Yeah, I was talking about a crossroads a bit further on that almost leads to the lake... but I see you already know about it. Plus, I know that vendor well—she’s put on a little weight but she still gives us free bread because we brought her a leather banana pouch for her money!!!!!!!!! The world is small, really small
Le vent et les turbulences sont l'oeuvre de Dieu, mais la voile et le gouvernail nous appartiennent..
Voyager c'est aller de soi à soi, en passant par les autres (proverbe touareg)
When we saw it, we were in a rickshaw, the photo was taken on the fly.
Luckily this time we’ll have more time to wander around.
I’m counting the days!!!
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
You’ll realize just how far Vietnam is from your "home"... it’s less comfortable... but so much more lively!!!
Stop selling your honey a bit!
Dinh Let Street is the most touristy in the Old Quarter—you’ll see more tourists than locals. Traffic can be hellish there. Honestly, there are better places to stay.🏴☠️
Stop trying to sell your honey a bit!
There’s nothing being sold here!! Everyone can make their own choice.
It’s just a friendly, courteous exchange—why come and spoil these moments?
Dinh Let Street is the most touristy in the old quarter, with way more tourists than locals. Traffic can be hellish there. Honestly, there are better spots: thanks for the info.
Do you have a better address to suggest? We’re all ears. 🙂
Have a great day
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
Do you have a better address to suggest? We're all ears!
Just a stone's throw from Hanoi's oldest temple, on Hàng Giây street, the stir-fried noodles over an open flame are a treat🙂
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Re: Northwest Vietnam circuit with an agency in April/May 2012: has anyone done it?
January 19, 2012 at 1:40 PM
I’d love to help, but I don’t know your tastes or your budget. I was speaking for all travelers, but our tastes are simple, and our budget isn’t huge.
What we want is to live as close as possible to the people—on the streets or along the roads—meet locals, and see everything that isn’t usually offered by tour operators and that feels too sanitized. THE REAL TRAVEL
All your ideas will be welcome. We won’t do everything, of course, but this way we can choose what suits us best.
Thanks for your tips! 😊
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
Living close to the people on the streets or elsewhere on the road, making connections
With the exception of a few niches, the old quarter of Hoan Kiem Lake has become a business hub for tourists in a hurry. Western bars aren’t wrong about their... locations.
Shopkeepers’ attitudes now align with your wallet and lose the traditional friendliness. Because of my Southern accent, they tell me to go get served in Saigon🙂
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
What we want is to live as close as possible to the people on the streets or elsewhere on the roads, meet people, and see everything that isn’t usually offered by tour operators and that’s sanitized.
So I invite you to cross to the other side of the dyke in the Phu Tan or Bach Dang neighborhood. That’s the kind of authentic, lively area that’s full of interest. It’s nothing like Dinh Let and its rows of souvenir shops 😕—the restaurants there are mediocre.
I lived in Bach Dang for a few years, and I can tell you there’s a great vibe 🙂 and some small, budget-friendly hotels.
I know the Abalone restaurant well—it serves a delicious Bo nuong lac.
Of course, I'm already lost—this is starting off great, what will it be like once I'm there...
- The dyke, is it really along the Red River? Do we have to cross the river to get to Q Phu Tan and Bach Dang?
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
On the other hand, I remember answering a question about the "Chùa Keo" pagoda in Nam Định province—pagodas that are over 1,000 years old, with unique features and history that set them apart. What a surprise to learn that this historic gem, which rivals other tourist spots, wasn’t included by the traveler who asked the question. Such a shame to miss such an authentic, serene place, far from the more or less shady tourist hustle.[/citation]
That wasn’t me at the time 😎, but curious as I am, I went to look at photos of this wonder... and now a flood of questions is overwhelming me:
- Can this visit be done from Tam Cốc, and if so, how much time should I allow? (I’ve only planned 2 nights in Tam Cốc and already had a "packed" schedule: Tràng An, Hàng Múa, Hoa Lư, and a bike ride)
- Since time isn’t stretchable, unfortunately 😕, if I had to choose between the pagoda and visiting Phát Diệm, which would you recommend?
- Is it feasible to do the visit on the way between Tam Cốc and Hạ Long (knowing we need to be there by 11:00 AM for boarding)?
if I had to choose between the pagoda and the visit to Phat Diem in your opinion???
The Phat Diem Church is just an architectural mix between the West and Vietnamese styles.
If you have the time, it’s better to visit all the pagodas around Nam Dinh: Chùa Cô Lê, Chùa Tháp Phúc Lộc, Chùa Keo, Dên Trân .... That requires a full day.
If you must, on the way back, you can stop at Phat Diem for a short visit that shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
However, if you need to be in Ha Long by 11 AM, you won’t have enough time to visit all these historic architectural sites.
I encourage you to go—you’ll inspire others to follow!
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
- If I had to make a tough (but crucial due to lack of time) choice between But Thap Pagoda and Chua Keo, which would you recommend?
- If I'm in Tam Coc, will I easily find a taxi or minivan for 6 people for the day to get there? (Do they know the site there? Are they used to taking people there... basically, will I run into too many difficulties organizing this "excursion" once I'm in Tam Coc?)
- Can these visits be done without a guide (so without explanations, since I don’t speak or read Vietnamese, of course!)?
Can we do these visits without a guide (so without explanations since I don’t speak or read Vietnamese, of course!)?
You can absolutely visit these pagodas without needing a guide.
