In the area (further south than Krabi) where I hang out, I’ve never heard of them.
But I’m talking about the mainland because it’s been a long time since I’ve been to an island, even though some are only a few dozen kilometers from my area.
For the remedy, there’s something a bit simpler than what you mentioned: those little vials you find in every 7-Eleven, among other places, that contain camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus. Besides clearing stuffy noses, they’re often recommended for insect bites.
Personally tested for mosquito bites—works like a charm!!!
Since I’m not there right now and don’t have any on hand, I can’t tell you the brand I use, but anyway, there are several, and you’ve got the language skills, so I think you’ll know how to ask. 😛
I’ve never dealt with sandflies in Thailand, unlike some islands in Indonesia and Madagascar. That doesn’t mean they’re never there, though. It varies from year to year, place to place, time of day, sunlight, etc.
They only bite people who lie directly on the sand. Since you’re only staying in hotels with a certain level of comfort, no worries—just lie on a sun lounger instead of a beach towel to avoid bites.
If there’s less risk on the mainland, that’s great because I’m thinking of booking there instead. 😛
I didn’t specify earlier, but I was talking about the mainland beaches, obviously.
You all swear by the islands, but the mainland has gorgeous beaches too—and they’re so much quieter.
(Vicks VapoRub... suggested by Google 😉)
It’s your call if you want to rely on a foreign brand that costs more than local products... I’d even suggest buying it before you leave since it’s sold in France... 😕
Why bother with Ducros when they go out of their way...
The island I’d picked wasn’t really one… Geographically, sure. But with a 10-minute ferry ride to the mainland, well…
Personally, I don’t care about islands.
What I’m after is peace on a sandy beach with coconut trees! 😛
From what I’ve read, the north of Khao Lak seems quiet—no sound systems, no jet skis, no clubs, no Russians on a bender.
Ao Nang, my second stop, I already know. It’s not my vibe, but I’ve got great memories of Railay. I’ll just stay a bit outside the center for the nights…
at the higher price
You’re not obsessing over money, are you?
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
When you're going away for two or three weeks, you don’t really feel like spending your time running around shops to buy stuff you could’ve packed in your suitcase.
'I shouldn’t have told you too much about it
Money isn’t really my main concern as long as we stay within a moderate budget. 🙂
The question would come up more if I were heading to the USA, Iceland, Switzerland, or Norway...
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
Hence why it’s actually useful to mention your budget right at the start of your post...😛
(Though in a thread about flies, it didn’t seem like an obvious factor...)
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
You all swear by the islands, but the mainland also has some gorgeous beaches and is so much quieter.
No connection to the post title (sorry Agnès for butting in but just to let you know, on Ko Phra Tong, we didn’t lie on the sand but walked on it quite a bit without any bites), but I’m taking the opportunity to ask for some advice.
I’m looking for a beach (island or mainland doesn’t matter) to end our trip: preferably easy to access (we’ll likely be in Khao Sok just before), quiet (very important criterion), in a beautiful setting, and if possible with snorkeling options (from the beach or on an excursion).
After lots of research, I was thinking of Koh Lanta (accessible by car from Krabi, for example, though it’s probably much less quiet than Ko Phra Tong), but I’ve found little info on mainland beaches... any suggestions?
Si tu diffères de moi, mon frère, loin de me léser, tu m'enrichis (Saint Exupéry)
Of course, I could suggest a few places (and I’m certainly not the only one), but I won’t do it here (DM to follow).
Two reasons for that:
-1- It’s not the topic of the discussion.
-2- As I’ve committed to, I won’t share any new local information that might offend the Western pro sensibilities of the thread’s author.
However, since I read that your plans aren’t necessarily for the coming months, I’ll share that info once I have more suitable technical means and also when I have a bit more free time than I do now.
You mentioned little magic vials to soothe bites... I'm interested, but there are quite a few small items in 7/11 with explanations in Thai. If you have a specific name or—even better—a photo, I'd love that. Thanks!
As mentioned in my message, I’m not currently on-site and don’t have any with me.
If it’s urgent, ask the staff either in English or in Thai using a translation app. FYI, "piqûres d'insectes" is "insect bites" in English. But as I’ve already said, many of these "little things" are labeled for that—opt for the "oils" versions over the "balm" ones.
If it’s not urgent and you don’t feel comfortable communicating on-site, I’ll send you a PM as soon as I can.
