sur ce coup là tu ferais mieux de relire le post, t'as rien compris au film la personne ne se plein pas du tout d'avoir payé 400b son trajet…………
relis 2 ou 3 fois pour bien comprendre!!!!!!!
"ils sont malades ou quoi !! meme le taxi de l'aeroport au centre ville il a couté 400 baths(alors le tuk_tuk 300 baths, heu.... c'est pas vouloir nous prendre pour des cons?)!!!"
J'ai écouté tes conseils et relu même 5 fois, je compte sur toi pour m'expliquer ce que j'ai pas compris...🤪🙂
...et la je maintiens vu ses propos : KHI NIO LEI !😊
Tout d'abord je trouve que votre échange m'a fait sourire étant donné vos pseudos😏
Assimil vs Phassathai, excellent😉
Mais je trouve quand même pas très sympa de traiter l'auteur de la discussion de "khi nio" étant donné qu'il ne peut sûrement pas en comprendre le sens.🤪
profitons de cette vie si courte!!! Ao sanuk mak mak touk touk wan. (I wanna enjoy life everyday)
- Il faut toujours négocier avec les chauffeurs de taxis (exemple fort simple MBK/dusit zoo/wat Po/etc.... le retour à votre hotel est facturé entre 200 et 300 bth).
je suis plus ou moins d'accord. Je conçois que ça peut saouler de faire plusieurs taxis avant d'en trouver un qui mette le meter mais bon dans les lieux que tu cites, personne n'a remarqué qu'au MBK il y a une station de taxis ???
Donc nulle place à la négociation. Tu fais la queue un tout petit peu : genre 5-10mins mais pas évident de donner une durée moyenne étant donné que je n'ai utilisé cette station qu'une seule fois l'année dernière. Et tu n'as plus qu'à t'installer confortablement dans le taxi meter qui mettra son meter. Enfin ca ne coûte rien de lui demander de le mettre avant de monter et il n'osera pas refuser étant donné le monde en train d'attendre. (perso je ne me suis pas donné cette peine)
Je sais, je répète l'info mais étant donné que quasiment tout VF passe au moins une fois par le MBK....😉
profitons de cette vie si courte!!! Ao sanuk mak mak touk touk wan. (I wanna enjoy life everyday)
C'est vrai que le coup des pseudos est assez marrant ! Sûrement dû à une affinité commune pour la langue.
Pour l'expression "khi nio ", c'était juste taquin, pas méchant ; donc j'en profite pour donner la traduction qui signifie " radin " ou "pingre" etc. Je pense que vu le contexte de mon mail, l'auteur avait compris que ça voulait dire un truc dans ce genre... Je me demande à mon tour ce que penserait le chauffeur du taxi qui lui a fait payer la somme astronomique de ...400 bahts pour un tel trajet, s'il entendait son passager derrière lui, dire en français : " c'est nous prendre pour des cons un tel tarif..! ". Peut-être qu'il comprendrait pas plus le français que l'auteur ne comprend le thaï ! Qui est le moins sympa? 😊 😉
he be!!! je ne pensais pas que ce post allait entrainer autant de réponses...je tiens juste a preciser quelques petits points...
1) je ne me plaignais pas d'avoir payé 400 baths de l'aeroport jusqu'en ville puisque de toutes façons on savait à l'avance que ça allait etre a peut pres ce prix là...(eh oui j'ai trainé un peu dans ce forum avant de partir)
2) on avait juste trouvé que , oui, 300 baths pour le tuk-tuk ct vraiment cher vu que nous avions payé 400 baths pour le trajet aéroport/ville.
3) oui, on accepté de payer et de nous poser dans le tuk-tuk meme pour 300 baths, car il faisait 35° et comme la petite etait assomée par la chaleur on n'avait pas le choix.
4) les escalators c'est juste jusqu'au 1er et juste pour monter...alors il est vrai que lorsque l'on doit trainer la poussette sur 3 niveaux c'est pas genial...mais bon on a fait avec hein, vu qu'aucun taxi ne voulait nous prendre pour moins de 300 baths ni mettre le "meter".
5)ce qui nous a le plus decu c'est que lorsque l'on essayait de discuter avec les taxis ou les tuks-tuks pour eux ct 300 baths et quand on discutait le prix ils ne voulaient pas. ni meme quand on leur demandaient de mettre le meter.en fait en sortant du MBK on a arreté 5 taxis et aucun d'entre eux ne voulaient nous prendre avec le meter...et là epuisés on a du remonter les 3 niveaux du BTS pour prendre le skytrain.
Dommage car la petite adorait le tuk-tuk mais de la a payer 5 euros le trajet tuk-tuk a chaque fois pour nous ça nous faisait peut etre trop cher a la fin.
et pour finir je suis allée peut etre un peu fort en disant que nous ne retournerions pas sur bangkok, mais en tous cas ces petites choses ont fait que meme si nous sommes des touristes he be.... je n'en n'ai pas gardé une bonne impression , et me pousse ame dire he ben j'irai peut etre autre part la prochaine fois. peut etre ailleurs ou le taxi ne me fuira pas qd je lui demanderais de mettre le meter ...
Voilà, et pour celui qui pense savoir comment je suis sachez que je suis moi meme metisse vietnamenne/malgache et ayant vécu 25 ans à madagascar je connais tres bien ce que c'est cette maniere de proceder de la part des locaux .....certaines choses m'ont qd meme genée c'est tout!!!
"ils sont malades ou quoi !! meme le taxi de l'aeroport au centre ville il a couté 400 baths(alors le tuk_tuk 300 baths, heu.... c'est pas vouloir nous prendre pour des cons?)!!!"
J'ai écouté tes conseils et relu même 5 fois, je compte sur toi pour m'expliquer ce que j'ai pas compris...🤪🙂
Euh c'est pourtant pas bien compliqué à comprendre, il suffit de lire la phrase qui suit entre parenthèses avant d'insulter les gens pour ou un oui ou un non ... 🤪
Etant donné qu'ils avaient payé 400 baths pour le trajet en taxi de l'aéroport au centre-ville, manja78 a trouvé qu'EN COMPARAISON le tarif de 300 baths demandé par le tuk-tuk pour un trajet bien plus court était excessif.
De l'aéroport au centre ville, il faut compter 250B + l'autoroute (25B + 45B je crois). Au départ de l'aéroport, il y a la taxe de 50B à ajouter, pour le retour pas de taxe.
Moi je vie à Bkk et quand je prends le taxi, MBK ou pas, je ne monte pas dans un taxi qui ne met pas le meter, par principe surtout. Les Tuk Tuk je les fuie comme la peste. C'est rare qu'un taxi refuse de mettre le meter, par contre il refuse parfois certaines destinations car trop de traffic, même pour les Thais. Il est vrai que dans les endroits touristiques, les taxis abusent des étrangers. Ne jamais prendre les taxis qui stationnent et attendent devant les hotels mais privilégier les taxis qui circulent qui à marcher au bout de la rue...
Si tu détiens richesses et savoir donne sans forcément attendre en retour
5)ce qui nous a le plus decu c'est que lorsque l'on essayait de discuter avec les taxis ou les tuks-tuks pour eux ct 300 baths et quand on discutait le prix ils ne voulaient pas. ni meme quand on leur demandaient de mettre le meter.en fait en sortant du MBK on a arreté 5 taxis et aucun d'entre eux ne voulaient nous prendre avec le meter...et là epuisés on a du remonter les 3 niveaux du BTS pour prendre le skytrain.
Bonjour,
c'est assez logique que vous payiez plus cher, puisque vous semblez tourner en rond...😉 Je plaisante, mais plus sérieusement:
- si vous commencez d'abord par négocier et qu'ensuite vous demandez le compteur, c'est déjà trop tard!
- si vous hélez un taxi aux abords du MBK, ça va fatalement entraîner une négociation, puisqu'il y a une station de taxi réglementaire à l'une des sorties du MBK (elle est fléchée dans tout le centre commercial, et les hôtesses peuvent aussi l'indiquer).
Et donc les chauffeurs qui maraudent en dehors de cette station sont précisément à la recherche de courses négociées (qui de plus ont de fortes chances de passer par " la boutique du beau-frère qui vend des bijoux discount" avant qu'on vous dépose à votre hôtel...)
Juste une remarque: plus personne ne visiterait Paris kelemondentiernousenvie s'il tenait compte des problèmes d'escaliers, de couloirs et d'incivilités dans le métro parisien (et quand on le pratique au quotidien, on "adore" le BTS!), et c'est un papa "avec poussette" qui peut le certifier!...🙂
personne n'a remarqué qu'au MBK il y a une station de taxis ???
Bonsoir,
...et le message 8 de la discussion, keskidi?...Mmm?...Mmm?...😎😉
Bon, bah toi tu as remarqué qu'il y avait cette station. J'avais pas vu ta remarque malgré ma lecture de la discussion. Mais bon il vaut mieux la répéter car elle n'a pas l'air d'avoir été percutée par grand monde.😉 (ma dernière réponse s'adressait à un message largement posté après ton message initial)
profitons de cette vie si courte!!! Ao sanuk mak mak touk touk wan. (I wanna enjoy life everyday)
Bonjour,
Pour l'anecdote, une fois je suis entré dans un taxi devant le MBK (et donc pas à la station "officielle") pour voir ce qu'il en était vraiment de ces histoires de négociations et de "boutique du beau-frère". (je l'avais lu souvent, mais jamais vécu).
On ne peut même pas dire qu'il cherchait le client: il somnolait.
Donc je lui donne l'adresse de mon hôtel, il me propose 300b (en taximeter j'en avais pour 120b maxi), je réfléchis, et ensuite il ajoute "ok, 250b mais d'abord il faut que je passe voir mon frère...tu cherches quoi: appareil photo? Montre? Electronique?"...)
Je lui ai gentiment dit "May Khop Khun khrap, Mai pen rai", je suis ressorti, et le chauffeur s'est... remis tranquillement à somnoler🙂 .
Apparemment, les taxis à 300b pour 5km ne maraudent même pas, ce seraient plutôt les "voyageurs-négociateurs" qui seraient à leur recherche!
"De l'aéroport au centre ville, il faut compter 250B + l'autoroute (25B + 45B je crois). Au départ de l'aéroport, il y a la taxe de 50B"
On tombe donc pas loin du tarif de 400 bahts que l'auteur du post a payé. Si on prend en compte le fait que d'aller à Sukhumwit ou aller à Hualamphong peut faire varier le prix de 100 bahts de plus, il a donc payé le "juste prix". Je ne prend également que les taxis qui mettent le "meter" et j'ai laissé tomber les tuk-tuk depuis belle lurette.🙂
Exact, autant pour moi ...😊 Dans ce cas, il compare le prix d'un tuk-tuk avec celui d'un taxi. Il n'y a pas de "meter" sur un tuk-tuk. N'a t-il pas négocié son prix avant d'y monter ? si c'est le cas pourquoi avoir accepté ? Et s'il ne l'a pas négocié avant, là c'est de sa faute. Après je ne sais pas combien de temps il a roulé en tuk-tuk ; il est possible en fonction de la densité du trafic de passer 1h pour faire 5 kilomètres et de mettre 30 minutes pour en faire plus de 20. Un exemple, en heure de pointe un Nana - Mo chit = 40 bahts, le même trajet en taxi c'est facilement 200 bahts, et je ne parle pas du tuk-tuk...Donc, désolé pour mon interprétation erronée ; quand à l'expression " "c'est pas vouloir nous prendre pour des cons", ben, peut-être que non, si on prend en compte ce que je viens d'expliquer.
"avant d'insulter les gens pour ou un oui ou un non"
P.S : "radin" n'est pas une insulte pour moi, c'est plutôt un adjectif qualificatif, au même titre que "froussard", "arrogant"...une insulte c'est plutôt "con", ou "conard"...que je n'utiliserai jamais pour répondre à quelqu'un sur un forum!😕🙂
🙂😊 Juste pour m'excuser de l'interprétation trop rapide que j'ai fait en pensant que votre tarif de 400 bahts vous semblait trop cher pour le trajet aéroport-centre ville.🙁 Quand au tuk-tuk à 300 bahts, le prix pourrait sembler normal si malgrè une courte distance vous avez passé beaucoup de temps à cause des embouteillages... phan kho thot khrap ( 1000 excuses ) 😉
"même le taxi de l'aeroport au centre ville il a couté 400 baths(alors le tuk_tuk 300 baths, heu.... c'est pas vouloir nous prendre pour des cons?)!!!"
Désolé, mais je pensais qu'il se plaignait du tarif taxi et du tarif tuk-tuk.
S'il avait écrit " si le taxi de l'aeroport au centre ville a coûté..."j'aurais compris qu'il s'agissait d'une comparaison, pour moi " même le taxi..."signifie : le taxi "aussi" ou "également". Voilà le pourquoi du comment!🙂
P.S : c'est fou le temps qu'on peut passer à se justifier sur les forums, tu comprends un truc de travers et il te faut expliquer pendant des heures, ça rigole pas ! 🙁😉
heu, non justement, je ne me plaignais pas pour le prix du taxi de l'aeroport au centre ville. puisque je savais deja depuis la france que ça allait couter ce prix là!!!
ho là, faudrait peut etre que je revise mon français avant d'ecrire quoi que ce soit sur ce forum!c'est galère ça!!!!!pffffff
il y a juste que en 35 ans de ma vie ça ne m'est jamais arrivé d'arreter 5 taxis à la suite et me faire renvoyer mechament quand je proposait mon prix ou qd je lui demandait s'il avait un meter.
Mais bon, c'etait pourtant bien dans ce forum que j'avais lu avant de partir pour la thailande "de toutes façons, il ne faut prendre que des taxi qui mettent leur meter!!
par contre pour celui qui me traite de radin... c'est vite jugé et je trouve ça tres moyen et tres nul. mets toi à ma place, j'arrive dans un pays ou l'on me vente la gentillesse et les sourires bananes des personnes, ce n'ai pas ce que j'ai ressenti lorsque j'avais voulu negocier avec les transports en tous cas. Et pourtant j'ai vecu en afrique, et a madagascar et je n'ai jamais eu ce probleme( par contre j'ai tjs pu negocier sans me faire renvoyer d'un geste de la main)....
mais bon je dirais que malheureusement cela nous a surement un peu pris au moral de par le fait que la gamine avait tres chaud et que nous etions obligés d'aller remonter les escaliers du BTS chargés.
C'est sur que en d'autres circonstances nous n'aurions pas pris tout cela de cette maniere!!!!
Je comprend et compati complètement avec le fait d'être énervé, après s'être fait refuser sans ménagement par un chauffeur, parce qu'il refusait de mettre son "meter". Le contexte où le mot "radin" est mentionné, c'était dans le cas d'une mauvaise interprétation de la phrase de ma part, et je m'en excuse une fois de plus. Je le redis, je pensais vu la tournure de la phrase que ça voulait dire : "400 bahts le trajet airport-centre ville, c'est trop cher...plus les touk-touk etc." sachant que c'est un prix correct . Cordialement.🙂
Merci bien !😉 C'était la moindre des choses. Etant assez obstiné quand je pense avoir raison, il est normal que je reconnaisse quand j'ai tort (et de m'excuser le cas échéant).🙂
Bravo, ça change de la mauvaise foi habituelle de certains.
Merci bien !😉 C'était la moindre des choses. Etant assez obstiné quand je pense avoir raison, il est normal que je reconnaisse quand j'ai tort (et de m'excuser le cas échéant).🙂
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Asie du Sud-Est › Malaisie / Thaïlande · 14 replies
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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.
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
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 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!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
