Hi,
Has anyone here already crossed China with your own vehicle (with a guide and in a group, etc.) to get from Mongolia to Nepal?
And on top of that, with a dog on board?
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Good evening,
How many vehicles?
With a minimum of 3 vehicles and a Chinese guide (especially in Xinjiang and from Chengdu to Nepal). There are agencies that handle all the transit permits for you, but it’s not cheap. At least $3,000–4,000 per vehicle, just for the permission to drive in China!
Then I was alone with my Land Rover! One month in Russia-Siberia and one month in Mongolia, and then I had to go back through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and then the Torugart Pass to enter China. The price offered by Beijing was $5,000 just for my vehicle to cross China and continue to Nepal. Today, it’s only possible and guaranteed for a minimum of 3 vehicles.
Nowadays, in principle, the route from Chengdu to Nepal isn’t open to tourists. But with a guide for the entire trip, approved by Beijing, it’s possible.
So now, I sold my Land Rover and I travel in China with a driver and his vehicle instead! In principle, it’s cheaper. In September 2018, I’m visiting the Chengdu-Nepal region. I can gather info while I’m there!
So, what’s your plan and your budget? China is very expensive because a guide is often mandatory for certain routes.
Good luck with your preparations. John
"En route, le mieux c'est de se perdre. Lorsqu'on s'égare, les projets font place aux surprises et c'est alors, mais alors seulement, que le voyage commence." (Nicolas Bouvier)
Yes, that's what I'm doing right now, with my dog too.
Here’s my experience:
From Mongolia, I crossed the border at Erenhot to enter China. China required a ton of preparation, but with the agency’s approval, I can travel solo without a guide. The guide was only necessary for the border crossing at Erenhot and will also be required to cross Tibet. Total cost for 3 months of self-driving in China: 4000 €.
As for Nepal and India, that’ll be in a few months. However, I’m looking for someone who might have info on the *carnet de passage* or Triptyque. Is it possible to skip it? Or find a workaround—I’m open to ideas!
Sorry we can’t give you more info on the customs logbook, but we’d love to cross China in October 2018 with our own vehicle. Ideally without a guide, which is why we’re interested in knowing which agency you used?
Have you already made it to China? Back in 2009, I was in Mongolia and they wouldn’t let me cross alone. The cost was only $5000 for self-drive in China, but I got stuck at the border and had to turn back through Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. If you’re not in China yet, ask for a guarantee that they’ll let you cross the border solo. If you’re already in China, all good! Chinese permits have gotten more flexible!
I’m back in China for a month now, but not with my own vehicle—just with a Chinese driver and their car.
I was curious to know if you’re in China and solo.
Thanks for your reply.
John
"En route, le mieux c'est de se perdre. Lorsqu'on s'égare, les projets font place aux surprises et c'est alors, mais alors seulement, que le voyage commence." (Nicolas Bouvier)
We’re planning to head to Vietnam via the Silk Road, which means driving across China. Just one vehicle. Is it still necessary to hire a guide and pay $4,000 to $5,000? Or even more??
Hello
According to the latest updates, it's impossible to travel alone with your vehicle without being accompanied by a guide.
After several days of research and contacting around ten agencies, they all say the same thing and shut down any attempt at negotiation... yet we haven’t found any official text or law! It really looks like institutionalized scamming, but we don’t have a choice...
We’ll be crossing China in 30 days at the start of October with two other vehicles for 2700 € (excluding tolls, parking, and camping...).
For a single vehicle, the agency was asking for 6000 € if the guide rode with us and 13000 € if they had to travel with their own driver and car... since we only have 2 seats, we eventually found other vehicles to transport the guide and split the costs.
Hello,
In all the autonomous regions (Xinjiang, Tibet, etc.), a guide is mandatory. In the other regions, it's possible to drive without one!
I don’t think you can cross Tibet without a guide. I’m leaving on September 1st for Yunnan and Tibet—I’m looking into it! What’s your planned route in China?
Happy planning.
John
"En route, le mieux c'est de se perdre. Lorsqu'on s'égare, les projets font place aux surprises et c'est alors, mais alors seulement, que le voyage commence." (Nicolas Bouvier)
Even though Chinese law allows us to drive in China without a guide in certain regions... In practice, it's impossible because you need Chinese license plates and a Chinese permit, which means going through an intermediary to handle the paperwork...
