Nous nous sommes contentés de boire de l'eau en bouteille; mais quand on boit du café froid, ou chaud (!), on ne sait pas toujours d'ou vient l, eau. Quoi qu, il en soit, en six semaines, nous n'avons eu aucun problème. Pour la toilette ( mains, corps, dents), on a toujours utilisé l'eau du réseau.
Je confirme à mon tour ce que l'on vous préconise . pas de crainte pour la douche, se laver les mains etc... Le conseil de Bruno pour les dents n'est pas à écarter si vous avez des infections ou petites coupures buccales. J'ai chopé une infection une fois aux philippines en me baignant dans une rivière . D’où le conseil reçu de n'utiliser que des brosses à dents souples pour éviter de faire saigner la gencive . Quant à l'eau de pluie , je suis resté une semaine chez les hommes fleurs en Indonésie à court d 'eau en bouteille nous avons bu l'eau de pluie sans appréhension et sans conséquences . Elle n'avait ps stagner dans des jarres !!
Même un bon cocktail de jus de fruits frais avec 3 glaçons ne se refuse pas ..
Comme l'écrit Fzoo : cool et profitez bien de ce merveilleux pays .
Merci beaucoup !
Et pour se laver les mains avant la pose des lentilles, plutôt en bouteille, non ?
S'il faut éviter l'eau du robinet en cas de coupure, prendre une douche avec des coupures aux pieds représente-t-il un risque ? (j'ai souvent des blessures aux pieds en raison des chaussures).
J'aimerais beaucoup partir mais je suis très sensible aux infections. C'est pourquoi je pose toutes ces questions.
Je ne peux vous répondre de façon précise n'étant pas médecin. Comme les autres je ne peux apporter que le fruit de nos expériences avec ma compagne . D'abord tout dépend aussi de votre circuit , de vos hébergements etc.. Si vous visitez les incontournables et couchez dans des hôtels le risque me parait très limité. Si vous partez en jungle pour des randonnées avec nuits en hamac risque ou pas risque vous n'avez pas le choix : toilette dans l'eau de la rivière et eau bouillie à boire quand vos réserves sont épuisées.. (elle reste chaude longtemps et a un gout de fumée ) .
Nous avons tous des écorchures en grimpant sur les pierres, les lianes à raz de terre qui vous font tomber, la descente trop rapide du cyclo-pousse etc.. une bonne douche avec savon de Marseille représente , pour moi aucun danger, comme pour se laver les mains . Pour les lentilles de contact : je n'ai pas d'expérience .
Nous sommes tous là pour vous rassurée par notre vécu . Surtout pour un voyage classique de découverte du Pays
Si vous avez encore des craintes quant à la sécurité, le paludisme, l'eau etc... la conclusion de Fzoo et très juste
"ps: si jamais vous sentez que ça ne le fait pas, abstenez-vous. 😇"
Je suis sûr que cela sera un beau voyage si vous surpasser vos appréhensions premières .
Bonjour Lyline,
Tout à fait d'accord avec Éric ; et bien entendu si vous avez souvent des petites coupures n'oubliez pas un désinfectant dans la trousse à pharmacie - d'autant plus qu'avec le climat chaud et humide on a tendance à cicatriser moins bien.
Autre idée :, puisque apparemment vous partez pour visiter et non pas pour randonner dans la jungle, pourquoi ne pas remplacer vos grosses chaussures de marche qui vous font souffrir par des sandales qui permettront à vos orteils de s aérer ?(important, le bonheur des orteils)
Bons préparatifs !
Quelqu'un en saurait-il plus sur la route pour Bok Mer et Beng Mealea ?
Je ne connais pas Bok Mer. Tu veux peut-être parler du Phnom Bok ? Le Phnom Bok est un temple situé à l'extérieur de Siem Reap mais que je n'ai jamais visité.
Pour la visite des temples voir mon post du 22/07/2018 :
voyageforum.com/...post=9099767#9099767
Dans la partie "Temples extérieurs au site d'Angkor" je parle du Beng Mealea
Je rajoute une chose pour les yeux : attention à la poussière quand on "voyage" en tuk tuk, quand on reste sur les sites les plus centraux, les distances ne sont pas longues, mais si on utilise le tuk tuk pour aller, par ex, à Beng Mealea, cela peut devenir un souci.
C'est donc une précaution d'emporter un collyre antiseptique (difficile à trouver sur place) ; et prévoir de renoncer aux lentilles si nécessaire !
La route pour aller au Beng Mealea est très bonne ainsi que celle qui conduit à Koh Ker
Tu peux visiter Koh Ker et Beng Mealea la même journée en louant un véhicule avec chauffeur. Prix 100-130 $ pour ces deux temples.
Je te conseille de voir (ou revoir) le documentaire "Angkor redécouvert" :
voyageforum.com/...post=9099767#9099767
On y voit une reconstitution virtuelle de la statue de "Shiva dansant". Eric Bourdeneau (membre de l'EFEO) et Pierre Baptiste (conservateur au Musée Guimet) pensent que la statue rapportée par Louis Delaporte en 1873 et qui est exposée au Musée Guimet serait la représentation du roi Jayavarman IV.
Je te conseille également le livre de Michel Petrotchenko "Le guide des temples d'Angkor", on y trouve une description du Beng Mealea et de Koh Ker. Claude Jacques dans son livre "Angkor cité khmère" ne décrit pas ces temples
Dans la description de Koh Ker il y a un plan d'ensemble du Prasat Thom : au N° 3 il y a l'emplacement où des éléments du "Shiva dansant" ont été découverts. Au N° 6 c'est la salle où l'on a découvert des restes de cornes de buffles ce qui permet de dire que la statue initiale n'était pas celle de Nandin (monture de Shiva) à mais d'un buffle qui est la monture de Yama (dieux des morts et des enfers)
Voir (ou revoir) mon post : 2015 : Temples extérieurs au site d'Angkor
voyageforum.com/...ite-angkor-d7299281/
Je me permets d'apporter une note bien discordante, car tous ces messages me semblent malheureusement trompeurs, et je vais te donner le conseil que j'aurais aimé recevoir avant d'y aller: surveille bien tes affaires. Et, contrairement à ce qu'on te raconte, non, le Cambodge, et particulièrement Phnom Penh ne sont pas sécuritaires. Tu ne risques pas un meurtre ou un kidnapping, mais pour ma part un pickpocket m'a volé mon téléphone sur le riverside de Phnom Penh et une amie s'est fait arracher son sac par un mec en moto lorsque j'étais à côté d'elle. Ces faits sont quotidiens. J'ai eu le temps de rencontrer des expats de longue date, pas un n'avait pas subi un vol ou ne connaissait pas quelqu'un qui n'en avait subi un (ou plusieurs). Et ce n'est pas près de changer car la police est sous-payée est d'une inefficacité redoutable. De ce fait, personne ne perd son temps à porter plainte, et les chiffres de la délinquance sont donc largement sous-évalués. Je ne comprends pas pourquoi tout le monde se borne à essayer de faire croire que ce pays est sécuritaire et que les gens sont souriants etc... J'ai vécu 5 mois en Thailande et je suis au Laos depuis 3 semaines, voici l'Asie du sud est que j'aime. J'ai détesté le mois que je viens de passer au Cambodge, pour une liste de raisons longue comme mon bras - dont l'insécurité - et je n'y remettrai jamais les pieds.
bonjour Axel
vous avez raison pour Phnom Penh, il faut bien se dire que les Cambodgiens sont pour la plupart payés à coup de triques, çà évolue bien mais il reste et restera toujours des pauvres. Des voleurs il y en a partout dans le monde et le Cambodge n'y fait pas exception. En général, le Cambodge est sûr (sauf dans la capitale). Il y a des règles à respecter comme partout (le soir, ruelles sombres, exhibition de bijoux ou de téléphone, drogue vendue par des indicateurs de la police, demander prix tuk tuk avant chaque voyage, maintenant il y a PassApp taxi qui permet de payer moitié prix les taxis et autres moyens de locomotion.... Il y a et aura toujours des petits vols de proximité au Cambodge, comme partout. Mais en général c'est un pays sûr.
Cela fait 10 ans que je vais au Cambodge et j'y passe du temps. Je n'ai jamais subi une seule agression. Ceci dit, je ne nie pas qu'a Phnom Penh il y ai des agressions pour vol, il suffit simplement de prendre les précautions de bases, rien de voyants ( sacs a mains, bijoux, appareils photos, tel portable) et tout se passera bien, ce sont des vols opportunistes.
Je connais bien les autres pays également, le Cambodge est différent de par son histoire récente et peut être plus difficile pour les visiteurs non habitués.
Mais il reste un pays extra, lorsque l'on sort des sentiers battus et que l'on apprend à le connaître. Je me suis très souvent retrouvé seul dans des endroits paumés , au bout d'une piste, je n'ai jamais eu de souci, bien au contraire.
Ensuite je peux comprendre que vous n'ayez pas apprécié votre séjour après ce que vous avez subi.
Axel a raison. Les vols à l'arraché sont très fréquents à Phnom Penh.
Ce risque est mineur dans le reste du pays, majeur dans la capitale.
Il y a quelques gestes à acquérir, on évite les sacs en bandoulière, on se met à l'écart de la circulation pour sortir son téléphone, etc.
Si on ne le sait pas, le risque de vol est élevé.
Une fois qu'on sait ça, normalement, tout se passe bien !
Ce qui est plus discutable, ce sont les dernières phrases sur "ne croyez pas que les gens sont souriants, etc." D'une part parce que les pickpockets et voleurs à l'arraché ne représentent pas les Cambodgiens en général, et dans les normes sociales d'ici le vol est même considéré comme très grave. Et d'autre part parce que la probabilité de sourires, de gens adorables et accueillants, etc., est à mon sens plus élevée au Cambodge qu'au Laos et surtout qu'en Thaïlande pour d'autres raisons. Mais c'est un tout autre débat.
Et je comprends que votre expérience ait été traumatisante.
Tout à fait d'accord sur les gestes de bon sens à prendre quand on est dans la foule. D'ailleurs, ces gestes je les observe... à Paris aussi, et partout en France quand je suis dans la foule !
Voyager en santé › Thaïlande / Cambodge · 22 replies
Je pars avec mon époux du 2 au 23 septembre Nous sommes seuls et voulions visiter Bangkok puis prendre le train vers le nord et se rendre au Cambodge pour voit…
Asie du Sud-Est › Thaïlande / Cambodge · 13 replies
Dsl si il y a 2 messages identiques, mais je n'ai pas vu l'autre apparaître alors je me reprend. Je vais voyager seul et je voudrais savoir si il y a des…
Je compte me rendre au Vietnam en Novembre. De là j aimerais aller en Thailande. Je glane les infos et constate que le Laos et le Cambodge semblent être des…
Je pense aller à siem reap et angkor d'ici 15 jours. Pouvez vous me dire si cela est Safe par rapport aux problèmes frontaliers? Rien de très récent sur les…
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.
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!
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!
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
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?
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. ;-)
