J'habite en Thailande face a la mer, dos a la jungle...oui, belle situation geographique, le hic, c'est qu'il y a des varans qui tournent autour de la maison et qui viennent meme parfois sur le balcon....Ils mesurent un peu moins d'un metre, doivent peser au moins 30 kg.
Je sais ce qui les attirent: les restes de poisson que nous donnons a nos chats.
Je n'aime pas du tout, mais alors pas du tout ces bestioles! 😠 En plus, avec mon bebe de 10 mois, je suis encore plus inquiette car je ne voudrais pas qu'ils s'en prennent a lui.
Alors je voudrais savoir si ces bestioles sont vraiment mechantes ou pas ?
Car j'ai entendu toutes les versions. Celle de mon mari, c'est que grace a elles, nous n'aurons pas de serpents car ils se battent entre eux et generalement le varan gagne. Donc, pour lui, pas question de s'inquietter et encore moins de les virer.
Qu'en pensez vous, expats en avez vous autour de chez vous ? Une solution pour les virer ?
Merci et a bientot
Co.
A ceux qui vous disent: t'es courageux de partir seul au bout du monde, repondez leur que se sont eux qui sont courageux de rester!
Faut faire attention quand même, en général c'est peureux vis à vis de l'homme mais faut garder toute vigilance car en cas d'attaque c'est extremement violent . Pour les virer ?? je ne sais pas .
@+ , 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 .
Merci de ta reponse...🤪
J'imagine bien qu'ils sont violent car ils peuvent tuer des king cobra...
Et peureux, ben....j'essaie de lui faire peur mais je crois qu'il s'habitue a notre presence et il ne part pas immediatement (on dirait meme qu'il me defie la sale bete...)
Bon, s'il y a d'autres avis ou conseils n'hesitez pas!
Co.
A ceux qui vous disent: t'es courageux de partir seul au bout du monde, repondez leur que se sont eux qui sont courageux de rester!
🙂Par le passé, il y a eu des gamins de moins de six ans se faire bouffer par des varans.
C'est très très rare.. Cela s'est passé en Indonésie. Pour la Thaïlande, pas eu d'écho sur ce point.Puisque la nature est généreuse et les varans ne crèvent pas de faim.
Toutefois, ne jamais laisser seul un enfant dans le jardin sans surveillance, d'autres prédateurs plus dangereux guettent!
Et peureux, ben....j'essaie de lui faire peur mais je crois qu'il s'habitue a notre presence et il ne part pas immediatement (on dirait meme qu'il me defie la sale bete...)
Justement je faisais une recherche à propos de ces bestioles, et c'est même très agressif, VOIR ICI tu y verras plusieurs articles à ce sujet en effet ils se laissent pas faire du tout .
@+ , 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 .
En Thailande, c'est une espece surtout aquatique, ils preferents donc les poissons mais il faut faire attention au bebe quand meme, il pourrait se faire mordre en voulant l'embeter ou jouer avec et le probleme c'est qu'ils ont la salive infectee de bacterie (ils adorent surtout manger de la charogne). Mais a part ca, ils ne devorent pas les humains et meme sur Komodo, ou ils sont beaucoup plus gros, aucun enfant ou adulte ne s'est jamais fait devorer dans le village. Il y a enormement de legendes la-dessus, donc pas d'inquietude ni risque de se faire devorer, attention par contre aux morsures !
Le problème n'est pas de savoir si le varan est méchant, il n'est pas plus méchant qu'un autre animal 😉.
Par contre il peut être dangereux pour un bébé et ....vos chats 🤪 surtout s'il a faim 🙁.
...Je vous remercie....(j'ai la chaire de poule...)
C'est certain que je surveille mon bebe encore plus attentivement et que je ne le laisse jamais seul.
Quand tu dis qu'il adore la charogne et le poisson, l'autre jour, il y en a un qui a trouver un poisson mort que la mer a ramener. Il etait tellement content de sa trouvaille qu'il se roulait sur le dos avec le poisson dans la gueule! Un peu comme les chiens, mais quand c est un varan qui fait ca, on a pas envie du tout d'aller le caresser....
Co.
A ceux qui vous disent: t'es courageux de partir seul au bout du monde, repondez leur que se sont eux qui sont courageux de rester!
En Thailande, c'est une espece surtout aquatique, ils preferents donc les poissons mais il faut faire attention au bebe quand meme, il pourrait se faire mordre en voulant l'embeter ou jouer avec et le probleme c'est qu'ils ont la salive infectee de bacterie (ils adorent surtout manger de la charogne). Mais a part ca, ils ne devorent pas les humains et meme sur Komodo, ou ils sont beaucoup plus gros, aucun enfant ou adulte ne s'est jamais fait devorer dans le village. Il y a enormement de legendes la-dessus, donc pas d'inquietude ni risque de se faire devorer, attention par contre aux morsures !
🙂Pas d'accord avec toi....
C'est comme l'histoire des enfants disparus par les crocos en Afrique, c'est véridique..J'ai connu un cas hélas😕
Le varan de komodo dévore des cerfs, sangliers...!!
En outre, lui annoncer pas d'inquiétude en imaginant une morsure à un bébé...Pov bébé rejoindra le paradis Jerome!😄😄
En Thailande, c'est une espece surtout aquatique, ils preferents donc les poissons mais il faut faire attention au bebe quand meme, il pourrait se faire mordre en voulant l'embeter ou jouer avec et le probleme c'est qu'ils ont la salive infectee de bacterie (ils adorent surtout manger de la charogne). Mais a part ca, ils ne devorent pas les humains et meme sur Komodo, ou ils sont beaucoup plus gros, aucun enfant ou adulte ne s'est jamais fait devorer dans le village. Il y a enormement de legendes la-dessus, donc pas d'inquietude ni risque de se faire devorer, attention par contre aux morsures !
🙂Pas d'accord avec toi....
C'est comme l'histoire des enfants disparus par les crocos en Afrique, c'est véridique..J'ai connu un cas hélas😕
Le varan de komodo dévore des cerfs, sangliers...!!
En outre, lui annoncer pas d'inquiétude en imaginant une morsure à un bébé...Pov bébé rejoindra le paradis Jerome!😄😄
Il y a pas longtemps je ne sais plus ou mais un adolescent c'est fait arracher un bras quand même .
@+ , 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 .
Les enfants devores, dechiquetes par des varans sont des legendes ici et encore plus en Indo (et surtout en Indo !). Deja en Thailande quand quelqu'un se faire attaquer ou tuer par un crocodile c'est tres rare, et si jamais ca arrive ca passe pendant 15mn au journal TV ! La seule personne que je connaisse qui se soit reellement fait attaquer c'est l'instituteur de Kampung Rinca, l'un des deux villages de Rinca. Il a une enorme cicatrice au pieds, il boite mais n'a meme pas perdu un doigt de pieds, alors qu'il a ete mordu par un adulte Komodo (donc pas loin de 3 mettres et 100kg)!
Il y a 2 ou 3 mois a Pathum Thani, j'ai attrape un jeune varan salvatore qui faisait environ 1.20m et je l'ai jete dans l'eau parcequ'il y avait des gosses de 4/5 ans qui etaient en train de le torturer a coup de baton et lance-pierre 🤪
pas vraiment, , , , , , , , j'utilise un repulsif,
le problème est, es que on a le droit pour notre confort, faire disparaître ce qui est en place depuis des lustres,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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Je ne pense pas que Corinne veuille faire disparaître les varans, elle est inquiète pour son bébé comme toute mère le serait et souhaite savoir ce qu'elle peut faire pour éloigner ces bestiaux.
Le répulsif à varan n'existe pas, il me semble 😉
Je ne pense pas que Corinne veuille faire disparaître les varans,
les thais ont aussi des bebes, , , , et ne virent pas les varans, , , , , , , c'est la raison de leur existences, , ,
Oui tu as raison Khun Thuan, c'est logique mais faut quand même savoir lorsque des farangs ne sont pas habitués à cette situation . Suffit juste de observer les locaux . 😉
@+ , 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 .
Oui tu as raison Khun Thuan, c'est logique mais faut quand même savoir lorsque des farangs ne sont pas habitués à cette situation . Suffit juste de observer les locaux . 😉
on peut appliquer cela aussi aux macaques ( qui sont agressif ..) mais aucun thai n
y touche le problème est quelle style de vie on veut ?
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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Je les connais pas ces deux là, ils n'ont pas de lunettes comme Khun Boum . 😛
Trêve de plaisanterie, c'est sur que les thais ne se posent pas de questions et pas de problème il n'y a qu'à voir dans le village des cobras, suffit de respecter l'environnement de notre bonne vieille planète . 😉
@+ , 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 n'as qu'a faire bouffer les chats a heures fixes, puis tout nettoyer. ensuite a l'ecart de ton bungalow tu laisses a bouffer pour les varans. si il viennent chez toi ce n'est que pour la bouffe, alors si il n'y en a plus ils iront plus loin.
J'en ai vu deux sur l'ile de Tioman :
apparemment ils se mefient de l'homme, paraissent surpris et restent à distance .
Faire comme pour un serpent, eviter de s'approcher et ne pas le provoquer car il pourrait
mal réagir . Et bonjour les problémes d'infection suite à la morsure.
L'un long de 1m50 avec la queue, beau beau lézard ! se tenait au milieu du sentier et pas moyen de le contourner . Ignorant quelle serait sa réaction si je m'approchais, je me suis arreté .
Au bout d'un moment comme il n'etait pas decidé à s'en aller, j'ai cassé une branche et l' ai jeté à coté de lui et là il a decampé.
Mais j'eviterai d'exposer un nourrisson ce serait imprudent.
Pourquoi a chaque fois que l'on pose une question sur ce site, il y a tjs un prétentieux pour nous remballer ?
Si j'ai demandé si les varans sont dangereux ou pas, ce n'est pas pour que l'on me donne ce genre de réponse...cela n'avance a rien.
Je suis inquiète, je demande des conseils, de l'aide et non pas que l'on me fasse la morale! Et si je suis en Thaïlande, c'est parce que je suis mariée avec un Thaï.
Je ne suis pas le genre de fille qui hurle devant une araigne grosse comme la main ou devant les multiples insectes que l'on rencontre ici, mais voir un varan de presque un mètre venir sur le balcon alors que j’ai un bébé de 10 mois m’inquiète vraiment.
Effectivement, les Thais font avec. Mais tous ceux qui connaissent l’Asie seront d’accord avec moi quand j’affirme que la sécurité n’est pas leur souci principal. J’essaie juste de trouver le juste milieu entre leur vision de la sécurité et là notre.
Merci a tous les autres pour vos réponses. Je vais donc faire avec puisqu’il n’y a visiblement pas de solution…
Co.
ps: Je ne savais pas qu'il y avait des varans a Roquebrune sur Argens ???
Co.
A ceux qui vous disent: t'es courageux de partir seul au bout du monde, repondez leur que se sont eux qui sont courageux de rester!
Des varans sur ta terrasse, mince, ça doit être exotique, moi j'ai des mouettes, moins méchant mais surement plus con.
Les gros varans (komodo) sécrètent des bactéries dans leur gueule, comme ça ils ne s'embêtent pas à courir après leur proies et laissent agir l'infection.
Par contre pour les petits de Thaïlande je ne sais pas.
Sinon le crocodile marin est un des seuls prédateurs connu du varan, à toi de choisir ton colloc.
Mon message ne t'aide pas dut tout j'en ai conscience mais j'avais envie de poster.
Je n'ai pas que des varans non plus! Il y a ts les chats du coins, des crabes qui ont perdus la mer, des grenouilles, parfois des serpens, des chiens egares, Baguette (notre chien!), des ecureuils, des souris, une multitude d'insectes, etc, etc 🏴☠️...pas encore de mouette!
Meme si elle ne fait pas avance le chimblik....Merci pour ta reponse sympa...! 😉
Co.
A ceux qui vous disent: t'es courageux de partir seul au bout du monde, repondez leur que se sont eux qui sont courageux de rester!
mes excuses de me comporter comme un varan, 🤪🤪, simplement, je protège les miens, , , , hélas il n'y a plus rien a roquebrune, même plus de sangliers, il y a trop de prédateurs l'homme 🤪🤪, , mais dans la bicoque en plein bkk, il y a des varans, tortues serpents, moustiques, poissons, lapin et chien, ,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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Sur les marches de Bgk, on peu voir des tortues enfermees dans des sacs plastique en pleins soleil et les pauvres essaient de sortir la tete pour avoir un peu d'air....
Les enfants martyrisent les animaux et les adultes ne disent jamais rien.
On enferme des animaux et leur "liberte" est payante, etc, etc....
On ne peux pas dire que l'Asie soit un exemple pour les relations animaux / hommes
Je ne voulais pas ce genre de debats, juste des CONSEILS!
Co.
A ceux qui vous disent: t'es courageux de partir seul au bout du monde, repondez leur que se sont eux qui sont courageux de rester!
A mon avis, dans ce genre de questionnement, il faut s en remettre d une part a l experience des locaux qui savent si un animal est dangereux pour l homme ou pas (ils n ont pas forcement envie que leurs bebes se fassent bouffer par un varan il me semble!), d autre part aux donnees ou statistiques (nombre d attaques repertoriees, dans quelles circonstances, etc...........) que des specialistes (herpetologues pour les reptiles) pourront te donner si tu te renseignes par exemple dans un institut de recherche, dans une fac, etc............en France ou en Thailande.
Cela demande un petit effort bien sur mais la reponse ne sera pas emotionnelle et plus objective que ce que chacun va te raconter selon des histoires qu il a entendues ou lues ici ou la......................
Et bien sur qu avec un bebe et face a de tels bestioles la question du danger est legitime..............!
Tout comme elle l est quand un voisin possede un chien molosse, sauf que dans ce cas, on est sur statistiquement que le danger de mort pour le bebe ou l enfant est reel...........!
Pour te repondre plus directement, je suis passionne de reptiles et je n ai jamais entendu qu en Thailande (j ai souvent pose la question) un varan ait attaque un enfant!
Je parle de la Thailande uniquement car sur l ile de Komodo par exemple, des attaques de varans (bien que rarissimes!) ont deja ete repertoriees avec des issues tragiques!
Tiens nous au courant des infos de professionnels que tu auras glanees (si tu fais la demarche!) au sujet des varans de Thailande.............!!!
J'ai oublié de préciser qu'en plus des mouettes et des goël,
Salut 😉,
En parlant des mouettes faut faire attention aussi car en bateau voilà ce qui peut arriver . 😏😏😏 L'homme sur cette photo est égoiste il se protège la preuve .
@+ , 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 .
pour apaiser tout le monde Y compris moi, 😛😛, faire comme a Lobburi, pour les singes, eux en liberté, et les homes en cage .........., un Varan sa ne saute pas, il suffit de faire un enclos pour le bébé, et maman sera tranquille,
voici, une photos que j'ai faite il y a pas mal d'années, le jeune home de 17 ans est toujours vivant, 😉
pour ce qui est de la cruauté, des thaïes on sait que elle est légendaire, je crois que ce n'est pas le sujet,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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pour ce qui est de la cruauté, des thaïes on sait que elle est légendaire, je crois que ce n'est pas le sujetQui a evoque la cruaute des Thais................!!?
"A mon avis, dans ce genre de questionnement, il faut s en remettre d une part a l experience des locaux qui savent si un animal est dangereux pour l homme ou pas "
Cote experience des locaux j'ai 2 avis completement contradictoires:
Celui de mon mari qui me certifie qu'il n'y a pas de danger et que je n'ai qu'a leur faire peur quand l'un d'eux s'approche trop. Le probleme c'est qu'ils s'habituent a notre presence et j'ai beau faire du bruit, ils me defit du regard et ne s''eloignent que quand eux l'on decide. Et puis je me dis que si je leur lancent des pierres ou autre chose ils vont peut etre prendre ca pour une attaque et devenir violent. Et puis evidement, les varans ne montrent leur nez uniquement quand je suis tte seule avec mon bebe!...
Le second avis, c'est le parrain de mon fils qui a parler avec un thai d'une autre ile vers Phuket et qui semble vraiment infecte de varans. Ce thai a des enfants en bas age et a certifie etre tres, tres prudent car il pense qu'ils peuvent s'attaquer a un jeune enfant.
C'est donc pour cette raison que j'ai lance ce topic. Je vais effectivement me renseigner par d'autres moyens, car sur VF aussi, les avis divergent.
Il y a quelqu un qui a parle de repulsif a varan, nous n'en somme pas tres loin puisque j'ai appris qu'il existait des repulsifs a gekos! Ils s'en servent dans les hotels pour que les touristes fassent de beaux reves....
Quand a la photo du petit garcon qui partage son bain avec le serpent c'est vraiment impressionnant!
j'allais oublie, l'un de vous a dit que les varans ne grimpent pas au mur...c'est faux! Pour acceder au balcon ils doivent escalader un mur d'environ 90 cm et j'ai vu faire l'un d'eux, un peu patos certes, mais il l'a escalade.
De toutes facons, mes soucis seront suspendu l'espace de quelques mois puisque dans une semaine je rentre en France.
Merci a tous en tous les cas pour vos reponses et votre bonne humeur. 🙂
Co.
A ceux qui vous disent: t'es courageux de partir seul au bout du monde, repondez leur que se sont eux qui sont courageux de rester!
Là, c'est toi qui me l'apprend.
Qui n'a jamais dormi (ou essayé de dormir) dans une chambre hébergeant un gecko ne peut comprendre l'utilité d'un tel répulsif.
un peu patos certes
pataud je suppose, car je doute du pathos d'un varan 😉
Il y a quelqu un qui a parle de repulsif a varan, nous n'en somme pas tres loin puisque j'ai appris qu'il existait des repulsifs a gekos! Ils s'en servent dans les hotels pour que les touristes fassent de beaux reves....
