,
We’re arriving as a group of three in Tokyo on Saturday, October 17th, then heading straight to Kyoto by direct train. On Sunday and Monday, we’ll explore Kyoto, and in the evening, we’ll take a train to Osaka to spend the night. On Tuesday, we’ll pick up a rental car at Itami Airport for a 6-day/5-night road trip around Shikoku: - 2 nights in the Iya Valley - Thursday morning, we’ll head to Matsuyama for 2 nights. - Saturday, we’ll visit Mima (town, a few temples + overnight stay) and return on Sunday to drop off the car in Osaka. We’ll leave very early on Monday the 26th by plane for Aomori in northern Honshu, where we’ll pick up another rental car at the airport for a 5-day/4-night trip: - Day 1: Tsugaru Peninsula (Takayam Inari, Cape Tappi, Kanita); overnight in Kanita - Day 2: Ferry transfer to the Mutsu Peninsula (cliffs, Lake Usori); overnight in Shimofuro - Day 3: Head to the Hakkoda Mountains and onsens galore; overnight TBD - Day 4: Return the car in Aomori by noon and explore the city before taking the train to Tokyo in the evening We’ll spend Friday night in Tokyo, wander around on Saturday, and head home on Sunday.
Thoughts on the road feasibility of this trip? We’ll be there right in the middle of Koyo season, so it’ll be busy... I know it’s a lot of driving, but there are two of us who can take turns. We’re not afraid of driving, even in the mountains and on the left side! Just wondering, are we going to be rushing, or is this manageable? AI says it’s all good, but it’s not the one driving... Any tips for booking accommodations in the Iya Valley? Not many places have email addresses or websites (I know Booking.com exists, but not all listings are on there... and given the season, I think it’s better to book ahead!). Same question applies for northern Honshu. For the rental car, I’m thinking of going with Alamo since at least it’s in French and straightforward, but are there any direct rental companies with user-friendly websites (Toyota Rentacar, ugh... 🏴☠️)? Another question: With so many trains, is it even necessary to book them in advance? Can we just go to the ticket counter and grab seats on the spot? For paying for the rental car, do we need a credit or debit card?
Thanks for your help!
We’re arriving as a group of three in Tokyo on Saturday, October 17th, then heading straight to Kyoto by direct train. On Sunday and Monday, we’ll explore Kyoto, and in the evening, we’ll take a train to Osaka to spend the night. On Tuesday, we’ll pick up a rental car at Itami Airport for a 6-day/5-night road trip around Shikoku: - 2 nights in the Iya Valley - Thursday morning, we’ll head to Matsuyama for 2 nights. - Saturday, we’ll visit Mima (town, a few temples + overnight stay) and return on Sunday to drop off the car in Osaka. We’ll leave very early on Monday the 26th by plane for Aomori in northern Honshu, where we’ll pick up another rental car at the airport for a 5-day/4-night trip: - Day 1: Tsugaru Peninsula (Takayam Inari, Cape Tappi, Kanita); overnight in Kanita - Day 2: Ferry transfer to the Mutsu Peninsula (cliffs, Lake Usori); overnight in Shimofuro - Day 3: Head to the Hakkoda Mountains and onsens galore; overnight TBD - Day 4: Return the car in Aomori by noon and explore the city before taking the train to Tokyo in the evening We’ll spend Friday night in Tokyo, wander around on Saturday, and head home on Sunday.
Thoughts on the road feasibility of this trip? We’ll be there right in the middle of Koyo season, so it’ll be busy... I know it’s a lot of driving, but there are two of us who can take turns. We’re not afraid of driving, even in the mountains and on the left side! Just wondering, are we going to be rushing, or is this manageable? AI says it’s all good, but it’s not the one driving... Any tips for booking accommodations in the Iya Valley? Not many places have email addresses or websites (I know Booking.com exists, but not all listings are on there... and given the season, I think it’s better to book ahead!). Same question applies for northern Honshu. For the rental car, I’m thinking of going with Alamo since at least it’s in French and straightforward, but are there any direct rental companies with user-friendly websites (Toyota Rentacar, ugh... 🏴☠️)? Another question: With so many trains, is it even necessary to book them in advance? Can we just go to the ticket counter and grab seats on the spot? For paying for the rental car, do we need a credit or debit card?
Thanks for your help!
Hi there,
I’m starting to look at neighborhoods in Seoul, and I’m leaning toward staying in a hotel in Insa-Dong—I’ve spotted one really close to Unhyeongung. Is this a good area—nice and convenient for exploring the city?
Otherwise, I’ve also found another hotel in Yongsan-Gu, right near the station of the same name. Is that station useful for getting around Seoul?
Since I’ll be in South Korea for nearly two months, I plan to spend at least a week in Seoul to recover from jet lag (it takes me a while to adjust...). So, I’d love a neighborhood that’s pleasant and a hotel not too far from a subway station.
Thanks in advance!
I’m starting to look at neighborhoods in Seoul, and I’m leaning toward staying in a hotel in Insa-Dong—I’ve spotted one really close to Unhyeongung. Is this a good area—nice and convenient for exploring the city?
Otherwise, I’ve also found another hotel in Yongsan-Gu, right near the station of the same name. Is that station useful for getting around Seoul?
Since I’ll be in South Korea for nearly two months, I plan to spend at least a week in Seoul to recover from jet lag (it takes me a while to adjust...). So, I’d love a neighborhood that’s pleasant and a hotel not too far from a subway station.
Thanks in advance!
Hi,
My departure is coming up soon—two months backpacking in Taiwan, so much to discover! I’d love to hear about your travel experiences.
My main interests are meeting people, understanding how things work, hiking, and nature in general. I’ve also done a lot of reading about Taiwan’s complex situation. I do stone sculpture. I also want to visit Orchid Island for its history. Marie
My main interests are meeting people, understanding how things work, hiking, and nature in general. I’ve also done a lot of reading about Taiwan’s complex situation. I do stone sculpture. I also want to visit Orchid Island for its history. Marie
We’re back from a one-month trip to China and wanted to share our itinerary. Hopefully, this can give future travelers some ideas for exploring this beautiful country.
Beijing → Temple of Heaven / Forbidden City Jinshanling → Great Wall Zhangjiajie → Tianmen Mountain and Heaven’s Gate Wulingyuan → Avatar Mountains / sandstone pillars Fenghuang → riverside houses Ping’an → terraced rice fields Tiantouzhai → village / rice terraces Yangshuo → Li River / karst mountains Shanghai → skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower
Our travel journal is available on our travel journal, written day by day. You’ll find lots of photos and some travel tips there.
Beijing → Temple of Heaven / Forbidden City Jinshanling → Great Wall Zhangjiajie → Tianmen Mountain and Heaven’s Gate Wulingyuan → Avatar Mountains / sandstone pillars Fenghuang → riverside houses Ping’an → terraced rice fields Tiantouzhai → village / rice terraces Yangshuo → Li River / karst mountains Shanghai → skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower
Our travel journal is available on our travel journal, written day by day. You’ll find lots of photos and some travel tips there.
Hi there,
I’m staying in Atami for 2 nights in October. I was thinking of exploring the area and trying to see Mount Fuji.
I was planning to go to Shizuoka. And also enjoy the onsen (hot springs).
Don’t hesitate to share any tips or recommendations—I’d love to hear them!
Thanks in advance.
I’m staying in Atami for 2 nights in October. I was thinking of exploring the area and trying to see Mount Fuji.
I was planning to go to Shizuoka. And also enjoy the onsen (hot springs).
Don’t hesitate to share any tips or recommendations—I’d love to hear them!
Thanks in advance.
I could really use your help to finalize our trip to Japan.
We’re heading there for three weeks with my partner, starting November 10th. Our plan was to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and a few stops in between (nothing too original so far…).
However, we’re more into nature and hiking, so even though we do want to explore Tokyo and Kyoto, we’d like to maximize nature stops between the two. Initially, we’d considered places like Kamikochi, but I understand it’s not accessible this late in the season.
Here’s our current itinerary:
1. 2-3 days in Tokyo
2. Fujigoko stop: Mount Mitsutoge - Planned hike: https://www.alltrails.com/fr/randonnee/japan/yamanashi/mount-mitsutoge-trail
3. Suwa / Matsumoto stop: Kirigamine Plateau & Lake Suwa - Planned hike: https://www.alltrails.com/fr/randonnee/japan/nagano/kirigamine-mount-kuruma-yashimagahara-wetland-loop - Matsumoto Castle
4. Nagano stop: Togakushi Sacred Forest - Hike among giant cedars: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/nagano/togakushi-shrine-okusha or https://www.alltrails.com/fr/randonnee/japan/nagano/mount-togakushi-trail - Ebisu-ko fireworks
5. Kiso Valley stop - Senjojiki Cirque - Magome-Tsumago hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/gifu/nakasendo-magome-tsumago
6. 3-4 days in Kyoto - Mount Kurama: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/kyoto/kurama-trail
7. 2-3 days in Tokyo
I’m still checking if this is doable time-wise. We’d love to soak up each place, enjoy the food and onsens, and stay in a ryokan at one of the stops.
However, we’re more into nature and hiking, so even though we do want to explore Tokyo and Kyoto, we’d like to maximize nature stops between the two. Initially, we’d considered places like Kamikochi, but I understand it’s not accessible this late in the season.
Here’s our current itinerary:
1. 2-3 days in Tokyo
2. Fujigoko stop: Mount Mitsutoge - Planned hike: https://www.alltrails.com/fr/randonnee/japan/yamanashi/mount-mitsutoge-trail
3. Suwa / Matsumoto stop: Kirigamine Plateau & Lake Suwa - Planned hike: https://www.alltrails.com/fr/randonnee/japan/nagano/kirigamine-mount-kuruma-yashimagahara-wetland-loop - Matsumoto Castle
4. Nagano stop: Togakushi Sacred Forest - Hike among giant cedars: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/nagano/togakushi-shrine-okusha or https://www.alltrails.com/fr/randonnee/japan/nagano/mount-togakushi-trail - Ebisu-ko fireworks
5. Kiso Valley stop - Senjojiki Cirque - Magome-Tsumago hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/gifu/nakasendo-magome-tsumago
6. 3-4 days in Kyoto - Mount Kurama: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/kyoto/kurama-trail
7. 2-3 days in Tokyo
I’m still checking if this is doable time-wise. We’d love to soak up each place, enjoy the food and onsens, and stay in a ryokan at one of the stops.
