Nous avons décidés avec mon mari de partir découvrir la Thaïlande au mois d'avril ; . l'agence m'a donné les catalogues VACANCES TRANSAT et VISITEURS.
Nous avons déjà voyagé 2 fois avec "Vacances Transat" sans soucis mais je souhaiterais avec des avis concernant "Visiteurs", voyagiste que je découvre et qui propose des tarifs plus intéressants que Vacances Transat.
Je souhaiterais savoir si certaines personnes sont déjà partis en circuit "splendeurs de Thailande" avec VISITEURS et avoir leur point de vue : organisation, qualité des excursions, hotellerie etc.... Qu'en pensez vous ??
Par avance, je vous remercie pour vos renseignements qui nous seront très précieux.
Bien cordialement
😎 bonsoir!
tout le monde vas vous dire : pas besoin de voyagiste pour partir en thailande!
et c'est vrai ! il y a tellement de post sur ce sujet que cela devient facile de faire son circuit (avec aussi le guide LP).
Bonsoir,
Merci d'avoir répondu aussi vite !!
je comprends tout à fait ta réponse ayant lu beaucoup de commentaires concernant la Thaïlande mais n'étant pas vraiment baroudeurs et aventuriers, ne parlant pas l'anglais, nous préférerions (pour notre 1er voyage en Asie) être "encadrés" sans forcément être adepte de ce genre de vacances, je dois te l'avouer ............. mais comment faire autrement ?? nous n'avons trouvé que cette solution !!!
Peut être après ce 1er voyage découverte, opterons nous pour le prochain voyage en Asie pour un périple "duo" !!!! on verra bien !!!!
Je continue à pospecter............... d'autres idées d'organisation voyage arriveront peut être !!!!
Pas besoin de parler anglais , j'ai un niveau de merde , et je n'ai jamais eu de probleme pour me faire comprendre et comprendre
Les thaïs parlent anglais comme nous , un base tres simple
i have , i go , i want , please , thanks , one , fifty bref une base de base
Franchement tu gagnes facile 30% entre un truc organisé et y aller par toi même
Puis la Thaïlande c'est très simple , vraiment très simple
Quand on aura 80 piges , on aura tout le temps de ce faire essuyer les fesses après le petit coin , pas besoin de le demander trop tôt 😉
PS: je vois des TO qui propose le vol +une nuit dans un hotel de Bkk autour des 990 euro départ de paris ... les mecs ont peur de rien quand même
Après un 1er séjour encadré (mais pas trop qd même ?), tu verras que tu y reviendras par toi même et sans agence, tellement c'est simple de se débrouiller même en parlant peu ou mal l'anglais comme moi 😉.
Sinon aucune info sur VIsiteurs, dsl.
tu as raison !! ces circuits sont hors de prix et nous réfléchissons toujours à l'autre solution.............. faire ce même circuit par nos propres moyens.
A partir de là, pleins de questions fusent de toutes parts : est ce compliqué de se déplacer car nous souhaitons tt de même découvrir la thailande du nord au sud ?? est ce + judicieux de réserver certains hotels avant le départ ??
Si vous voulez passer par un TO, ce que je peux comprendre malgré les bonnes critiques énoncées auparavant, regardez du coté de Nouvelles Frontières, ma tante est passé par eux et a fait un voyage extraordinaire du nord au sud avec un groupe de ...3 personnes en tout 😮 Que demander de mieux? 😉 En plus j'ai vérifier les hôtels et c'était de bonnes adresses tant a Bangkok (le Narai) qu'a Chiang Mai 🙂
Alors pour dire vrais , je trouve leur structure ferroviaire "merdique"
J'ai parlé de nos tgv a un thaï , et de montparnasse , le mec pensait que je me moquais de lui ...
Mais à coté de ça ( et heureusement y a pas que le train) tout déplacement est d'une simplicité enfantine
Grace à deux trois lecture ici et la , je me suis déplacé dans le pays comme je me deplace dans le métro parisien
les agences de voyages te facilite les choses , je suis rentré dans l'une d'elle sur les coups de 15h a 16h elle appelait un taxi pour me déposer a l'aeroport avec un A/R bkk-Samui a 300e pour 3 personnes (bangkok air )
Je n'ai pas testé le bus , mais il a l'air très efficace aussi
En lisant les CR des gens , en posant les questions etc etc on arrive a tout , surtout quand a la base il n'y a rien de sorcier
Un conseil pour commencé , si tu ne l'as pas , trouve toi le Lonely Planet thailande
Ensuite , si le parcours des TO te branchait , copie les
😉
Si tu as des questions , (et que je peux y répondre et la c'est pas gagné je ne connais pas la thailande comme ma poche ) n'hésite pas 😉
Salut Pat,
Je ne parle que pour cette expérience (celle de ma tante), tu sais bien que les TO et moi ca fait 2. Je suis passé une fois par un TO pour visiter les sites historiques en Grèce, bêtise ou fainéantise de ma part, que sais-je? mais ca été un désastre pourtant avec une agence aussi réputée qu'Héliade, que le diable emporte ces voleurs 😠
Le GROS avantage a ne pas passer par un TO , c'est que a la finale , ton voyage tu le fais a ton rythme , un truc te saoul , bah au lieux de rester 3 jour tu part un jour avant , a mi vacances tu te sent un peu patraque ( Angkor bkk , chiang mai en 8 jours ca use 😄 ) bah tu te pose une journée de plus
Quand je suis partis y a 2 ans , je voulais aller a Angkor , et Koh PhiPhi , le reste , c'était a voir , bref j'ai relativement garder mon file rouge , mais au lieux de rester 3 jours sur bkk , je suis partis le lendemain de mon arrivé , sur Koh tao (et non Phiphi mais l'inspiration avait changer entre temps ) , je devais y rester 5 jours , j'y suis rester 8 , je voulais prendre le train ou le bus/bateau pour y aller , j'ai pris l'avion (après le taxi+ train pour Siem Reap j'étais un peu claqué , j'avais envie de me poser rapidement sur une plage )
Cette liberté d'action , tu ne l'a pas avec un TO , avec un TO , tu dois être a l'endroit X a l'instant T
manger dans tel restaurant , etc etc
On passe notre année a ce faire ordonner des choses ( pour ceux qui sont sous la coupe de cadre ou chef 😛)
En vacance , il n'y a que moi qui décide pour moi , je vais quand même pas payer plus cher pour m'entendre dire ce que je dois faire quand je dois le faire 😇
Le gros avantage de passer par un TO, j'arrive même pas a croire que c'est moi qui dit ca 😛 C'est non seulement que tu ne t'occupes de rien pour les résa et le trajet mais que souvent c'est bien moins cher d'avoir un circuit tout-inclus avion-hôtel-visite que tout faire par toi-même 😛 Par contre tu passes a coté de pleins de chose comme la vraie bouffe thaie que tu manges dans la rue au profit d'une bouffe thai-internationale qui n'a rien a voir avec l'originale 😕
Moins cher ?? Tu dois savoir de quoi tu parles , pour ma part , je n'ai jamais trouver une différence dans ce sens , au contraire même ...
Après sur certaines destinations tu arrive a avoir des prix assez intéressant ( genre une semaine au maroc 300e ou autre truc du genre )
Perso j'en reviens a mon exemple , quand je vois un A/R avec une nuit d'hotel 990e ... je vois pas l'avantage la dedans
Puis faire les résa , c'est pas sorcier quand même , et selon tes dates , la thailande c'est quand même pas les pays ou tu réserves ton hôtel a l'avance , tu y vas selon l'envie et tu arrives a trouver de la place partout en général
Le gros avantage de passer par un TO, j'arrive même pas a croire que c'est moi qui dit ca 😛 C'est non seulement que tu ne t'occupes de rien pour les résa et le trajet mais que souvent c'est bien moins cher d'avoir un circuit tout-inclus avion-hôtel-visite que tout faire par toi-même 😛 Par contre tu passes a coté de pleins de chose comme la vraie bouffe thaie que tu manges dans la rue au profit d'une bouffe thai-internationale qui n'a rien a voir avec l'originale 😕
Nous avons fait la Thailande avec un tour opérateur dont nous avons été enchantés mais il ne fait que les groupes (c'était avec un CE) par contre nous avons fait le Vietnam à titre privé avec Destinations Privilège et nous avons également été enchantés, vous pourrez trouver leur brochure chez Leclerc Voyage ils sont très forts pour l'Asie, proposent 2 à 3 voyages par destinations à choisir selon la durée désirée et le budget.
La Thailande est un pays magnifique et si vous aimez l'Asie, n'hésitez pas la prochaine fois optez pour le Vietnam qui est totalement différent mais qui nous a également émerveillés d'ailleurs nous y retournons le mois prochain, (avec le CE cette fois...)
Tu as des circuits du nord au sud pour 1200 Euros en 10 ou 15 jours, fais le calcul toi-même, difficile de faire mieux 😉
Pas c'est pas super super économique ... je suis peut être de mauvaise foie , mais un billet d'avion 400/500e , ca te laisse 700euro pour 10/15 jours , c'est pas dégueulasse quand même
Quand tu vois des offres a près de 1500e pour 15jours avec une extension de 3 jours pour Angkor a 400/500euro ca fait sourire quand même
Enfin chacun a ses envies après perso je ne suis pas un grand voyageur ( 2/3 voyages a mon actif) mais pour moi les TO c'est niet
tu as tout à fait raison !!! toute l'année, nous vivons dans une routine ......sous les ordres d'un chef ou d'un responsable. les vacances sont censées nous couper de ce train train quotidien et surtout nous aider à ne penser QU'A NOUS.
Je continue à étudier notre prochain voyage et je trouve les hotels 3* à 20 € la nuit pour 2 avec pdj (hotels qui sont inclus dans ces fameux circuits) je reste médusée quand je vois les tarifs demandés par les TO pour le circuit complet...........le trajet chamg mai / Banghok en train à 14 € / pers
Je me rends compte qu'il faut que je me penche sérieusement sur ce projet vacances car les 1ers calculs montrent bien qu'en solo, ce voyage pourrait nous couter 30 à 40 % moins cher !!! A ETUDIER !!! 😉
en solo, ce voyage pourrait nous couter 30 à 40 % moins cher !!! A ETUDIER !!! 😉
Oui, et si vous restez un mois (tout le mois d'avril ?), un ou 2 trajets longs en bus ou train, ce n'est pas trop pénalisant dans l'ensemble. Mais on peut aussi, souvent, les faire en avion, les tarifs des lignes intérieures (Air Asia par exemple), étant très attractifs, surtout si vous réservez bien à l'avance, en surveillant les promos. Ce qui veut dire aussi que vous bloquez certaines dates dans votre périple.
Bonne préparation !
C'est QUE du plaisir, ces semaines qui précèdent le départ ! 😉
Autre avantage à partir sans TO , c'est que pendant toutes tes recherches , t'es déjà en vacance
Tu scrutes , cherche , trouve , change , rechange , lis etc etc , bref tu t'informes bien plus sur le pays que tu t'apprêtes a visiter
D'ailleur je pars en Mai/Juin prochain , et je vous informe que je suis déjà en vacance depuis 15 jours , j'épure , je me tate , me pose des questions cherche les meilleurs alternative , j'en arrive même a "kiffer" quand je suis sur les simulateurs des compagnies aériennes "bangkok , kuala lumpur , jakarta, denpasar.... )
bref y a de l'interet de tout 😉
Avec Emirate? J'ai des doutes et demande a voir 😛 tu m'aurais dit Qatar ou Kuwait Airlines j'aurai pu y croire 😉 Bon Egypt Air c'est comme China Airlines, pas vraiment problématique mais faut du courage et ne pas aimer le confort pour les prendre 😇
Bah sur ce forum y a qques mois j'avais même vu des "super promo de fouuuuu" avec des vols a 380 euro avec Emirate , genre mai juin je crois , si je retrouve je fais suivre
Sinon comme tu le dis toi même Qatar , R.Jordania aussi je crois ... Les TO passent pas quel genre de transporteur ? du haut de gammes ou truc de base ?
Les TO passent pas quel genre de transporteur ? du haut de gammes ou truc de base ?
J'en sais rien je prends jamais de To pour la Thailande 😛 mais ceux que j'ai cité passent par des compagnies régulières, les charters c'est un autre problème 😕 Jordania je connais pas jamais pris ni ai connaissance d'ami ayant utilisé 😐
Sur ce topic , y a de tout , deux personnes ont eu moins de 600e pour Emirate , une , moins de 400 avec Ethiad
Bref , même si c'est plus compliquer de trouver ces tarifs avec ces compagnies , cela n'est pas impossible , mais faut être au taquet
Oui mais faut mieux éviter si tu lis les commentaires, y a le pire comme le meilleur, de bons prix mais aussi des bagages perdus et des horaires aléatoires 🙁 de toute façon même un billet a 600 Euros avec les trajets internes et les hôtels tu n'arrives pas a 1200 ttc pour 15 jours ou alors c'est a la roots (sans AC) et je crois pas que c'est ce que cherche Lydie 😛
Je suis partie cet été en Thailande 3 semaines dont 1 semaine au Laos seule et mon ami m' a rejoint à BKK pour parcourir 2 semaines ce pays magnifique.
