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.
Laos: que sont devenus les jeunes réfugiés Hmong expulsés il y a deux mois de Thaïlande?
by Barbot
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
J'apprecie toujours autant tes posts, ta lucidite et la douceur de tes propos
Je suis parfois ( meme souvent) rude dans les miens. Mais je vis ici tous les jours avec leurs problemes quotidiens....pendant que nous parlons, ils souffrent.
je ne peux etre partout a la fois et sur le terrain et a chercher del'aide.
Nous financons toutes nos actions avec notre argent...mais cela a une fin, nous en sommes proche et je n'ai pas envie de laisser tomber ces gens.
Merci pour ta participation a ce topic
Bonne journee
Wattana
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
😉 bonjour !
lorsque je parle de choses sérieuses j'utilise le langage adéquat et non pas édulcoré des salons de thé où l'on parle pour ne rien dire 😉
par exemple, afin d'en savoir davantage, puisque tu es sur le terrain et que tu t'impliques j'aimerai savoir comment la population thaïlandaise "de souche" perçoit-elle les minortiés ethniques dans leur pays ? donne-t-on les moyens d'étudier à la jeunesse Mhongs et a-ton le soucis de leur avenir et de leur intégration : c'est à dire leur permet-on d'avoir un Devenir. tu ne m'as pas dit ds quel région tu opérères, ni dans quel type d'association tu travailles ! et cette Association est financé par qui ?
bonne journée à toi 😉 et à tous les autres.
par exemple, afin d'en savoir davantage, puisque tu es sur le terrain et que tu t'impliques j'aimerai savoir comment la population thaïlandaise "de souche" perçoit-elle les minortiés ethniques dans leur pays ? donne-t-on les moyens d'étudier à la jeunesse Mhongs et a-ton le soucis de leur avenir et de leur intégration : c'est à dire leur permet-on d'avoir un Devenir. tu ne m'as pas dit ds quel région tu opérères, ni dans quel type d'association tu travailles ! et cette Association est financé par qui ?
bonne journée à toi 😉 et à tous les autres.
J'habite Nan, region ou la population Hmong est tres importante ( enfin c'est relatif) ils sont plutot mal-vus, mais cela commence a s'ameliorer.
La scolarisation s'effectue correctement jusqu'a la fin du primaire, les problemes commencent pour les sans-papiers pour le secondaire.
Personne ou presque ne se soucie de leur devenir.....
Je fait tourner ma propre Association et nous la financons nous-memes, nous ne pouvons pas nous faire traiter d'escrocs.....ou de profiteurs de dons.
Voila un resume de la situation.
Bonne journee a toi aussi
et
aux autres bien sur😏
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
re-bonjour 😉
merci pour les infos, je désire maintenir le contact avec toi, par l'intermédiaire de VF, afin que tu nous parles de ton travail, des coutûmes du peuple Mhong, des gens qui t'entourent 😉 et ce afin de ne pas perdre ce fil solide 😉
je vais prendre connaissance de cette région de Nan : 1ère démarche, la situer sur la carte !
à +
1ère démarche, la situer sur la carte, Nan .
La voici à gauche de la carte Chiang-Maï et Nan à droite là flêche rouge l'indique .
La voici à gauche de la carte Chiang-Maï et Nan à droite là flêche rouge l'indique .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Réfugiés - La Thaïlande renvoie 160 Hmongs au Laos. -
Le gouvernement du Laos a confirmé que la Thaïlande a reconduit samedi 160 Hmongs à la frontière, des renvois forcés vivement critiqués par les Nations-Unies, les Etats-Unis et les associations des droits de l’homme. Le UNHCR, ainsi que la Fact Finding Commission (FFC), une organisation américaine pro-Hmong, affirment que les réfugiés ont peur de persécutions au Laos. Mais le gouvernement laotien dément, déclarant que les 160 personnes sont montées d’elles-mêmes dans les bus. De nombreux Hmongs ont fui le Laos dans les années 1960 et 70, alors que la guerre du Vietnam touchait le pays. En 1975, une fois la guerre finie, des centaines de milliers d’entre eux sont partis en Thaïlande, en Europe ou aux Etats-Unis. C’est le cas notamment du général Vang Pao, ancien commandant d’une « armée secrète » créée par la CIA, arrêté jeudi dernier par la police américaine. Vang Pao est accusé d’avoir planifié un coup d’état contre Vientiane. Voir aussi notre édition du 7 juin « Les Etats-Unis ont empêché un coup d’état au Laos » . CT . Le petit journal de Bangkok
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
je me permets de reprendre une petite partie de cet article dont je viens de prendre connaissance
je les mets en surgras, car essentiel pour la discussion en cours et nos supputations :
des renvois forcés vivement critiqués par les Nations-Unies, les Etats-Unis et les associations des droits de l’homme. Le UNHCR, ainsi que la Fact Finding Commission (FFC), une organisation américaine pro-Hmong, affirment
que les réfugiés ont peur de persécutions au Laos.
Mais le gouvernement laotien dément, déclarant que les 160 personnes sont montées d’elles-mêmes dans les bus.
j'aimerai connaître le rôle des Etats-Unis : but humanitaire ? géopolitique dans la Région intéressée ? économique ?
des renvois forcés vivement critiqués par les Nations-Unies, les Etats-Unis et les associations des droits de l’homme. Le UNHCR, ainsi que la Fact Finding Commission (FFC), une organisation américaine pro-Hmong, affirment
que les réfugiés ont peur de persécutions au Laos.
Mais le gouvernement laotien dément, déclarant que les 160 personnes sont montées d’elles-mêmes dans les bus.
j'aimerai connaître le rôle des Etats-Unis : but humanitaire ? géopolitique dans la Région intéressée ? économique ?
j'aimerai connaître le rôle des Etats-Unis : but humanitaire ? géopolitique dans la Région intéressée ? économique ?