Hi there,
I’d like to do this cycling route over 2 or 3 days. I’m struggling to figure out and find a (good) bike rental that lets me start in Onomichi and drop off in Imabari. Can anyone help with great tips for rentals and accommodations along the route? How do I get back to Onomichi afterward?
Hey everyone,
Next year, we’re celebrating 20 years of marriage (and travel 🙂), and we’re looking for something new, pretty legendary, and something the teens will enjoy too.
The family council has settled on Japan for now. And it’d have to be a summer trip—no choice there.
The catch: I keep reading that August isn’t the right season for southern Japan. It’s hot, humid, and there’s a risk of typhoons… Okay, but what does that *actually* mean in practice? Are there any travelers who’ve been there during this time? Is it *that* unbearable? We’re pretty familiar with Southeast Asia—last year, we dealt with scorching heat in Vietnam and insane humidity, plus a typhoon we experienced from a distance, and visiting Angkor in the blazing sun. Is it worse than that?
Thanks for your feedback 😉
Next year, we’re celebrating 20 years of marriage (and travel 🙂), and we’re looking for something new, pretty legendary, and something the teens will enjoy too.
The family council has settled on Japan for now. And it’d have to be a summer trip—no choice there.
The catch: I keep reading that August isn’t the right season for southern Japan. It’s hot, humid, and there’s a risk of typhoons… Okay, but what does that *actually* mean in practice? Are there any travelers who’ve been there during this time? Is it *that* unbearable? We’re pretty familiar with Southeast Asia—last year, we dealt with scorching heat in Vietnam and insane humidity, plus a typhoon we experienced from a distance, and visiting Angkor in the blazing sun. Is it worse than that?
Thanks for your feedback 😉
hi there
I’m back with my detailed itinerary for 20 days in South Korea—it’s my first trip to the country. Our idea is to experience a more rural and cultural Korea. Here’s the rough plan: Seoul for 4 nights at the start and 1 night at the end, Gurye for 4 nights, Suncheon for 4 nights, Namhae for 4 nights, and Gyeongju for 2 nights. The goal is to pick a base and explore the surrounding areas. What do you think of this itinerary? Anything you’d change? thanks
philippe
I’m back with my detailed itinerary for 20 days in South Korea—it’s my first trip to the country. Our idea is to experience a more rural and cultural Korea. Here’s the rough plan: Seoul for 4 nights at the start and 1 night at the end, Gurye for 4 nights, Suncheon for 4 nights, Namhae for 4 nights, and Gyeongju for 2 nights. The goal is to pick a base and explore the surrounding areas. What do you think of this itinerary? Anything you’d change? thanks
philippe
hi everyone, we're heading out for a 12-day trek in the Japanese Alps. We're bringing freeze-dried meals like we always do. We just found out that importing meat is banned, even freeze-dried. Is that true? We already bought them. They're commercially made freeze-dried meals. Online, it's not specified that they have to be "commercially made" because you can make your own freeze-dried food. And since we've heard they're really strict in Japan, can anyone confirm this for us? thanks
Hi there,
I haven’t found what I’m looking for despite my searches!
For a 15-day trip next spring, I’d like to buy a card (preferably an eSIM, but a physical SIM is fine too) that also lets me make calls in the country (to contact a hotel, a tourist spot, etc.).
You can easily find options just for data, but I haven’t come across any that include calls, texts, or even MMS. Could you recommend something?
Thanks in advance
I haven’t found what I’m looking for despite my searches!
For a 15-day trip next spring, I’d like to buy a card (preferably an eSIM, but a physical SIM is fine too) that also lets me make calls in the country (to contact a hotel, a tourist spot, etc.).
You can easily find options just for data, but I haven’t come across any that include calls, texts, or even MMS. Could you recommend something?
Thanks in advance
hi there
I’m planning a trip in September—here’s my rough itinerary. What do you think? Is it easy to rent a car to get around between my stops? Thanks so much!
Philippe StopNightsFull daysSeoul44Gurye (Jirisan)43Suncheon43Namhae43Gyeongju21Seoul1—
Philippe StopNightsFull daysSeoul44Gurye (Jirisan)43Suncheon43Namhae43Gyeongju21Seoul1—
Hi,
July 2026: I’m writing to you from Dali.
First, I got scammed on Booking—AI-retouched photos. No tourists at this hotel (Yishanju Designer Hotel), and the reality was horrible: dirty, with a disgusting breakfast. It’s better to use Trip.com here.
Next, the old town was an infernal cacophony, packed with tourists who shoved past without a care. Some vendors harassed you to buy things. All the stalls sold the same cheap plastic junk or other uninteresting stuff. The beautiful scenery was ruined by vendors lining 100% of the alleys. Impossible to walk, crushing heat, nothing good to eat except fresh fruit. Horrible experience.
Day 2: We went to Cangshan Mountain by cable car—the ride was short and nothing spectacular. We were at 2,600 m.
My plan was to see Erhai Lake. Unfortunately, I followed the advice of an AI chatbot: take the boat at Langkan Dock. The Didi dropped us off in the nearest area, which was full of charming little alleys but packed with Chinese tourists. The three-wheeled yellow cabs zoomed through the narrow streets, forcing you to hug the walls, on top of the scooters and other pedestrians to deal with. Crossing the neighborhood was hellish and suffocating. Once out, we hit the "corniche," which was also packed with Chinese tourists. The lake’s edge was all pebbles, and everyone was standing around taking photos. I was with my 5-year-old son. I would’ve liked to sit down and let him play with stones by the water, but it was clear we didn’t belong. They were even shoving each other for a shot! There were no boats in sight. In short, we’d had enough, and there was nothing interesting there either.
On the way back, we had to cross that maze again under the scorching sun. My son was braver than me—I even had a little dizzy spell from all the chaos. Add to that Dali’s altitude (2,200 m), so altitude insomnia, fatigue, and vulnerability during the day...
The restaurants weren’t inviting—the staff served sticky rice in a little bucket. The dishes were wrapped, and you had to figure it out yourself. After that, they ignored you completely, even if you were the only tourist.
On the 3rd day, it was time to leave for Shaxi. I hope to see beautiful villages. But honestly, I’m exhausted by this atmosphere where everything is complicated, communication is never smooth, noise is everywhere, and the behavior of some Chinese people is abusive...
Silver lining: not a drop of rain in 4 days and blue skies.
I couldn’t visit the villages in southern Yunnan because of rain and storms there... But I was expecting to see a few more tourists.
I couldn’t visit the villages in southern Yunnan because of rain and storms there... But I was expecting to see a few more tourists.
Hi,
Great article that really captures what makes South Korea so appealing!
South Korea: Between Hallyu and the search for authenticity, the French are falling for the destination
Great article that really captures what makes South Korea so appealing!
South Korea: Between Hallyu and the search for authenticity, the French are falling for the destination
Hello,
We’re planning a 17-day trip to South Korea in October 2026 with my husband and our daughters, who’ll be 9 years old.
I’d love to get your thoughts on our draft itinerary.
First, some key details:
1/ Jeju Island is a must for us. I’ve personally dreamed of going there for years after reading a novel about it. 2/ Our girls are used to road-trip style travel since they were born, so this kind of trip won’t be an issue for them. 3/ We plan to travel by train, except on Jeju where we’ll rent a car (we already have an international driver’s permit).
Itinerary:
Seoul: 1 arrival day at 10 AM + 4 full days Gyeongju: 2 days Busan: 3 days Jeju: 4 days Seoul: 2 days
Thanks for your feedback! Have a great day,
Sabrina
We’re planning a 17-day trip to South Korea in October 2026 with my husband and our daughters, who’ll be 9 years old.
I’d love to get your thoughts on our draft itinerary.
First, some key details:
1/ Jeju Island is a must for us. I’ve personally dreamed of going there for years after reading a novel about it. 2/ Our girls are used to road-trip style travel since they were born, so this kind of trip won’t be an issue for them. 3/ We plan to travel by train, except on Jeju where we’ll rent a car (we already have an international driver’s permit).
Itinerary:
Seoul: 1 arrival day at 10 AM + 4 full days Gyeongju: 2 days Busan: 3 days Jeju: 4 days Seoul: 2 days
Thanks for your feedback! Have a great day,
Sabrina
Hi there,
My girlfriend (23) and I (24) are heading to Japan for the first time from October 20th to November 6th. Here’s our itinerary:
6 nights in Tokyo 1 night in Hakone (ryokan already booked) 4 nights in Kyoto (hotel already booked) 2 nights in Osaka 4 nights back in Tokyo I’d like to book hotels for Tokyo (both stays) and Osaka, but I’ve gotten so many different recommendations.
I’ve read that Shinjuku is the place to be for its huge hub, accessibility, and things to do, but I’ve also heard about Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ueno. I’ve looked at hotels, and first off, I’m surprised by the prices compared to what I’ve seen on forums (I guess inflation’s hit here too… and maybe I’m late to the booking game?). I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options.
For our first stay in Tokyo, I’d prefer a hotel (not a residence or Airbnb) since we’ll be arriving at night, and it’s our first time in Japan. It’d be great to have a place with a reception, staff who speak at least a little English, and can give us some guidance. For the second stay, we could consider other options if it’s better. Budget-wise, we can go up to 150–180 € per night, but if we can save some money to spend elsewhere, that’d be amazing!
I’m open to all recommendations, hotel suggestions, or any other tips for Tokyo (first stay), Osaka, and Tokyo (second stay).
Thanks so much!