And that's the problem because, not knowing anyone in China, we had to go through an agency to get these documents, and no agency currently agrees to handle these procedures without organizing a guided trip afterward (despite our insistence and arguments).
For the route, we're traveling from Laos to Mongolia (roughly: Erenhot - Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Shangri-La - Dali...)
Safe travels in Nepal, John!
For this trip, we'll go later as pedestrians because it was too complicated by vehicle 😉
Hi there,
China is absolutely stunning on foot! You're right.
I managed to drive the entire Silk Road with my vehicle, except for China. Because the permits from Beijing, the requirement to get a Chinese driver’s license, and the obligation to have a guide in Xinjiang made me change my mind.
I sold my Land Rover and now I organize custom trips with Chinese partners for all my travels in China.
I’ve already done it on foot—Beijing, Guilin, Vietnam—in 2 months back in 2000.
All of September 2018, I was in Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet (Shangri-La).
For a group of 1 to 3 people, the cost is around 100–150 € per day for the vehicle and driver. They call this a "semi-independent trip." If you want a French-speaking guide, it’s an extra 100 € per day.
My next—and last—trip on the Silk Road (2020) will be from Bishkek to Torugart, Kashgar, the Taklamakan Desert, and Xi’an.
It’s budget-friendly in Kyrgyzstan, but very expensive in Xinjiang. To cross it, I’d need to budget 500–600 € per day for a group of 2 people, and I’m traveling solo! So we’ll see.
Safe travels,
John
"En route, le mieux c'est de se perdre. Lorsqu'on s'égare, les projets font place aux surprises et c'est alors, mais alors seulement, que le voyage commence." (Nicolas Bouvier)
You're crossing Xinjiang solo, so a guide is mandatory—and they aren’t cheap! Then there’s the Chinese driver’s license, Chinese license plates, and permits from Beijing.
5000 € is really the bare minimum! And you’re lucky if you can even cross the border alone!
Good luck with the prep. John
"En route, le mieux c'est de se perdre. Lorsqu'on s'égare, les projets font place aux surprises et c'est alors, mais alors seulement, que le voyage commence." (Nicolas Bouvier)
Response from my contact in China.
Here are the guide prices in China already.
Regarding your friends' trip from Mongolia to Kathmandu, there are no French-speaking guides in Inner Mongolia, but we can find very good and experienced guides to accompany you during your trip. The price is 80 euros per day per group (excluding their meals, accommodations, and transportation).
I’d like to know more details so I can provide them with a detailed itinerary and quote. For example:
1. Which city will they enter China through?
2. What hotel category do they need?
3. What’s the age and type of their vehicle? Foreigners over 60 can get a temporary type C license in China, which means vehicles with 7 seats or fewer.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Have a great day!
May
"En route, le mieux c'est de se perdre. Lorsqu'on s'égare, les projets font place aux surprises et c'est alors, mais alors seulement, que le voyage commence." (Nicolas Bouvier)
Yeah, we’re seeing the same rates with a guide at 80 €/day. Once you add all the agency’s extra fees for paperwork and whatnot, it comes out to 2,700 €/vehicle (for a group of 3), not including tolls, parking, camping...
Sorry for the late reply—hopefully my experience can still help some folks:
I drove solo across China for 3 months without a guide. Only Tibet *requires* a guide by law. Most agencies push for one due to safety concerns, not official rules (except Tibet, again). So yes, it’s possible to drive without a guide, but you’ll need to find a flexible agency. Chances are slim if it’s just for tourism, though. In my case, I was filming a documentary, wasn’t always in the car, and stayed for 3 months instead of 30 days—so they made an exception.
The agency that handled my trip: **Great Way Tour** in Chengdu. Email: cj.li@greatwaytour.com (Nicolas speaks French).
Honestly, the communication was *rough*. Very rough.
My plan was to cross into Nepal via Tibet, but that got canceled because the border’s closed due to landslides from severe rain that destroyed the road. Solution: we had to ship the car by boat from Tianjin port (near Beijing) to Mumbai (cost: around $1500—roughly the same as driving 10 days in Tibet with a guide. Watch out: another $900 to retrieve the car in India).
Open question for everyone: Since I had to send my car to Mumbai, I’m looking for travelers with a vehicle taking this route: Laos → Thailand → Myanmar → India. Anyone? I can split gas costs! Please share! ;)
Hi, when I drove across China—Kazakhstan, Tibet, Mongolia—we didn’t have any camping options, nor did we see any campgrounds. The only option was the hotel recommended by the guide, but by avoiding booking a room, it was possible to sleep in the parking lot. Otherwise, you’ll need to budget for that.