If you really decide to go, I can give you some explanations about the history of these pagodas.
When there are 6 of you sharing the costs, don’t hesitate to rent a 7-seater taxi.
From your hotel (any one will do🙂) you can ask to rent a car for a day, or I can give you the contact details of someone in Tam Cốc who can do this for free via PM.
If you’re there, visiting But Thap Pagoda and Chùa Keo Pagoda is easy without wasting too much time. If you show interest in these pagodas, there will always be someone who’ll offer to guide you for free.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
hi there
it's Tet, so our agency (like the others) is closed. But we're wondering for this kind of trip if we need more vaccinations than for standard Vietnam circuits? Any advice, friends?
thanks in advance
we’re wondering if this type of circuit requires more vaccinations than the standard Vietnam trips?
Malaria is rare but does exist in these remote areas. You’ll see government campaigns encouraging people to sleep under mosquito nets.
As with any risk in France, we get insurance. So regarding malaria, we take precautions:
- wear covering clothes at dusk
- slather on mosquito repellent
- sleep under a mosquito net when staying with locals or in hotels without air conditioning
- possibly take medication (Malarone) if you’re usually a mosquito magnet.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
True or false?
Actually, it's lactic acid that attracts them: sweat after physical exertion, when muscles burn more sugar at that moment... 😏, body heat also attracts mosquitoes, and women give off more of it, making them prime targets for those lady mosquitoes 😠.
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
As a precaution, there are repellents for your clothes (like Insect Écran Trampage). I’ve tested it multiple times (in heavily infested areas) and highly recommend it—along with your regular body repellent.
I treat all my clothes and luggage before leaving. 😏
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
I’m doing the same thing… ;) and the result is up to par: soaking or heavily spraying the product on clothes gives them "immunity" for several months… despite the (many) washes.
In the end, it’s a really easy solution to avoid being attacked by those little critters, and it’s much less harmful than all those chemical products that at least damage your health and, in some cases, destroy your liver…
Have a great day - Kimtwo
Le vent et les turbulences sont l'oeuvre de Dieu, mais la voile et le gouvernail nous appartiennent..
Voyager c'est aller de soi à soi, en passant par les autres (proverbe touareg)
That's what I do too...😉 and the results are great—we’re the best!!!😎
Travel agencies should recommend it more often. In my case, it was the Tropical Diseases Center that suggested it to me, and I’ve been using it ever since.
It’s not just mosquitoes that get repelled—other little critters don’t like it either...
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
I did the same thing in 2008 and 2010, and I’ll be doing it again in 2012!!!! And not a single mosquito attacked us!!!
To add to my answer: INSECT ECRAN Spray for clothes also fights, apart from mosquitoes, midges, bedbugs, wasps, lice, and fleas... (it even protects after 2 months and 5 washes at 40°C). That’s what’s written on the bottle.
INSECT ECRAN Skin Repellent SPECIAL TROPICS also fights mosquitoes, midges, fleas, and ticks (again, that’s what’s written on the bottle).
Anyway, I think the safest thing is for everyone to check with their doctor to see if they need any additional treatment based on the route they’re taking in certain countries.
Oh, I totally get it—some countries definitely require a belt of the right pills... I completely agree with you—
For washing clothes after treatment, I’ve noticed I go way beyond the recommended time with the same products. Maybe it’s because I wash in "cold" water—well, when I say cold in Hanoi in the middle of summer, I mean... I think you get it: it’s not as cold as you’d imagine! Anyway, I’ve had no issues for three months. It’s true that pre-treating the clothes in France before leaving really soaks them in —given the smell, I’d rather do that in my garden at home than in my hotel room in Vietnam!!!
Have a great day—best regards—Kimtwo
Le vent et les turbulences sont l'oeuvre de Dieu, mais la voile et le gouvernail nous appartiennent..
Voyager c'est aller de soi à soi, en passant par les autres (proverbe touareg)
Worried about mosquitoes???😉
I confirm that mosquitoes can keep up their routine, circling and buzzing around their prey before attacking: no smells, no traces... in every way, it's the miracle product!!!
Have a great day, everyone.
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
It rained yesterday, just for Tet, but only a little, and today it’s drizzling in the evening... but the heat has gone. Strange, it’s the first Tet where it hasn’t been scorching hot.
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
Is the discussion about the Lolos over?
I’m watching VTV5 right now—it’s the TV channel for minorities in Vietnam.
I see there are Lolos Chai, Lolos Hoa in Ha Giang… they say there are 250,000 Lolos.
Does anyone know about these Lolos? Maybe Fred66 or Larsay?
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
Between Quan Ba and Dong Van, there are Lolo Hoa houses by the roadside, on the right when heading to Dong Van, after Pho Cao but not far. Often, when the weather’s nice, you’ll see girls sewing their clothes, which are probably among the most beautiful of all the ethnic groups.
The thing is, their costumes are stunning (the girls too, by the way—see photos) and therefore delicate, so the women don’t wear them for work or even to go to the market. I’ve even seen some dressed as White H’mong.
At the Meo Vac market, the women selling soup in the sheltered section are Lolo, but they aren’t in traditional clothing, same in their village.
Actually, there are the Black Lo Lo, who are the most numerous and can be found at the Bao Lac market, and the Variegated Lo Lo. Your photos show the costumes of the Variegated Lo Lo.
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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
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!
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.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
January 19, 2012 at 1:40 PM
