Original post
Pensez-vous que nos échantillons, bien français, de parfum pourraient faire plaisir en les offrant aux femme vietnamiennes.
Offrir aux femmes vietnamiennes des échantillons de parfum
by Trapunto
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Un cadeau quelqu'il soit fait toujours plaisir au VietNam.
Les femmes vietnamiennes ont une préférence pour Chanel N° 5.
Les parfums on en trouve dans les grandes galeries comme Diamond Plaza à Saigon par exemple, au même prix qu'à Paris.
Les femmes vietnamiennes ont une préférence pour Chanel N° 5.
Les parfums on en trouve dans les grandes galeries comme Diamond Plaza à Saigon par exemple, au même prix qu'à Paris.
http://www.maison-chance.org/
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,
W've got home;
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,
W've got home;
je ne suis jamais allée au Vietnam ni même en Asie, mais j'aurais un peu honte d'offrir des echantillons ...
et je ne suis pas sûre que ce soit vraiment les choses dont elles aient besoin, à ta place, je ferais plutôt un geste en faisant un don à une association.
Dado, enfin, c'est mon avis perso ...
Dado, enfin, c'est mon avis perso ...
Ne demande jamais ton chemin à celui qui sait. Tu pourrais ne pas te perdre !
La notion de cadeau est très importante au VietNam. C'est un geste d'amitié, pour dire qu'on a pensé à vous. Un jour, j'ai été dans un tour de tourisme avec des vietnamiens. Le car de tourisme s'est arrêté en cours de route, vous le savez bien, aux endroits de shopping habituel.
Je les ai tous vus se ruer dans les achats et les bras chargés de cadeaux pour remonter dans le car. Je pensais qu'ils achetaient pour leur famille mais quelle ne fut ma surprise quand ils se distribuaient entre eux les cadeaux qu'ils venaient d'acquérir.
Les échantillons c'est bien si votre intention est bonne. N'hésitez pas à leur dire que ce sont des échantillons et non pas des produits que vous avez achetés.
Je les ai tous vus se ruer dans les achats et les bras chargés de cadeaux pour remonter dans le car. Je pensais qu'ils achetaient pour leur famille mais quelle ne fut ma surprise quand ils se distribuaient entre eux les cadeaux qu'ils venaient d'acquérir.
Les échantillons c'est bien si votre intention est bonne. N'hésitez pas à leur dire que ce sont des échantillons et non pas des produits que vous avez achetés.
http://www.maison-chance.org/
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,
W've got home;
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,
W've got home;
effectivement, je pense que tout dépend du contexte, si l'on se promène un peu dans la campagne, la population est souvent très pauvre et les femmes n'ont pas l'occasion d'aller en ville s'acheter du parfum !!!! et même pour nous il me parait difficile de distribuer des flacons de chanel 5.
Donc, échantillon pourquoi pas suivant à qui on les offres, et dans quels conditions, j'en ai rencontré à qui cela aurait fait énormément plaisir et qui on certainement pas eu souvent l'occasion de se parfumer.
thaly 31
thaly 31
Ca dépend à qui et dans quel contexte c'est offert... si c'est pour séduire, c'est une autre histoire
cela te plairait Anne si je te séduis avec un echantillon de parfum?? 😉
soyons un peut corrects et moins pingre, , <<dadodidodu>> bon point, , , , , , , ,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
Quand je pars j'amène plein d'échantillons de parfum et pour mes ami(e)s celui qui leur plait je vais au plaza leur prendre l'original. ou mieux encore je le ramène de france en prenant soin de faire enlever l'emballage qui contient la languette de protection et je le fais empaqueter par le magasin avec leur logo provenant de france.
Un cadeau n'est jamais ouvert le jour même, par contre, je sais que cela a fait plaisir car le flacon est placé avec précaution dans la vitrine.
Alors, je ramène d'autres échantillons et je change de parfum à chaque fois.
Je fais aussi attention si c'est en campagne ou en ville !
Les goûts sont différents.
Il y a aussi les collectionneurs d'échantillons.
Se donner les moyens de réussir son rêve... " Où que tu ailles, vas-y avec tout ton coeur". CONFUCIUS
je vais au plaza leur prendre l'original. ou mieux encore je le ramène de france en prenant soin de faire enlever l'emballage qui contient la languette de protection et je le fais empaqueter par le magasin avec leur logo provenant de france.
