Nous sommes un couple de saisonnier et nous prevoyons un voyage (4, 6 mois) en asie du sud est. Au depart nous voulions passer environ un mois de vacances a Bali, ou autre ile paradisiaque d'indonesie ( pour la partie vacances bien meritee ) puis visiter le vietnam, le laos, le nord de la thailande, peut etre un bout de chine, puis finir dans le sikhim indien. Suite a de nombreuse lectures, nous nous sommes interesses au cambodge, a la malaysie, a la birmanie, aux philippines, au nepal et desinteresses de la chine. Nous ne savons pas encore tres bien dans quel sens partir, ni dans quel ordre visiter ces pays, ni si nous allons pouvoir tous les faire. Depart Debut Novembre . Ceci est donc un appel a tous les connaisseurs, inities de cette region, non avares de conseils 😉. en l'occurrence :
_ Trajets de novembre a avril ( quel sens d'apres vous ?)
- Les visas
- Lieux Hors des sentiers battus
- Lieux a ne pas louper
- Lieux et pieges a eviter
- Medocs et equipements indispensable ...Pour info je suis asthmatique et je prends des medicaments pour l'insomnie , quels sont les legislations en vigueur niveau douanes concernant ceci ?.
- niveau budget , on prevoit 900 euros chacun par mois transport inclus
Nous avons voyager en inde et loger en guesthouse donc on compte faire la meme en asie , pas de camping et voyager en bus ou train si faisable ..et quelques vols internes j'imagine
Voila , TOUS vos conseils et suggestions seront bienvenue ! Merci a tous
Super projet, mais encore trop vague pour que l'on puisse vraiment t'aider ! La zone décrite est si vaste qu'il te faudra faire des choix car sinon tu ne verra pas grand chose de chaque endroit.
Je te conseille de clarifier la durée du voyage (4 mois ou 6 mois c'est pas pareil !) d'affiner ton parcours (entre 3 semaines et 1 mois par pays semble une base de réflection intéressante). Ensuite on pourra être plus précis sur les problèmes de visas et autres.
Chris Cool.
PS : Un ordre assez "logique" commencerait par l'arrivée à Bangkok, puis la Birmanie, retour Thaïlande pour monter au nord, Laos, Cambodge, Vietnam, Philippines. Mais si tu veux commencer par L'indonésie, en suite tu fais Malaisie puis Thaïlande et la suite comme ci-dessus.
Mes voyages, mes infos, mes bons plans : http://mathailande.free.fr
(Thaïlande bien sûr, mais aussi Laos, Cambodge, Malaisie, Indonésie, Philippines, etc...)
Merci pour ta reponse ! Alors le Depart Tout debut Novembre et retour vers debut ou Mi avril ( pour la saison d'ete ) ce qui nous fait 5 mois ou 5 mois 1/2 si on a de la chance.
on aurait aime integrer le japon mais pas faisable je pense niveau budget et distance , en fait niveau saison on se demande par quel cote commence et sachant que nous aimeriont vraiment finir au Nepal quels serait les pays a eliminer sur la route si jamais on devait faire un choix - nous ne voulons pas manquer la birmanie , l'indonesie , et les philippines
en consequence on serait plus sur du 3 semaines ( grosso modo )
En 2004, j'avais fait un voyage qui ressemble à ce que vous voulez faire :
- 1 Billet AS sec pour Singapour avec stop over à Kuala Lumpur ou direct pour Singapour.
- le lendemain on descend en bus sur une ville près de SIN et on va sur une ile en Indonésie qui est un départ de PELNI. Ensuite PELNi jusqu'à Makassar ( 2.5 jours) et ensuite 2 mois à Sulawesi à bricoler à gauche à droite.
- Sortie d’Indonésie par Manado au nord de Sulawesi vers Mindanao et general santos en bateau ( il y aurait un PELNI qui va à Davao maintenant, à vérifier ) ensuite 2 mois aux Philippines
- sortie des Philippines par la ligne Ferry Cebu-Zamboanga-Sandakan, on arrive en Malaisie au Sabah, on rejoint Kota Kinabalu et on prend un vol pas cher pour KL.
- De KL, pas sur qu'on trouve un billet bon marché de retour avec un stop over pour KTM, donc on remonte sur Bangkok, en général c'est la Biman, la Cie du Bangladesh. Inutile de se trimbaler dans toute l'asie du sud est avec le stuff montagne : j'avais acheté une grande partie du matos rando à Bangkok, car je n'allais pas au Népal ( ou on peut trouver du matos de montagne facilement ) mais dans l’Himalaya indien, Darjeeling, sikkim etc
Si vous augmentez la cadence vous ne serez plus sur du routard/voyageur mais sur du tourisme normal, avec beaucoup d'avions, de location de minibus, taxi, moto etc etc, pour rester sur des transports locaux et partager avec les gens du coin, il faut baisser la cadence de voyage.
Merci pour ta reponse ! Alors le Depart Tout debut Novembre et retour vers debut ou Mi avril ( pour la saison d'ete ) ce qui nous fait 5 mois ou 5 mois 1/2 si on a de la chance.
on aurait aime integrer le japon mais pas faisable je pense niveau budget et distance , en fait niveau saison on se demande par quel cote commence et sachant que nous aimeriont vraiment finir au Nepal quels serait les pays a eliminer sur la route si jamais on devait faire un choix - nous ne voulons pas manquer la birmanie , l'indonesie , et les philippines
en consequence on serait plus sur du 3 semaines ( grosso modo )
Est ce que ca te parait realisable ? Merci
Moi je zapperai la Malaisie, je réduirai la durée au Cambodge (15 jours maxi, voir 10 jours)
d'un point de vu météo et ergonomie il me semble que commencer par L’indonésien (mais où en Indonésie ? juste Bali ?) serait le plus logique (car revenir vers l'Indonésie plus tard pour finir au Népal n'est pas terrible niveau bilan carbone !)
Si tu pouvais me contacter par Skype via ma signature ce serait plus simple d'en parler.
Chris Cool.
Mes voyages, mes infos, mes bons plans : http://mathailande.free.fr
(Thaïlande bien sûr, mais aussi Laos, Cambodge, Malaisie, Indonésie, Philippines, etc...)
Je n'ai pas d'idée sur le parcours, il est aussi bien qu'un autre ! ça risque d'être un peu juste en 5 mois !
En plus si vous ne passez pas en Thaïlande je ne peux pas grand chose pour vous !
Chris Cool.
Mes voyages, mes infos, mes bons plans : http://mathailande.free.fr
(Thaïlande bien sûr, mais aussi Laos, Cambodge, Malaisie, Indonésie, Philippines, etc...)
je compte faire exactement la meme chose que vous de janvier a avril de 2013 avec ma copine g deja quelques renseignements et si vous vous pouvez me dire ce que vous avez recu comme indications
endroits ou aller et tout cela m interesse bcp on pourra en parler et partager les info
je compte faire thailande laos vietnam et cambodge
Nous envisageons de partir en thailande pour les fetes de fin d'annee et nous nous demandons si cela et faisable avec nos enfants de 2 ans 1/2 et de 6 mois 1/2…
Près une petite infidélité à L'asie (je reviens des Usa), je cogite déja pour mon futur voyage de l été prochain. Je sais qu'il sera asiatique mais où? J'ai…
A peine rentre de voyage, que je suis déjà en train de préparer celui de fin d année! Notre choix s est arrête sur la Thailande mais pas que celle des plages…
Daily Postale a écrit un article sur un séisme a venir, dont l'épicentre serait les Moluques...Il serait de plus de 8° sur l'échelle de Richter et provoquerais…
J'envisage pour le mois d'octobre ou novembre 2012, un séjour d'un mois au Vietnam.Le problème est que je n'est aucun renseignement sur se pays, n'y ou aller,…
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
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 everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
