Southeast Asia

Hi there, After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter). Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333? I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!

Hi there, We’re planning a backpacking trip to Northern Malaysia and northern Sumatra in February/March 2027. It’ll be our first time in these areas (we’re pretty familiar with the rest of Asia). Thanks in advance for your favorite spots and diving recommendations! It’s still very open-ended—we haven’t set anything in stone yet. Thanks,

Hello. We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).

18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC 20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land 20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding 23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing) 27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City 1/1: Return flight to France.

What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city? Thanks in advance for your insights.

Hi there,

I’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?

From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Have a great rest of the day

Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar? Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total. Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel? Thanks, Françoise

Hi there, We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach. The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Hi, We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅 Thanks for your experiences/tips!

Hello, I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes. I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights? Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi? I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have. Thanks so much! !

Hi, We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam. What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots? Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night? Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites? Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.

Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots. I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary. For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists. So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice: 1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City. 2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay 3- The Heritage Town of Taal 4- Banaue and Batad 5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town) 6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan 7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon) 8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island

I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees. Thanks in advance

Hello fellow travelers, and thanks to everyone for keeping this blog alive! It’s my turn to ask a question. For our trip to Laos next year, I’m torn between using a local agency or organizing everything myself with the Lonely Planet guide and tips from VoyageForum. If I plan it myself, will I still be able to find French-speaking guides on the spot or book excursions in advance? Thanks for sharing your experiences, and if you have any recommendations for local agencies—just for excursions or even transportation—that’d be great! Sylvie Cinefil67

Hi, Is it useful to rent a car from Puerto Princesa to get to El Nido? Are there any nice stops along the way? I read that once you arrive in El Nido, most of the beaches and sights are accessed by boat, so I'm wondering if this rental is really worth it... Thanks for your help