etant en ce moment meme a chiang mai, revenant de mae sariang des etoiles pleins les yeux (trek hard mais fabuleux, on etait que 4, pas comme ceux que je vois proposes ici!!!!), nous nous apretons a partir mon poupoune et moi a chiang khong pour une croisiere sur le mekong jusqua luang prabang ( d ailleurs toutes les propositions des choses a faire la bas genre environs, hotels, restos, ... nous comptons y rester 3 jours, sont les bienvenus🙂), pour ensuite rejoindre l isan via vientiane en bus...
mais la je reste perplexe.... quelles villes privilegier? nous avons environs 8 jours pour nous balader en isan de nong khai a bangkok...
d apres ce que g lu la ville de mundaka est tres chouette. est ce vrai?
quels parcs naturels voir?
ou sont les plus jolies balades a moto a faire?
pour l Issan tu a de la chance, c'est le moment ou les rizieres sont toutes vertes (tu a quand meme loupé le repiquage du riz), mais, surtout baladez vous en motoside dans les petites routes(vers 17 h)
a ce moment la dans les villages tout le monde est dehors, un spectacle pour qui ne connais pas !
et n'hesitez pas a communiquer les Issans sont adorables,
ne pas oublier la boite a images, plein d'insolites, et couchés de soleil sur les rizieres sublimes
Luang Prabang est magnifique et en 3 jours tu tomberas sous le charme. Si tu veux des idées tu peux lire mon carnet de voyage et sur mon site il ya quelques photos.
Pour l'Isaan, lis le carnet de voyage de Kalkan et de Djorb. Ils onr fait un superbe voyage et leurs carnets sont passionnants.
pour l Issan tu a de la chance, c'est le moment ou les rizieres sont toutes vertes (tu a quand meme loupé le repiquage du riz), mais, surtout baladez vous en motoside dans les petites routes(vers 17 h)
a ce moment la dans les villages tout le monde est dehors, un spectacle pour qui ne connais pas !
et n'hesitez pas a communiquer les Issans sont adorables,
ne pas oublier la boite a images, plein d'insolites, et couchés de soleil sur les rizieres sublimes
Effectivement les couchers ( et aussi les leves) de soleil en I-ssan sont magnifiques..rien a envier a ceux des belles plages du sud...
Sinon pour le repiquages certaines provinces du sud de l, I-ssan sont en plein travail car la pluie n, etait pas au RDV a l, heure encore cette annee.. ...Donc profitez en si vous etes dans le coin c, est encore le moment ...
Certains labourent encore, car les premieres semences n, ont pas ete assez arrosees donc perdues donc ils recommencent ...le prix de l, essence etant trop chere pour eux on revient aux vieilles methodes
A+ NTT😏
sur l, arbre qui donne des pommes il n, y a pas de citrons
bonjour,
si tu passes a Nong Khai, la ville n'est pas extra mais tres calme pour se reposer un jour ou deux. Peut etre qu'a moto c'est genial mais bon je ne maitrise pas ces betes la😉
par contre pas tres loin du marche et en face du Mekong, il y a un super resto vietnamien dont la carte tres reduite n'est pas tres engageante (genre un peu usine du 13eme) mais tout est divin(je n'exagere pas).
Attention le resto ferme a 20 h precise.
Si tu prends le train de nuit pour BKK il vaut vraiment mieux investir dans une couchette avec clim(nous etions sans clim a cote de la porte de separation qui donne sur les toilettes), ce fut tres penible.
J'ai sejourne dans ce coin la l'an passe. Tresbelel campagne aux alentoures de Luang Prabang et c'est vert en cette saison. Jette un oeil sur mon blog cela rte donnera peut etre quelques idees illustrees...
Sinon Nhong Khai ce n'est pas la peine d'y rester plus que quelques heures meme si le coucher de soleil est fabuleux.
Pour Luang Prabang :
au marché de nuit à l'entrée sur la gauche avant le gros bar à touristes il y a une ruelle en impasse presque où tu peux voir et manger si le coeur t'en dit des choses vraiment vraiment lao... Tu peux déjà goûter des yeux les têtes de ceci ou les brochettes de tel rongeur...
Sinon, il y a des échoppes familiales où tu manges un poisson, et quelques légumes sautés à volonté on s'intalle tous à la même table et on est bien servi par des mamans laos et leurs très jeunes filles...
Dans le haut de la ville, il y a les fabriques de papiers (papier pressé avec des fleurs ou des feuilles incrustées avec lesquels on fait des abat jour et des couvertures de livre, album...) et celles de galettes d'algues du Mé Kong (genre de popodums qu'on peut manger à l'apéro), tout cela sêche dans la rue au plaisir des chiesn errant marquant leur territoire...
Sinon, il y a des waterfall au nord et au sud et les pak Ou Caves (bof)... POur Pak Ou Caves, j'ai préfèré le village en face même s'il font plus ou moins semblant de tisser, il y a sur la plage un bouilleur de lao lao qui "lave" son riz fermenté direct dans le mé kong bien chargé en tout ce que tu veux (d'où sonn goût et son odeur de vase parfois ? à moins que ce soit notre état vaseux du lendemain qui influence mon souvenir) tu peux regarder tout le processus de fabrication, c'est instructif.
Et puis pour quelques jours tu peux remonter en bateau la Nam Ou (6 ou 7 heures/10 $ par personnes) jusqu'à Old Muang Noy, un village où on ne parvient qu'en bateau où on ne peut que marcher et où l'électricité n'est produite que par la rivière quelques heures par jours dans certaines home stay (voir mes précédents posts) : ces quelques jours dansla famille qui nous a accueilli au bord de la Nam Ou et les villages autour à quelques heures de marche au bout des rizières à quelques heures de marche, les nuits autour du feu, c'est l'un de mes plus beaux souvenirs du Laos sauvage pauvre mais si fier...
Et si tu vas dans cette famille vérifie la note : si tu reste trop longtemps, la note est incalculable pour toute la famille et ils se volent eux même !
Paul-Marie
PMP from WDE : pour un monde à reconstruire !
"Il faut faire quelque chose sinon demain sera pire ! "
Séneque
je rectifie tu peux faire Chiang Khong - Luang Namtha (la ville est moche mais les villages autour sont magnifiques et sauvages) - Old Muang Noy - Luang Prabang par exemple et continuer à descendre (Vang Vien : joli mais très "spécialisé" -même les pizza sont proposées avec ascenceur pour les paradis artificiels- par contre en flanant autour il y a le blue lagoon et une belle grotte et puis des tisseuses douées...)
Paul-Marie
Voir photo dans les précédents posts
PMP from WDE : pour un monde à reconstruire !
"Il faut faire quelque chose sinon demain sera pire ! "
Séneque
si tu a une petite nostalgie de la cuisine familliale Francaise :
pour les petits budgets ;(tenue par un Francais Bernard),
adresse a jour
plat du jour 90/120 bhts, chambres 150/200 bhts
dans une rue hyper calme : ( tel 07 22 76 081)
800 soi lay ya soup (a proximité de la gare ferroviaire)
chayapoorrn market
meetchai road
muang nong khai 43000
😎
une curiosité a voir (rien d'historique)
sur la route de Phon Pisai, a environ 3 kms du centre de Nong Khai, (prend un samlo car c'est caché, negocie A/R+ attente au maxi a 300 bhts) :
SALA KHEO KOU entrée 10 bhts par pers. (c'est plutot un don)
parc de statues geantes, construite par la volonté d'un seul Thai, belle serie de photos a faire,
dans la grande maison un vieux Thai t'expliquera l'historique
suivant le jour il te demandera entre 50 et 100 bhts,
Je repars en Thaïlande cet été et cette fois ci, je compte passer une dizaine de jours en Isan que je ne connais pas. Il semblerait que les trajets sont longs…
Notre 5ème périple en Thailande approche... Nous voilà donc quelques jours avant notre départ pour Udon Thani (5 février) où j'ai réservé nos 3 premières…
Je suis actuellement. à proximité de prachinburi et avec mon amie desirons visiter les temples kmeres de phanom rung, mueang tam et ta meuang. quel est…
Je pars en decembre pour Bangkok, et je suis entrain de me torturer les neurones sur un itineraire sympa! Le topo environ 15 jours en Thailande (temps de…
Dans notre périple Thaïlandais, nous prévoyons d’arriver à Bangkok puis de monter jusqu’à Chiang Mai. Jusque là tout est ok. Mais après nous aimerions partir…
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
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.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
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...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
