Eh oui :
Les prouesses de l’animal protégé en Thaïlande n’arrêtent pas d’étonner le monde. Depuis plusieurs années le camp d’éléphants de Mae Sa (Chiang Mai) dresse les éléphants et s’efforce de leur apprendre à faire plusieurs choses : Jouer de la musique, faire du foot par example. Récemment Mae Sa est passé à un niveau de dressage inégalé dans le monde : Faire peindre les éléphants. Le résultat est époustouflant. Le camp a reçu 2 prix du Guiness Book of Records : Le plus grand tableau paint par les éléphants (12 mètres de large) Le tableau le plus cher paint par un éléphant (vendu au début de l’année 40.000 US Dollars)Chaque jour 4 éléphants exécutent 3 fois par jour des tableaux devant les yeux émerveillés de visiteurs du camp. Ces tableaux sont vendus 2.000 Bahts.
Mais quand ça marche, ça fait boule de neige. Le jardin tropical de Npng Nooch (Pattaya) fait maintenant aussi peindre les éléphants. Mais ici, les tableaux sont vendus 200 Bahts seulement.
Même chez les éléphants, les toiles de maîtres se vendent plus chers.
Mais attend! c fou!! le tableau que nous pouvons voir à été completement réalisé par les elephant ou se contentent-t-ils juste des points blancs bleutés de la photo de gauche!!?
Je suis completement impressionnés...
vivre sa vie comme on le veut plutôt que comme on le peut...bien qu'on le fasse quand même un peu comme on le peut..
Le tableau est bien dessiné à 100 % par les éléphants. L’aprobation guiness s’est faite en 2 parties : D’abord Mae Sa a soumis des photos d’un tableau (4 ou 5 mètres de large) au guiness. Quelques mois plus tard, les inspecteurs du Guiness se sont déplacés pour assister à l’exécution en directe du tableau de 12 mètres de large. 8 éléphants artistes ont collaboré ensemble à créér le tableau, chacun s’étant spécialisé dans une technique précise.
C'est incroyable comme histoire, magnifiques on dit que les éléphants ont une très bonne mémoire, surement que ça doit être cela qu'ils sont capables à faire ceci .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
J'ai assisté au spectacle de démo du Mae Sa Elephant Camp à Chiang Mai, et je crois pas que les éléphants fassent ca tout seul, il y'a toujours un "cornac" qui leur tiens l'oreille. Alors est ce qu'il les guide, est ce qu'il ne fait rien du tout ca je n'en sais rien. Toujours est il que même si ce sont les éléphants qui réalisent les tableaux ( ils les peignent quoi ) je ne suis pas convaincu que ce soit eux qui les pensent. Mais ca reste tres impressionant !
PS: La thaîlande et le Laos, c'est de la balle, merci aux VF qui m'ont aidé pour mon voyage. Le Laos c'est mieux quand même !
Wédé
Rien ne sert de courir, il faut manger quand c'est chaud.
Nous aussi, nous avons vu ces éléphants peintres, le plus rigolo, c'est quand ils se reculent de temps en temps " genre je fait un pas en arrière : ok.. je continue"... Je dois reconnaître que c'est assez bluffant..
J'ai assisté au spectacle de démo du Mae Sa Elephant Camp à Chiang Mai, et je crois pas que les éléphants fassent ca tout seul, il y'a toujours un "cornac" qui leur tiens l'oreille. Alors est ce qu'il les guide, est ce qu'il ne fait rien du tout ca je n'en sais rien. Toujours est il que même si ce sont les éléphants qui réalisent les tableaux ( ils les peignent quoi ) je ne suis pas convaincu que ce soit eux qui les pensent. Mais ca reste tres impressionant !
PS: La thaîlande et le Laos, c'est de la balle, merci aux VF qui m'ont aidé pour mon voyage. Le Laos c'est mieux quand même !
Wédé
Vu de cette façon, on penserait que l’éléphant ne fait rien. Tout au contraire, le cornac est là pour tendre le pinceau de la bonne couleur aux éléphants car ces derniers (comme la plupart des animaux) ne voient pas les couleurs et aussi pour les stimuler de temps en temps quand ils se montrent trop pareisseux. Ils ne tiennent pas du tout la trompe de l’éléphant en les guidants à tracer les traits.
L’exploit vient vraiment de l’éléphant qui utilise sa trompe (organe extraordinaire composé de plus de 100.000 muscles) d’une façon toute différente de ses habitudes naturelles pour se nourir.
Génial !
J'avais lu que les éléphants avaient des signes d'intelligence, mais là 😮
��a change des "crottes de mouche" produites par un chat à qui on avait aussi essayé d'apprendre à peindre.
J'ai bien noté Mae Sa, près de Chiang Mai, ça tombe bien j'ai prévu de faire un tour à Chiang Mai en octobre. Je crois que mes filles vont adorer...
Merci pour l'info.
ma préférence va sur les éléphants faisant de l'art abstrait .. je crois que il faut mètre un peut de réalisme a tout cela oui c'est un peut cirque, et artificiel, mais je préfère voir ses éléphants faire leur arts .
Ces éléphants sont bien entretenu, pas abuser, et en bonne santé, que les éléphants mendiants de BKK ou, c'est un véritable supplice . J'approuve leur spectacle même si dans le fond ce sont des amuseurs publics ..
d'autre part même si ils ne font pas de l'art véritablement on peut notée les capacité techniques que un pachyderme peut faire .. mais bon dans les cirques les exploits sont bien plus grands ..
OUI aller les voir .. monter sur eux faite des ballades de teks plus vous soutenez la petite industrie de ce genre de tourisme, au moins ils ne seront a la porte et n'aurons pas d'autre choix que de venir la nuit mendier dans les rue Bangkok. les pachydermes de bkk sont tres malheureux .. ils sont affamer .. et leur rétines extrêmement sensible en prenne de sacre coups avec les phares de voiture ..
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
c'est vraiment très étonnant, je suis bluffé.
ou cela se passe t-il exactement, à quel période, j'ai envie d'aller voir çà !!!
Tres bien comme réaction . C'est exactement ce que mondopthai a voulut créer ..mètre des post comme celui ci n'est pas regarder ce que j"'ai vécu .. mais regarder ce que ce pays vous propose .. et venir en toute sécurité passer un bon temps .. et dans ce cas .. vous dire que vous euros ne sont pas mal distribuer . il y a 2 chang .. ( éléphants ) les en chair et en os .. et la bière chang également,
essayer d'être au moins équitable ??
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
je suis allée la bas il y a 2 ans mais ils n'étaient pas encore peintres !
par contre ceux de Bangkok faisaient mal au ventre a voir, en plein milieu des rues, si loin de leur milieu naturel et maltraités comme tout devant le public, ca m'a écoeurée..... 🙁
je suis allée la bas il y a 2 ans mais ils n'étaient pas encore peintres !
les pachydermes picassos étaient l'a .. il y a + de 2 ans .😎.
Exact pour ce qui est des cousins mendiants .. c'est pour cette raison que ce post est important ..
Un autre phénomène révoltant .. se sont les bébés éléphants des grans hôtels .. qui utilisent des bébé éléphants trop jeunes .. pour faire la photo souvenir avec les clients de l'hôtel .. bien .. je me demandais bien ce que ces bébé éléphant pouvais bien manger?? il allait pas détruire les très beaux jardin .. et bien après le show .. le bébé éléphant passe dans les arrières cuisines et mange les restes des aliments des clients ....... a réfléchir
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
ha tu m'as fait peur, je croyais que l'éléphant faisait aussi le maquillage de cette Demoiselle, maintenant on ne s'étonne plus de rien avec eux les éléphants .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Franchement les éléphants sont des animaux qui possèdent une personalité unique!!Leur plus grande qualité est la générosité: en effet n'oubliez pas que ce sont eux qui ont allerté les Thais (ceux qui étaient avec eux) à Phuket lors du Tsunami de décembre 2004!!! Donc vivre avec des éléphants c'est rassurants....ils nous en faudrait ici car Alger est une zone sismique...
Je veux bien les voir peindre, mais je n'aime pas qu'on les traite comme des bêtes curieuses faites pour amuser les "stupides touristes".
Ce que je veux dire c'est que le touristes doit disparaitre pour faire place aux voyageurs responsables de demain, capable d'aider et de participer s'il le faut à la vie dans les pays ou il va!!!!😄
😠Donc carton rouge pour les Hotels de luxe de Bkk qui réduisent leur éléphantaux à l'esclavage: A BOYCOTER!!(merci Thuan, pour ces images qui informent et font réflechir).
🤪Les éléphants qui peignent sont en plein air et en bonne santé, mais il ne faut pas les obliger!!!et de toute façon il y a un truc!!!peut être que les motifs sont appliqués sur des zones qu'ils peuvent distinguer grace à leur odorat??
C'est vrai que j'ai eu le coeur serré de voir la condition de vie des éléphants dans Bangkok. On détruit petit à petit l'habitat et le travail de ces nobles créatures et ils n'ont plus que le choix entre devenir mendiant ou 'clown' dans des shows organisés pour les touristes.
Idem pour les tigres, orang outans et panthères....
J'ai eu des moments de tendresse avec des orang outan habillés comme de petits enfants. Leur rôle: attendre sagement les touristes pour la photo (3 poses parfaitement répétées et synchronisées). J'ai passé plusieurs heures à les caliner et les cajoler entre deux scéances photos, sous l'oeil assez étonné de leur 'gardien'. Au premier abord c'est atendrissant, ils étaient vraiment affectueux et demandeurs mais je me suis rapidement demandé si leur place était vraiment là.
Bref, cela s'appelle le progrès et la modernité ...
je crois que on a tous compris ton message ednas .. mais il faut voir un certain réalisme devant la situation .
Comme toi je préfère, des elephans libres, mais le fait est que un pachyderme consomme énormément .. et tout cela a un coup . si le tourisme peut leur apporter de l'aide .. dans ce cas l'a je crois que c'est mieux que les abandonner a la mendicité .. pour le cas des bébés éléphant il est vrai que c'est tres dramatique .. car ils sont bébé .. c'est ce qui plaît au tourisme 🤪.. mais les hôtels ne veulent pas de la maman ( coup de consommation trop élever .. ) donc se sont des petits orphelins .. je dois dire que le Sofitel hua hin a bien fait de retirer son bébé, éléphant ..( ils en avait également un, , , )
je pense que le post de <> est tres bien dans le cas actuelle des choses ..
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
Je suis dans la même optique que toi Thuan, mais l'aide que peut apporter le touriste qui vient les voir en pleine liberté dans un centre de réabilitation n'est qu'une étape en vue de leur retour à la vie sauvage.j'ai vu un reportage sur un centre de réabilitation des éléphants en Thailande et le programme mis en place par les specialistes Thailandais était trés prometteur et trés bien conçu en vue de les remettre en liberté( pour certain au moins).Je ne me souviens pas ou est situé ce centre hopital pour les éléphants mais ça paraissat excellent!!!😉
Ceux des grandes villes devraient en effet au plus vite être racheter par des assos(elles existent en Tahilande) et tous intégrés dans ces programmes qui représentent un avenir meilleur pour eux.Il faut sensibiliser le public en Thailande...mais cela suffira-t-il?je me souvient qu'en 1989 un groupe nomé NOVO chantait de superbe chansons pour mettre en garde ces concitoyens contre les dangers de la déforestation....😮je l'ai déjà dit dans un autre post: quand je suis arrivé pour la premièere fois à Bkk, je me souvien que la forêt tropicale envahissait la ville(au moins dans le quartier ou je chréchait: Pechtbury....)aujourd'hui même à Nonthabury je la cherche encore cette adorable forçet tropicale!!!🤪
merci pour ton post instructif...nou sommes en train de lister ce que nous aimerions faire dans la region de chiang Mai et ton post arrive pile poil... je ferai trés surement un arret au camp de Mae Sa
"La seule chose vouée à l'échec est celle que l'on ne tente pas."
l'hôpital des éléphants se trouve a lampang .. pour ce qui est des associations .. ce n'est pas ce qui manque ..
mais il faut bien connaître la Thaïlande .. a titre d'exemple il est interdit a tout pachyderme de faire de la mendicité dans bkk 11 mois sur 12 ( décembre est admis ..) hor il y en a dans presque tout les quartier ..
1 corruption .. 2 .. les associations laisse faire 🤪.. car plus il y a des mendiants plus ils obtiennent des finances ! ( il existe sur bagna- trat également un hopital refuge pour ces éléphants .. et bien il est vide ..
et oui c'est comme cela la Thaïlande ..
les associations . ne font pas grand chose .. mais les société privée en contact avec le tourisme OUI .. ils ne peuvent pas se permettre de montrer des pachydermes malades, plein de parasites, affames .. ce sont bien des clowns .. mais au moins pas affamer ..
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
J'imagine tout cela et en fait on s'aperçoit que l'argent est le plus fort....et donc il faut se résigner à admettre qu'en effet il vaut mieux qu'il puisse manger quit à accepter des "travaux " plutot dégradants......il semble tout de même que c'est un choix de société qui n'apartient qu'aux Thailandais...dans tous les autres pays du monde des anomalies tout aussi extrêmes peuvent également être relevées...😎
Merci à tous ceux qui portent une affection particulière aux éléphants. Il existe en Thaïlande des associations qui soutiennent cette position et c’est tant mieux. C’est le cas de la fondation “Amis de l’Eléphant d’Asie” qui travaille dans l’aide de la condition de ces animaux.
Il y a à Lampang, 2 hôpitaux des éléphants : Celui de la fondation Amis de l’Eléphant d’Asie et celui du centre de conservation des éléphants. Le 18 avril 2005, la Fondation Brigitte Bardot a fait don de 35.000 euros suivi d’un don de 35.000 euros encore en juillet dernier pour aider les éléphants malades de la Fondation Amis de l’éléphant d’Asie.
L’éléphant est un animal attachant. On peut apprendre à le connaître en vivant avec lui. C’est en passant quelques journées avec lui que vous apprendrez à le nourir, à le laver, à le soigner, etc. C’est ce que propose le centre de conservation des éléphants à Lampang : Séjour d’initiation à vivre avec les éléphants. Vous dormirez avec les cornacs, et aurez votre éléphant attitré. Qui sait ? Le meilleur ami thai que vous aurez sera peut-être un éléphant !
L’éléphant est un animal attachant. On peut apprendre à le connaître en vivant avec lui. C’est en passant quelques journées avec lui que vous apprendrez à le nourir, à le laver, à le soigner, etc. C’est ce que propose le centre de conservation des éléphants à Lampang : Séjour d’initiation à vivre avec les éléphants. Vous dormirez avec les cornacs, et aurez votre éléphant attitré
l'a mon opinion est très mitigée .. oui c'est très bien que de faire un petit séjour a lampang .. mais il faut voir les prix pratiquer pour ce geste d'amour ?? Lampang est l' équivalent du un ***** etoiles hotel .. pour éléphant .. tout est l'a pour les chouchouter .. même dans le LP il est recommander de jouer aux nou- nou quelque jours ..
je crois que il y a d'autres moyens de faire la découvertes de ce pachydermes .. comme aller dans de petits centres et leur demander si ils ont besoin d;'aide ? je crois que ils ne refuseront pas .. et pas vraiment besoin de payer ..
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
L’idée du séjour dans le centre est pour faire connaître aux personnes qui n’ont pas l’habitude de voir l’éléphant chez eux car il n’y en a pas dans leur pays. En vivant quelques jours au centre, on va ainsi connaître la plupart des problèmes, la situation et les conditions de vie des éléphants actuellement.
Le centre reçoit des éléphants malades venant de Birmanie où ils sont employés abusivement (parfois sous amphétamines) dans les exploitations forestières et où parfois ils marchent sur des mines anti-personnel qui leur explosent leurs pattes, etc. Par ailleurs, le mode de vie en captivité fait que l’on peut apporter des soins particuliers avec un suivi médical et un traitement continu. Pour donner du paracétamol aux éléphants, on enfonce les comprimés dans les bananes. C’est ainsi que la durée de vie de l’éléphant peut atteindre 80 ans au lieu de 50 ans en mode de vie sauvage. On découvre ainsi toute la difficulté qu’il y a dans les soins de l’éléphant.
De plus, des programmes d’insémination artificiels avec du sperme que l’on a réussi à cryoconserver dans de l’azote liquide sont en cours.
L’accès à toutes ces informations avec l’attachement que l’on a aux éléphants que l’on a nourri, soigné font naitre une conscience commune de l’importance de la conservation de cette espèce animale en dehors des zones naturelles d’habitation de l’éléphant.
L’idée du séjour dans le centre est pour faire connaître aux personnes qui n’ont pas l’habitude de voir l’éléphant chez eux car il n’y en a pas dans leur pays
cela me parait plus que bien .. le probleme est le prix ..🤪
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
Est-ce l'un d'entre vous sait quand se jouent les spectacles au CPDRC de Cebu City? J'ai entendu que c'était certains derniers samedi du mois. Est-ce qu'il est…
Je souhaite me rendre dans le nord du Laos pour 4 semaines en 2013.Je voudrais faire coincider ce voyage avec le moment où les rizières sont encore vertes ou…
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, 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 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 trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
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.
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...
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,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
However, I’m not quite sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
Hi there, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise
