Hello!
We’re heading to Cambodia for a month in March. We’re planning to visit Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, the Angkor temples, Kompong Luong, then head down to Kampot, Kep, and finish our trip on the islands of Koh Rong. Has anyone done this trip recently?
Any great spots to recommend? Neighborhoods to stay in Phnom Penh (lively but not too touristy)?
Tips for getting around between the major cities—bus, train, boat, motorbike?
Thanks for all the advice!
Fabienne
To optimize your itinerary, visit Kampong Luong between PP and Battambang. Then, from Siem Reap, you can take an overnight bus that’ll take you to Kampot, where you’ll arrive early in the morning. This way, you avoid spending a full day in transit and save on a night’s accommodation at the same time.
From Kampot/Kep to Koh Rong, you have two options (since the Kampot–Sihanoukville road still has sections in very poor condition):
- By boat with Buva Sea, which connects Kampot to the Koh Rong islands and continues to Koh Sdach. It operates only during the dry season and has just announced its reopening date (around November, I think).
- By train from Kampot to Sihanoukville, then boat. The train leaves Phnom Penh every morning, stops at Takeo, Kep, Kampot, and continues to Sihanoukville, arriving around 12:00–12:30 PM (delays are frequent). Then, at 2:00 PM, it heads back to Phnom Penh. The scenery is lovely.
Phnom Penh – Kampong Luong (Pursat or Krakor): taxi or bus
Kampong Luong – Battambang: taxi or bus
Note that by taxi, you can do the PP–Battambang route in a day while stopping to visit Kampong Luong for two hours.
Battambang – Siem Reap: bus (normally, no boat crossings during this low-water period).
Siem Reap – Kampot: overnight bus
Kampot – Koh Rong: train + boat or direct boat
Koh Rong – Phnom Penh: boat to Sihanoukville, then bus or taxi
In the cities:
In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, I recommend taking tuk-tuks (with a Cambodian phone number, you can use the PassApp app to book a tuk-tuk anywhere in the city for an affordable, non-negotiable price—unlike independent tuk-tuks. Another app: Grab).
If you’re comfortable on a motorbike: here, they’re mostly 110cc semi-automatics, which are very easy to handle, or, if you prefer, automatic scooters with wide, low wheels (less practical). You can rent them by the day in Battambang and Kampot and explore the areas around the cities. That’s how you discover rural Cambodia, which is very different from the touristy cities. You’ll pass through rice fields, orchards, cassava, corn, and sugarcane fields, and especially small peaceful villages. You’ll see water buffaloes, kids waving, carts, vintage motorbikes, street vendors, etc.
From Kampot to Kep, you can also make the trip by motorbike or even tuk-tuk—it’s very short.
In a month, you’ll have plenty of time. Usually, I recommend 9–10 days in the northwest, 9–10 days in the northeast, and 9–10 days in the south, plus 2–3 days in Phnom Penh. This time, you could do roughly 14 days in the northwest, 14 days in the south, and 2–3 days in PP—you’ll be all set! !
Hi there,
I’d say that in Phnom Penh, all the neighborhoods are nice.
Draw two lines starting south of the Central Market and west of the Royal Palace—the area where they intersect might fit your criteria and offers accommodations.
The area behind Sisowath Quay, north of the Royal Palace, is also a good option.
No, sorry, I don’t have any specific addresses. Usually, when I go to PP, I do a day trip round-trip. Other travelers can give you recommendations—there’s plenty of choice for accommodation!
Thanks!
In your first message, you mentioned that over a month we could spend a few days in the northwest. What do you recommend after Phnom Penh (PP) and before Battambang? Are there buses or taxis to get to Battambang?
Thanks again for your first itinerary and your invaluable tips!
Fabie
Since you mentioned in your first post that you’d planned Kampong Luong in your itinerary, that’s where you’re stopping between PP and Battambang, right? It’s just a stone’s throw from Route N5 (near Krakor), one of the country’s busiest roads. So it’s super easy to take a bus or minibus from PP, ask the driver to drop you off at Krakor, grab a tuk-tuk to Kampong Luong, and visit the floating village—which should be pretty far from the banks at this low-water season (in March). Then head back to Krakor and catch another minibus to Battambang.
Local minibuses that carry passengers are absolutely everywhere in Cambodia—it’s a breeze to connect to small provincial towns this way, especially when you’re following major routes like the N5. I’d say budget around 20,000 riels per person for PP to Krakor, which is about $5, and another 20,000 riels for Krakor to Battambang.
Alternatively, you could also stop in Kampong Chhnang, which is closer to Phnom Penh, or Pursat near Krakor.
Two other possible stops in the northwest:
- Banteay Chhmar, north of Sisophon (Battambang - Sisophon - Banteay Chhmar - Sisophon - Siem Reap). This Arte documentary is great.
https://youtu.be/1HY_RtEmhYo?si=LmQfZV30c7s4c7-i
- Kampong Thom, between Siem Reap and PP, where you can visit the Sambor Prey Kuk temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The appeal of these two stops is that you’ll hardly run into any other tourists—you’ll pretty much have the sites to yourselves. Though maybe exploring Angkor over several days will have already given you your fill of temple visits!
I’m planning this trip for January 2026. I’ll be able to share the places we loved and the ones to avoid by then ;)
My research (blogs, forums, a friend living in Phnom Penh...) led me to choose Koh Rong Sanloem—it’s quieter and more natural than its neighbor Koh Rong. That said, in either case, you’ll need to hurry because they’re being overrun by Chinese investors.
Two other possible stops in the northwest:
- Banteay Chhmar, north of Sisophon (Battambang - Sisophon - Banteay Chhmar - Sisophon - Siem Reap). This Arte documentary is great.
- Kampong Thom, between Siem Reap and PP, where you can visit the Sambor Prey Kuk temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Thanks, Erwan, for sharing these amazing spots! 🙂
Do you think I could at least stop for lunch there with a taxi? (I’m not planning to stay overnight, and my accommodations are already booked)
For Banteay Chhmar, no, because it’s really quite far from Battambang or Siem Reap.
Sambor Prey Kuk could work, though—I think you could do it in a day if you leave early from Siem Reap and arrive late in Phnom Penh. You’d need to ask the taxi driver (or guide?) if it’s possible. It’s not too far from Route N6, which goes from Siem Reap to PP—about 20-25 kilometers—so it wouldn’t be a big detour. If you leave SR at 7 AM, you could be there by 10 AM, stay until 2 PM, and head back to PP to arrive in the late afternoon and avoid the worst of the traffic 😉
Sambor Prey Kuk can probably be done in a day if you leave early from Siem Reap and arrive late in Phnom Penh. You’d need to ask the taxi driver (or guide?) if that’s possible.
That’s the route I’m taking, but the "leave early, arrive late" plan doesn’t really thrill me 😕
Anyway, thanks! !
I’m looking forward to your updates and wish you a fantastic trip!
Thanks!
In the meantime, I’ll take advantage of the great tips you’ll be sharing ;)
I’m thinking of writing a travel journal when I get back—you’ll stumble on it if you keep an eye on the discussions about the destination before your departure.
Hi there,
I’m getting back to you about our trip to Cambodia.
If we’re going for a month, I think we could spend a few days in the east:
Sen Monorom (Mondolkiri province) and a stop in Kampong Cham.
What do you think? And how could we fit that into our itinerary: Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, and then finish in the south—Kampot, Kep, and the Koh Rong islands?
Are there buses, and do we *have* to go back through Phnom Penh to do west, east, then south?
Thanks!
Fabie
I just replied to you on the other forum—I only just made the connection now!
To include Sen Monorom and Kampong Cham, you’d do PP - Sen Monorom (6h) and spend 3 days there, then Sen Monorom - Kampong Cham (5h) for two days, and Kampong Cham - Siem Reap (5h).
After that, you head to Battambang and then make your way to Kampot or Kep via Phnom Penh (bus change; there might be an overnight bus option, but I don’t think there’s a direct overnight bus from Battambang to Kampot like there is from Siem Reap). Alternatively, if you have time, you could take the train—either from Battambang to Phnom Penh (departs 3 PM, arrives 10:30 PM) or from PP to Kampot (departs 7 AM, passes Kep at 10:20 AM and Kampot at 10:40 AM, arrives Sihanoukville at 12:40 PM). You could even do both trains over two days with an overnight in PP!
To summarize:
PP - Sen Monorom by minibus (the roads get steep near Sen Monorom)
Sen Monorom - Kampong Cham by minibus
Kampong Cham - Siem Reap by (mini)bus
Siem Reap - Battambang by (mini)bus
Battambang - Kampot/Kep: if possible, take a direct overnight sleeper bus; otherwise, a (mini)bus with a likely change in PP, or take the train with an overnight in PP
- Kampot - Koh Rong by boat with Buva Sea (they’re resuming routes this month if all goes well). If no boat, take a minibus (or train) to Sihanoukville to catch the boat there.
- Koh Rong - PP by boat, then a minibus or private car to quickly reach PP via the highway instead of National Road 4.
Hi there,
I’m getting back to you about guest houses in PP. Since I don’t know PP at all…
Is the Chamkarmon district nice and lively in the evening without being *too* close to the center? If you’ve got any good recommendations, I’d love to hear them!
Thanks,
Fabie
Hi there,
I’m not particularly familiar with this neighborhood since I’ve always stayed further north (and never booked in advance) in the areas I mentioned above. I’ve probably passed through on a motodop on my way to my many (5!) "pilgrimages" to Tuol Sleng, which is nearby, or to the Russian Market, but that’s about it.
Generally, I never recommend specific accommodations because I’ve learned over time how quickly their quality can change—for better or worse—in Southeast Asia.
The neighborhood south of Preah Sihanouk Boulevard and the Independence Monument, Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK 1, part of the Chamkar Mon district), is the area for trendy bars and Western restaurants. Lots of expats and a pretty young crowd. That’s where you’ll find Bassac Lane (St. 308), the expat party street. It’s not really traditional Khmer vibes—far from it—but tourists love it, and you’ll definitely find some good places to stay there.
Thanks for the info!
Our itinerary is coming together. After Phnom Penh, we're heading to Kratie, then making our way back down to Kompong Cham. We're still looking for the best way to go straight up to Battambang before heading to Siem Reap. The *Routard* guide mentions a daily bus, but we haven’t been able to find it yet. Maybe a taxi could take us there? 🤔
Have a great evening!
Fabie
Kampong Cham to Siem Reap is about a 5-hour trip, but Kampong Cham to Battambang is more like 8–10 hours unless you take a taxi!
You’d either have to go back to PP to switch buses and head straight to Battambang, or find a way to reach Highway N5, which goes directly to Battambang from Kampong Cham by crossing the Tonlé Sap River near Prek Kdam/Oudong. I don’t think you’ll find tourist buses doing that route—maybe just local minivans stopping at the Skun road junction, then again after Prek Kdam where you’d join the N5 near Oudong (which, by the way, could’ve been a nice afternoon stop—it’s the former capital and royal necropolis).
By taxi, it should cost around $80. Ask the driver to leave really early (5–6 AM) so you arrive in Battambang by early afternoon and can enjoy the rest of the day.
Why do you want to go to Battambang before Siem Reap? So you can take a direct overnight bus to Kampot or Sihanoukville/Koh Rong later?
It’s still way simpler and saves time to go from Kampong Cham or Kratie to Siem Reap first, then Siem Reap to Battambang, and finally head to the coast from Battambang (check for overnight buses with a transfer in Phnom Penh—there are several reliable night bus companies: Giant Ibis, Larryta, Virak Buntham/VET).
For Phnom Penh, I spent 3 nights at the Vacation Boutique Hotel two years ago. It was well-maintained in a neighborhood I know well, and I really liked it—clean and well-kept. But I don’t know how it is now; in Asia, hotels can deteriorate quickly. I’ve had a lot of bad surprises with poorly maintained guesthouses.
I’ve already tasted it (not bad, actually), but letting one crawl up my arm—never! I’d have the wrong reflex to knock it to the ground and crush it under my shoe, no matter how harmless it is 😏
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Francoise
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.
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!
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!
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
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.
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. ;-)