JAMAIS, je ne conseillerais de partir en TO.
Vous prenez votre sac à dos, votre LP, et les bons conseils des forumeurs et vous établissez votre itinéraire.
C' est un pays tellement facile et je n' ai eu aucun problème à voyager seule la 1° semaine, je ne suis pas non plus une baroudeuse mais je pense que je le suis devenue.
Les autres pays te sembleront tellement fades à côté de la Thaïlande.
Passe un excellent voyage et ne stresse pas, les Thaïlandais sont d' une grande gentillesse et toujours là pour t' aider.
stef
«J'ai besoin du loin. Revenir le coeur à l'envers, la tête ailleurs avec l'impression que personne ne nous comprend et repartir pour trouver des gens qui nous comprennent»
justement je viens de feuilleter le catalogue NF "circuit".Alors ils te vendent comme attraction du jour "nous allons déguster une soupe aux nouilles".Waouuu!!!
cette soupe vaut 50 centimes sur places.
Alors un peu de courage, rien est compliqué dans ce pays:hôtels et guest house à chaque coin de rue, alimentation omniprésente, bus et minibus dans tous les sens, c'est vraiment téléphoné.
Tu divises le prix du touroperateur par deux, tu y es et en plus tu n'est pas obligé de te payer les manifestations commerciales (encore un craft-market et que j't'emmène chez le vendeur de diaments etc)
Bonjour,
Sur ce forum ce sont des baroudeurs qui n'aiment pas les Tours Opérator !!!!!!!!
Je ne connais pas ces agences, nous sommes parti avec FRAM et nous étions tous dans les mêmes hôtels, pas le car puisque ils ont leurs cars sur place.
Mais dans beaucoup de pays, on se retrouve avec une agence locale avec plusieurs TO ensemble.
Bon voyage
@+ Michel T@
http://michel.talon.free.fr/Saint-Maurice_en_Quercy_Lot-/thailande.htm
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Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Bonjour je souhaite diviser mon séjour en 2 parties soit 15 jours à phuket et 15 jours sur krabi. Savez-vous si je peux louer une voiture et la rendre a krabi lors de mon retour en France
Merci de vos retours
Bon dimanche
Martine
Je cherche la perle rare pour mon 3eme séjour sur Koh Lanta : un bel hotel qualitatif au bord d' une plage facile d'accès dans un endroit animé.
Si vous connaissez quelque chose qui s'apparente à ma recherche et que vous souhaitez partager n' hésitez pas.
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Bonjour précieuse communauté,
J'envisage de me rendre au Cambodge cet hiver, juste après Noël, pour un premier voyage seule, et mon premier voyage en Asie. Pour deux semaines (oui, je sais, c'est peu, mais je ne peux vraiment pas plus...). J'ai deux grandes envies: Siem Reap, et la campagne, les villages, le Mekong...
Que pensez-vous de cet itinéraire? Arrivée à Siem Reap, départ de Phnom Penh
SR: 5 jours (1 jour pour l'arrivée, 3 pour les temples, 1 pour le lac et ses villages)
Kratie (étape sur la route du Mondolkiri): 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours sur place)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 jours (1 jour de trajet, 1 jour sur place, 2 jours de treks)
PP: 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours de visite)
Je pense qu'il faut que j'enlève un jour quelque part, si je pars du samedi au samedi, ou du dimanche au dimanche. A Kratie, peut-être? à PP? et je rate le trajet en bateau que tout le monde conseille (SR-Battambang), mais je ne vois pas où le caser. Sauf à faire un PP-PP en commençant par l'est, laisser tomber Kratie ou vraiment juste une nuit, puis SR, puis PP).
Dans mon timing, j'ai l'impression que le Mondolkiri est plus proche que le Ratanakiri, qui me tentait aussi beaucoup! Est-ce que cela restera pas trop compliqué toute seule? Je pense faire appel à des guides locaux, ou une petite agence locale, pour faire une escapade dans la nature et les villages.
Je lis qu'il y a beaucoup de monde à SR entre Noël et Nouvel An, je peux aussi faire le circuit dans l'autre sens. Mais je trouvais plus facile de me familiariser avec le pays en arrivant en territoire touristique, je me trompe peut-être...
Merci pour vos conseils et avis!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
