BANGKOK (AFP) - Des milliers de manifestants royalistes, déterminés à faire tomber le Premier ministre thaïlandais Samak Sundaravej, ont fortement perturbé l'activité gouvernementale mardi à Bangkok, encerclant plusieurs ministères et prenant d'assaut une chaîne de télévision. (la suite voir ICI)
Ca chauffe plus que pour les manifestations précèdentes d'autant plus que nombre de manifestants sont armés de pistolets ou de couteaux, 80 manifestants ont été arrêtés par la police d'après les sources de la CNN (voir ICI, article en anglais)
Cela ne va pas changé grand chose pour les touristes mais quand en est-il de l'avis des expats, vos impressions?
Les chars sont dans les rues, les insurgés ont mis le feu aux magasins tenus par les Chinois, la chasse aux farangs est ouverte...L'électricité est coupée et d'aileurs je t'écris à la lueur des balles traçantes.....nonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn, Je déconnes !!!😉
En fait, j'ai montré les images à ma femme sur la télé Thai...au bout de deux minutes elle est partie..."Mai pen rai....."" Pareille pour les Tantines, quand je leur ai expliqué que Samk risquait de faire comme Taksin.... : ÉMai pen rai...Alors excés de pudeur devant le farang ?😇
PErso,
Je crois que la campagne (J'habite dans le NE...) se tape force 10 des histoires de la ville.....Eux ils savent depuis longtemps qu'ils sont et resteront pauvres...........quelque soit le gouvernement.....Royalomilitariste ou Financoroyaliste...il vas falloir trouver des mots nouveaux..........Et si les Thais ont un trés fort sentiment Nationaliste, ils voient aussi et surtout ce qu'ils vont mettre dans leur Som Tam quotidien....
Tout le monde meurt, peu de gens vivent .
Je n'aime pas donner des réponses ... . Aujourd'hui, quand on donne aux gens des réponses, ils ont l'impression qu'on les prend pour des imbéciles et qu'on empiète sur leur liberté.
Mon testament philosophique
Citations de Jean Guitton
Merci Bobcat pour ton avis que je partage assez il faut bien dire notamment sur l'importance du Som Tam 😉
C'est juste que ces manifestations prennent un tour un peu plus violent que d'habitude alors même si ca ne concerne que les villes et peut-être même que Bangkok, je me demandais si cela avait une réelle signification politique ou si cela n'était qu'un peu de vent comme d'ab 😕
Justement ce matin il y avait un article sur le Petit journal de Bangkok que voiçi .
mardi 26 août 2008
Politique – Samak face aux manifestations invoque le salut de l’économie.-
Le Premier ministre thaïlandais Samak Sundaravej a accusé hier les manifestants anti-gouvernement de chercher à détruire l’économie, réaffirmant qu’il ne démissionnerait que si un tribunal le lui ordonnait. Cette déclaration arrive alors que l’Alliance du Peuple pour la Démocratie (APD), coalition de diverses mouvances, a annoncé ce week-end une manifestation de masse prévue aujourd’hui. Le gouvernement de Samak est malmené depuis le mois de mai par les manifestations de l’APD et une série de jugements défavorables impliquant plusieurs de ses ministres. De plus, son parti, le Parti du Pouvoir du Peuple, fait l’objet d’une instruction pour fraude électorale et pourrait être dissout par la Cour Constitutionnelle. Samak fait lui-même l’objet d’une instruction pour diffamation. Le retour des manifestations de l’APD, qui s’était déjà illustrée il y a deux ans en préalable au putsch du 19 septembre 2006, ont fait ressurgir le spectre du coup d’état, détournant les investisseurs potentiels. La bourse thaïlandaise a chuté de 19% depuis mai et la croissance économique est passée de 6.1% au premier trimestre 2008 à 5.3 pourcent au second. La manifestation d’aujourd’hui devrait démarrer dans la matinée devant le bâtiment des Nations-Unies selon l’un des leaders de l’APD qui n’a pas donné davantage de précisions. "Le mouvement demain devra se faire dans le respect de la loi... S’il outrepasse la loi, la police interviendra”, a déclaré Samak, hier, lors d’une conférence de presse. (http://www.lepetitjournal.com/bangkok.html) mardi 26 août 2008
@+ , 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 .
Les images de la télé Thais étaient assez soft...et la Police n'aspas eu l'air de beaucoup "résister"....Et je n'ai pas vu de scénes de violence dont la télé Thais se régale d'habitude à montrer en direct .... Mai sje n'habites pas kruntep donc, ma vision des évenments n'est pas compléte😉
L'armée n'as pas bougé.....
Aprés........on verra............
Tout le monde meurt, peu de gens vivent .
Je n'aime pas donner des réponses ... . Aujourd'hui, quand on donne aux gens des réponses, ils ont l'impression qu'on les prend pour des imbéciles et qu'on empiète sur leur liberté.
Mon testament philosophique
Citations de Jean Guitton
Thaïlande : ultimatum aux manifestants
Source : AFP
26/08/2008 | Mise à jour : 11:26 |
La police thaïlandaise a donné jusqu'à 18 heures aux milliers de manifestants rassemblés à Bangkok pour quitter l'enceinte des bureaux du Premier ministre Samak Sundaravej, a indiqué aujourd'hui un haut responsable de la police.
C'est pas le post sur les chiens ici, vous faites erreur ...
La Police aurait "trouvé" UN pistolet sur un manifestant, on ne dit pas si c'est le fils de celui-ci qui a oublié son jouet dans la poche de papa ...
Ce qui est plus gênant, c'est que les grands axes routiers ont été bloqués (à Chumpon par exemple) et çà peut avoir des conséquences néfastes.
Ce qu'on ne dit pas, c'est si les embouteillages monstres à Bangkok vont empêcher le fils et la fille de Thaksin d'aller toucher le fric bloqué jusqu'à présent dans une banque et que le Ministère veut débloquer ...
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Bonjour 🙂
Je lis un peu tous ca, cela me semble loin vivant actuellement a koh tao (baignade, plage et détente). Une question cependant me taraude en lisant l’actualité, la semaine prochaine je dois emmener ma maman (qui est en visite durant 2 semaines) à Bangkok et y rester quelques jours pour lui faire visiter des temples ( son kiff ). Pensez-vous que je devrais changer de destination ? Je ne voudrai pas courir le risque de lui faire encourir le moindre risque. Ma question est peut être idiote mais cela m'inquiète ^^
Bonjour 🙂
Je lis un peu tous ca, cela me semble loin vivant actuellement a koh tao (baignade, plage et détente). Une question cependant me taraude en lisant l’actualité, la semaine prochaine je dois emmener ma maman (qui est en visite durant 2 semaines) à Bangkok et y rester quelques jours pour lui faire visiter des temples ( son kiff ). Pensez-vous que je devrais changer de destination ? Je ne voudrai pas courir le risque de lui faire encourir le moindre risque. Ma question est peut être idiote mais cela m'inquiète ^^
Cordialement.
reviens sur Paris, c'est fluide (Paris Plage est terminé et les quais sont réouverts), les parisiens sont encore en vacances, et on profite assez bien des quelques belles éclaircies.
beaucoup de touristes japonaises
c'est calme, un vrai paradis, pas de manifestations de prévues.
Je ne pense pas qu'il y ait de grands risques a part ceux d'embouteillage comme il a été dit plus haut. Mon message n'avait pas de vocation d' être alarmiste mais informatif, juste quelques interrogations sur la situation réelle vu la course au sensationnel et a la désinformation qui règne dans le milieu de l'information. Comme l'a dit Megwan, on trouve un flingue et on raconte que de nombreux manifestants étaient armés 😕 il faut donc savoir relativiser l'info 😉
Bonjour 🙂
Je lis un peu tous ca, cela me semble loin vivant actuellement a koh tao (baignade, plage et détente). Une question cependant me taraude en lisant l’actualité, la semaine prochaine je dois emmener ma maman (qui est en visite durant 2 semaines) à Bangkok et y rester quelques jours pour lui faire visiter des temples ( son kiff ). Pensez-vous que je devrais changer de destination ? Je ne voudrai pas courir le risque de lui faire encourir le moindre risque. Ma question est peut être idiote mais cela m'inquiète ^^
Cordialement.
Bon, à part le risque d'embouteillage gigantesque, pas de danger pour vous.
La semaine passée, c'était une manif de 7000 personnes devant l'ambassade de GB à Wireless Road pour réclamer le retour de Thaksin qui a foutu le boxon, alors plus de 100'000 à Government house, ça causerait de grand bouchons dans cette zone.
C'est une histoire thailando-thai. C'est clair, il y a toujours un risque de revoir des évenemments type 1991 ressurgir, et encore en 91, les étrangers n'ont pas été inquiétés et les troubles se sont concentrés vers le parlement.
A+
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
Bonjour 🙂
Je lis un peu tous ca, cela me semble loin vivant actuellement a koh tao (baignade, plage et détente). Une question cependant me taraude en lisant l’actualité, la semaine prochaine je dois emmener ma maman (qui est en visite durant 2 semaines) à Bangkok et y rester quelques jours pour lui faire visiter des temples ( son kiff ). Pensez-vous que je devrais changer de destination ? Je ne voudrai pas courir le risque de lui faire encourir le moindre risque. Ma question est peut être idiote mais cela m'inquiète ^^
Cordialement.
Votre audience (réservée) avec le PM Samak, oubliez, il ne pourra pas vous recevoir (trop occupé ailleurs ...).
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Merci pour vos réponses. Pour Paris-plage je ne connais pas mais si un jour je passe par Paris dans cette période j’irais y jeter un petit coup d’œil. Personnellement je reste encore un petit moment en Thaïlande et ne compte absolument pas changer mon agenda et me sens aussi totalement en sécurité, mais comme durant 15 jours il y a la maman je suis prise de la phobie du sur protectionnisme compulsif. ^^
Et comme je m’intéresse a se qui se passe dans se magnifique pays (même si je suis un peu perdue avec la politique), en lisant par ci par la ma phobie s’est questionnée et emballée.
En tous les cas merci a tous pour vos réponses.
Ca n'a pas l'air d'etre un mouvement national et l'ampleur semble moindre à priori.
Vous imaginez si en France l'armée intervenait à chaque grosse manif ? Mince, on aurait une armée à temps plein juste pour l'éducation national et la SNCF....😎
Non, plus sérieusement, le dossier Thai ca semble être une histoire sans fin. Et quand j'en parle avec mes amis Thais, les seuls choses qu'ils connaissent du premier ministre c'est ses liens avec Thaksin et autres histoires louches. Par contre dès qu'on leur demande ce qu'ils savent de la politique ou d'un éventuel programme politique, là il reste plus grand monde...forcément c'est moins croustillant.
Bref attendons de voir l'après Bhumibol, à ce moment là les choses changeront peut-être (j'ai des doutes quand même). 🤪
Cette nuit la police anti-émeute a dégagé la chaîne de télévison nationale NBT qui avait été prise d'assaut et occupée hier matin par les manifestants du PAD.
On juge un homme sur ses ennemis aussi bien que sur ses amis (J. Conrad)
bonnes definition, ici aussi dans ma commune, aucune annonce, cest le calme plat, les journaux restent obstinement plies a cotes des tables de restaurations, preuves de l'interet que portent, les thais de cette sombre affaire, je pense qu'ils ont bien d'autres soucis, telles que la recoltes du riz ou le cours de la canne a sucre .
Et puis ne l'oublions pas, uin pays, comme la thailande qui en, pas 40 ans a vue deja defile tant de rebellions, et autres coups d'etat en tout genre, qui vit a longueur de temps sur de a corruption, ne crois plus, mais alors plus du tout a l'integrite de leur hommes politique .
enfin bref aujourd'hui, c'etait repas viet, et tres bon au demeurant, si ca interresse certains ....... le somtam, comme la politique, i'm fed up about this .
Bref attendons de voir l'après Bhumibol, à ce moment là les choses changeront peut-être (j'ai des doutes quand même).
Mon avis est que cela sera encore pire. Le roi m'apparaît encore comme un frein aux excès des politiciens de tous bords, le roi étant comme une entité morale supérieur et qui observe à distance ce que font les politiciens sans avoir le pouvoir légal d'intervenir certes, mais tellement apprécié du peuple thaï que son rayonnement est immense.
De plus, effectivement, les programmes politiques ne font pas vraiment écho auprès de la population, il ne s'agit que de promesses rarement tenues, partiellement réalisées.
Il y a donc une certaine résignation de la majorité de la population qui subit déception après déception et qui observe les agitations de ces gouvernants de Bangkok comme on pourrait suivre un feuilleton sans fin à la Tv.🙁🙁🙁
Quand l'eau baisse les fourmis mangent les poissons; quand l'eau monte les poissons mangent les fourmis.
Il n'y a que le changement qui ne change pas.
Surtout que le prince héritier n'a pas l'air de faire l'hunanimité.
Mon avis est que cela sera encore pire. Le roi m'apparaît encore comme un frein aux excès des politiciens de tous bords, le roi étant comme une entité morale supérieur et qui observe à distance ce que font les politiciens sans avoir le pouvoir légal d'intervenir certes, mais tellement apprécié du peuple thaï que son rayonnement est immense.
Cà se vérifie encore une fois, Samak a déclaré hier que le Roi lui avait demandé "d'y aller doucement" avec les manifestants ...
Les politiciens, pour la plupart, malheureusement sont prêts à risquer la vie d'une foule de gens pour avoir le dessus et accéder "aux leviers" ... pour s'en mettre plein les poches.
NB:Il faut se souvenir que Samak, dans les années 70, s'était vanté d'avoir lui-même pendu des étudiants aux arbres lors des émeutes, plus âgé et "bien conseillé", la différence est énorme !
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
salut,
tu dis que les axes routiers sont bloques.....je pars demain de battambang (cambodge) en bus pour bangkok, a ton avis, c est jouable???
merci
boris
Police Break into Government House
Thai riot police break into the Government House through a gate in Bangkok, Thailand, early Wednesday August 27, 2008. Thousands of anti-government demonstrators had been occupied the Thai prime minister's office compound in a protest to accuse a prime minister too closely tied to his disgraced predecessor. They withdrew three
Protestors Besiege Government House
Members of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) push down barricades as they storm into the Government House in Bangkok August 26, 2008. Thousands of royalist protesters stormed Thai state broadcaster NBT and the official compound of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, as part of demonstrations to try to unseat the elected seven-month-old coalition government. REUTERS/Kerek Wongsa (THAILAND)
Merci sawasdee 🙂 mais ce sont, en fin de compte, toujours les mêmes images qui tournent en boucle a quelques différences près (de montage), ça reste néanmoins bon-enfant tout ça 😉
Humour – L’actu thaïlandaise et internationale fait rire sur la face cachée du Nation.-
Les manifestants royalistes de l’APD ont assiégé puis envahi l’ambassade de France dans le but d’éradiquer du territoire l’esprit républicain et antiroyaliste véhiculé par les Français depuis la révolution de 1789, annonçait hier le site Internet www.notthenation.com. L’article, publié sur une page quasi-identique à celle du quotidien thaïlandais en langue anglaise The Nation a de quoi faire sourire. Et c’est bien là le but de ce site Internet satirique créé il y a quelques mois par un ancien journaliste du Nation qui tient à garder l’anonymat. Notthenation.com tourne habilement l’actualité en dérision, jamais au hasard, et parodie au passage le contenu de la presse avec de fausses publicités, fausses petites annonces. Ainsi, on retrouve des titres amusants comme "Le parti démocrate célèbre 25 ans sans programme politique", "Les astrologues dévoilent leurs prédictions rétroactives sur 2007", "L’ancienne gouverneure de la TAT nie avoir jamais été gouverneure", "La Cour Suprême forme un nouveau parti avec l’argent saisi de Thaksin" ou encore dans d’autres registres "Le Thailand Cultural Center fête sa 10.000e représentation ratée", "Unilever lance le shampoing whitening", etc. Un bon moment à passer pour ceux qui sont las d’une actualité trop souvent sérieusement ridicule… (http://www.lepetitjournal.com/bangkok.html) jeudi 28 août 2008
La dirigeante du syndicat de la compagnie aérienne Thai Airways a lancé un appel à la grève en signe de solidarité avec les manifestants. "Nous appelons nos (15.000) membres de tous les services (de Thai Airways) à exercer leur droit à prendre deux jours d'arrêt-maladie sans certificat du médecin (...) parce que, ce matin, le gouvernement a attaqué des gens", a déclaré Jaemsri Sukchotsri.
Des heurts ont éclaté vendredi matin entre la police et les manifestants retranchés devant le gouvernement et qui ont empêché les forces de sécurité de pénétrer dans l'enceinte.
"Le gouvernement a violé les droits des personnes et a violé sa promesse de ne pas utiliser la force", a affirmé Jaemsri Sukchotsri.
Trafic ferroviaire perturbé
Jeudi 27 août des syndicalistes des chemins de fer publics avaient annoncé qu'ils se joignaient au mouvement de protestation et, vendredi, le trafic ferroviaire était perturbé à 25%, quelque 248 conducteurs et mécaniciens s'étant déclarés malades, selon un responsable de l'entreprise ferroviaire.
Depuis mardi 26 août, des milliers de manifestants anti-gouvernementaux occupent le siège du Premier ministre à Bangkok. Ils exigent la démission du chef du gouvernement, Samak Sundaravej.
(source nouvel obs)
Army and Police on Standby
Thai soldiers take a relaxed position Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, near the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand. Anti-government protesters Thursday defied a court order to end their occupation of the Thai prime minister's office compound in Bangkok, saying they had a right to remain and would stay until the country's leaders resign. (AP Photo/David Longstreath)
Aux dernières nouvelles sur le terrain, et non glané sur le net, il y aurait aussi des manifestions a Udon Thani et ça c'est vraiment une nouveauté puisque c'est une des région ou Samak a été le plus plébiscité.
Reuters via Yahoo! Actualités - 29 août 16 h 23 Les manifestations antigouvernementales qui gagnent du terrain en Thaïlande se sont intensifiées vendredi à Bangkok, où des protestataires ont lancé un assaut sur le QG de la police avant d'être refoulés, a rapporté un journaliste de Reuters présent sur place.
tout cela c'est la faute à Rousseau 😉😉 Jean-Jacques😉 😇
Humour – L’actu thaïlandaise et internationale fait rire sur la face cachée du Nation.-
Les manifestants royalistes de l’APD ont assiégé puis envahi l’ambassade de France dans le but d’éradiquer du territoire l’esprit républicain et antiroyaliste véhiculé par les Français depuis la révolution de 1789,
"pendant un instant l'usage des yeux : la lecture du monde. italo Calvino "Paroles de voyageurs" si tu n'as pas étudié, voyage".
Oui en effet, mais ayant habité Ferney-Voltaire a 2 pas de la cité de Calvin ou a habité Rousseau, tu comprendras mon désarroi 😇 mais je pensais surtout a la chanson de Gavroche dans les misérables 😉
Je suis tombé par terre, c'est la faute à Voltaire
Le nez dans le ruisseau, c'est la faute à Rousseau
Je ne suis pas notaire, c'est la faute à Voltaire
Je suis petit oiseau, c'est la faute à Rousseau
Crise politique en Thaïlande: le Premier ministre va voir le roi .
AFP - il y a 25 minutes
BANGKOK (AFP) - Le Premier ministre thaïlandais Samak Sundaravej, dont des milliers d'opposants exigent la démission, s'est rendu auprès du roi Bhumibol Adulaydej pour lui exposer la situation, a-t-on appris samedi de source gouvernementale .
M. Samak a quitté Bangkok tard vendredi pour la station balnéaire de Hua Hin où le monarque séjourne, a indiqué cette source sous le couvert de l'anonymat. "Il a rendu compte au roi de la situation et il rentrera aujourd'hui (samedi)" à Bangkok, a-t-il dit.
Le souverain âgé de 80 ans, en villégiature au palais Klaikangwon ("loin des soucis"), a des fonctions essentiellement honorifiques mais il joue, en sous-main, un rôle-clef dans la vie politique. Le plus ancien monarque de la planète reste par ailleurs immensément respecté parmi la population; une aura dont les gouvernants doivent toujours tenir compte.
Suite ICI .
@+ , 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 .
sur la chaine tele (ASTV) du P.A.D qui donne des images en direct jour et nuit de la manifestation qui rassemble des milliers de personnes au siege du gouvernement, personnellement il y a 2 jours (quand les policiers ont commence a vouloir virer les manifestants) je pensais que c'etait le baroud d'honneur du P.A.D.
Bizaremment les policiers ont battu en retraite relativement facilement (apres avoir donne quelques coups de maraque), le Premier Ministre disant par la suite qu'ils etaient seulement venus pour remettre l'ordre d'expulsion.
En fait, ils n'ont rien pu faire contre les manifestants et se sont vite rendus compte que ca risquait de tres mal tourner.Du coup, les manifestants se sentent de plus en plus forts et sont de plus en plus appuyes par la population.Meme un haut responsable de l'electricite vient d'apparaitre a la tele en disant que si le Premier ministre ne demissionnait pas, il donnerait l'ordre de couper l'electricite dans le plus grand nombre possible de villes.
Apparemment, apres avoir parle avec des thais, l'armee ne veut pas intervenir (meme si c'est le Premier ministre qui le demande).La police fait egalement profil bas pour l'instant.Donc j'ai l'impression que le Premier ministre est de plus en plus isole, et que en haut lieu, il n'y a pas grand-monde qui veuille l'aider.
""Mince j'ai cru lire 25 secondes . ""
😉😉😉😉😉😉 pas grave Marco, c' est l' excuse de la pleine jeunesse. On voit pas le temps défiler, je te comprends...............😉😉😉😉😉😉 j' suis ds le même état 😛😛😛😛😛😛
""Le voyage pour moi, ce n' est pas arriver, c' est partir. C' est l' imprévu de la prochaine escale, c' est le désir jamais comblé de connaître sans cesse autre chose, c' est demain, éternellement demain"" Roland Dorgelès.
Je prévois d’aller vadrouiller entre le Vietnam et la Thaïlande en mai. Je souhaite terminer mon séjour à la plage. La question c’est ou trouver des plages…
Je me rends au mois de juillet en Thailande et souhaite faire un saut sur KohPhanGan. J 'avais beaucoup aimé cette ile surtout les plages coté " Thong Nai…
Suite à la large diffusion sur les réseaux sociaux d'une vidéo montrant des policiers thaïs manipuler des piles de billets de 1 000 bahts, la Police vient…
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
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.
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?
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
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,
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, 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 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 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.
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.
Thai riot police break into the Government House through a gate in Bangkok, Thailand, early Wednesday August 27, 2008. Thousands of anti-government demonstrators had been occupied the Thai prime minister's office compound in a protest to accuse a prime minister too closely tied to his disgraced predecessor. They withdrew three
Members of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) push down barricades as they storm into the Government House in Bangkok August 26, 2008. Thousands of royalist protesters stormed Thai state broadcaster NBT and the official compound of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, as part of demonstrations to try to unseat the elected seven-month-old coalition government. REUTERS/Kerek Wongsa (THAILAND)
Thai soldiers take a relaxed position Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, near the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand. Anti-government protesters Thursday defied a court order to end their occupation of the Thai prime minister's office compound in Bangkok, saying they had a right to remain and would stay until the country's leaders resign. (AP Photo/David Longstreath)