I’m heading back to Thailand soon, and from my research, I’ve noticed that some beaches/islands are infested with these dreaded insects!
I’ve noted the remedy: rub the bitten area with 90% alcohol, then apply soothing cream.
But prevention is better than cure!
Which areas should I avoid right now?
Are there seasons that are more prone to these itchy invasions?
I’ve already stayed in Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Krabi, and Phuket without any issues like this.
I’d love to keep it that way...
Thanks
Hi, my legs were bitten (devoured!) on the last island I visited in Thailand, Ko Phi Phi. It must’ve been on the sand of a beach that was away from the main ones. I was surprised there was almost no one around except stray cats (I get it now), but the water was so beautiful... I lay down on my towel. The itching started that evening, and the wounds lasted... weeks after I got back—two months, actually. My doctor, who treated me after my return, had never seen anything like it...
Hello, no, I never knew that—itching isn’t immediate!
Really? Are you sure they were sand flies?
A sand fly bite, as far as I know—unless there are different varieties—is immediate or nearly so. I’ve experienced this (the *mokafoa*) in Madagascar after a spearfishing trip… We didn’t stay long on the beach!! You don’t see the little critters, but you sure feel them. It’s true that the marks on the skin appear after the itching, though.
Kind of like mosquitoes, but meaner.
The real problem is scratching, which can infect the bites. If you don’t scratch, they disappear pretty quickly.
Yeah, you don’t see them, and afterward it itches like crazy—scratching just makes it worse.
I’ve found something that helps now: I put on Saletphangphong, a Thai herbal balm, when I get bitten, which happened to me last week in Ranong. I’d used mosquito repellent, too, but no luck.
Yeah, the best solution is anti-itch cream, whether it's local or from a pharmacy. I don't really trust repellents, not even for mosquitoes, actually.
With some types of mosquitoes, it works, but with others, you'd have to spray the product every 10 minutes!
Sand flies are like mosquitoes in France—I get eaten alive by all these critters, while my husband and the various friends who’ve come with us weren’t bothered at all.
At home, the itching and reactions don’t show up right away, and it took me ages to figure out what was going on. Since I was using mosquito repellent and treated clothing for evenings out, I thought bed bugs were attacking me at night... except I never saw any, and the bungalows were pretty much drenched in insecticide because Europeans can’t stand cockroaches. I wasn’t scratching, but the itching kept me up at night... until someone told me about sand flies. In my research, I found that DEET-based products repel these tiny pests. Now I slather it on first thing in the morning and after every swim... my life’s changed, thank you Insect Ecran Infested Zones! (free plug after testing by the consumer magazine *Que Choisir*). I don’t trust local products—they might be counterfeit—so I bring my own supplies from France.
Without that, I wouldn’t have gone back to Koh Sukorn and Prachuap Khiri Khan, places I love. People who aren’t bothered by these bugs or only have mild reactions can’t really tell if beaches are sand-fly-free. Also, know that sun loungers don’t protect you—I used them on every beach...
Have a great holiday anyway... with the right chemicals, since there’s no better option.
Un petit retour sur Koh Maak, ou nous nous sommes rendus au mois de février 2010. L'île est calme et plutôt sympa, la mer est pas des plus translucides mais la…
Je vais à Ko Mook, KO Sukorn et KO Ngai début février. Est-ce que quelqu'un saurait s'il y a des Sand flyes sur ces îles? Et quel produit utiliser? Joyeuses…
Qui veut être mon meilleur ami du monde en me disant comment ne pas être piquée par ces sales minuscules bestioles de plage??????? Et qui sait comment calmer…
Bonjour je souhaite préparer un séjour de 15 jours en Malaisie, l'idée serait de visiter KL sur 2/3 jours puis Bornéo, le reste du temps, qu'en pensez vous? et terminer par les iles Perenthian...je veux bien vos avis vos conseils et je vous remercie
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi everyone. As I’m planning my trip for next winter, I’m looking for hotel suggestions in Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor. The ones I had in mind seem to be fully booked (unless it’s too early?). For those familiar with the area, is it easy to find accommodations on the spot in January/February? I’m specifically looking for hotels with a pool, beachfront, air conditioning, and easy scooter rental nearby. Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing
July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao
August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide
August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena
August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands
August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts)
August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk
August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar
August 17: Rammang Rammang
August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
