Je pars jeudi prochain pour la thailande pendant 3 semaines, et je compte voyager pas mal dans le pays facon "sac a dos".
Ce forum est une mine d'or pour préparer un tel voyage, merci a ceux qui la remplissent!!
J'ai juste besoin d'etre eclairci sur une question:
A combien se montent les commissions lors d'un retrait sur place avec une carte Visa francaise?
J'imagine que cela dépend de la banque que l'on choisit...dans ce cas quelle est la moins gourmande?
alors là c'est très complexe, le mieux c'est d'aller voir directement son banquier avant de partir et négiocier avec lui et sur papiers sinon au retour big surprise et nous pas content mais le banquier content .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
extraitsRetraits hors Union Européenne-
Dans les distributeurs du réseau Visa : 2, 90 % du montant + 3 € par opération
Paiements hors Union Européenne-
2, 90 % du montant + 0, 80 € par opération.
Et comme dit Marco, le mieux c'est de regarder ton contrat carte bancaire.
Contacte aussi ta banque pour savoir si elle ne bloque pas les opérations en Thailande, car il y a eu bcp de fraudes là bas alors certaines le font.
(Si c'est le cas, ils débloqueront les transactions en Thailande pour la durée de ton séjour, suffit juste de les prévenir)
Je pars moi aussi bientôt en thailande, et quand j'ai posé cette question à mon banquier, sa réponse a été des + claires :
"Ca va vous compter bonbon, retirez le maximum avant votre départ, on peut très facilement partir avec 1000€ en liquide, ça se glisse facilement dans les poches ! Et si c'est vraiment indispensable, retirez une grosse en une seule fois." (Mot pour mot)
Quand on sait que c'est entre autre comme ça qu'ils gagnent de l'argent, sa réponse m'a littéralement scotchée !
Dans ma banques (Crédit Agriole) les frais s'élèvent à 3.13€ par retrait + 1.75% de la somme...
Perso, je vais surement suivre les conseils de mon banquier pour une fois... 😛
Et ben du coup je vais fortement penser à aller voir mon banquier...🤪 Et puis ben je voufrais dire que c kil est kan même vraiment cool ce petit forum (mega grand ouai), ca me permet de reflechir au ptits trucs (mais de grosse importance)....j'adore kan les plans se passent sans accrocs (les accrocs c sympa kan même, kel plaisir on peut eprouver à sortir vainqueur des galères)...merci merci koi!!!
héhéhé😄
vivre sa vie comme on le veut plutôt que comme on le peut...bien qu'on le fasse quand même un peu comme on le peut..
pour les petit malins de l'économie .. le truc si on peut dire est d'amener de euros en espèces ( billet de 100 euros ) .. les changer a Pratunam au money changer ( banque semi légale . ) avoir un bon taux ... puis filer a une banque et ouvrir un compte .. ( pas toutes les banques ouvrent un compte si facilement mais il y en a qui le font .. puis avoir une carte de retrait locale ... et du coup vous dénervez un peut thaïe !!!!!
( de la part de un pratiquant ce petit manège depuis la nuit des temps .. pourquoi donner ses petits sous au un banquier, quand avec cette somme on peut se payer un bon resto ou un hôtel avec piscine ( piscine petite ) .. a la place de un dortoir avec les ronfleurs de kaosan ?? )
Actuellement cette banque de la démerde vous donne 2 bat par euros .. de supplément ..
un peut d'histoire pour mètre les malins au courant .. Pratunam est l'équivalent du sentier a Paris .. ( voir internet pour ceux qui ne savent pas ce que c'est le sentier Parisien .. ) bien il y a une tres grosse communauté de acheteuse internationale .. ( surtout D'Afrique ) qui Vienne faire leur achats .. par container entiers ..
et 2 bt de diference pour eux .. c'est un tres bon gain .. dont ne pas s'étonner que devant vous il y ait une ma-ma Bentz aves ses kilos de $$$ sortant de un sac en plastique .. ma-ma Bentz va faire son shoping ..
un petit détaille qui vaux son pesant d'or .. ne pas traîner dans les boutiques avec votre trésors .. il y a les picpoquet expert en repérage du farang tête en l'air . ils ne s'attaquent pas a vous, ou a moi, mais a celui qui a une boutique en europe et qui viens faire ses achats .. ils sont tres facilement repérables .. en général c'est des couples .. madame fouille .. et monsieur est en transpiration derrière .. a faire office de pic up ( petit camion locale ) c'est a cette espèce d'oiseaux que les indélicats s'attaquent ..
