hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
Hello,
September–October is already a great time to see the harvests in northern Vietnam—just don’t go too late!
You’ll love Lan Ha Bay if you’ve already visited the legendary Ha Long Bay.
For a local agency, I’ve tried several since 1992 and never had a bad experience—sometimes the guides are more knowledgeable than others. The more I’ve traveled in Vietnam, the more I’ve wanted to step off the beaten path and away from the must-see sites. That’s when I found Vietnam Evasion, a local agency in Hanoi, where the team (both trip designers and guides) perfectly matched our varied expectations.
What’s more, the guide has a lot of flexibility to adjust the itinerary on the fly, in agreement with you, to take advantage of opportunities—like an exceptional local fair, a wedding celebration, or other events—and, most importantly, the chance to meet locals.
During harvest season, villagers spend more time in the rice fields and fields, so village markets are less frequented by ethnic groups. You’ll need to seek them out where they are, and you’ll often be invited to join in the work (amid their laughter), share meals on the spot, and even head back to their homes afterward to see their weaving (which isn’t always for sale, unfortunately). This often means staying overnight with them, so plan accordingly.
info@vietnamevasion.com
+84 9 83 48 41 84 (WhatsApp in French and English)
This is just my personal opinion!
But happy travels,
Eric
To meet the ethnic groups in northern Vietnam and go hiking through the stunning rice terraces—especially during harvest season—a good agency will provide you with a driver and a guide. The roads are challenging (well-maintained but with lots of curves and elevation changes), and the driver only speaks Vietnamese. A French-speaking guide acts as the bridge with the ethnic communities, having connections with those who speak Vietnamese and can host tourists (the communist government is very wary of so-called "minority" ethnic groups). A decent car + driver + guide comes at a cost, but they’ll organize a custom trip for you, like visiting the most important markets (e.g., Dong Van). I was able to meet the La Chi minority on a newly opened road and had a meal at a school director’s home... So many unforgettable memories from hikes, meals, and homestays.
Some agencies specialize in ethnic communities—make sure to compare quotes.
For Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, all hotels offer these services. The same goes for "Halong Bay on land," which is easily accessible by train from Hanoi—no need for an agency there.
I chose to budget for a two-week loop from Hanoi into the northern mountains. I’d already visited Lai Chau and Sapa, so we skipped those.
For the rest of the trip, we didn’t use an agency.
My trip was back in 2016, and tourism in Vietnam has grown a lot since then. I went with GP Travel, which still exists, and a tour similar to their 16-day itinerary (without Hanoi and Halong Bay).
Wishing you a great trip!
My young neighbors are heading to Vietnam for a month—they’re renting motorbikes. Anything’s possible!
Hi there,
I’m echoing Eric to let you know we’ve traveled twice with the agency Vietnam Evasion: 3 weeks in northern Vietnam (early October) and 3 weeks in the South and the Central Highlands (February).
Each trip went perfectly. We had a great relationship with Phi, the agency director, for the planning, sound advice, and flawless follow-up during the trip... and much more, all at a very fair price.
If Vinh is still a guide (for northern Vietnam) at the agency, he’s a gem!
Happy to provide more info if needed.
Nicole
Hi,
I just got back from 3 weeks in northern Vietnam, and you’ll find that most accommodations and motorcycle rental places can arrange trips—with or without a guide—even at the last minute.
We did 4 days with a car driver to do the Ha Giang loop in reverse (from Cao Bang to Ha Giang).
That said, you’ll need to know where you want to go and have a translator on your phone, since the driver only spoke Vietnamese :)
Hello,
I’m echoing Eric to let you know that we’ve traveled twice with the agency Vietnam Evasion: 3 weeks in northern Vietnam (early October) and 3 weeks in the South and the Central Highlands (February).
Each trip went perfectly. We had a great relationship with Phi, the agency director, for the planning, sound advice, and flawless follow-up during the trip... and much more, all at a very fair price.
