Y-aurait-il quelqu'un qui connaisse un endroit ou on puisse faire une petite retraite de quelques jours (moins d' une semaine) quelque part en Thailande? Ce serait pour ma femme, qui y sera fin septembre/debut octobre.
tu pourrais peut-être préciser un peu? j'ai trouvé quelque chose de vraiment très bien, dans le nord, mais ce sera trop long pour ma femme, elle n'aura pas le temps, cette fois en tout cas. si tu connais qqc de bien sur les îles, où ca?
ta première question: peut importe où, ma femme n'est pas regardante quant à l'endroit précis: si on lui donne une adresse dans le nord de la Thaïlande, elle y ira; sinon, si c'est dans le Khorat, même chose, elle y ira. C'est sa première fois en Thaïlande, donc ell est prête à partir à la découverte....
ta deuxième question: une retraite dans le sens bouddhiste, c.a.d. une période pendant laquelle elle resterait dans un temple bouddhique, à suivre certaines règles (qui varient d'un temple à l'autre: horaires des repas, lectures personnelles, séances de méditation en commun, etc...). Cela peut-être pour quelques jours ou pour plusieurs semaines, voire plusieurs mois (certains finissent par s'engager pour leur vie entière). Bon, mais cette fois-ci, elle ne disposerait que de quelques jours, et la recommendation que j'ai, cést pour 3 semaines, voila pourquoi je lance la question sur le forum 🙂
a bangkok elle pourrait faire ca au wat mahatat qui est a 10 mns a pied de kao san.
le probleme de la plupart des autres stages ce st que ca dure plus longtemps, genre une semaine ou 10 jours.
l avantage de ce temple a bangkok c est qu on peut y rester autant qu on veut et ca peut faire une bonne approche pour ces choses.
merci Fabrice 🙂, elle pourra toujours suivre cette piste. cependant, cela la ferait rester à Bangkok, et je suis sûr qu'elle ne voudra pas y rester trop longtemps, pour plutôt aller "up country", donc je continuerai à chercher qqc pour elle en dehors de BKK.
Il me semble que pour faire une retraite sereine et solide, le Doi Suthep à quelques km de Chiang Mai est une bonne adresse. J'y suis allée très tôt un matin, avant l'arrivée bruyante des cars bondés de touristes. Un grand moment. L'activité spirituelle est très vivante, les bonzes repirent le bien-être.
Je pense que ce monastère est un des endroit propice à la retraite.
j'ai des potes qui faisaient leur retraite vipassana vers surrathani, dans le sud du pays.
sinon il y a peut etre aussi le wat phra nanachat a ubon rachatanni vers la frontiere laotienne.
En Inde du sud, il y a un grand centre tibétain (le plsu grand temple Tibétain end ehors du Tibet je crois, en tout cas très impressionant, bien que tout neuf c'est assez beau... enfin, faut aimer, chacun son style), à 2 ou 3 heures de Mysore, Karnataka (ville sympa où on peut bien s'arrêter 2 ou 3 jours avec plaisir 🙂). Il y a peut-être moyen d'y passer quelques temps? Si tu veux, je te donnerai plus de détails.
Vipassana, c'est parfait ça existe partout dans le monde et ce n'est pas "commercial"...
Donc la première retraite vipassana dure 10 jours pendant lesquels tous les accueillis méditent parfois seul parfois en groupe. Il n'y a rien de religieux. Mais c'est très très proche du boudhisme (végétarien, silencieux, pas de lien avec l'extérieur - téléphone internet...). Pour en savoir plus va sur le site de Vipassana en France (deux centres) !
Bref c'est comme un jeûne ça nettoie !
Tapes http://www.french.dhamma.org ou Vipassana sur google tu peux télécharger toutes les infos en français et connaiter l'histoire de ce réseau militant mondial.
Ta première participation à une retraite est payée par les anciens élèves ! Tout Vipassana partout dans le monde fonctionne sur le principe du don des anciens élèves (à l'issue du premier accueil ou plus tard ou jamais c'est comme on le sent), c'est dire si Vipassana respecte une certaine éthique...
Bonne méditation
Paul-Marie
PS : Vipassana est particulièrement présent en Thaïlande vu qu'il y a des racines...
PMP from WDE : pour un monde à reconstruire !
"Il faut faire quelque chose sinon demain sera pire ! "
Séneque
merci pour tes quelques mots. en effet, je n'attendrais que de bonnes choses d'une organisation qui s'intitule vipasana! mon expérience personnelle est dans le vajrayana tibétain (nyingma) mais tout ca c'est très proche et bien dans le même esprit 🙂
Je profite de cette discussion pour avoir des infos plus précises sur la méditation vipassana.
Est ce que quelqu'un ici a essayer cette forme de méditation en Thailande?
Et si oui, je serais ravi d'avoir des infos.
merci a vous.
a+
un peu en Thailande, mais surtout ici où je vis.
Pour la Thailande, j'ai un bouquin qui parle d'une retraite faite à Koh Phan Ngan, peut être que ce lien peut t'être utile http://www.samuiphanganinfo.com/...spirituality_fr.html, il y a des cours au Wat Khao Tam.
Il y a aussi watpahnanachat dont le fondateur est Ajahn Chah où des cours sont donnés en anglais, c'est dans la province d'Ubon http://www.watpahnanachat.org/
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
Normalement n'importe quel wat est susceptible de l'acceuillir!...Si elle paye...Ne voit aucune malice...c'est du reel...Autre fois, les wat acceuillaient les vieux "gracieusement" (au sens gratuitement), to day les temps changent...Pas simple tout ca! Surtout ne rien phantasmer...cecidit il y a un centre à 5 klm de chez moi! en Dordogne...Cela me rappelle GUrdjief (ne pas aller chercher loin ce que l'on peut trouver à sa porte)...je sais que tu es un homme de culture, c'est pour celà que je te parle VRAIMENT au premier niveau! Cordialement
disons qu'il faut savoir observer ce qui se passe, les émotions, l'environnement, mais sans s'en attacher, (mais surtout pas bloquer, car cela revient ensuite plus fort), puis ensuite revenir à une attention, une concentration sur le souffle, l'expiration, l'inspiration. L'esprit aime bien vagabonder, rechercher le meilleur, pensez au passé, au présent.
En voyant tout ceci comme on regarde des bulles de savon passer et s'éclater, petit à petit, l'esprit va ne plus faire attention à ce qui se passe et va rester concentrer, c'est là qu'on rentre dans un monde spirituel, inexplicable par des mots, c'est le vide quoi, un avant goût de nirvana.
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
Normalement n'importe quel wat est susceptible de l'acceuillir!...Si elle paye...Ne voit aucune malice...c'est du reel...Autre fois, les wat acceuillaient les vieux "gracieusement" (au sens gratuitement), to day les temps changent...Pas simple tout ca! Surtout ne rien phantasmer...cecidit il y a un centre à 5 klm de chez moi! en Dordogne...Cela me rappelle GUrdjief (ne pas aller chercher loin ce que l'on peut trouver à sa porte)...je sais que tu es un homme de culture, c'est pour celà que je te parle VRAIMENT au premier niveau! Cordialement
Salut,
c'est juste, mais il y a la barrière de la langue, à moins que la femme de Georges ne parle courramment la langue et comprennent les mots spécifique au bouddhisme theravada.
Il y a quelques wats où les enseignements sont donnés en anglais.
Il y a aussi bien entendu de nombreux wat en Europe, j'ai séjourné une fois à celui ci, il est très bien.
http://www.dhammapala.ch/links-haupt.htm
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
Rebonjour Roger! et bonjour à tous,
avant mon départ à l'automne pour l'Asie du sud-est, nous allons faire mon mari et moi une retraite Vipassana en France et je suis sur ce lieu: http://www.mahi.dhamma.org/index.html
Connaissez-vous?
Et le centre en Dordogne près de chez toi, comment s'appelle-t-il?
Bonne journée
Zineb
"sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul"
attention, entre la volonte de le faire et la realite .... il y a beaucoup de chemin a parcourir et il vaut mieux s'y prepare un peu avant si l'on veut reussir, essayer deja une journee avant de se lancer n'est pas une mauvaise idee...🙂
Il est important de percevoir combien votre propre bonheur est lié à celui des autres, il n'existe pas de bonheur individuel totalement indépendant d'autrui.....(Dalaï-Lama)
attention, entre la volonte de le faire et la realite .... il y a beaucoup de chemin a parcourir et il vaut mieux s'y prepare un peu avant si l'on veut reussir, essayer deja une journee avant de se lancer n'est pas une mauvaise idee...🙂
oui tout a fait, c'est une approche progressive.
Certains disaient sur VF qu'il suffit d'aller au wat, mais je suis persuadé qu'il faut un minimum de connaissances théoriques, comprendre la démarche, l'histoire du Bouddha sinon on y comprendra pas grand chose.
En effet, que signifient les termes Bhavana, Dukkha, uppeka, metta ? des termes de la langue pali couramment utilisé dans l'enseignement Theravada, et au delà de cela bien entendu comprendre la signification de ces termes donc la théorie qu'a voulu exposer le Bouddha au monde, l'impermanence, la souffrance, la cessation de la souffrance, le noble chemin octuple, etc....
Le descriptif pour un séjour à Wat Pa nanachat est très explicitite
Staying as a Guest
Anyone wishing to come and stay at the monastery must write in advance to the guest monk and allow several weeks in which to receive a written response. The further ahead of time one writes the better, because space is limited and often booked up well in advance.
Guests are accepted initially for three days. If they wish to stay longer, they should consult the guest monk or the abbot. The best time to arrive is before 8:00AM in order to take part in the meal and meet with the guest monk.
Traditional Thai lay monastic attire is expected to be worn by resident lay guests. Men wear loose white and long trousers with a white shirt, and women are loaned a white blouse and long black skirt. Men wishing to extend their stay beyond three days are asked to shave their heads. Guests are advised to be in good physical and mental health and to have health coverage or travel insurance. There is no malaria at Wat Pah Nanachat. While the monastery provides bedding and a mosquito net, guests are expected to supply their other requisites (e.g. a good flashlight/torch, an alarm clock, flip-flop sandals, candles, washing powder, mosquito repellent, and toiletries). Lay people share in the food that is offered to the monastic community each morning. Owing to the renunciate tradition of accepting whatever is offered, the monastery is unable to arrange special diets for the guests or residents.
The very existence of Wat Pah Nanachat is due to the faith and goodwill of the Thai people. The society of rural Northeast Thailand is culturally conservative and still upholds their unique traditional values. Guests are asked to please respect and be sensitive to these local traditions through being mindful of appropriate dress and deportment. Since the community is entirely dependent on donations, there is no charge for visiting or staying at Wat Pah Nanachat.
During the months of March and April, the Community of Monks goes on retreat to the province of Kanchanaburi. At this time lay people may not be able to stay at Wat Pah Nanachat. Also, Wat Pah Nanachat receives a lot of visitors around January the 15th and June the 16th. Accommodations are likely to be full around these days, so guests who arrive around these dates might not be able to stay overnight.
People who are very new to Buddhism or meditation are advised to do a meditation retreat before their stay at Wat Pah Nanachat, because in Wat Pah Nanachat there is no formal teaching for beginners. Beginners usually need quite a lot of guidance and instruction, which isn’t available at Wat Pah Nanachat. Doing a Buddhist meditation retreat is like putting in the foundation, which can be built upon during your stay at Wat Pah Nanachat. A typical meditation retreat for beginners lasts about 10 days. Some good places to do a meditation retreat in Thailand are: Wat Suan Mokkh (Chaiya, Surat Thani 84110). (Meditation retreats are every first 10 days of the month, please arrive early on the last day of the previous month. No need to reserve or write in advance.) The meditation teaching is in the style of Ajahn Buddhadasa. Retreats last 10 days. www.suanmokkh.org Wat Khao Tham (Ko Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani 84280). Teachers: Steve and Rosemary Weismann. 10-day retreats for beginners. Retreats begin mid-month, usually around the 13th or 14th of each month. www.watkowtahm.org Thailand Vipassana Centre (200 Baan Nerrnpasuk, Tambon Dongkeelek, Ampher Meuang, Prachinburi 25000 Tel/fax: 037-403515). 10 day retreats using the meditation technique of S. N. Goenka. Email: sutthi@ksc.th.com Sorn-Thawee Meditation Centre (Bangkla, Chasoengsao 24110. Tel: 038-541405). The meditation teaching here is based on the technique of Mahasi Sayadaw. Visitors here are encouraged to do a 20-day retreat. Wat Ram Poeng (Tambon Suthep, Ampher Meuang, Chiang Mai 5000. Tel: 053-278620). The meditation teaching here is based on the technique of Mahasi Sayadaw. Retreats can be anything from 10 to 26 days depending on how long one wishes to stay.
