Et ben voila, on se l'etait jure d'aller voir un peu le nord...
(Juste apres un sejour tres plages du sud qui nous avait laisse pour le moins dubitatifs, pour ceux qu'y se souviendront de ma longue intervention ici il y a 2 ans).
Donc, fevrier prochain, cap vers le nord.
Mais helas, apres un nouveau passage oblige au meme endroit (Ao Nang, au sud !) que la derniere fois.
Car pas d'autre alternative pour mon mari qui doit au prealable y passer son diplome d'instructeur plongee. Les autres destinations asiatiques accessibles en prix pour nous qui residons en Coree du sud, ne reunissant pas les criteres pros et financiers requits.
Donc apres 10 jours dans cette ville, nous filerons au nord.
La nous avons deja un petit souci. Mon mari transportera avec lui un grand bagage special plongee avec tout son equipement a l'interieur.
Il doit avoir son matos perso pour passer son diplome, donc impossible de le louer sur place.
Sans compter que c'est encombrant, nous craignons un peu le vol (ca ne rentre pas dans un mini coffre d'hotel !), ou que le matos soit endomage lors des transport (apres le nord Thailande, on ira au Laos en slow boat).
On a pense a se le reexpedier chez nous par la poste depuis Ao Nang.
Cela fait 15 kg, grand comme une valise grand format, et contient du materiel evalue a 6000 E.
Cet envoi vous semble-t-il realisable et pour quel cout ?
A part cela, pensez vous que cela pourrait attiser les envies a Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chiang Khong, dans une simple guest ou hotel ?
Autre question : pouvez vous me dire si en arrivant a 14h05 a l'aeroport de Chiang Mai, on peut logiquement etre pret vers 15 h a entamer une visite des temples du centre-ville le meme jour ? En me referant a des guides qui datent un peu, j'apprend qu'ils ferment tous a 18 h. Est ce toujours ca ? Bien evidemment au prealable nous aurons ete faire le check in dans notre guest : la Finlays cottage, tout pres mais juste a l'exterieur du carre, a droite sur la carte.
Merci beaucoup et pardon a ceux pour qui je vais sembler un chouia parano (rapport au baggage plongee).
Barbara
PS : mon mari est bien sur assure contre le vol de son materiel de plongee, mais bon c'est toujours tres deplaisant ce genre de tuile...
" Veux tu vivre heureux ? Voyages avec 2 sacs. L'un pour donner, l'autre pour recevoir."
Johann Wolfang Von Goethe
vous faites alors le détour pour déposer votre materiel a la consigne de l'aéroport international de Bangkok et le récupérez juste avant de prendre le vol retour corée
si vous envoyez par la Poste thaie, je doute fort que votre assurance "perte bagage" fonctionne
La poste thaie assure le suivi de votre colis jusqu'au départ export - ensuite c'est l'inconnu - en cas de perte elle vous répond de voir avec la poste coréeenne ; si votre colis est bloqué a la douane thaie ou a la douane coréenne il est difficile de pister le cois
quant a l'assurance de la poste thaie, elle ne couvrira probablement jamais la valeur de 6000 E
sinon l'autre solution est de le faire avec envoi FEDEX DHL ou UPS ( donc probablement etre obligé de faire un passage a Samui ou a Bangkok) qui vosu garanti un suivi, une assurance selon la valeur déclarée ( mais quid de la douane à la réception du colis en Corée ??? - posez la question a DHL UPS FEDEX a coté de chez vous avant de partir
6000euros… il ne faut pas abuser non plus.. je ne pense pas qu'il est d'ordinateur Uwatec Galileo nouvelle génération ( 2000euros ) alors qu'il n'est pas encore instructeur. je ne pense pas non plus que sont détendeur soit plaque or.. ni de palmes en carbone.. un matériel complet de haut de gamme coute entre 2000 et 2500e grand maximum + un ordinateur qui ne prends guère de place car format montre très souvent ( sauf galileo ) bref…
Vous pouvez le déposer a Bangkok dans un gardiennage de sac. Cela ne coute presque rien.
Par ailleurs il n'etait pas prevu que nous allions a Bangkok puisque nous arriverons directement a Krabi, ferons Krabi-Chiang Mai, puis Chiang Mai Seoul.
La reflexion tres pertinante au sujet du " non pris en charge par notre assurance" car envoye par la poste nous fait largement hesiter pour l'envoi par la poste.
Et aussi, on a aucune idee du tarif en Fedex depuis la Thailande, notre poste locale n'a pas su nous renseigner sur ce point.
Quand vous dites consigne a l'aeroport de Banghok, cela implique que nous repartions de la et ce n'est pas le cas, bien sur c'est toujours possible, mais a tout hazard savez vous si il existe une consigne similaire a l'aeroport de Chiang Mai ?
Merci beaucoup
" Veux tu vivre heureux ? Voyages avec 2 sacs. L'un pour donner, l'autre pour recevoir."
Johann Wolfang Von Goethe
l'envoi coutera cher ( forcement avec un appareil sa grimpe vite ) donc un stop Bangkok pas cher et SAFE est de mise. Pour info, ( on me l'a donne sur un autre forum, j'ai teste est satisfait ) il y a un ancien hôtel, qui fait restau aujourd'hui et point de chute des Israéliens, a khao san road. Cela coute 10thb /jour de garder un sac et les 3 premiers sont gratuit je crois. quand tu es a khao san road, tu auras la police station sur ta droite et cette place et a 100m sur ta gauche. 3eme étage. Entrée restau tout en bois. Food Israélienne excellente, shakchouka humus etc
Autre question : pouvez vous me dire si en arrivant a 14h05 a l'aeroport de Chiang Mai, on peut logiquement etre pret vers 15 h a entamer une visite des temples du centre-ville le meme jour ? En me referant a des guides qui datent un peu, j'apprend qu'ils ferment tous a 18 h. Est ce toujours ca ? Bien evidemment au prealable nous aurons ete faire le check in dans notre guest : la Finlays cottage, tout pres mais juste a l'exterieur du carre, a droite sur la carte.
Chiang Mai International Airport
Phone: 053 2702 2233.
Airport Location & Facilities: The airport is situated four miles (6km) from Chiang Mai.Facilities include a bank and bureaux de change, bars and restaurants, and a left luggage office. There are limited facilities for disabled travellers; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.
Airport Parking & Transfers: Car parking facilities are available.Taxis and tuk-tuks are available for travel to Chiang Mai, fares should be agreed in advance. Many hotels also arrange transport. Public buses are only advised for serious budget travellers.
Merci a tous de vous soucier de mon cas.
Bon drole ou pas, l'important c'est qu'il y a bien une consigne a bagages a l'aeroport de Chiang Mai. Hourah !
Par contre on tourne toujours en rond pour ce qui est du reste, Chiang Rai, passage Laos, nord du Laos et retour Seoul avec le barda !
Il commence a bien me sortir par les yeux ce gros sac...
Comme il nous sera impossible (en temps) de venir le recuperer a Chiang Mai depuis Vientiane avant de repartir, on a pris la decision de trainer le machin avec nous apres CM jusqu'au depart depuis Vientiane.
Je crois qu'on va serieusement l'emballer de film plastique a l'aeroport de Krabi, et puis relever nos manches pour le trimballage par la suite, ho hisse.
Merci Tokara pour l'info de la patinette electrique. Je connais bien pour avoir essaye a plusieurs reprise en Coree ou c'est tres populaire depuis deja quelques annees. Tous les policiers et agents de securite en sont equipes, tiens j'ai meme refait une tentative a l'ile de Re en France cet ete pour une ballade en groupe du meme acabit ! Ecolo c'est sur mais le probleme c'est que ca demande une certaine adaptation.
J'ai toujours passe ma premiere demie-heure sur cet engin a tourner en rond...sans m'expliquer pourquoi, la direction est ultra, ultra, ultra sensible.
On va etre encore plus ecolos parce que la ballade on va se la faire a la seule force de nos mollets courageux ! et en independant pour bien trainnasser a notre convenance la ou on veut.
Cela dit, une chouette initiative non polluante puisqu'elle peut tout a fait remplacer le scooter ou la moto dans bien des cas.
" Veux tu vivre heureux ? Voyages avec 2 sacs. L'un pour donner, l'autre pour recevoir."
Johann Wolfang Von Goethe
Activités aquatiques en voyage › Thaïlande · 5 replies
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Je suis en train de préparer mon voyage du printemps prochain du 21/03 au 08/04. Je compte passer 2 semaines en Thaïlande avant de passer quelques jours à…
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Nous désirons plonger durant la 1ère semaine de février 2017. Nous sommes niveau 1 et niveau 2. Existe t-il sur place des croisières à coût raisonnable? Mer…
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Mon conjoint qui est presque dive master et moi qui a mon open water allons en Thaïlande du 27 décembre 2016 au 27 janvier 2017. Nous allons parcourir une…
Activités aquatiques en voyage › Thaïlande · 4 replies
Nous irons en Thailande en janvier/février prochain. Pour les destinations, j'hésite entre Krabi et ao phang nga. On voudrait aussi y faire de la plongée sous…
We’re planning a trip to Thailand for next summer. It’s the rainy season, but that’ll let us explore forest parks (Khao Yai and Khao Sok, most likely) in full bloom and teeming with wildlife. We’d also like to spend a few days on beaches with nearby coral reefs during this trip. That’s where we’re hitting a snag—I’m struggling to find an island or region with favorable weather. I’ve gone through quite a few threads on this forum, but most are pretty old and mention a few names (Tao, Phaluai, Ma, or Phang Nga), though with doubts about visibility or overall appeal. Crowds also seemed like a bit of an issue. Just to clarify, our family has mixed interests when it comes to fish-related activities—some are Level 1 divers, while others are snorkelers only.
Are there any good options in July-August for great experiences in the area?
Thanks for your tips!
Hi everyone! 😊
I’m looking for a place in Albania to go scuba diving with my boyfriend. We’ve never done it before and we’d love to try this activity.
Thanks so much! 🌺🌺
hi
I wanted to know the best snorkeling spots in Tuamotu since I unfortunately don’t have enough time to do everything—I’ll have to pick and choose.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I’d describe myself as a "former diver." I’ve done around 450 dives in natural environments across different settings. I put diving on hold about 5 years ago due to work/schedule constraints and, let’s say, family reasons. Since then, I’ve still tried to stay in shape with hiking trips, running, swimming, and freediving in protected environments, etc...
I’m planning to get back into the bubbles somewhere this year.
Any destinations you’d recommend—or avoid—for getting back into it?
I’m looking for a spot for April/May this year.
For my trip to Thailand with two teens aged 13 and 16, do you have any info or tips to share? I’d like to go jet skiing, either in Phuket or Koh Samui, but I’d need at least two jet skis since there are three of us. Can my 16-year-old ride alone? Is it better to rent on-site or book an all-inclusive excursion online or in person?
Our Bali-Lombok trip is taking shape, but we’d love to wrap up the stay with at least a solid week of snorkeling somewhere the coral is still in great condition. In your opinion, are the Gili Secrets in southern Lombok better than Flores Island, where there are supposedly amazing underwater landscapes?
We’ll be in Dahab again this October—we’ve been going since 1979—to freedive. In 2025, to our surprise, access to the Blue Hole is now paid: on top of the 10 € taxi fare, you have to pay $10 per person to enter the park. So we’re heading outside Dahab to the Three Pools site by bike, rented locally. Is there a bus that goes there, or shared taxis, instead of the tourist taxis? And where can we catch them? We’ve seen big buses full of local families on the site, but we don’t know where to find them. Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
The comments about this public beach are generally negative:
tiny beach, crowded, dirty, and noisy.
Is that really the case?
Could you please post some of your recent photos of the public beach—not photos from the big hotels?
Hello,
For flight schedules and prices from Bordeaux, and ease of reaching Alexandria by bus/train afterward, I’m considering spending 4 days around Hurghada (direct flight from Bdx).
I don’t think I’ll go for courses to get my Level 1, since I don’t plan to dive often in the future—unless you think it’s better than doing 2 discovery dives in this area (I only have one baptism under my belt, in Koh Tao 15 years ago—amazing! But I’m not targeting trips for diving; I need to go to Alexandria, so this is a chance to get back into diving and snorkeling).
I’m looking for a spot to do some snorkeling, 1 or 2 baptisms, and explore the surroundings. I’ll arrive in early March on the evening of Day 0. I’ll have 3.5 days after that (I’m planning to leave on Day 4 around 4 PM by bus/train).
Is Hurghada completely to be avoided in favor of another area in the Red Sea, or can I still have a nice 3.5 days there? I know places like Dahab are more pleasant, but the convenience and timing of Hurghada appeal to me...
I usually prefer more authentic travel spots and places, but I’m willing to compromise on that if it’s still worth it for the diving.
Or should I only stay 2.5 days and head to Alexandria a day earlier? (I’ve already seen Cairo and Luxor a bit.)
Hi there,
I’m heading to Hurghada for a few days in November. I’m looking for a spot where I can go snorkeling right from the beach. Is that still possible, or do you absolutely need to take a boat trip to see anything worthwhile?
I’ve read about Makadi Bay, but also that it’s packed with big resort complexes—which I’d rather avoid. Are there any beaches accessible without staying at one of those huge hotels?
Any great tips or advice for me?
Thanks in advance,
Lucille
Hey everyone!!
I’m planning a 3-month trip to the Philippines for May 2026.
As a diving enthusiast, I’d love to hear about must-visit diving spots.
I’m traveling with a buddy, and we don’t really want to spend all our time moving around, so if you have recommendations for one area that’s better than others for diving, that’d be great!
What do you think are the best diving sites? (I’d appreciate an overview of the country so I can decide based on that.)
Compared to my buddy, I love macro photography (nudibranchs, etc.), so I’d also love any tips on that.
And completely unrelated to diving, but I’d also like info on places to visit (national parks, reserves, etc.) to see the local wildlife.
Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to reply!
Safe travels, everyone!
Hello everyone!
So glad to be back on this forum to swap some great tips.
I’m heading to Malaysia from mid-May to mid-August 2025 for nearly 3 months.
With my advanced certification in hand for a few years now, I’m on the lookout for the best dive spots in Malaysia.
I’ve obviously heard about the Perhentians and Sipadan.
Someone mentioned Tioman too, but not necessarily for diving.
Do you have any feedback on these places for diving? (visibility, marine life diversity, etc.)
Any idea about the rates for fun dives?
Dive centers you’d recommend?
Any help would be super valuable for planning the trip, so thanks a million in advance to those who take the time to reply.
Safe travels, everyone!!
Hi there.
For taking photos while snorkeling, is it better to go with a disposable camera or a waterproof pouch? If a pouch, which brand is reliable? Thanks for your feedback!
Hi there,
I’m looking for a destination in Vietnam for January to spend a week and go snorkeling.
Anyone have any suggestions?
I know Thailand well, and with my Thai friend, we’d like to try a different country.
This is the excursion we shouldn’t have done in Mauritius.
We did it with The Friendly Dodo, but from what I saw, it’s the same with most agencies.
Departure at 6 a.m. (even though the sun rises at 7 a.m. in August). Why? Because there’s only one well-known spot where the dolphins are, and all the agencies race to get there first.
For 45 to 60 minutes, it’s just straight-line navigation to the spot. No one’s looking for dolphins—we’re just speeding there in silence, full throttle.
Once we arrive, there are already 5-6 boats. The dolphins are there, sure. The boats fight for the best position, cutting off the dolphins’ path, and then—go, go, go—everyone jumps in. Not a single instruction is given on how to approach the dolphins respectfully. Result: everyone jumps in at the same time from 3 boats, creating a huge splash, and rushes toward the dolphins. Outcome: faced with this chaos, the dolphins dive, and you can’t see them from the boat anymore. The swimmers who are right in their path might see them pass below for a few seconds at best.
Everyone climbs back onto the boats, and as soon as the dolphins resurface, the same cycle starts all over again.
After 5 or 6 jumps like this (3 of which I didn’t even see the dolphins), it’s back to the port the same way we came.
Not a single explanation is given during the entire excursion about the dolphins themselves or how to approach them.
Safety-wise, I didn’t feel comfortable either with all the boats fighting for position. I bumped into another boat (no pain) while swimming, and I wasn’t reassured about the propellers.
With all this circus, my daughters didn’t even want to get in the water. The problem is, when you stay on the boat, you don’t get much out of it either—because as soon as the dolphins resurface, everyone jumps in haphazardly and scares them off again.
Having done the same kind of outing in Réunion, I can confirm it’s nothing like this (much better organized and ultimately much more rewarding in Réunion).
Under these conditions, this is an activity we never should’ve done! !
My partner and I are heading to Mauritius at the end of October (Tamarin Bay), and one of our wishes is to find a great small-group excursion out at sea to meet dolphins.
I’m looking for a provider that’s respectful of the animals and gives us a fun, discovery-filled day.
I’ve heard a lot about Amistad on this site—what do you think?
Do you have any tried-and-tested alternatives to suggest?
Thanks so much!
We're heading to Praslin, La Digue, and Mahé for 15 days in early March. Do you have any good snorkeling spots to recommend? Just to let you know, we're beginners, and I get scared easily if it's too deep.
Also, another important question: what do you do with your belongings on the beach while snorkeling? Our phones, accommodation keys, wallets, etc.?
Hi everyone!
I’ve been in Malaysia for a month now and still have two more to go. I started traveling with friends, but I’ll be solo for the next month and a half.
We did a pretty classic route: Perhentians, Cameron Highlands (which I found pointless), Tioman, and Kinabatangan in Borneo. Now I’m thinking of heading to Redang Island—Langkawi is also an option, but it doesn’t appeal to me as much. Any feedback on these two spots?
Especially Redang?
Any thoughts on the diving there?
So far, I haven’t had much luck with diving—at the Perhentians, it was pretty disastrous with water at 31°C 😵😫
I’d love to find a nice island where I can meet people (locals and travelers) because going from a group of six to solo at the end is going to feel weird.
So I’m open to all tips and opinions. Also, I’d love to hear about Langkawi, and if anyone knows of an island that’s a bit more off the beaten path, that’d be amazing. Thanks in advance, and happy travels to you all!
hi everyone
we’d love to visit Borneo and I’m not finding much info on it yet (just starting my research)
so I’m reaching out to you, like I do for every trip—it’s worked out great for us so far 😎
we’re a family of 4 with two teens, 14 and 18, and we’re going for 3 weeks.
what’s the weather like in August—too much rain?
any political issues to be aware of?
which little beach paradises should we not miss?
we love discovering animals and diving… any top spots?
as for airfare—any budget-friendly airlines or easy routes? (Singapore, Denpasar, etc.)
I’ve got so many questions! All of this on a reasonable budget…
thanks in advance to anyone kind enough to take the time to reply
Hi,
I’d like to do several boat trips to go snorkeling during my stay in Florès: Islands departing from Riung, Maumere, and Labuan Bajo (Seraya).
- WHO?: Do you have any contacts to organize these boat trips?
- HOW MUCH?: What’s the cost for a full-day trip, including boat rental and possibly meals (picnic, barbecue, etc.)?
Hello,
I’d like to go on a 5-day kayaking trip with snorkeling, island visits, and village tours in the Philippines. I don’t have a specific island in mind, but I’d love something off the beaten path. I’m traveling solo but can join a small group. This would be around March 20th. Thanks so much for your suggestions!
I’m looking for a 5-day kayaking and snorkeling trip with a few village visits and no mass tourism. I’m alone but open to joining a small group. Any recommendations for around March 20th? Thanks a bunch for your feedback!
Hey everyone reading my post!
I’ll be in Mexico, specifically in Playa del Carmen and Tulum, from March 11 to April 2.
I’m looking online for things to do, but they all seem pretty similar—I’m after something a bit more original but don’t wanna get ripped off either!
If you’ve had any great experiences in those areas, feel free to share them. Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
I have my flight to Malé from February 3rd to 15th.
I want to visit Malé first, then head to 2 or 3 nearby islands. I’d like to take the ferry to keep costs down.
I’d love to be able to snorkel right from the beach.
Which atolls or islands would you recommend?
Thanks for your help!
Hi there, my husband loves fishing, and during our upcoming vacation in French Polynesia, he’s planning to do two half-day trips. We’ll be staying in family-run guesthouses on the following islands: Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, and Fakarava. Which type of fishing should he choose for the best experience, and on which islands? Thanks in advance for your help! 🙂
Hi there,
We’re heading to South Africa for a two-week vacation next March.
We’d love to see great white sharks and maybe even try the cage diving. We’re planning to go to Gansbaai—do you think we’ll have a chance to see them? Also, do you know of any specialized agencies that aren’t too commercial and are respectful of the animals?
Thanks
notre voyage en Indonésie étant annulé, et notre agence nous déconseillant l'Egypte, nous sommes à la recherche d'un lieu où nous pourrons faire du snorkeling depuis la plage (et en excursion bateau). Je connais un peu Zanzibar pour y être allé il y a plus de 10 ans, ainsi que Pemba (mais les prix ont explosé), et je me tourne aussi vers Mafia.
Est ce propice au snorkeling , des resorts ont ils des house reef où l'on peut voir des choses intéressantes (je ne m'attends pas non plus au niveau de la Sulawesi ou des Raja).
Merci d'avance pour toute info.
Je pose ma question malgré la situation incertaine actuellement, mais évidemment mon plan de voyage est conditionnel à l'évolution de la pandémie, donc merci de vous abstenir ceux qui me diraient juste de rester chez moi ;)
Donc, je planifie de passer l'hiver au sud de l'Europe, et ou vers les Balkans et j'aimerais savoir si c'est partout de la plongée en eau froide donc avec le drysuit et tout ou s'il y a des endroits qui sont superbes et ou je peux plonger avec un suit plus épais seulement même exemple en février et mars. J'ai lu pas mal ici sur le portugal et malte https://divezone.net/diving/portugal mais j'aimerais l'opinion récente de plongeurs du coin! :)
Ce que j'aime en plongée c'est l'eau claire, les fonds marins attrayants, la vie aquatique particulière, etc. Je ne suis pas une fan d'épaves, mais je considérerai tout les sites / pays proposés :)