Happy travels.
"Celui qui se perd dans sa passion est moins perdu que celui qui perd sa passion." Saint-Augustin (354-430)
We're planning a family trip across Asia. There will be five of us traveling in a camper van. Like many of us, we'd like to cross China in a convoy to minimize agency and guide fees. We got a quote from the NAVO agency for a Mongolia-Laos crossing in 45 days (which already seems short given the country's potential). We'd like to enter China at the end of September 2017 to avoid the harsh Mongolian cold and to be inside before the Chinese annual holiday week. Our plans have really come together—if you'd like to discuss and have similar ambitions,
2017 is done!
Started in October, during the Chinese holidays. Had a blast on the road! With 1 billion Chinese people traveling!
Just got back from a month in China. And made it back before the Chinese holidays! End of September!
Are you going via Vietnam?
"En route, le mieux c'est de se perdre. Lorsqu'on s'égare, les projets font place aux surprises et c'est alors, mais alors seulement, que le voyage commence." (Nicolas Bouvier)
I’m planning to drive across China in a camper van by myself, and I really, *really* don’t have the budget for a guide or all the extras. So I’m very interested in hearing about your experience.
Did you need a special driver’s license, special registration plates, or a special visa (maybe a journalist visa if you were filming)? Mine will just be a standard tourist visa.
I assume the agency you linked provided you with an invitation letter including a detailed itinerary. And I also assume that over three months, you didn’t follow that itinerary to the letter. Did you run into any problems?
Basically, I’m looking for as much info as possible.
Thanks in advance, Best,
Hello Mathéous,
If you still decide to join a group to split the guide’s costs, I’m putting together a group to travel from Kyrgyzstan to Nepal via Tibet next September. We already have three vehicles, and I’d love to have five.
Let me know if you’re interested or if you’d like more details. I have offers from Greatways and Navo.
Best regards,
Renaud
www.tripetnomade.ch
I might be interested, but I really can’t guarantee anything. September is a long way off for me, and I’d really love to find a way to cross without a guide. Freedom, you know 😊. But if I don’t find a way, well, sure, why not wait and do the trip with you.
Mathieu,
For a trip to China, now’s the time to organize the permits. There are a lot of issues, especially if you cross autonomous regions like Xinjiang or Tibet. You can’t go without a guide in these areas, but you’re free to choose your route with your guide.
The cost is around 80 € per day for a guide in these two regions. You can also share the guide with several vehicles. I always travel solo in the Middle East, but these days I always go with a local guide. I’m heading back in 2020 to finish the Silk Road in China from Kashgar through the Taklamakan to Xin Yan. I’ll be renting a 4x4 in China. I found a Uyghur driver-guide, so I’ll have no problem crossing this autonomous region!
So for China, if you want to start from the Torugart Pass, I’d recommend going in a group of at least 3 vehicles if you plan to cross these two autonomous regions.
Wishing you a smooth preparation.
"En route, le mieux c'est de se perdre. Lorsqu'on s'égare, les projets font place aux surprises et c'est alors, mais alors seulement, que le voyage commence." (Nicolas Bouvier)
Hello Mathieu,
I hope you find an individual solution for crossing China.
As for me, I believe it’s impossible, which is why I’m working on putting together a group to share the guide’s costs.
Feel free to write to me directly at tripet@mac.com if you decide to join us.
Safe travels, and maybe we’ll cross paths in Tibet.
Renaud
Hi. Check out Tibetmoto agency—they’ve got a solid solution for the China deposit that no one mentions. Big surprises with Greatway, especially for Land Rover owners.
"Celui qui se perd dans sa passion est moins perdu que celui qui perd sa passion." Saint-Augustin (354-430)
Hi,
Tibetmoto is one of the operators I'm considering hiring. To be continued...
