Transfert de Phuket à Ko Lanta en speed boat
by Boxers78
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
bonjour tout le monde
j aimerais savoir si quelqun peut m aider🏴☠️
je serais a phuket dés le 3 mars 13.30 j aimerais me rendre au port de rassada afin de pouvoir me rendre sur ko lanta.
petit probleme je suis avec un enfant de 2 ans et demi donc j aimerais connaitre le temps de transfert depuis l aeroport au port, et si quelqun peut me donner le nom d une compagnie ( speed boat) qui va du port de rassada vers ko lanta sans passer par phi phi.car je sais que le trajets peut ce faire en seulement 1 et demi de bateau.
j ai vraiment pas envie de faire une escale a ko phi phi
Merci d avance pour vos réponses 😏
Bonjour ,
Passage à Koh Phi Phi obligatoire pas de direct Phuket Kho Lanta .
Passage à Koh Phi Phi obligatoire pas de direct Phuket Kho Lanta .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
re bonjour
je comprend pas car plusieur site dise qu il existe des speed boat de phuket a ko lanta
de plus j ai le guide du routard qui me dit la meme chose donc je ne comprend pas
l année passée j ai fait de ko lanta a phuket sans passer par ko phi phi appart un arret au large de ko phi phi ou des gens sont passer de notre bateau a un autre pour rejoudre l ile
donc la vous ne m aide vraiement pas .
quelqun d autre pourais m aider ? 😉
Bonjour,
J'étais en Thaïlande il a 2 ans et j'ai pris un speed boat de pukhet à koh lanta sans arrêt en une heure et demi au lieu de 4 en ferry. Mais je le déconseille surtout avec des enfants, c'est très désagréable car il fonce au maximum comme des fous, des sauts violents qui font très mal au dos et te font voltiger! Faut vraiment s'accrocher! Bon, je fais 1 m 58 pour 45kg d'accord! Mais franchement si tu peux éviter. Tu vas devoir te cramponner et tenir tes enfants tout le trajet, ils vont pleurer... j'ai entendu dire qu'il y avait beaucoup d'accidents avec ces bateaux privés conduits par des gamins, peu de sécurité, peut être pas assez de gilets et parfois en surcharge. Mais c'est faisable si tu supporte les conditions. J'ai trouvé plus cool le ferry à part la foule. Tu peux lire, te reposer, dormir, si la mer est bonne pas de mal de mer. C'est moins cher mais plus long. On peut pas tout avoir.
Je ne me souviens pas des prix du speed boat, mais assez cher si tu veux un départ privé en dehors des horaires prévus et le prix en fonction du nombre de personnes inscrits, cela fait baisser le prix par personne. Je crois que c'est 700 dollars divisé par 10 ou 15 maxi. Si seul ou 4 ça vaut pas la peine. Moi j'avais trouvé sans problème à l'agence info touriste de l'aéroport mais avec les départs officiels que le matin vers 11h je sais plus, j'avais dû dormir une nuit à pukhet. Il te propose un choix d'hôtel dans la catégorie que tu veux et te fait un forfait transfert Hotel speed boat. Je crois une centaine de dollars avec un Hotel simple. Si tu arrives à temps pour le départ tu aura juste un transfert.
Voilà j'espère que j'ai pu t'aider même si mes souvenirs ne sont pas très précis. Bon voyage . Florence.
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
Je crois que c'est 700 dollars divisé par 10 ou 15 maxi
Je pense que tu voulais dire 700 bahts/pers multiplié par 10 ou 15pers. car sinon c'est vraiment pas cher de ne payer que 70 bahts ou moins encore pour aller a Lanta 😉
Je pense que tu voulais dire 700 bahts/pers multiplié par 10 ou 15pers. car sinon c'est vraiment pas cher de ne payer que 70 bahts ou moins encore pour aller a Lanta 😉
Khun maa jak nai krap?
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
Je crois que c'est 700 dollars divisé par 10 ou 15 maxi
Je pense que tu voulais dire 700 bahts/pers multiplié par 10 ou 15pers. car sinon c'est vraiment pas cher de ne payer que 70 bahts ou moins encore pour aller a Lanta 😉
Non Boumba, je pense que c'est effectivement dans les 700 dollars, soit aux alentours de 22 000 bahts divisés par une dizaine de personnes...
Je pense que tu voulais dire 700 bahts/pers multiplié par 10 ou 15pers. car sinon c'est vraiment pas cher de ne payer que 70 bahts ou moins encore pour aller a Lanta 😉
Non Boumba, je pense que c'est effectivement dans les 700 dollars, soit aux alentours de 22 000 bahts divisés par une dizaine de personnes...
"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".
JEAN DIDIER URBAIN "L'idiot du voyage"
JEAN DIDIER URBAIN "L'idiot du voyage"
En fait c'est un speed boat privé en somme .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Oui c'est ce que je disais, peut être mal exprimé.
un speed boat privé en dehors des horaires officiels pour ceux qui sont vraiment pressé c'est bien dans les 700 dollars à diviser soit 25000 baths. Mais si vous lisez jusqu'au bout je dis que j'ai pris l'option de prendre celui officiel du lendemain à prix normal mais quand même plus cher que ferry de toute façon. un seul par jour si mes souvenirs sont bons vers 10h30,11h. Et que l'agence de l'aéroport m'a proposé un forfait transfert Hotel re transfert et speed boat. Je crois environ 100 dollars en tout donc Dans les 3000 baths. En plus je viens de retrouver des notes c'est bien ça. 1000 bath que pour speed boat le reste Hotel et transferts. La chambre était 1400 normalement donc il m'a fait un prix global intéressant car les taxi sont quand même cher à pukhet.
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
Merci de ces précisions , mais a mon avis 1 heure 30 de Phuket jusqu'à Koh Lanta ça me semble pas possible même à fond la caisse enfin perso je l'ai jamais fait mais au vu de la distance entre Phuket et Koh Lanta ? je suis réserver la dessus .
Oui tu as raison les taxis à Phuket ils sont fous avec leurs tarifs , vaut mieux de s'adresser aux taxis jaune eux ont le compteur et des tarifs comme il se doit .
Oui tu as raison les taxis à Phuket ils sont fous avec leurs tarifs , vaut mieux de s'adresser aux taxis jaune eux ont le compteur et des tarifs comme il se doit .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Non non je t'assure c'est bien 1h30. C'est pas pour rien qu'on les appelle speed boat, ils sont fous! Ça m'a parfois rendu service de prendre ces bateaux mais si on peut éviter c'est mieux, c'est pas agréable d'être secoué, tapé dans tous les sens pour gagner du temps et pas ecolo.
Par ex, je retrouve aussi un papier des horaires de lanta à lipe: 6h en ferry et 3 h en speed boat! C'est donc bien la moitier du temps. Et je me souviens aussi d'avoir été à koh phangan depuis samui en speed boat une demi heure. Le double en ferry pris au retour.
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
Ok pas de problème je te crois étant donner que je l'ai jamais fait en speed boat privé , mais comme tu dis pas évident perso je n'aimerais pas .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Soyons juste clair sur le terme "privé"
Moi j'ai pris des speed boat"officiels", peut être une compagnie privée mais horaires prévus fixes officiellement à la dispo des agences ou hôtels. On s'inscrit la veille et le prix est fixe. De toute façon avec le nombre de touriste ils les remplissent sans problème. Et même si tu es seul(e) tu paiera un prix normal, raisonnable pour la presta juste un peu plus que le ferry, peut être 500 à 800 bath de plus.Par contre, en dehors de ces horaires fixes, ta demande deviendrait privée et c'est là qu'il faudrait être en groupe pour rentabiliser les 700 dollars 25000 bath que vaudrait ce déplacement spécial. A moins d'être riche! N'étant pas mon cas, j'ai attendu comme tout le monde le lendemain.
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
re bonjour
donc si j ai bien compris j ai meileurs temps de prendre le ferry et voila`!
car en plus ma femme est a nouveau enceinte donc toutes ces secouses en speed boat c est pas la meilleurs solutions !
quelque un a le site des horaires ou carement m envoyer la foto du tableau ?
une fois a ko lanta je vais partir 4 jours sur koh ngai puis encore 4 sur ko lipe
quelqun peut me renseigner? car je crois qu il ya un ferry qui fait toute les ile! donc il passe par koh ngai pui directions koh lipe !
en tout cas merci beaucoup pour toutes votre reponses ca m aide beaucoup 😉
a plus
Je crois que c'est 700 dollars divisé par 10 ou 15 maxi
Je pense que tu voulais dire 700 bahts/pers multiplié par 10 ou 15pers. car sinon c'est vraiment pas cher de ne payer que 70 bahts ou moins encore pour aller a Lanta 😉
Non Boumba, je pense que c'est effectivement dans les 700 dollars, soit aux alentours de 22 000 bahts divisés par une dizaine de personnes...
Oups tu as raison, j'avais mal lu (bahts au lieu de dollars) mea culpa 😊, alors c'est même assez cher 🤪
Je pense que tu voulais dire 700 bahts/pers multiplié par 10 ou 15pers. car sinon c'est vraiment pas cher de ne payer que 70 bahts ou moins encore pour aller a Lanta 😉
Non Boumba, je pense que c'est effectivement dans les 700 dollars, soit aux alentours de 22 000 bahts divisés par une dizaine de personnes...
Oups tu as raison, j'avais mal lu (bahts au lieu de dollars) mea culpa 😊, alors c'est même assez cher 🤪
Khun maa jak nai krap?
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
Question abordée de nombreuses fois :
Une petite recherche sur le moteur en haut du site ....😕😉
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?do=resultats_recherche&search_string=horaires+ferry+phuket&search_optimization=Yes&discussion=1&search_type=AND&search_fields=sb&destination=&search_forum=all&first_post=0&pas_tout_inclus=0&pas_petites_annonces=0&photo=0&search_users_username=&search_user_username=&search_time=&sb2=
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?do=resultats_recherche&search_string=horaires+ferry+phuket&search_optimization=Yes&discussion=1&search_type=AND&search_fields=sb&destination=&search_forum=all&first_post=0&pas_tout_inclus=0&pas_petites_annonces=0&photo=0&search_users_username=&search_user_username=&search_time=&sb2=
Alors si en plus ta femme est enceinte le speed boat est à proscrir, c'est clair!
Je ne sais pas de combien de mois mais le moins de déplacements possible sera le mieux surtout les transports violents. L'avion le plus recommandé, voiture, bus et train déconseillé, bateau de croisiere ferry, ça va si la mer est calme mais peut augmenter les nausées, mais speed boat trop violent, comme 4/4 sur des pistes voire pire!
Ne prenez pas ce risque...
J'ai lu qu'on peut voyager entre le 3e et le 7e mois avec précaution, en dehors déconseillé ou petits trajets quotidiens. Pour les horaire de ferry tu trouveras très facilement sur place à l'aéroport de pukhet ou à l'hôtel. Je crois même qu'il y en a un direct à lanta durée 3H sans passer par phiphi. Départ toujours le matin. Pour lipe les horaires que j'avais griffonnés il y a 2 ans, 10h de lanta arrivé à 16h 1500b .Ou speed boat (si sans femme et enfant) 13h30 à 16h30 1900b. Mais ça a peut être changé. Encore une fois t'inquiète pas on trouve facilement les infos sur place. Bon voyage et félicitation!
J'ai lu qu'on peut voyager entre le 3e et le 7e mois avec précaution, en dehors déconseillé ou petits trajets quotidiens. Pour les horaire de ferry tu trouveras très facilement sur place à l'aéroport de pukhet ou à l'hôtel. Je crois même qu'il y en a un direct à lanta durée 3H sans passer par phiphi. Départ toujours le matin. Pour lipe les horaires que j'avais griffonnés il y a 2 ans, 10h de lanta arrivé à 16h 1500b .Ou speed boat (si sans femme et enfant) 13h30 à 16h30 1900b. Mais ça a peut être changé. Encore une fois t'inquiète pas on trouve facilement les infos sur place. Bon voyage et félicitation!
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
Alors si en plus ta femme est enceinte le speed boat est à proscrir, c'est clair!
Bien sur , d'ailleurs je conseille dans ce cas là à boxers78 de prendre carrément un taxi , de Phuket faut compter 3000 bahts avec un taxi jaune je précise . Donc quand on compte la différence avec tarif du bateau faut pas s'en privé pour si peu et la future Maman sera ainsi plus à l'aise de plus avec le taxi on peut faire un stop de temps à autre , Boxers je pense que c'est plus adaptable ainsi .
Bien sur , d'ailleurs je conseille dans ce cas là à boxers78 de prendre carrément un taxi , de Phuket faut compter 3000 bahts avec un taxi jaune je précise . Donc quand on compte la différence avec tarif du bateau faut pas s'en privé pour si peu et la future Maman sera ainsi plus à l'aise de plus avec le taxi on peut faire un stop de temps à autre , Boxers je pense que c'est plus adaptable ainsi .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Il faudra quand même traverser la mer un moment donnée, tu pensais un taxi jusqu'à krabi ou comment? C'est vrai que pour le reste des promenades ou visites le mieux dans ce cas c'est négocier un chauffeur à la journée. Ou de se pauser dans un endroit tranquille avec des possibilités variées avec peu de trajets...
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
Pourquoi vouloir aller si vite ? en dehors des inconvenients de l'inconfort, du prix et du danger, dis toi bien qu'il ne faut pas etre "speed" pour apprecier la Thailande et passer de vraies bonnes vacances , tout simplement.
Perso, je prefere voir ( ils disent "faire" ) moins de lieux, d'iles, de sites ou de pages, mais les gouter mieux , et j'en retire de plus beaux et intenses souvenirs.
C'est tout bete.
C'est tout bete.
Bouger, regarder, bouger, regarder, bouger, regarder.....est-ce grave docteur ?
Il faudra quand même traverser la mer un moment donnée, tu pensais un taxi jusqu'à krabi ou comment?
C'est pourtant simple, taxi ou bus jusqu'a Krabi et même jusqu'a lanta depuis Phuket, y a juste 2 bacs a prendre pour traverser les bras de mer 😛 mais c'est moins cher en ferry depuis Phuket c'est certain 😉
C'est pourtant simple, taxi ou bus jusqu'a Krabi et même jusqu'a lanta depuis Phuket, y a juste 2 bacs a prendre pour traverser les bras de mer 😛 mais c'est moins cher en ferry depuis Phuket c'est certain 😉
Khun maa jak nai krap?
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
je ne veut pas aller vite comme tout le monde pense !
je ne suis pas stress.
c est juste pour ne pas faire trop d heures de voyages pour la petite .
donc je cherche les moyens les plus rapides(pas de speed boat😉)afin que tout le monde y retrouve sont compte.
mais en tout cas merci pour toute ces info c est cool !
la chose que je ne comprend pas c est que tout le mondes dit qu il faut passer par koh phi phi alors que l année passée au retour de lanta ont c est arreter en mer pour faire decendre du monde qui allais a phi phi, donc pas de alt, et pas d attendte a phi phi .
c est ca que je ne comprend pas!personnes ne la jamais fait,
Bien! c'est raisonnable d'oublier le speed boat.
Mais comme j'ai dis plus haut je sais qu'il existe un ferry direct sans arrêt à phiphi 3h. 8h30 à pukhet d'après mes vieilles notes si j'interprète bien ce que j'ai écris. A l'aéroport le gars m'avait dit toutes les possibilités ou presque. Sur place vous saurez facilement. Je veux pas dire de bêtises si ça à changé.
Et le taxi ou bus est une bonne solution pour vous par krabi si le bac n'est pas trop long, je ne connaissais pas cette possibilité.
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
Je ne connaissais pas cette possibilité par krabi. Combien de temps en voiture ou bus et le bout de mer, combien de temps le bac?
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
Non les bacs c'est environ 30' pour le premier en arrivant de krabi, et le deuxième 20' à quelque chose près 😉
Ils sont 2 à faire la navette à chaque passage, un qui part, et en même temps qu'un qui revient 😉
Je sais pas si j'ai été claire ? 😇
Je sais pas si j'ai été claire ? 😇 
Oui très clair , voici en photos . 😉 .

Oui très clair , voici en photos . 😉 .

@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
D'accord, donc si on veut éviter 4h de mer ou un speed boat désagréable, cette possibilité par krabi est pas mal. Reste à savoir combien de km ou temps en voiture ou bus de pukhet à krabi? Et là je pense que boxer saura tout pour faire son choix à part les horaires sur place. Et quelqu'un sait le prix d'un bus pukhet krabi et le prix du bac ? Et prix ferry pukhet - lanta?
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
Reste à savoir combien de km ou temps en voiture ou bus de pukhet à krabi?
De Phuket à Krabi 180 Km 2 heures de route maxi et en plus de beaux paysages à voir en cours de route , De Krabi à l'embarcadère pour Koh Lanta 70 Km 1 heure de route .
De Phuket à Krabi 180 Km 2 heures de route maxi et en plus de beaux paysages à voir en cours de route , De Krabi à l'embarcadère pour Koh Lanta 70 Km 1 heure de route .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
T'as pas le prix du bac ?😛😉😉😉
Perso je suis aller avec ma voiture et j'ai payer environ 325 bahts avec la voiture bien sur si mes souvenirs sont bons .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Je sais pas si j'ai été claire ? 😇
Claire oui mais pas assez explicite car la question était:
Je ne connaissais pas cette possibilité par krabi. Combien de temps en voiture ou bus et le bout de mer, combien de temps le bac?
Tu n'as répondu qu'a la 2ème partie de la question, en occultant: Combien de temps depuis Phuket jusqu'a Krabi, par la route, une question a laquelle Mister khun barbot a souvent deja répondu 😉
Claire oui mais pas assez explicite car la question était:
Je ne connaissais pas cette possibilité par krabi. Combien de temps en voiture ou bus et le bout de mer, combien de temps le bac?
Tu n'as répondu qu'a la 2ème partie de la question, en occultant: Combien de temps depuis Phuket jusqu'a Krabi, par la route, une question a laquelle Mister khun barbot a souvent deja répondu 😉
Khun maa jak nai krap?
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
Coucou Olivier,
J'ai répondu à ce que je connaissais, 😕
Pour le reste, il y a "Vous" 😛
Profites en bien, 😉
Pat
Quel importance, chacun fait part de ce qu'il sait, barbot a d'ailleurs complété les infos de suite, donc pourquoi avoir relevé juste apres, alors qu'on venait d'avoir toutes les réponses? Tu cherches pas un peu la ptite bête là bombastic?
Et puis c'est possible que ce sujet ait déjà été discuté sur d'autres postes mais on trouve pas toujours tous les sujets facilement même par le moteur de recherche à un mot près, il y a tellement de discussions...
Et là, dans cette discussion précise un sujet en a amené un autre et voilà! C'est pas grave de se répéter, l'essentiel c'est que tout le monde y trouve son compte non?
Peut être que les geek(à prendre avec un peu d'humour) du voyage forum s'ennuie de relire souvent les même sujets de discussions mais laissez les autres s'exprimer quand même, on en apprend toujours un peu plus de toute façon.
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
Quel importance, chacun fait part de ce qu'il sait, barbot a d'ailleurs complété les infos de suite, donc pourquoi avoir relevé juste apres, alors qu'on venait d'avoir toutes les réponses? Tu cherches pas un peu la ptite bête là bombastic?
C'était de l'humour, pirandy est une amie et l'a fort bien compris 😉 L'important, comme tu dis, c'est d'obtenir les bonnes réponses, et notre poto barbot est bien venu, c'est l'essentiel 😛 Bon voyage, moi j'y retourne 😏
C'était de l'humour, pirandy est une amie et l'a fort bien compris 😉 L'important, comme tu dis, c'est d'obtenir les bonnes réponses, et notre poto barbot est bien venu, c'est l'essentiel 😛 Bon voyage, moi j'y retourne 😏
Khun maa jak nai krap?
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
Pat, j'irai bientôt boire un verre au Reggea bar a ta santé (et a celle de barbot), tchok dee 😉
Khun maa jak nai krap?
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
Pat, j'irai bientôt boire un verre au Reggea bar a ta santé (et a celle de barbot), tchok dee 😉
Salut Khun Boumba ,
Même 2 verres . 😉
Salut Khun Boumba ,
Même 2 verres . 😉
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Même 2 verres . 😉
Sauf si je conduis 😛
PS. T'es réveillé de bonne heure ou pas encore couché? 😉
Sauf si je conduis 😛
PS. T'es réveillé de bonne heure ou pas encore couché? 😉
Khun maa jak nai krap?
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
Non déjà réveiller . 😛
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Aujourd'hui on va a Udon, on ira a Phuket et a Lanta plus tard mais chose promise.... on ira boire un verre a votre santé 🙂
Khun maa jak nai krap?
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
"être loin d'ailleurs, c'est être ici" (P. Geluk)
Merci Olivier de penser un peu à nous, ne boire qu'un verre à la fois... 😉
Profites, profites, 😎😎 S-6 😛
Profites, profites, 😎😎 S-6 😛
Bon d'accord, d'accord! Si vous êtes tous potes, tout baigne! Pas toujours évident de savoir si c'est des privates Jokes ou des pinailleries.🙂
Profite bien du ton voyage. Je connais pas le reaggae bar, sympa? Par contre j'ai bien aimé le easy rider à kata. Et me défouler sur les concerts de rock 70's là bas.
Ben moi je pars à Bali avec mon mari la semaine prochaine, qui ne connait pas encore mais qui préfèrera sûrement à la Thaïlande. Enfin, J'espère. Je tremble un peu, car faire sortir un ours viking de sa tanière pour l'emmener dans un pays tropicale c'est pas évident. Mais y aura pas trop de monde à cette saison et c'est quand même un ptit paradis et j'aime la culture, les paysages, l'ambiance. En Thaïlande trop d'aspects négatifs à mon goût gâche ce beau pays. J'y retournerai peut être mais lui n'est pas près à ça. Ou alors faudrait trouver une ile vraiment tranquille. .. Bon si vraiment il pleut trop à Bali, on se rappatriera vers la Thaïlande, mais on tente le coup. Parait que c'est supportable, plutôt couvert et pluie en fin de journée.j'espère que le soleil va revenir gentillement.
Ben moi je pars à Bali avec mon mari la semaine prochaine, qui ne connait pas encore mais qui préfèrera sûrement à la Thaïlande. Enfin, J'espère. Je tremble un peu, car faire sortir un ours viking de sa tanière pour l'emmener dans un pays tropicale c'est pas évident. Mais y aura pas trop de monde à cette saison et c'est quand même un ptit paradis et j'aime la culture, les paysages, l'ambiance. En Thaïlande trop d'aspects négatifs à mon goût gâche ce beau pays. J'y retournerai peut être mais lui n'est pas près à ça. Ou alors faudrait trouver une ile vraiment tranquille. .. Bon si vraiment il pleut trop à Bali, on se rappatriera vers la Thaïlande, mais on tente le coup. Parait que c'est supportable, plutôt couvert et pluie en fin de journée.j'espère que le soleil va revenir gentillement.
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
Je connais pas le reaggae bar, sympa
Salut ,
Voici 2 photos , là ou le soir on assiste à un magnifique coucher du soleil . 😎 .
Salut ,
Voici 2 photos , là ou le soir on assiste à un magnifique coucher du soleil . 😎 .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Bon d'accord, d'accord! Si vous êtes tous potes, tout baigne! Pas toujours évident de savoir si c'est des privates Jokes ou des pinailleries
+1 😉
+1 😉
Ça à l'air cool, bonne vue pour le coucher de soleil. Avec un fond de bob marley j'imagine? C'est marrant suspendu sur la colline. Y a que de la forêt dessous ou d'autres étages de bar ou je sais pas, bungalows...
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
C'est marrant suspendu sur la colline. Y a que de la forêt dessous ou d'autres étages de bar ou je sais pas, bungalows...
Il y a rien en dessous , vaut mieux rien qu'à voir sur quoi ça tient . 🤪😏 Amazing Thaïlande . 😛
.
Il y a rien en dessous , vaut mieux rien qu'à voir sur quoi ça tient . 🤪😏 Amazing Thaïlande . 😛
.

@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Ouais effectivement il vaut mieux! Ils sont incroyables!...
" nous n'sommes pas seuls sur cette île...et nous l'savons tous! " john locke- lost.
bonjour tout le monde
merci beaucoup pour vos reponse !
je n est vraiment pas eu le temps de venir voir vos commantaires!!!!
du coup je pense que la meilleures solutions pour moi est de prendre le tax idepuis l aeroport vers Krabi ? combien d heure deja?? puis le lendemain de krabi vers koh lanta ...
merci encore pour tout 😏
je n est vraiment pas eu le temps de venir voir vos commantaires!!!!
🤪😕😕
🤪😕😕
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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.
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
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
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Laos in early 2027. Does anyone know the dates for the Vat Phou festival in Champasak? Thanks!
I’m planning a trip to Laos in early 2027. Does anyone know the dates for the Vat Phou festival in Champasak? Thanks!
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.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
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.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
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?
Hi there,
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hey everyone,
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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...
Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.
Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.
Hi everyone,
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.
Thanks
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.
Thanks
Hi,
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.
Thanks
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.
Thanks
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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste
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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste
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!
Time to hit the road again!
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...
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...
Hello,
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:
- Battambang (round trip) - Siem Reap / Angkor - Kratie - Kampong Cham - Phnom Penh - Kampot (round trip)
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.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Have a great Sunday
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:
- Battambang (round trip) - Siem Reap / Angkor - Kratie - Kampong Cham - Phnom Penh - Kampot (round trip)
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.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Have a great Sunday
Hi there,
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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?
Thanks in advance for your help.
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
Hello everyone,
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.
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!
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!
Hi everyone,
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…
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!
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…
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!
Hi everyone, I’m looking to do a 15-day Muay Thai training course. Any great places to recommend? Thanks
Hi there, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise