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
Tu me fais rire! Ma femme ne comprend pas un traitre mot de thai, et en plus n' a pas la moindre intention de commencer a l' apprendre (ce en quoi elle est totalement differente de moi, qui ai tendance a me jeter en plein dans les langues).
La description de la methode et de l' experience: bien dit. Il y a plusieurs paraphrases (le bouddhisme en regorge!) pour cela. Parmi celles que j' ai entendu dans le milieu tibetain, c' est: etre comme le sommet de la montagne sur lequel les nuages passent (les pensees) mais qui reste totalement imperturbe par eux; l' esprit est comme l' eau troublee, il faut le laisser reposer et il retrouve sa vraie nature qui est purete et limpidite. Il y a aussi la tres belle image du chan chinois (je crois): la vraie nature de l' esprit est celle d' un miroir, il reflete les evenements (les experiences, les observations, les perceptions) mais n' est pas altere par eux. Etc.....
Marrant que ce poste d' il y a un an est "remonte en ligne" 🙂
Je voulais dire que je suis un ancien moine Boudhiste (5 ans) et que la meditation se pratique surement mieux dans un endroit plus calme.
Mais chacun prend son inspiration ou il veut😉
Passe une bonne journee
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
Je voulais dire que je suis un ancien moine Boudhiste (5 ans) et que la meditation se pratique surement mieux dans un endroit plus calme.
Mais chacun prend son inspiration ou il veut😉
Passe une bonne journee
c'est bien ce que je disais, Notre dame est très touristique, à l'instar de Doi Suthep. Pas vraiment idéal pour trouver la sérénité comme tu le dis justement.
Bonne journée.
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
sawadee Nanyouth,
interessant point de vu que je serai heureux que tu nous developpe un petit peu et puis aussi un grand bravo pour ton Francais qui est excellent !!😎
je respecte l’environnement, j’honore les gens que je rencontre et j’exprime ma gratitude envers la vie et tous les êtres vivants... parceque je sais que cahcun d'entre nous est important et que rien n'y personne ne doit être mis de côté !
Je ne comprends pas très bien (en fait je ne connais rien au bouddhisme dans son côté "théorie"), quand tu dis "ancien moine", cela signifie-t-il qu'on choisit la vie monastique pour un temps seulement ? Comment cela se fait-il ? Y a-t-il des raisons à cela (je ne te demande pas tes secrets, plutôt une généralité) ? Etant plus au fait des règles religieuses des religions judéo-chrétiennes, je m'interroge ... Je dis bien, je m'interroge, il n'y a ici aucune volonté de comparaison ou jugement, je n'ai pas d'étiquette religieuse et donc je suis ouverte à tout et surtout très curieuse de savoir comment cela se passe ailleurs.
Bonne journée et bon courage pour ton association, il ne faut jamais perdre espoir.
De ce que je sais, certains moines choisissent de rester un certain temps effectivement et puis d'autres qui se sont sans doute trompes dans leur choix de vie decident de partir au bout de quelques temps...c'est apparement ce qu'a fait notre ami dont moi aussi je serai heureuse d'en savoir plus sur ce qu'il pense de cette merveilleuse "voie" que suit le bouddhisme .🙂
Une chose est sûre, il faut faire quelque chose !!!!!!
et non! je ne me suis pas trompe dans mon choix de vie.
J'ai defroque pour des raisons "pratiques" pour des besoins materiels indispensables pour le role que je veux jouer aupres des demunis. On ne peut helas pas compter sur la generosite. alors faut se creer les moyens dont nous avons besoin, c'est a dire se remettre au travail, faire de l'argent par soi-meme, par pour SOI mais pour les AUTRES
Voici un apercu de la vie de "novices" Jeunes de moins de 20 ans
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nast_nene-summer-07
le Boudhisme est un regard profond sur soi meme et sur son comportement, seul responsable de ses actes. Le temps passe "dans les ordres" ( Sangka) depend de la volonte et du choix de chacun, aucun contrat passe.
On peut se faire "moine"
pour quelques jours : dans le cadre d'un deces d'un proche
pour trois mois : dans le cadre d'une retraite ( PANSA ) en general effectuee par l'aine de chaque famille des qu'il atteint l'age de 20 ans
pour un mois : les novices pendant leurs vacances scolaires (ete )
plus d'autres exemples
NB: Mon experience n'est pas une experience universelle, mais correspond au Boudhisme pratique en Thailande ( Therevada).
D'autre part je ne suis plus qualifie pour enseigner, je pouvais le faire en temps que moine ( j'ai di attendre 3 ans avant d'obtenir la permission de la faire ), retourne au monde "civil" je suis comme tout un chacun.
C'est tout pour aujourd'hui. l' ecole m'attend🏴☠️
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
oulala, je te trouve bien agressif pour avoir ete moine ...je ne disais rien de desagreable, juste une pensee mais si on ne peut plus s'exprimer, alors je clos le debat, d'ailleurs je vois que les autres l'ont fait avant moi, c'est tant pis pour nous, on n'en saura pas plus 😕.
bonne continuation dans ton combat malgre tout .
Une chose est sûre, il faut faire quelque chose !!!!!!
Mes amis thais et ma belle famille ont pour référence le temple de Suan Mokkh dans le sud de la thailande .C'est le top pour les thais car ce temple (le jardin de la libération) car il fut créé par Buddhasa Bikkhu, moine le plus respecté en Thailande .Aujourd'hui, il existe un business de la méditation et des retraites spirituelles en Thailande mais à Suan Mokkh, vous serez entre de bonnes mains ( je vous conseille de visiter le site web suanmokkh.org ) .Le boudisme est aussi un moyen de faire d l'argent en thailande et je vous invite à vous méfier des agences qui travaillent qu'avec les étrangers.Le jardin de la libération fait référence à un boudisme authentique .
C' est sympa de m' envoyer quelques mots depuis l' "Alsace bossue" (comme on l' appelle chez moi, du centre de l' Alsace). Je garderai cette adresse en tete. Je dois dire que l' idee ne me viendrait pas a l' esprit de passer par une agence, meme si c' est une agence thaie! J' ai aussi des amis thais qui me donnent de bonnes indications. Si les thais vont quelque part, ca ne peut etre qu' authentique. J' ai par exemple entendu parler d' un centre a Ayutthaia.
Rien... que donner une explication normale et suffisante à ma question.
Peut-être Kaotom a-t-elle lu un mot à la place d'un autre ou mal interprété ton objectif dans ta réponse, car c'est une personne très à l'écoute des autres et altruiste également.
En ce qui me concerne, tu m'as éclairée et je t'en remercie.
Bonne continuation et au plaisir d'échanger nos expériences.
Bonjour
le Boudhisme est devenu une mode en Europe, surtout en France, me disait un de mes visiteurs...c'est "people" comme ils disent,
Tu as entierement raison c'est devenu un business,
http://www.planete-asie.com/thailand/packagetours/thai-massage.htm
pour mediter pas besoin de venir en Thailande, il y a des centres Thai en France et en Belgique a Waterloo.( et c'est gratuit)
Si vous tenez vraiment a venir vous entrainer ici vaux mieux parler le Thai voire encore mieux le Pali.
Anitja watsankara
"En évitant le tigre, on rencontre le crocodile" Proverbe Thailandais
J ai parcouru un peu le forum, et je ne m'y retrouve toujours pas entre les differents enseignements (Vippasana, zen...) et ne sais pour lequel opter.…
Qui peut me donner une adresse d'un temple bouddhiste ouvert aux étranger pour y faire soit une retraite de quelques jours, soit de la méditation en journée,…
Ayant mon billet pour la Thaïlande du 7 jan. au 6 fév.2009, je me concentre à présent sur le contenu de mon voyage. J'aimerai faire l'expérience de ne faire…
Bonjour, qui serait sur place en ce moment à Flores? d apres des sites internet, tout serait fermé, la situation serait difficile ; notre guide dirait que ça va ; qui croire? nous sommes censés partir le 2 septembre ; merci à celles et ceux qui sont à Flores en ce moment
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,
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!
