Après quatre voyages d'un mois en Chine ( Pékin Shanghai et autres grandes ville et aussi des petits villages cotiers)
Je me pose la question pour ma prochaine plus exotique destination ??
J'ai toujours voulu aller au Vietnam et à tort je pense que j'ai un peu idéalisé ce pays...
En suivant vos discussions sur les forums, mes doutes se multiplies....
Mais comme on dit, chaque personne voyage différement et on peut trouver le bonheur et le malheur à chaque seuil à travers le monde.
En bref moi je voyage seul avec mon sac à dos pendant un mois, à peine débarqué j' essaye de trouver un cheap hotel et
un vélo ou une moto et j'écris mon planning aux fil des rencontres... je suis plus grandes ville que villages voilà voilà.
Je précise que je travaille en france et que j'économise toute l'année pour partir en aout, inutile de vous dire que j'y pense chaque jour de l'année et qu'à mon retour je mets au mois deux mois à me remettre du choc entre la vie de Pékin et le silence du Loir et Cher 😕
Donc je disais qu'en suivant les discussions, Les grandes villes du Vietnam seraient de plus en plus des pièges à touristes lassant
me rappelant mon bref passage en Tunisie où 15 gamins vous cours après avec du jasmins et où le taximan ne vous dépose pas à l'hotel prévu car celui de son cousin est bien mieux....
Bien sùr je fais la part des choses et après quelques expériences je ne me fais plus d'illusions il existera des pièges à touristes partout mais en oubliant l'utopie d'intégration (surtout en chine...) on peu quand mème partager des journées avec des gens sympas et ouvert aux autres et qui vous font partager leurs différence et des journées inoubliables.
Par ailleurs j'ai lus des topics super sur Pnom penh et les grandes villes du Cambodge et le Laos aussi.
Je n'ai pas encore acheté mes bllets, et je m'en remets à vous les globes trotteurs expérimentés 😎
Je vous "copie-colle" aussi le témoignage d'une jeune trotteuse que je viens de trouver et qui soulignes ces différences :
LE CAMBODGE ….... mon nouvel amour !!!
Non non rien de sexuel, juste la découverte d un pays, d une population extraordinaire …... voilà un pays authentique et pur ( enfin sauf les douaniers mais c est parce qu ils sont sur la frontiere ;) …)..... quel bonheur !!!...... le cambodge, j ai adoré !!!
mon voyage au cambodge s est fait en bus de bangkok vers Siem Reap ( lieu ou se trouve les temples d Angkor, patrimoine mondial). J ai trouve une petite guset familiale tres acceuillante a proximité du vieux marché (6 dollars la nuit et la chambre franchement bien). Le soir ballade dans le vieux marché ou se trouvent bars et restaurant et rencontre de Nam, barman le soir, guide le jour, cambodgien qui parle tres bien francais( et qui connait la France mieux que moi, la honte !) et Roberto un espagnol. Bonne soiree et on a programme avec Nam de se retrouver pour aller visiter ensemble les temples d Angkor, puis on a passé la plupart des soirees par la suite pour boire un verre.
Le site d Angkor a été un superbe journee ou Nam ( l ami et non le guide) a pu m expliquer beaucoup de choses et me montrer l essentiel ( le site etant tellement grand). Le lieu a surtout été magique pour moi face au combat de la nature sur la pierre et donc ses constructions . En effet, on voit d immenses arbres, dont les racines se melent a la pierre, la cassent, la soulevent, l encerclent. Le temple principal Angkor Wat est le mieux conservé mais ce n est pas celui que je retiendrais le plus. Ta prohm est extraordinaire. Je vous laisse voir les photos dans album CAMBODGE ANGKOR
Les 3 jours suivants je suis restee sur Siem reap: Visite de la ville, visite d un village de pecheur pres du lac ton sape (kompong pluk) et rencontre avec des enfants dans un orphelinat.
Une chose marquante ici au Cambodge c est que malgre une pauvrete importante ( salaire moyen 70 euros), malgré un nombre important d orphelins ( parents victimes des mines, du sida....) et malgre un grands nombres de mutilés par les bombes anti personnelle (une realité de la guerre qui quand on l a sous les yeux ne laisse pas indifferent), eh bien malgre tout ca, ils ont toujours le sourire, toujours un mot sympa, toujours cette envie de te connaître …....
Le village des pecheurs etait impressionnant de part la hauteur des maisons sur es pillotis de 6m de haut. Etant dans la saison seche, on voyait vraiment bien les pilotis, mais en saison des pluies l eau monte de 2 à 3 metres. Je vous laisse la encore voir les photos...... les sourire des enfants vous monteront le naturel de ces gens et leur vraie sympathie!
En dehors de la ville, quasiment toutes les maisons ( ou plutot cabanes en bois) sont aussi sur pilotis, le premier etage etant une salle commune ou les gens dorment, en dessous des pilotis, se trouvent les hamacs (oui, oui), la cuisine et les eventuels animaux le soir. Ma rencontre avec les enfants de l orphelinat n était pas prevue au depart mais des circonstances m y ont amené et j ai pu voir leurs conditions de vie qui sont à pleurer...... mais je n entendais que des rires....... c est un peuple que j ai vraiment envie d aider, qui a beaucoup souffert de son passe par les guerres et les kmers rouge ( que je vous expliquerai plus tard dans cet article).... les gens sont vraiment merveilleux alors si cette année vous avez envie de faire un don à une assoc, à une cause, outre Haiti, pensez Cambodge !!!!!...... J etais prise par le temps ( c est un comble en vacances) car je devais rejoindre ma mere pour trois jours au Vietnam car elle etait de passage mais c est sur, j y retournerai pour les aider.....
Bref, Siem reap a été une super experience, et la cerise su le gateau, j ai rencontré dans un bar completement au hazard, un expatrié, qui était dans le meme lycee que moi, jouait au foot avec mon meilleur pote de 4eme, habitait a 1km de chez mes parents, et connaissait mon pere pour aller voir un medecin du meme cabinet …...!!!! trop delire cette rencontre !!!!
J ai poursuivi ma route en direction de Kompong Thom ou je pensais resté et vivre un peu avec des paysans 5selon un article que j avais lu mettais en avant le lieu. Quand je suis arrivée, grosse arnaque de l article ou les paysans demandaient 70 dollars par jours pour vivre avec eux les travaux de la campagne ….. trop cher, je suis donc repartie vers Phnom Phen pour juste une nuit avant de me diriger vers Sianoukville sur la cote sud ouest du Cambodge. La ambiance decontractée, plutot touristique, beaucoup de francais ( le cambodge est une ancienne colonie), la plage, les BBQ sur la plage pour 3 dollars biere comprise, et la sympathie cambodgienne. Apres trois jours , je suis remontée sur phnom phen. Ville agitée ( c est la capitale) mais interressante a regarder..... les femmes qui cuisinent et font la vaiselle sur le trottoir, les vendeuses le long du mekong ( j ai gouté des graines de lotus..... pas extraordianire au goût mais fallait que j essaie ! ), les tuc tuc qui vous demandent tous les 10 m ….. euh non 5 m si ils peuvent vous emmener quelque part, les bars un peu chaud au nom evoquateur ( pussy cat, …...), les cyclos pousses, …..... interressant …....
j ai pris une motobike avec driver le lendemain avec l objectif de visiter the killing fields, le museum du genocide, le russian market.........avec Chang (« chang comme la biere! » dixit l interresse). Cette journee a été tres sympa ( finalement le driver c etait moi car il en avait marre de conduire, et arret dans petit resto cambo sur le bord de la route avec un repas a 1 dollars coca inclus !!). Par contre les sites que nous avons vus sont vraiment tristes et relatent de la periode des Kmers rouge ou quelques 3 millions de cambodgiens ont été tués entre 1975 et 1979.
Pour le coté culturel, une rapide explication :
En 1975, un nouveau gouvernement a renversé le roi Sianouk en place , pretextant un ecart etre riche et pauvre tres important. Ce push etait mene par des hommes ayant appartenus a la ligue communiste en france dont un certain Pol pot 5c est un surnom) . Au nom de cette revolution pour abolir les privileges, l ensemble des intellectuels, anciens politiciens, personnes vivants dans les villes, ect etaint tués par ce nouveau regime. Beaucoup ont fuis les villes pour aller dans les capagnes, se faisant passes pour des paysans. Les vrais paysans etaient eux consideres comme purs et donc epargnes. Cependant afin de correspondre a l esprit communiste, l ensemble des cultures etaient mis pour la collectivité, tout se qui etait culturel , education etaint bannis pour eviter que certains sont plus instruits que d autres, plus de vetement differents mais un meme uniforme ( habit noir, foulard rouge)..... afin de poursuivre la revolution, les kmers rouge achetaient des rames aux chinois en echanges de riz donc la population etait affamée. Les kmers rouge tuaient pour tout et rien, ils ont torturés enormement de gens et des enfants afin d inciter a la delation meme de leurs propres parents, ce regime a été l un des pires dans ce monde; les killing Fileds sont en fait les charniers ou les gens etaient amener pour etre tues, les bebes et les enfants avaient la tete eclatee sur un arbre avant d etre jetes dans la fosse........ Pol pot etait l initiateur de tout ca et dans sa folie de grandeur a commence à faire la guerre aux vietnamiens pour avoir du territoire. Les enfants etaient envoyés au front. Les vietnamiens ont ripostés et ont pu aisnsi liberer le Cambodge de ce regime qui a finit en 1979. Pol pot avait fait miner avant cela les champs des paysans partout, d ou aujourd hui un nombre de mutilés encore important. Pol pot est mort en 1998 avant d avoir pu etre jugé. Bien triste histoire pour le Cambodge!!!!
je suis arrivee maintenant au Vietnam depuis le 28 février........mais je vous raconterai tout ca un peu plus tard ;) !!
La bizzzzzzzz à tous !!!
VIETNAM: la pustule de mon voyage n°2
Coucou a tous,
Toujours a la bourre sur tout alors ca ne vous etonnera pas que je sois encore sur mon blog !!
Bon retour donc en arriere il y a un mois, le 28 fevrier, et mon arrivée a Saigon. Comme ma mere faisait un voyage au vietnam, nous avions convenu de nous voir sur Saigon 3 jours avant leur retour en France. Larmes de ma petite maman lors de nos retrouvailles ;).... nous avons donc avec mon beau papa et elle visité Saigon et le mekong lors d une viréé rapide d une journée: ballade en bateau puis barque sur le mekong, visite de fabrique d alcool de riz, galette de riz, bonbons noix de cocos......ect !! c etait sympa bien qu un peu trop touristique. Tous les bateaux du mekong ont sur l avant des yeux dessinés en peinture.La raison serait double : la presence de crocodiles dans le mekong qui seraient davantage effrayés par ses yeux et attaqueraient moins les bateaux, et des croyance comme quoi les bateaux ont une ame et donc le fait d avoir des yeux permettrait aux bateaux de voir le chemin et de conduire a bon port ses occupants.
Ce qui m a etonné au premier abord en arriavnt au Vietnam c est que les vietnamien portent reellement le fameux chapeau pointu ( ce n est pas pour le floklore) aussi bien en ville qu en campagne. Egalement beaucoup portent un foulard sur le visage soit disant pour la pollution ou pour garder la peau blanche, mais on en voit avec la nuit en campagne..... allez comprendre . Meme les gamins, ca fait peur !!!.
Quand maman est partie, j ai decidé donc de poursuivre ma route vers le nord. J ai donc pris un billet de bus open pour 38 dollars qui me permettait de remonter jusqu a Hanoi en plusieurs etapes et selon son rythme. Tres franchement ce systeme est parfait et confortable (peut etre une des rares bonnes choses que les vietnamiens font pour les touristes).Je suis donc monté vers Mui Né, ville surprennate par ses paysages. Tout d abord, la source aux féées, magnifique cours d eau que l on remonte a pied jusqu a des chutes. On se croirait par moment dans un cayon avec de grosses formations calcaires à flanc du cours d eau. Les couleurs sont spectaculaires ( rouge, blanc, vert, bleu, noir........) superbe. Ce qui gache un peu ce sont les enfants qui la jouent sympa avec vous en vous montrant des choses et en vous suivant jusqu au chutes pour reclamer apres de l aragent et se permettre de vous parler mal quand vous expliquer que vous ne leur donnerez rien.MUI NE c est egalement les dunes de sables rouges et blanches sur deux sites different, surprenant de voir ces desert de sable au Vietnam dans l idee que je me faisait au départ. La encore les couleurs etaient au top.
Puis direction Nha Trang, la station bvalneaire par excellence. Je suis restée 4 jours au total a cet endroit dans le but de passer mon premier niveau de plongée ( 18m- gros challenge pour une claustro). Les fonds sous marins etaient jolis 5pas autant que la thailande mais pas mal quand meme!) j ai surtout été scotchee par des seiches, un banc de calamars superbes a voir dans l eau et une enorme pieuvre qui changait de couleur des qu elle nous a vu pour se meler au rocher !....
J ai fait la rencontre rapide de Dina une suissesse Allemande que j ai de nouveau rencontrée a Hoi An et avec qui j ai poursuivi mon chemin jusqu a la fin. On s est vraiment tres bien entendu toutes les deux et ca a été un vrai plaisir de partager les jpurs suivants. ( je lui fais des gros bisous en pasant ;) ….) HOI AN est une ville tres jolie, remplie de petites ruelles, des lampions partout dans les rues, des boutiques de tailleurs (plus de 100 c est sur!) et des maisons anciennes. C est vraiment joli. J ai feté mon anniv la bas en compagnie de Dina et de deux canadiens (Maria et Rob). La soirée a été bien arrosée et on a fini sur un bar de plage avec une sacrée ambiance.
Mon parcours a continué vers HUE, ville imperiale ou j ai pu visité les ruines de l ancienne cité. Mon passage a été bref, juste le temps de perdre ( je dirais aussi volé) mon appareil photo dans un tuc tuc (compte tenu de son comportement bizarre lors de son depart , je suis sure qu il a vu qu il etait tombé dans sa nacelle--> un des nombreux exemples de mauvais eprit de cette population axée sur les une et mille manieres d arnaquer le touriste). Bref outre l appareil, j ai perdue mes photos prises depuis deux semaines: donc les boules !!! c est pourquoi vous n aurez pas de photos de mon passage au vietnam ente saigon et hanoi !!.
J ai poursui ma route vers HANOI ou j ai rejoins Dina qui ne s etait pas arreté a Hué. Je suis allée passer une journée a la baie d Halong, jolie mais pas aussi spectaculaire que je pensais (peut etre le temps qui etait vraiment mediocre). Lieu tres touristique, sentiment d etre a la chaine. J ai racheté un appareil photo ( le mem que precedemment pour des raisons pratique de batterie, mais 3 fois plus cher (400 dollars au lieu des 120 euros en France) sous pretexte de taxes elevées a HANOI ( Prix inegociable et malheureusement un besoin qui fait qu on achete mais clairement c est du vol la encore!!!)
Le lendemain, Nous avons pris avec Dina un train de nuit pour monter dans le nord du vietnam vers SAPA ( gros fou rire dans le train avec les vietnamiens tres attentifs a nous et tres bruyants egalement). A sapa, nous avons decidé de demander a une femme du village de nous conduire pour des treks a travers la montagne, a la rencontre des diffrentes « ethnies » : dao, Hmongs noirs, hmongs....... Premier jour trek de 10 km, super sympa avec des belles rencontres de femmes( qui tres franchement et sans partie pris travaillent plus que les hommes ( qui restent sur leur mobylettes en attendant un eventuel client a transporter). Elles font en autres des travaux dans les champs, portant des bébés sur leur dos, a flanc de montagne. Je les admire. Les costumes traditionnels sont superbes et la encore loin du folklore pour touristes puisque portés dans les champs et villages perdus au milieu de nulle part. Le deuxieme jour, nous avons fait un trek de 14 km, la encore a travers champs, rizieres et chemins de montagne. C est tres joli et voilà une region pas encore pollué par le tourisme qui permet donc aux vietnamiens de garder un esprit purs par rapport a ceux vivants en ville. Retour a Hanoi et visite de la baie d Halong terrestre, presque plus jolie que la baie d halong en mer, mais surchargés la encore de monde, une autoroute!). Dans la ville d hanoi, sur un marché, j en ai profité pour gouter du chien (si, si!!)..... pas facile d avaler en pensant a mon pepere, mais le goût n est pas mauvais du tout (un goût de gigot d agneau, viande rosée de la meme maniere). Le chein cuit ressemble a un cochon de lait à la peau cuivreé et epaisse sauf que la tete est celle d un chien et la queue ressemble a une queue de rat...... bref, c etait maintenant ou jamais pour gouter, et la curiosité l a emporté ( un peu le challenge aussi!!)
Le dernier soir apres notre retour a Hanoi, nous avons avec Dina fété notre « separation », bon vin, bonne bouffe et la encore le patron qui essaie de t arnaquer en te doublant la note au cas ou tu ne le verrais pas parce que tu as bu ( c est mal connaître la resistance des europeens a l alcool !!) !!!!...... bref, le Vietnam, ce sont des paysages sympas mais une population ( disons 80% des gens) avec un tres mauvais esprit, antipathique, pas souriante (sauf le nord extreme du vietnam qui a un peu sauvé cette image que je garde ). Les gens voient dans le touriste un porte monnaie et rien d autre. Pour eux, ils prennent clairement les touristes pour des cons. Ils n ont pas un esprit business comme nous et deviennent vite agressifs apres avoir fait semblant de pleurnicher. Insupportable !!!Trois semaines c est plus que suffisant en ce qui me concerne. J avais vraiment envie de partir. C etait donc ma premiere et derniere fois, d autres pays me semblant bien plus interressant a approfondir depuis mon depart !!! Quelques photos a voir donc dans album VIETNAM .
PS : désolée Long pour ce descriptif de ton pays, reste les 20 % d exception !!
Voilà pour les témoignages de cette personne que je ne connait pas mais que je remercie au passage de faire part de ses voyages...
Dites moi ce que vous en pensez et si au contraire Saigon est une ville jeune et sympas merci !
oh là là le dilemne!
nous sommes allés au vietnam en 2002 et ns revenons du cambodge il y a une semaine
au cambodge, les gens sont vraiment extrémement accueillants, et ils ont tj le sourire malgré tout ce qu'ils ont enduré. C'est un peuple incroyable de gentillesse, une leçon à tirer pour nous, européens! au vietnam, les gens sont bcp plus speed et essaient en effet de tirer profit des touristes.
au niveau paysage, au vietnam : la baie d'along terrestre et les montagnes du nord : magnifiques + architecture vraiment superbe de toutes les pagodes
au cambodge ; même si on n'est pas accroc aux vieilles pierres, il se dégage d'angkor une atmosphere particulière
ds les deux pays, on peut voir des villages flottants, et c'est sympa
au niveau ville : j'avoue que j'ai un souvenir merveilleux d'hanoi avec ses ruelles d'artisans et ses pagodes un peu partout. ensuite, c'etait il y a longtemps!
j'avoue que je ne rêve que de retourner à hanoi mais j'espère que je ne serais pas décue!
je voterais plutôt pour le vietnam même si la population est qd même moins accueillante mais les deux pays restent super!
Vous ne pouvez pas imaginer 3 pays limitrophes aussi diférents l'un de l'autre ! Je ne vais pas me mettre à les décrire en long, en large, et en travers, les guides-papier sont faits pour ça . Disons que le Cambodge est beau mais trop plat à mon goût, avec un site absolument unique au monde, Angkor, une pauvreté extrême, des locaux très gentils, et du commerce sexuel qui me dégoûte. Le Laos joue à fond la carte "Tourisme écologique", il faut dire que ce ne sont pas les industries qui polluent le pays, vu qu'il n'y en a pas. Je ne connais que le Nord, très beau, et les laotiens (et les laotiennes 😏 ) sont adorables. Des 3, c'est le Vietnam qui est le plus époustouflant par l'extrême diversité et la beauté de ses paysages sur une aussi petite surface (333 3000 km2) ; les viets sont plus durs que les autres, surtout dans le Nord, mais le monde des 54 minorités est extraordinaire et, pour ceux que ça intéresse, il y a des plages magnifiques. En fait, il faut faire les 3 tellement ils sont différents
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Merci pour vos réponses... Je viens d'acheter mon billet pour les 4 semaines de septembre !
Ce n'est peut ètre pas la meilleure saison mais je dois faire en fonction de mon boulot...
Je suis en train d'organiser mon circuit, et de me renseigner comment rallier les capitales de ces trois pays en 4 semaines.
Bien sùr si certains ont des infos ou des bonnes adresses... mon petit lonely planet sera avec moi
et pour ceux que ça intérresse je posterai des photo.... aller plus que 3 mois d'attente ;)
Je voudrais savoir si en 4 semaines (décembre 2014) il est possible de parcourir ces trois pays, en transports locaux sans courir, mais en voyant l'essentiel…
Je pars pour le vietnam dans 1 mois et j'adorerai pouvoir faire du VO VIETNAM avec des locaux! comme j'ai prévue d'aller du nord au sud, je peux m'arrêter…
Je pars de mi mars à fin mai en voyage et prévois 3 semaines au Laos 3 au Cambodge et 3 au Vietnam Les itinéraires proposés par le routard me conviennent (pour…
J'aimerais faire un voyage au Vietnam, Cambodge, Laos, Je n'ai pas de date, quel serais la meilleur période por avoir un clima pas trop mauvais, je n'aime pas…
Cherche coéquipier (ère) pour balade moto en Nord Vietnam courant Novembre et +... pourquoi pas... Cette partie du monde est magnifique, vraiment. Et la…
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,
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!
Hi,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
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.
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
However, I’m not quite sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
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!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
Hi there, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise
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!
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 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.