Petit retour de mon séjour au Vietnam du 31/12/14 au 13/01/15.
J’avais choisi cette destination sur un coup de tête, Qatar Airways faisant des super promos (billet : 476€) et ayant ce pays « sur ma liste » depuis longtemps.
Par contre, en préparant, je me suis rendue compte que la période était pas top pour le Nord, et surtout plus je lisais de commentaires, plus je me préoccupais de l’hospitalité des Viets et plus je n’étais pas sûre que le pays allait répondre à mes attentes donc qqes appréhensions.
Mon mode de voyage : sac à dos, bus locaux (enfin, ça dépend), chambre pas chère et street food : 500€ dépensés sur place (mais rétrospectivement, 400€ auraient pu être possible)
*31/12/14: arrivée à Saïgon vers 12 :30. Visa on arrival et passage de douane finis à 13 :15
Bus 152 pour le centre (5.000 + 5.000 VND)
Je rencontre une Slovène qui avait une résa en dortoir pour 6$, je la suis. (PP backpacker) Le gars s’occupe de Petra et pour moi, pas de place dispo. Il est un peu embêté, il part, revient, repart et revient ; je pense qu’il va faire le tour des GH de la ruelle (ou pas) et me propose une solution : pour 0$, mettre un matelas à terre en ayant accès à la douche et aux toilettes du dortoir. Moi ca me va ! Ces employés de l’hôtel remettent déjà en cause mes apriori sur les Viets 🙂
La slovène voulait booker un tour pour Cu Chi. J’en profite pour demander pour le bus pour Kontum. La nana de l’agence me réserve par tél ma place et me dit que ce sera 300.000VND. Je lui demande pour ses frais, et me répond « rien à payer, c’est parce que ca va être trop ciompliqué pour vous toute seule à la gare »… ok !
Repas au marché Ben Tanh, pour 60.000VND, pour une salade, un de mes repas les + chers. Ballade en ville.
*01/01/15 : Saïgon.
Visite du Musée de la Guerre (Y a des trucs que j’ai pas pu regarder). Ballade en ville. Puis bus de nuit pour Kontum. 300.000VND annoncés, ils ne me demandent que 280.000VND. Bus réellement super confort
*02/01/15 : Kontum.
Arrivée au petit matin. Moto taxi 20.000VND. Grâce à Venissian, je me suis retrouvée dans un petit hôtel très sympa, Thinh Vuong Hotel. Chambre immense, calme et propre et avec une fenêtre, pour 200.000VND
Ballade dans la ville, Eglise en bois évidemment, elle m'a beaucoup touchée, je ne saurai dire pourquoi. Bon, pour la ville, j’ai ressenti comme un « charme architectural soviétique » des rues. Sinon, petite ville à un rythme calme.
Avec internet, je me mets à chercher un guide pour aller dans les villages ethniques le lendemain. Je tombe sur Huynh Nguyen dit Mr Huynh. On convient de partir le lendemain pour la journée pour 35$. Il me demande si j’ai des plans pour l’après-midi. Aucun. Donc il me propose de l’accompagner chez ses amis. Je passe l’après-midi chez des amis à lui, puis la soirée chez d’autres amis.
*03/01/15 : Kontum.
Je retrouve Huynh, un peu fatigué de la veille. On fait le tour en scooter. Alors, pour le coup, assez décue. Du côté des Jarai, les paysages pas top, avec des plantations d’hévéas partout. Huynh me dira que les maisons communautaires sont en brique et métal car il n’y a plus de jungle pour les faire en bois ( ?) Côté Banhar, il y a ces fameuses maisons communautaires en bois mais en fait, ça ressemble surtout à un village « comme un autre ».
Re-fin de journée avec des amis à lui puis dîner chez un autre ami
*04/01/15 : Trajet Kontum-Hoi An.
La dame de mon hôtel m’a dit 2 possibilités : 140.000VND depuis la gare d’autobus ou 200.000VND depuis l’hôtel. La flemme. Je sais que le surcoût ne se justifie pas mais bon, en même temps… Au final, ce sera 180.000VND à cause de la baisse du pétrole. Je dis oui !
Trajet de 5h dans de superbes paysages, qui longent une rivière. En étant 31 dans un minibus de 24 places. ( encore il y a avait un autre couple de touristes que je trouvais moi-même gigantesques, ils en auraient sûrement fait rentrer un peu +).
Arrivée à Hoi An, le moto taxi va dans 5 GH (complètes) avant de m’amener dans un hotel pour 210.000VND. Pas de fenêtre mais rien à redire.
Arrivée pendant la pleine lune. Superbe soirée dans cette ville touristique (mais justifiée)
*05/01/15 : Hoi An.
Tour à My Son booké dans mon hôtel (5$) avec un guide parfaitement anglophone. Alors le site a sûrement dû être magnifique …. Avant la guerre. C’est ce que j’en retiens….
Après midi à la plage
Soirée à flâner dans cette très belle ville
*06/01/2015 : Hoi An
Ballade dans la vieille ville avec le pass à 120.000VND. J’étais dans un temple lorsque j’entends un guide francophone expliquait tous les symboles. Je tends l’oreille. C’est vrai que c’est un +.
Re- après midi plage
Re-soirée à flâner. J’ai même joué à un espèce de Bingo local.
*07/01/2015 : Hoi An – An Binh.
Trajet en avion entre Hoi An et Saïgon booké via mon hôtel à 1 100.000VND (j’avais aussi booké pour 920.000VND un Saïgon-Phu Quoc, Can Tho-Phu n’étant plus dispo).
Puis Bus 152 pour le centre ville
Puis bus 31 pour la Southern bus Station (Mien Thai).
Bus pour Vinh Long pour 95.000VND avec la compagnie Mailinh (pas le même confort que le trajet KonTum-Hoi An indéniablement).
Moto taxi jusqu’au bac.
Arrivée sur An Binh, pas de résa, je suis un couple au Phuong Tao homestay. (pour 210.000VND par jour/par personne avec PDJ inclus mais pas dîner) J’appellerais plutôt ça une GH mais la famille vit là, partage l’alcool de riz etc.
*08/01/2015 : An Binh.
Tour avec la homestay (on était 8) aux marchés de Ben Tre (marché sur l’eau et marché dans la ville), dans les arroyos et dans les fameux ateliers pour les bonbons. Moi qui ne voulais pas de ces tours ! En même temps, on va dire que c’est « obligé » à petit budget et seule….
Tour en vélo l’après midi sur An Binh
Départ le lendemain pour Phu Quoc. Bon, j’avais normalement ma résa d’avion depuis Saïgon (en + pas sûre que la nana de hoi An avait intégré mon overweight de bagage car vol Viet Jet air qui ne permet que 7kg….et j’avais vu pour le Hoi An – Saïgon, ils pèsent tous les bagages à l’embarquement) et le gars de la homestay me demande pourquoi je ne prends pas le bateau, ça irait + vite. Finalement, ça semble full donc j’oublie
*09/01/2015. AnBinh-Phu quoc.
Réveil tôt (comme d’hab) et je redemande aux gars de la homestay. Finalement c’est bon, il appelle le bus pour m’attendre, appelle un moto taxi et vlà, on fonce car le bus nous attend. Bus An Binh- Chau Doc 150.000VND.
A l’arrivée, un classique que j’avais déjà lu, les motos taxis disent qu’il n’y a plus de dispo. En fait si (et même jusqu’au moment du départ du bateau c’est possible), donc je les laisse parler, et pas de souci, j’achète un billet. 340.000VND.
Arrivée à Phu quoc, j’avais une résa (je me demande encore pourquoi j’ai fait ça, ça sera la première et dernière fois que je réserve sans voir) au Langchia Hostel. Sur Booking.com, supers photos. L’arnaque absolue : pour 12$ (avec PDJ) en dortoir, on a le droit à la musique jusque 1h du mat car le bar et le dortoir ont juste un couloir sans porte, bar où j’aurais jamais payé quoique ce soit vu les tarifs exhorbitants, et en bordure de route. Certes à 15 min à pied du « centre ville « de Duong Duong.
Le soir je m’y suis balladée, (resto local à 30.000VND à noter car ….) mais entre Langchia et le centre ville, c’est là que j’ai compris…. Ce ne sont que Resorts, bars et touristes Russes. 🙁
*10/01/2015. Phu quoc.
Avec ma super nuit toute pourrie, j’ai passé ma matinée à chercher un nouvel endroit. Alors faut oublier l’idée du bungalow en bambou pour pas cher au bord de la plage.
J’ai croisé une Allemande rencontrée la veille qui cherchait à bouger aussi car elle se sentait trop seule dans son endroit. Finalement je suis devenue sa voisine et j’ai loué pour 15$ une chambre ouverte sur l’extérieur chez une très gentille famille (le lieu : Bao Ngoc près du Bistrot).
Après-midi plage
Soirée en ville
*11/01/15 : Phu quoc.
On avait booké un tour en snorkelling avec Flipper 25$.
1ère fois que je paye pour du snorkelling !
Le gars avait été honnête et m’avait dit que par rapport aux autres endroits où j’avais fait du snorkelling (Guadeloupe, Mexique, Thaïlande, Indonésie, Jordanie et autres….), ça ne serait pas aussi beau. Effectivement. Mais y avait du joli poisson. Le Nord a meilleure réputation que le Sud (et Flipper est une entreprise honnête)
Dîner dans un resort avec des gens rencontrés sur le bateau (Mai House)…. Jamais mangé aussi mal pour aussi cher au Vietnam (180.000VND) , on est même allé dans un resto de rue pour un 2ème repas ! Parce que franchement, sauf à Phu Quoc, je n’avais mangé que en street food pour 20.000VND max pendant tout mon séjour.
*12/01/15 : Phu Quoc
Je en suis pas à l’aise (pour diverses raisons) avec les scooters et même si globalement la double voie est totalement vide, je ne voulais pas conduire. Mon propriétaire me dit qu’il pouvait me conduire. Donc location sans chauffeur à 150.000VND la journée ou 250.000VND avec lui….je choisis 250.000 !
On est passé par des pistes (et bah franchement, moi qui n’ai jamais conduit, j’étais contente que ce soit lui qui le fasse !) longé des plages désertes avec cocotiers et eau bleue (mais pleines de détritus….) mais surtout longé des km de resorts gigantesques en construction pour lesquels les cocotiers ont été arrachés, la terre brulée etc. Ca m’a mise très mal à l’aise. Grosso modo tout l’Ouest de l’île est soit construite soit en chantier.
Plage de Bai Sao, superbe ! Avant midi car après, envahie de russes (j’ai rien contre les russes, j’ai juste pas la même perception de la discrétion). On a été à une cascade. Ca m’a donné l’occasion de discuter avec mon chauffeur sur sa vie, sa vision de phu quoc, sa famille etc
Soirée en centre ville
*13/01/15 : Glandouille sur la plage avant de reprendre mon vol Phu Quoc-Saïgon puis Saïgon-Doha puis Doha-Paris.
En gros, j’ai passé un bon séjour. J’ai eu beau temps, j’ai changé d’air, je me suis reposée …en gros ce que recherche 90% des gens pour leurs vacances …. mais je n’ai pas été émerveillée….ce que je recherche moi.
L’accueil des viets a été super, c’est le gros point positif, ils ont toujours été adorables, prévenants etc mais le pays en lui-même je n’ai pas accroché….désolée.
Peut-être que je peux trop comparer avec d’autres endroits, peut être que j’aurai dû aller dans le Nord (pas à cette période j’entends), peut être que je n’ai pas l’esprit assez ouvert (humm… mouais), peut être plein de choses….sauf que je résume ce voyage par « c’était sympa, je ne regrette pas mais ce ne sera pas un souvenir impérissable dans ma mémoire »….
et petit PS: les backpackers ont vraiment changé depuis les smartphones! Arrêtez d'avoir vos yeux rivés sur l'écran, regardez autour de vous, parlez, riez, échangez! Votre vie quotidienne, vous la retrouverez bien assez vite!
Mes voyages: (des villes Européennes), Québec (beaucoup), Tunisie, Suède, Guadeloupe, Mexique, Thaïlande, Italie, Argentine, Inde, Sri Lanka, Indonésie, Corse (3x), Jordanie, Vietnam, Éthiopie, Andalousie, Rwanda, Seattle/Portland/Hawaï, Venise, Sicile, Réunion et le prochain Cap Vert!
bonjour
bravo pour ce voyage
merci pour ce retour de KonTum
moi je n'aime pas trop mr Huynh...
sinon un guide francophone journee coute 30$ (la meilleure est Banh)
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
bonjour
bravo pour ce voyage
merci pour ce retour de KonTum
moi je n'aime pas trop mr Huynh...
sinon un guide francophone journee coute 30$ (la meilleure est Banh)
C'est vrai que Huynh est spécial mais je l'ai trouvé adorable. J'ai plus aimé discuter avec lui et ses amis que le tour en lui-même. Peut être avec un autre guide le tour aurait été mieux (ou pas), je ne saurai jamais. Mais au final, je ne regrette pas, c'est le + important
Dommage que je ne t'ai pas demandé le nom d'un guide! (ou j'aurai dû le faire à l'hôtel), ça sera une info pour les prochains voyageurs 🙂
Mes voyages: (des villes Européennes), Québec (beaucoup), Tunisie, Suède, Guadeloupe, Mexique, Thaïlande, Italie, Argentine, Inde, Sri Lanka, Indonésie, Corse (3x), Jordanie, Vietnam, Éthiopie, Andalousie, Rwanda, Seattle/Portland/Hawaï, Venise, Sicile, Réunion et le prochain Cap Vert!
es tu sure que tu as discute en francais avec mr Huynh?
je crois que Huynh ne parle pas francais...
au plaisir et merci pour tes remerciements car beaucoup de forumistes ne me disent pas merci a leur retour
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
Voici à tout fin utile un "petit " retour sur notre circuit de 2 semaines (13 jours et 13 nuits quand on décompte le temps de trajet) dans le Nord du Vietnam.…
Je suis actuellement en voyage au Vietnam, c'est absolument magnifique et surtout très diversifié entre les villes dynamiques, les plages de sable blanc et les…
Sites personnels des membres › Vietnam · 2 replies
Je suis parti durant 4 semaines au Vietnam en février dernier, en pleine période du Tèt! C'était mon quatrième voyage en Asie mais c'est certainement celui qui…
Petit retour sur 2 semaines passées au Vietnam mi mars avec ma copine. Côté organisation, j’ai préparé notre circuit surtout grâce à ce forum (je tiens…
Ayant largement parcouru le forum, ayant usé du clavier pour obtenir réponse à mes interrogations, pour finalement compiler toutes ces infos et partir avec ma…
Bonjour précieuse communauté,
J'envisage de me rendre au Cambodge cet hiver, juste après Noël, pour un premier voyage seule, et mon premier voyage en Asie. Pour deux semaines (oui, je sais, c'est peu, mais je ne peux vraiment pas plus...). J'ai deux grandes envies: Siem Reap, et la campagne, les villages, le Mekong...
Que pensez-vous de cet itinéraire? Arrivée à Siem Reap, départ de Phnom Penh
SR: 5 jours (1 jour pour l'arrivée, 3 pour les temples, 1 pour le lac et ses villages)
Kratie (étape sur la route du Mondolkiri): 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours sur place)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 jours (1 jour de trajet, 1 jour sur place, 2 jours de treks)
PP: 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours de visite)
Je pense qu'il faut que j'enlève un jour quelque part, si je pars du samedi au samedi, ou du dimanche au dimanche. A Kratie, peut-être? à PP? et je rate le trajet en bateau que tout le monde conseille (SR-Battambang), mais je ne vois pas où le caser. Sauf à faire un PP-PP en commençant par l'est, laisser tomber Kratie ou vraiment juste une nuit, puis SR, puis PP).
Dans mon timing, j'ai l'impression que le Mondolkiri est plus proche que le Ratanakiri, qui me tentait aussi beaucoup! Est-ce que cela restera pas trop compliqué toute seule? Je pense faire appel à des guides locaux, ou une petite agence locale, pour faire une escapade dans la nature et les villages.
Je lis qu'il y a beaucoup de monde à SR entre Noël et Nouvel An, je peux aussi faire le circuit dans l'autre sens. Mais je trouvais plus facile de me familiariser avec le pays en arrivant en territoire touristique, je me trompe peut-être...
Merci pour vos conseils et avis!
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.
Bonjour je souhaite diviser mon séjour en 2 parties soit 15 jours à phuket et 15 jours sur krabi. Savez-vous si je peux louer une voiture et la rendre a krabi lors de mon retour en France
Merci de vos retours
Bon dimanche
Martine
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…