Regarding Greatways' (bad) surprise, was it about the deposit?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Best regards,
Renaud
Indeed, my 12-year-old 4x4 was classified as luxury and valued at 28,000 €—with the agency’s complicity, this was reduced to 9,600 €, then reimbursed 3 months after leaving China (instead of the 1 month stated in the contract) and deducted by a bunch of uncontrollable fees, including from my French bank. Not going through Greatway is a definite advantage just based on this alone. No one talks about the vehicle technical inspection (for those entering via Khorgos in the northwest): 3 days of administrative Chinese bureaucracy just to get the right to drive your vehicle, plus a riding test for motorcyclists. All of this with the complicity of guides (not linked to the agency but to the Chinese police) who are afraid of losing their jobs if they don’t go along with what’s "necessary." Three deliberate Chinese collisions, resolved by the foreigner paying a sum to the responsible Chinese party. All this to say that the agency isn’t protection—just a front for the administration—and you shouldn’t give up on going to China with your vehicle because it’s an adventure, and everything you can see and experience there is worth the hassle and precautions to get there in a group of max 4.
Best regards
"Celui qui se perd dans sa passion est moins perdu que celui qui perd sa passion." Saint-Augustin (354-430)
Just a heads-up: I see that this discussion includes participants from several nationalities (French, Belgian, Swiss, etc.).
Everyone’s experiences are always interesting to share, but keep in mind that administrative procedures can differ depending on your country of origin.
For example: as far as I know, despite all the discussions between the French and Chinese governments over the past two years, there’s still no bilateral agreement between the two countries regarding driver’s licenses.
To drive in China, a French citizen (I’m not sure about Belgians or Swiss) will need a Chinese driver’s license.
And to obtain one, you still—if I’m not mistaken—have to prove that you’ve been residing (or staying?) in China for a minimum period, which isn’t compatible with the kind of cross-China trip described in this thread.
Rather than a guide (which isn’t always mandatory, depending on the provinces you visit in China), you might actually need a Chinese driver.
Thierry
On dit souvent "Fermez la porte, il fait froid dehors !" Mais une fois la porte fermée, il fait toujours aussi froid dehors.
For the license, check https://cn.ambafrance.org/Permis-de-conduire
In Tibet and the Xinjiang autonomous province, you **must** have a driver and a guide. Or get a Chinese driver's license!
"En route, le mieux c'est de se perdre. Lorsqu'on s'égare, les projets font place aux surprises et c'est alors, mais alors seulement, que le voyage commence." (Nicolas Bouvier)
Hi. In 2017, I crossed these provinces with a French B license and a Chinese license without having to retake it, as did the other members of the group. However, motorcyclists had to take a driving test on a "technical course." Other vehicles underwent a very strict technical inspection—one 4x4 was rejected due to braking issues. Fuel reserves were prohibited in vehicles. (Just a small detail from my experience.) When everything is "by the book," you can travel without any risk.
"Celui qui se perd dans sa passion est moins perdu que celui qui perd sa passion." Saint-Augustin (354-430)
Since 2017, Chinese restrictions have become stricter for independent travelers. In a group of at least 3 vehicles, no problem.
But solo, in Sept. 2018, driving was banned in Xinjiang and Tibet.
So I’ll try Xinjiang in 2020-21 with a Uyghur friend who, just in case, could take the wheel in that province.
"En route, le mieux c'est de se perdre. Lorsqu'on s'égare, les projets font place aux surprises et c'est alors, mais alors seulement, que le voyage commence." (Nicolas Bouvier)
Hi there, we're planning an Eurasia tour and China is giving us a lot of headaches. I just came across one of your comments and was hoping you could clarify a few things for us. We're traveling with our own vehicle and will be going from Mongolia to China, then India—but we're skipping Nepal and Tibet because of all the restrictions. From what I've read, though, you mentioned that we still need to hire a travel agency or a guide to cross the rest of China, or at least pay for a self-drive tour? Is that accurate?
Thanks in advance for your reply
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Hi there,
My girlfriend (23) and I (24) are heading to Japan for the first time from October 20th to November 6th. Here’s our itinerary:
6 nights in Tokyo
1 night in Hakone (ryokan already booked)
4 nights in Kyoto (hotel already booked)
2 nights in Osaka
4 nights back in Tokyo
I’d like to book hotels for Tokyo (both stays) and Osaka, but I’ve gotten so many different recommendations.
I’ve read that Shinjuku is the place to be for its huge hub, accessibility, and things to do, but I’ve also heard about Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ueno.
I’ve looked at hotels, and first off, I’m surprised by the prices compared to what I’ve seen on forums (I guess inflation’s hit here too… and maybe I’m late to the booking game?). I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options.