6 nights in Tokyo 1 night in Hakone (ryokan already booked) 4 nights in Kyoto (hotel already booked) 2 nights in Osaka 4 nights back in Tokyo I’d like to book hotels for Tokyo (both stays) and Osaka, but I’ve gotten so many different recommendations.
I’ve read that Shinjuku is the place to be for its huge hub, accessibility, and things to do, but I’ve also heard about Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ueno. I’ve looked at hotels, and first off, I’m surprised by the prices compared to what I’ve seen on forums (I guess inflation’s hit here too… and maybe I’m late to the booking game?). I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options.
For our first stay in Tokyo, I’d prefer a hotel (not a residence or Airbnb) since we’ll be arriving at night, and it’s our first time in Japan. It’d be great to have a place with a reception, staff who speak at least a little English, and can give us some guidance. For the second stay, we could consider other options if it’s better. Budget-wise, we can go up to 150–180 € per night, but if we can save some money to spend elsewhere, that’d be amazing!
I’m open to all recommendations, hotel suggestions, or any other tips for Tokyo (first stay), Osaka, and Tokyo (second stay).
Thanks so much!
Hi there.
I’m traveling solo to China in October '26, heading to these spots:
Guilin - Yangshuo - Chengdu – Leshan – Chongqing – Zhangjiajie - Furong – Shanghai
Any guides you’d recommend?
Tons of "agencies" (gowithguide, Hellechinaguide, etc.) offer guides. Can I reach out to them? I also speak English.
Any other tips for me?
Thanks! !
Guilin - Yangshuo - Chengdu – Leshan – Chongqing – Zhangjiajie - Furong – Shanghai
Any guides you’d recommend?
Tons of "agencies" (gowithguide, Hellechinaguide, etc.) offer guides. Can I reach out to them? I also speak English.
Any other tips for me?
Thanks! !
Hi there,
I’m getting ready for a classic tourist trip to China in May 2026.
The "Terres Lointaines" itinerary looks good to me, and the price is interesting.
Has anyone traveled with them before? Any feedback?
Is there a better option?
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences on this!
Michel
hi, does anyone have suggestions or contacts for a private local driver without going through a big travel agency for a multi-day trip in Yunnan?
thanks for any info
thanks for any info
Hi there,
I just booked my hotel in Seoul—it’ll be near Unhyeongung, on Samil-Daero 30-Gil—and I’m wondering if there’s public transport from the airport to this address (bus or subway)? If not, what’s the taxi fare? I read it’s around 50 or 60 €.
I just booked my hotel in Seoul—it’ll be near Unhyeongung, on Samil-Daero 30-Gil—and I’m wondering if there’s public transport from the airport to this address (bus or subway)? If not, what’s the taxi fare? I read it’s around 50 or 60 €.
I’m traveling to Japan with a young adult with autism (ASD) from July 28 to August 8, following a pretty classic route: Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo. I’m looking for a schedule of the most spectacular fireworks displays during that time. So far, the dates for the major *hanabi* events aren’t available online yet. If anyone has them, I’d really appreciate it if you could share!
Hi there,
We’ll be doing a self-drive trip using public transport in May 2026.
On Day 6, we’ll arrive in Hakone by train from Tokyo in late morning. We’ll spend the night in Hakone before heading to Kyoto.
The main goal of this stop is clearly the view (no hiking) of Mount Fuji, not so much exploring Hakone, where the sights seem limited. I’ve read on the forum that the view is great from Gotemba, but it also takes a good hour by bus to get there. And, apart from that view, there’s nothing else to see in Gotemba!
So, I’m not sure what to choose. Any thoughts? Or alternatives to suggest? Maybe some spots in Hakone or Gotemba for a great view?
Thanks in advance.
We’ll be doing a self-drive trip using public transport in May 2026.
On Day 6, we’ll arrive in Hakone by train from Tokyo in late morning. We’ll spend the night in Hakone before heading to Kyoto.
The main goal of this stop is clearly the view (no hiking) of Mount Fuji, not so much exploring Hakone, where the sights seem limited. I’ve read on the forum that the view is great from Gotemba, but it also takes a good hour by bus to get there. And, apart from that view, there’s nothing else to see in Gotemba!
So, I’m not sure what to choose. Any thoughts? Or alternatives to suggest? Maybe some spots in Hakone or Gotemba for a great view?
Thanks in advance.
Hi everyone, I’m Julien!
This summer, from late June to late July, I’m planning a one-month solo trip to Japan—my first time!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice on the itinerary I’ve put together to explore this amazing country.
Here are the routes I’m considering:
**Option 1: More mountain and nature-focused**
Tokyo: 8 nights, with day trips to Nikko and maybe the Izu Peninsula Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji): 1 night. The place looks stunning, but I’m worried Mt. Fuji might not be visible due to the weather Kyoto: 6–7 nights (including a trip to Nara) Osaka: 1–2 nights, where I’d like to drop off my things to make the Kumano Kodo easier Kumano Kodo: 3 nights—an experience I haven’t seen much elsewhere, but I thought it sounded really interesting Hiroshima: 2 nights Miyajima: 1 night Takayama: 3 days Kanazawa: 3 days (From what I understand, the Osaka–Takayama–Kanazawa–Tokyo route is convenient for transport) Tokyo: 1 night (return)
**Option 2: More varied but a bit vague in parts**
Tokyo: 8 nights Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara) Osaka: 2 nights Kobe + Himeji: just passing through—I’m not sure if it’s worth a night Naoshima: 1 night—still pretty unclear for me Takamatsu: 2 nights. An interesting city, but I’m not sure how long to stay Shimanami Kaido: biking from Imabari to Onomichi, then heading to Hiroshima Hiroshima: 2 nights Miyajima: 1 night Kyushu road trip (Aso + onsens + Fukuoka): 5 nights (also pretty vague—I could fly from Fukuoka back to Tokyo) Tokyo: 1 night
**Option 3: More balanced/simplified**
Tokyo: 8 nights Kawaguchiko: 1 night Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara) Osaka: 2 nights Koya-san: 1 night Kumano Kodo: 3 nights Takayama: 3 nights Kanazawa: 3 nights Tokyo: 1 night
A few key points: I haven’t made any reservations yet, except for the flight tickets. I know my plans are too packed and will need to be adjusted. I’m specifically looking for advice on which stops to cut or shorten.
Here are the routes I’m considering:
**Option 1: More mountain and nature-focused**
Tokyo: 8 nights, with day trips to Nikko and maybe the Izu Peninsula Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji): 1 night. The place looks stunning, but I’m worried Mt. Fuji might not be visible due to the weather Kyoto: 6–7 nights (including a trip to Nara) Osaka: 1–2 nights, where I’d like to drop off my things to make the Kumano Kodo easier Kumano Kodo: 3 nights—an experience I haven’t seen much elsewhere, but I thought it sounded really interesting Hiroshima: 2 nights Miyajima: 1 night Takayama: 3 days Kanazawa: 3 days (From what I understand, the Osaka–Takayama–Kanazawa–Tokyo route is convenient for transport) Tokyo: 1 night (return)
**Option 2: More varied but a bit vague in parts**
Tokyo: 8 nights Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara) Osaka: 2 nights Kobe + Himeji: just passing through—I’m not sure if it’s worth a night Naoshima: 1 night—still pretty unclear for me Takamatsu: 2 nights. An interesting city, but I’m not sure how long to stay Shimanami Kaido: biking from Imabari to Onomichi, then heading to Hiroshima Hiroshima: 2 nights Miyajima: 1 night Kyushu road trip (Aso + onsens + Fukuoka): 5 nights (also pretty vague—I could fly from Fukuoka back to Tokyo) Tokyo: 1 night
**Option 3: More balanced/simplified**
Tokyo: 8 nights Kawaguchiko: 1 night Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara) Osaka: 2 nights Koya-san: 1 night Kumano Kodo: 3 nights Takayama: 3 nights Kanazawa: 3 nights Tokyo: 1 night
A few key points: I haven’t made any reservations yet, except for the flight tickets. I know my plans are too packed and will need to be adjusted. I’m specifically looking for advice on which stops to cut or shorten.
Hello everyone,
Like Cedric13600, I’ve booked a flight ticket for 30 days / 29 nights in September 2026, from Beijing to Shanghai. We’re a couple in our sixties who love independent road trips.
I’d like to draw inspiration from the following private itinerary suggested by a travel agency:
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing Day 2 to 4: Beijing Day 5: Datong Day 6 & 7: Pingyao Day 8 to 10: Xi'an Day 11: Luoyang Day 12: Dengfeng flight Day 13 & 14: Chongqing flight Day 15 & 16: Lijiang Day 17: Dali Day 18: Kunming Day 19: Jianshui Day 20 & 21: Yuanyang Day 22: Travel via Guilin Day 23 & 24: Yangshuo Day 25: Guilin Day 26 & 27: Zhangjiajie flight Day 28 & 29: Shanghai Day 30: Departure from Shanghai
But to do this itinerary independently: 1. This schedule seems very ambitious to me—what do you think? 2. If it’s too packed, what would you remove as a priority? Thanks so much in advance for your help.
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing Day 2 to 4: Beijing Day 5: Datong Day 6 & 7: Pingyao Day 8 to 10: Xi'an Day 11: Luoyang Day 12: Dengfeng flight Day 13 & 14: Chongqing flight Day 15 & 16: Lijiang Day 17: Dali Day 18: Kunming Day 19: Jianshui Day 20 & 21: Yuanyang Day 22: Travel via Guilin Day 23 & 24: Yangshuo Day 25: Guilin Day 26 & 27: Zhangjiajie flight Day 28 & 29: Shanghai Day 30: Departure from Shanghai
But to do this itinerary independently: 1. This schedule seems very ambitious to me—what do you think? 2. If it’s too packed, what would you remove as a priority? Thanks so much in advance for your help.
Hello everyone,
I’m planning a 5-week trip between Yunnan and Sichuan from mid-October to the end of November 2026: Arriving in Kunming, I’ll do a loop in the far south of Yunnan via Thonghai, Jhiansu, Zhemi, Yuanyang, Nafa, Jinping, Mengzi, and Shilin (visiting markets, villages, and hiking), then head to northern Yunnan/southern Sichuan on the same theme (passing through Kunming again) via Dongchuan, Huize, Qiaojia, Puge, Xichang, Lanba, Butuo, Huolie, Dimo, Riha, Niuniuba, Meigu, Mabian, and Leshan, before arriving in Chengdu (where I’ll take my return flight to Paris). This would be a trip with a strong ethnic/rural focus. Since I’ve never traveled in China, I’d love to hear your thoughts on doing this solo. Are there public transport options in the region? What tips do you have for traveling through this area as smoothly and enjoyably as possible? I’ve done quite a bit of backpacking in the mountains of northern Vietnam and really enjoyed using local motorbike drivers. Is something like that available in this region (through local tourist agencies or hotels)?
What should I be cautious about? Are local tourist agencies (or hotels) offering tours and guides reliable? If you know of any specialized sites sharing tips or experiences, or names of local agencies, hotels, etc., please don’t hesitate to share them! :)
In short, all your advice (on any topic that comes to mind!) is very welcome. Thanks so much!
I’m planning a 5-week trip between Yunnan and Sichuan from mid-October to the end of November 2026: Arriving in Kunming, I’ll do a loop in the far south of Yunnan via Thonghai, Jhiansu, Zhemi, Yuanyang, Nafa, Jinping, Mengzi, and Shilin (visiting markets, villages, and hiking), then head to northern Yunnan/southern Sichuan on the same theme (passing through Kunming again) via Dongchuan, Huize, Qiaojia, Puge, Xichang, Lanba, Butuo, Huolie, Dimo, Riha, Niuniuba, Meigu, Mabian, and Leshan, before arriving in Chengdu (where I’ll take my return flight to Paris). This would be a trip with a strong ethnic/rural focus. Since I’ve never traveled in China, I’d love to hear your thoughts on doing this solo. Are there public transport options in the region? What tips do you have for traveling through this area as smoothly and enjoyably as possible? I’ve done quite a bit of backpacking in the mountains of northern Vietnam and really enjoyed using local motorbike drivers. Is something like that available in this region (through local tourist agencies or hotels)?
What should I be cautious about? Are local tourist agencies (or hotels) offering tours and guides reliable? If you know of any specialized sites sharing tips or experiences, or names of local agencies, hotels, etc., please don’t hesitate to share them! :)
In short, all your advice (on any topic that comes to mind!) is very welcome. Thanks so much!
Hi,
While researching South Korea, I came across the term "templestay," which refers to a Korean program that lets you stay in a traditional temple to discover Buddhism and Korean culture by living like the temple residents and doing activities like making lanterns. A templestay isn’t just for foreign tourists—on the booking site, I saw that some temples are more geared toward foreigners, with English-speaking monks.
I was wondering if it’s still worth it, especially in temples where the monks don’t speak English?
While researching South Korea, I came across the term "templestay," which refers to a Korean program that lets you stay in a traditional temple to discover Buddhism and Korean culture by living like the temple residents and doing activities like making lanterns. A templestay isn’t just for foreign tourists—on the booking site, I saw that some temples are more geared toward foreigners, with English-speaking monks.
I was wondering if it’s still worth it, especially in temples where the monks don’t speak English?
I'm 69 years old and heading to China, where most tourist sites are free or discounted for me. However, trip.com either refuses to let me book because the sites are free or doesn’t apply the discount. Does WeChat apply this discount if I book through them? How can I just reserve without paying and pay on-site? Is that possible?
How do I upload my passport to WeChat?
Thanks for your tips. Elisabeth
How do I upload my passport to WeChat?
Thanks for your tips. Elisabeth
Hi there,
I’d love to get some feedback on our 30-day / 29-night itinerary in China. We’ll be there in September as a family with two kids (6 and 10 years old). Do you think I should cut a few nights between Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) and Yangshuo? I’ve planned 15 nights total there. We’ll be on a round-the-world trip starting May 2026 and will need to do schoolwork with the kids. Hoping to fit it in during train rides!! Ever since I started planning this China itinerary, I’ve been discovering completely mind-blowing places I’d never heard of before—30 days feels way too short for China!!!
Here’s our itinerary:
Beijing - 4 nights Forbidden City Great Wall of China Temple of Heaven
Xi’an - 3 nights Terracotta Army Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque
Chengdu - 3 nights Zoo - Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Wenshu Yuan Temple
Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) - 3 nights "Avatar Mountains"
Zhangjiajie - 2 nights Tianmen Mountain
Furong Town - 2 nights
Fenghuang - 2 nights
Guilin - 2 nights Chuanshan Park Guilin Yaoshan Scenic Attraction Reed Flute Cave
Yangshuo - 4 nights Biking along the Yulong River Moon Hill Ruyi Peak Xianggong Hill
Shanghai - 4 nights Shanghai Disneyland Yu Garden / Yuyuan Garden Yuyuan Bazaar
Thanks! Cédric
I’d love to get some feedback on our 30-day / 29-night itinerary in China. We’ll be there in September as a family with two kids (6 and 10 years old). Do you think I should cut a few nights between Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) and Yangshuo? I’ve planned 15 nights total there. We’ll be on a round-the-world trip starting May 2026 and will need to do schoolwork with the kids. Hoping to fit it in during train rides!! Ever since I started planning this China itinerary, I’ve been discovering completely mind-blowing places I’d never heard of before—30 days feels way too short for China!!!
Here’s our itinerary:
Beijing - 4 nights Forbidden City Great Wall of China Temple of Heaven
Xi’an - 3 nights Terracotta Army Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque
Chengdu - 3 nights Zoo - Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Wenshu Yuan Temple
Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) - 3 nights "Avatar Mountains"
Zhangjiajie - 2 nights Tianmen Mountain
Furong Town - 2 nights
Fenghuang - 2 nights
Guilin - 2 nights Chuanshan Park Guilin Yaoshan Scenic Attraction Reed Flute Cave
Yangshuo - 4 nights Biking along the Yulong River Moon Hill Ruyi Peak Xianggong Hill
Shanghai - 4 nights Shanghai Disneyland Yu Garden / Yuyuan Garden Yuyuan Bazaar
Thanks! Cédric
Hi there,
We just got back from a 2-week trip to China as a couple, and before we left, the budget was the hardest thing to picture concretely. We found plenty of info on visas, apps, transport, and itineraries, but way fewer detailed breakdowns of what you *actually* spend on the ground.
So, we took the time to share our real budget for 14 days. In our case, we spent around 1,800 € per person, with a big chunk of that going toward round-trip flights at about 600 € per person. We were also pretty surprised by how affordable China can be once you’re there—transport is often cheap, and a lot of everyday expenses stay reasonable.
The trickiest part, in the end, was figuring out how to pay while you’re there, since it’s not always obvious if you’re not prepared. But once everything’s set up and you get the hang of it, it’s really smooth.
If this can help other travelers get a better idea before they go, we’ve broken it all down here:
https://aventures-sans-mesaventure.com/budget-2-semaines-de-voyage-en-chine/
Happy travels and enjoy your adventure! Hélia
Happy travels and enjoy your adventure! Hélia
Hi everyone,
I’ve been planning several itineraries for a trip to Japan with my wife but would love your insights before we start booking!
In short, we want to go during Golden Week, see late-blooming cherry trees, and have the freedom to get around with a rental car.
Here’s the plan:
18-day itinerary in Japan (April 25 → May 12)
Goal: freedom, late cherry blossoms, culture & nature
---
Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27) Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet). Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba. Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals. Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen. Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
---
Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28) Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities: Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms) Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum. Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
---
Days 6–7: Takayama & Shirakawa-go (April 29–30) Route: Hakone → Takayama (~4 h).
Activities: Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go. Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house). Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts. ---
Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3) Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara: Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
---
Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4) Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle. Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle. Stay: Osaka.
---
Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6) Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
Activities: Kenroku-en Garden (gorgeous in spring), Omicho Market, samurai district. Stay: Kanazawa.
---
Days 14–15: Northern Japan – Aomori / Hirosaki (May 7–8) Route: Kanazawa → Aomori (~7 h, possible to break via Sendai).
Activities: Hirosaki Castle Park (peak bloom early May). Northern onsen (e.g., Sukayu). Stay: Hirosaki or Aomori.
---
Days 16–17: Nikko (May 9–10) Route: Aomori → Nikko (~6 h).
Activities: Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji. Stay: Nikko.
---
Day 18: Return to Tokyo & Relax in Kamakura (May 11–12) Route: Nikko → Kamakura (~3 h) → Tokyo (~1 h).
Activities: Great Buddha, Zen temples, seaside at Enoshima. Final night: Tokyo before the return flight.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
---
Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27) Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet). Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba. Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals. Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen. Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
---
Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28) Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities: Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms) Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum. Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
---
Days 6–7: Takayama & Shirakawa-go (April 29–30) Route: Hakone → Takayama (~4 h).
Activities: Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go. Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house). Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts. ---
Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3) Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara: Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
---
Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4) Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle. Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle. Stay: Osaka.
---
Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6) Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
Activities: Kenroku-en Garden (gorgeous in spring), Omicho Market, samurai district. Stay: Kanazawa.
---
Days 14–15: Northern Japan – Aomori / Hirosaki (May 7–8) Route: Kanazawa → Aomori (~7 h, possible to break via Sendai).
Activities: Hirosaki Castle Park (peak bloom early May). Northern onsen (e.g., Sukayu). Stay: Hirosaki or Aomori.
---
Days 16–17: Nikko (May 9–10) Route: Aomori → Nikko (~6 h).
Activities: Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji. Stay: Nikko.
---
Day 18: Return to Tokyo & Relax in Kamakura (May 11–12) Route: Nikko → Kamakura (~3 h) → Tokyo (~1 h).
Activities: Great Buddha, Zen temples, seaside at Enoshima. Final night: Tokyo before the return flight.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!





