Ayant beaucoup d'amis filipina/os ici à Montréal, et leur ayant fait part de mon désir d'aller en Asie, ceux-ci m'ont conseillé pour la langue anglaise accessible, la culture plus relax, les plages, les prix, etc...(et probablement un peu pour prêcher pour leur paroisse 😉) d'aller aux Philippines, évidemment après plusieurs discussions avec eux, j'en suis venu à une destination tentante, Camiguin Island.
Mes raisons, des amis montréalais y ont des amis et résidences, la facilité d'échanger avec eux (la langue) leur connaissance des lieux, la bouffe (poissons, etc.) et le ''principe'' que j'irais chez des parents d'ami(e)s.
En revanche, j'aimerais avoir des avis autres que ceux de mes amis filipina/os, svp.
Considérant que nous canadiens/européens n'avons pas les mêmes normes comparativement à eux qui y demeurent déjà...
Quel genre de vaccin aies-je besoin?
Quel genre de budget (autre que l'avion reliant Montréal à Cebu) devrais-je m'attendre, en considérant qu'il soit possible que je choisisse l'hôtel plutôt que les résidences de parents d'amis?
Quels risques, même homme, de voyager seul aux Philippines aussitôt débarqué à Cebu, pour se rendre à Camiguin island?
Le meilleur trajet à choisir au débarquement de Cebu vers Camiguin?
Je planifies y être début Mars 2015 pour 3 pleines semaines (22 jours total aller/retour)
Merci à l'avance de me pointer dans les bonnes directions avec vos précieux conseils.
🙂
Sans t' avoir tenu de propos dithyrambiques, outrageusement élogieux, tes amis pinoys ou pinays, aiment leur pays d' origine, en éprouvent sans doutes quelque nostalgie, en hiver surtout j' imagine,
et sans spécialement , mais un peu quand même, ils te poussent dans la bonne direction
Oui, vraiment, les Phils sont un pays magnifique, à tous points de vue! itsmorefuninthephilippines, disent-ils à raison et y passer 3 semaines en Mars est une excellente idée; c' est la meilleure période de l' année, et pr 3 sem, tu n' as pas besoin de visa
Tout comme les vaccins : il n' en faut aucun
Quant aux risques, hormis dans les grandes villes, tard le soir (comme partout) et encore !
Pour aller de Cebu à Camiguin, à l' heure actuelle, tu n' aurais guère le choix; il n' y a qu' une liaison aérienne, hyper-matinale; Ce que tu peux faire, en prévision de ce départ, c' est passer la nuit d' avant dans un hôtel de Mactan, par ex Cesario hotel ou Ace Penzionne, ttes 2 sur Quezon National Highway à Mactan (appellée également Lapu-Lapu) pour te faire emmener au petit matin à l' aéroport en 10 minutes à peine par le free shuttle de l' établissement, que tu n' auras pas oublié de réserver la veille au soir ...
Have a good time, a Camiguin ou ailleurs aux Phils, Mabuhay !
Oui, enfin ce que j' ai écrit n' est pas tout à fait vrai, sur un point; en effet, itslessfuninthephilippines pour la , comme tu dis ... car l' alimentation est LE point faible, de fait on ne mange pas trop bien, aux Phils ...
A moins que ce soit moi, qui me montre demanding, exigeant, sur ce point, mais je ne crois pas ...
(Nous français, aurions la réputation en Amérique, d' être très snobs ; vraiment ?)
Il y a quelques bons restaus a Camiguin: Le Casa Roca a Naasag, le Northern Light a
Agoho et le Little Bridge a Anito...J'ajouterais le Perry's Pizza a Mambajao et le
Bahay Bakasiunan a Balbagon. A Benoni, au Lagoon Bistro, excellent "fish & chips" et leur "Lumpianetta", un delice!
Je dois quand même poursuivre mes recherches via le net, afin de mieux connaitre cette île.
Si vous tous, avez des liens à me suggérer, n'hésitez pas, je les verrai tous, sans faute.
Pour vous mettre au parfum, je ne désire pas couvrir plusieurs territoires des Philippines, mais plutôt me concentrer sur Camiguin parce que tout plein de gens m'en ont fait l'éloge.
Y'a t'il, comme dans Mindanao, danger en rapport avec les religions/touristes, etc...?
salut Raph, comment vas-tu ?
continuons à renseigner notre cousin de la Belle Province, OK ?
pour le flight Cebu-Camiguin, il s' agit de la cie CebuPacificAircom, offrant une liaison quotidienne, je crois ?
a quelle heure, déjà ? 6 AM, av nécessité d' être a l' aéroport au moins 1 h avant ?
Ceci dit, il y a un excellent restaurant japonais au RdC d' Ace Penzione, à Lapu-Lapu
Excellent japonais il est vrai, j'y dejeune a chaque passage a Mactan, jamais decu!
Le vol est a 6h10, mais vaut mieux y etre 1h30 avant...car l'avion peut partir plus tot que prevu en cas surtout de mauvais temps...ca m'est deja arrive, il est parti 20mn
plus tot, heureusement j'etais la...Pareil pour le trajet inverse, j'ai connu plusieurs personnes qui ont loupe l'avion, pourtant je les prevenais d'etre a l'airport, au moins
1h15 avant le depart;tant pis pour eux, surtout s'ils loupaient des correspondances
a Cebu:billets perdus!
Quand reviens-tu a Camiguin?Il a fait un mois d'aout splendide ici, mais aujourd'hui
pas mal d'averses...
mmouais ...ce que tu écris m' étonne ....il arrive que des avions décollent avant l' heure prévue, mais uniquement si tous les passagers sont là, condition sine qua non , isn' t it ?
Il se peut que je revienne aux Phils vers la fin de l' hiver, et peut-être viendrai-je à Camiguin en ...mars;
y seras-tu alors ?
ici aussi, le temps n' est vraiment pas terrible, on se croirait en automne; tout l' été, ou presque, aura été en Europe
Si ca arrive, surtout s'ils s'attendent a de forts vents...En plus ces gens sont arrives un peu trop tard, l'avion etait encore sur le tarmac, mais le check-in etait fini!
bonjour Gilles,
je te suggère de consulter www.camiguin.gov.ph , ou encore www.camiguinisland.net , sans oublier www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.net , in Top destinations;
mais , tu peux aussi, ici-même, sur VF , effectuer une petite recherche, av Camiguin comme mot-clef;
C ' est d'ores et déjà chose faite , probablement ?
En fait, c' est très bien de prendre son temps et voyager lentement, comme tu comptes le faire ...
quels sont tes centres d' intérêt ? aimes-tu le trekking, marche de montagne ? aimes-tu le snorkeling, plongée av masque et tuba ? Si oui, tu adoreras Camiguin ..
D' autre part, serais-tu bicker, ou motard ? Et croyant, peut-être ? Ton sobriquet ou pseudo, Harleyluia, éveille en moi le souvenir d' une escouade de Hells Angels allemands, entrevus sur leurs Harley Davidsons un dimanche matin;
sous leur aspect redoutable, ils étaient doux comme des agneaux (de Dieu) et sortaient de leur église de San Pauli (le quartier chaud de Hambourg) pour après la messe et sous la conduite de leur prêtre, qui était visiblement leur chef , se diriger vers quelque Festival de Rock, du côté de Berlin ...Alleluia !
Merci pour ces liens, le 3ième ne fonctionne pas. je vais voir avec mon ami ''Ixquick'' plutôt que google. 😉
En fait, j'aime assez juste respirer, vraiment me reposer quand je vais en vacances, et je suis plutôt du type:
''On traversera le pont, quand on sera rendus à la rizière.''
😎 (oups, rivière) 😉
Pour ce qui est du côté ''motard'', je l'ai longtemps été, mais avec l'âge, les machines d'aujourd'hui, les réflexes, l'insouciance des gens, automoblistes et motards confondus, j'ai troqué il y a quelques années pour une cabriolet américaine, qui je crois a fait, et possiblement encore chez vous, fureur. Une Pt Cruiser que je modifies bon an, mal an.
HarleyLuia: en partie pour mon amour de la moto, oui, mais le ''Luia'' pour remercier ''dieu'' de m'avoir épargné et laisser vivre alors que j'étais en fort mauvaise posture...
Heu, je dois avouer pour l'allemagne et ses Hells...que je ne savais pas qu'il y avait eu une bande de ce nom.🤪
Ouais...
😕
Ça me semble une île assez calme, heinh?
🤪
😎
Un peu trop calme, pour y rester 3 semaines, surtout le soir mais de chouettes endroits à voir la journée en mobylette.J'aurai coupé en deux le séjour avec un autre endroit car ce n'est pas ça qui manque.
J'ai des amis à Cebu, une halte là aiderait, selon vous?
Vous avez des amis partout!!!ils peuvent pas vous orienter?Moi je serais vous,2 jours à Cébu puis direction "north terminal"direction hagnaya(3h de bus ou taxi 1H et demi,2000php)puis bateau,1 heure pour BANTAYAN, Santa Fé, là vous aurez du sable blanc et pas besoin d'une caisse de livres.Une fois sur place, allez au "coucou"ils savent parler le canadien et pourront vous dire des bons "tuyaux"pour la suite de votre périple.
Bantayan?Ah que voila un mauvais conseil! Ile plate sans aucuns interets, j'y ai passe
2 x 11 jours en 2011 et l'annee suivante, on s'y fait ch..er comme un rat mort!
L'endroit le plus interessant est le "coucou bar"(salut Denis)!Il y a beaucoup mieux aux Phils! Camiguin est relax, c'est vrai, mais il y a souvent des soirees "techno-disco"
ou on peut faire de bonnes rencontres...
soirées "techno-disco", cad qch plutôt comme peut-être...où cela à Camiguin ?
Effectivement, comme tu l' écris, Bantayan n' est pas une trop bonne idée, au Nord de Cebu island, c' est trop loin ...
Par contre, Gilles, si tu as des amis à Cebu city itself, ce pourrait être une bonne idée que d' y passer 2 ou 3 jours avant d' aller à Camiguin, et idem 2-3 jours au retour ...
Dans la ville de Cebu, la basilique del Santo Nino et ses alentours av le fort San Pedro (j' aime bien le nouveau parc), les temples taoistes ds le quartier résidentiel (afin de se sentir vraiment en Asie), le Tops Lookout, valent la visite; puis aller à la plage, comme les Cebuanos, peut-être une bonne idée; il suffit de prendre un taxi pr Mactan island, où l' on accède en traversant un pont, puis Mactan city, puis les abords de l' aéroport, avant de se retrouver à un embarcadère, où prendre un bateau pr l' ile d' Olango et ses plages ...
Quoi d' autre à voir, à Cebu ? quelques musées, et Shopping Malls, que tu découvriras dans le guide Lonely Planet, ou le Petit Fûté, dont la dernière édition comprend des infos ne figurant pas ds LP ...
heu...Torvik...Même avoir des amis partout, ne veut pas dire qu'ils sont toujours ''aidants''.
Y'a quand même 12 heures de différence, je ne les contacte pas comme si j'y étais.
:P
Non, c'est vraiment des soirees "Techno-dance" avec DJ et grosse sono, generalement
les terrains de baskets sont utilisees, mais des fois c'est en plein air...Mais il n'y en a pas tous les weekends, faut se renseigner.Du 1er sept au 10 il y en aura pas mal
car c'est la fete de Mambajao, il y aura des "live Band" aussi!Ca s'appelle aussi des fiestas.
J'ai tellement travaillé longtemps dans les bars/disco, que je me demande si ça m'intéresse encore.
Un petit ''pub''local, selon moi est beaucoup plus intéressant.
M'enfin, c'est question d'goût.
😎
je voyage en duo pour l instant , mais bientôt en solo
et j ai choisi camiguin comme destination apres extension de visa il me
reste 3 semaines je vais donc faire un dumaguete tagbilaran e bateau puis tagbilaran bus jusqu'au port de depart Bohol camiguin .
d apres ce qui vient d etre dit : c est mort le soir a camiguin
ca me laisse songeur jai passer 10 jours a siquijor certe tres calme sympa mais un peu mort tout de mme donc l idee d etre en solo
avec the night too quiet ! peut etre aurais tu une de mix dune ile a la fois assez tranquille mais ou cela bouge un minimum le soir ?
merci davance pour Ta réponse !
Pour faire un peu la fete le soir: Puerto Galera, Boracay,
Alona Beach(Panglao), El Nido; autrement je vois pas.
Dans les villes, Manille, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete. Je sais c'est maigre! 😉 A Camiguin il n'y a plus de boites de nuit.Juste
des soirees Disco dans les villages les vendredis en general,
c'est la saison, Avril et Mai.De 22h a 3h du mat.
Hi everyone. I m leaving for almost 3 months in the Philippines (11 weeks total) starting in early May. I already have my round-trip ticket. The problem is, I…
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.