Les petites îles touristiques , les grosses Phuket , Samui , Tao, la cote Ouest Khao Lak , Krabi, Ko Chang , la province de Rayong etc ... toute cette économie touristique anesthésié et semble t'il pour longtemps encore
Ils vivent un peu des aides de l'état, un peu de la solidarité familiale ou autre...
Il faut dire qu'ils peuvent vivre de façon minimaliste.. maintenant ce qui va être autre chose ce sont les frais (loyers charges) qui vont à mon avis forcer beaucoup de fermetures.
On parle maintenant (mais toujours au conditionnel) de faire venir les pays d'asie au 4ème trimestre et les farangs l'été prochain. Wait and see ! Mais je crois que beaucoup de commerce, surtout bars, restaurants etc auront mis la clé sous le paillasson.
Qu'auriez vous fait si vous êtiez à la tête de ce pays, en sachant que:
-Vous n êtes pas aimé
-Que l'épidémie est mondiale, qu il n y a pas de remèdes "miracle"
-Que votre économie est partiellement malade, du à une monnaie qui s est appréciée depuis près de deux ans
-Que cette monnaie forte a rendu la destination moins attractive pour les tours operator mondiaux, donc baisse des touristes autres qu asiatiques
1/ Sacrifier l industrie du tourisme (20% du PIB -fermeture des frontières etc etc) tout en sachant que vous allez générer des millions de chômeurs, mais par ailleurs vous allez préserver votre industrie et par là même protéger votre population. Il vous reste aussi la possibilité de dévaluer votre monnaie pour doper vos exportations.
2/ Ne pas fermer les frontières, continuer à recevoir des étrangers dont certains infectés, contaminant une large part de la population, au point que votre industrie pourrait être mise "hors service", ce qui coulerait le restant de votre économie et pourrait générer une colère des habitants pour avoir favoriser quelques"gros du tourisme".
Question subsidiaire: pensez vous qu à l'heure actuelle, les thaïs aient une réelle envie de revoir les étrangers déambuler dans leur pays??
Je ne suis pas spécialiste , donc mon propos n'engage que moi ...
Moi je me place délibérément du côté des millions de chômeurs justement de l'économie du tourisme. Parce que précisément j'en connais ...
Je pense qu'il y a toujours matière de faire avec équilibre.
En appliquant la fameuse quarantaine de 14 jours je ne vois vraiment pas le danger pour le pays. Avec tests financés par les visiteurs. Au contraire cela ferait fonctionner les nuitées de beaucoup d’hôtels. En étendant la mesure à un plus grand nombre d’hôtels...
Maintenant si la volonté du gouvernement c'est de monter le niveau csp des touristes, c'est encore à mon sens une histoire de politique à moyen ou long terme. Cela ne peut se faire du jour au lendemain comme c'est en ce moment.
C'est toujours une histoire d'équilibre ... je ne suis pas satisfait non plus de savoir que Roissy est ouvert sans aucun contrôle . Quel serait le résultat d'un sondage en France de la venue des touristes ???
C est ce que le gvt propose, mais ce n est pas à la portée de tous les budgets, d'autant plus quand vous voyagez en famille, et c est plutôt contraignant dans la mesure où vous allez en être dans un prison dorée (au vrai sens du terme). Je pense que les établissements choisis ne permettent pas aux gens placés en quarantaine de se soustraire à la surveillance du personnel choisi pour, même si l on peut penser qu il y a quelques intérêts cachés.
Je ne crois pas non plus à la volonté du gouvernement de vouloir une clientèle "riche". Trop d infrastructures hôtelières bâties et donc des investissements à rentabiliser. Trop tard pour eux. Pour se mettre dans ce créneau, ils vont devoir raser bon nombre de complexes et reboiser derrière pour attirer cette clientèle (Phuket-Samui par ex) et construire quelques infrastructures portuaires pour attirer les yachts de ces gens là.
Une population française qui a été confinée par son propre gouvernement et a connu des dizaines de milliers de morts peut avoir du mal à comprendre un gouvernement thaï qui n' a pas confiné la sienne et n' en annonce que quelques dizaines.
Le plus inquiétant pour cette population française, qui n' est pas la seule responsable, car par exemple des mesures ciblant uniquement les populations à risque (personnes âgées, etc...) serait inconstitutionnel, c'est son absence de prise de conscience collective ( distanciation sociale, etc ... ) alors qu' un virus bouleverse la planète.
Absence qui devrait en toute logique pénaliser encore plus longtemps un tourisme qui continuera d' être interdit d' entrée, et pénaliser encore plus longtemps les millions de Thaïs qui en vivent.
Quand on sait ce qu' on sait et qu' on a vu ce qu' on a vu, on a bien raison de penser ce qu 'on pense.
En appliquant la fameuse quarantaine de 14 jours je ne vois vraiment pas le danger pour le pays. Avec tests financés par les visiteurs. Au contraire cela ferait fonctionner les nuitées de beaucoup d’hôtels. En étendant la mesure à un plus grand nombre d’hôtels...
Vous devriez pouvoir regarder les chaînes d' info thaï via appli smartphone ou sur YT : on y voit des reportages fréquents sur le système en place. Confiner un touriste, ce n'est pas lui proposer gentiment une petite quinzaine sympââ dans un hôtel, c'est le prendre en charge intégralement dès qu' il a posé le pied sur le sol du pays, et l' héberger dans un hôtel qui a été spécialement préparé. Gérable uniquement en nombre limité.
Quand on sait ce qu' on sait et qu' on a vu ce qu' on a vu, on a bien raison de penser ce qu 'on pense.
Oui, dès passé les formalités, vous êtes escorté jusqu’à l’hôtel, puis surveillé pendant la quatorzaine, pas le droit d'aller à la piscine, juste marché 1 heure par jour autour, tous les repas sont livrés dans la chambre, après le confinement vous devez donner votre ou vos adresses successives. Pour la quatorzaine comptez entre 900 et 1300€ suivant l’hôtel repas inclus. Pour les touristes le gouvernement recule les bulles touristiques pour la fin de l'année, les cas de covid augmentant en Asie. Les Asiatiques ouvriront le bal mais pas avant octobre, novembre ou décembre pour les européens et encore si pas de nouveau pic. Le gouverneur de Phuket demande des vols directs Europe/Phuket pour le T4, sinon beaucoup d’hôtels vont licenciés le personnel voir faire faillites.
Si ils attendent que ca tombe à zéro cas pendant au moins 3 semaines, ils peuvent attendre 2022 direct au plus tôt, ca ira plus vite.
laisser fermer à l'heure actuelle et ouvrir dans 4 mois, voir plus, avec le même taux de contamination qu'auj serait ridicule
Pourtant, je parie que c'est ce qui va se passer.
Quand je pense qu'en mars, les contaminés étaient très nombreux en Europe et on entrait en Thailande comme si de rien n'était , ce qui n'a d'ailleurs pas fait explosé leurs positifs au virus.
Perso, je m'adapte en respectant ce qui est décidé, mais, je ne réserverais pas fin novembre pour partir mi décembre.
Dans sa boule de cristal, le touriste français devrait regarder la situation aujourd' hui . Avant d' entrer en Thaïlande cette année, ou plus loin encore, il faudra d' abord pouvoir sortir de France. Et du côté thaï, la France est quasi inexistante, donc pas une priorité du secteur ou du gouvernement.
Quand on sait ce qu' on sait et qu' on a vu ce qu' on a vu, on a bien raison de penser ce qu 'on pense.
Le pays n est pas sacrifié, seule l industrie du tourisme l est au profit de la santé de la population
Je ne crois pas du tout que seulement l'industrie du tourisme soit la seule touchée.
Pas autant que le tourisme mais beaucoup d'effets co-latéraux.
Les exportations par exemple
L'aérien
La finance
Le riz
Surtout la confiance dans l'avenir...discutez avec des Thaï
Bjr
Nous sommes d'accord sur tout. D'ailleurs personne ne répond à deux simples questions.
Nous ne sommes pas d' accord sur tout, et d' abord sur les constats. Par exemple M. Prayuth a ses partisans. Je sais bien que vu du Pays de 1789, on est plus friand des frémissements dans les facs, mais l' ultra-monarchisme est un fort courant dans le pays, et s' y ajoutent nombre de Thaïs qui préfèrent un gouvernement autoritaire à des affrontements permanents .
Par exemple tu parles d' une éventuelle prochaine dévaluation du baht mais il est déjà en baisse sur le dollar depuis le début de l'année, pire sur l' euro et la Banque centrale n' a de toute façon pas les moyens de ses discours.
Par exemple tu dis que seul le secteur touristique est sacrifié. Par la fermeture du pays aux touristes, c'est juste logique. Sauf que des pertes d' emploi dans ce secteur, ce sont des consommateurs en moins, des débiteurs qui ne peuvent plus rembourser leurs créanciers, des arrêts d' investissement pour les patrons qui vont ensuite affecter le BTP, etc ...
Et last but not least, aucune raison que ce pays soit protégé du ralentissement économique mondial. Bien des secteurs en sont impactés. En quelque sorte, économie mondialisée, galère mondialisée.
Donc on est d' accord sur tout, mais pas sur tout ça.😛
Quand on sait ce qu' on sait et qu' on a vu ce qu' on a vu, on a bien raison de penser ce qu 'on pense.
Je ne suis pas à la tête du pays donc votre question...
Je dis juste que si il ouvre le pays dans 6 mois par ex à l'europe avec le même taux de contamination qu'aujourd'hui, je chercherais la logique.
La santé prime, mais l'économie est importante aussi.
Effectivement c'est une stratégie ...depuis le début je dis que c'est à la fin de la foire qu'on compte les bouses.
De se camper sur la position de rester complètement hermétique à l'ouverture des frontières ça ressemble beaucoup plus au régime militaire de la Birmanie .
Pas certain que ce soit pour le bonheur du peuple cette façon de penser ...
Je ne suis pas à la tête du pays donc votre question...
Je dis juste que si il ouvre le pays dans 6 mois par ex à l'europe avec le même taux de contamination qu'aujourd'hui, je chercherais la logique.
Peut-être parce que cette logique, ça t' arrange de ne pas la voir? Exemple: tu n' es pas le seul à dire que fermer un pays au tourisme alors qu' il n' y a pour l' instant que 58 morts est incompréhensible. Je ne suis pas défenseur de la junte mais je ne pense pas que Prayuth se réjouisse de mettre des millions de gens à la soupe populaire. Son Comité prend ses décisions après consultation de médecins thaïs de renommée internationale, donc pose une seconde le problème dans l' autre sens: est-ce que ce ne serait pas justement grâce à ces restrictionsqu' il obtient ce résultat ? Maintenant, c'est clair que cette fermeture au tourisme n'est pas tenable durablement. Mais si le choix aujourd' hui et pour les mois qui viennent se fait entre grave crise économique ou grave crise sanitaire, c' est peut-être moins pire que les 2 à la fois.
Quand on sait ce qu' on sait et qu' on a vu ce qu' on a vu, on a bien raison de penser ce qu 'on pense.
Il faut se rappeler qu'une grande majorité des Thaïs s'oppose à l'ouverture des frontières et au retour des "vilains farangs" pourvoyeurs du célèbre coronavirus venu de Chine.Le premier ministre ne fait que mettre en pratique ce que la population souhaite .
Beaucoup de Thaïs n'ont pas conscience des répercutions catastrophiques de cet isolationnisme.L'urgence comme partout est de sauver sa peau même si cette menace est plus fantasmée que réelle .L'émotion permet de court- circuiter les analyses et autres réflexions.
Je ne sais pas quel genre d' addiction peut faire sortir de telles inepties et comparaisons en période de sevrage, mais pour info, ici personne de normalement informé n' ignore les graves difficultés du pays. On en parle tous les jours, je ne connais pas une famille qui ne soit pas impactée économiquement, et personne de sensé ne confond circulation du tourisme international et circulation du virus . Sauf que la première entraînant la seconde, pour une grande majorité des locaux, il paraît juste logique de la limiter.
Pour l' instant, la Thaïlande est un des pays à être cité en exemple par les organismes internationaux pour sa gestion de l' épidémie. Alors je veux bien que de loin, on voit mal la situation globale ici, ou que des clients voyant désertés leurs bars habituels se lamentent de cet éloignement forcé, mais n' inversez pas les positions : quand en France, les décideurs et les populations agiront collectivement et que l' épidémie cessera réellement de circuler , vous viendrez donner des leçons de morale, d' économie et de santé publique à ce pays.
Quant à dire que M. Prayuth ne ferait finalement qu' écouter son peuple, alors là, c 'est la meilleure de l' année.
Quand on sait ce qu' on sait et qu' on a vu ce qu' on a vu, on a bien raison de penser ce qu 'on pense.
Doucement, je suis en pleine crise de manque .Les soupes de nouilles des marchés de Bangkok me manquent cruellement mais pas au point de sortir des inepties.En effet, il faut comprendre que les Thaïs (comme les Européens)ont été placés en état de sidération par une propagande mortifère mondiale.Dans ces conditions, plus possible de réfléchir car chacun pense à sauver sa peau.Nous ne sommes plus dans le rationnel mais l'émotionnel.Demain importe peu car il faut se protéger, se préserver à tout prix quitte à sacrifier ce qui est cher.
Prayuth suit à la lettre les recommandations des organismes internationaux .Il a appris à obéir surtout quand cela sert ses intérêts .
Prayut est un politicien et n'ignore pas qu'il est plus à facile de nager en suivant le courant.Il n'écoute pas son peuple mais tient compte de ce qui lui est favorable ou pas.
En France, la gestion de la crise est juste ubuesque avec un gouvernement totalement dépassé et noyauté par l'industrie pharmaceutique.Difficile de faire pire.
La Thaïlande a déclaré 58 décès liés au COVID depuis le début de la pandémie avec une absence de nouveaux cas locaux depuis plus de 2 mois.La situation n'a rien à voir avec ce que connait la France.
Je me garde bien de donner des leçons à qui que ce soit .
J'exprime une opinion que chacun a la liberté de partager ou pas.Mai pen rai au sabai land ou à la Réunion.
En effet, il faut comprendre que les Thaïs (comme les Européens)ont été placés en état de sidération par une propagande mortifère mondiale.
Voilà sans aucun doute un exemple parfait de rationalité. Août 2020, et on en est encore à lire certains qui pensent que la Terre est plate et que ceux qui pensent le contraire sont manipulés.
20 millions de personnes infectées, 700 000 morts, des études toujours en cours, pas de vaccin disponible, un virus qui explose tous les compteurs des grippes saisonnières ( plus personne, d' ailleurs, ne parle de saisonnalité ), des traitements encore empiriques, l' épidémie toujours en progression exponentielle, des premières vagues ici, des deuxièmes vagues là, des tsunamis chez les plus pauvres, les plus fragiles, les plus âgés, tous ces éléments à prendre en compte globalement pour avoir juste une "petite idée " de la situation ? ... Mais c'est du bourrage de crâne ! Et malheureusement, les seules personnes restées lucides sont interdites d' entrer en Thaïlande pour révéler à son peuple de sidérés que tout ceci est un complot mondial. Objectif: détruire l' industrie des gogo-bars ? Mince . Ce pays n' a vraiment pas de chance.
Quand on sait ce qu' on sait et qu' on a vu ce qu' on a vu, on a bien raison de penser ce qu 'on pense.
La Russie vient de decouvrir le vaccin anti-covid.Bonne nouvelle si confirmee.Les labos Francais et Americains doivent rager.
Poutine a deja fait vacciner une de ses filles.
Raph
Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens
Il existe au milieu du temps, la possibilite d'une ile....(MH)
Il ne faudrait surtout pas faire plus de tests pour ne pas faire "flancher" les stats.
En Thaïlande, c' est plus de 30 000 tests labo par semaine. Le reste, les opinions, les yaka-faukon, les " il faudrait " ou " il ne faudrait pas " : aucun intérêt. Les gogo-bars attendent mieux. Par exemple que la demi-douzaine de pays qui ont commencé des tests humains depuis plusieurs semaines aboutissent rapidement . Pour ceux qui acceptent les vaccins, évidemment. Parce qu' après le complot des infos, attention au complot des labos !
Quand on sait ce qu' on sait et qu' on a vu ce qu' on a vu, on a bien raison de penser ce qu 'on pense.
La Russie vient de decouvrir le vaccin anti-covid.Bonne nouvelle si confirmee.Les labos Francais et Americains doivent rager.
Poutine a deja fait vacciner une de ses filles.
20 pays ont déjà pré commandé, le mois prochain, ils commencent la production!! à suivre
Attention à la propagande Russe, attendons de voir ce que ce fameux vaccin vaut. En tout cas je ne me précipiterais pas dessus, pour le moment aucune garantie apporté à l'OMS.😕
Attention à la propagande Russe, attendons de voir ce que ce fameux vaccin vaut. En tout cas je ne me précipiterais pas dessus, pour le moment aucune garantie apporté à l'OMS.😕
pour ça que j'ai marqué à suivre, on ne devrait pas tarder à savoir quels sont les 20 pays qui ont déjà pré commandé!!les plus inquiets vont tester en premier, ça servira aux autres pour les résultats!!😕
Surtout, il faut savoir qu'il n'ont pas encore fait la phase 3 ..la plus importante.
Vaccin fait en 4 mois voir 6 , ca peut poser question aussi.
y a pas le temps pour les phases, les gens qui vont mourir ne peuvent pas attendre les "phases" ainsi que le chaos si on attend encore.On a dans nos assiettes mais pas tout le monde!!
Attention à la propagande Russe, attendons de voir ce que ce fameux vaccin vaut. En tout cas je ne me précipiterais pas dessus, pour le moment aucune garantie apporté à l'OMS.😕
L'OMS n'est plus une reference, ils ont vendu leur "c.l"a la Chine!
Raph
Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens
Il existe au milieu du temps, la possibilite d'une ile....(MH)
Ca c'est la position Américaine qui est en froid avec la Chine. Je préfère m'en remettre à l'oms plutôt qu' a Poutine. De toute façon Chine ou Russie c'est dans le même sac.
Ca c'est la position Américaine qui est en froid avec la Chine. Je préfère m'en remettre à l'oms plutôt qu' a Poutine. De toute façon Chine ou Russie c'est dans le même sac.
Pourtant je ne suis pas americain, je deteste : L'OMS, Le comite
des droits de l'homme et surtout l'ONU! 😠 Ces 3 organisations
nous coutent des centaines de milliards en frais de gestion et ne
servent pas a grand chose qu'a se gaver....
Raph
Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens
Il existe au milieu du temps, la possibilite d'une ile....(MH)
Donner des dizaines de millions de doses sans savoir si il y a des effets secondaires (graves)ou si le vaccin est vraiment efficace..
Faire plus de dommage que le virus en lui-même n'est peut-être pas très malin.
Tout le monde n'en meurt pas, loin de là.
Hola amigos, je voudrais savoir si, comme pour le skytrain, il y avait des pass à la journée avec le métro classique? J'ai fait un tour sur leur site mais j'ai…
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I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
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?
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...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
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 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,
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.
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!