C'est un répulsif opiacé? 😉😄😏😏😛 ....il faut une ordonnance ou c'est en vente libre? 😇
De toutes facons, mes soucis seront suspendu l'espace de quelques mois puisque dans une semaine je rentre en France.
ici les varans sont bien plus dangereux, , , , , , attention, , , , , , , , , 😛
Le second avis, c'est le parrain de mon fils qui a parler avec un thai d'une autre ile vers Phuket et qui semble vraiment infecte de varans. Ce thai a des enfants en bas age et a certifie etre tres, tres prudent car il pense qu'ils peuvent s'attaquer a un jeune enfant.
il n'y a pas plus marseillais que les thais, tu le sait puisque tu vis parmi eux .😉😉.....
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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Lorsque je vivais au Brésil, ces petits lézards étaient les bienvenus, car ils empêchaient la prolifération des moustiques dans les chambres ou autres pièces.
donc pas touche aux geckos😉.
Mais faudrait une sacré dose de répulsif pour un varan de 30 ou 40 kilos.
Je ne sais pas si on parle des mêmes lézards.
Ceux auxquels je pense mesurent bien 50 cm de long (avec la queue) et poussent des cris perçants en pleine nuit.
J'en ai eu un dans ma chambre à Bali et il me faisait faire des bonds dans le lit chaque fois qu'il chantait (il attendait toujours que je me rendorme).
Au petit matin, quand il se calmait, c'étaient les coqs de combat qui prenaient le relais.
J'ai eu l'occasion de le choper, mais j'ai renoncé réalisant qu'il était chez lui et pas moi.
Tu dois parler des petits lézards translucides qu'on trouve partout sous les tropiques, et qui sont effectivement des consommateurs de moustiques. Ils poussent de petits cris attendrissants, rien à voir avec le précédent.
Au fait un répulsif n'est pas censé tuer mais repousser.
Effectivement Lepiaf, les Geckos dont je parle sont des petits modèles, 10 à 12 cm tout au plus, on peut les toucher facilement et si tu les mets sur toi, ils ne bougent pas.
J'ai effectivement croisé des gros geckos en Amazonie avec une queue quasiment semblable à leur tête pour échapper aux prédateurs, mais totalement placide, une sorte de grosse saucisse en fait.
Effectivement Lepiaf, les Geckos dont je parle sont des petits modèles, 10 à 12 cm tout au plus, on peut les toucher facilement et si tu les mets sur toi, ils ne bougent pas.
J'ai effectivement croisé des gros geckos en Amazonie avec une queue quasiment semblable à leur tête pour échapper aux prédateurs, mais totalement placide, une sorte de grosse saucisse en fait.
En parlant des geckos, voici un article intéressant à lire . """Le gecko sauvé par sa queue""" avec une vidéo .
@+ , 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 .
ces petites bêtes sont étonnantes, certains inversent leur circulation sanguine lorsqu'ils ont la tête en bas, et d'autres peuvent absorber l'humidité via leurs pattes.
Allez j'arrête, je suis très loin du post initial de Cocorinne.
""donc pas touche aux geckos😉. """"
Complètement d' accord avec toi.
Utiles et inoffensifs ces petites bebêtes sont à préserver. Rangez vos répulsifs. En Thailande, entre autre, j' ai remarqué qu 'ils " bouffaient " activement les moustiques. Et cela me rendait bien service😎😎😎😎. Oh biensûr comme le dit Lepiaf en pleine nuit ça peut faire sursauter l' humain dans son lit, mais ça me dérange moins que les moustiques.
A chacun son appréciation😏😏😏😏😏
Des varans ( énormes ) j' en ai rencontré en Malaisie sur l' île touristique de Besar et Kecil, impressionnants certes, mais se sauvent agilement si l' on s' en approche.
Néanmoins, quand ils s' habituent à la présence de l' homme ils sont, de fait, moins peureux. J' en ai vu un rentrer dans le restaurant du Coral View à Besar se balladant au milieu, même tout près de nous. Un autre se promener sur ma terrasse de bungalow au Mama's, je n' ai pas osé le brusquer pour qu' 'il s' en aille.
Mise à part tout ça, Corine, je comprends ton inquiétude et tous les moyens sont à étudier pour préserver ton" petit bou de chou"
""Le voyage pour moi, ce n' est pas arriver, c' est partir. C' est l' imprévu de la prochaine escale, c' est le désir jamais comblé de connaître sans cesse autre chose, c' est demain, éternellement demain"" Roland Dorgelès.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
However, I’m not quite sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
Hi there, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
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!
