Bonjour a tous, nous revenons avec mon ami de 3 semaine au vietnam (nord au sud), nous avons été ravis de ce voyage!!!si vous avez besoin de conseils n'hésitez pas à me contacter!!
bonne journée
Original post
Retour du Vietnam
by Matheuse84
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Si tu nous racontais, plutot...
Ou es-tu passee ?
Qu'as-tu visite ?
Quelles villes ?
etc, etc
bonjour, je décolle vendredi pour un séjour de 3 semaines du nord au sud. D'après vous quels sont les visites incontournables ? (séjournons Hanoï, baie d'halong, Hué, Danang, Ho chi Ming, mekong). quel temps avez vous eu ?
merci... bien à vous
quels sont les visites incontournables ?
C'est le genre de questions qui font craindre un voyage décevant🙂
C'est le genre de questions qui font craindre un voyage décevant🙂
Bonjour
je suis nouvelle sur le site et cherche des bons plans pour un voyage au viet nam qui doit se faire janvier ou fevrier 2009. Nous sommes trois couples à partir et souhaiterions récolter le max d'info et de pièges à éviter.Merci de me répondre.
Notre plan serait de prendre un vol sec avec une nuit en hotel et de contacter un français vivant sur place ou une agence pour préparer nos ballades sur place. votre avis sur cette démarche ?
merci encore et à bientôt
marie
D'après vous quels sont les visites incontournables ?
Vous avez deux choix : Ouvrir le guide papier que vous ne manquerez pas d'emporter dans vos valises et 1. Surligner tous les endroits incontournables signalés dans les villes et endroits que vous avez déjà sélectionnés, vous y rendre sans en oublier, au risque d'avoir le sentiment de passer à côté du principal. 2. Surligner ces mêmes endroits et les éviter ;-) - Lever les yeux, regarder autour de vous, laissez-vous guider par votre intuition et les rencontres faites. Mais bon, ça demande un peu plus de temps, 3 semaines pour faire le VN du nord au sud, c'est pas très long. Bon voyage.
Vous avez deux choix : Ouvrir le guide papier que vous ne manquerez pas d'emporter dans vos valises et 1. Surligner tous les endroits incontournables signalés dans les villes et endroits que vous avez déjà sélectionnés, vous y rendre sans en oublier, au risque d'avoir le sentiment de passer à côté du principal. 2. Surligner ces mêmes endroits et les éviter ;-) - Lever les yeux, regarder autour de vous, laissez-vous guider par votre intuition et les rencontres faites. Mais bon, ça demande un peu plus de temps, 3 semaines pour faire le VN du nord au sud, c'est pas très long. Bon voyage.
Bonjour,
Je pense que ca doit être une bonne idée...Pour ce qui est des agences il y en a plusieurs qui vous proposent des circuits assez honnêtes, notamment le sihn cafe. Pour ce qui est des pièges à éviter je ne sais pas trop quoi vous dire, il faut être sur ses gardes constamment, toujours garder ses tickets avec soi (deux ou trois arnaques de ce style...) se mettre d'accord sur le rpix de la course pour les motorbike, faire attention aux vrais et fx taxis...mais on apprend sur le terrain... Pour les endroits qui nous ont vraiment plus : Hanoi est une ville fort sympathique, Nihn Bihn : les alentours sont magnifiques, Sapa :pour faire un trek c'est vraiment bien mais la ville en elle même très pauvre, nous n'avons pas vraiment apprécié; Dalat : c'est une autre ambiance, bien. Hue : pour les monuments. Hoi An : touristique mais quand même très agréable...
Je suis rapide mais beaucoup de chose à dire....Nous pensons faire un blog, pour les détails...je vous donnerez l'adresse.
Bon préparatifs!!
Je pense que ca doit être une bonne idée...Pour ce qui est des agences il y en a plusieurs qui vous proposent des circuits assez honnêtes, notamment le sihn cafe. Pour ce qui est des pièges à éviter je ne sais pas trop quoi vous dire, il faut être sur ses gardes constamment, toujours garder ses tickets avec soi (deux ou trois arnaques de ce style...) se mettre d'accord sur le rpix de la course pour les motorbike, faire attention aux vrais et fx taxis...mais on apprend sur le terrain... Pour les endroits qui nous ont vraiment plus : Hanoi est une ville fort sympathique, Nihn Bihn : les alentours sont magnifiques, Sapa :pour faire un trek c'est vraiment bien mais la ville en elle même très pauvre, nous n'avons pas vraiment apprécié; Dalat : c'est une autre ambiance, bien. Hue : pour les monuments. Hoi An : touristique mais quand même très agréable...
Je suis rapide mais beaucoup de chose à dire....Nous pensons faire un blog, pour les détails...je vous donnerez l'adresse.
Bon préparatifs!!
C'est en effet la meilleure solution. En fait, tout s'arrange tres facilement sur place. Tous les hotels se doublent d'une agence d'excursions et s'occupe de ttes les resas. Je ne consille pas une courte visite (2j/1nt ou 3j/2nts dont sur sur le bateau) d'Along sans passer par une agence, c'est tres complqiue a arranger tout seul. Le seul pb des excursions, c'est qu'elles ne vont pas partout, ou a la vitesse grand V, donc on arrive ds un endroit super comme Tam Coc, ou on aimerait bien rester un jour de plus, mais...pas possible. A 6, je vs conseille fortement de louer une jeep avec un chauffeur et de faire un tour, par ex. Hanoi-Mai Chau-Tam Coc-Phat Diem-Hanoi; on ne eput guere rever mieux a moins de s'enfondcer vers la frontiere de Chine (Sapa/Ha Giang/Cao Bang)
Attention a Sinh Cafe, c'est l'usine! A HCMC, je recommanderais plutot Millenium, et a Hanoi, ODC Travel; je n'ai que des compliments a faire des 2.
Voir mes sites "Gd Tour du NE du Vietnam" et "Gd tour du NO", ca vs donnera de tres bonnes idees. Pour la Jeep, voir mon site "Chauffeur au Nord Vietnam"; ca fait 3 ans que je l'utilise, il est vraiment super!
Attention a Sinh Cafe, c'est l'usine! A HCMC, je recommanderais plutot Millenium, et a Hanoi, ODC Travel; je n'ai que des compliments a faire des 2.
Voir mes sites "Gd Tour du NE du Vietnam" et "Gd tour du NO", ca vs donnera de tres bonnes idees. Pour la Jeep, voir mon site "Chauffeur au Nord Vietnam"; ca fait 3 ans que je l'utilise, il est vraiment super!
Bonjour
tout d'abord merci de votre réponse. Une autre petite question avez-vous eu des problèmes sur place pour la langue, mon anglais est vraiment très pauvre et je crains un. Avez-vous rencontré des gens parlant le français et surtout avez vous gardé des adresses pour les contacter soit par mail soit sur place.
j'ai déjà essayé de trouver sur internet des correspondants sans succès à ce jour.
merci et a bientôt
Marie
Bonjour
tout d'abord grand merci de votre réponse. je vais aller visiter votre site pour plus de détail.
cependant une autre petite question, avez-vous rencontré sur place des gens parlant le français et avez vous surtout gardé des contacts par mail par exemple. Je cherche sur internet des correspondants français pouvant nous guider mais à ce jour je n'y suis par parvenue.
merci de votre réponse.
Marie
Au Vietnam, francophonie pas morte, donc on rencontre des gens qui parlent frqncais dans les grandes villes et les grands centres touristiques. Dans toutes mes tournees, je suis tombe pratiquement tous les soirs sur des francophones (beaucoup de belges et de suisses) accompagnes de guides qui aident volontiers les solitaires. L'anglais est la langue plus courante, mais le Vietnam n'est pas la Thailande (heureusement!), donc des que vous etes a la campagne, francais ou anglais, c'est same same, "moi pas connaitre". On se debrouille tres bien quand meme car les Viets sont tres gentils et hospitaliers, donc si un qui parle anglais ou francais voit que vs avez un pb, il vient immediatement vs aider (ca m'est meme arrive qu'on aille en chercher un pour m'aider dans un village). Et puis, vous verrez, c'est fou ce que l'on peut exprimer avec des gestes et des grimaces!
Au Vietnam, francophonie pas morte
Mouais, je relaviserais ;-) L'anglais est enseigné dans les écoles, pas le français. L'anglais est quasiment obligatoire dans la vie professionnelle, pas le français. Hors des centres touristiques et des grandes villes, vous aurez de la peine à trouver des gens qui parlent le français. Certes, il y a des touristes francophones, mais l'anglais est la langue la plus courante, à part le vietnamien. Des guides francophones sont proposés dans des agences de voyage, mais ils sont plus rares que les anglophones et donc un peu plus chers. Il y a aussi guides et guides, essayez de savoir quel est le niveau de français du guide qu'on vous propose. Il existe des guides dits "perroquets" qui ne connaissent du français que le texte appris par coeur. Il n'y a pas de miracle, les agences à bas prix ne peuvent pas avoir des guides parfaitement formés dans toutes les langues, dont le français.
Si vous ne parlez pas du tout anglais, comme dit larsay, vous trouverez d'autres touristes francophones. Faites vous aider pour la commande de billets et les transports par exemple, pour éviter les malentendus. Garder le sourire, ça aide ;-) A Hanoi et Saigon, allez faire un tour dans les deux centres francophones, vous trouverez des adresses d'étudiants désireux de pratiquer le français : IDECAF et L'Espace et des adresses utiles.
Mouais, je relaviserais ;-) L'anglais est enseigné dans les écoles, pas le français. L'anglais est quasiment obligatoire dans la vie professionnelle, pas le français. Hors des centres touristiques et des grandes villes, vous aurez de la peine à trouver des gens qui parlent le français. Certes, il y a des touristes francophones, mais l'anglais est la langue la plus courante, à part le vietnamien. Des guides francophones sont proposés dans des agences de voyage, mais ils sont plus rares que les anglophones et donc un peu plus chers. Il y a aussi guides et guides, essayez de savoir quel est le niveau de français du guide qu'on vous propose. Il existe des guides dits "perroquets" qui ne connaissent du français que le texte appris par coeur. Il n'y a pas de miracle, les agences à bas prix ne peuvent pas avoir des guides parfaitement formés dans toutes les langues, dont le français.
Si vous ne parlez pas du tout anglais, comme dit larsay, vous trouverez d'autres touristes francophones. Faites vous aider pour la commande de billets et les transports par exemple, pour éviter les malentendus. Garder le sourire, ça aide ;-) A Hanoi et Saigon, allez faire un tour dans les deux centres francophones, vous trouverez des adresses d'étudiants désireux de pratiquer le français : IDECAF et L'Espace et des adresses utiles.
Respectueusement pas d'accord. Toutes les universites ont un Departement francais TRES actif (je les ai visitees!), et de nombreux etudiants apprennent le francais, certains avant l'anglais. En ajoutant les survivants de l'epoque coloniale et leur famille -car ils insistent a ce que les fils et petits-fils l'etudient- on trouve donc beaucoup plus de viets parlant francais que tu ne sembles le dire (j'ai rencontre a Cao Bang, a cote de l'hotel, une famille ou tout le monde, du vieux pepe qui avait fait la guerre d'Indo au petits fils, parlaient le francais et etaient tellement contents de bavarder avec moi que le pepe a ete cherche dans la cuisine une vieille bouteille de Bordeaux. C'est pas pour rien que j'adore le Vietnam!!!!!). En plus, les Viets, tres malins, se sont vite rendu compte qu'il y a de + en + de touristes francophones (francais, belges, suisses, quebequois, etc.) et se mettent au francais ds le tourisme, comme la petite Than du Duc Thuan a Tam Coc ou LY au Tu Giang (entres autres)
Respectueusement pas d'accord non plus ;-)
Certes, il y a des départements de français dans les Universités, mais le français n'est pas le premier choix de langue chez les jeunes. Avec un diplôme et le français en sortant de l'Université, ces jeunes ne trouvent pas aussi facilement que ceux qui ont le même diplôme et l'anglais, quasi obligatoire dans la plupart des entreprises. Dans le tourisme, plusieurs guides francophones venant de la campange, m'ont dit n'avoir pas eu le choix de la langue étudiée, les places en anglais étant réservées aux étudiants de Hanoi (Je ne connais pas la situation à HCMC, les guides qui m'ont parlé de ça étaient du nord) Le français étant une des langues de "2ème choix", à côté du chinois, du coréen et du japonais. Un seul m'a dit avoir choisi le français, mais par obéissance à ses parents, francophiles. S'il avait pu choisir, il aurait pris l'anglais ;-)
En ce qui concerne la provenance des touristes, je ne crois pas que les francophones soient aussi nombreux que les touristes provenant de l'ASEAN. C'est ce tourisme de masse qui va se développer, pas le tourisme plus "culturel" des francophones. Selon ces chiffres de 2008, les touristes francophones sont une minorité, parmi les 2000 Suisses, les 2800 Belges et les 8850 Canadiens, tous ne sont pas francophons, loin de là. Un forum du tourisme de l'ASEAN se tiendra à Hanoi en 2009
Anecdotes : je me trouvais un jour dans un hôtel de Nha Trang, rempli de clients asiatiques, de toutes provenances. Un touriste francophone me dit : "c'est bizarre, il n'y a pas de touristes dans cet hôtel". Il voulait dire : pas de touriste occidental, car il lui était difficile de concevoir que les Coréens, Japonais et Chinois et autres asiatiques étaient bien des touristes, comme lui. ;-) Il a ensuit déménagé pour aller dans un hôtel plus conforme à ses habitudes et à l'idée qu'il se faisait des touristes en Asie (routards). Si vous allez dans les grandes librairies de Hanoi et HCMC, comparez les rayons des livres en langue étrangère : Ya pas photo, l'offre de livres en français est minoritaire. Je me suis souvent dit que ceux qui en France disent que le français est largement répandu au VN devraient aller faire un tour dans les librairies et ils réviseraient leur opinion. Lire aussi : Vietnam, la francophonie en péril (2004) Ceci dit, les francophones de Hanoi, Hué et de HCMC font un excellent travail de promotion de la langue française, notamment avec des événements artistiques très nombreux.
En ce qui concerne la provenance des touristes, je ne crois pas que les francophones soient aussi nombreux que les touristes provenant de l'ASEAN. C'est ce tourisme de masse qui va se développer, pas le tourisme plus "culturel" des francophones. Selon ces chiffres de 2008, les touristes francophones sont une minorité, parmi les 2000 Suisses, les 2800 Belges et les 8850 Canadiens, tous ne sont pas francophons, loin de là. Un forum du tourisme de l'ASEAN se tiendra à Hanoi en 2009
Anecdotes : je me trouvais un jour dans un hôtel de Nha Trang, rempli de clients asiatiques, de toutes provenances. Un touriste francophone me dit : "c'est bizarre, il n'y a pas de touristes dans cet hôtel". Il voulait dire : pas de touriste occidental, car il lui était difficile de concevoir que les Coréens, Japonais et Chinois et autres asiatiques étaient bien des touristes, comme lui. ;-) Il a ensuit déménagé pour aller dans un hôtel plus conforme à ses habitudes et à l'idée qu'il se faisait des touristes en Asie (routards). Si vous allez dans les grandes librairies de Hanoi et HCMC, comparez les rayons des livres en langue étrangère : Ya pas photo, l'offre de livres en français est minoritaire. Je me suis souvent dit que ceux qui en France disent que le français est largement répandu au VN devraient aller faire un tour dans les librairies et ils réviseraient leur opinion. Lire aussi : Vietnam, la francophonie en péril (2004) Ceci dit, les francophones de Hanoi, Hué et de HCMC font un excellent travail de promotion de la langue française, notamment avec des événements artistiques très nombreux.
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So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search. I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
Thanks, PS: My trip is planned for November
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Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices? Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis? What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc. Thanks again
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices? Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis? What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc. Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
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.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
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?
Hi there,
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hey everyone,
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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.
Thanks! 🙂
Hi everyone,
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.
Thanks
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.
Thanks
Hi,
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.
Thanks
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.
Thanks
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral. Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo). Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok: * Orangutan Center * Malayan Sun Bear Center * Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan. Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari. Jungle walk. Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari. Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port. Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar 5 full days. * Snorkeling * Hiking * Turtle watching * Wild beaches * Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland. Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste
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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste