Encore une bonne nouvelle pour les touristes etrangers! Nouvelle proposition de loi adopte par le Cabinet le 22: doublement du prix d'entree aux parcs nationaux, musees, etc. Les prix n'ont pas change depuis 30 ans, donc c'est normal, mais pour les races inferieures telles que farang, japonais, chinois, hindous, et autres barbares, qui payons de 4 a 10 fois plus cher, Ayuttaya passe de 180 bahts a 360 (ca fait plus de $20) et le Wat Po a 400! Une facon comme une autre d'encourager le tourisme, je suppose. Et dire que certains se plaignent du prix d'entree a Angkor!!!!!
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Correction, 360 baht bahts, ca fait $11, pas $20, mais le principe reste le meme; je ne savais pas que la Thailande etait aussi pauvre que le Laos et le Cambodge!
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Correction, 360 baht bahts, ca fait $11, pas $20, mais le principe reste le meme; je ne savais pas que la Thailande etait aussi pauvre que le Laos et le Cambodge!
Ben, comme ils ne sont pas "intelligents" ... 😉
Je suppose que si on vous nommait "Gouverneur" de cette colonie, tout se passerait mieux 😏😛
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Je doute que le touriste se soucie vraiment du prix du musée qui reste toujours "bon marché".
sinon il y a une proposition de loi de faire baisser la tva de 7 à 3% sur les produits de consommations sur une duree de 3 à 6 mois (lire le Bangkok Post)
Le visa Schengen pour le touriste thaï de base est toujours facturé 60 euros (2927 bahts) au consulat de France à Bangkok. Le français moyen qui vient en Thaïlande moins de trente jours en touriste entre toujours gratuitement.... Cherchez l'erreur...
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
vous revez les gars, les 3/4 des gars qui visite ces sites sont soit en tour organise (tout est compris dans le prix, ils ne savent meme pas ce qu'ils payent a l'entree), soit en independant court sejour ou ils depensent comme a la maison. Ils ont faient 10000km pour voir le grand palais et le wat pho, tu crois que c'est 8 euros l'entree qui va les arreter.
La thailande est en train de faire le trie dans son panier a touriste. J'ai comme l'impression qu'elle ne s'interesse plus guere au backpacker craspec, qui conte chaque baht sauf lorsque c'est a base de houblon.
Apres si vous vivez ici, c'est tres facile de payer le prix thai n'importe ou, ne serait ce qu'avec une carte des francais etablis hors de france delivree par l'ambassade a Bangkok.
Le probleme ce n'est pas tant le prix de l'entree, mais de savoir si cela sera vraiment utilise a la conservation et l'entretien des sites
le problème n'est pas de doubler ou plus, < le client décideras, si il veut boycotter ou non >
mais c'est ou va passer cette argent?
de toute façon il y a aussi mieux que le watt poo, , coller a l'Université de sirapagon il y a un temple fort bien, c'est a 2 minutes a pied du watt poo, gratuit, et sympa,
sinon prendre un bateaux qui traverse la rivière, ( 2 bt ), et la il y a de très beau temples, également
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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je ne savais pas que les farangs etaient plus pauvres que les thais
ben, le taux de change aide énormément à faire des farangs des "riches"...😉
Au final c'est pas le prix de l'entrée qui me dérange, c'est cette différence de traitement qui me reste à travers la gorge.
Payer un entrée c'est normal, mais tout le monde pareil, et que ça serve pour la bonne cause, mais ça...🏴☠️
je ne savais pas que les farangs etaient plus pauvres que les thais
ben, le taux de change aide énormément à faire des farangs des "riches"...😉
Au final c'est pas le prix de l'entrée qui me dérange, c'est cette différence de traitement qui me reste à travers la gorge.
Payer un entrée c'est normal, mais tout le monde pareil, et que ça serve pour la bonne cause, mais ça...🏴☠️
++
C'est comme si on faisait payer les entrées en France 8 à 10 fois plus cher aux étrangers, pareil . 🤪
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
En 10 ans, tarif étranger des parcs nationaux est passé de 20 bahts à 200 bahts; puis 20 bahts; puis 200 bahts; puis 400 bahts puis à nouveau 200 bahts. Si on appelle ça ne pas évoluer depuis 30 ans....
