Bonjour,
J aimerai votre avis sur une première ébauche de notre voyage au Vietnam.
Nous aurons 13 jours sur place.
Arrivée à Hanoï le 17 mars au matin. Ensuite deux ou trois jours dans la baie d halong terrestre. Une nuit sur jonque dans la baie d halong. Ensuite nous descendrons sur Hue, 1 a 2 jours puis hoi an et un retour de Danang vers Bangkok le 29 mars. Nous souhaitons rester 3 jours a hoi an. Est il possible d envisager un trajet baie d halong terrestre vers maritime sans repasser par Hanoï ? Dans tout cela il me faut caser au moins une journée à Hanoï voire 2. Je me prends un peu la tête entre le triangle Hanoï et baies pour optimiser les trajets. Et en plus, je pense à la météo, je sais que Mars au nord ...! Merci d avance pour vos retours. Nous ne voulons pas courrir, quitte à en voir moins.
Catherine
Mars est OK. Hnaoi demande 2 jous. Ce qu'il faut faire est Hanoi, puis Along, puis Along-Ninh Binh direct (Tam Coc), dernier jourr à Tam Coc train de nuit Ninh Binh-Hue, 2 jours hue (cité impériale, pagode Thien Mu, marché central le 1er jourt, les mausolées Minh Mang/Khai Dinh.Tu Ducle ée jour, puis Hoi An (si vs avez le temps, faites en uen superbe journée de voiture letrajet Hue-lagune de Lang Co-col des Nuages-musée cham de Danang-montagne de Marbre-Hoi An)
Avec 13jrs sur place pour que le Nord et le Centre:
j1+2 Hanoi
j3: Hanoi - Ha long (nuit sur bateau)
j4: Halong ( encore une nuit sur bateau)
j5: Halong - Ninh binh ( halong terreste): normalement le bateau vous depose au bort entre 9h a midi, dans l'apres midi vous faites la route direct Halong - Halong terreste.
j6: Halong terreste.
=> Apes les visite vous pouvez attendre le train de nuit pour aller a Hue ( le train part vers 21h00 de Ninh Binh) ou vers 15h00 vous prennez le taxi pour l'aeroport Noi Bai (Hanoi), il y a les vols pour Hue apres 18h00.
j7+8 Hue,
J9 Hue - Danang - Hoian (par le col des nuages)
j10-12 Hoi an
j13 Hoian- Danang - Thailand
Bon voyage!!!
pas franchement le même programme mais voici ce que j'avais fait en 13 jours :
Si vous voulez des photos, plus d'infos ou le contact de l'agence, envoyez un message sur cette discussion ou en MP !
PS. la Jonque est exceptionnelle ! Un moment unique
Description:
Ce voyage vous mènera d’Hanoi à Ninh Binh, en passant par Ha Long pour faire une croisière de rêve avant de rejoindre le centre : Hue et Hoi An. Vous passerez aussi par de nombreuses villes et villages souvent ignorées des circuits touristiques.
Réserves naturelles, pagodes, fabriques artisanales, vie locale, croisière, tombeaux, sites classés au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO… Et bien d’autres choses à découvrir.
Moments forts :
Les visites de nombreux sites fantastiques : Pagode de Tay Phuong, Hoa Lu, cathédrale de Phat Diem, tombeau de Tu Duc, la citadelle de hue…
Balade en Sampan à Van Long
Visite de Hoi An et de l’incroyable site de My Son Les espaces naturels : Rizières, parc national de Cuc Phuong (parmis les dernières forêts primaires du Vietnam)
Sites classés au Patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO : Hoi An, My Son, Ninh Binh, Hue, Ha Long…
Croisiète fantastique sur les eaux pristines d’Ha Long (et Cat Ba et Lan ha)
Programme :
Jour 1 : Arrivée à Hanoi
Accueil à l’aéroport par notre chauffeur. Installation à votre hôtel. Journée de repos, diner et nuit à Hanoi.
Jour 2 : Hanoi – Mai Chau
Le Matin : départ en minibus en direction de Mai Chau. En chemin, visitez la Pagode de Tay Phuong à l’architecture étonnante. L’attrait principal de cette pagode reste les 100+ statues en bois laqué au style réaliste et expressif que vous y trouverez.
Après le déjeuner, continuez votre route jusqu’à la vallée de Mai Chau.
Promenade au milieu des rizières avant le dîner chez nos hôtes de l’ethnie Thai. Vous pourrez voir leur maison sur pilotis. N’hésitez pas à demander des explications sur leur mode de vie, leur maison… vous en apprendrez énormément sur l’incroyable culture Thaï.
Jour 3 : Mai Chau – Cuc Phuong
Départ de Mai Chau. En chemin, visitez une usine de baguettes de bambou et le long de la rivière Ma : des briqueteries locales.
En début d’après-midi, vous arriverez au Parc national de Cuc Phuong.
Un trek d’une durée de 2 h environ vous permettra de découvrir une des dernières forêts primaires du Vietnam qui abrite plus de 2000 espèces végétales, dont certaines sont très rares.
Trek de 2h. Vous pourrez explorer l’une des dernières forêts primaire du Vietnam : et ses quelque 2000+ espèces végétales donc certaines sont particulièrement rares, voir même uniques au monde.
Dîner et nuit dans une maison sur pilotis locale.
Jour 4 : Cuc Phuong – Van Long – Hoa Lu
Nous proposons un réveil matinal pour visiter le jardin botanique où vous aurez peut–être la chance de voir des cerfs, des singes en semi-liberté et autres animaux qui peuplent ce jardin.
9h : visite du centre d’aide aux primates en voie de disparition. Géré par des biologistes allemands et des Vietnamiens de la région, l’objectif de ce centre est d’améliorer la vie des singes et de les réintroduire dans leur milieu naturel.
Après la visite, Prenez une voiture jusqu’au site de Van Long où vous ferez une promenade en sampan. Cette partie de la baie d’Ha Long terrestre est moins fréquentée que le site de Tam Coc.
Visite de Hoa Lu, capitale du pays pendant 41 ans sous la dynastie Dinh (968 - 980), puis de la dynastie Le antérieurs (980 – 1009).
Dîner et nuit à Hoa Lu.
Jour 5 : Hoa Lu – Phat Diem – Haiphong
Visite de la cathédrale de Phat Diem à l’architecture unique (Sino-Vietnamienne) et à la taille imposante. Au-delà du symbole chrétien, c’est un exemple magistral de l’architecture vietnamienne de l’époque de Hué.
Encore intact, cette construction est plus impressionnante encore que les vestiges de la capitale de l’Annam (Hoa Lu).
Après le déjeuner, départ pour Haiphong ou vous dinerez et dormirez.
Jour 6 : Haiphong – Cat Ba – Baie d’Along
9 h : navette rapide Haiphong – Cat Ba
Après 5 minutes en taxi, vers 10h vous embarquerez sur votre Jonque privative.
Traversez le village flottant de Cat Ba et retrouvez-vous au cœur des paysages karstiques de la baie.
L’équipage ancrera le bateau dans un endroit paisible pour la pause déjeuner et pendant qu’ils vous prépareront un déjeuner de poissons et fruits de mer, vous pourrez vous baigner (en fonction de la météo) ou prendre la petite barque de bambou (traditionnelle de la baie) pour aller explorer les alentours.
Après une petite sieste digestive, hissez les voiles pour un après-midi de navigation dans la baie et vous pourrez vous mettre à la barre sous l’œil vigilant du capitaine.
Avant le coucher du soleil, rejoignez une crique isolée dans la baie de Lan Ha pour la nuit.
Dîner et nuit à bord, sur le pont du bateau ou dans la cabine.
Jour 7 : Baie d’Along – Haiphong – Hanoi – Hué
Vous vous réveillerez dans un cadre magique et apprécierez ces premiers moments de calme de la journée.
Après un bon petit déjeuner, la jonque repartira pour continuer la découverte. Vous pourrez visiter une petite mer intérieure à laquelle on accède avec la barque à rame, rencontrer une famille de pêcheurs et pêcher à la ligne.
Arrêt pour le dernier déjeuner avant de rejoindre Cat Ba vers 12h.
En attendant le bateau rapide, vous irez faire un tour au marché de Cat Ba.
Prenez le bateau rapide à 14h et arrivez à Haiphong vers 15h.
Notre chauffeur vous y attendra et vous conduira jusqu’à la gare d’Hanoi. Train couchette pour Hué.
Jour 8 : Hué
Vous arriverez en fin de matinée à Hué.
Transfert à votre hôtel.
Vous pourrez prendre une douche et déjeuner tranquillement pour vous remettre de la nuit en train couchette.
Après un repos suffisant, vous pourrez repartir visiter la Citadelle, construite en 1805. Longue de 10 km, elle rappelle les fortifications de Vauban et renferme la cité impériale et la cité pourpre interdite. Vous ne manquerez pas de voir la tour du drapeau, haute de 17m50 et les neufs canons dynastiques minutieusement sculptés, situé à l’entrée d’une des portes de la citadelle. Vous pénétrez ensuite dans la Cité par la porte principale, la porte Ngo Mon. Les allées ombragées vous mèneront vers les nombreux temples construits dans l’enceinte de la Cité impériale.
Dîner et nuit à Hué
Jour 9 : Hué – Hoi An
Partez pour une visite du tombeau de Tu Duc.
Ensuite, prenez la route pour Hoi An en passant par le Col des Nuages. Circulant à flanc de montagne, vous aurez une magnifique vue sur la baie de Lang Co.
Vous aurez la soirée de libre.
Dîner et nuit à Hoi An.
Jour 10: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An
Le matin, vous partirez pour une visite du site de My Son à environ 60 km de Hoi An. My Son et Hoi An sont classés au Patrimoine mondiale de l’UNESCO. My Son est l’un des joyaux de l’architecture Cham et l’un des plus importants témoignages que nous ait laissé cette civilisation.
Après-midi: visite de Hoi An, Faifo de son premier nom. Les jolies rues de Hoi An ont conservé une architecture ancienne très typique où se mêlent les influences chinoises, japonaises, vietnamiennes et françaises. Cette diversité de de styles s’explique par l’ancienne activité portuaire de la ville : Hoi An était l'une des escales principales des bateaux circulant en Extrême-Orient.
Dîner et nuit à Hoi An.
Jour 11 : Hoi An – Hanoi
Vous profiterez librement de votre matinée dans la charmante ville de Hoi An.
Transfert à Danang en début d’après-midi afin d’attraper un vol pour Hanoi.
Dîner et nuit à Hanoi.
Jour 12 : Hanoi – Départ pour Paris
En fonction de votre horaire de vol, matinée libre ou visite de Hanoi. Vous serez amené à l’aéroport par notre chauffeur. Départ pour la France.
Bonsoir
- 2 ou 3 jours à HANOI ( préférer le centre historique)
- 2 nuits dans la baie d'HA LONG et île de Cat Ba
- 1 nuit pour le voyage ?. Cela dépend du moyen de transport
- 2 nuits Halong Terrestre / Ninh Binh
- 2 nuits HUE pas plus
- 1 nuit à LANG CO . Magnifique plage en venant de Hue juste avant le col des nuages que l'on peux voire de la plage . Sur place plusieurs grands hôtels et homestays
- 2 ou 3 jours à HOI AN : Très bons souvenirs.
- Départ en avion de Danang pour Bangkok.
Bonne préparation pour votre voyage
Je ne vois pas trop l'intéret de passer une nuit à Lang Co ; je préfère passer plus de temps à Hoi An, où je connais une belle plage avec peu de touristes et un excellent restaurant (plus plages vides entre An Bong et Cua Dai)
Les 2 endroits sont magnifiques , la plage de Lang Co est une très bonne étape, la mer est super chaude et il y a tous les types de logements souvent en bord de mer. De plus vous serez 2 ou 3 jours à Hoï An après . Si la plage de Cua Daï est devenue décevante , la plage de An Bang est plus authentique . De bons Resorts se sont montés à une extrémité. Larsay évoque un endroit entre les 2 plages que je ne connais pas.
Bon voyage
Eric
Lang Co est mentionné aussi dans le Michelin et le Lonely
RE
Nous sommes bien d'accord Jacques . Le Vietnam à beaucoup de belles plages . Mais pas à Hoi An est pas plus au départ de l'embarcadère de la baie d'Halong
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.