C'est vrai que ce qui fait plaisir c'est le geste qui compte. On peut trouver le meme produit au plaza pour le meme prix et en plus sans souci lorsque l'on passe la douane.
Mais les gens veulent en plus que ce soit un geste que vous faites parce que vous venez de France et non pas parce que vous avez simplement de l'argent pour acheter une fois au pays, comme si on veut en plus l'objet, les pensées d'attention qui vont avec.
C'est vrai que ce qui fait plaisir c'est le geste qui compte. On peut trouver le meme produit au plaza pour le meme prix et en plus sans souci lorsque l'on passe la douane.
Mais les gens veulent en plus que ce soit un geste que vous faites parce que vous venez de France et non pas parce que vous avez simplement de l'argent pour acheter une fois au pays, comme si on veut en plus l'objet, les pensées d'attention qui vont avec.
http://www.maison-chance.org/
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,
W've got home;
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,
W've got home;
cela te plairait Anne si je te séduis avec un echantillon de parfum??
Ben, je verrais celui qui s'est renseigné sur les forums avant de partir, et qui ramène tout un stock d'échantillons dans sa valise pour séduire un max de femmes viets en un minimum de temps... et avec un minimum de moyens :) Mais peut-être que Trapunto voulait pas forcément séduire ou faire un vrai cadeau pour les femmes viets, juste un petit geste pour la famille qui lui a montré le chemin s'il s'est perdu au fin fond de la campagne ou qui lui a offert à boire sur son chemin, bref des rencontres brèves?
Ben, je verrais celui qui s'est renseigné sur les forums avant de partir, et qui ramène tout un stock d'échantillons dans sa valise pour séduire un max de femmes viets en un minimum de temps... et avec un minimum de moyens :) Mais peut-être que Trapunto voulait pas forcément séduire ou faire un vrai cadeau pour les femmes viets, juste un petit geste pour la famille qui lui a montré le chemin s'il s'est perdu au fin fond de la campagne ou qui lui a offert à boire sur son chemin, bref des rencontres brèves?
Le coup des échantillons je trouve ça moyen. Question d'éthique personnelle, offrir un truc gratuit ce n'est pas vraiment offrir, c'est juste rapporter un truc qu'on a trouvé.
Bon après je comprend que certaines Viet puissent aimer, en effet elles n'ont pas le moyen de se les offrir. Mes ayez la correction de ne pas faire des échantillons de parfum le cadeau principal, faite un truc du genre "tiens voila ton cadeau, oh et en plus je t'ai pris des échantillons je sais que tu aimes ça !!!"
A mon avis ca passe mieux, comme ca et vous faites un vrai cadeau, et en plus elles ont des échantillons de parfum.
Bon je dis ca mais je vis pas au Viet Nam, le mieux serait de demander l'avis de Viets, la tradition des cadeaux étant quelque chose de très profond dans les cultures.
A mon avis ca passe mieux, comme ca et vous faites un vrai cadeau, et en plus elles ont des échantillons de parfum.
Bon je dis ca mais je vis pas au Viet Nam, le mieux serait de demander l'avis de Viets, la tradition des cadeaux étant quelque chose de très profond dans les cultures.
Bonjour,
Ne te pose pas de questions metaphysique et donne des echantillons "d'eau de toilette" si c'est un geste gratuit et sans aucune arriere pensee les echantillons "d'eau de toilette" ou "soins de marque" feront toujours plaisirs d'ailleurs ici en France dans les parfumeries les clients et clientes courrent apres ces "echantillons" et ne pas me dire pour des essais de senteur, non, non c'est pour se faire plaisir.Donne avec ton coeur et ton sourire meme des echantillons et oubli les grands discours moralisateur. Daniel
Ne te pose pas de questions metaphysique et donne des echantillons "d'eau de toilette" si c'est un geste gratuit et sans aucune arriere pensee les echantillons "d'eau de toilette" ou "soins de marque" feront toujours plaisirs d'ailleurs ici en France dans les parfumeries les clients et clientes courrent apres ces "echantillons" et ne pas me dire pour des essais de senteur, non, non c'est pour se faire plaisir.Donne avec ton coeur et ton sourire meme des echantillons et oubli les grands discours moralisateur. Daniel
Mon but n'était pas d'être moralisateur, loin de moi cette idée. Je donne juste mon avis, ce qui il me semble est encore le but d'un forum. Sinon on a chacun nos avis, c'est normal qu'ils different. Et me dire que je suis moralisateur n'est-ce pas etre moralisateur soi-meme? Bon on tourne en rond alors offre des échantillons, moi j'en offre pas, et comme ça tout le monde est content...🙂
personnelement je ne le fait pas, , d'ailleurs les asiatique ne doivent pas des choses gratuites, , es eux qui ont raison??