If Vinh is still a guide (for northern Vietnam) at the agency, he’s a gem!
Feel free to reach out if you need more details.
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
We’d also love to explore northern Vietnam for a solid three weeks, and we’d be thrilled to hear about your experience with this agency. French-speaking circuits, agency, and guide, services, and pricing. Thanks in advance!
Hello and thank you for your advice. Since I have the same discovery project, I contacted TTB Travel via WhatsApp for information and possibly a circuit proposal. Their responses to my requests were quick but particularly un-commercial. Here’s what they said for you to judge:
We’re not used to competing with several agencies. People often come to us through recommendations from someone who’s already traveled with us and knows our travel philosophy.
A quote from someone on a travel forum doesn’t provide enough trust for us. Just so you know, behind a quote, it’s about two hours of work. So, if you contact 3 agencies, that’s 6 hours of work total. You’ll only choose one agency. That means 4 hours of volunteer work for the other two. I’ll let you calculate the number of hours based on how many agencies you’ve contacted. That’s the main reason for our reluctance regarding competition. I’ll let you review the other offers. If you still don’t find what you’re looking for, you can come back to me.
This rather blunt exchange, lacking in relational elegance, makes us worry about future interactions being rigid and unkind. The human relationship is just as important as the itinerary. I’m surprised by your recommendation, so thank you in advance for your thoughts.
Last summer, we traveled with Authentik Vietnam. It went really well—the itinerary was totally tailored to our preferences (they truly customized it for us), we had independence when we wanted it, and a lovely guide when we headed up to the Mu Cang Chai rice terraces. All transfers were super well organized.
A typhoon hit northern Vietnam while we were there, but the agency kept us well informed with reassuring communication, so we were barely affected in the end.
Great preparation! 😉
Il n'y a pas de problème sans solution... et si il n'y a pas de solution, il n'y a pas de problème !
Hi there,
Thanks so much for your advice—this agency does have a lot of positive reviews. And they advertise quite a bit. I’ll reach out to them. My bad experience with TTB Travel left me a little wary.
Have a great day!
Good evening Nicole,
Yes, Vinh is still a guide for Vietnam Evasion. He’s in high demand thanks to his knowledge, professionalism, and especially his ability to adapt to everyone’s tastes and aspirations. Traveling with him is also a pleasure and a guarantee of unforgettable discoveries.
Eric
Hello,
Your project is really lovely, and especially the September–October period is truly interesting for the north if you love mountain rice terraces, encounters, and photography. For the terraced rice fields and the harvest, it’s especially important to choose the right dates and regions, as the state of the fields can vary slightly from one week to the next depending on the area. Generally, Mu Cang Chai, Hoang Su Phi, Y Ty, Bac Ha, or some valleys around Sapa can offer very beautiful atmospheres during this season.
For approaching minority communities, I’d recommend prioritizing a local agency that knows the area well and works in a respectful spirit, with a fairly flexible pace. Over three weeks, it’s entirely possible to build a well-balanced trip between mountains, villages, rice terraces, local markets, and a more relaxed end to your stay in the bay.
Regarding the bay, if you’ve already seen Ha Long, Lan Ha can be a great alternative. The vibe there is often quieter, more serene, with equally stunning landscapes. For many travelers who’ve already experienced Ha Long, it’s an option they tend to prefer for a second visit.
Personally, I’d lean toward recommending a true local agency capable of creating a tailor-made itinerary rather than a standard program—especially with your very specific interests: minority communities, photography, harvest season, mountain landscapes, and the bay. This is really the kind of trip that requires good knowledge of the north and a bit of finesse in choosing the route.
If you’d like, you can send me a private message on Messenger. I can give you more concrete advice on which areas to prioritize based on your exact dates, the type of accommodation you prefer, your desired comfort level, and point you toward a reliable local solution tailored to your project.
Happy holidays to you too.
I’m jumping in on this thread with a related question: isn’t the weather too rough this season for traveling through the northern mountains?