Mais venir .. échanger son nerf de la guerre .. et repartir .. est une garantie pour ne pas avoir a téléphoner en PCV a sa famille en disant .. << vite envoi des $$$ pour commencer ou finir mon séjour >>
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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Pour info. Au Québec Visa Desjardins (Caisses Populaires) facture 1.8 % du montant de la transaction. Rien de moins rien de plus. Selon leurs dires cette commission représente les coûts de conversion des monnaies qu’ils doivent calculer. Menteurs! Ce sont des ordinateurs qui effectuent tout le travail!
Le plus marrant quand tu utilises les ATM en Thaïlande avec ta carte de débit, du coup le reçu imprimé donne le solde de ton compte en Bahts! Et là t’a l’impression d’être devenu millionnaire instantané!
DeCléricy
J’en appelle à vous ô Muses
Où tant ma vie passe et s’use
Qu’encore et toujours j’aime
Mes soeurs Galère et Bohème
Pour ma part, je panache souvent les trois moyens de paiement classiques: cash, chèques de voyage et carte bancaire.
Je change une grande partie du cash en euros en arrivant, utilise ensuite les chèques et utilise si besoin la carte.
Voyagez, voyagez, il en restera toujours quelque chose!
Je fais pareil que toi Nestor, je prends des travellers et au grand besoin j'utilise la carte bancaire, parce que si tu utilises rien que la carte bonjour les frais .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Toujours beaucoup de "post" concernant les frais de commission des CB à l'étranger, chacun sachant que les routards sont particulièrement économes sur certaines dépenses de leurs budgets, mais beaucoup moins sur d'autres ! surtout en Thailande ou "tout est permis" ...lol....Il faut qu'en même savoir que le taux de change avec CB se fera au cours éxacte du marché ; alors que votre changeur de Khoa Sand Road se sera bien davantage sucré sur sa commission de change que votre transaction CB ; ça vous fera moins mal au coeur car vous n'en verrez et saurez rien, (au pire 0% de commission, ce qui est toujours faux), vous ne comparerez que les changeurs de la rue, mais pas avec le taux exacte du marché qui figure dans les journaux locaux, les
différences sont toujours coquettes....D' ailleurs depuis peu même les guides pour voyageurs à petits budgets conseillent pour nombre de pays de se servir que de sa CB pour obtenir les meilleurs taux de change !
« Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux. » (Marcel Proust)
Euh... a moins que les banques ne soient devenues philantropiques 🤪, elles prennent une commission de change.
Aux Philippines, j'ai un taux de change egal avec les changeurs et avec un virement bancaire... et 0 frais chez le changeur et 0.1 a 0.2% de frais pour un virement bancaire. Si j'utilise ma carte pour des retraits, c'est l'explosion des frais! Et je peux te dire que je fais tres attention a ce poste de depense!
De toute façon le mieux et plus sécurisant c'est les travellers chèques en cas de perte ou vol on vous les remplace en moins de 48 heures, pour un exemple un achat de 2000 € de travellers chèques il y a 40 € de frais, puis au change on aura le cours exact du marché, et 40 baths de retenu de frais par chèque travellers qu'il soit de 20 ou 100 € c'est pareil, donc conclusion mieux vaut prendre des coupures de 100 ou 200 € et ça prend moins de place .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
oui mais est-il toujours pratique d'avoir des coupures de 100 et 200, ne faudrait il pas comme ecrit sur un post precedent prendre en compte la vie de tous les jours et du coup avoir un peu de fraiche....les travellers cheques sont'ils acceptés chez tou les commercants?
vivre sa vie comme on le veut plutôt que comme on le peut...bien qu'on le fasse quand même un peu comme on le peut..
oui c'est pour ça que c'est pratique, et pas de risque avec ça, tu perds ton argent liquide il te reste que tes yeux pour pleurer et tu perds ca carte bleue faut attendre je sais pas combien de temps pour la renouveller, des travellers chèques on te les remplace en moins de 48 heures n'importe ou dans le monde .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Bah je sais que je pourrai mener l'enquête mais pendant que jy suis je la mène ici, vous pourriez m'en dire un peu plus sur ces travellers, genre ou les acheter et est-il possible de partir avec son budjet en travellers et de l'echanger en argent au fur à a mesure de l'avancement du voyage? quels en sont les inconveniants?
vivre sa vie comme on le veut plutôt que comme on le peut...bien qu'on le fasse quand même un peu comme on le peut..
pas compliqué, tu vas à ta banque pour l'achat de travellers en euros, bien demander des grosses coupures, il faut signer en haut à gauche du traveller chèque, ensuite tu peux changer au fur à mesure de ton avancement du voyage, au bureau de change ou banque ils demandent toujours ton passeport note le N° passeport et tu dois signer devant eux ( très important ) en bas à gauche du traveller chèque pour vérifié ta signature .
Des inconvéniants je n'en vois pas .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Le seul inconvénient est lorsque tu tombes sur un employé qui fait un caca nerveux pour une légère différence sur la signature.
Cas véridique qui est arrivé à ma tante il ya quelques années en Afrique:
l'employé a refusé de lui changer ses travellers car il y avait une légère différence sur la signature (en fait une patte de mouche!). Heureusement un autre voyageur qui fesait le même circuit qu'elle lui a avancé de l'argent et elle a pu changer dans une autre ville dans une autre banque🙂
Moi, j'ai pris ma carte bancaire de tous les jours, assurée contre le vol (et assurance medicale rapatriement incluse pour toutes les Visa). Je faisais des retrait a l'ATM de 20.000 Bahts, meme sur les iles.
La commission prélevée par ma banque : 575 Bahts.
Mon conseil: pour quelques semaines de tourisme, utiliser le moyen de paiement avec lequel vous etes le plus à l'aise (CB, traveller, compte local, cash...), tant pour la sécurité, que pour les couts.
C'est sans doute toi qui a eu la meilleur idée et de loin ; si tu avais changer dans des bureaux de change la même somme d'argent ; tu y aurait laissé largement plus que tes 575 bt de commission et le taux aurait été largement moins attractif !
« Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux. » (Marcel Proust)
Donc, il y a 3 moyens faciles d'avoir une devise etrangere: retrait avec une carte internationale traveller check liquide, change dans un bureau de change
Il y a 2 types de "ponctions": - les commissions de change les frais bancaires lies aux operations realisees
Pour le change, 3 cours: Cours de reference. C'est celui qui est donne a la radio/tele ("aujourd'hui le $ est a 1.2258 Euro") Les cours bancaires: un cours a l'achat et un cours a la vente. Ce cours est utilise pour le retrait avec une carte et les traveller checks. La commission de change est de 0.1 a 0.2% de la somme changee. Les cours de change du liquide: La, c'est a la tete du client et ca varie enormement entre les pays. La France est tres chere (la commission est de 2% a 6% de la somme echangee). La Thailande n'est pas tres chere (1% dans les banques et moins chez un bon changeur). Donc il faut changer en Thailande et pas en France!
Pour les frais bancaires: Carte internationale: C'est le flou artistique car une banque ne sait pas a l'avance combien ca coute!!! En effet, les frais impliquent toujours 2 banques au moins (la banque francaise ou vous avez votre compte et la banque thailandaise ou vous retirez l'argent) et toutes les banques thailandaises ne prennent pas les memes commissions!!!
Ce que fait en pratique la banque francaise: Elle prend des commissions elevees et elle en reverse une partie a la banque thaie.
Les 575 baths sur 20000, ca fait mine de rien 2.87% de frais bancaires. Plus 0.1/0.2% de frais de change, tu arrives a 3% au total.
Les traveller: D'apres Barbot, 40 euros de frais pour 2000 euros (=2%) + 40 bath par check de 100 Euros (=0.8%). Tu additionnes les frais de change (0.1 0.2%) et tu arrives egalement a 3%. L'avantage: tu ne te promenes pas avec 20000 baths de liquide sur toi. Le liquide: ben... pas de frais 🙂. Avec un bon changeur comme celui de Pratunam, tu as une commission de change de 0.3%. Gain net par rapport aux traveller/carte: 2.7%. Si le budget voyage est de 600 Euros, ca donne 800 baths de gain. C'est un bon restaurant a Bangkok. C'est egalement 3/4 jours de boulot d'un ouvrier thai.
Apres, a chacun de voir la solution la plus adaptee a son cas 🙂
Pour info, je joins les taux de change de la Bangkok Bank vendredi dernier. Pour les non-anglophones:
Note bank: liquide
Sight Bill: billet a vue. Les traveller sont surement la-dedans
TT: Transfert inter-bancaire
Non c'est faux Khrapka. Ce n'est pas ce que j'ai dit.
Il n'y a pas de prélèvement supplémentaire ni "frais de change" par la banque locale (cas des ATM et paiement CB). Je recois de l'ATM, 20 billets de 1000 Bahts.
Les tarifs des banques sont publiés. Il y a un relevé de transaction très clair, et conforme au contrat de banque.
Ne pas oublier qu'avec les CB il y a une assurance perte/vol/juridique et rapatriement médical (je n'ai pas testé 😎).
Quand tu retires 20000 baths, tu recois... 20000 baths. Si le cours de reference Euro/bath est 50, tu devrais etre debite de 400 Euros en Belgique. Quand tu regardes ton releve bancaire, tu vois 401 Euros. L' euro supplementaire est du aux frais de change. Personne ne fait jamais attention car les sommes sont petites et personne ne sait exactement le cours au moment du retrait (ces cours varient plusieurs fois par jour).
Quand tu retires 20000 baths, la banque thai va facturer la transaction a la banque belge. Ca va donner: 20000 bath = 400 euros + 1 euro frais de change + 2 euros frais de banque = 403 euros.
La banque belge recoit la facture et reporte sur ton compte
20000 bath = 401 euros;
frais bancaires: 11.5 euros (2 euros pour la banque thai et 9.5 euros pour la banque belge🙂)
Tu payes 11.5 euros (475 bath) de commission bancaires et 1 euro de frais de change.
Il y a un principe de base avec les banques: quand elles peuvent te piquer de l'argent, elle le font.
Bon je crois que je vais arreter la: si tu n'as toujours pas compris, ben... continue a donner de l'argent a ta banque😉
Excuse moi Khrapta, mais je sais quand meme mieux que toi ce que ma banque me coute!
J'ai récupéré 20.000 Bahts de l'ATM et cela m'a été facturé sur le relevé 20.000+575 Bahts. Point-barre.
Donnes nous des informations sur ce que tu connais, nous ferons nos conclusions nous meme.
Si tu prefère transporter du cash dans l'avion, je ne le conteste pas, et je n'ai d'ailleurs pas parlé de cette méthode, puisque je cela ne me convient pas (sécurité).
Et ce n'est pas a ton honneur, que d'insinuer la cupidité des banques, et de sous-entendre que je suis un nigaud d'utiliser ma carte bancaire (si je l'ai prise internationale, c'est pour l'utiliser!).
Si le change de cash, les travellers, et les ATM sont répandus c'est bien parce qu'il y a des gens que cela intéresse, chacun choisissant l'une ou l'autre des méthodes, comme bon lui semble.
Et c'est malhonnete que de travestir la vérité pour faire passer TES idées et TA conclusion.
Relit simplement les post, surtout la conclusion de mon long post :
"Apres, a chacun de voir la solution la plus adaptee a son cas 🙂 "
Pour ton info, j'ai une carte internationale et il m'arrive de l'utiliser pour me depanner.
Voili Voila.
PS: comprend que, comme ton compte est en Euro, ta banque doit te facturer des Euros. Donc changer les Baths (20000 + 575) en euros (xxx). Et ta banque prend une commission de change a ce moment la. Si tu peux faire un scan de ton releve bancaire (en enlevant toutes les info personelles bien entendu) et me l'envoyer en MP, je te montrerai ou se trouve toutes les infos.
Petit compte-rendu des différents taux de change pratiqués: Echange de devises chez SuperRich à Bangkok: 38,95/€ Paiement avec carte de crédit: 38,54/€ (si pas…
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Malgré les attentats dans tout le pays ses derniers jours, le Bath ne faiblit pas, il est même plus fort. En europe, dès qu'il y a un attentat, l'euro chute.…
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
Je cherche la perle rare pour mon 3eme séjour sur Koh Lanta : un bel hotel qualitatif au bord d' une plage facile d'accès dans un endroit animé.
Si vous connaissez quelque chose qui s'apparente à ma recherche et que vous souhaitez partager n' hésitez pas.
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!
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.
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!
