j'ai volontairement écrit "acheté-loué" car c'est moi l'acquéreur .
'A la louche percée' avec une monnaie forte, instabilité politique.
justement, c'est ce qui rassure les investisseurs. Pourquoi croyez-vous que les riche asiatiques (+ américains + européens) se jettent sur le Bath, le faisant monter ainsi?
alors comme louche percée, il y a pire (ex asthom, ) …
et puis rigolez un peu , on vous sent tendu… bon dimanche soir
Si vous conseillez d' investir dans un pays dont la monnaie est à son plus haut depuis 10 ans c'est que vous n'y connaissez rien.
La chute va être douloureuse.
j'ai volontairement écrit "acheté-loué" car c'est moi l'acquéreur .
'A la louche percée' avec une monnaie forte, instabilité politique.
justement, c'est ce qui rassure les investisseurs. Pourquoi croyez-vous que les riche asiatiques (+ américains + européens) se jettent sur le Bath, le faisant monter ainsi?
alors comme louche percée, il y a pire (ex asthom, ) …
et puis rigolez un peu , on vous sent tendu… bon dimanche soir
Je ne comprends vraiment pas. Je ne comprends pas comment on peut profiter de la hausse d'un terrain en étant locataire. Et le sous louer plus cher me semble quand même un peu malhonnête et loin d'être un placement certain.
Le baht est fort parce que ce sont des Etats qui achètent du baht. Inde et Japon principalement. Plus les pays avoisinants mais qui ont moins de poids que l'Inde et le Japon. Les habitants de ces pays avoisinants prennent aussi du baht car ils ont une monnaie dont personne ne veut. A commencer par eux. Mais leur influence sur le cours du baht est marginal par rapport aux Etats.
Qu'il y ait quelques spéculateurs parmi les chinois, européens ou américains est bien possible. Mais ce n'est pas eux qui font monter le cours du baht.
J'ai l'impression que vos affirmations sont basées beaucoup plus sur des déductions personnelles que sur des faits avérés.
😛LA SALLE d opération a l hopital prachom 9 petchaburi est séparé par un grand jardin des chambres des patients , une fois l opération finit et bien on te ramène dans un lit en traversant le jardin . je me suis réveillé pendant qu on m emmenais dans ma chambre en traversant le jardin.
TU NE RISQUE PAS TOI D AVOIR CETTE EXPERIENCE , dans la médiumnité on vient de me le dire
😛LA SALLE d opération a l hopital prachom 9 petchaburi est séparé par un grand jardin des chambres des patients , une fois l opération finit et bien on te ramène dans un lit en traversant le jardin . je me suis réveillé pendant qu on m emmenais dans ma chambre en traversant le jardin.
TU NE RISQUE PAS TOI D AVOIR CETTE EXPERIENCE , dans la médiumnité on vient de me le dire
C’est sans doute durant cet état semi-comateux que vous avez dû voir ce fameux taux de 2.25% par an garanti sans taxe qui dans la vraie vie n’existe pas.
C’est sans doute durant cet état semi-comateux que vous avez dû voir ce fameux taux de 2.25% par an garanti sans taxe qui dans la vraie vie n’existe pas.
A la Siam Commercial Bank, le taux maximal est de 1,85 % sous certaines conditions.
Mais la plupart des comptes rémunérés le sont à 1,5 % et ce sur un compte bloqué 7 mois minimum .
Les " saving " comptes , comme le mien , rapportent 0.5 % par an autant dire quasi peanuts .
www.scb.co.th/...fixed-deposit-en.pdf
Je ne pense pas que les autres banques donnent plus; mais pourquoi pas ?
Si on veut vraiment gagner quelques soussous, il faut acheter de l'or physique ;
en Thaïlande c'est du 23 carats ( au Vietnam du 24 carats donc pur = terne et mou , un anneau s’écrase facilement) .
Il y a quelques mois le baht d'or valait aux alentours de 19.500 baht; aujourd'hui il vaut un peu plus de 22.000 baht ..Son prix est affiché dans toutes les boutiques qui en vendent ; et il continue à monter car le crack mondial tant annoncé arrive à grands pas .
Mme Christine Lagarde le dit : un ouragan se prépare, on ne sait exactement quand il s’abattra sur le monde, mais la situation générale de l’économie mondiale, inondée de capitaux qui alimentent une spéculation échevelée, rend cette hypothèse quasi inévitable...."
Si vous êtes relativement jeune (dans la trentaine) vous avez aussi la possibilité de souscrire une assurance santé combinée à une assurance vie . Ou une assurance vie combinée à une assurance santé (je ne connais pas la dénomination exacte). Durée du placement 5 ans. Placement bloqué les 3 premières années. Si on retire de l'argent après la 3ème année et avant l'échéance, les intérêts baissent très fort. Mais si on laisse son argent jusqu'à l'échéance, l'intérêt est supérieur à 2,5%. Ticket d'entrée : 3.000.000 de placement.
Je ne comprends pas comment on peut profiter de la hausse d'un terrain en étant locataire.
On revend son droit au bail...capito?
il valait 500.000thb , 5 ans apres , on le revend 600.000 et en certains endroits ça monte tres vite.
Quant aux investisseurs en Thaïlande Les chinois sont bien au dessus des achats japonais ...je vous rappelle que le yuan se débat depuis 2-3 ans avec la stagnation de croissance...donc les archi-milliardaires qui n'arrivent plus à vendre en aussi grande quantité placent ici. Pour les états, je n'ai pas vu cette info mais elle est assez logique, bien qu'illégale.
je ne conseille pas, je dis que ça se pratique ...beaucoup d'investisseurs se précipitent sur chaque pan de Thaïlande considérant que c'est le fleuron de la stabilité en Asie...et je suis d'accord avec vous , ça va déchanter, sèchement, un jour...mais quand? moi-même en report d'investissement à cause du taux.
Je comprends bien que c'est en revendant son droit au bail. Mais pour moi, cela tient plus de l'arnaque que du business. Surtout en prétendant que c'est pour 60 ans.
Libre à vous de pratiquer cela ou de considérer cela comme un investissement.
Quand je disais les Etats, je voulais dire les banques du Japon et de l'Inde. Et j'ai trouvé cela dans plusieurs articles économiques aussi bien dans le Bangkok Post que dans des publications diverses, Certains de ces articles venant de journaux et d'autres de brochures économiques émises par des banques.
Vous ne changerez pas d'avis et moi non plus, tout au moins tant que je n'aurai pas vu des publications expliquant cela.
C'est un sujet que vous ne connaissez pas , en évidence mais , pas grave.
Sachez que, partout dans le monde , on peut revendre un "droit au bail"..pour des magasins, des entreprises (lieu qu'on occupe sans être propriétaire etc...et dans certains pays en nom propre.
A Bkk , un droit au bail pour un petit commerce s'établit sur 2-3 , 7 ans maxi...ce qui rebute un peu le locataire à faire de gros frais pour que , x années après le proprio récupère le local et le loue de nouveau (avec plus value bien entendu)...c'est dur, mais c'est le marché en Thaïlande.
Pour les terrains, vous revendez de la même manière votre droit au bail...pas plus compliqué que cela...ça existe, se répend un peu, parfaitement légal.
voila, tout est dit...à chacun de voir ce qui lui convient le mieux..
Il est vrai qu'en ce moment, avec notre petit euro...vaut mieux les garder sur un compte en Europe...les taux de change actuels ne peuvent rester en l'état, de l'avis de la presse unanime à ce sujet...mais on disait déjà cela à 36thb/€...alors !?!?🤪
toutes les taxes en thailande vont augmenter sensiblement vu a la télé chaine 3 thai aujourdhui
9 septembre
tout va augmenter surtout les prix des hôtels, le resto, les vêtements.
ajouter au taux 33 du thai baht face euro cela fait comme si vous aviez un taux de 32 thai baht face euro si jamais le thai baht passe 32 et bien cela fera une sacré hausse des prix en thailande
les visas, bref tout
toutes les taxes y compris la tva thai etc ... droit de douane etc ... billet d avion etc ...... location de voiture etc ......
Je ne comprends pas comment on peut profiter de la hausse d'un terrain en étant locataire.
Pas très compliqué vous louez le terrain pour trente ans pour 10000 bahts par mois. Deux ans après, quelqu'un propose de devenir votre locataire pour 20 000 bahts par mois. Si vous avez pris la précaution d'inscrire dans votre contrat que la sous location est autorisée, vous avez profité de la hausse.
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
Un scénario qui est amené à se reproduire de plus en plus fréquemment : "près de 40%" de la ville pourrait être inondés dès 2030, selon des prévisions de la Banque mondiale, qui classe la mégapole comme l'une des plus menacées d'Asie, avec Jakarta. Bangkok, "ville obèse sur un squelette d'enfant" selon l'expression du géologue Thanawat Jarupongsakul, est d'abord victime de son développement frénétique : le poids des gratte-ciel, qui ne cessent de grimper dans la cité en perpétuelle transformation, contribue à son engloutissement progressif.
Nappe phréatique menacée
Le problème vient aussi des millions de mètres cubes d'eau pompés dans la nappe phréatique pendant des décennies. L'utilisation des eaux souterraines est désormais réglementée, mais certains continuent à les ponctionner en toute illégalité : en janvier, la police thaïlandaise a ainsi inspecté des dizaines de maisons closes, accusées de les siphonner pour offrir des « massages savonneux » à leurs clients.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16dDPPFjSQY
N’y connaissant pas grand-chose, j’espère qu’on éclairera ma lanterne.
30 ans ou 60 ans. Admettons que l’on fasse des baux de 30 ans renouvelables. Il y a quand même eu des jugements disant que c’était un contournement de la loi. Même si ces jugements sont en appel ou suspendus ou pas appliqués ou tout ce que vous voulez. Quelle sera la loi demain ou dans x années ? Peut être assouplie ? Peut être renforcée ? Pour le moment, il semble quand même que l’on aille vers un durcissement des lois en général. C’est quand même une épée de Damoclès au-dessus du locataire.
La sous-location. Une pratique au niveau des baux commerciaux ne l’est pas nécessairement au niveau des autres baux. Mais je peux me tromper.
Et à mon sens , il y a deux cas de figure.
Quelqu’un a fait un bail de 30 ans et après un moment, il trouve une meilleure opportunité et sous loue son terrain avec une plus value. C’est très bien et tant mieux pour lui. J’espère juste pour le deuxième locataire, que le premier n’a pas signé seul le bail. Mais que son épouse ou ses enfants l’ont signé également. S’il est seul signataire, en cas de décès, je crois que le bail prend fin avec le proprio et celui-ci n’ayant rien signé, je ne suis pas certain qu’il soit tenu de continuer la location avec le deuxième locataire. Mais je me trompe peut être.
Deuxième cas de figure. On loue un ou des terrains dans le but de le ou les sous louer plus tard. Qui peut garantir que cela ne finira pas par être considéré comme une activité commerciale (immobilier par ex) et tout ce que cela entraîne comme conséquences ? De plus, il faut trouver un locataire. Est-ce que ça se trouve facilement ? Aucune idée. Sans oublier que là aussi c’est à souhaiter que l’on ait pas signé le bail seul. Actuellement, je crois , on peut louer 4 habitations. Ensuite, c’est une autre législation. Mais je peux me tromper. En sera-t-il de même avec des terrains ? Dans x années ?
Cela me paraît être des investissements assez hasardeux .
Cela me fait penser à des conversations, il y a pas si longtemps que cela, où certains soutenaient que les visa run était une solution. On a vu le résultat. Et plus récemment, les locations RNB qui étaient l’investissement miracle ou presque.
Et une dernière chose. C’est certain que Bangkok connaît un problème d’inondation. Quand je suis venu pour la première fois en Thaïlande en 1980, on disait déjà que dans 20 ou 30 ans Bangkok serait sous eau.
Et cela est du aussi au fait que lors des grandes marées d’équinoxes, la marée montante rencontre les eaux descendantes du Chao Praya au niveau de Bangkok.
30 ans ou 60 ans. Admettons que l’on fasse des baux de 30 ans renouvelables.
Jamais parlé de baux renouvelables en ce qui me concerne.
Je crois que le bail prend fin avec le proprio et celui-ci n’ayant rien signé, je ne suis pas certain qu’il soit tenu de continuer la location avec le deuxième locataire. Mais je me trompe peut être.
Oui. Un contrat signé et enregistré ne prend pas fin ainsi. D'autant plus si les héritiers ont été désigné par testament.
De plus, il faut trouver un locataire. Est-ce que ça se trouve facilement ?
Plus facilement pour un appartement dans le 5eme arrondissement à Paris ou une boutique sur le port de Saint Tropez que pour les mêmes biens dans la rue principale de la sous préfecture de X du département Y où se sont ouverts deux centres commerciaux en périphérie ces dernières années.
Mais là où vous avez tout à fait raison, c'est qu'il vaut mieux (c'est un euphémisme) connaitre le pays, ses us et ses coutumes depuis un certain temps. En gros, l'achat via Internet depuis la France est déconseillé.
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
Vous demandiez s'il était facile de trouver un locataire. je prenais des exemples compréhensibles par tous.
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
OK. c'est tout pour moi ce soir. En tout cas, si vos lancez, bordurez tout avec un avocat fiable. (J'ai le même depuis trente ans).
Par ailleurs, sur une discussion aussi technique, difficile d'aborder tous les détails...
Bonne soirée.
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
🤪lthough the law does not prevent Foreigners from being able to apply to register a usufruct on a land, however, this is still subject to the discretion of the Land Officer.
😏ce petit texte is still subject to the discretion... et bien cela regroupe tout ce que j ai essayé d expliquer a la thai que rien est legalement ecrit ou traduit correctement du thai vers l anglais.
j avais utilisé le nom mafia et bien the discretation of the land officer c est la mafia en quelque sorte si tu le connait bien et bien tu fais ce que tu veux avec ton terrain comme propriétaire tu control tout et tu roule dans la farine qui tu veux.
généralement comme moi ou toi avec la famille thai y a pas de problème, gars si tu passe par un avocat pour du terrain dont tu ne connais pas perso le propriétaire.
Un article intéressant sur Thaivisa ;
il est écrit 17,5 % des logements à vendre sont vacants et ça serait donc une aubaine pour les investisseurs ..😛 ;
ça ce sont les chiffres " officiels " alors qu' en réalité on peut facilement le multiplier par deux ..
L'article en lui même n'est pas vraiment intéressant; il ressemble très fort à une publicité pour attirer le chaland ..
Ce qui est fort intéressant ce sont les trois pages de commentaires.
Je possede personnellement 2 condo a Pattaya acheter et louer par moi meme...rendement de 5-6%. A priori c'est dans la moyenne superieur.
Pour les logements type Nordic j'avais rencontre un agent mais de cela semblait cher par rapport a un bien equivalent de particulier a particulier. Et le rendement promis est tronque par differentes taxes ou paiements chaque mois.
De mon cote, ce serait a refaire pas sur que ce soit le meilleur investissement car les logements vieillissent plus vite qu'en France et il faut donc revendre pour acheter plus recents de temps en temps si tu ne veux pas perdre a la revente.
il faut donc revendre pour acheter plus recents de temps en temps si tu ne veux pas perdre a la revente.
Sauf qu’il y a 10 ans, tu pouvais acheter un condo de 50m2 au 15eme étage avec une belle vue mer pour 60000€. Aujourd’hui pour la même surface, il te faut débourser 90000€, tout ça pour un condo avec une vue de merde sur un parking ou la rue.
Travailler, étudier et vivre à l'étranger › Thaïlande · 4 replies
Que pensez vous de l' investissement locatif avec garantie de loyer de 4à10% pendant une periode de 5 à 10 ans? vérités? arnaques? est ce trop beau pour etre…
Travailler, étudier et vivre à l'étranger › Thaïlande · 2 replies
Je voudrais faire un investissement immobilier a phuket (investissement locatif) et je voudrais savoir si je pourrais trouver une société sur place qui…
Travailler, étudier et vivre à l'étranger › Thaïlande · 1 reply
J'ai depuis toujours eu pour projet de venir m'installer en Thailande et j'ai donc commencé me renseigner sur le marché de l'immobilier. J'aimerai à plus ou…
Travailler, étudier et vivre à l'étranger › Laos / Thaïlande · 7 replies
J'aurais aimé savoir s'il était plus facile pour un français d'investir en Thaïlande ou au Laos. Clairement, je n'ai rien de prévu pour l'instant, à peine…
Travailler, étudier et vivre à l'étranger › Thaïlande · 33 replies
J'ai pour projet de partir vivre en Thailande (Pattaya), j'aimerais y construire un hotel, c'est-à-dire acheter un terrain, faire construire de a à z, ect...…
Je cherche la perle rare pour mon 3eme séjour sur Koh Lanta : un bel hotel qualitatif au bord d' une plage facile d'accès dans un endroit animé.
Si vous connaissez quelque chose qui s'apparente à ma recherche et que vous souhaitez partager n' hésitez pas.
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!
Bonjour je souhaite diviser mon séjour en 2 parties soit 15 jours à phuket et 15 jours sur krabi. Savez-vous si je peux louer une voiture et la rendre a krabi lors de mon retour en France
Merci de vos retours
Bon dimanche
Martine
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Bonjour précieuse communauté,
J'envisage de me rendre au Cambodge cet hiver, juste après Noël, pour un premier voyage seule, et mon premier voyage en Asie. Pour deux semaines (oui, je sais, c'est peu, mais je ne peux vraiment pas plus...). J'ai deux grandes envies: Siem Reap, et la campagne, les villages, le Mekong...
Que pensez-vous de cet itinéraire? Arrivée à Siem Reap, départ de Phnom Penh
SR: 5 jours (1 jour pour l'arrivée, 3 pour les temples, 1 pour le lac et ses villages)
Kratie (étape sur la route du Mondolkiri): 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours sur place)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 jours (1 jour de trajet, 1 jour sur place, 2 jours de treks)
PP: 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours de visite)
Je pense qu'il faut que j'enlève un jour quelque part, si je pars du samedi au samedi, ou du dimanche au dimanche. A Kratie, peut-être? à PP? et je rate le trajet en bateau que tout le monde conseille (SR-Battambang), mais je ne vois pas où le caser. Sauf à faire un PP-PP en commençant par l'est, laisser tomber Kratie ou vraiment juste une nuit, puis SR, puis PP).
Dans mon timing, j'ai l'impression que le Mondolkiri est plus proche que le Ratanakiri, qui me tentait aussi beaucoup! Est-ce que cela restera pas trop compliqué toute seule? Je pense faire appel à des guides locaux, ou une petite agence locale, pour faire une escapade dans la nature et les villages.
Je lis qu'il y a beaucoup de monde à SR entre Noël et Nouvel An, je peux aussi faire le circuit dans l'autre sens. Mais je trouvais plus facile de me familiariser avec le pays en arrivant en territoire touristique, je me trompe peut-être...
Merci pour vos conseils et avis!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