Alors plutôt que de prendre la mouche stupidement; cite tes sources plutôt que de recopier stupidement noir sur blanc l'article du bangkok post.
En lisant l'article initial, on dirait qu'il est de toi....
Ca évitera de telles confusions à l'avenir. 😠😠😠
C'est ecrit noir sur blanc dans l'article du bangkok Post, que je ne fais que repeter. Encore une reflexion completement inutile!
Ma source, c'est l'article du Bangkok Post. Qu'est-ce que je suis sense faire? Verifier avec le Ministere de la Culture et du Tourisme? Si tu veux, je te donne l'adresse e-mail du journal, comme ca tu pourra les insulter aussi!
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Encore une bonne nouvelle pour les touristes etrangers! Nouvelle proposition de loi adopte par le Cabinet le 22: doublement du prix d'entree aux parcs nationaux, musees, etc. Les prix n'ont pas change depuis 30 ans, donc c'est normal, mais pour les races inferieures telles que farang, japonais, chinois, hindous, et autres barbares, qui payons de 4 a 10 fois plus cher, Ayuttaya passe de 180 bahts a 360 (ca fait plus de $20) et le Wat Po a 400! Une facon comme une autre d'encourager le tourisme, je suppose. Et dire que certains se plaignent du prix d'entree a Angkor!!!!!
Tu vois mentionné quelque part que c'est un extrait du Bangkok post ?
Ma source, c'est l'article du Bangkok Post. Qu'est-ce que je suis sense faire? Verifier avec le Ministere de la Culture et du Tourisme? Si tu veux, je te donne l'adresse e-mail du journal, comme ca tu pourra les insulter aussi!
Tu marques: "Source Bangkok Post + date" avec si possible un lien internet.
Ma remarque "tu devrais sortir plus souvent" était générale, quel que soit l'auteur de l'article.
Tu t'es senti insulté? Mai pen rai.
vous revez les gars, les 3/4 des gars qui visite ces sites sont soit en tour organise (tout est compris dans le prix, ils ne savent meme pas ce qu'ils payent a l'entree), soit en independant court sejour ou ils depensent comme a la maison. Ils ont faient 10000km pour voir le grand palais et le wat pho, tu crois que c'est 8 euros l'entree qui va les arreter.
La thailande est en train de faire le trie dans son panier a touriste. J'ai comme l'impression qu'elle ne s'interesse plus guere au backpacker craspec, qui conte chaque baht sauf lorsque c'est a base de houblon.
Apres si vous vivez ici, c'est tres facile de payer le prix thai n'importe ou, ne serait ce qu'avec une carte des francais etablis hors de france delivree par l'ambassade a Bangkok.
Le probleme ce n'est pas tant le prix de l'entree, mais de savoir si cela sera vraiment utilise a la conservation et l'entretien des sites
Pas mal celle la, assez vrai 😉 Par contre je suis pas vraiment d'accord sur la suite, t'es farang tu payes le prix farang même si tu vis en Thailande c'est pas facile de leur faire comprendre la différence que tu parles thai ou non. Après sur le fait que ce soit utile ou pas c'est bien la question que je me pose, si c'est pour la bonne cause je suis près a payer plus qu'un thai, si c'est pour aller dans la poche d'un petit fonctionnaire ou de Samak le "roi de l'arnak" alors la je ne suis plus vraiment d'accord 😠
C’est pour ça que je n’aime plus visiter la Thaïlande car il faut toujours se battre, même avec un Workpermit pour payer le prix Thaï. Il y a deux mois, je me pointe au grand palace, je montre mon workpermit, j’explique que je pais mes taxes en Thaïlande et donc que je pais sont salaire, le gars à l’entrée ça lui était complètement égale. Ca revient à faire payer aux étrangers deux fois le prix d’entrée (l’entrée plus les impôts), même s’ils travaillent en Thaïlande.
Et pour les parcs, c’est pareil. Quand à la carte du consulat, ça n’a pas marché non plus. La prochaine fois je vais essayer avec le worpermit, la carte du consulat, et la carte de payeur d’impôt (je ne sais plus comment on l’appel.
