Hi everyone,
we’re a couple in our thirties and we’ve decided to visit northwest Vietnam with AmicaTravel for their "meet-up in Lolo Land" circuit. I’m currently looking at the itinerary with the Lonely Planet and reading the many posts on this site, especially Lansay’s, which are really inspiring. Here are the stages of the circuit:
Day 1: Hanoi – arrival
Day 2: Hanoi visit
Day 3: Hanoi – Thac Ba
Day 4: Thac Ba – Luc Yen – Ha Giang
Day 5: Ha Giang – Dong Van
Day 6: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac
Day 7: Bao Lac – Ba Be Lake
Day 8: Ba Be visit
Day 9: Ba Be – Cao Bang
Day 10: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc – Cao Bang
Day 11: Cao Bang – Lang Son
Day 12: Lang Son – Halong Bay
Day 13: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 14: Hanoi – departure
Otherwise, the period would be from April 21, 2012, to May 5, 2012, but this could vary by a day or two if it’s worth it. I haven’t made the reservation yet because I’m trying to find out if all the stages of the circuit are interesting (thanks to this forum). We’d like to stay with locals as much as possible and maybe spend an extra day in one region to avoid just "passing through"—settle in a bit. We’d also like to do some trekking, and I read in Lansay’s posts that Bac Ha would be a good option for that (this stage isn’t included in the initial circuit), unless other stages of the circuit are just as good for trekking.
Finally, regarding the last stage in Halong Bay, what’s the best way to explore it? It seems very crowded (and I don’t know if the junk boat included in the circuit is designed for a small group or very large groups, which we’d prefer to avoid if possible). I read a post here that I can’t find anymore about a couple who did a stage with a small stay on an island or something like that—it sounded paradise-like.
Generally, we’d like to avoid running into too many tourists (yes, I know it’s a bit paradoxical), but it’s mainly to encourage encounters with locals and maybe with a small group of travelers. If others want to do this circuit, why not... but we’re hoping to travel in a very small group (maximum 6 people).
Otherwise, for the flight, I was thinking of booking with Vietnam Airlines—is that a good choice?
Thanks in advance for your great tips.
I’ll just say a few words since I can’t really tell you if your program is good or not (even though I’ve been to Vietnam twice and am going back for a third time this year under very personal circumstances). But one phrase makes me smile—well, not really smile—the title of their program: "R.V. in Lolo Land"!!!!🙁
It doesn’t mean anything! It’s just there to lure in customers! Let’s leave this people in peace! I loved the show, but when I see agencies turning it into a business, I find it almost disrespectful...
Sorry, but I had to say it...
Anyway, I hope you have a great stay in this wonderful country.
Best regards,
Mavn
P.S. I’ve done the route you’re about to take, and we simply called it the "Hanoi/Babe loop." As for the junk boat, to find out if it’s designed for a small group or a large one, ask Amica—they can give you the details.
I can really only answer one thing: the flight !😉 We take this airline at least twice a year for round trips, and we’ve been doing so for... six years now, and we’re very satisfied with it. It might not be the height of luxury compared to other Asian airlines (which, by the way, aren’t priced the same...), but it has everything you need. Best of all, it’s a direct flight with no layovers from Charles de Gaulle, usually arriving in the early morning, which gives you a full day ahead of you when you land. You can just sleep well that night to recover from the fatigue and jet lag!!!!! Plus, if you’re coming from the regions, the pre-connection is almost free, and your luggage is checked through from the start—no need to collect and recheck it at Charles de Gaulle. It’s so relaxing!!!
For the trip itself, you’ll get answers from people much more experienced than me. --Safe travels! Best regards, Kimtwo
Le vent et les turbulences sont l'oeuvre de Dieu, mais la voile et le gouvernail nous appartiennent..
Voyager c'est aller de soi à soi, en passant par les autres (proverbe touareg)
I really loved that show, but when I see some agencies turning it into a business!!!!
In the show, the rugby player stayed for 15 days and took part in fieldwork. That’s not the same as a quick photo visit in just a few hours, especially since the road they talked about and feared in the show now goes right into the heart of the village.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
This rugby player should come to MY countryside (without Lolo) and help with farm work alongside real Vietnamese people. I’m not sure he’d last the full 15 days... (my back hurts just watching them work).
People here barely earn 1,000,000₫ a month working 7 days a week.
Welcome to Vietnam!
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
Hi there, and thanks for the quick replies.
The itinerary title is a bit catchy, but we really liked this northeast region (we hesitated with the western part), and this agency has good reviews on this forum (and I think—though I’m not sure—it’s the one France 2 traveled with).
Anyway, okay for Vietnam Airlines. For the Halong Bay part, they suggest sailing toward Bai Tu Long Bay, which is less crowded with mass tourism, and that works well for us. However, they don’t mention visiting any caves, which seem amazing, and I’ve read here that Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island are also less touristy and that hiking on the island—hoping to see some wildlife—is a great experience.
I’ll definitely send another message to the agency for more details on this part.
If anyone’s traveling in this area during that time, feel free to write to us—same if others have already done it.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
I understand. This part of the Northeast is stunning. I did it in 2010 and came back amazed. We found ourselves in a village market with no tourists at all; we were the only three "foreigners" among the locals going about "their" market. It was surreal—feeling like we were the only people in the world among so many. Getting lost among them while trying not to be noticed!!! It’s magical. Of course, there’s always that moment when someone spots you, and then... we all laugh heartily.
We also visited a village (the name escapes me, sorry...) where the houses are enclosed by stone walls. Once again, we were completely alone on the paths, able to greet and play with the little kids who came to see us. And in the evening, practically alone in the village, we ended the night with karaoke (and beer, of course), still just us and a few young Vietnamese who sang beautifully!!!
We had a "young" forum member who joined us for this Northeast adventure. We split the costs, and most importantly, she became a very close friend—we still see each other regularly.
As for CAT BA, I didn’t like the seaside area—too many hotels; it reminded me too much of the coast back home. But I *loved* the center of the island, where we stayed with a local family (a young couple with two little girls). Absolutely charming. We even watched a World Cup football match outside on a TV in their courtyard, with all the villagers (men) and a draft beer we took turns buying, served in a jug!!! Needless to say, we had a hard time paying for our round—they all wanted to treat us!!! What a laugh we had!!! So many wonderful memories. And there, too, we were alone. Maybe June was a good time to visit...
As for the Park, we didn’t go—it was way too hot!!!! We preferred walking along a beach in the "countryside" with no houses, no hotels, just us.
That’s how I felt about it, and I could go on and on... but I’ll stop here.
Like Mavn, I really find the title clickbaity. Too bad, because Amica is a good agency run by a friendly and dynamic team.
It’s like after the *Faut pas rêver* show, which completely made up the "love market" in Sapa a few years ago. Agencies rushed to use that name, just like they did with Khau Vai. It’s become a tourist trap.
When will an agency offer "the Koh Lanta experience" in Con Dao, or a *Pékin Express* remake with 30,000 VND per day?
Amica Travel is indeed the agency that organized Michalak’s trip. I don’t see anything wrong with them trying to capitalize on it—I don’t know them personally since I use another agency in Hanoi—but for meeting their clients in some off-the-beaten-path spots, I think you can trust their ability to organize this kind of trip. In particular, this itinerary looks really interesting if you do Ha Giang Dong Van on a Saturday (Tuyet Quyen weekly market) and Dong Van Bao Lac on Sunday (Dong Van and Meo Vac weekly markets). That way, you won’t regret missing Bac Ha market, which is interesting but more touristy since it’s closer to Sapa.
For Halong Bay, you could head to Quan Lan Island (avoid weekends because of the influx of Vietnamese tourists). There’s a small hotel just 100m from a paradise-like 3km-long beach (if the weather’s nice, obviously) that’s practically deserted during the week. The hotel is called "Le Pont."
We’re doing the same trip... from May 5th to 20th!
Following some advice from this forum and since it’ll be our second stay, we’ve changed a few options, especially for Hanoi.
Watch out—the itinerary includes a meet-up with an ethnic group that isn’t from the region!!!
If you haven’t signed yet, take your time and cross-check the info. Otherwise, we might run into each other at the airport—some arriving, others leaving😉
See you soon?
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
Hi there,
I haven’t received the agency’s offer yet, so I’m not sure what hotels they’ll suggest in Hanoi or the mountains, but I’ll let you know so we can make the right choices. This’ll be our very first trip to Asia, but we might just run into each other at the airport!
Out of curiosity, are you traveling with a big group or a small one you already know?
Have you already made your reservation?
See you soon, maybe! 🙂
Yes, our booking is done—there are two of us going. The hotel in Hanoi is great; it’s in the Old Quarter. The other accommodations are good too.
We’re doing Halong Bay in the opposite direction from yours, on a luxury junk boat.
Everything should go smoothly.
Let me know when you get the proposal. 🙂
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
Like any good adventure, don’t forget your camera. You’ll need it to liven up evenings with friends when you get back and show them proof, saying "like Michalak, I lived with the Lolos." Your colleagues are gonna be so jealous when you tell them about your Vietnam adventure!!!
tell them "like Michalak, I lived with the Lolos."
Honestly, I really don’t think it’s fair to say we lived with the LOLO. At best, we can say we saw some LOLO, and with a bit of luck, talked to them—but that’s about it. Let’s be realistic ;)
We never go anywhere without our camera, and it’s always a joy to share beautiful trips.
Have a great day.
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
At a push, we could say we’ve seen some H’MONG people, and with a bit of luck, even talked to them—but let’s be realistic, that’s about it.
It’s a bit like lions—it’s all down to luck. Either way, you’ll be the star at the office coffee machine. You might even get promoted to incentive manager at your company! 🙂
Good evening,
we received a response suggesting, like Asia7, to take a private trip (fine if no one else wants the same, too bad). They don’t recommend Cat Ba Island, calling it too "touristy," so we’re sticking with Bai Tu Long Bay, but I don’t have details about the boat or the cruise itinerary yet...
The initial circuit now includes 3 days of trekking around Bac Ha (we go from 14 to 15 days, but some stops are shortened). Here’s the new itinerary (in bold, what’s the same as the old one):
Saturday 21/04/2012 Hanoi – arrival
Sunday 22/04/2012 Hanoi – visit – Lao Cai
Monday 23/04/2012 Lao Cai – Bac Ha
Tuesday 24/04/2012 Bac Ha – trekking
Wednesday 25/04/2012 Bac Ha – trekking
Thursday 26/04/2012 Bac Ha – trekking
Friday 27/04/2012 Bac Ha – Ha Giang
Saturday 28/04/2012 Ha Giang – Dong Van
Sunday 29/04/2012 Dong Van – Bao Lac
Monday 30/04/2012 Bao Lac – Ba Be
Tuesday 01/05/2012 Ba Be
Wednesday 02/05/2012 Ba Be – Hanoi
Thursday 03/05/2012 Hanoi – Ha Long
Friday 04/05/2012 Ha Long – Hanoi
Saturday 05/05/2012 Hanoi – departure
In summary, one night in Hanoi was cut, we’ve added a stop in Lao Cai (don’t know it), and 3 days of trekking in Bac Ha. The following stops were also removed: Thac Ba, Luc Yen, Meo Vac (early in the trip), as well as Cao Bang, Ban Gioc, and Lang Son (toward the end).
Do you think this is better, or are we missing out on some exceptional stops? I haven’t read up on the missing ones yet, but I thought I’d seen that the area around Cao Bang was quite beautiful. Personally, I’d have preferred 2 days of trekking (not 3) in different regions, but I don’t know if that’s possible or if the landscapes in the Northeast are the same...
I also thought I’d read that this part was more "lunar" and rocky, while around Thac Ba or further south, the rice terraces were more predominant.
Thanks for your insights so I can respond to the agency.
Lao Cai (don’t know it) Near Sapa
(read Larsay’s posts..)
What a shame to miss Meo Vac, Cao Bang, and Ban Gioc, but you’ve got to choose🤪, the landscapes aren’t the same. I think there are fewer tourists around Meo Vac, though I’m not sure. Either way, the ethnic groups aren’t the same.
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
Looking at photos of the regions around Bac Ha or Cao Bang, the landscapes are really different (and it’s interesting to see both). In the end, this new itinerary appeals to me (though it’s actually their Flower H’mong circuit, which we’d hesitated over), but 3 days of trekking is too much. I’d keep just one day to visit Cao Bang province and Ban Gioc. With the itinerary below, do you think it’s doable in terms of distance and not rushing through everything? Should we add an extra night and enjoy one of the stops?)
Saturday 21/04/2012 Hanoi arrival
Sunday 22/04/2012 Hanoi visit – Lao Cai
Monday 23/04/2012 Lao Cai – Bac Ha
Tuesday 24/04/2012 Bac Ha trekking
Wednesday 25/04/2012 Bac Ha – Ha Giang
Thursday 26/04/2012 Ha Giang – Dong Van
Friday 27/04/2012 Dong Van – Bao Lac
Saturday 28/04/2012 Bao Lac – Ba Be
Sunday 29/04/2012 Ba Be
Monday 30/04/2012 Ba Be – Cao Bang
Tuesday 01/05/2012 Cao Bang – Ban Gioc – Cao Bang
Wednesday 02/05/2012 Cao Bang – Lang Son
Thursday 03/05/2012 Lang Son – Halong Bay
Friday 04/05/2012 Halong Bay – Hanoi
Saturday 05/05/2012 Hanoi departure
Is this better? I realize Mu Cang Chai isn’t doable because of the distances—too bad, the scenery there is amazing.
Is it better? I realize that Mu Cang Chai isn't feasible because of the distances—too bad for the scenery.
Three days of trekking in Bac Hà is just to kill time🙂
Those 3 days are better spent on the Mu Cang Chai route, or else add an extra day in Meo Vac to try to sync with the backward market or one more day in Bao Lac to spend at least 24 hours with the Black Lolos (several villages to visit). This way, it won’t feel like a safari visit, and you can focus on their activities.
I can send you the name of an agency that knows this area better in a PM, and I’m sure their rates will be more advantageous for you.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Just pointing out there are good hotels in Bao Lac, very clean unlike what’s said in those long, boring, error-filled posts
+1
It’s probably because there’s no commission at the meet-up that some get badmouthed...
🙁 And there we go, the dance is on!!!!
You’re all so annoying — every single one of you, with your forum feuds. We don’t care about commissions or criticism—what we want is good info, nothing more.
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
We don’t care about commissions, criticism—what we want is good information, nothing more
I disagree with you on this point :)
I think this is a forum, so it’s interactive. We should answer the question asked, and it’s not right to dump long posts full of errors and questionable personal opinions.
It’s this kind of behavior that harms the friendly atmosphere. Imagine a casual conversation where someone suddenly launches into a monologue—or worse, a sales pitch that has nothing to do with the topic.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
There’s no malice or gossip here. Just so you know, some people—including one individual—use the forum for commercial purposes. A lot of their information is biased. Just a heads-up. 🙂
Hi there,
So I had the itinerary adjusted to something like this:
21 April: Arrival in Hanoi
Water puppet show.
Night at Hanoi Paradise Hotel.
22 April: Hanoi – Duong Lam village – hot spring – Nghia Lo
Homestay night.
23 April: Nghia Lo – Khau Pa – Mu Cang Chai
Suoi Mo Hotel.
24 April: Mu Cang Chai – La Pan Tan – Mu Cang Chai
6 km hike – Accommodation: Suoi Mo Hotel.
25 April: Mu Cang Chai – Bac Ha
Homestay night.
26 April: Bac Ha – Ha Giang
Homestay with Tay people.
27 April: Trek in Ha Giang
Homestay with Tay people.
28 April: Ha Giang – Dong Van – Meo Vac
Night at Hoa Cuong Hotel.
29 April: Sunday Meo Vac – Bao Lac
Night at Thuy Duong Hotel.
30 April: Bao Lac – Khuoi Khon Black Lo Lo village – Quang Uyen
Homestay night.
1 May: Quang Uyen – Ban Gioc – Ba Be
Homestay night.
2 May: Ba Be – Hanoi
Night at Hanoi Paradise Hotel.
3 May: Hanoi – Halong
Red Dragon or Prince junk boat.
4 May: Boat – Hanoi
Night at Hanoi Paradise Hotel.
5 May: Hanoi – Departure
What do you think? Do you think the return to Hanoi to catch the flight (23 hours) is too tight if I spend 2 nights on the junk boat? Otherwise, we quite like it as is.
This is an offer from another agency but it’s very similar to a circuit from the first agency.
We’re planning to book the flight tomorrow and the circuit right after.
At work, the days off are already requested and approved... yes, it’s smelling like travel (and not just a holiday, heh).
30 April: Bao Lac – Lo Lo Black Village of Khuoi Khon – Quang Uyen
Homestay overnight.
- You’ll have to tell us about your experience with the Black Lo Los.
- And especially which homestay you stayed at.
- I still don’t understand this "homestay" system—I’ve lived in Vietnam for years, and the few times I’ve considered staying with locals (my family or friends), the police quickly showed up after neighbors alerted them.
- Thanks
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
What do you think? Do you think returning to Hanoi to catch the flight (at 23:00) is too tight if I stay 2 nights on the junk? Otherwise, as it is, we like it a lot.
It’s a completely comprehensive itinerary—you’ll get to admire a range of ethnic minorities that few tourists get to see in a single trip.
I hope your itinerary was planned around the market days, especially the reverse market Lung Phin near Meo Vac, which few tourists have the chance to attend (see my photos already posted on VF).
Congratulations on dedicating a full day to the Lolo people so you can be better accepted as friends visiting them rather than as a photo safari.
You can definitely spend 2 nights on board to sail, as the type of boat you’ve chosen lets you visit Bai Tu Long Bay as well, far from the mass tourism crowds🙂.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
For homestays, especially in sensitive areas like the Central Highlands, Northern Mountains, Thai Binh, or border posts with Laos, it’s best to check in with the authorities when you arrive in the village to let them know. Generally, it goes smoothly, and it helps avoid issues—like being woken up at 2 AM and threatened with expulsion (I experienced this in Quan Ba). When I visit my in-laws in Nghe An, I always report to the officials and leave them a photocopy of my passport. They’ve known me for four years now, but they still ask why I’m there. They’re just following the rules, and honestly, it doesn’t bother me much.
Otherwise, what agencies call "homestays" are often accommodations set up by locals to host tourists, with support from the provincial, district, or commune tourism committee. When these are used as stops on treks, they can be pretty basic, but if you’ve stayed in mountain huts in the Alps or Pyrenees, you won’t be surprised. It’s usually a really great experience. Often, like in Nghia Lo, you’ll stay with officials—maybe less "authentic" for purists, but way more comfortable than the local government hotel, which isn’t bad but is pretty impersonal. The meals are usually delicious, and your hosts will share stories about their ethnic group, sing traditional songs, and more. There’s often a really enriching exchange.
This all sounds so tempting, don't forget to tell us all about it!!!
I think I recognize the agency in question😉, we couldn’t work with them because we were already booked🏴☠️.
I wish you a "great trip"—maybe we’ll cross paths on the streets of Hanoi, we arrive at 6:30 AM the day you leave at 11:00 PM😏😏....
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
I hope your itinerary was built around the market days, especially the Lung Phin backward market near Meo Vac that few tourists get to experience
But how can we plan a route around this market when we foreigners can’t figure out the lunar calendar dates? Please share the secret to solving this puzzle!😏
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
I’ve been planning our trip to Vietnam for months, and every day brings a new piece of information—it’s like a treasure hunt...
I’m disappointed I didn’t have all this info from the start of my research.
Market dates, places to visit, people to meet—it feels like we have to pass some kind of probability test just to deserve knowing more.
I’m not blaming Abalone or those who’ve guided us, but rather the whole tourism system (agencies). It seems they don’t understand that some of us are really looking for something different.
They sell us a circuit with promises of typical visits, but then—Ma’am, Sir, no, you won’t see market X, it was yesterday or it’ll be tomorrow—what are we supposed to think about these practices????
Despite everything, I still believe our trip will be amazing because we’re putting our hearts into it and our passion is genuine, but the preparation process is tough.
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
I’ve been planning our trip to Vietnam for months, and every day brings a new piece of information—it’s a bit like a treasure hunt…
I’m answering the question asked and not trying to show off my knowledge like in the *Routard* or *Lonely Planet* guidebooks🙂
Market dates
I’ve mentioned the dates of daily, weekly, or recurring markets several times.
Places to visit, people to meet,
I share photos when I get the chance.
On the other hand, I remember answering a question about the "Chùa Keo" pagoda in Nam Định province—pagodas that are over 1,000 years old, with unique features and history that set them apart. It was surprising to learn that this important historical site, which is just as worthwhile as other tourist spots, wasn’t included by the traveler who asked the question. What a shame to miss such an authentic, serene place, far from the hustle and bustle of more or less shady tourist activities.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Hello and I’m thrilled to see the activity on this forum—it’s really great.
As for sharing about this trip, I won’t miss it, but dear Asia, you’ll probably be back before I post it online, and you’ll have plenty to feast your eyes on too.
Regarding the markets, we’re not chasing after them, so we’ll take what comes. We have to work with our departure and arrival dates, and I imagine it’s not easy to make round trips in the mountains to complete this loop and then go back to the market of some village we left 1 or 2 days earlier. For us, the agency suggested it, and in the end, we should be able to see the Quyet Tien market on Saturday the 28th, Meo Vac, and the "backward" market of Lung Phinh on Sunday, and—if I read correctly—the Bao Lac market on Monday. I don’t know if these are the most beautiful or the most popular, but if I don’t see the others, well, I won’t know, so no regrets.
Generally speaking, seeing the people and the ethnic groups is great, but I don’t see myself playing paparazzi by staring at them for hours. Question: what do you all do at these famous markets? Do you buy something from them? We don’t want to rush through this circuit; we’ll take our time and enjoy the present moment. We’re the type to get more excited about landscapes, nature, the calm, and all that.
Okay, I’ll request the 2 nights on the junk boat this morning—we’ll see if it’s doable given our return flight is at 11 PM and we need to be at the airport by at least 7 or 8 PM. Still, what else is there to do/see on a 3-day, 2-night cruise? Any ideas?
Oh, and is the hotel in Hanoi good, or would you recommend another one (I looked at the photos—it’s nice but nothing special)?
Thanks
As for the markets, we don’t chase after them, so we take what comes. We have to work with our departure and arrival dates, and I imagine it’s not easy to make round trips in the mountains to complete this loop and then backtrack to visit the market of a village we left 1 or 2 days earlier.
That’s exactly why a good agency is one that organizes the itinerary to be at the market without unnecessary back-and-forth.
Why do we talk about ethnic markets when visiting northern Vietnam? These markets have a vibrant cultural character for the locals—they’re a weekly, and sometimes annual, meet-up spot, like the Khau Vai Love Market. Some villagers spend an entire night descending from the mountaintops just to reach these supply hubs. It’s of huge importance to them.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Beautiful photos.
You're an abalone artist, but how do you manage to take so many, and in so many different places?
I tend to focus more on the center and the highlands
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
I’m answering the question asked and I’m not trying to show off my knowledge like in the Routard or Lonely Planet guides🙂
I’ll admit I’d love it if you were a bit more chatty sometimes😉 without going overboard, of course...
I’ve mentioned the dates of daily, weekly, or backward-date markets several times
Maybe so, and I’m even sure of it, but how do you expect us to find the info without reading through your 4,000 messages🏴☠️🏴☠️😉...
So, please, do you know the market days in the north? Could you share them with us? A big thank-you in advance—I’m planning a few tweaks to my itinerary based on that😏
Question about the "Chùa Keo" pagoda in Nam Định province;; What a shame to miss such an authentic, serene place, far from the more or less mafia-like tourist hustle.
Don’t worry, it wasn’t me—it’s not on our route at all.
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
Hello and I’m thrilled to see the activity on this forum, Sometimes there are a few "landslides" and forum members get carried away, but overall it’s really great.
Generally speaking, seeing people and ethnic groups is nice, but I can’t see myself playing paparazzi by staring at them for hours... question: what do you all do at those famous markets?
We went to Sapa five years ago and visited the Coc Ly market and a few others.
That’s partly why we wanted to return to the north.
We were as captivated by the landscapes as we were by the people in these regions. As Abalone said, it’s at the markets where the real encounters happen.
We don’t stare at people for hours—like them, we take part in market life, have lunch, make a few purchases (that’s our contribution), which we’ll give to our hosts the next day. We soak it all in while keeping in mind not to disturb anyone!!! I think you need a particular interest in ethnic culture to appreciate these moments; otherwise, one or two markets should be enough.
We’re the type to get more excited about landscapes and nature, the peace and quiet, and all that. And us too 😉
Oh, and is the hotel in Hanoi good, or would you recommend another one (I looked at the photos... it’s nice but nothing special)?
It’s probably the agency suggesting it to you. Ours is in the Old Quarter—it’s the May de Ville. I think you should be able to ask for something else if it doesn’t excite you. Don’t hesitate; there’s plenty of choice 😏
Oh, and I’m really looking forward to the full story of your travels!!!😉
Safe travels, see you soon.
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
The May de Ville is a great hotel on Gia Ngu Street, which is a relatively quiet street that was occupied by the market two years ago... Since then, some really nice hotels have been built, including the May de Ville. The hotel is a stone's throw from Hoan Kiem Lake and Dinh Liet Street, where you can stroll and eat cheaply in a fantastic atmosphere. It's not the Métropole!!!! But I assure you, if I had the means to stay there for months, that's where I'd go!!!
Best regards - Kimtwo
Le vent et les turbulences sont l'oeuvre de Dieu, mais la voile et le gouvernail nous appartiennent..
Voyager c'est aller de soi à soi, en passant par les autres (proverbe touareg)
Craving Asia... Right in the middle of searching for the best flight deals.
Why not Vietnam! I see you’ve traveled there twice, so I’m taking the chance to pick your brain.
My trip will be solo, backpacking, and two weeks long in February.
Is it easy to get around by public transport, shared taxis, or buses?
I’ve read a bit about the Open Tour buses—
do you need to budget a lot of time and money to move between places?
My experience in Mongolia is making me wonder about this.
I don’t want to spend all my time in transit.
If you’ve got a region or itinerary to recommend for this length without it feeling like a rush, I’m all ears!
But the whole neighborhood is amazing: Dinh Liet, Cau Go, and a bit further, Hang Dao (with night markets on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays). They sell everything and anything—souvenirs, sunglasses, clothes, you name it—and it’s so lively. The locals in Hanoi love it...
You’re going to love the atmosphere in this vibrant area, just like I do. And when you see the banh mi vendors (Vietnamese bread) at the corner of Dinh Liet and Cau Go, sitting behind their big paper bags keeping the food warm... you’ll realize how different it is from back home. It’s less comfortable, but so much more fun!!! ;)
Kimtwo
Le vent et les turbulences sont l'oeuvre de Dieu, mais la voile et le gouvernail nous appartiennent..
Voyager c'est aller de soi à soi, en passant par les autres (proverbe touareg)
A few photos from a market where you feel "at home." A meeting place for the region's ethnic groups, yes!!!! Sometimes it's quite a struggle to get home!!!!😉
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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
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!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
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.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
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
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.
Just pointing out there are good hotels in Bao Lac, very clean unlike what’s said in those long, boring, error-filled posts
+1
