Let's just say there aren't many agencies left that don't offer trips to see the Black Lolo. No problem, they all visit the same ones—there are plenty of other villages that are still untouched by these or other ethnic groups, and lots of great moments to share with them.
But I think now that the Ha Giang Plateau is classified, this region will open up, and there'll be more people. As for me, I'm heading to Nghe An—people still look at me like I'm an alien there (just hope Michalak doesn't go!!!!!!😕)[;]
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,
Just wanted to say we’re still on track—the trip is coming together.
Flight tickets booked from 21/04 to 05/05, and the deposit’s been paid to the agency (the rest on arrival). It’s really shaping up.
We’ve received the invitation letter.
I’m just a little nervous because I’m heading back to China a week later (for work) and I’ve just found out I need to send my passport to the embassy to get the visa (for China). Fingers crossed I get my passport back in time… otherwise, I’m in trouble for our trip.
So, we have a meet-up at the airport on the 5th—it’s our arrival day! 😉😉😉
Which agency did you end up choosing, by the way?
We changed our itinerary, so we’ll spend two full days with the LOLO people, including accommodation, and two days in a small village north of Ha Giang, with hikes and markets....
I hope everything goes smoothly with your visa—it should be fine. You’ve got a month, so that should work out .
See you soon!
Safe travels.
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
We changed our itinerary, so we’ll spend two full days with the LOLO people, including accommodation, and two days in a small village north of Ha Giang, with hiking and markets....
Oh, that’s way better than bouncing around in a 4x4 in the wind!🙂
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,
Quick question: do you know the day of the big tree market in Pac Ngoi?
On top of the 2 days in Ha Giang and 2 with the LoLo people, we’ll spend 2 days in Pac Ngoi with a local family....
The agency also scheduled the trip so we can visit the reverse market in Pho Bang and the Bao Lac market on Saturday.
I think this really matches what we’re looking for.😏
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,
Is the big tree market in Pac Ngoi the Nam Cuong market?
Well, that’s a mystery😕... all I know is you have to cross over and it’s on the way to the cave...
Several tour operators offer it, but there’s no specific info out there.
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
Two days to go, the suitcases are packed. Final check of what we're bringing. Asia, what do you pack?
Otherwise, a last-minute hiccup: my wife pulled her calf muscle a month ago (immobilization, physio). No crutches anymore, but her foot mobility isn’t fully back. We’re planning trekking poles, a heel lift, and a calf support, plus a moderate pace. Do you think that’ll work? Are the elevation changes significant on the itinerary? Thanks for any last-minute tips.
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,
Why the Lolo, we choose from what the tour operators offer. I would have liked to meet other ethnic groups too, but it doesn’t seem possible—or only briefly, like passing through a market or by the side of a road... 😕
The safari or zoo visit, it’s really the tourist who, through their attitude, makes their trip a voyeuristic experience or not... it depends on their curiosity, their desire to learn more, and the respect they show. 😏
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
😎 hi there,
Just a quick note while I’ve got wifi in Baolac to say this trip is amazing. The landscapes are stunning and the locals are so welcoming, despite the simplicity of their daily lives. A cup of tea or sometimes just hot water to have a chance to chat a little. They’re all hard workers and really endearing. We’ve got 3 more nights with homestays, and they’re by far the best evenings we’ve had. There are a few challenges with meals, but we’re making an effort, and it’s a bit tough to sleep because their mattresses are firm. See you soon
That's what I do too...😉 and the result is up to par: soaking or spraying the product intensively 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 much less harmful than all those chemical products that at least affect your health and in some cases destroy your liver...
Have a nice day - Kimtwo
I'm really late to this discussion, but I have one or two questions for the mosquito-fighting experts.
I'm leaving in August and I bought the soaking version, but I just realized that with one bottle I can only do 2 kg of laundry. I thought you had to dilute the product and soak almost all your clothes in a bathtub. But apparently, you use it undiluted?
Is there a "trick"? A larger size? Another brand besides Insect Écran? Or in the end, isn't the spray version much more economical?
I’m chiming in to let you know that during my three trips to Vietnam (the last one in May/June 2012), I used INSECT ECRAN SPRAY INSECTICIDE FOR CLOTHING (navy blue bottle).
I also use (very, very sparingly) INSECT ECRAN Skin Repellent – Special Tropics. I’m not a big fan of products you spray on your skin, so I don’t even use a third of the 75 ml bottle (but that’s just my personal preference).
A few days before my departure and just before packing my suitcase, I spray my long linen or lightweight fabric pants, as well as long-sleeved T-shirts or shirts (which I wear in the evening before nightfall). Three sprays on each pant leg, front and back, and one around the waistband. Same for polo shirts or long-sleeved shirts—front, back, and sleeves—plus two sprays on each sock or ankle sock that we also wear in the evening. I also give the inside of my suitcase a good spray.
We traveled through northern, central, and southern Vietnam, as well as parts of Cambodia and Laos, and we were never bitten. Our clothes were washed and rewashed multiple times, and the product lasts a long time.
What’s more, a 100 ml bottle is more than enough—I never finish it.
Don’t hesitate to ask if you’d like more details. If I can help, I’d be happy to.
The time difference didn’t let me reply last night (for me)😉) but I totally confirm what the other forum member told you—if you’re really "attractive" to mosquitoes, spray the regular formula on uncovered areas... and most importantly, don’t wear perfume.
Not everyone reacts the same way to that little troublemaker, the mosquito: bring both formulas (the spray for your clothes at home and the lotion for your skin) because in Vietnam, you’ll struggle to find equivalent products.
Have a great trip—it’s already 30°C this morning in Hanoi... and it’s nice, not too hot..
