Mon compagnon et moi voulons partir en Thailande en février . Nous hésitons entre un circuit privatif et organiser le voyage nous-même. Nous avons toujours eu l'habitude de tout construire nous même lorsque nous voyageons. Le problème est la voiture . A la lecture de plusieurs forums il est conseillé de ne pas conduire soi-même , mais de prendre un chauffeur guide. Que pouvez-vous nous conseiller?
7 nuits (comptez plutot les jours complets sur place), ca fait quand meme cours, vous pouvez pas plus ?
7 jours, ca va etre de la visite de bangkok + une destination facile d'accès max
Je ne connais pas votre age ni votre façon de voyager, mais je trouve ça dommage d'aller en Thailande en passant par un tour operator.
Pour la question du conduire soit meme, disons que la conduite la bas est spéciale mais rien d'insurmontable en soi. Par contre, il vaut etre un minimum débrouillard et avoir l'habitude de conduire a gauche.
Mais pourquoi voulez vous conduire ?
La thailande offre une large gamme de transport qui fait que vous ne devriez pas avoir besoin d'avoir une voiture.
Bangkok: Taxi ou transport en commun
Autre endroit: tuk tuk, taxi, location de 2 roues (vous avez le permis moto ?)
Bonjour,
Nous sommes partis en famille en février 2014, en ayant organisé le voyage nous même. Nous avons loué une voiture en passant par Hertz. Après avoir lu beaucoup de post sur le forum, nous avons fait le choix de prendre la voiture en quittant Bangkok . La conduite dans la capitale du pays du sourire n'aura durée qu'une petite heure, et ce fut largement suffisant !!!!!!! Le reste du parcours ( +/- 2000kms) à travers le pays aura été un vrai régal. Les routes sont bonnes, la conduite des locaux demande un peu d'adaptation, mais n'est jamais agressive. Notre prochain voyage là bas se fera encore avec une voiture c'est sûr. Le prix de la location est très accessible, et donne une liberté de mouvement très appréciable. Un seul conseil, n'hésite pas et n'oublie pas ton permis international.
Bon voyage, et n'hésite pas à faire un retour de ton périple sur le forum.
Pierre
Le matin, je me lève pour aller bosser... pour gagner de l'argent... pour vivre... et m'offrir, à moi et à ma famille, de beaux voyages !!!
Sois beau, sois fort, sois TOI !
Merci pour ta réponse.Cela serait 8 jours sur place et deux jours pour trajet en avion; j'avais vu des trajets jusqu'à Chiang Mai..en 8 jours.
Nous avons 47 et 50 ans ; mon conjoint a le permis moto et il aime beaucoup ça.Pourquoi louer une voiture? Pour être indépendant, mais la conduite semble un peu compliquee (via les forums).
Ta réponse nous conforte dans l'idée de louer une voiture ; ton expérience est enrichissante pour nous .Se déplacer dans Bangkok en taxi et louer une voiture pour l'extérieur .Nous allons réfléchir à l'organisation du voyage en partant sur cette base.
Je te remercie .
Nous avons 47 et 50 ans ; mon conjoint a le permis moto et il aime beaucoup ça.Pourquoi louer une voiture? Pour être indépendant, mais la conduite semble un peu compliquee (via les forums).
Louer une voiture pour etre indépendant.... Je vous conseille de réfléchir a l'independance dont vous avez besoin et en fonction de cela, vous vous deciderez si oui ou non vous avez besoin de louer une voiture.
Si on part sur un itinéraire type Bangkok + Chaing Mai:
A bangkok, aucun besoin de voiture (c'est meme presque génant d'en avoir une), mais ca vous l'avez deja pris en considération
Pour rejoindre Chaing Mai, je vous conseille d'y aller en avion, c'est beaucoup plus court et pas plus cher si on considère le prix de la location et l'essence. A moins que le trajet en voiture Bangkok => Chiang Mai fasse parti de votre voyage avec pourquoi pas un detour par Ayutthaya ou Sukhotai.
Reste a voir sur place a chiang mai ?!
La cela dépendra de ce que vous souhaitez visiter.
Tous les grands classiques peuvent se faire a pied ou au pire en 2 roues.
Pour les excursions un peu particulières, en génral le transport est inclus
Si sur un jour vous voulez faire un truc un peu spécial, il sera toujours possible de prendre une voiture plus chauffeur.
Tout ça pour dire qu'une location de voiture n'est pas forcemment nécessaire.
Reflechissez donc a votre itinéraire et en focntion de celui ci, pourquoi pas envisager la location d'une voiture.
Il faut juste se dire que la conduite est tres différente et donc etre ultra attentif. S'habituer a la conduite a gauche et aux voitures automatiques. Ce n'est donc pas forcemment a recommander pour tout le monde mais pas du tout impossible
Nous avons passé 3 jours à Bangkok en nous déplaçant en tuk-tuk, taxi, skytrain et c'était très bien et très amusant aussi! En voiture' cela n'aurai pas été pareil, et beaucoup plus stressant voire dangereux .....
Si tu as besoin de renseignements, je suis à ta disposition.
Je suis d'accord aussi sur le fait que 8 jours sur place est un peu cours ..... mais c'est toujours mieux que rien
Bonne soirée
Pierre
Le matin, je me lève pour aller bosser... pour gagner de l'argent... pour vivre... et m'offrir, à moi et à ma famille, de beaux voyages !!!
Sois beau, sois fort, sois TOI !
En quittant l'aéroport de Bangkok, nous louons une voiture et nous nous dirigeons vers Ayutthaya, puis Sokutahai ; nous ramenons la voiture et nous allons en taxi à Bangkok pour deux jours.
Je me demande si la route de l'aéroport jusqu'à Ayutthaya ne nous oblige pas à traverser Bangkok?
N'étant pas spécialiste de Bangkok, je ne connais pas le réseau routier au point de pouvoir te renseigner précisément. Je pense qu'en quittant l'aéroport directement vers Ayutthaya, tu emprunteras rapidement de grands axes routiers, un peu comme en France à mon avis.
Nos 3 jours sur Bangkok nous ont permis de comprendre (un peu) la façon de conduire locale. Le système de feux tricolore, les priorités officielles et officieuses, etc .... Cela a vraiment été bénéfique, voir indispensable à mon goût (ça n'engage que moi évidemment).
Concernant ta voiture de location, tu l'as rends à Bangkok après ton escapade à Sukhothaï ? Pourquoi ne pas la rendre directement à Sukhothaï et retour à Bangkok en train par exemple ? Le train n'est vraiment pas cher et c'est une expérience sympa à faire, et ça t'éviteras 6 heures de routes en voiture pour pas grand chose.
Nous avions fait le retour Chiang Maï-Bangkok en train de nuit ( 55€ pour 4 en 2ème classe), et nous gardons de très bon souvenir. Il est vrai que nous voulions utiliser le maximum de moyen de locomotion différent, mais ça c'était pour le fun 😛.
Qu'elle modèle de voiture as-tu choisi de louer ? La règle "priorité au plus gros véhicule" est vrai là-bas !!!
Bonne journée
Pierre.
Le matin, je me lève pour aller bosser... pour gagner de l'argent... pour vivre... et m'offrir, à moi et à ma famille, de beaux voyages !!!
Sois beau, sois fort, sois TOI !
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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
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,
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 everyone. As I’m planning my trip for next winter, I’m looking for hotel suggestions in Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor. The ones I had in mind seem to be fully booked (unless it’s too early?). For those familiar with the area, is it easy to find accommodations on the spot in January/February? I’m specifically looking for hotels with a pool, beachfront, air conditioning, and easy scooter rental nearby. Thanks for your tips!
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
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing
July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao
August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide
August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena
August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands
August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts)
August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk
August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar
August 17: Rammang Rammang
August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
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!
