bonjour les membres de VF !
voila ma femme et moi meme avons pris nos billets d avion pour notre sejour de 5 semaines aux philippines
nous arrivons le 9 mars a HONG KONG et repartons le 14 avril ( air new zeland, 621 euros/ pers )
ensuite nous allons prendre dans quelques jours notre aller simple pour les philippines :
1 / vaut mieux prendre HK/ manille ou bien aller sur cebu (cebu pacific env 120 euros / 2 pax ) pour passer une petite semaine tranquille ?
ensuite nous allons voyager entre les iles, manille, luzon, boracay, palawan et etc ... mais c est la que j ai besoin de votre aide ..
vaut mieux aller a cebu avant manille, quels lieux, quelles iles, quelles choses ne pas manquer aux philippines ?
nous sonmmes du genre " routard sac a dos ", location de mobylette, transport bus, ferry et meme avion si c est avantageux en temps et pas tres chere
quel compagnie est fiable ?
comment aller d iles en iles ? ferry fiable ? avion ?
quelles plages doivent etre vu imperativement ?
des petits hotels /bungalows sympas sur certain iles ? ( entre 10 /15 euros /nuits )
combien compter de budget par jour environ ( nuité, repas, balade, boisson, et petit extra )
trouve t on des salons de massage ( genre spa comme en indonésie ) ?
a t il des lieux dangereux ?
prendre du liquide est ce raisonnable ?
plat philippins a ne pas manquer ? epicé ?
le plateau de luzon en combien de jours ?
les guides touristiques pour les philippines, nous avons trouvé que le petit futé, et mon anglais n est pas terrible pour un guide en anglais ?
nous pensons passer quelques jours a chaque fois sur les iles, farniente, balade, plongée, repos et culture local
alors n hesitez pas a nous donner de bons conseils ...
un GRAND MERCI D AVANCE
a bientot
L'ile de Bohol est très jolie (à voir : chocolate hills, loboc river, plages de sable blanc, tarsiers, etc.) et tu trouves facilement des mobylettes à louer. Bonne sécurité dans la plus grande partie du territoire philippin, évite cependant l'ouest et le sud ouest de l'ile de mindanao, car, dangereux.
Sur certaines plages touristiques (boracay, alona, ...) tu pourras te faire masser et certains hotels proposent aussi un service massage.
Pour les compagnies aériennes, tu en as plusieurs, mais, la seule que je connaisse est "Philippines airlines" et tout était impeccable.
Pour ce qui est des bus, là aussi pas de problème, car, tu trouves des jeepneys (sorte de bus local) mais aussi des bus normaux sur les grandes et moyennes iles.
D'après beaucoup de personnes, l'ile de palawan est vraiment exceptionnelle et vaut la peine d'être visitée (mais si tu y vas, tu devras lui consacrer une bonne partie de ton séjour). Pour info je n'y suis pas encore allé.
Iles que j'ai pu visiter : Bohol, panglao, balicasag et une petite partie de Luzon seulement. Mais j'y retourne fin janvier pour 3 semaines.
Vous arriverez vers la fin de la haute saison. Il vaudra donc la peine de discuter les prix.
Actuellement nous avons 6 compagnies aériennes domestiques: Domestic Airlines
Ils déservent régulièrement environ 30 aéroports. Mais les vols entre îles sont très
rares. Les trois "hubs" sont Manila, Clarke et Cebu.
Entre les îles tu prendras les ferries, les fast ferries et les pumpboats: Sea transportation
Sur les îles tu trouves des bus, des vans, des jeepneys des tricycles/motorelas qui t'ammènenet
à n'importe quel endroit.
RESERVEZ ASSEZ DE TEMPS. Les transports sont plutôt lents et ne les horaires, s'ils existent, sont
tenus au gré du chauffeur.
Les derniers années j'ai fait du island hopping avec un budget de PHP 1000 par jour, ce qi correspond actuellement
à EUR 15.80. Les repas locaux ne sont pas chers. Dans une "eatery" tu payes 40 à 60 pesos pour un repas. Dans
un resto style "west", tu commences à PHP 150.
La cuisine la plus épicée tu trouves au Bicol et au sud de Mindanao. Mais ce sud de Mindanao nous ne conseillons pas pour l'instant.
Argent: Il faut toujours avoir du liquide sur soi. Dans les centres touristiques tu peux payer avec la carte de crédit, mais à
la campagne ça ne merche pas. L'euro st accepté dans les centres touristiques, mais les banques sur mon île (Camiguin), ne l'aiment
pas et refusent. Mieux vaut avoir des USD. Dans les villes tu peux aussi tirer des billets des ATM avec ta carte de crédit.
Mais les ATM n'acceptent pas toutes les cartes et les taxes sont chères.
Guide touristiques: Je recommand mon site Interenet: www.silent-gardens.com ainsi que le guide de Jens Peters.
Le Jens Peters existe également sous forme de livre (allemand).
Comme tu arriveras après la saison "sèche" tu ne devrais pas avoir trop de problème de circulation terrestre, c'est déjà ça! Et globalement les réseaux de transports aériens, maritimes et terrestres sont très developpés et pas chers. Leurs fréquences évitent de s'inquiéter de leurs exactitudes 😉
Tu sembles hésiter entre Manille et Cebu pour arriver et passer une semaine tranquille, personnellement je conseillerai Cebu à partir de la quelle il est plus facile d'aller vers une jolie petite ile comme par exemple: Malapascua ou Bantayan au nord ou meme Panglao ou Siquijor au sud.
Pour un routard/sac-a-dos, le petit futé ne te sera pas d'une grande utilité! Non seulement il est truffé d'erreurs (et meme d'inventions !?) mais les indications données ne permettent vraiment pas de s'en sortir tout seul! Celui qu'il faut avoir, meme en anglais, c'est le lonely Planet! Toujours aussi impressionnant par sa précision et la richesse de son contenu, meme si quelques infos sont aujourd'hui obsoletes, il date de 2006, je crois.Autrement si tu comprends l'allemand il y a un énorme pavé écrit par Jens Peters (c'est lui qui a écrit les premiers guides LP sur les philippines, aujourd'hui il habite sur une ile qu'il a acheté en face de Port Barton😎).
Pour ce qui est du budget et bien tout dépend de l'endroit ou tu te trouve, notamment pour le logement. Dans des endroits tres touristiques comme Boracay (avec ses hordes de Coréens/Taiwanais 😕) il faut compter plus du double du reste du pays. En gros 2000p la nuit quand ailleurs c'est ~800p (voir moins). Pour la nourriture la différence faiblit, tu peux partir sur une base de 300p (5€) par personne dans un resto sympa, mais dans une petite échoppe locale tu trouve des plats a moins de 60p (1€).
En ce qui concerne l'itinéraire, il faut prendre conscience qu'avec ses milliers d'iles, les philippines c'est très grand à visiter et en un mois tu ne pourras pas tout voir, loin de là! Personnellement, ca fait 3x3semaines que j'y vais et je rencontre toujours des gens qui me parlent d'une ile, d'une plage, d'une excursion, d'une plongée, etc... que je ne connais pas! Il faudra faire des choix en fonctions de tes envies: farniente/aventure, ballade/trek, plongée/escalade etc... Je me permettrais juste un conseil, l'incontournable : Les cultures en terrasse de Banaue!
bonsoir
tout abord je tiens a vous remercier pour vos reponses rapides !
ma femme et moi venons de prendre nos billets aller simple HK / cebu ( cebupabific a 135 euros / 2 pax )
etant donner que nous arriverons le 10 mars vers 16 H a cebu que me conseillez vous de faire ?
pourrais je avoir quelques infos sur cebu ?
et si par hasard vous connaissiez un petit hotel /bungalows sympas au bord de mer ?
quels balades faire en mobylette ?
et combien de temps devrions nous rester pour profiter un peu de cette ile ?
et une autre question, on me dit " saison seche " ??? c est sec sec ? soleil ? pas d eau ?
et apres cebu, quel ile ou quel endroit devrions nous nous diriger, facile de transport ( ferry ) ??
merci et passer un bon week end .....
ps: je n ai pas encore acheter les guides ....
cebu tu as malapascua au nord et moaboal au sud ouest autrement tu as bohol en face a 2h de ferry (500pesos aller ou 8oo pesos aller retour 1 personne)
pour plus de renseignements contactes moi en privé ou sur evapen64@yahoo.fr
bonsoir,
mars, avril :saison seche ou humide aux philippines?
😉
Janvier 21°C 25°C 30°C 29°C 23 mm
Fevrier 21°C 26°C 31°C 29°C 13 mm
Mars 22°C 27°C 33°C 29°C 18 mm
Avril 23°C 28°C 34°C 30°C 33 mm
Mai 24°C 29°C 34°C 30°C 130 mm
Juin 24°C 28°C 33°C 30°C 254 mm
Juillet 24°C 27°C 31°C 29°C 432 mm
Aout 24°C 27°C 31°C 30°C 422 mm
Septembre 24°C 27°C 31°C 30°C 356 mm
Octobre 23°C 27°C 31°C 30°C 193 mm
Novembre 22°C 26°C 31°C 29°C 145 mm
Decembre 21°C 25°C 30°C
MARS /AVRIL C'est bien le DEBUT de la saisonn SECHE, on est d'accord!!!
cher ami😉
La circulation maritime est toujours humide!!!lol😏
Quand à la circulation terrestre, elle est trés intense en avril, aux alentours de la semaine de paques;beaucoup de processions car les PHILIPPINS sont des chrétiens trés pratiquants.Cette époque correspond aux vacances scolaires.Les philippins en profitent pour rejoindre leur famille en province;grosses affluences sur les routes aux alentours de manille et aéroports trés fréquentés.
En 2006 la première année de vacances aux Phils en 4 semaines, à la routarde, j 'avais fait Manille, Baguio, Banaue, Bontoc Sagada, Cervantes, traversée de la cordillère en bus sur des chemins de montagne défoncés incroyable, puis San Fernando sur la cote, Bauan, retour à Manille, puis Puerto Galera traversée de mindorro, et de Panay, en bus, jusqu à IloIlo puis ferry jusqu'à Cebu, Moalboal, Dumaguete, Siquijorle tour en"mobylette", retour à Cebu, Avion pour Puerto Princessa, "mobylette" pour Sabang et El Nido(4 crevaisons). Retour à Manila en avion depuis PP.
Un bon rythme, certes, mais un béguin profond pour ce pays où je retourne chaque année. C'était l'époque de Pâcques, donc tous les Philippins sont en vacances ou en déplacement. Pour autant sans jouer vraiment des coudes, pas trop de problèmes de queue.
La mobylette est un 100cm3 a 3 vitesses semi automatiques, inversées / à nos motos(au retour, tu sais plus où tu en es si tu as une moto ici ) trés rustique, japonaise.Gaffe au gonflage et necessaire rustines dans tous les cas.Ci joint photo du vulcaniseur de campagne.😎un vieux bras oscillant pour presse, un vieux piston plein d'essence, un vieux morceau de chambre à air, tu enflammes l'essence et hop, des fois ça tient mieux que d'autres.
Bon trip
Bonjour !
Je te conseille de lire mon carnet de route que tu trouveras sur ce forum.
Pour les lieux sur Palawan ne loupe pas El Nido et le Coconut Garden Hotel (cacnipa Island) c'est un vrai paradis.
Nous avons voyagé sur Palawan seulement avec du liquide pendant 10 jours, et aucun pépin.
Par contre pas de SPA sur Palawan....:-) routard...routard...
merci de tes bonnes info, mais à Palawan, je préférais chez Gloria(photo), imbattable au niveau prix, cases style oncle Tom tout peint en blanc, confort rustique mais ambiance, à 10 métres de la plage, et manger chez Jean Marc, delicieux restau( il tient aussi un truc de plongée), se balader autour et y rester le maximum, Si les sites des Phils paraissent pour un paradis, el Nido est le paradis, le vrai, l'inoubliable. Le confort ne m'interesse pas beaucoup, mais une discussion avec la maitresse de maison, ça, c'est de l'authentique !!
pas moins de 3 jours à el NIDO;
sinon, aux Phils, j'estime la dépense à 100 euros tous les 3 jours en vivant bien, hors voyage sérieux, ferry ou plane, seul. A deux le prix chute(même prix de la chambre)chambre mais depends du nombre de SM que tu bois le soir............ et de ton appétit 150 à 200 psos pour 1 plat moyen.Mais tu peux trouver - cher.
En monnaie, je n'améne que des euros en billet de 50€, fini les dollars, ...... et ma carte visa, bien sûr, change rapide dans 95% du temps, et change € si pas d' ATM.- distributeur bancaire-je note tous les numéros de billets depuis une mésaventure dans un grand mail de Cebu.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
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...
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 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! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
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 dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi 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 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.