une chose qui me gêne, , c'est également le produit, , es que ce n'est pas un peut déplacer que de donner du parfum a des gens qui ont besoin plus de autre chose??
il est vrai que chacun fait ce qu'il veut, , ce ne sont que des opinions différentes, ,
Puisque on est dans les dons, , il y a un produit tres apprécier et vital, ,
se sont tout les savons et similaire, , qui sont offertes dans les hôtels, , simplement aller dans votre ambassade et les remettre au médecin en poste, , , lui se chargeras de les donner aux different prisonniers qui eux seront apprécier ces cadeaux, ,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
Bonjour,
Pas de problemes je reste cool, mais offrir des echantillons "d'eau de toilette" suivant le contexte ça fait toujours des heureux c'est un petit present. Daniel
Bien sur on se console "c'est le geste qui compte", du coup en y ajoutant des echantillons de savonnettes, il sera reçu comme un roi 😏!! S'autoriser ds choses auxquelles on ne penserait pas chez soi, c'est du mepris!!! Fio
SO
Le débat tourne à la dérision! Perso: je n'offre pas des échantillons..es-ce que un homme offrirait des échantillons à sa nouvelle compagne en France?Non, si il a le culot de le faire, je crois que la dame lui jetterait en pleine figure les échantillons..et je la comprends!Donc, pourquoi faire ailleurs qu'on n'oserait point le faire dans sa demeure! Autant de rien donner!
Bonjour,
Mais qu'elle interpretation d'une petite attention sans aucune attente "il sera reçu comme un roi 😏!! S'autoriser ds choses auxquelles on ne penserait pas chez soi, c'est du mepris".
Bonne balade
Re-bonjour,
Personnellement je n'ai jamais donne d'echantillons en voyage c'est uniquement le principe que je discute et je reste convaincu que ça peut faire plaisir meme si c'est un pas "grand chose".
Personnellement je n'ai jamais donne d'echantillons en voyage c'est uniquement le principe que je discute et je reste convaincu que ça peut faire plaisir meme si c'est un pas "grand chose".
Je serai plus pour offir du déodorant anti-transpirant, en voila un cadeau utile en asie du sud-est 😉. Mais c'est sur qu'à offrir c'est pas facil, et puis c'est pas gratuit, attention, au moins 50 bahts le flacon....🙂
C'est juste que le sujet commence à trainer en longueur, alors faut finir sur quelque chose d'un peu drole 😛 On va pas se prendre la tete 10 ans sur des échantillons de parfum, que ceux qui veulent en offrir le fasse, et oualou.
Ah oui sinon dans la rue ils vendent des copies de parfum, bon c'est pas la meme odeur, mais ca reste tres correct, alors pour un cadeau c'est peut etre pas mal non ? Et puis quand on sait comment sont faits nos soi-disants parfums de luxe, tout ca c'est Marketing et compagnie !!!
Il y a ce fameux exemple du parfum Cacharel. A l'origine il était vendu en grande surface à 5 euros. Ca marchait pas, alors ils ont pris le meme parfum, l'ont mis en boutique de luxe, et au prix de 50 euros. Ca a été un carton !!! Et faut pas croire que pour les autres marques ce soit différent, le marketing, quelle belle invention !!!
A bon entendeur...
Ah oui sinon dans la rue ils vendent des copies de parfum, bon c'est pas la meme odeur, mais ca reste tres correct, alors pour un cadeau c'est peut etre pas mal non ? Et puis quand on sait comment sont faits nos soi-disants parfums de luxe, tout ca c'est Marketing et compagnie !!!
Il y a ce fameux exemple du parfum Cacharel. A l'origine il était vendu en grande surface à 5 euros. Ca marchait pas, alors ils ont pris le meme parfum, l'ont mis en boutique de luxe, et au prix de 50 euros. Ca a été un carton !!! Et faut pas croire que pour les autres marques ce soit différent, le marketing, quelle belle invention !!!
A bon entendeur...
Ca part en vrille cette discut, je récapitule mon avis perso.
Si c'est pour offrir à quelqu'un qu'on connaît (que ça soit pour séduire ou autre :), des gens avec qui il y a une véritable relation, c'est clair qu'il ne faut pas "offrir" des échantillons. Dans ce cas il faut apporter de vrais cadeaux.
Maintenant, en voyage, il nous arrive souvent de croiser des gens, qu'on sait qu'on ne reverra pas forcément, qui nous file un coup de main, pour nous montrer le chemin, pour nous offrir un verre ou l'hospitalité le temps de se reposer ou profiter de la fraîcheur d'un arbre dans un jardin. Dans des coins reculés, où les gens ne sont pas forcément aisés. Dans ce cas, oui, un petit échantillon de parfum bien français, ça peut faire plaisir (en tout cas au Vietnam). Ce n'est pas considéré comme un vrai cadeau, c'est juste un petit geste.
Perso en voyage j'ai toujours des cadeaux avec moi. De vrais cadeaux, pour mes amis, les gens qui m'hébergent si c'est le cas. Mais aussi des petites bricoles qui font plaisir lorsque l'occasion se présente (j'insiste sur le fait que c'est uniquement lorsque l'occasion se présente).
En fait personne ne sait dans quelles conditions Trapunto voulait faire ces cadeaux (ou ces petits gestes) :)
En fait personne ne sait dans quelles conditions Trapunto voulait faire ces cadeaux (ou ces petits gestes) :)
Le débat tourne à la dérision! Perso: je n'offre pas des échantillons..es-ce que un homme offrirait des échantillons à sa nouvelle compagne en France?Non, si il a le culot de le faire, je crois que la dame lui jetterait en pleine figure les échantillons..et je la comprends!Donc, pourquoi faire ailleurs qu'on n'oserait point le faire dans sa demeure! Autant de rien donner!
juste, , , , , , , une femme est une femme pas de difference entre une asiatique (peut être pauvre ) et une caucasienne, ,
juste, , , , , , , une femme est une femme pas de difference entre une asiatique (peut être pauvre ) et une caucasienne, ,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
😏merci Anne, je pense que ta réponse peut clore le sujet tu exprimes justement les choses. C'est impressionnant le débat qu'a suciter ces échantillons de parfum ! il y a moins de réponse pour le reste ! 😠
bonne soiréé à tous et toutes
merci Anne, je pense que ta réponse peut clore le sujet tu exprimes justement les choses.
Je n'ai pas voulu répondre directement à Anne, car on va dire que ces deux-là n'arrêtent pas de discuter en aparté 😮😮😮
Désolé Anne, quand quelqu'un me donne un coup de main, je ne paierai pas le service par un échantillon gratuit. Si je dois donner un cadeau, ce sera de ma poche à la hauteur du service rendu.
Les échantillons ça sert à autre chose, c'est un support de publicité de la marque qui veut faire découvrir son produit. Si j'avais un carton comme ça je les distribuerai en premier à ceux que je connais bien et qui me connaissent bien pour savoir que je ne suis pas un radin. C'est une occasion de faire découvrir un nouveau produit.
Si c'est pour séduire une jolie vietnamienne, je sais quel parfum il faut leur donner (bon je ne vais pas encore répéter sinon on va me prendre pour un représentant de la marque).
Bonne soirée bien parfumée 😮😮😮
Je n'ai pas voulu répondre directement à Anne, car on va dire que ces deux-là n'arrêtent pas de discuter en aparté 😮😮😮
Désolé Anne, quand quelqu'un me donne un coup de main, je ne paierai pas le service par un échantillon gratuit. Si je dois donner un cadeau, ce sera de ma poche à la hauteur du service rendu.
Les échantillons ça sert à autre chose, c'est un support de publicité de la marque qui veut faire découvrir son produit. Si j'avais un carton comme ça je les distribuerai en premier à ceux que je connais bien et qui me connaissent bien pour savoir que je ne suis pas un radin. C'est une occasion de faire découvrir un nouveau produit.
Si c'est pour séduire une jolie vietnamienne, je sais quel parfum il faut leur donner (bon je ne vais pas encore répéter sinon on va me prendre pour un représentant de la marque).
