Bonjour à tous,
J'ai enfin accès à internet ce matin après presque 8 jours. Ce soir je pars pour 2 nuits chez l'habitant au lac Babe. D'après plusieurs touristes croisés, c'est parait-il une experience inoubliable.
Mais revenons sur mon sejour à Quan Lan et la baie d'Along. Je confirme que l'ile est magnifique, et je n'ai vu que des touristes vietnamiens. Il a plu une matinee (ce qui m'a fait du bien vu la chaleur des 2 premières semaines). Visite de l'ile à moto, baignades sur la plage de Mai Chau (à quelle etait bonne!). Je logeais chez l'habitant, avec une cuisine encore une fois delicieuse. Apres 2 jours et 2 nuits, depart pour la baie d'along. Tout a deja ete dit, c'est magnifique.
Vendredi matin a débuté mon périple de 6 jours dans la région de Ha Giang, Meo Vac. C'est magique! Bon je dois partir, j'en dirai plus dans quelques jours.
Bonne journée
Ce soir je pars pour 2 nuits chez l'habitant au lac Babe
Quand vous arrivez directement à Babe, il faut vous rendre au hameau Bó Lù, où il existe 40 familles (l'ensemble du site de Babe comporte 452 familles avec 2871 occupants). Ils sont prêts à vous accueillir chez eux pour la nuit. Je vous recommande la guesthouse Chi Hòa chez Hang (Tél: 0915198915 - 0281894060), c'est une bonne cuisinière et elle chante bien, de quoi vous faire passer une bonne soirée, c'est aussi bien que chez Loan de Tam Cóc, mais je n'aime pas trop en faire de la pub, cela cause une concurrence dommageable pour les autres familles.
Qui dit lac, dit poisson. Vous pouvez vous régaler de toute sorte de poissons en grillade. Vous pouvez aussi goûter au coq de montagne ou à la viande de chèvre avec du riz gluant de montagne.
Si vous faites du trek, vous pouvez visiter la montagne Lung Nham où il y a une ancienne pagode. Si vous pouvez vous rendre au marché Nam Cuòng avec des minorités H'mong, Tày, Nung, Dao. Les Tày sont les plus anciens occupants des lieux.
Vous pouvez louer un bateau pour environ 100 000 dông et visiter le lac : chute Dâu Dáng, la mare Tiên, la grotte Puông, l'ile Bà Giá (dont j'ai déjà raconté la légende sur VF).
A titre d'information, il existe des marchés de minorités ethniques qui se tiennent occasionnellement selon les calendriers:
* Marché BAN VÀI - Commune KHANG NINH: 4ème et 9 ème jour du mois, à 5 km de l'embarcadère Buôc Lôm
* Marché LÈNG - commune QUANG KHÊ : le 3 et le 9 ème jour du mois, à 15 km de Pác Ngòi
* Marché CÔC LÙNG - commune NAM CUONG: le 2 et le 7 du mois. à 5 km sur la route du marché DÔN.
* Marché BAN TÀU - commune CAO THUONG : le 4 et le 9 du mois, à 10 km de Buôc Lôm en direction de la grotte Puông.
Il est fort possible que vous ne tombez pas sur ces jours de marché, en tout cas, vous pouvez vous renseigner sur place.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
bonjour pourriez vous maider, je pars 3 semaines au vietnam fin aout je dois faire litinéraire mais je connais pas du tout et je suis deja debordée avec mes etudes, pourriez vous maider ?adresse?sites lieux à voir?adresses logment d'habitant?
vous etes partis sac à dos sac couchage?vous faites excurssions via agence de voyage?
merci davance de vos precieux conseils
marie de bretagne
Bonjour Abalone,
Je suis rentrée hier soir. Ces 2 jours au lac Babe dans cette famille Tai seront je crois mon meilleur souvenir de ces 4 semaines. Je n'était pas dans la famille que vous citez, mais votre post détaillé servira à d'autres voyageurs.
Plus que 3 jours à Hanoi et retour à Paris.
Je garderai un merveilleux souvenir de ce premier séjour au VN. Contrairement à d'autres, je n'ai fait que des belles rencontres. Une ou 2 fois, on m'a fait signe de passer mon chemin quand je voulais de l'aide avec ma carte, mais c'est tout. J'ai fait plein de belles rencontres avec les minorités lors du circuit dans le nord ouest.
A bientot, je pars me ballader et faire chauffer la carte bleue...
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Ah que je suis triste pour vous de penser au retour - dur dur .. mais vous avez encore à vous plonger dans "mon"Hanoi pendant des heures - l'idée d'Abalone de faire le tour de la ville ...en bus pour 3000 dongs est vraiment l'occasion de voir toutes les facettes de la capitale - vous avez le 9 près du kiosque au nord du Lac Hoan Kiem qui vous montrera alternativement les coins très populaires, une échappée sur le parc Thu Le (où vous pouvez descendre et qui doit être tout beau puisque pour le millénaire il est en voie de rénovation totale ) la vie des locaux, les marchés aux fleurs, les grandes artères, bon bref, vous emporterez dans l'avion tous les beaux souvenirs du Vietnam.
Bonne fin de séjour, - amicalement - Kimtwo -
Le vent et les turbulences sont l'oeuvre de Dieu, mais la voile et le gouvernail nous appartiennent..
Voyager c'est aller de soi à soi, en passant par les autres (proverbe touareg)
Bonjour
Je prendrais alors ce bus pour me ballader demain.
Ce matin, j'ai voulu aller dans un fabrique de laque, à 7 km environ du centre. Je n'ai jamais trouvé cette fabrique... Mais une rue pleine de vie, de magasins de fleurs, de bonzais, d'orchidées, pleins d'artisans au travail du bois, etc. Pas un touriste, et toujours des gens souriants et charmants.
Ce soir, diner au cha ca dont vous avez parlé. Je l'ai repéré hier soir.
Bonne fin de journée
Quand vous pénétrez dans le restaurant, prenez l'escalier à gauche pour monter à l'étage. N'oubliez pas d'emmener des serviettes éponges pour nettoyer vos gouttelettes de sueur qui ne manquent pas d'apparaitre lorsqu'on vous amène le réchaud à charbon sur la table. Il y a un énorme climatiseur, mais il ne suffit pas.
Le restaurant est à plat unique, donc ce n'est pas compliqué. N'hésitez pas à venir vous assoir à côté des autres, peut-être que quelqu'un parle anglais pour vous donner quelques explications.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Bonjour Pierre,
Merci pour vos petits mots tout long de mon séjour. Votre voyage approche non?
Amicalement
Valérie
PS j'ai trouvé des bols et assiettes en laque de toute beauté, un service à thé (pour boire le thé vert ramené des environs de Tay Nguyen)... Ce soir marché de nuit (cho dem) ...
Bonjour Kimtwo,
Oui comme je l'ai déja dit plus haut, je vais suivre vos conseils et faire une ballade en bus.
J'aime beaucoup cette ville. Mais pour l'instant je n'ai visité que le vieux quartier. Donc demain, j'en découvrirai plus.
Et dimanche pour le dernier jour j'irai dire bonjour à l'oncle Ho et voir le temple de la litterature.
A bientot
Et quand vous aurez fait vos "salutations" à l'oncle Ho, jetez un coup d'oeil à sa petite maison et au petit lac adjacent avec le portique couvert de hoa giay (fleur en papier)- qui n'est autre que notre bougainvillée... et si la température n'est pas trop excessive, traversez pour aller voir la pagode au pilier unique avec ses lotus autour (fleuris peut-être ??) c'est romantique en diable !!
Bonne journée - Kimtwo -
Le vent et les turbulences sont l'oeuvre de Dieu, mais la voile et le gouvernail nous appartiennent..
Voyager c'est aller de soi à soi, en passant par les autres (proverbe touareg)
Mais une rue pleine de vie, de magasins de fleurs, de bonzais, d'orchidées, pleins d'artisans au travail du bois, etc. Pas un touriste, et toujours des gens souriants et charmants.
Bonjour,
Cette rue, longue, devait être à Buoi marché aux fleurs : on y accède par le bus 14, c'était ce que vous aviez fait ?
Bonne soirée - amicalement - Kimtwo -
Le vent et les turbulences sont l'oeuvre de Dieu, mais la voile et le gouvernail nous appartiennent..
Voyager c'est aller de soi à soi, en passant par les autres (proverbe touareg)
Bonjour Pierre,
Merci pour vos petits mots tout long de mon séjour. Votre voyage approche non?
Amicalement
Valérie
PS j'ai trouvé des bols et assiettes en laque de toute beauté, un service à thé (pour boire le thé vert ramené des environs de Tay Nguyen)... Ce soir marché de nuit (cho dem) ...
Voyage prévu du 13 septembre au 13 octobre, c'est encore long mais long..............
Heureusement, j'ai le soutien moral d'un membre du forum, on tient le bon bout pour se voir à Hanoi !!!
Amitiés et profitez bien de ces derniers instants.
Peux tu me dire comment tu es allée au lac Babe et combien de temps de trajet tu as mis ? à te lire ça donne envie d'y aller mais je ne suis pas sûre qu'on aura le temps.
Sinon tu parles d'une ile dans la baie d'Along, Quan Lan, tu y as dormi ou passé la journée ? tu as pris le bateau où ?
et pour ces deux sites, Babe et Quan Lan, tu as pris un guide ???
Profites bien des derniers jours au Vietnam,
à te lire
amicalement,
Marie-Janick
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.
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!
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