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)
I’m revisiting this "mosquito" question. I didn’t bring up Malarone or other medications because it wasn’t your question—it’s too personal (depends on where you’re staying) and it’s best to ask your doctor.
For my part, I took Malarone in 2008 for northern Vietnam, and again in 2010. Just one box for me and one for my husband, and this year we didn’t take anything. We still traveled between May and June, when the monsoon starts and it’s very hot and humid.
But I do confirm that if you’re wondering about it, you should check with your doctor.
Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful trip. You’ll be there at the same time as my daughter and her kids. As for us, we just got back yesterday, and I already want to go back! We’ve built such strong connections in both the north and the south with the "local" rural population in the north and in the Delta in the south. We always reconnect every time we return (sorry about the center—Venetian—lol—but we didn’t stay long enough... maybe next time...).
Have a great trip, and if you need any other info, don’t hesitate...😉
Here in the center, it's a heatwave... it's SUPER hot...
can't sleep at all.
We eat very little...
fortunately, the sea bath at 5 PM cools us down a bit.
As for mosquitoes, yes, they bite here, but I use a Vietnamese repellent that I spray generously around 6 PM.
Otherwise, in the house, I use a special mosquito tennis racket—it's effective...
We're waiting for you, Mavn...
Did I already tell you? A brand-new, ultra-comfortable, luxurious hotel just opened here by the sea, at 300,000 dong per night—unbelievable!
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
And that Vietnamese repellent???? Is it for using in the house, like a normal spray to get rid of invaders everywhere, or is it something you put on your skin???? Did you find it in a *sieu thi*? What’s the name?
Here at Intimex or Wi-Fi Mart, they don’t even have the tablets for electric diffusers anymore...... the trend has passed. For now, we don’t have mosquitoes, but it’s so *hoi* (humid, for the uninitiated) that they’ll be here soon...
Thanks for the info if you have it.
Best - 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)
It’s "funny" talking about heatwaves in Vietnam!!! In France, sure (but not often), but in Vietnam!!!!
How I’d love to stroll through this wonderful country with temperatures of 25°C or even 28°C max!!!! You see, the fact that it’s too hot kinda "ruins" the pleasure of walking around; we tend to stay "cool," always looking for shade, constantly showering, and not going out enough.
Here, to cool you down a bit, I can tell you I just took a shower with the heating on!!!! It’s 14°C outside!!! With sunshine and a little rain. Feels so good!!!! The lawn is all green, and the roses are in bloom!!! Gorgeous!!! Yeah, no flamboyant trees or frangipani flowers here!!!
As for your mosquito racket, pro or con, I love the sound it makes when you catch one. Here in Normandy, no need. Too bad, ‘cause it’d remind me of all those years playing tennis, and I don’t think I’d miss ‘em—lol.
Anyway, I’m off to the market (in pants and a long-sleeved polo, not shorts and a tank top!!! There, that’ll cool you down!!!).😎😎😎
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,
I’m revisiting this "mosquito" question. I didn’t bring up Malarone or other medications because that wasn’t your question—it’s too personal (depends on where you’re staying) and it’s best to ask your doctor.
Mavn
I have a consultation at the end of the month at the travel clinic at Pitié-Salpêtrière in Paris. We’re going with our itinerary, and they’ll give us all the prescriptions we need. If I can avoid Malarone with all the mosquito precautions, I’d love to... But we’re spending 12 days in the north (Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Tam Coc). So?
I asked myself the same question before leaving—Malarone or not...
Now that I’m back, I can only advise you to take it. There are mosquitoes—not everywhere, but we encountered them in some northern areas.
When you see all the places with stagnant water, we’re glad we opted for proper protection.
Pour bien aimer un pays il faut le manger, le boire et l’entendre chanter. (Michel Déon)
1) Here’s the name:
REMOS
ROTHO lab
60 ml
around 25,000 dong, I found it at the CoopMart supermarket.
I spray it directly on my skin—I find it effective.
2) Otherwise, there are RAID mosquito coils. If you’re eating outside, burn one—it’s really effective, but do it outdoors.
3) Last tip: I’ll lend you my wife—guaranteed success, she attracts all the mosquitoes. She’s like bait… plus, it’ll give me a break!
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
Here in the center it's a heatwave... it's SUPER hot...
can't sleep
we eat little...
fortunately, the sea bath at 5 PM cools us down a bit.
As for mosquitoes, yes, they bite here, but I use a Vietnamese repellent that I spray generously around 6 PM.
Otherwise, in the house, I use a special mosquito tennis racket—it's effective...
We're waiting for you, Mavn...
Did I already tell you? A brand-new, super luxurious and comfortable hotel just opened here, by the sea, at 300,000 dong per night—unbelievable!
Where is this new hotel? Can we get more details? Thanks
Where is this new hotel? Can we get more details? Thanks
First, I’d like to pinpoint the location precisely:
My Khe beach, in the village of Tinh Khe, 8 km from Quang Ngai city, 100 km south of Hoi An / Da Nang.
A few forum members have stayed at this hotel recently, but I don’t want to reveal their identities without their permission.
It’s a really comfortable hotel-restaurant, I’d say high-end.
300,000 dong for a double room and 320,000 d for a twin room.
I’ll say it again—the price is unbelievably low for what you get... I think prices will go up soon.
This afternoon, I’ll take some photos and maybe even shoot a video. I’ll post them quickly.
That’s the manager in the photo.
From My Khe, you can visit Sa Huynh, Ba To, My Lai, head straight to Kon Tum via the magical Route 24, reach Hoi An in 3 hours by motorbike, or Quy Nhon in 4.5 hours.
Welcome!
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
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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?????