Et je n’ai pas un salaire européen, donc pour moi, 200 ou 400 bahts, ce n’est pas rien !
Et si on prend l’exemple d’Ayutthaya, les étrangers payent plus et les thaïs ne sont même pas capables de protéger assez le site pour qu’il reste au patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco. Ils prennent vraiment les gens pour des cons et les étrangers pour des ATM.
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man." - George Bernard Shaw
Ben non c'est chez eux, ils paient des taxes. C'est normal qu'ils aient un tarif preferentiel.
Ben non, les résidents aussi payent des taxes ...
L'équivalent en France, serait une "préférence nationale" généralisée !
Vous voyez de quel bord je parle ?
Mais je répète que LA solution à ce problème n'est pas de causer et causer et protester mais de refuser de payer en n'allant pas dans ces endroits où on pratique un double-tarif sans discernement.
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
non mon cher je ne l'oublie pas, puisque je fais partie de ces gens la. Faut pas delirer les farangs qui bossent ici n'ont pas tous des salaires equivalents aux salaires europeens mais ils n'ont pas le SMIC thai non plus.
400 thb c'est pour les etrangers; si vous bosser ici legalement, vous avez un work-permit et donc acces au tarif thai.
C'est combien deja une demande de visa (qu'il n'est pas sur d'obtenir d'ailleurs)pour un thai qui aimerait venir en France en vacances ou rendre visite a un ami???
Arreter de me faire pleurer avec vos 400thb.
Quand il faut payer une biere 200thb au Spicy j'en vois moins raler.
faut relativiser, partout dans le monde on paie pour voir, nous "farangs" on à la chance de pouvoir le faire, ce serait peut-être pas mal tout compte fait de tout faire payer dans le monde au prorata de ses revenus... Utopie quand tu nous tiens. Moi je boirais deux bières en moins et j'iarais visiter. Ou j'irai boire boire mes bières dans les petits bistros thais pour compenser et ne plus les boires dans les boites tenues par des "farangs" etc etc.... on peut discuter des heures et refaire le monde. Au final va qui veut, paie qui veut et fait en thailande ce qu'il te plait de faire....
Entrance fees at national museums and archaeological sites across the country will soon double after cabinet approved a ministerial regulation hiking admission rates.The current fees have been frozen for more than 30 years.The fees vary depending on the sites, with World Heritage sites charging the highest rates.The Culture Ministry had forwarded its draft regulation regarding new rates of entrance and service fees for registered archaeological sites and national museums for cabinet approval.The regulation was approved by cabinet on July 22, said a source at Government House.The new fees will be applicable to 44 national museums, 10 historical parks and other registered archaeological sites across the country.The ministry wanted to adjust entrance fees to reflect the real costs of operation and management, said the source.Under the ministerial regulation, some groups of people such as war veterans, the disabled, the underprivileged and students wearing uniform will remain exempt from entrance fees.Currently, entrance fees for most registered archaeological sites and museums are 5-10 baht for Thai nationals and 30-40 baht for foreign nationals.if the regulation is put into effect, Thais will have to pay 10-20 baht while foreign visitors will be charged 60-80 baht.Among those sites are Khon Kaen National Museum, Chainat Munee National Museum in Chai Nat province, Ban Kao National Museum and Muang Singh Historical Park in Kanchanaburi.Others are Kamphaeng Phet National Museum and Historical Park, Chiang Saen National Museum, Phanom Rung Historical Park and Muang Tam Sanctuary in Buri Ram, and Thalang National Museum in Phuket.At some sites, admission fees are higher than those in the first group. The current fees, which are 20 baht for Thais and 80 baht for foreign nationals, will be increased to 40 baht for Thais and 160 baht for foreign visitors.Among those sites are Phra Nakhon National Museum, the Royal Barge National Museum in Bangkok Noi and National Arts Museum in Phra Nakhon.Entrance fees for World Heritage sites which are currently 10 baht for Thais and 180 baht for foreign visitors will also double if the ministerial regulation on the new rates is put into practice.Most World Heritage sites are in Ayutthaya province.Among them are Chanthara National Museum, Chao Samphra National Museum, Wat Mahathat, Wat Rajaburana, Wat Prasi Sanpetch and Wat Chaiwattanaram.