Bonne soirée bien parfumée 😮😮😮
http://www.maison-chance.org/
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,
W've got home;
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,
W've got home;
salut !
je suis vietnamien . donc peux te repondre mieux que d autres.
ne les offre pas . DONNE les en disant que ce sont des echantillons.
il ne faut pas les prendre pour des sous developpées . elles savent ce que sont les echantillons. des fois sur le flacon, c'est meme marqué " not for sale " . meme effacé, ça se devine.
par contre, fais gaffe si tu offres de vrais flacons . offrir un parfum a une femme, asiatique ( ou europeenne ), a toujours une symbolistique de non-dit que tu comprends j'espere.
bon voyage !
par contre, fais gaffe si tu offres de vrais flacons . offrir un parfum a une femme, asiatique ( ou europeenne ), a toujours une symbolistique de non-dit que tu comprends j'espere.
bon voyage !
le voyage est un bonheur, pas une destination, Ando
ne les offre pas . DONNE les en disant que ce sont des echantillons.
il ne faut pas les prendre pour des sous developpées . elles savent ce que sont les echantillons. des fois sur le flacon, c'est meme marqué " not for sale " . meme effacé, ça se devine.
Merci pour cette réponse concret (ne les offre pas . DONNE les en disant que ce sont des echantillons), j'espère qu'elle retiendra le sens de ta réponse mais bon il est sur lorsque quelqu'un n'est pas habitué à voyager vers ces pays on peut comprendre mais surtout comme tu dis ne pas les prendre pour des sous développées très important .
Merci pour cette réponse concret (ne les offre pas . DONNE les en disant que ce sont des echantillons), j'espère qu'elle retiendra le sens de ta réponse mais bon il est sur lorsque quelqu'un n'est pas habitué à voyager vers ces pays on peut comprendre mais surtout comme tu dis ne pas les prendre pour des sous développées très important .
@+ , 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 .
je suis vietnamien . donc peux te repondre mieux que d autres.
Xin chao chu, 😮😮😮
Mieux qu'un autre vietnamien que je suis? 😮😮😮
Par contre sans nul doute, tout le monde a bien deviné mes origines par mes contributions sur ce forum.
Quoi qu'il en soit, ce que vous dites, n'est pas différente de mon opininon sur ce sujet.
Xin loi nha, khong muon lam phien chu nhe, va xin dung gian.😮😮😮
Xin chao chu, 😮😮😮
Mieux qu'un autre vietnamien que je suis? 😮😮😮
Par contre sans nul doute, tout le monde a bien deviné mes origines par mes contributions sur ce forum.
Quoi qu'il en soit, ce que vous dites, n'est pas différente de mon opininon sur ce sujet.
Xin loi nha, khong muon lam phien chu nhe, va xin dung gian.😮😮😮
http://www.maison-chance.org/
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,
W've got home;
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,
W've got home;
Xin chao Chu 🙂
Je pense qu'il n'y a pas photo, je suis d'accord avec toi, Babyalone et Anne... Lorsque je vais rendre visite à ma famille au Vietnam, je leur offre des cadeaux mais je peux aussi emporter des petites babioles sans valeur distincte en leur précisant bien justement sa " valeur " et ça fait toujours plaisir... Car c'est le geste qui compte... Et comme tu le précises Ando, il y a une différence entre offrir et donner...
Il est clair que si Trapunto songe à offrir des échantillons en guise de cadeaux, c'est abusé et à la limite du foutage de gueule si c'est le cas... 🙁 Mais elle prend au moins la peine de se renseigner et je remarque cependant que personne n'a pensé à lire son profil et à se dire que Trapunto est une femme, donc elle n'a pas besoin de séduire les Vietnamiennes de cette façon... Quoique... Et je ne vais pas m'avancer sur le sujet, ne la connaissant pas...
Je pense qu'il n'y a pas photo, je suis d'accord avec toi, Babyalone et Anne... Lorsque je vais rendre visite à ma famille au Vietnam, je leur offre des cadeaux mais je peux aussi emporter des petites babioles sans valeur distincte en leur précisant bien justement sa " valeur " et ça fait toujours plaisir... Car c'est le geste qui compte... Et comme tu le précises Ando, il y a une différence entre offrir et donner...
Il est clair que si Trapunto songe à offrir des échantillons en guise de cadeaux, c'est abusé et à la limite du foutage de gueule si c'est le cas... 🙁 Mais elle prend au moins la peine de se renseigner et je remarque cependant que personne n'a pensé à lire son profil et à se dire que Trapunto est une femme, donc elle n'a pas besoin de séduire les Vietnamiennes de cette façon... Quoique... Et je ne vais pas m'avancer sur le sujet, ne la connaissant pas...