For our first stay in Tokyo, I’d prefer a hotel (not a residence or Airbnb) since we’ll be arriving at night, and it’s our first time in Japan. It’d be great to have a place with a reception, staff who speak at least a little English, and can give us some guidance. For the second stay, we could consider other options if it’s better.
Budget-wise, we can go up to 150–180 € per night, but if we can save some money to spend elsewhere, that’d be amazing!
I’m open to all recommendations, hotel suggestions, or any other tips for Tokyo (first stay), Osaka, and Tokyo (second stay).
Hi there,
I’d like to do this cycling route over 2 or 3 days. I’m struggling to figure out and find a (good) bike rental that lets me start in Onomichi and drop off in Imabari. Can anyone help with great tips for rentals and accommodations along the route? How do I get back to Onomichi afterward?
We’re flying to China in a few days for a four-week trip—our first time in this fascinating country! 🇨🇳
We’ll be sharing our adventure live on our travel journal, with photos and daily updates. Our itinerary, though classic, will let us discover the wonders of this vast country:
I’m starting to look at neighborhoods in Seoul, and I’m leaning toward staying in a hotel in Insa-Dong—I’ve spotted one really close to Unhyeongung.
Is this a good area—nice and convenient for exploring the city?
Otherwise, I’ve also found another hotel in Yongsan-Gu, right near the station of the same name. Is that station useful for getting around Seoul?
Since I’ll be in South Korea for nearly two months, I plan to spend at least a week in Seoul to recover from jet lag (it takes me a while to adjust...). So, I’d love a neighborhood that’s pleasant and a hotel not too far from a subway station.
Hi there,
I’m getting ready for a classic tourist trip to China in May 2026.
The "Terres Lointaines" itinerary looks good to me, and the price is interesting.
Has anyone traveled with them before? Any feedback?
Is there a better option?
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences on this!
Michel
I just booked my hotel in Seoul—it’ll be near Unhyeongung, on Samil-Daero 30-Gil—and I’m wondering if there’s public transport from the airport to this address (bus or subway)? If not, what’s the taxi fare? I read it’s around 50 or 60 €.
I’m traveling to Japan with a young adult with autism (ASD) from July 28 to August 8, following a pretty classic route: Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo. I’m looking for a schedule of the most spectacular fireworks displays during that time. So far, the dates for the major *hanabi* events aren’t available online yet. If anyone has them, I’d really appreciate it if you could share!
We’ll be doing a self-drive trip using public transport in May 2026.
On Day 6, we’ll arrive in Hakone by train from Tokyo in late morning. We’ll spend the night in Hakone before heading to Kyoto.
The main goal of this stop is clearly the view (no hiking) of Mount Fuji, not so much exploring Hakone, where the sights seem limited.
I’ve read on the forum that the view is great from Gotemba, but it also takes a good hour by bus to get there. And, apart from that view, there’s nothing else to see in Gotemba!
So, I’m not sure what to choose. Any thoughts? Or alternatives to suggest?
Maybe some spots in Hakone or Gotemba for a great view?
Hi everyone, I’m Julien!
This summer, from late June to late July, I’m planning a one-month solo trip to Japan—my first time!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice on the itinerary I’ve put together to explore this amazing country.
Here are the routes I’m considering:
**Option 1: More mountain and nature-focused**
Tokyo: 8 nights, with day trips to Nikko and maybe the Izu Peninsula
Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji): 1 night. The place looks stunning, but I’m worried Mt. Fuji might not be visible due to the weather
Kyoto: 6–7 nights (including a trip to Nara)
Osaka: 1–2 nights, where I’d like to drop off my things to make the Kumano Kodo easier
Kumano Kodo: 3 nights—an experience I haven’t seen much elsewhere, but I thought it sounded really interesting
Hiroshima: 2 nights
Miyajima: 1 night
Takayama: 3 days
Kanazawa: 3 days (From what I understand, the Osaka–Takayama–Kanazawa–Tokyo route is convenient for transport)
Tokyo: 1 night (return)
**Option 2: More varied but a bit vague in parts**
Tokyo: 8 nights
Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara)
Osaka: 2 nights
Kobe + Himeji: just passing through—I’m not sure if it’s worth a night
Naoshima: 1 night—still pretty unclear for me
Takamatsu: 2 nights. An interesting city, but I’m not sure how long to stay
Shimanami Kaido: biking from Imabari to Onomichi, then heading to Hiroshima
Hiroshima: 2 nights
Miyajima: 1 night
Kyushu road trip (Aso + onsens + Fukuoka): 5 nights (also pretty vague—I could fly from Fukuoka back to Tokyo)
Tokyo: 1 night
**Option 3: More balanced/simplified**
Tokyo: 8 nights
Kawaguchiko: 1 night
Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara)
Osaka: 2 nights
Koya-san: 1 night
Kumano Kodo: 3 nights
Takayama: 3 nights
Kanazawa: 3 nights
Tokyo: 1 night
A few key points:
I haven’t made any reservations yet, except for the flight tickets.
I know my plans are too packed and will need to be adjusted.
I’m specifically looking for advice on which stops to cut or shorten.
Hello everyone,
Like Cedric13600, I’ve booked a flight ticket for 30 days / 29 nights in September 2026, from Beijing to Shanghai. We’re a couple in our sixties who love independent road trips.
I’d like to draw inspiration from the following private itinerary suggested by a travel agency:
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Day 2 to 4: Beijing
Day 5: Datong
Day 6 & 7: Pingyao
Day 8 to 10: Xi'an
Day 11: Luoyang
Day 12: Dengfeng
flight
Day 13 & 14: Chongqing
flight
Day 15 & 16: Lijiang
Day 17: Dali
Day 18: Kunming
Day 19: Jianshui
Day 20 & 21: Yuanyang
Day 22: Travel via Guilin
Day 23 & 24: Yangshuo
Day 25: Guilin
Day 26 & 27: Zhangjiajie
flight
Day 28 & 29: Shanghai
Day 30: Departure from Shanghai
But to do this itinerary independently:
1. This schedule seems very ambitious to me—what do you think?
2. If it’s too packed, what would you remove as a priority?
Thanks so much in advance for your help.
I’m planning a 5-week trip between Yunnan and Sichuan from mid-October to the end of November 2026:
Arriving in Kunming, I’ll do a loop in the far south of Yunnan via Thonghai, Jhiansu, Zhemi, Yuanyang, Nafa, Jinping, Mengzi, and Shilin (visiting markets, villages, and hiking), then head to northern Yunnan/southern Sichuan on the same theme (passing through Kunming again) via Dongchuan, Huize, Qiaojia, Puge, Xichang, Lanba, Butuo, Huolie, Dimo, Riha, Niuniuba, Meigu, Mabian, and Leshan, before arriving in Chengdu (where I’ll take my return flight to Paris).
This would be a trip with a strong ethnic/rural focus. Since I’ve never traveled in China, I’d love to hear your thoughts on doing this solo. Are there public transport options in the region? What tips do you have for traveling through this area as smoothly and enjoyably as possible? I’ve done quite a bit of backpacking in the mountains of northern Vietnam and really enjoyed using local motorbike drivers. Is something like that available in this region (through local tourist agencies or hotels)?
What should I be cautious about? Are local tourist agencies (or hotels) offering tours and guides reliable? If you know of any specialized sites sharing tips or experiences, or names of local agencies, hotels, etc., please don’t hesitate to share them! :)
In short, all your advice (on any topic that comes to mind!) is very welcome.
Thanks so much!
While researching South Korea, I came across the term "templestay," which refers to a Korean program that lets you stay in a traditional temple to discover Buddhism and Korean culture by living like the temple residents and doing activities like making lanterns.
A templestay isn’t just for foreign tourists—on the booking site, I saw that some temples are more geared toward foreigners, with English-speaking monks.
I was wondering if it’s still worth it, especially in temples where the monks don’t speak English?
I'm 69 years old and heading to China, where most tourist sites are free or discounted for me. However, trip.com either refuses to let me book because the sites are free or doesn’t apply the discount. Does WeChat apply this discount if I book through them? How can I just reserve without paying and pay on-site? Is that possible?
I’d love to get some feedback on our 30-day / 29-night itinerary in China. We’ll be there in September as a family with two kids (6 and 10 years old).
Do you think I should cut a few nights between Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) and Yangshuo? I’ve planned 15 nights total there.
We’ll be on a round-the-world trip starting May 2026 and will need to do schoolwork with the kids. Hoping to fit it in during train rides!!
Ever since I started planning this China itinerary, I’ve been discovering completely mind-blowing places I’d never heard of before—30 days feels way too short for China!!!
Here’s our itinerary:
Beijing - 4 nights
Forbidden City
Great Wall of China
Temple of Heaven
Xi’an - 3 nights
Terracotta Army
Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque
Chengdu - 3 nights
Zoo - Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Wenshu Yuan Temple
Hi there,
We just got back from a 2-week trip to China as a couple, and before we left, the budget was the hardest thing to picture concretely. We found plenty of info on visas, apps, transport, and itineraries, but way fewer detailed breakdowns of what you *actually* spend on the ground.
So, we took the time to share our real budget for 14 days. In our case, we spent around 1,800 € per person, with a big chunk of that going toward round-trip flights at about 600 € per person. We were also pretty surprised by how affordable China can be once you’re there—transport is often cheap, and a lot of everyday expenses stay reasonable.
The trickiest part, in the end, was figuring out how to pay while you’re there, since it’s not always obvious if you’re not prepared. But once everything’s set up and you get the hang of it, it’s really smooth.
If this can help other travelers get a better idea before they go, we’ve broken it all down here:
https://aventures-sans-mesaventure.com/budget-2-semaines-de-voyage-en-chine/
Hi everyone,
I’ve been planning several itineraries for a trip to Japan with my wife but would love your insights before we start booking!
In short, we want to go during Golden Week, see late-blooming cherry trees, and have the freedom to get around with a rental car.
Here’s the plan:
18-day itinerary in Japan (April 25 → May 12)
Goal: freedom, late cherry blossoms, culture & nature
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Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27)
Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet).
Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba.
Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals.
Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen.
Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
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Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28)
Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities:
Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms)
Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
Activities:
Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go.
Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house).
Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts.
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Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3)
Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto:
Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara:
Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
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Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4)
Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle.
Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle.
Stay: Osaka.
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Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6)
Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
hi! Is it easy to use for paying for all the small purchases at the markets? INSTALLATION AND USE WITHOUT ISSUES—do you also need a VPN for China?
Secondly, for using phone and internet, I have Orange—is it reliable, or should I go with Airalo instead?
The info I found on the forum is a bit outdated, so I’m asking again!
1) What budget should I plan for 15 days, given that hotels with breakfast, transfers, and transport are already paid for? I know it depends on the person, but I’d love a rough idea. For meals, we’re thinking simple street food or small local restaurants.
2) I’ve heard that credit cards (we each have a Revolut + 1 Visa Premier) aren’t widely used and that it’s better to have cash. Can you confirm?
3) Are foreign credit cards still not accepted at bank ATMs? Still 7-Eleven or the Post Office? And what about American Express?
I'm planning a 19-day itinerary in Japan this summer.
For a first trip, Kyoto seems like a must. For the rest, I'm torn between:
- Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa for 5 to 6 days
- Kyoto 4 days
- Nara 2 days
- Koyasan 1 day
- Hakone/Mount Fuji 2 to 3 days
- Tokyo 3 days
Or dedicating the first 6 days to Kyushu.
Maybe there’s less traditional Japan in Kyushu compared to the Japanese Alps?
Maybe Kyushu is less crowded?
Thanks for your thoughts!
We’re planning a 17-day trip to South Korea in October 2026 with my husband and our daughters, who’ll be 9 years old.
I’d love to get your thoughts on our draft itinerary.
First, some key details:
1/ Jeju Island is a must for us. I’ve personally dreamed of going there for years after reading a novel about it.
2/ Our girls are used to road-trip style travel since they were born, so this kind of trip won’t be an issue for them.
3/ We plan to travel by train, except on Jeju where we’ll rent a car (we already have an international driver’s permit).
Itinerary:
Seoul: 1 arrival day at 10 AM + 4 full days
Gyeongju: 2 days
Busan: 3 days
Jeju: 4 days
Seoul: 2 days
I’ll be in Hong Kong from December 31 to January 3, 2027.
Any recommendations for things to see or do?
I’ll be staying in the Kowloon district.
I’d love to visit Lantau Island—what’s the best way to get there? And would you recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket for the cable car? Also, is there an entry fee for the Big Buddha?
I’m heading to Taiwan soon and would love some up-to-date info on Wi-Fi.
From what I’ve gathered, Taiwan offers it for free, but I’ve heard it’s not secure since it’s not protected by a "password." Since I’ve been traveling outside the EU for years without a local SIM card, I only use Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and cafés. For me, that’s more than enough. So, my question is: Do these places secure their Wi-Fi with a "password"? If not, does buying a SIM card or eSIM seem like the only alternative?
Also, if any of you have recommendations for budget-friendly hotels in the main "cities," I’d love to hear them!
We’re planning a trip to China for two at the beginning of April and want to spend 2 nights in the Longji Rice Terraces—either in Dazhai, Tiantouzhaï, or Ping'an. I’ve seen that most of the hotels are made of bamboo, and you can hear every little noise. Since my husband is a very light sleeper, he’d really like to be sure he’ll get a good night’s rest. Can you recommend any quiet, well-soundproofed hotels in the area?
I’m reaching out to you because I’m planning our next big trip (Japan is really tempting us for the autumn!) and I have to admit, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.
My husband and I have always loved traveling, and at 75, we have no intention of stopping... But I find that everything’s getting so complicated. I try to be "modern" by booking online, but as soon as there’s a problem, we hit a wall.
A friend nearly missed her departure last year because of a visa issue that wasn’t explained properly on a website... and no one to call for help, just automated messages.
It makes me a little nervous to be alone in front of a screen so far away, especially since at our age, we like knowing there’s real support if our health takes a turn while we’re there.
Anyway, I’m tired of seeing my file passed from one person to another without ever having the same contact... Do you know of any small, trustworthy agencies or people who still work the "old-fashioned" way and really look after their clients? I love my independence, but I need a real face behind my project.
Thanks in advance for your advice, and I look forward to reading your replies,
Catherine
I’m planning our trip to Japan from March 21 to April 11, 2026. We’re planning to travel by plane for long distances (Okinawa) and by train for the rest. I’d like to know if renting a car is easy and, most importantly, if driving with road signs written in Japanese isn’t too complicated. For trains, are there any tips to save money?
hi everyone, and first of all, I wish you all a happy new year and good health!
This coming October or November, we’re planning our first trip to Japan. The only downside is we’ll only have two weeks off.
For this first visit, I’m thinking of sticking to the Kyoto and Osaka area… saving Tokyo for another trip. Do you think that’s a good choice for a first-time visit?
I’ve put together a little itinerary below to get some feedback from those in the know. I’m only counting the days we’re actually there, not travel days.
Day 1: Kyoto
Ginkaku-ji – Philosopher’s Path with stops at a few shrines
temples Eikan-dō and Nanzen-ji
visit to the Samurai Ninja Museum in the late afternoon
Day 2: Kyoto
Fushimi Inari (allow 4 hours for the hike through the park)
visit to Sanjūsangen-dō temple
Shōseien garden
participate in a tea ceremony
Day 3: Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera temple
stroll through the historic district up to Kennin-ji temple
visit Kennin-ji temple
Yasaka-jinja shrine and Gion district in the late afternoon
return to the hotel via Pontochō Street
Day 4: Kyoto
visit Kinkaku-ji and Nijō Castle
visit the Imperial Palace gardens
end the day in the shopping streets (Shibkyogoku and Teramachi, among others)
Day 5: Kyoto
Arashiyama area
Togetsukyo Bridge, walk along the river, visit the Bamboo Forest
explore the area up to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple
Day 6: Kyoto
hike from Kibune to Kurama
Day 7: Kyoto
day trip to Nara (full day)
Day 8:
stroll around Kyoto before heading to Osaka
Day 9: Osaka
Katsuo-ji temple, then head to Minoh Falls and hike back via the Minoh Trail
end the day in the Osaka Castle area
Day 10: Osaka
Himeji Castle and an afternoon in Osaka
Day 11: Osaka
Osaka and return to the airport in the late afternoon for the flight home
Do you think this itinerary is doable? Are some days too relaxed or too packed?
I was thinking of adding a trip to Lake Biwa and Uji, but in that case, I’d have to cut some things. Are those places worth dropping some of the planned spots? And if so, which ones would you recommend cutting or shortening?
Thanks in advance—I’m all ears for both positive and negative feedback!
stephane
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Japan in April/May.
I’ll start my journey in Tokyo for 3 to 4 days.
I’d love your advice on accommodation, transportation, an itinerary, and whether a guide would be useful.
I’m traveling solo and could use a little reassurance.
Before I forget... how do payments work?
Hi there,
I’m looking for someone who could help me organize a trip to Japan for my niece and her son. I’ve seen that French-speaking guides are expensive, and the same goes for going through a tour operator.
Airline, local transportation, hotels, etc.
Thanks for your replies!
Betsyl
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