J'ai participé à un tournoi de foot dans ce camps en 86 (je me souviens plus vraiment de l'année). Tu peux jeter un oeil sur un site d'un Canadien qui a travaillé dans ce camps: http://www.websitesrcg.com/border/camps/Khao-I-Dang.html
a l'époque les medecins que je fréquentais au camp était italiens faisant partie du CICR, pas d'anette, désolé, elle est à ajaccio ?
tu sais il y avait un paquet d'expat à l'époque, je ne sais plus combien mais au moins plus d'une centaine, si ce n'est plus!!
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
je te fais cela tout à l'heure, car là je suis sur un ordi portable et je ne le maitrise pas comme je voudrais, quand je rentre "at home " je te fais un petit récit !!!
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
que dire, raconter un peu de soi n'est pas aisé quand il s'agit de moments personnels!
je me lance :
ayant été élevé à madagascar avec un père médecin de brousse, je ne pouvais plus tard qu'aimer voyager et rendre un peu aux autres ce que la vie m'a donné de bon!
en 83, j'ai contacté une ong, leur disant que je partais en vacances en thailande et leur offrais 2 semaines de mon temps pour aider dans un camp de réfugiés cambodgiens!
arrivée pour la première fois a BKK, choc culturel immense, première nuit dans la maison de l'asso ; puis bus vers Aranyaprathet, je ne me souviens plus combien d'heures!
arrivée au village et à la maison de l'asso, puis le lendemain, premier contact avec le camp, les réfugiés et les expats qui faisaient un travail formidable sur les personnes amputées !
j'ai donc appris a faire des prothèses, ( l'expérimentale siège toujours dans mon bureau 25 ans aprés, pour me rappeler la réalité de certaines choses).
et les jours sont passés a toute vitesse, entre visite du camp, apprentisage de conditions sanitaires difficiles, soins, etc etc ..
j'ai découvert là bas des gens formidable, tant au niveau expats ( cela s'est bien dégradé et je sais de quoi je parle ) qu'au niveau des cambodgiens vivant dans le camp ; j'ai découvert une petite économie parallèlle, voir photo des deux femmes a une table, petit resto qui vendait des soupes, j'ai découvert le travail d'asso scolarisant les petits bous de choux, ou apprennant aux mamans des métiers, car tous attendaient des visas, soit pour les states, soit pour l'europe !!
j'ai connu des masseurs cambodgiens qui ont essayés de m'apprendre a masser la colonne vertébrale, a travers les intestins, je ne le conseille a personne !!
j'ai vécu deux semaines d'une richesse immense en relation humaines !!
le 31/12 est arrivé et nous avons fêté cela entre expat, d'une façon simple, en buvant du vin de riz !!! je ne racontes pas le lendemain ( le retour à la maison n'est pas racontable ici )
puis est arrivé le dernier jour, ou nous avons déjeuné tous ensemble ( 17 personnes) dans un resto s'appelant le KM 17 !
je dois dire que j'ai invité tout le monde, (ce n'est pas que j'étais friqué, mais l'addition était de 120 frs) pour les remercier des moments forts vécus ensemble !
et de là a débuté mon aventure humanitaire, je suis parti au liban quelques mois aprés ( 3 mois a beyrouth ) et tout le reste ......
j'espère avoir intéressé quelques uns d'entre vous, sinon pas grave, cela m'a fait du bien de retourner dans mes souvenirs
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
En premier lieu, merci pour tes photos .... et ensuite, merci encore davantage pour ton récit. On parle beaucoup sur ce forum de voyage en terme de loisir-détente-vacances ..... tu nous ouvres ou ré-ouvres les yeux sur un autre monde .... et pour ce topic, certainement peu de polémique, et ça va faire du bien .....
Je pense à une petite Camille de 8 ans qui pourra vraiment être très fière ...... 😉
je te remercie de ce post, tout en tranquillité, je ne sais si elle la petite camille sera fière, mais je sais que ce sentiment de fierté, je ne l'ai connu qu'une fois, c'était à calcutta, 10 ans aprés avoir fait formé pendant 2 ans des indiennes aux techniques de réeducation pour polio, et qui étaient toujours en place a l'association "howrath south point ", dont une autre "camille" risque de voir encore le travail éffectué et de porter sa pierre à l'édifice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
Je joins un copie/colle d'un ami de l'asso: ET au milieu des rizieres !
20 janvier 2006 Nous…
Lieu : Chun Bory : Camp de refugié en Thailande.
Eh ! non nous ne sommes pas des prisonniers, et ce n’est une photo de la famille des Daltons.
Décomposition : à gauche, le chef de famille tient un paneau d’immatriculation, c’est un numéro qui rentrera dans les archives du HCR, en deuxième portant le gros numéro 2, c’est la deuxième personne de la famille et ainsi de suite…
Cette photo là, personne ne peut l’oublier, 95% des cambodgiens vivant ici en France ou partout dans le monde hors du Cambodge, doivent avoir poser devant l’objectif du photographe de l’UNHCR en 1981.
Lieu : Chun Bory devant l’atelier du peintre Mr NGETH SIM 1982.
Presque tous les enfants du secteurs se sont massé devant l’objectif de Mr Ngeth Sim. Moi et mes soeurs y sont également.
Le destin à dispatché ces enfants vers les quatre coins du monde, ils ont trouvé leur terre d’accueil en France, USA, Canada, Australie, Allemagne etc…
Quant à Mr, lui aussi a trouvé sa terre promise comme moi, il arriva à Paris juste après moi, en 1983. A ouvert un atelier, comme par hasard, dans la rue des Martyrs. Toutes ses toiles lui sont revenus, arrivant de toutes destinations. Il les avait vendu au occidentaux qui avaient fait un passage dans le camp. Une fois à Paris certains toiles lui ont été rendu pour constituer sa galerie.
Que tous ceux qui se reconnaissent me fassent signe !!!!
Monsieur Ngeth Sim adorait distribuer des bonbons aux enfants qui venaient jouer à côté de son atelier, moi compris. Souvent il m’en donnait pour que je les lance par la fenêtre. Il adorait les enfants, il en avait pas un seul.
Combien de ces enfants sont retournés au Cambodge depuis??
photo prise par Mr Ngeth Sim
Retour au Cambodge 23 ans après Chun Bori.
20 janvier 2006 Publié Tout sur l'auteur | Lien permanent
Elles seront bien venues, il y a assez peu de temoignages sur la vie dans les camps de refugies... Ce n'a pas ete la meme partout, plus au nord c'etait de veritables prisons avec des detournements de l'aide internationale, plus au sud il valait mieux rejoindre rapidement certaines micro-religions pour obtenir un visa de depart...
Dans les camps se profillaent deja, le Cambodge d'aujourd'hui, et d'anciens tortionnaires cotoyaient deja leurs anciennes victimes...Si vous voyez des photos avec des personnes grosses ne vous y trompez pas, elles sont atteintes d'oeudemes liees a la denutrition...et malgre tout c'est là que bcp de cambogiens ont reappris a vivre.
je confirme, j'étais d'ailleurs assez étonné de voir les anciens tortionnaires cotoyés ceux qu'ils avaient fuis !!
et je crois que le cambodge nous donne une belle leçon de vie !!!!
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
Au debut, il y avait meme des camps diriges par les KR!" kao y dang" etait lui gere par l'ONU, l'un des moins durs.. Pour ceux qui aiment l'Histoire ...
Cambodge : nous sourions le jour, nous pleurons la nuit (P.Horovitz 1991) « Il y a de quoi devenir fou »
Les camps sont divisés en secteurs, avec des chefs, ces chefs sauf exception sont nommés par la faction qui administre le camp, l’administration elle-même n’étant pas élue, mais auto-proclamée. Le contrôle sur les populations des réfugiés à des fins partisanes est de la volonté politique des USA qui ont rejeté un projet de camps neutres qui avait été avancé par la Thaïlande. C’est dans ce contexte qu’une aide internationale massive a été apportée aux réfugiés par l’intermédiaire de l’UNBRO et de dizaines d’organisations humanitaires. Mais récemment, plusieurs pays ayant réduits leurs contributions, les rations de riz ont été diminuées. La nourriture est tout juste suffisante mais elle est garantie, les soins médicaux et chirurgicaux sont assurés, un enseignement est dispensé. Tant et si bien que l’on vit moins mal dans les camps de Thaïlande qu’à l’intérieur du Cambodge.
Mais les réfugiés portent en eux une blessure morale. Après toutes ces années passées dans les camps sans réelle perspective, ils ressentent une grande lassitude. Ils mènent une vie d’assistés pleine d’incertitudes pour l’avenir. « Il y a de quoi devenir fou » dit un vieil homme, 6 ans de vie dans les camps. Alors l’éclatement des familles à la faveur des circonstances atteint les réfugiés au plus profond d’eux-mêmes. Au quotidien, l’insécurité peut provoquer un sentiment d’angoisse. En fin d’après-midi, lorsque les véhicules des associations d’aide humanitaires quittent les camps, l’atmosphère devient pesante. Le soir, c’est l’obscurité dans les rues et il n’y a a pas de téléphone. Comment se protéger ? Les maisons de bambous ne sont guère résistantes et les armes pénètrent dans les camps par différents canaux incontrôlables. Le confinement d’une population sur une surface limitée exacerbe les tensions et il arrive que les conflits familiaux ou politiques se règlent à coups de hache ou à la grenade. La veille de ma visite à site 2 une bombe a explosé, tuant une femme et faisant 7 blessés. Une mère de famille qui m’invite à partager son repas me confie : « Ici c’est la loi de la jungle, j’ai peur pour mes enfants et pour moi. Nous sourions le jour, nous pleurons la nuit ».
Le passé, ce sont les bombardements américains, les atrocités des Khmers Rouges, puis l’occupation du pays par l’armée vietnamienne pendant 10 ans, et la guerre civile qui n’est pas encore terminée aujourd’hui. La campagne cambodgienne est truffée de mines anti-personnelles, tous les jours il se produit des accidents. Alors ils ont voulu fuir leur pays. certains ont quitté le Cambodge il y a une dizaine d’années et beaucoup d’enfants sont nés dans ces camps. Ils ne connaissent pour tout horizon que les clôtures qui les entourent ou les environs immédiats ; ils n’ont jamais vu de rizières ou de buffles qui constituent le paysage de la campagne cambodgienne. « Où habites-tu ? » - « Section 49 » me répond une petite fille de 4 ans. « Ce que j’aimerais, c’est devenir un touriste » déclare un garçon de 18 ans, dont 10 passés à l’intérieur des camps. « Quand connaîtrons-nous la paix ? », « Qu’allons-nous devenir ? » me demandent plusieurs réfugiés qui imaginent le visiteur mieux informé qu’eux. Leur espoir fou, c’est le « 3ème pays », expression qui revient comme une litanie. Ce 3ème pays, ce serait un pays d’accueil définitif après le passage par les camps en Thaïlande, le 2ème pays. Mais un peu partout les portes se ferment. Personne ne veut accueillir ce flot de réfugiés qui ne tarit pas. Officiellement, sauf pour le camp de Khao I Dang administré directement par l’ONU, les réfugiés ne sont pas des réfugiés, mais des « personnes déplacées », ce qui leur enlève le droit de s’installer définitivement sur une terre d’accueil. La seule solution envisagée actuellement, c’est le rapatriement. La technologie la plus moderne est mise à contribution : la France finance un projet de photos satellite pour déterminer les emplacements propices à une éventuelle ré-implantation au Cambodge
tu sais même kao i dang n'était pas le paradis, car parfois les thais fermaient le camp a tout le monde et faisait une razzia, sur ce que les cambodgiens avait pu gagner en économie parallèle dans le camp !!
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
A ceux qui aiment les bouquins, "Du mekong a la seine" ecrit par un laotien ;une partie du livre concerne son vecu dans un camp (en face Savanaket, je crois), ne doit pas etre epuisé!
ce matin je suis content de voir tout ces petits clins d'oeil échangés !!!
c'est le but du post, faire savoir que le malheur de certaines personnes, nous ramènent a nos existences privilègiés et donc nous font comprendre la chance que nous avons !!
amitiés a tous
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
Bonsoir fortini
Je viens de tomber sur ton poste😕Et je ne peux te dire comment sont mes émotions!!!!😊J'ai été dans ce camp, Khao I Dang, de 1983 à 1984🙁Je venais du camp de Nang Sameth ( les khmers l'appelait Chum Rom Thmeil = Camp Nouveau ) qui se trouvait côté cambodgien.Pour passer à Khao I Dang, avec mon groupe, on a dû faire des détours incroyables ( la marche toute la nuit!!!) pour éviter des soldats thais, car ils tiraient sur des réfugiés sans sommation!!!🙁🙁🙁Le camp de Khao I Dang était ceinturé d'un chemin de patrouille, avec 2 rangées de fils de barbelés.Il y avait des tours d'observations et même des tranchées où étaient postés des gardes thaies, en noir😊😊Vers 5 heures du matin, l'heure de distribution des ration d'eau, il faisait encore nuit, nous passâmes sous le chemin de patrouille par les égoûts, j'étais le dernier de la colonne.A peine, je sortais de l'égout, j'entendis " Chop, Chop, bagn eil low hoeil!!! = Arrêtez, arrêtez ou je tire!!! )😊😊Eh bien, je n'avais pas le temps de réfléchir, j'ai largué mon sac et j'ai couru, comme je pouvais, à travers les potagers, vers le camp😊😊🙁Il fallait, à tout prix, éviter d'être pris ( vivant si tu avais de la chance, car les balles sifflaient partout ), si non ( vivant bien sûr ), ils t'emprisonneraient et t'enverraient au camp de DANG REK ( le camp des khmers Rouges 😊😊😊). Là bas, les possibilités de t'enfuir étaient très faibles car les périmètres du camp étaient minés🙁🙁Si non, tu intégrerais les unités combattantes des khmers Rouges 😊😊😊.
Voilà mon premier voyage au ROYAUME DES SOURIRES🙁🙁
en te lisant j'y ai pensé, mais le prénom a fait la maldonne !!!
tu sais des photos du camp, j'en ai plein, mais mon album est dans mon bureau, je te ferrai un post en mp pour toi spécialement
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
Salut fortini
Effectivement, c'est mon speudo😉As-tu remarqué le S à la fin?😛Bien que je sois naturalisé français, je conserve le même nom et prénom d'origine😛
Ce sera avec plaisir de pouvoir profiter de tes superbes photos🙂Je serai heureux de discuter avec toi en MP.
Là bas, j'ai pu lier une amitié avec mon ami suisse qui bossait comme médecin à MSF🙂Je suis toujours en contact avec lui qui possède aussi beaucoup de photos.Connaissais tu un certain, Michel Daron qui bossait à Handicap International?Je n'arrive pas à le trouver🙁
Il y a quelques minuites, je viens de prendre un billet pour la Thailande ( j'attends la confirmation par e-mail ).Ce sera le vol avec Ethiad, du 20/12 au 11/01/07.J'irai faire un tour à Arranyaprathet et de là, je vais essayer d'aller voir ce qui resterait de Khao I Dang, mais surtout la fameuse montagne qui dominait le camp.Je te tiendrai au courant.Cette fois-ci, j'espère ne pas me faire tirer dessus
Dans le camp, j'étais au section 9 et à la fin le 3, en fait presque partout.
Encore un grand remerciment pour ce post.J'espère que d'autres personnes se manifesteront🙂
je suis ravi que tu es eu tes billets, moi aussi, hier par la thai, mais seuleument en février !
michel daron, est ce le belge qui était responsable de la mission d'handicap int. si c'est lui je l'ai a peine connu, ensuite il a pris la direction de l'antenne belge de H I .
je te confirme, je t'enverrrai des photos en MP !
je crois que le post a intéressé certains, c'est bien que les gens sachent par quoi et par où, toi et les tiens sont passés !
si on aime le cambodge, on ne peut ignorer ce fait !
amitié
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
Bonjour,
Tout d'abord un grand merci pour ce post ainsi que le témoignage de Philippes. Pour ma part je n'ai pas connu Kao I Dang -j'étais dans un autre camps bien avant...-, mais quelques membres de ma famille y sont passés par K.I.D. Je suis également très intéressée par vos photos, afin de consituer un petit album pour eux, qui, j'en suis certaine seraient très touchés par vos photos.
je suis ravi de susciter quelques enthousiasmes avec ce post !
pas de pbs, je vous enverrai les mêmes photos qu'a philippes, il me faut les scanner et malheureusement j'ai laissé mon album au bureau ;
je ferrai cela lundi matin !!!
amitié
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
Salut fortini
C'est avec grand plaisir que j'accepte tes précieuses photos🙂Dès que j'aurai un peu de temps, j'essaierai de contacter Handicap International pour retrouver Michel Daron.
C'est dommage que l'on ne puisse pas partir en même temps🤪Mes vacances, je les ai eues, à la dernière minute, donc comme je n'ai rien préparé, j'irai faire à tour à Aranyaprathet et de là, j'irai voir ce qui restait de KID.
Amitié d'un ancien de Khao I Dang🙂
TU AS BIEN FAIT DE CREER CE POST ET GRAND MERCI A TOI
Bonsoir Neverland
Donc, tu venais de quel camp?Et en quelle année?
Moi, j'ai perdu toute ma famille, en 1979, lors de l'arrivée des vietnamiens.J'ai galéré quelques temps au camp de Nang Samet " Chum Rom Thmeil " et après à Khao I Dang .
A+🙂
merci pour t'on recis continu a nous raconter tes souvenirs illustres de photos qui parlent d'elles mêmes. super post c'est ce qui fait la richesse de ce forum .
SAWADEE
DAN
VIVEZ HEUREUX AUJOURD'HUI CAR DEMAIN IL SERA TROP TARD (TAO BY)
CARPE DIEM
ce post ne vaut que par les témoignages de "philippes" et "neverland" qui eux ont souffert dans leur chair d'une situation a laquelle je n'étais qu'un spectateur et petit acteur !
mais lundi si le post vit toujours, je mettrai d'autres photos !!
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
"Nous sommes a New York en 2000. De jeunes doctorants d'origine chinoise achetent un journal local de New Jersey...... lire la suite soit sur internet soit sur la version papier.
Mon titre veut interpeller ceux qui ne veulent pas cautionner le regime birman (pour un tas de justes causes); mais dans ce cas la, il faut aussi ne pas venir en Thailande;
Ou alors venir et retourner jusqu'a plus soif en Birmanie afin que les choses changent.
tu sais même kao i dang n'était pas le paradis, car parfois les thais fermaient le camp a tout le monde et faisait une razzia, sur ce que les cambodgiens avait pu gagner en économie parallèle dans le camp !!
Le sage supporte aequo animo les coups de l'adversite
tu as raison, il ne faut pas différencier les réfugiés, mais en général, j'essaye de ne parler que de ce que je connais !!
et là, je ne suis jamais allé en birmanie ( je le regrette); la seule chose que je connaisse de ce qui se passe, c'est un de mes amis corse qui est parti là-bas se battre aux cotés des karens.
trouver son chemin personnel a travers le chemin initiatique du voyage
et tu en parles si bien, ainsi que d autres intervenants
pour ma part réfugies ou intervenants, ce post a quelque chose d irrealiste, ici on atteint les limites du supportable,
et ailleurs on fait un procés a la meteo parce que elle n a pas prevue une tempete de neige a 50 kms prés,
et merci aussi a VF, qui permet ce genre de sujet qui est loin des voyages mais permet de comprendre la souffrance d un peuple, et indirectement de tous les peuples qui souffrent financierement ou ideologiquement,
allez, aprés ce post, je dec.....
😐
tu as raison, il ne faut pas différencier les réfugiés, mais en général, j'essaye de ne parler que de ce que je connais !!
et là, je ne suis jamais allé en birmanie ( je le regrette); la seule chose que je connaisse de ce qui se passe, c'est un de mes amis corse qui est parti là-bas se battre aux cotés des karens.
Je prépare notre voyage pour décembre 2019 et j’hésite sur 2 destinations. je voulais monter passer 2 nuits en rafthouse sur la riviere Kwai ou descendre sur…
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Désolé si le sujet a déjà été traité, je n'ai pas trouvé par le moteur de RECHERCHE. Préparant un séjour de 3 mois en Thaïlande, on commencera par une semaine…
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,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi 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 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.
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.
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.
However, I’m not quite 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 some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
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…
Hi there, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
Lieu : Chun Bory : Camp de refugié en Thailande.
Eh ! non nous ne sommes pas des prisonniers, et ce n’est une photo de la famille des Daltons.
Décomposition : à gauche, le chef de famille tient un paneau d’immatriculation, c’est un numéro qui rentrera dans les archives du HCR, en deuxième portant le gros numéro 2, c’est la deuxième personne de la famille et ainsi de suite…
Cette photo là, personne ne peut l’oublier, 95% des cambodgiens vivant ici en France ou partout dans le monde hors du Cambodge, doivent avoir poser devant l’objectif du photographe de l’UNHCR en 1981.
Lieu : Chun Bory devant l’atelier du peintre Mr NGETH SIM 1982.
Presque tous les enfants du secteurs se sont massé devant l’objectif de Mr Ngeth Sim. Moi et mes soeurs y sont également.
Le destin à dispatché ces enfants vers les quatre coins du monde, ils ont trouvé leur terre d’accueil en France, USA, Canada, Australie, Allemagne etc…
Quant à Mr, lui aussi a trouvé sa terre promise comme moi, il arriva à Paris juste après moi, en 1983. A ouvert un atelier, comme par hasard, dans la rue des Martyrs. Toutes ses toiles lui sont revenus, arrivant de toutes destinations. Il les avait vendu au occidentaux qui avaient fait un passage dans le camp. Une fois à Paris certains toiles lui ont été rendu pour constituer sa galerie.
Que tous ceux qui se reconnaissent me fassent signe !!!!
Monsieur Ngeth Sim adorait distribuer des bonbons aux enfants qui venaient jouer à côté de son atelier, moi compris. Souvent il m’en donnait pour que je les lance par la fenêtre. Il adorait les enfants, il en avait pas un seul.
Combien de ces enfants sont retournés au Cambodge depuis??
photo prise par Mr Ngeth Sim
elle n'est pas belle la vie !!!!!!!!
on s'amuse avec n'importe quoi comme sur toutes les latitudes du monde