Aucune idée, j'aimerai bien le savoir, avec les Etats-Unis rien n'est gratuit .😉
Aucune idée, j'aimerai bien le savoir, avec les Etats-Unis rien n'est gratuit .😉
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Un petit apercu de la ville de Nan.......
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1omuq_city-nan
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
re-bonjour 😉
merci pour les infos, je désire maintenir le contact avec toi, par l'intermédiaire de VF, afin que tu nous parles de ton travail, des coutûmes du peuple Mhong, des gens qui t'entourent 😉 et ce afin de ne pas perdre ce fil solide 😉
je vais prendre connaissance de cette région de Nan : 1ère démarche, la situer sur la carte !
à +
un petit lien pour remercier "Philippe" un de nos animateurs, au travail avec quelques enfants Hmong de la region de Nan ( Ban Songwae) http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x28q33_philippe
je viens d'ouvrir un topic special pour les Hmong
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=1127350;
un petit lien pour remercier "Philippe" un de nos animateurs, au travail avec quelques enfants Hmong de la region de Nan ( Ban Songwae) http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x28q33_philippe
je viens d'ouvrir un topic special pour les Hmong
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=1127350;
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
Un petit apercu de la ville de Nan.......
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1omuq_city-nan
Bonjour Nanyouth,
je viens d'aller voir ça donne envie d'y aller, belles photos . 😉
Bonjour Nanyouth,
je viens d'aller voir ça donne envie d'y aller, belles photos . 😉
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Caisse? hein? quoi? ou? comment?
de quoi tu koses?
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
🙁 tu me sembles de bien mauvaise humeur, je n'en comprends pas la cause 😐
en qualité de "conseiller d'éducation" cela ne devrait pas te sembler bizarre que je demande "où sont les petites filles"
la video que tu ns donnes à voir, il s'agit de toi qui enseignes à des petits garçons : donc je demande pquoi ? est-ce qu'en Thaïlande la mixité à l'école n'existe pas ?
comme tu es conseiller d'éducation, tu es envoyé par le Rectorat, tu représente l'Education nationale française.
Caisse? hein? quoi? ou? comment? de quoi tu koses?
Caisse? hein? quoi? ou? comment? de quoi tu koses?
un petit lien pour remercier "Philippe" un de nos animateurs, au travail avec quelques enfants Hmong de la region de Nan ( Ban Songwae)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x28q33_philippe
Mais ce serait pas Philippe THEARD dont tu parles ? qui s'est occuper des orphelins à Pimaï "" La maison bleue "" .
Mais ce serait pas Philippe THEARD dont tu parles ? qui s'est occuper des orphelins à Pimaï "" La maison bleue "" .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
🙁 tu me sembles de bien mauvaise humeur, je n'en comprends pas la cause 😐
en qualité de "conseiller d'éducation" cela ne devrait pas te sembler bizarre que je demande "où sont les petites filles"
la video que tu ns donnes à voir, il s'agit de toi qui enseignes à des petits garçons : donc je demande pquoi ? est-ce qu'en Thaïlande la mixité à l'école n'existe pas ?
comme tu es conseiller d'éducation, tu es envoyé par le Rectorat, tu représente l'Education nationale française.
Caisse? hein? quoi? ou? comment? de quoi tu koses?
Nan est thaïlandais, et la courtoisie ne semble pas être son côté fort ! Son côté fort, c'est plutôt vouloir se mettre en avant, comme tu peux le voir dans les vidéos ! En fait, en s'adressant à nous, il nous confond avec ses élèves ! Il compense son énorme égo par le fait qu'il s'occupe d'enfants nécessiteux, et pour cela je dis bravo.
Caisse? hein? quoi? ou? comment? de quoi tu koses?
Nan est thaïlandais, et la courtoisie ne semble pas être son côté fort ! Son côté fort, c'est plutôt vouloir se mettre en avant, comme tu peux le voir dans les vidéos ! En fait, en s'adressant à nous, il nous confond avec ses élèves ! Il compense son énorme égo par le fait qu'il s'occupe d'enfants nécessiteux, et pour cela je dis bravo.
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
🙁 tu me sembles de bien mauvaise humeur, je n'en comprends pas la cause 😐
en qualité de "conseiller d'éducation" cela ne devrait pas te sembler bizarre que je demande "où sont les petites filles"
la video que tu ns donnes à voir, il s'agit de toi qui enseignes à des petits garçons : donc je demande pquoi ? est-ce qu'en Thaïlande la mixité à l'école n'existe pas ?
comme tu es conseiller d'éducation, tu es envoyé par le Rectorat, tu représente l'Education nationale française.
Caisse? hein? quoi? ou? comment? de quoi tu koses?
Pas de mauvaise humeur...
il y a des filles aussi, ont les voient sur la video, de plus il y a un gros plan de Philippe avec un garcon et une fille...je crois qu'ils lisent un livre. mais Philippe ce jour la avait un groupe de garcons. Ce n'est pas moi sur le clip mais un de nos amis volontaires. Et non, je ne suis envoye par le gouvernment francais. Bonne journee a toi
Caisse? hein? quoi? ou? comment? de quoi tu koses?
Pas de mauvaise humeur...
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
Jetés hors du Laos, les Hmongs sont refoulés de Thaïlande
ASIE. La pression monte sur ces réfugiés que le gouvernement de Bangkok ne veut pas voir s'installer sur son territoire. Médecins sans frontières tente de s'interposer.
Arnaud Dubus, envoyé spécial à Huay Nam Khao Lundi 2 juillet 2007
Pour atteindre la cabane de Lisu Vang, il faut serpenter un bon moment parmi les centaines de cahutes bâties à flanc de colline, à l'aide de lattes de bambou et de toile plastifiée, où vivent 8000 Hmongs qui ont fui le Laos. Ce camp improvisé se situe à proximité immédiate du village thaïlandais de Huay Nam Khao, dans la province de Petchabun (nord de la Thaïlande). Trapu, le visage plat marqué par de hautes pommettes, cet homme de 28 ans n'est ni un ancien collaborateur de la CIA américaine ni un Laotien pauvre venu chercher fortune dans un pays voisin plus développé. «Je suis né dans la jungle, sur le massif de Phu Bia. Je suis ignorant, car je ne suis jamais allé à l'école. On devait constamment se déplacer pour éviter les attaques des militaires laotiens. Je pense que mon père devait travailler avec la CIA à l'époque de la guerre mais je ne suis pas sûr. Mes parents ont été tués en 1980 lors d'une attaque de l'armée laotienne dans la jungle», explique-t-il. Lui-même, comme beaucoup de ses voisins, porte les marques de cette vie d'homme traqué: quatre cicatrices sur ses jambes. En 2004, la pression de l'armée laotienne s'est faite plus forte. Lisu Vang a donc décidé de quitter, avec sa femme et ses quatre enfants, la zone spéciale de Saysomboon, dans le Laos central, où se trouve le massif de Phu Bia. Pendant un mois, ils ont progressé à pied vers le Mékong, contournant les villages laotiens et se nourrissant de gros tubercules qu'ils déterraient. Ils ont franchi clandestinement le fleuve, puis ont été conduits en minibus, par des passeurs spécialisés dans l'exfiltration des Hmongs, jusqu'à proximité du village de Huay Nam Khao. Ce parcours a été celui de milliers de Hmongs du Laos depuis 2003-2004. Pourquoi Huay Nam Khao, un village de 800 habitants au pied du massif de Khao Kor, à plusieurs centaines de kilomètres de la frontière avec le Laos? Sans doute parce qu'il est peuplé de Hmongs thaïlandais , mais aussi parce qu'un général du royaume avait, semble-t-il, annoncé à l'époque que les Hmongs arrivant en Thaïlande pouvaient se regrouper dans cette zone. Tous ces réfugiés ont en commun le sentiment d'avoir été persécutés par le «Laos communiste» et la conviction qu'ils seront abattus immédiatement s'ils sont renvoyés dans leur pays. A la lumière des précédents, le traitement qu'ils recevraient en cas de rapatriement ne serait pas des plus tendres. Après avoir longtemps laissé les nouveaux fuyards grossir la communauté de Huay Nam Khao, la police thaïlandaise a brutalement renvoyé au Laos plusieurs dizaines de nouveaux arrivants. Lors du dernier «rapatriement» le 9 juin, plusieurs Hmongs ont tenté de se suicider en avalant de l'engrais chimique. «Selon nos informations, les Thaïlandais vont tous les renvoyer. Mais le feront-ils dans six mois ou dans six ans, par petits groupes ou en une seule fois? Nous l'ignorons», indique Gilles Isard, de MSF. La Thaïlande et le Laos se sont, en effet, accordés en mai sur le principe d'un rapatriement de tous les Hmongs. Bangkok, qui n'a pas signé la convention sur les réfugiés de 1951, refuse toute intervention du Haut-Commissariat des Nations unies. La Thaïlande, qui co-investit dans des projets hydroélectriques au Laos, tient à renforcer ses relations avec son voisin. Toujours victimes d'une guerre qui s'est achevée il y a plus de trente ans, les Hmongs sont ballottés au gré de ces enjeux qui les dépassent. Dans sa cahute de Huay Nam Khao, Lisu Vang résume sa situation en termes simples: «Je suis orphelin. Je ne veux pas être impliqué dans la politique. Tout ce que je demande, c'est de pouvoir vivre.»
ASIE. La pression monte sur ces réfugiés que le gouvernement de Bangkok ne veut pas voir s'installer sur son territoire. Médecins sans frontières tente de s'interposer.
Arnaud Dubus, envoyé spécial à Huay Nam Khao Lundi 2 juillet 2007
Pour atteindre la cabane de Lisu Vang, il faut serpenter un bon moment parmi les centaines de cahutes bâties à flanc de colline, à l'aide de lattes de bambou et de toile plastifiée, où vivent 8000 Hmongs qui ont fui le Laos. Ce camp improvisé se situe à proximité immédiate du village thaïlandais de Huay Nam Khao, dans la province de Petchabun (nord de la Thaïlande). Trapu, le visage plat marqué par de hautes pommettes, cet homme de 28 ans n'est ni un ancien collaborateur de la CIA américaine ni un Laotien pauvre venu chercher fortune dans un pays voisin plus développé. «Je suis né dans la jungle, sur le massif de Phu Bia. Je suis ignorant, car je ne suis jamais allé à l'école. On devait constamment se déplacer pour éviter les attaques des militaires laotiens. Je pense que mon père devait travailler avec la CIA à l'époque de la guerre mais je ne suis pas sûr. Mes parents ont été tués en 1980 lors d'une attaque de l'armée laotienne dans la jungle», explique-t-il. Lui-même, comme beaucoup de ses voisins, porte les marques de cette vie d'homme traqué: quatre cicatrices sur ses jambes. En 2004, la pression de l'armée laotienne s'est faite plus forte. Lisu Vang a donc décidé de quitter, avec sa femme et ses quatre enfants, la zone spéciale de Saysomboon, dans le Laos central, où se trouve le massif de Phu Bia. Pendant un mois, ils ont progressé à pied vers le Mékong, contournant les villages laotiens et se nourrissant de gros tubercules qu'ils déterraient. Ils ont franchi clandestinement le fleuve, puis ont été conduits en minibus, par des passeurs spécialisés dans l'exfiltration des Hmongs, jusqu'à proximité du village de Huay Nam Khao. Ce parcours a été celui de milliers de Hmongs du Laos depuis 2003-2004. Pourquoi Huay Nam Khao, un village de 800 habitants au pied du massif de Khao Kor, à plusieurs centaines de kilomètres de la frontière avec le Laos? Sans doute parce qu'il est peuplé de Hmongs thaïlandais , mais aussi parce qu'un général du royaume avait, semble-t-il, annoncé à l'époque que les Hmongs arrivant en Thaïlande pouvaient se regrouper dans cette zone. Tous ces réfugiés ont en commun le sentiment d'avoir été persécutés par le «Laos communiste» et la conviction qu'ils seront abattus immédiatement s'ils sont renvoyés dans leur pays. A la lumière des précédents, le traitement qu'ils recevraient en cas de rapatriement ne serait pas des plus tendres. Après avoir longtemps laissé les nouveaux fuyards grossir la communauté de Huay Nam Khao, la police thaïlandaise a brutalement renvoyé au Laos plusieurs dizaines de nouveaux arrivants. Lors du dernier «rapatriement» le 9 juin, plusieurs Hmongs ont tenté de se suicider en avalant de l'engrais chimique. «Selon nos informations, les Thaïlandais vont tous les renvoyer. Mais le feront-ils dans six mois ou dans six ans, par petits groupes ou en une seule fois? Nous l'ignorons», indique Gilles Isard, de MSF. La Thaïlande et le Laos se sont, en effet, accordés en mai sur le principe d'un rapatriement de tous les Hmongs. Bangkok, qui n'a pas signé la convention sur les réfugiés de 1951, refuse toute intervention du Haut-Commissariat des Nations unies. La Thaïlande, qui co-investit dans des projets hydroélectriques au Laos, tient à renforcer ses relations avec son voisin. Toujours victimes d'une guerre qui s'est achevée il y a plus de trente ans, les Hmongs sont ballottés au gré de ces enjeux qui les dépassent. Dans sa cahute de Huay Nam Khao, Lisu Vang résume sa situation en termes simples: «Je suis orphelin. Je ne veux pas être impliqué dans la politique. Tout ce que je demande, c'est de pouvoir vivre.»
Les Hmongs forment sont une minorité ethnique, quelques uns ont lutté avec les forces américaines pendant la guerre du Viêt-Nam ; cette minorité est, depuis lors, persécutée par les autorités du Laos.
Les 153 Hmongs du centre de détention de Nong Khai ont tous été reconnus comme réfugiés par les Nations unies.
Aux termes du droit international, un gouvernement ne peut renvoyer de force des personnes dans un pays où elles risquent d’être victimes de graves atteintes aux droits humains.
Mais la pression monte sur ces réfugiés que le gouvernement de Bangkok ne veut pas voir s’installer sur son territoire. Médecins sans frontières tente de s’interposer.
Des femmes et des jeunes filles ont été mises dans des autocars il y a quelques semaines et conduites à la frontière. Deux des femmes sont enceintes de huit mois et une autre a un enfant né il a quelques semaines dans le centre de détention. Deux hommes qui étaient hospitalisés pour un problème de foie grave et une blessure par balle au visage ont également été mis dans ces cars.
Pour une raison que l’on ignore, les femmes et les jeunes filles ont ensuite été reconduites au centre d’immigration de Nong Khai dans le nord-est de la Thaïlande.
Les agents de l’Immigration ont appelé la police en renfort pour évacuer les hommes et les garçons de la cellule dans laquelle ils s’étaient barricadés. La police a utilisé du gaz lacrymogène et a tenté de scier les barreaux mais n’est pas parvenue à pénétrer dans la cellule. Des témoins ont indiqué que la police avait utilisé du gaz lacrymogène à trois reprises en dépit du fait que 20 jeunes garçons se trouvaient dans la cellule.
« Ces violences à l’encontre de réfugiés, dont certains sont des adolescents, sont extrêmement préoccupantes, a déclaré Brittis Edman. Il s’agit de personnes qui ont fui les persécutions et les violences dans leur pays, les autorités thaïlandaises se doivent de les protéger au lieu de leur infliger de nouvelles souffrances. »
Amnesty International est profondément revoltée par le renvoi illégal et forcé de Thaïlande au Laos, lundi 11 juin 2007, environ 160 Hmongs de nationalité laotienne, qui n’ont même pas eu la possibilité de demander l’asile. L’organisation demande aux autorités thaïlandaises d’arrêter tout de suite les expulsions de demandeurs d’asile n’ayant pas encore pu bénéficier d’une procédure équitable et satisfaisante de détermination de leur statut de réfugiés. D’autant plus que les personnes renvoyées au Laos risquent la torture, la détention arbitraire et illimitée et d’autres graves violations de leurs droits humains à leur retour.
Cinq camions de la police ont parait-il transporté plus de 160 personnes sur l’autre rive du Mékong vers 7 heures, empruntant le pont de l’Amitié, qui relie la ville thaïlandaise frontalière de Nong Khai à la capitale laotienne Vientiane. Ils étaient allés les chercher la veille au soir dans différents centres de détention de la police situés dans les villes de Na Chaliang, Khao Kho, Tha Phon et Lomsak dans la province de Phetchaburi où ils avaient été détenus.
D’après le gouvernement laotien, ces 163 Hmong, qualifiés de « victimes de la traite des êtres humains », ont été remis aux autorités laotiennes conformément à un accord bilatéral conclu le 18 mai 2007. On ignore aujourd’hui ce qu’ils sont devenus.
Philippe THEARD est, d'après le site www.chainedelespoir.org, l'administrateur et le coordinateur de l'association "La Chaine de l'espoir" en Thaïlande.
Nanyouth ? est-ce le même Philippe qui travaille pour vous?
c'est un "petit" monde l'asie du sud-est, juste 100 millions d'habitants, alors les coïncidences y sont nombreuses😛
Nanyouth ? est-ce le même Philippe qui travaille pour vous?
c'est un "petit" monde l'asie du sud-est, juste 100 millions d'habitants, alors les coïncidences y sont nombreuses😛
Quand la prudence est partout, le courage n'est nulle part...
Amnesty International est profondément revoltée par le renvoi illégal et forcé de Thaïlande au Laos, lundi 11 juin 2007, environ 160 Hmongs de nationalité laotienne, qui n’ont même pas eu la possibilité de demander l’asile. L’organisation demande aux autorités thaïlandaises d’arrêter tout de suite les expulsions de demandeurs d’asile n’ayant pas encore pu bénéficier d’une procédure équitable et satisfaisante de détermination de leur statut de réfugiés. D’autant plus que les personnes renvoyées au Laos risquent la torture, la détention arbitraire et illimitée et d’autres graves violations de leurs droits humains à leur retour.
Amnesty a le bon role car ce n'est pas un pays..la Thailande est submergee de refugies, politiques et economiques. Si amnesty etait un pays? receuillerait elle tous les refugies de la terre? Alors IMPOSER a un pays de recevoir tout le monde est un peu facile. Que font ils pour aider ce pays? les financent ils?...non ils ne font que de se revolter Que fait on des refudies abondants en Europe? Je suis concerne par le probleme des Hmongs, que l'on me donne les moyens financiers et je ferai beaucoup plus que je ne fait actuellement. C'est mon point de vue, vivant ici, ne voudrais pas engager de polemique. Leur situation est tres grave, tout le monde parle beaucoup mais peu agissent. Quel gachis !
Laos explorer je t ai repondu en MP pour Philippe😉
Amnesty a le bon role car ce n'est pas un pays..la Thailande est submergee de refugies, politiques et economiques. Si amnesty etait un pays? receuillerait elle tous les refugies de la terre? Alors IMPOSER a un pays de recevoir tout le monde est un peu facile. Que font ils pour aider ce pays? les financent ils?...non ils ne font que de se revolter Que fait on des refudies abondants en Europe? Je suis concerne par le probleme des Hmongs, que l'on me donne les moyens financiers et je ferai beaucoup plus que je ne fait actuellement. C'est mon point de vue, vivant ici, ne voudrais pas engager de polemique. Leur situation est tres grave, tout le monde parle beaucoup mais peu agissent. Quel gachis !
Laos explorer je t ai repondu en MP pour Philippe😉
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
États-Unis Libération sous caution d'un chef Hmong Associated Press (AP)
13/07/2007 20h54
L'ancien général laotien Vang Pao, accusé d'être le meneur d'une conspiration destinée à renverser le gouvernement communiste du Laos, a été libéré sous caution aux États-Unis.
Le juge américain Dale Drozd a ordonné la libération du chef de la communauté Hmong d'Amérique, âgé de 77 ans, en échange d'une caution de 1, 5 millions de dollars après que des proches ont accepté de déposer en garantie quatre propriétés à Sacramento, Fresno et Westminster. Vang Pao a été libéré vendredi.
«Nous sommes heureux qu'il soit libre, et je suis sûr que la communauté Hmong est heureuse», a déclaré John Balazs, l'avocat du vieil homme.
Vang Pao et 10 autres individus sont accusés d'avoir planifié l'achat de mitrailleuses, de missiles antiaériens, de grenades, de mines et d'autres armes pour une valeur totale de près de 10 millions de dollars dans le but de renverser le gouvernement de Vientiane, la capitale du Laos.
Incroyable !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😕🏴☠️
merci a toi de cette information et de garder le fil de la discussion Sawadee !
merci a toi de cette information et de garder le fil de la discussion Sawadee !
Il est important de percevoir combien votre propre bonheur est lié à celui des autres, il n'existe pas de bonheur individuel totalement indépendant d'autrui.....(Dalaï-Lama)
Bonsoir sawasdee,
Merci de cette information, il est important de suivre pas pour nous mais pour eux de suivre les évènements en espérant que la pression international médiatiques favorisera ces gens .
Merci de cette information, il est important de suivre pas pour nous mais pour eux de suivre les évènements en espérant que la pression international médiatiques favorisera ces gens .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Je pense que vous avez vu le site militaryphotos.net sur les Hmongs, ça refroidit..........
Oui comme tu dis ça refroidit, et croît moi on ne sait pas tout, comme en Birmanie . Sorry j'en dirais pas plus trop compliqué .🙁
Oui comme tu dis ça refroidit, et croît moi on ne sait pas tout, comme en Birmanie . Sorry j'en dirais pas plus trop compliqué .🙁
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Bonjour,
j'ai vu ces photos, qui a t-il de pire que le silence ?????
bonne journée à tous
Franca
<< .....notre soif de survie dans le futur nous rend incapables de vivre dans le présent .....>>. Chuang TZU
Il ne faut pas travailler pour voyager mais voyager pour vivre...
http://www.dailymotion.com/...au-laos-envoye-speci
Je n'avais pas vu ce reportage, c'est très triste de voir ces gens en détresse ainsi . De quel date ce reportage ? .
Je n'avais pas vu ce reportage, c'est très triste de voir ces gens en détresse ainsi . De quel date ce reportage ? .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
🙁bonjour
je vous ai bien dit...mais vous ne me croyais pas....😕qu il y a des gens pour déstabiliser les gens en place🙁http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1vx2k_hmong-khao-ko-jail-15aout2006_news cela se passe de commentaire
je vous ai bien dit...mais vous ne me croyais pas....😕qu il y a des gens pour déstabiliser les gens en place🙁http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1vx2k_hmong-khao-ko-jail-15aout2006_news cela se passe de commentaire
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
la vie au camp de refugies
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1xy1t_hmong-refugees-thailand-uha2006_politics
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
Site de médecins sans frontière en date du 17 juillet: Transfert de 8000 Hmongs dans un nouveau camps.
http://www.msf.fr/site/actu.nsf/actus/thailande170707
Une session spéciale du forum congressionnel des États-Unis sur des Laotiens sera tenue à Washington, C.C pour discuter la crise courante dans des revêtements Hmong de Laotiens et de la Thaïlande et des réfugiés et des chercheurs laotiens d'asile.
(PressZoom) - une session spéciale du forum congressionnel des États-Unis sur des Laotiens sera tenu pour discuter la crise courante dans des revêtements Hmong de Laotiens et de la Thaïlande et des réfugiés et des chercheurs laotiens d'asile. Le forum congressionnel des États-Unis sur des Laotiens et l'événement de politique de déjeuner sera tenu à la chambre des représentants des États-Unis, le congrès des États-Unis, Washington, dc 20515 le jeudi 2 août 2007 de 11:30 P.M. - 2 : 00 P.M.
« Nous cherchons à avoir des nouvelles des experts et des décisionnaires sur Capitol Hill aussi bien que des organismes de Laotien et de Hmong et des chefs principaux de la communauté concernant la situation difficile d'environ 8.000 Hmong et réfugiés laotiens qui sont mis en danger en Thaïlande avec la menace du rapatriement obligatoire de nouveau au régime communiste brutal dans les Laotiens qui continue à tuer et persécuter plusieurs de ses propres personnes, » Philip Smith, directeur exécutif pour le centre pour l'analyse d'ordre public à Washington, C.C
« Le grand statut des protestateurs laotiens paisibles d'étudiant qui sont encore emprisonnés avec l'autre dissident laotien et des chefs d'opposition est concerné grand à beaucoup dans la communauté de droits de l'homme laotiens et, » a énoncé Bounthanh Rathigna, président de la ligue unie pour la démocratie dans Laos, Inc.
http://66.249.91.104/translate_c?hl=fr&u=http://www.voanews.com/lao/2007-08-02-voa2.cfm&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dvientiane%2Bnews%26hl%3Dfr%26sa%3DG
https://author.voanews.com/lao/2007-07-25-voa4.cfm
« Nous cherchons à avoir des nouvelles des experts et des décisionnaires sur Capitol Hill aussi bien que des organismes de Laotien et de Hmong et des chefs principaux de la communauté concernant la situation difficile d'environ 8.000 Hmong et réfugiés laotiens qui sont mis en danger en Thaïlande avec la menace du rapatriement obligatoire de nouveau au régime communiste brutal dans les Laotiens qui continue à tuer et persécuter plusieurs de ses propres personnes, » Philip Smith, directeur exécutif pour le centre pour l'analyse d'ordre public à Washington, C.C
« Le grand statut des protestateurs laotiens paisibles d'étudiant qui sont encore emprisonnés avec l'autre dissident laotien et des chefs d'opposition est concerné grand à beaucoup dans la communauté de droits de l'homme laotiens et, » a énoncé Bounthanh Rathigna, président de la ligue unie pour la démocratie dans Laos, Inc.
http://66.249.91.104/translate_c?hl=fr&u=http://www.voanews.com/lao/2007-08-02-voa2.cfm&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dvientiane%2Bnews%26hl%3Dfr%26sa%3DG
https://author.voanews.com/lao/2007-07-25-voa4.cfm
ET
Treize USA législateurs de WASHINGTON (AFP) - ont écrit une lettre au Roi Bhumibol Adulyadej de la Thaïlande lui demandant d'intervenir pour arrêter un rapatriement obligatoire d'environ 8.000 Hmong ethniques aux Laotiens régnés communistes.
Les Etats-Unis, les Nations Unies et les divers groupes internationaux ont critiqué la Thaïlande pour expulser une partie de Hmong à travers la frontière aux Laotiens en tant qu'élément d'un procédé controversé de reclassement.
« Nous sommes rédaction du souci pressant pour la situation difficile d'environ 8.000 réfugiés politiques de Lao-Hmong et les chercheurs d'asile chez Huay Nam Khao, Phetchabun, Thaïlande, qui sont dans le danger imminent du rapatriement obligatoire de nouveau au régime communiste brutal dans les Laotiens qu'ils se sont sauvés, » les 13 membres de la chambre des représentants ont dit le roi thaï vénéré.
Une copie de la lettre a été tirée disponible à AFP par le bureau du loup républicain de Frank de membre du Congrès, un militant de droits de l'homme dans la législature et parmi les signataires.
Les militaires thaïs, qui ont saisi la puissance dans un coup septembre passé, ont censément dit que les 8.000 réfugiés de Hmong seraient envoyés de nouveau aux Laotiens en deux mois suivants, selon les 13 législateurs.
Les réfugiés « font face à la famine de masse terrifiante et la mort par le régime militaire de lao s'ils reviennent à leur patrie, » ils ont dit, demandant au roi « interviennent personnellement pour s'assurer que ceux-ci et tout autre Lao-Hmong restent en Thaïlande jusqu'à ce qu'elles puissent être reclassées dans les pays tiers. »
Les milliers de Hmong ont vécu pendant des années dans et autour des camps sans cérémonie de réfugié en Thaïlande, bon nombre d'entre eux espérant s'établir par la suite aux Etats-Unis.
Beaucoup de Hmong dans les années 60 et le 70s a combattu à côté des forces des USA quand la guerre de Vietnam s'est renversée dans des Laotiens. Après que la guerre ait fini en 1975, des centaines de milliers sauvés en Thaïlande et beaucoup plus tard ont été reclassées aux Etats-Unis.
Les milliers par législateurs américains de soldats thaïs ont été sauvés « en raison du combat de ligne du front » Hmong engagés dans dedans les USA et la terre et des opérations thaïes royales de l'Armée de l'Air pendant la guerre de Vietnam.
« Nous poussons pour l'asile politique et cela ils soient permis d'être reclassés dans les pays tiers, » a dit Philip Smith, directeur des vétérans laotiens de l'Amérique.
Le département d'état des USA avait également critiqué la Thaïlande pour les déportations obligatoires, citant des allégations des violations de droits de l'homme dans les Laotiens combinés avec le refus de Vientiane pour permettre la surveillance des réfugiés.
Lao Hmong Refugees in Nong Khai Went on Hunger Strike By Songrit PonNgern
21/08/2007
Songrit PonNgern reports in Lao, 2.42 MB 
Listen to Songrit PonNgern reports in Lao, 2.42 MB
Jailed Hmong refugees in Nong KhaiA group of 149 Hmong refugees who have been detained in a Nong Khai immigration jail since last December have gone on a hunger strike to protest their detention in what they call "inhumane" conditions.
The refugees say they do not get enough food or water, and are not allowed to go out of the two cells where they are being held.
Thai authorities were going to deport the refugees last December 
Crying Hmong refugees on the day of planned deportation from Nong Khai in December 2006but suspended the plans on the day of deportation because of international outcries. So the Hmongs were back in detention.
The group was part of the Hmong refugee community at Ban Huay Nam Khao. They escaped from huay Nam Khao upon rumors that Thai authorities would deport all the refugees to Laos, but were captured in November 2006 and sent to Nong Khai to await repatriation to Laos.
Meanwhile, the Lao government stressed the issue of Hmong refugees is a bilateral problem that should be addressed by Laos and Thailand only and there is no need to involve a third party. Laos' spokesman Yong Chanthalangsy made the remarks to Thai reporters in Bangkok last Friday.
Listen to our Laos Today for more details in Lao.
Listen to Songrit PonNgern reports in Lao, 2.42 MB Jailed Hmong refugees in Nong KhaiA group of 149 Hmong refugees who have been detained in a Nong Khai immigration jail since last December have gone on a hunger strike to protest their detention in what they call "inhumane" conditions.
The refugees say they do not get enough food or water, and are not allowed to go out of the two cells where they are being held.
Thai authorities were going to deport the refugees last December Crying Hmong refugees on the day of planned deportation from Nong Khai in December 2006but suspended the plans on the day of deportation because of international outcries. So the Hmongs were back in detention.
The group was part of the Hmong refugee community at Ban Huay Nam Khao. They escaped from huay Nam Khao upon rumors that Thai authorities would deport all the refugees to Laos, but were captured in November 2006 and sent to Nong Khai to await repatriation to Laos.
Meanwhile, the Lao government stressed the issue of Hmong refugees is a bilateral problem that should be addressed by Laos and Thailand only and there is no need to involve a third party. Laos' spokesman Yong Chanthalangsy made the remarks to Thai reporters in Bangkok last Friday.
Listen to our Laos Today for more details in Lao.je suis d'accord avec toi, le problème est que c'est toujours évidemment plus facile de jouer au "gentil". Mais régler le fond du problème, ça prend beaucoup de temps aussi...
Amnesty International est profondément revoltée par le renvoi illégal et forcé de Thaïlande au Laos, lundi 11 juin 2007, environ 160 Hmongs de nationalité laotienne, qui n’ont même pas eu la possibilité de demander l’asile. L’organisation demande aux autorités thaïlandaises d’arrêter tout de suite les expulsions de demandeurs d’asile n’ayant pas encore pu bénéficier d’une procédure équitable et satisfaisante de détermination de leur statut de réfugiés. D’autant plus que les personnes renvoyées au Laos risquent la torture, la détention arbitraire et illimitée et d’autres graves violations de leurs droits humains à leur retour.
Amnesty a le bon role car ce n'est pas un pays..la Thailande est submergee de refugies, politiques et economiques. Si amnesty etait un pays? receuillerait elle tous les refugies de la terre? Alors IMPOSER a un pays de recevoir tout le monde est un peu facile. Que font ils pour aider ce pays? les financent ils?...non ils ne font que de se revolter Que fait on des refudies abondants en Europe? Je suis concerne par le probleme des Hmongs, que l'on me donne les moyens financiers et je ferai beaucoup plus que je ne fait actuellement. C'est mon point de vue, vivant ici, ne voudrais pas engager de polemique. Leur situation est tres grave, tout le monde parle beaucoup mais peu agissent. Quel gachis !
Laos explorer je t ai repondu en MP pour Philippe😉
Amnesty International est profondément revoltée par le renvoi illégal et forcé de Thaïlande au Laos, lundi 11 juin 2007, environ 160 Hmongs de nationalité laotienne, qui n’ont même pas eu la possibilité de demander l’asile. L’organisation demande aux autorités thaïlandaises d’arrêter tout de suite les expulsions de demandeurs d’asile n’ayant pas encore pu bénéficier d’une procédure équitable et satisfaisante de détermination de leur statut de réfugiés. D’autant plus que les personnes renvoyées au Laos risquent la torture, la détention arbitraire et illimitée et d’autres graves violations de leurs droits humains à leur retour.
Amnesty a le bon role car ce n'est pas un pays..la Thailande est submergee de refugies, politiques et economiques. Si amnesty etait un pays? receuillerait elle tous les refugies de la terre? Alors IMPOSER a un pays de recevoir tout le monde est un peu facile. Que font ils pour aider ce pays? les financent ils?...non ils ne font que de se revolter Que fait on des refudies abondants en Europe? Je suis concerne par le probleme des Hmongs, que l'on me donne les moyens financiers et je ferai beaucoup plus que je ne fait actuellement. C'est mon point de vue, vivant ici, ne voudrais pas engager de polemique. Leur situation est tres grave, tout le monde parle beaucoup mais peu agissent. Quel gachis !
Laos explorer je t ai repondu en MP pour Philippe😉
Il y a pire que le bruit des bottes, le silence des pantoufles ! anonyme
"Sun-Tzu ou la Voie Calculatrice. Une approche à méditer".
chine tibet >http://forums.france2.fr/france2/envoyespecial/chine-resource-tibtetaine-sujet78571.htm
La Thaïlande veut expulser au Laos des réfugiés hmongs
Il y a 13 heures
BANGKOK (AP) — La Thaïlande va réexaminer la situation de plusieurs milliers de réfugiés Hmong avant de les expulser vers le Laos, ont annoncé mardi les autorités des deux pays.
L'armée thaïlandaise va examiner la situation des 8.000 personnes installées dans un camp de réfugiés qu'elle supervise, dans la province de Petchabun (nord), a annoncé le général Nipat Thronglet. "Ces gens sont des immigrés illégaux et doivent être reconduits au Laos", a-t-il affirmé.
Les Hmong affirment qu'ils risquent des persécutions au Laos, où beaucoup ont combattu les forces communistes qui ont pris le pouvoir en 1975. Plus de 300.000 Laotiens avaient alors fui leur pays pour la Thaïlande. La plupart ont été ensuite accueillis dans des pays tiers, mais plusieurs milliers d'entre eux continuent de vivre cacher dans la forêt laotienne, où l'armée les traque.
La Thaïlande affirme que beaucoup des 8.000 habitants du camp ne sont pas de vrais réfugiés. Ceux qui sont entrés dans le pays depuis 2004 seront renvoyés, tandis que ceux qui y sont depuis plus longtemps seront soit réinstallés dans un pays tiers soit autorisés à rester en Thaïlande.
Les deux pays ont refusé que le processus soit supervisé par des observateurs des Nations unies. Le Laos affirme que les réfugiés qui rentreront n'ont rien à craindre. (???????)
Hmong Crying Women
Vox America
LAOS TODAY: Laos promised to take good care of all Hmong refugees from Thailand, and guaranteed their safety once returned home. The Lao officials also said, those returnees should not fear of any persecution in their homeland.
Listen to our story for details.Refugees Regardless of CIA Connections By Songrit PonNgern
12/09/2007
Songrit reports in Lao, 1.10 MB
Listen to Songrit reports in Lao, 1.10 MB
Hmong refugees at Bam Huay Nam KhaoLao and Thai authorities have agreed to proceed with plans to repatriate Hmong refugees in Ban Huay Nam Khao, regardless of their claimed CIA links and without monitoring by third parties.
The agreement was reached at the just-concluded meeting in Thailand's Phitsanulok 
New Hmong refugees camp at Ban Huay Nam Khaoprovince between representatives of the two countries' Sub-Committees on Border Security. However, no deadline has been set, although Lao officials say they have started making preparations to receive the returning refugees whom both sides considered illegal immigrants.
While in Phitsanulok, the Lao representatives toured the camp where the almost 8, 000 Hmong refugees are temporarily being held.
Listen to our Laos Today report for more details in Lao.
Listen to Songrit reports in Lao, 1.10 MB Hmong refugees at Bam Huay Nam KhaoLao and Thai authorities have agreed to proceed with plans to repatriate Hmong refugees in Ban Huay Nam Khao, regardless of their claimed CIA links and without monitoring by third parties.
The agreement was reached at the just-concluded meeting in Thailand's Phitsanulok New Hmong refugees camp at Ban Huay Nam Khaoprovince between representatives of the two countries' Sub-Committees on Border Security. However, no deadline has been set, although Lao officials say they have started making preparations to receive the returning refugees whom both sides considered illegal immigrants.
While in Phitsanulok, the Lao representatives toured the camp where the almost 8, 000 Hmong refugees are temporarily being held.
Listen to our Laos Today report for more details in Lao.Log in first, then come back to this page.
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Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search. I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
Thanks, PS: My trip is planned for November
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search. I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
Thanks, PS: My trip is planned for November
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi everyone, I’m back on the forum.
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot. If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Thanks so much!
Marsyork
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot. If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Thanks so much!
Marsyork
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! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
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!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Laos in early 2027. Does anyone know the dates for the Vat Phou festival in Champasak? Thanks!
I’m planning a trip to Laos in early 2027. Does anyone know the dates for the Vat Phou festival in Champasak? Thanks!
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
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.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
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.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
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?
Hi there,
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hey everyone,
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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...
Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.
Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.
Hi everyone,
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.
Thanks
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.
Thanks
Hi,
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.
Thanks
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.
Thanks
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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste
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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste
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!
Time to hit the road again!
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...
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...
Hello,
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:
- Battambang (round trip) - Siem Reap / Angkor - Kratie - Kampong Cham - Phnom Penh - Kampot (round trip)
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.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Have a great Sunday
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:
- Battambang (round trip) - Siem Reap / Angkor - Kratie - Kampong Cham - Phnom Penh - Kampot (round trip)
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.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Have a great Sunday
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
Hello everyone,
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.
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.