I’m worried that the end of the monsoon and potential cyclones might mess up my plans quite a bit (5 weeks exclusively in the northern mountains, excluding Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha, which I’ve already visited).
Also, what’s tourism like (especially Vietnamese tourism) during this period? Since the golden rice terraces are so photogenic, should I expect big crowds?
I’ve already explored some parts of the North, but after mid-October, and even though I still saw a few planted fields, most had already been harvested (though it’s still stunning with the sky reflecting in the terraced water mirrors).
On the other hand, I loved the many ethnic markets (nearly 9 days in Bac Ha and the immediate surroundings—I was blown away!).
Thanks so much for your thoughts/feedback on these two topics (weather/tourist crowds).
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Nous préparons notre deuxième voyage en Thaïlande (2 semaines sur place, fin avril/début mai) en famille avec nos enfants de 5 et 7 ans.
Lors de notre premier voyage, nous avons visité Bangkok, Ayutthaya, la rivière Kwaï, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi et Khao Lak. Nous avons particulièrement adoré Koh Phi Phi pour ses falaises calcaires et sa végétation luxuriante, ainsi que Koh Lipe pour ses eaux cristallines et son snorkeling.
Cette fois, je pense passer 7 jours sur les îles. Je pensais à koh tao et koh Phangan ngan. On voudrait du relief, du snorkeling à partir de la plage, un peu d'ambiance mais pas trop (pour manger le soir).
Pour l'autre partie du voyage on hésite entre Chiang mai et khao sok. L'un ou l'autre... L'un et l'autre? On a pas envie de courir mais on est vraiment axés nature donc on ira pas trop dans les temples...
Merci d'avance pour vos conseils et retours d'expérience !
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.
Nous préparons notre deuxième voyage en Thaïlande (2 semaines sur place, fin avril/début mai) en famille avec nos enfants.
Lors de notre premier voyage, nous avons visité Bangkok, Ayutthaya, la rivière Kwaï, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi et Khao Lak. Nous avons particulièrement adoré Koh Phi Phi pour ses falaises calcaires et sa végétation luxuriante, ainsi que Koh Lipe pour ses eaux cristallines et son snorkeling.
Cette fois, nous aimerions un voyage davantage axé sur la nature. Nous ne souhaitons plus visiter de villes (éventuellement un marché flottant si cela vaut vraiment le détour).
Nous recherchons :
- une jungle spectaculaire ;
- des animaux dans leur milieu naturel ;
- de belles randonnées ou balades en bateau ;
- des plages paradisiaques ;
- une eau turquoise avec un excellent snorkeling, si possible directement depuis la plage (tortues, poissons tropicaux...).
Nous pensons intégrer Khao Sok, mais nous hésitons sur les îles à combiner avec ce parc. Nous hésitons aussi à intégrer Chiang mai.
Auriez-vous des suggestions d'itinéraires de 2 semaines avec des temps de transport raisonnables ? Nous privilégions avant tout les paysages, la nature et la mer.
Merci d'avance pour vos conseils et retours d'expérience !
Bonjour, je serai en vacances en malaisie en novembre, je vais rester 5 jours à penang. Je voudrais ensuite visiter quelques temples et lieux à butterworth ou autour et découvrir aussi la ville. En sachant que je me déplace souvent à pied, quel quartier serait le mieux pour moi, c'est à dire à moins de 30'minutes à pied des lieux d'attraction, de stands de street foodi, de lignes de bus etc... Merci d'avance pour votre aide
Francoise
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.
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!
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!
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
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...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Découverte des ethnies minoritaires du nord du VietnamFR
De Hô-Chi-Minh au Cambodge via le MékongFR
22 jours au VietnamFR
Un mois au Vietnam, des montagnes du nord au delta du MékongFR
Il est grand temps de rallumer les étoiles! (Vietnam)FR
Dormir chez les Lolos Noirs sans guideFR
Le Tonkin, une région superbe et accueillanteFR