Si c'est pour séduire une jolie vietnamienne
pouquoi etre aussi restrictif et ne pas dire " si je veux seduire une jolie FEMME " tout court ? les vietnamiennes se seduisent - ou pas - comme toutes les autres ! et puis, le MOMENT où on offre un parfum a une importance capitale. fais gaffe a ne pas faire d'impair . bonne journée
pouquoi etre aussi restrictif et ne pas dire " si je veux seduire une jolie FEMME " tout court ? les vietnamiennes se seduisent - ou pas - comme toutes les autres ! et puis, le MOMENT où on offre un parfum a une importance capitale. fais gaffe a ne pas faire d'impair . bonne journée
le voyage est un bonheur, pas une destination, Ando
Bonjour youpi88
s il te plait, un cadeau utile n'est pas un cadeau ...DONNE ( t'as déjà OFFERT un aspirateur ou une cocote minute ou un fer a repasser a une femme ? tres classe ... et cher !) si le cadeau est GRATUIT, n offre pas ...DONNE si tu trouves que c est cher n'offre pas . au fait ça fait combien 50 bahts ??
ps : offrir un deodorant - en plus anti transpirant - merci pour l'idée. j'y aurais jamais pensé ! c'est comme si en France, tu offrais a ta chérie un shampooing antipelliculaire ... penses y et imagines sa reaction. OK ?
ps2 : et le coté " vietnamien " des femmes n'a rien a voir, je peux te l'assurer.
s il te plait, un cadeau utile n'est pas un cadeau ...DONNE ( t'as déjà OFFERT un aspirateur ou une cocote minute ou un fer a repasser a une femme ? tres classe ... et cher !) si le cadeau est GRATUIT, n offre pas ...DONNE si tu trouves que c est cher n'offre pas . au fait ça fait combien 50 bahts ??
ps : offrir un deodorant - en plus anti transpirant - merci pour l'idée. j'y aurais jamais pensé ! c'est comme si en France, tu offrais a ta chérie un shampooing antipelliculaire ... penses y et imagines sa reaction. OK ?
ps2 : et le coté " vietnamien " des femmes n'a rien a voir, je peux te l'assurer.
le voyage est un bonheur, pas une destination, Ando
et le coté " vietnamien " des femmes n'a rien a voir, je peux te l'assurer.
bon point, , je deteste quant une femme m'offre un tube de dentifrice, , <<< même si j'en ait bien besoin, , >>>
respect respect ou est tu ???
il est vrai que je me suis trimbaler une machine a coudre paris BKK (( gratuite, , )) et je lai offert a une damne pour être couturière de rue, , ça c'est de la séduction !!!!!!
il est vrai que je me suis trimbaler une machine a coudre paris BKK (( gratuite, , )) et je lai offert a une damne pour être couturière de rue, , ça c'est de la séduction !!!!!!
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
salut,
le forum etant lisible par tous, j evite le vietnamien. en plus avec les accents en moins, il faut tout deviner. pas simple. désolé.
par " mieux que d'autres " je me suis simplement mis dans la position d'une vietnamienne qui aurait recu ces echantillons et qui aurait du s'exclamer par politesse " c'est super ! t'aurais pas du " !!!
le voyage est un bonheur, pas une destination, Ando
Totalement d accord avec toi, Danero.
Bcp de reactions m echappent dans cet echange : ne pas faire a l etranger ce qu on ne ferait pas chez soi, mais ca veut dire quoi ??? Quand on voyage, on ne s adapte pas ? On fait comme on aurait fait a la maison ??? La notion de present n est pas la meme partout et etre au contact des autres c est bien evidemment accepter de nouvelles normes tout en restant bien conscient des valeurs qui nous ont construites.
Evidemment dans certains contextes, offrir des echantillons serait déplacé mais dans d autres non. Est ce que vous allez jeter le faux champagne que le paysan vous offrira dans les cmapganes vietnamiennes sous pretexte qu il est faux et qu il ne correspond pas a ce que vous connaissez ?
Ce petit présent, et oui c est vrai petit pour nous, représente tout de meme une attention en particulier dans pas mal de campagnes vietnamiennes. C est sur qu en ville, cela risque de tomber a plat.
Donner trop est aussi tres deplacé car la personne a qui vous offrez sera genée et se sentira redevable.
Adopter des positions aussi dogmatiques m a toujours questionné, les choses sont elles si simples ? Une seule réponse pour une question, facile.
A chacun de faire selon sa conscience, ses valeurs et ses expériences de vie.
Bcp de reactions m echappent dans cet echange : ne pas faire a l etranger ce qu on ne ferait pas chez soi, mais ca veut dire quoi ??? Quand on voyage, on ne s adapte pas ? On fait comme on aurait fait a la maison ??? La notion de present n est pas la meme partout et etre au contact des autres c est bien evidemment accepter de nouvelles normes tout en restant bien conscient des valeurs qui nous ont construites.
Evidemment dans certains contextes, offrir des echantillons serait déplacé mais dans d autres non. Est ce que vous allez jeter le faux champagne que le paysan vous offrira dans les cmapganes vietnamiennes sous pretexte qu il est faux et qu il ne correspond pas a ce que vous connaissez ?
Ce petit présent, et oui c est vrai petit pour nous, représente tout de meme une attention en particulier dans pas mal de campagnes vietnamiennes. C est sur qu en ville, cela risque de tomber a plat.
Donner trop est aussi tres deplacé car la personne a qui vous offrez sera genée et se sentira redevable.
Adopter des positions aussi dogmatiques m a toujours questionné, les choses sont elles si simples ? Une seule réponse pour une question, facile.
A chacun de faire selon sa conscience, ses valeurs et ses expériences de vie.
ok merci je mettrais sur ma liste articles de seduction : machine a coudre.
d'autres idées super du meme genre ?
dentifrice : t'aurais du l'acheter toi meme avant qu elle le fasse. c'est pas ta femme de menage. ta machine a coudre : tu l'as AIDEE A VIVRE. ou alors, tu est seduisant comme ... Crésus.
dentifrice : t'aurais du l'acheter toi meme avant qu elle le fasse. c'est pas ta femme de menage. ta machine a coudre : tu l'as AIDEE A VIVRE. ou alors, tu est seduisant comme ... Crésus.
le voyage est un bonheur, pas une destination, Ando
( t'as déjà OFFERT un aspirateur ou une cocote minute ou un fer a repasser a une femme ? tres classe ... et cher !)
Si si si 😮😮😮..... l'Aspirateur est de marque Rolls ' Royce (il aspire avec un moteur turbo-réaction à la vitesse Mach II et avec 30 décibels seulement), la Cocote Minute c'est de Mishibushi (cuisson rapide et vapeur recyclable d'où économie d'énergie) et le fer à repasser de marque Honda (reconnaissance automatique du tissu et chauffage instantané).😮😮😮
Qui dit mieux... C'est bientôt la fête des mères. Pensez à récupé rer le fameux catalogue de l'Homme Moderne....😛😛😛
Si si si 😮😮😮..... l'Aspirateur est de marque Rolls ' Royce (il aspire avec un moteur turbo-réaction à la vitesse Mach II et avec 30 décibels seulement), la Cocote Minute c'est de Mishibushi (cuisson rapide et vapeur recyclable d'où économie d'énergie) et le fer à repasser de marque Honda (reconnaissance automatique du tissu et chauffage instantané).😮😮😮
Qui dit mieux... C'est bientôt la fête des mères. Pensez à récupé rer le fameux catalogue de l'Homme Moderne....😛😛😛
http://www.maison-chance.org/
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,
W've got home;
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,
W've got home;
ok merci je mettrais sur ma liste articles de seduction : machine a coudre.
d'autres idées super du meme genre ?
dentifrice : t'aurais du l'acheter toi meme avant qu elle le fasse. c'est pas ta femme de menage. ta machine a coudre : tu l'as AIDEE A VIVRE. ou alors, tu est seduisant comme ... Crésus.
d'autres idées super du meme genre ? oui, , étant un photographe j'ai toujours trop de matériel, , et grâce au surplus je me suis fait un véritable ami enindonesie, , je lui ait donner du matériel ( en double ) et l'aider a monter un studio photo dans un de ses villages ou personne ne va, , il se débrouille tres bien fait vivre sa famille et même il fait un peut de politique ( antideforestation) .. L'idée ne viens pas de moi !!
oui le don je le pratique, , les échantillons je peut en avoir a la tonne ( j'ai une bonne copine attachée de presse beauté qui en reçois tout les jours ) et bien cela me n'est jamais venu a l'idée de en prendre pour donner, , elle me met les anti moustiques de cote pour usage personnel, , ) ce qui me gêne c'est ce cotée, , moi je viens de un pays riche tiens je te donne, , moi bonne personne c'est cette image qui me dérange le plus en plus du parfum, , ou vin ou champagne, , il est vrai que c'est une interprétation totalement personnel, , respect respect ou est tu ??
dentifrice : t'aurais du l'acheter toi meme avant qu elle le fasse. c'est pas ta femme de menage. ta machine a coudre : tu l'as AIDEE A VIVRE. ou alors, tu est seduisant comme ... Crésus.
d'autres idées super du meme genre ? oui, , étant un photographe j'ai toujours trop de matériel, , et grâce au surplus je me suis fait un véritable ami enindonesie, , je lui ait donner du matériel ( en double ) et l'aider a monter un studio photo dans un de ses villages ou personne ne va, , il se débrouille tres bien fait vivre sa famille et même il fait un peut de politique ( antideforestation) .. L'idée ne viens pas de moi !!
oui le don je le pratique, , les échantillons je peut en avoir a la tonne ( j'ai une bonne copine attachée de presse beauté qui en reçois tout les jours ) et bien cela me n'est jamais venu a l'idée de en prendre pour donner, , elle me met les anti moustiques de cote pour usage personnel, , ) ce qui me gêne c'est ce cotée, , moi je viens de un pays riche tiens je te donne, , moi bonne personne c'est cette image qui me dérange le plus en plus du parfum, , ou vin ou champagne, , il est vrai que c'est une interprétation totalement personnel, , respect respect ou est tu ??
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
merci barbot.
ce que je voulais dire c'est une diff enorme entre donner et offrir.
j'emporte des tas de Bic, cahiers, etc ... qd je pars. pour aider.
mais meme aider ne fut parfois pas facile.
je crois que ceux qui vont dans les pays pauvres en ont fait tous
l experience un jour.
merci encore.
le voyage est un bonheur, pas une destination, Ando
salut anne 75015,
on a deja ete en contact, qd je demandais des infos pour l inde, le perou le nepal ou bali. ( on revient des trois premiers ) merci pour ton message. dans les pays pauvres, ce qui leur reste, c'est la dignité. il faut essayer d'en tenir compte. tout le temps. faire attention aux mots . je fais comme toi. il y a offrir - donner - aider. parfois c'est pas facile, car pour eux, puisqu'on peut se payer le voyage et des hotels - meme sans luxe, - etc ... c'est qu'on est des " pétés de thunes " . a bientot. ps : en inde, au debut janvier on avait emporté plein de calendriers avec des photos d'un paysage de france sur chaque page de mois. ça a bien plus. j ai un super diaporama de paris pour PC en powerpoint pps. si cela t interesse ?
on a deja ete en contact, qd je demandais des infos pour l inde, le perou le nepal ou bali. ( on revient des trois premiers ) merci pour ton message. dans les pays pauvres, ce qui leur reste, c'est la dignité. il faut essayer d'en tenir compte. tout le temps. faire attention aux mots . je fais comme toi. il y a offrir - donner - aider. parfois c'est pas facile, car pour eux, puisqu'on peut se payer le voyage et des hotels - meme sans luxe, - etc ... c'est qu'on est des " pétés de thunes " . a bientot. ps : en inde, au debut janvier on avait emporté plein de calendriers avec des photos d'un paysage de france sur chaque page de mois. ça a bien plus. j ai un super diaporama de paris pour PC en powerpoint pps. si cela t interesse ?
le voyage est un bonheur, pas une destination, Ando
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More discussions
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 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.
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
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
Bonjour,
Je projette un voyage au Laos en début 2027. Connaissez vous les dates de la fête du Vat Phou à Chapassak ? merci
Je projette un voyage au Laos en début 2027. Connaissez vous les dates de la fête du Vat Phou à Chapassak ? merci
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.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
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.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
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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?
Hi there,
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hey everyone,
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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...
Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.
Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.
Hi everyone,
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.
Thanks
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.
Thanks
Hi,
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.
Thanks
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.
Thanks
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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste
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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste
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!
Time to hit the road again!
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...
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...
Hello,
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:
- Battambang (round trip) - Siem Reap / Angkor - Kratie - Kampong Cham - Phnom Penh - Kampot (round trip)
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.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Have a great Sunday
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:
- Battambang (round trip) - Siem Reap / Angkor - Kratie - Kampong Cham - Phnom Penh - Kampot (round trip)
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.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Have a great Sunday
Hi there,
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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
Hello everyone,
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.
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!
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!
Hi everyone,
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…
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!
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…
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!
Hi everyone, I’m looking to do a 15-day Muay Thai training course. Any great places to recommend? Thanks
Hi there, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise