Je reviens de thailand, encore une fois ce voyage fût extraordinnaire, on ne pense qu'à une chose, y retourner le vite possible 😉
Tous les thai vous donnent le bonjour .... Lol 😉
En revanche j'avoue qu'avec les taxi j'ai du mal, j'ai dû lutter afin qu'ils mettent leur compteur -
bien souvent, à peine monter dans leur taxi, le chauffeur demandait "combien vous voulez payer"? au debut je me suis fait carrement fait avoir - exemple Patunam area - MBK Siam square 280 bats (négocié d'avance) - aeorport - sathorn 400 baths -
L'aeoport de BKK, qui pourrait m'expliquer ?
je crois qu'il y la e peage 50 baths, puis la taxe aeroport 35 baths + la distance...
sur l'ancien aeroport don Muang ils m'ont rajouté 50 baths de surtaxes !
Ce qui m' as supris :
A la sortie de l 'aeorport, les taxi vous attendent. Au guichet, ils vous remettent un voucher que vous devez remettre au chauffeur de taxi, mais la plupart du temps, le prix à payer est dejà connu a peu pres 400 baths !
Une fois, mon amie thai a demandé au chauffeur de mettre le compteur et je n'ai payé que 265 bahts(taxes, peages) pour faire sathorn - aeroport au lieu des 400 b
Aussi, je me rappelle de cette histoire : un couple d'allemands à qui on reclammait 450 baths (aroport-hotel), eux bien sûr contestés car ils avaient payé moins la derniere fois. Finalement, ils ont fini par payer ensuite, j'ai vu le le guichetier remettre discretement un billet au chauffeur de taxi...😕
Malgres tout le prix des taxi reste plus que modéré mais tout de meme c'est le principe,
Finalement j'ai bien aimé le BTS et le MRT 😉
Le reste du sejour, top top BKK Krabi, phi phi singapour .... 8 fois l'avion avec les compagnies asiaair, nokair...tres bien
Jen
"La vraie sagesse de la vie consiste à voir l'extraordinaire dans l'ordinaire ... "
je crois qu'il y la e peage 50 baths, puis la taxe aeroport 35 baths + la distance...
sur l'ancien aeroport don Muang ils m'ont rajouté 50 baths de surtaxes !
50 bt cela dépend de ou tu vas, c'est comme en France, 35 bt de taxe d'aéroport, c'est une nouvelle invention a la thai, 50 bt est ce que prend le tourisme autority of thailand pour enregistré le taxi en cas de plainte,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
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Il y a une surcharge fixe sur les taxis pris à l'étage arrivée aux deux aéroports de Bangkok de 50 bahts. les péages cela dépend de combien tu en prends. Le plus simple est de fournir le billet au chauffeur au poste à péage et récupérer la monnaie...
"Le touriste apparait comme le principal agent de diffusion du mépris anti touristique. Plus le touriste se voit en miroir de l'autre, plus il le déteste".
Thuan : toi qui connait Pratuaman area, + 400 baths pour la aeroport, tu en penses quoi?
thuan en pense que c'est un prix un peut touriste 😛, mais cela dépend de l'heure 🤪, de toute façon les thaïes ne s'en sortirons pas au dessous de 300 alors pour 2 euros ......,
Pour les petits malins de l'économie ( dont je fait parti 🤪, ) oui prendre un taxi en haut aux départ est une petite combine, , mais l'histoire a démontre que ce n'est pas bon pour les premiers venu, c'est la que il y a les arnaques qui finissent très mal, c'est a déconseiller,
si on ne veut pas avoir a faire avec les tracasserie taxi meter ou non, , prendre simplement le bus de la thai, 150 bt par personne un point c'est tout,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
Franchement, quant on dépense plus de mille Euro pour aller dans ce mervilleux pays, et j'y vais 2 X par année, qu'est-ce que celà fait 100 bath, une chose est sûre, avec le sourire on arrive à tout, mais systématiquement marchander pour un oui ou un non, use aussi.
je te l'accorde, moi je prend aux départ non pour les 2 euros d'économie, mais pour la vitesse d'exécution, en plus par expérience je sais reconnaître les roublard de taxi, je me choisit un taxi sympa, 😉
C'est une truc a déconseiller aux nouveaux arrivant, les taximans ne sont pas stupides, ils savent reconnaitre un farang fraichement arrivé, aux vieux loups, qui leur parlent le thai, de façon a leur dire, <<>>>
petite info sur tao rai, cela veut dire combien, , , mais c'est très impolis de le dire comme cela, on dit tao rai krap pour les homes et ka pour les femmes,
c'est un peut dire, c'est combien cela ?? et c'est combien cela sil vous plais,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
Oui comme tu as raison,
Ils voient de suite le pigeons
et le fait d'avoir des notions de Thaï est génial.
Tu leurs dit en faisant des yeux de harengs frits, Paeng ( Cher ) ils se marrent et tu trouve le compromis 😊
Tu leurs dit en faisant des yeux de harengs frits, Paeng ( Cher ) ils se marrent et tu trouve le compromis
Voila un Suisse qui a tout compris,
la Thailande est le pays du compromis, même dans son histoire,
« Le voyage apprend la tolérance. »
Benjamin Disraeli
-
je voudrai simplement partager ma petite expérience et effectivement dire que négocier pour quelques dizaines de baths, c'est vraiment chichi, en plus je crois que les chauffeurs de taxis français ne sont pas un modéle du genre quant on voit les tarifs dans la capitale😕😕, les taxis thais sont vraiment pas cher pour les distances parcourus.
Une chose est sûre, il faut faire quelque chose !!!!!!
Pour ma part je n'ai jamais eu de soucis à déplorer avec un taxi, ils ont toujours mis le compteur, bon peut être parce que je l'ai jamais pris seul mais avec ma copine Thaïe.
Par contre une fois où j'ai pris un tuk tuk, bon j'ai vraiment joué le flemmard, disons que je me rendait pas compte de la distance, bref je voulais aller
du Siam Paragorn à la maison de Jim Thomson, je demande à un gars, bon déjà j'ai pas eu de bal il s'avait même pas où c'était, y'a fallu qu'il demande à un collègue et encore heureusement que j'avais un plan sur moi. Il en demandait 100 bahts, c'était pas la première fois que je prenais le tuk tuk et c'était mon 4ème voyage en Thailande donc j'avais une idée du prix, je le regarde avec un gros sourire genre "tu te foutrais pas un peu de ma gueule", je lui explique que c'est vraiment pas loin, c'est trop cher, j'aurais pu m'en aller, certes c'est un peu ridicule de batailler pour des prix déjà bas mais c'est une question de principe, au même titre que les Thai n'aime pas perdre la face et bien moi non plus, j'ai réussi à négocier à 70 (50 m'aurait parut suffisant) mais au moins j'ai pas eu d'embrouille à l'arrivé.
"
Celui qui pose une question risque cinq minutes d'avoir l'air bête. Celui qui ne pose pas de question restera bête toute sa vie.
Affirmatif Taxis en Thailande pas cher vu la distance, et j'ai vu prendre le taxi, on était 8 personnes
3 devant chauffeur compris, 3 derriére, et 2 sur les genoux.
Combien de fois j'ai vu un groupe d'étudiants prendre un taxi
MBK Don Muang airport en négociant 200 baths, il est vrai que c'était un copain flic Thai qui avait
négocié avant que je le prenne
A chaque fois j'insiste, si le meter n'est pas allumé toujours avec le sourire." cha yen yen"
Conclusion
Toujours éxiger le "taxi meter", si le taxi refuse, je descends. Il vaut mieux marcher 500 mètres pour s'éloigner des sites touristiques, et avoir un taxi honnête. Il y a beaucoup de taxis dans Bangkok, et il y en aura toujours un qui stoppera, quitte méme à faire une marche arriére, en voyant l'autre arriver de peur que vous le preniez..........mei mi pan ha kap
hihi je rigole mais c'est pas rigolo, pour ma part j'ai jamais eu de souci avec les chauffeurs de taxi, parce que je leur demande dès que j'ouvre la porte de mettre le meter, si il le mette pas je descend, des taxis c'est pas ce qu'il manque donc quand celui de derrière voit qu'on monte dans le sien du coup il met vite le compteur car il voit qu'on se laisse pas faire.
Il faut aussi savoir leur dire non et tant pis pour eux au moins si ils avaient pas voulu arnaquer ils auraient eu la course.
mon expérience le 30 décembre 2007: je suis parti de la station nana, avec un local (je dis bien un et pas une, et je ne suis pas gay pour un sous)pour l'aeroport donc évidement ce n'est pas moi qui ai discuté avec le chauffeur, celui ci a prétexté etre à court d'essence nous a balladé un peu vers le nord du coté de rama IX, fait quelques station avant de s'arrêter pour prendre 4 litres de carburant ???!!!!!, ce qui m'a paru étrange et me suis mis à réfléchir. C'est vrai que je n'ai pas souvent pris le taxi mais il me semble qu'à chaque fois le témoin d'essence était au plus bas alors surement dû au fait que tous les taxis roulent au gaz... bref nous sommes quand même arrivés à l'aéroport, SANS avoir rencontré de péage et tout ça pour la modique somme de 194 baths compteur, alors à mon avis si le mec ne nous avait pas balladé on aurait surement payé moins cher. Je précise quand même que je suis parti avec le sourire et j'ai laissé attention 6 baths de thips !!! J'avais déja entendu dire que la course négociée pour aéroport bangkok était de 400 baths environ c'est pourquoi cela m'a bien fait sourire ...
Histoire véridict alors à vous de juger
il ne faut jamais prendre le serpent par le milieu; dans la savane la femelle leopard ne caresse jamais les petits de sa voisine
encore mieux essaies de dire "toadile" (je suis pas sur de l'orthographe, prononcez todaïle), combien? en Issan, vu que 80% des chauffeurs de taxi de Bangkok viennent d'Issan, tu es sur de les surprendre et qu'ils mettent le compteur 😉
Enfin le plus simple c'est quand même de dire "put the meter, if you please" avec un grand sourire en montant dans le taxi, ca marche toujours en général.
ATTENTION : avec le taxi qui vous fait le longue distance par exemple pour aller à Centrale Bangna il fait le grand tour de Bangkok, soit disant pour éviter l’embouteillage.
Oöy, une thaïe en France
Ce que vous serez demain est la conséquence de ce que vous faites aujourd'hui.
* Le JADE doit être taillé pour devenir beau ,
* L'HOMME doit souffrir pour devenir grand.
Franchement, quant on dépense plus de mille Euro pour aller dans ce mervilleux pays, et j'y vais 2 X par année, qu'est-ce que celà fait 100 bath, une chose est sûre, avec le sourire on arrive à tout, mais systématiquement marchander pour un oui ou un non, use aussi.
Tout a fait d'accord.... et les français sont réputés...radins par les thais : alors je dis que je suis suisse !! Et je prends mon taxi au sous sol et non à la dépose (suis pas à 50 bahts pres) sinon ca sera definitivement le bordel...
"Dans vos phrases, n'utilisez qu'un sujet, un verbe, un complément d"objet direct ; Quand vous aurez besoin d'un adjectif, venez me trouver." (Georges Clemenceau)
..............On ne chipotte pas pour 100 baths et on ne parle pas de marchander ! loin de là - qu'on soit bien d'accord. La thailand reste un pays merveilleux pas cher ou il fait bon d'y aller.
Pour notre part ca fait la 6 eme fois ; j'ai collecté des infos grace aux VF qui ont été aussi tres utiles
L'histoire du taxi, c'est juste une question de principe et de comprendre le fonctionnement,
that's all folks 😉
"La vraie sagesse de la vie consiste à voir l'extraordinaire dans l'ordinaire ... "
C'est vrai que je n'ai pas souvent pris le taxi mais il me semble qu'à chaque fois le témoin d'essence était au plus bas alors surement dû au fait que tous les taxis roulent au gaz... bref nous sommes quand même arrivés à l'aéroport, SANS avoir rencontré de péage et tout ça pour la modique somme de 194 baths compteur, alors à mon avis si le mec ne nous avait pas balladé on aurait surement payé moins cher. Je précise quand même que je suis parti avec le sourire et j'ai laissé attention 6 baths de thips !!! J'avais déja entendu dire que la course négociée pour aéroport bangkok était de 400 baths environ c'est pourquoi cela m'a bien fait sourire ...
A méditer : un taxi (ils roulent tous au gaz) dépense entre 90 et 100 bahts de combustible pour faire Bangkok Pattaya. Il demande 1000 bahts (péage compris) = ca laisse de la marge. Ils reviennent d'ailleurs en sens inverse pour 500 bahts... Pour le reste si le taxi meter pas mis, je descends sans discuter. Et je passe au suivant.... Mais croyez moi le pire reste le chauffeur sous yaba qui roule en contre sens plein phare en claxonnat à donf : un vrai poeme !!!
"Dans vos phrases, n'utilisez qu'un sujet, un verbe, un complément d"objet direct ; Quand vous aurez besoin d'un adjectif, venez me trouver." (Georges Clemenceau)
petite info sur tao rai, cela veut dire combien, , , mais c'est très impolis de le dire comme cela, on dit tao rai krap pour les homes et ka pour les femmes,
c'est un peut dire, c'est combien cela ?? et c'est combien cela sil vous plais,
je note ...😉
merci!
"La vraie sagesse de la vie consiste à voir l'extraordinaire dans l'ordinaire ... "
bonsoir,
Le prix du taxi, vaste débat.
Normalement dans les grandes villes tous sont équipés de taxi meter, c'est plus simple, sauf que le gasoline est cher pour eux et qu'il est facile de faire de la gratte avec les pigeons. Pour éviter de payer le prix fort, certains endroits touristiques comme les grande magasins ont des rabateurs de taxi
meter. Si vous essayez á proximité aucun taxi n'acceptera de mettre le compteur. C'est aussi une question d'offre et demande. C'est plus compliqué quand il pleut. En fait le nombre de taxi à BKK est tellement élevé qu'il est souvent simple de descendre pour en retrouver un autre. Mais effectivement gardons le sourire. Radin, non cartésien sûrement. Bref au comptoir de l'airport il faut demander le compteur + la taxe de 50 + le péage de 35 à 80 selon le tronçon emprunté. Keep cool, l'expérience viendra au pays du sourire tout s'arrange, même s'il vous en coùte quelques baths...
lorsque tu arrives au nouvel aéroport de bkk, (d'ailleurs à l'autre vieux c'est idem, ) tu sors au niveau des départs, et non au sous sol comme on essaie de te driver de force.
donc, au niveau supérieur des départs, tu traverses et tu trouves des taxis "tamadaa", ceux qui viennent de déposer des voyageurs, tu peux alors discuter un tarif net, sans prise en charge de 50, taxe d'agence-taxi ou autres...
en général, si tu es débrouillards, tu peux aller au centre ville de bbk pour 300, même moins si c'est dimanche et que les voitures "ne collent pas" "rot mai tit" comme ils disent..
l'argent est un merveilleux serviteur, et un bien mauvais maître.
Et pourtant, c'est comme ça ! Et des fois, tu montesdans le taxi, tu donnes la destination et cest lui qui te dit non...Pas intéressé...tu descends et t'essayes avec le suivant...10 % des véhicules qui roulent dans BKK sont des taxis...
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
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Est il possible de sejourner a Krabi et de la prendre tous les jour un bateau taxi ou un tuk tuk et demander a etre enmené dans un endroit retiréou une ile…
Nous partons avec nos 2 enfants pour la Thailande dans 2 semaines et aurions aimé avoir une estimation du coût d'un taxi pour aller de l'aéroport au quartier…
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Je cherche la perle rare pour mon 3eme séjour sur Koh Lanta : un bel hotel qualitatif au bord d' une plage facile d'accès dans un endroit animé.
Si vous connaissez quelque chose qui s'apparente à ma recherche et que vous souhaitez partager n' hésitez pas.
Hi,
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!
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!
Bonjour précieuse communauté,
J'envisage de me rendre au Cambodge cet hiver, juste après Noël, pour un premier voyage seule, et mon premier voyage en Asie. Pour deux semaines (oui, je sais, c'est peu, mais je ne peux vraiment pas plus...). J'ai deux grandes envies: Siem Reap, et la campagne, les villages, le Mekong...
Que pensez-vous de cet itinéraire? Arrivée à Siem Reap, départ de Phnom Penh
SR: 5 jours (1 jour pour l'arrivée, 3 pour les temples, 1 pour le lac et ses villages)
Kratie (étape sur la route du Mondolkiri): 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours sur place)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 jours (1 jour de trajet, 1 jour sur place, 2 jours de treks)
PP: 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours de visite)
Je pense qu'il faut que j'enlève un jour quelque part, si je pars du samedi au samedi, ou du dimanche au dimanche. A Kratie, peut-être? à PP? et je rate le trajet en bateau que tout le monde conseille (SR-Battambang), mais je ne vois pas où le caser. Sauf à faire un PP-PP en commençant par l'est, laisser tomber Kratie ou vraiment juste une nuit, puis SR, puis PP).
Dans mon timing, j'ai l'impression que le Mondolkiri est plus proche que le Ratanakiri, qui me tentait aussi beaucoup! Est-ce que cela restera pas trop compliqué toute seule? Je pense faire appel à des guides locaux, ou une petite agence locale, pour faire une escapade dans la nature et les villages.
Je lis qu'il y a beaucoup de monde à SR entre Noël et Nouvel An, je peux aussi faire le circuit dans l'autre sens. Mais je trouvais plus facile de me familiariser avec le pays en arrivant en territoire touristique, je me trompe peut-être...
Merci pour vos conseils et avis!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi 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.
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…
Voila un Suisse qui a tout compris,
la Thailande est le pays du compromis, même dans son histoire,
