Voici un petit récapitulatif des plages les plus prisées des Philippines.
Cette synthèse a été établie par un groupe d'expats résidents des Philippines.
On n'est évidemment pas obligé d' être d'accord avec eux.
Je ne suis que le traducteur, le texte était anglais au départ.
Les Philippines valent-elles la peine d' être visitées? A votre avis??
C'est une chouette région. Avec des gens accueillants, des logements bon marché et un choix de 7000 îles à visiter. LOnely Planet nomme les Philippines les " îles oubliées de l'Asie du Sud-Est", ce qui est bien dommage, car les Philippines ont beaucoup à offrir.
Spécialement si vous aimez les sports d'eau, le sable fin, les vagues et la plage. Où aller? Par où commencer?
Beaucoup de gens ont entendu parler de Boracay, qui est parfois qualifiée de " plage la plus blanche d' Asie". Et c'est vrai! Si vous trouvez que les plages de Bali sont belles, que les plages de Thaïlande sont belles, vous n'avez encore rien vu! Nous ne plaisantons pas. Boracay a réellement un sable blanc poudreux qui ne se compare à aucune autre plage d' Asie. Peut-être les Maldives sont-elles ce qu' il y a de plus proche. Mais hélas, elles sont beaucoup plus coûteuses, élitistes, et vous y serez bloqué sur une petite île pour la durée de tout votre séjour.
Et comment sont les autres endroits et les autres îles d' ici? Voici une petite comparaison de ce que chacune a à offrir.
Cette liste est forcément très incomplète. Et subjective. N' hésitez pas à critiquer, commenter, ou y ajouter vos propres préférences.
Boracay
Prossable " blanc de blanc", eaux chaudes et calmes plage la plus connue des Philippines eaux cristallines bon niveau de développement ( boutiques, ATMs, internet, TV) logements disponibles dans toutes les gammes de prix cuisine internationale possibilité de visiter de petites îles bon emplacement de plongée et snorkeling ambiance animée et vie nocturne possibilité de location de motos pour visiter l' îleConsniveau de développement ( trop développée? Un peu style Phuket) musique bruyante tout au long de la White Beach dès l'après-midi pas de vagues ( eaux calmes) en saison, parfois présence d'alguesMalapascua (nord-est de Cebu)
Prosplongée ( requins, grottes, et à peu près tout ce que vous voulez!) eaux cristallines pas de voitures sur l' île pas beaucoup de " civilisation" “atmosphère familiale” or “ambiance Robinson Crusoe "
choix de restauration et d'attractions bon marché mais limité excellent endroit pour l' observation nocturne du ciel....Conslogement/restauration " basique" seulement petite île, on en a vite fait le tour plage étroite, peu de vagues oursins en eau peu profondeBantayan (nord-ouest de Cebu)
Prosbelle île pour y vivre
plage de sable " blanc-blanc" eaux cristallines atmosphère relax et hors de l'actualité
facile à explorer en moto de location restauration de bonne qualité et bon marché le karaoké le moins cher du monde!!!!
Consbien que ce soit une assez grande île avec des villages et des villes, pas un seul ATM disponible sur l'île!
Honday Bay et Nagtoban (Palawan, près de Puerta Princesa)
ProsVrai sentiment de " Robinson Crusöe", pas ou peu de touristes, surtout à Nagtoban
différents types de plages, caillouteuse à Honday Bay, sable à Nagtoban l' intérieur de l' île est d' une beauté à couper le souffle logement bon marché impression d'avoir remonté le temps, très original
pas très développé
rivière souterraine près de Puerta PrincesaConsélectricité, eau courante et connexion téléphone mobile aléatoires à Nagtoban Mouches de sable à Nagtoban Note : Si vous voulez de l'eau courante, amenez la avec vous! Au nord, le climat est moins favorable. Honday bay : vous pouvez louer un bateau, embarquer votre glacière, et vous faire déposer sur une île que vous aurez pour vous seul(s)pour la journée. A Honday Bay, il y a des plages de sable blanc corallien et sans pierres. Le corail de Honday Bay permet un agréable snorkeling et de la plongée. Si vous voulez séjourner sur l' île Ledgen (??) il y a des nipa huts à 200 pesos/jopur, avec douche, toilette mais pas de papier ( 25 pesos/personne), juste au niveau de l'eau à marée haute. 14 kms de Puerto Princessa, 20 minutes de bateau pour l' île Ledgen ( 200 pesos aller-retour)
Camiguin (sud-ouest de Cebu et sud de Bohol)
Prosatmosphère hors du temps
île volcanique avec volcan, sources chaudes et chutes d'eau île intéressante à explorer, très agréable pour décompresser et se relaxer
Conssur-évaluée par les guides touristiques
difficile d'accès mince bande de sable blanc seulement, parfois même recouverte à marée haute le reste de la plage est caillouteux ou de sable gris-noir choix limité pour le logement et la restauration
Bohol (sud de Cebu)
Prosbelle plage de sable blanc à Panglao Island (Alona Beach) ou Cabilao (plus éloigné) choix correct de logements/restauration à bon prix spots de plongée près de Panglao, Balicasaq et Siquihor Island Chocolate Hills (doivent être vues- incroyable!) Tarsiers (le plus petit singe au monde) Rafting et chutes d'eau ville principale active (Tagbilaran)Consaspect chaotique de la ville deTagbilaran difficulté d'accès aux plages oursins en eau peu profondeA prendre ou à laisser.....
Et bien ceux qui ont fait ce petit bilan des belles plages ont bien travaillés je trouve.
Un petit rectificatif pour Bnatayan, où je vis comme tu le sais,
il y a maintenant un ATM, et c'est vrai que cela rend la vie plus facile. pour les voyageurs.
Il se trouve à l'agence locale de Allied Bank, à Banatyan ville.
Bravo pour ton nouveau post ça vas nous changer d’entende parler des Philippines et non plus des téléphones à 700 €, des SIM card etc…….
Pour les aventuriers je rajouterai juste
Sipalay Negros Occ.
Coron Busuanga Palawan
La peninsule de Caramoan Cam. Sur. Luzon
Siargao Surigao Del Norte Mindanao
Et San vincente Palawan la plus longue plage des Philippines (7X Boracay)
je ne doute pas que boracay reste une des plus belles, mais je n'y retournerai pas, l'ayant connu en 85, et quand je lis une comparaison avec phuket, cela n'est plus très engageant !
il doit y avoir parmi les 7000 iles quelques unes à découvrir !!!!
Merci pour ton initiative. Voici quelques remarques et infos complémentaires:
1) Camiguin a qulques 300 chambres d'hôtel (resorts). White Island n'est jamais 100% sous l'eau. mais devient très petit à marée haute. Mantigue n'a que du sable blanc sur toute l'ile.
White Island avec Hibok-Hibok et Old Volcano
Mantigue, en 15 minutes autour de l'ile
2) Plages à ajouter: Panay: au nord de Kalibo entre Brgy Dumatad et Jawili. Sable noir et blanc. Descente très douce, longueur environ 6km.
La plage entre Dumatad et Jawili
Bohol: Ouest de Jagna. Sable blanc, descente douce, petites baies.
(pas de photo, la carte était pleine)
Alons nager (il pleut des cordes ce soir)
Cheers, Boo
Pour rejoindre Hagnaya, rendez-vous au terminal nord, où il y a des bus pratiquement toutes les heures, à partir de 3 heure du matin.
Pour les bateau, le premier est à 5 heure à Hagnaya, pour Santa Fé, le dernier à 4 heure de l'après-midi.
Il y en a souvent, trois compagnies différentes y opèrent.
Pour le trajet en bus, il n'y en a que rarement avec air-co.
Ceçi dit, tu peux essayer un V hire, également au départ du terminal nord, mais il n'y en a pas systématiquement.
Pour la période de décembre, je serai sur place.
Pour le logement, il n'y a pas non plus trop de problème, tout dépend, financièrement, de ce que tu veux.
Attention si c'est la période Noêl-Nouvel An, il est prudent de réserver.
Sinon, à ta disposition.
celui qui n'a pas visite el nido. ne connait pas the last and the biuty place in this monde. ce n'est pas le village el nido par lui meme avec tous ses cottages in the front qui font sa beaute et sa lithel plage. mais ses alentours. BACUIT BAY. paysages grandioses eau cristalline falaises de granite recouvertes de petites vegetations on se croyait aux temps preystoriques. à visiter small lagoon à cote big lagoon secret beach. NE PAS OUBLIER. le groupe lagen island en particulier snake island.la lanque de plage qui sort de terre à maree basse. partir le matin de bonne heure en banka pour la voir.
pour les visiteurs qui seraient perdus en arrivant à el nido. pour vous loger exursions plonger manger goog food. allez voir mon pote jean marc au resto le SQUIDO. ou sa femme merserita. DE LA PART DU VIEUX.
il sera s'occuper de vous ent tant que compatriote.
et bonnes vacances. PHILS THE BEST 😏
SLT
JE TE REMERCIE POUR TA REPONSE RAPIDE. JE VAIS SUIVRE TES CONSEILS POUR ARRIVER SUR TON ISLANd.
mon point de depart etant panglao ou je dois aller voir mes amis francais yannik et eva qui ont un new resort la bas. IL EST GUIDE TOURISTIQUE POUR LES FRANCOFONES.
je partirais de tabliraran en speed boat via cebu deux heures de navigation. apres taxi air con . et re bateau pour arriver sur ton island . JE DOIS POUVOIR FAIRE LE TRIP DANS LA JOURNEE.
je compte aussi faire un saut à camiguin boire l'apero avec notre ami pinoy7 que je salue au passage.
et bien pour repondre à ta question ou je suis passe par san vicente. on est toujours en mer de chine dans le groupe off baayan island.
tres beaux paysages . tu troveras little baguio falls betites cascades ou tu pourras faire trempette d'une naturelle grandeur.
tu trouveras aussi à agutaya une des plus longues plages in the country ideal pour l'aventure no peoples car peu connue. aussi crystal clear water partout comme dans une swimming pool. tu peux faire du snokelling dive site et autres. ce qui à motive ma visite too san vicente on y trouve le heron sanctuary. ce sont des centaines of white herons qui senvolent au lever du soleil. spectlacle garenty.
pour se rendre à san vicente partir de roxas c'est la partie la moins large de l'ile. conclusion beacoup de monde connait el nido ou en à entendu parler. mais de san vicente non. good trip to u.
PHILS THE BEST 😏
BONJOUR
biensur que l'on peut faire plusieurs trips à palawan .oll depend ta facon de voyager et tes moyens. PALA EST DEVENU CHER. les tranports c'est la galere bus jeep locaux en plus du temps s'il pleut on passe ses vacances sur la route. on peut toujours admirer le paysage. mon trip à pala à l'airport demander JUN JUN il à un trycycle nous on etait 4 . pour dix € par jour il vous emmenera voir prison farm ou les prisonniers sonnt en liberte biensur surveilles. AUSSI LA FERME DES CROCOS . les restos les meilleurs de pala le kaluy et le badjao seafront sur la mangrowe. à puerto princesa. il vous drive aussi to underground river prenez un coussin pour les fesses la route est dure. deux à trois jours à puerto c'est cool. apres commence l'aventure. location van 4X4 prive air con la semaine 500€ on à visite san vicente roxas tay tay et des petits villages et plages desertes avant d'arriver à el nido . EL NIDO location maison in the front bay plus location banka il faut au moins la semaine pour s'en mettre pleins les yeux. from el nido si on veut partir sur coron et busuanga pout la plongee il y à trois fois par semaine des bateaux qui font la routine depart à la station service du port. pour le retour à puerto p van cent € sept h de route avec du beau temps. voila une idee de trip à pala. POUR LE BUS c'est 300 PESOS . mais la c'est une autre istoire. good trip.
PHILS THE BEST 😏
pour the plane prendre pal philippines air line juste à cote de l'international ils ont the new air port pour eux prendre les billets sur place au comptoir. EVIRON 30€ PERSONNE ALLER MNLA PALA PUERTO. SE RENDRE à l'aeroport vers 6H DU MAT depart à 8H30 ARRIVEE PALA 10H30. CE QUI TE LAISSE LE TEMPS POUR VOIR. ET TROUVER JUN JUN. ALLEZ BON TRIP.
elle me plait aussi, ou se trouve t elle exactement a palawan ? sinon faudrait pas oublier les plages de puerto galera et en particulier white beach, elle aussi cristalline et bleu en ete, et surtout a 3 h de manille, c'est ce que j ai vu de mieux autour de manille. J ai entendu parler des plages d IBA au nord d'Olongapo, mais suis pas allé, qui connait de belles plages autour du manille ?
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
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, 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.