voila en gros si on traduit en diagonale augmentation pour 44 musées et 10 sites historiques (parcs et autres) et en anglais comme en français les chiffres sont les mêmes donc le plus haut c'est 180 bath ça fera 360 bath. Si vous êtes des adeptes de la thailande vous n'aurez aucun mal à traduire sinon phrase par phrase http://www.lexilogos.com/traduction_multilingue.htm
Faut pas être parano pour savoir que l'augmentation du prix étranger ne servira en rien la préservation des sites. Il y a de nombreux exemples à ce sujet: Angkor Wat (suffit de lire ce qui est écrit dans le LP, qui ne raconte pas que des conneries), le volcan Keli-Mutu à Florès (le parking au pied du sommet n'a jamais autant ressemblé à un décharge publique depuis qu'on a multiplié le prix d'accès), le parc maritime de Bunaken (retour de la pêche à la dynamite depuis qu'on paye un droit d'accès), etc....
On se fout de payer qq € de plus. Ce qui fout les glandes c'est que l'argent va dans les poches de petite bandes de corrompus, et que très peu ne sert finalement à préserver les sites (10-20% max à Bunaken par exemple, le reste étant détourné à la source, envoyé à Jakarta, ou dans les poches du gourverneur local, sans parler de tous les intermédiaires qui se sucrent au passage).
Je crois que beaucoup de membres n'ont pas compris mon argument; ce n'est pas la somme que je conteste, c'est le faire de faire payer les etrangers plus cher que les locaux dans un pays qui n'a vraiment pas besoin de ca pour vivre. Enorme nuance! En fait, je serais tres partisan de ne pas faire payer les thais du tout, au moins, ca permettrait a ceux qui n'ont pas un sou d'y aller quand meme.
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Pour y etre alle avec ma femme, les thais ne paient pas d'entree au Grand Palais et Wat Phra Kaeo (ils paient a l'entre et se font rembourser a la sortie).
Les résidents étrangers paient le prix thaï ? Ca, ca doit dépendre du QI de la personne qui encaisse l’argent ! Et si on reprend l’article du Bangkok Post la différence est claire : D’un côté les thaïs et de l’autre les non-thaïs (Thai nationals and foreign nationals). Donc si tu n’es pas thaï, tu fermes ta grosse gueule de gros riche plein de sous et tu pais !
Va donc à Grand palace et essais de rentrer sans payer !!!
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man." - George Bernard Shaw
Mouais..., c'est de la discrimination pure et simple, tout le monde s'en fout du prix, c'est le principe qui dérange.
comme c'est un pays moins riche, faudrait se sentir complexé de vouloir payer comme un thaï parce qu'on est soit disant plus riche.
Si cette double tarification de faire payer l'étranger était appliquée en France, ça ferait du bruit.
A l'occasion, lisez cet article, ça date mais vous comprendrez que les extra charges servent à tout sauf à conserver le patrimoine, en tout cas c'est pas très clair. Thai National Park Entrance Fees: Non-Thais pay more!
C'est leur pays, leur stratégie, ll y a rien à faire si ce n'est que boycotter mais le gouvernement s'en frotte les mains, il y aura toujours des "cruches" pour payer et les thaïs feront en sorte qu'ils payent. Ils sont éduqués depuis tout petit dans l'idée que le farang est riche et qu'il doit payer.
Honnêtement quand j'arrive à rentrer en payant le prix thaï, sans work permit et tout ça que je n'ai pas, je jubile😎
++
PS: Suivant les cas, tout le monde ne rentre pas gratuit en Thaïlande ;)
mais ca existe aussi en france. A l'echelle communale, mais ca existe. Dans ma commune on ne paie pas l'entree des musees, monuments etc... si l'on est resident. Normal on paie les impots locaux.
Le wat pho ou le grand palais vous n'y allez pas tous les deux jours non plus, c'est pas vital. 360thb (qui est apparement le tarif le plus eleve) equivaut a moins de 7 euros (tu vas meme pas au cinoche pour ce prix la a Paris) pour visiter quelques uns des plus beaux monuments de la planete.
La discrimination faudra en parler au thai qui aimerait visiter la france et qui s'en voit interdire l'acces parcequ'il est ne du mauvais cote de la barriere.
Le vrai probleme est de savoir ce qui est fait de cette argent.
Les résidents étrangers paient le prix thaï ? Ca, ca doit dépendre du QI de la personne qui encaisse l’argent ! Et si on reprend l’article du Bangkok Post la différence est claire : D’un côté les thaïs et de l’autre les non-thaïs (Thai nationals and foreign nationals). Donc si tu n’es pas thaï, tu fermes ta grosse gueule de gros riche plein de sous et tu pais !
Va donc à Grand palace et essais de rentrer sans payer !!!
De toutes façons, personne n'est obligé d'entrer ...
Ceci dit, pour ceux qui y tiennent absolument, il faut tout de même dire que les gens y sont bien moins vulgaires que vous 😉
Et çà, c'est déjà quelque chose ...
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Je ne vis pas et je n’ai jamais vécu à Paris et je n’allais pas au cinéma en France parce que c’est beaucoup trop cher. Et l’argument des impôts, je le comprends, mais ce n’est pas le cas en Thaïlande. Mes impôts que je pais en Thaïlande servent à payer le gusse qui veut me faire payer le prix fort et workpermit ou pas, Grand Palace tu pais ! Et pour payer le prix thaï il faut TOUJOURS se battre pour l’obtenir !Plus ou moins mais ce n’est pas donné directement !
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man." - George Bernard Shaw
Les résidents étrangers paient le prix thaï ? Ca, ca doit dépendre du QI de la personne qui encaisse l’argent ! Et si on reprend l’article du Bangkok Post la différence est claire : D’un côté les thaïs et de l’autre les non-thaïs (Thai nationals and foreign nationals). Donc si tu n’es pas thaï, tu fermes ta grosse gueule de gros riche plein de sous et tu pais !
Va donc à Grand palace et essais de rentrer sans payer !!!
De toutes façons, personne n'est obligé d'entrer ...
Ceci dit, pour ceux qui y tiennent absolument, il faut tout de même dire que les gens y sont bien moins vulgaires que vous 😉
Et çà, c'est déjà quelque chose ...
On peut aussi dire qu’être raciste est très vulgaire. La bêtise aussi d’ailleurs ! Et vous, comment vous pouvez savoir s’ils ne vous insultent pas ? En effet, j’ai crut lire que vous ne parliez pas thaï !
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man." - George Bernard Shaw
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Bon pour resume, on ne te verra plus au grand palais, wat pho, ayyuthaya, et encore moins au cinoche en France car c'est aujourd'hui encore plus cher que lorsque tu es parti et de ce que j'ai pu comprendre tu n'es pas vraiment en train de t'enrichir.😉
Allez Hypo, keep it cool, je crois que tu es dans ta phase "plein le c..l de la Thailande", ca nous arrive a tous a un moment ou a un autre. Marre de la Thailande, du laxisme ambiant, de la pollution, de la chaleur, du somtam phu pala qui pue, alors on rentre en France et au bout d'un mois, ben ca nous manque.
Tu as certainement raison. Sauf concernant la nourriture ! Là je ne m’en lasse toujours pas !
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man." - George Bernard Shaw
J’ai discuté de ce sujet avec des collègues thaïs.
Ce sont des gens avec un bon niveau d’étude, jeunes (moins de 30 ans), qui ont vécu à l’étranger, qui parlent couramment l’anglais, travaillent avec des gens de toutes les nationalités et pour une entreprise américaine. Bref, pas des paysans qui n’ont jamais vu de blanc. Même eux ça ne les choquent pas que la Thaïlande pratique de tels prix. Alors je crois que le combat contre le racisme et la discrimination n’est pas prêt d’être gagné !
"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man." - George Bernard Shaw
Ben ouais mais pour avoir travaille en milieu scolaire, je peux te dire que je gagnais, a diplome equivalent, 4 a 5 fois plus que mes collegues thais. Et ils faisaient plus d'heures que moi. En effet il y a de la discrimination en Thailande😐
Je crois que beaucoup de membres n'ont pas compris mon argument; ce n'est pas la somme que je conteste, c'est le faire de faire payer les etrangers plus cher que les locaux dans un pays qui n'a vraiment pas besoin de ca pour vivre. Enorme nuance! En fait, je serais tres partisan de ne pas faire payer les thais du tout, au moins, ca permettrait a ceux qui n'ont pas un sou d'y aller quand meme.
cela ne se lit vraiment pas dans ton post ci-dessous ou tu parles des touristes !
"Encore une bonne nouvelle pour les touristes etrangers! Nouvelle proposition de loi adopte par le Cabinet le 22: doublement du prix d'entree aux parcs nationaux, musees, etc. Les prix n'ont pas change depuis 30 ans, donc c'est normal, mais pour les races inferieures telles que farang, japonais, chinois, hindous, et autres barbares, qui payons de 4 a 10 fois plus cher, Ayuttaya passe de 180 bahts a 360 (ca fait plus de $20) et le Wat Po a 400! Une facon comme une autre d'encourager le tourisme, je suppose. Et dire que certains se plaignent du prix d'entree a Angkor!!!!! "
C'est ce que je crois comprendre aussi. Ce sont donc les prix des parcs archéologiques et musées (ex.: Sukhothai, .....) qui vont augmenter. Les prix des parcs nationaux (ex.: Koh Samet) devraient rester inchangés.
Le titre du sujet induit en erreur....
apres avoir lu l'article, apparemment les parcs nationaux ne sont pas concernes, par contre les parcs archelogiques le sont.
Pour ceux qui cherchai des billets interessant recemment. Après la promotion qui se terminai le 8 juillet ou on pouvait trouver des vols nice bangkok via paris…
Pour information, le prix de l'entrée est passé à 600 bahts par personnes (farangs) et a 300 pour les Thais. Les guides doivent payer 50 bahts. Le programme…
Je viens d aller sur le site de l ambassade, je ne vois plus le visa de 30 jours délivré a l entrée. Quelqu un peux t il me confirmer si il existe toujours?
Bon à savoir, faut se mettre à jour car ça change vite en Thaïlande. A l’aéroport international de Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, 10 nouveaux kiosques de gestion…
Bonjour précieuse communauté,
J'envisage de me rendre au Cambodge cet hiver, juste après Noël, pour un premier voyage seule, et mon premier voyage en Asie. Pour deux semaines (oui, je sais, c'est peu, mais je ne peux vraiment pas plus...). J'ai deux grandes envies: Siem Reap, et la campagne, les villages, le Mekong...
Que pensez-vous de cet itinéraire? Arrivée à Siem Reap, départ de Phnom Penh
SR: 5 jours (1 jour pour l'arrivée, 3 pour les temples, 1 pour le lac et ses villages)
Kratie (étape sur la route du Mondolkiri): 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours sur place)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 jours (1 jour de trajet, 1 jour sur place, 2 jours de treks)
PP: 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours de visite)
Je pense qu'il faut que j'enlève un jour quelque part, si je pars du samedi au samedi, ou du dimanche au dimanche. A Kratie, peut-être? à PP? et je rate le trajet en bateau que tout le monde conseille (SR-Battambang), mais je ne vois pas où le caser. Sauf à faire un PP-PP en commençant par l'est, laisser tomber Kratie ou vraiment juste une nuit, puis SR, puis PP).
Dans mon timing, j'ai l'impression que le Mondolkiri est plus proche que le Ratanakiri, qui me tentait aussi beaucoup! Est-ce que cela restera pas trop compliqué toute seule? Je pense faire appel à des guides locaux, ou une petite agence locale, pour faire une escapade dans la nature et les villages.
Je lis qu'il y a beaucoup de monde à SR entre Noël et Nouvel An, je peux aussi faire le circuit dans l'autre sens. Mais je trouvais plus facile de me familiariser avec le pays en arrivant en territoire touristique, je me trompe peut-être...
Merci pour vos conseils et avis!
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.
Bonjour je souhaite diviser mon séjour en 2 parties soit 15 jours à phuket et 15 jours sur krabi. Savez-vous si je peux louer une voiture et la rendre a krabi lors de mon retour en France
Merci de vos retours
Bon dimanche
Martine
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
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.
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 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…
