je suis nouveau venu sur le site et j'ai déjà pu apprécier la mine d'infos utiles pour préparer notre voyage au VN de fin juillet/début août. Néanmoins je vous sollicite pour me conseiller sur un itinéraire partant de HCM où nous atterissons et retour trois semaines plus tard de HCM également.
Notre philosophie : mieux vaut parcourir moins de km et voir moins mais profiter plus des contacts avec la population ou de moments partagés (même si la langue peut être une barrière).
Quel serait donc selon vous un bon itinéraire à suivre pendant ces 3 semaines avec cette philosophie.
Merci d'avance de vos réponses/commentaires !
Les voyages nous apportent d'autres point de repères et donc plus de tolérances vis-à-vis de autres.
mieux vaut parcourir moins de km et voir moins mais profiter plus des contacts avec la population
Bienvenu au Club🙂
Je vois que ma conception du voyage et des conseils qui en découlent commencent à porter ses fruits. La rentabilité à tout grain et le périple marathonien pour voir les sites incontournables c'est à oublier le plus vite possible.
Votre voyage se situe Fin Juillet, Debut Aout, l'endroit idéal pour se poser c'est Hue, Hoi An, les hauts plateaux du Centre et la baie de Nha Trang et celle de Van Phong. Posez-vous quelque part et le contact avec la population est immédiate et l'on fera découvrir les merveilles cachées du VietNam.
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,
merci pour ta réponse
je ne sais pas si c'est ton travail de promotion en tout cas nous ça a toujours été notre conception
content que tu me répondes car je me suis évidemment inspiré de tes nombreux conseils que tu as déjà donné sur ce site !!
Tu ne mentionnes pas le delta du mekong : vaux-t-il vraiment la peine de privilégier Nha Trang plutot que le mékong comme tu disais dans un post précédent que le mékong c'est la vie au vn (je te suis bien 😉)
Les voyages nous apportent d'autres point de repères et donc plus de tolérances vis-à-vis de autres.
A la période que tu as choisie, le delta du Mekong connait de grandes crues et il pleut tous les jours, même si seulement en quelques heures. Il vaut mieux visiter cette région de Décembre à Avril.
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,
oui pas toujours facile de choisir ...j'avais vu un parcours que tu proposais dans un post précedent mais peut-être trop chargé pour nous ?
L'ordre du circuit est presque parfait. Quelques petites améliorations, si vous permettez Hanoi (5 jours, avec la baie d'Along) Hué (2 nuits) Hoy An (2 ou 3 nuits, avec MySon) Mui Ne (2 nuits) Dalat (2 nuits) HCMC (1 nuit) Phu Quoc (3 nuits) Chau Doc (1 nuit) Can Tho (2 nuits) HCMC (1 nuit) j'ai aussi été faire un tout sur le site de l'association dont tu fais partie et me semble intéressant. J'en parle aussi à ma copine. Elle est située à can tho donc ?
Les voyages nous apportent d'autres point de repères et donc plus de tolérances vis-à-vis de autres.
vu un parcours que tu proposais dans un post précedent
Je propose toujours en fonction des souhaits et des impératifs de chacun. Parfois, ce n'est pas du tout un parcours idéal.
Dans ton cas, je crois qu'il vaut mieux laisser le delta du Mekong et Phu Quôc, au profit des haut-plateaux du Centre et à la place de Phu Quôc, tu peux profiter des plages paradisiaques de Hon Môn.
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,
salut
+1 pour abalone au sujet des hauts plateaux, très intéressants à visiter.
3 semaines c'est un peu juste pour monter du sud au nord, donc il vaudrait mieux se concentrer sur le sud et les hauts plateaux et mieux profiter des choses que de courir. au mieux pousser jusqu'à huê.
Notre philosophie : mieux vaut parcourir moins de km et voir moins mais profiter plus des contacts avec la population ou de moments partagés (même si la langue peut être une barrière).
Je me joins aux autres pour te souhaiter la bienvenue.
Je partage tout à fait ton point de vue et allais te proposer de venir passer quelques jours à Hue. Je ne connais pas encore les autres villes. Là, en tout cas, tu y trouveras des gens avec qui tu pourras bavarder et faire connaissance, ils sont très ouverts et très curieux.
Si tu programmes un passage par cette ville, fais-moi signe et je te donnerai qq adresses où tu pourras trouver des intrelocuteurs qui parlent français.
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,
merci à tous pour vos messages de bienvenue !
oui les adresses à Hué m'intéressent comme nous irons certainement vu sa situation centrale
pour le reste je crois que nous allons laisser le delta cette fois comme ça n'a pas l'air d'être le mieux au niveau météo
je crois par contre quand même monter jusque hanoi comme la baie d'halong a l'air superbe à cette époque de l'année. Par contre est-ce que ça vaut la peine de s'attarder à Hanoi ? vu que c'est une plus grande ville les contacts sont sans doute moins écidents ? (à priori mais la question est ouverte...)
j'essaie de faire des choix mais pas évident 🤪 help !
Les voyages nous apportent d'autres point de repères et donc plus de tolérances vis-à-vis de autres.
est-ce que ça vaut la peine de s'attarder à Hanoi ?
Oui Hanoi est une grande ville. A part la visite culturelle des différents points d'intérêt que j'ai détaillés dans un très long et très vieux message, les seuls endroits où l'on peut se poser sont les restaurants et les cafés où l'on est considéré comme un consommateur par mi tant d'autres.
Tout juste si dans les parcs, où l'on peut rencontrer des gens qui viennent aussi pour échanger des conversations.
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,
Notre philosophie : mieux vaut parcourir moins de km et voir moins mais profiter plus des contacts avec la population ou de moments partagés (même si la langue peut être une barrière).
salut a tous sa fait plaisir de lire ces post ! : )
je rejoins pas mal les avis .Abalone et ottlnpac
🙂
(même si la langue peut être une barrière).
Tienquiet au vietnam y 'en a beaucoup qui parlent le français et l'anglais ! et franchement si tu fais l'effort de parler un peu le vietnamien ..tu va voir comment sa part tres vite .....mot, hai, ba, . YO ^^ pour les specialiste lol ^^. j'espére que je fais pas de faute ....
Sa rox ...^^
c'est le pay qui ma plus marqué pour l'instant, tellement de chose a voir a faire .j'adore la nourriture ahhhhhhhh rien que dis pensser arff !!! snif sa me manque bcp, je repart cette année ....
Nous partons tous le mois de juillet et projettons à peu prés le meme voyage...HCM 1 jourdelta 5 jourshanoi et baie 5 jourshué 2 joursles hauts plateaux du centre 6 joursnathrang et allentour 2 joursHCM 1 jour...
avec 1 vol entre HCM et haiphong à reserver en arrivant, et 2 nuits en train entre hanoi et hué puis nathrang/HCM.
Bonjour, Je viens de lire toute cette discussion et je ne suis pas complètement d'accord avec les réponses qui ont été faites. Les trajets suggérés suivent surtout les sentiers battus et la côte, bref proposent des lieux ultra-touristiques où le contact avec la population est encore plus faussé par le commerce qu'ailleurs.
Les Hauts plateaux sont un conseil précieux, il serait judicieux selon moi de passer du temps aux environs de Kontum et pourquoi pas de voyager à moto dans cette région, notamment en empruntant le route 24.
Je n'aime pas du tout Nha trang, c'est très laid, il y a du monde et c'est navrant de voir qu'une grosse route borde la si jolie baie... Je n'accorde pas plus de crédit à HCMV mais pour ceux qui n'ont jamais vu un circulation pleine de motos, cela doit avoir un intérêt je suppose.
J'éviterais la baie d'Along (je sais que quand on n'est jamais venu on en rêve mais c'est un sordide piège à touristes malgré la beauté des lieux...)
J'irais dans le nord, le plus loin possible pour avoir le plus de dépaysement possible.
J'irais à Bach Ma au centre pour 1 journée de verdure et de fraîcheur.
Je ferais un tour à moto dans le delta du Mékong...
Je me baignerais à Hoi An parce que la plage du Cua Dai est belle et qu'en journée elle est peu fréquentée (malgré le monde qu'il y a à Hoi An par ailleurs !)
Enfin, il me semble que le plus simple et de voyager seul pour avoir le meilleur contact avec la population.
Et cela n'engage que moi, même s'il y a beaucoup de gens charmants au Vietnam, beaucoup de belles rencontres à faire, je dirais qu'il ne s'agit pas d'une population accueillante et que le touriste étranger n'y est pas aimé.
Enfin, il me semble que le plus simple et de voyager seul pour avoir le meilleur contact avec la population.
Et cela n'engage que moi, même s'il y a beaucoup de gens charmants au Vietnam, beaucoup de belles rencontres à faire, je dirais qu'il ne s'agit pas d'une population accueillante et que le touriste étranger n'y est pas aimé.
Bonjour Capuc,
J'ai lu ta réponse avec attention; pourrais-tu expliciter un peu plus en détail ?
Voyager seul, je suis d'accord avec toi, mais ce n'est pas toujours possible, beaucoup de VFistes sont en couple et mis à part certain(e)s célibataires endurci(e)s, la plupart sont au moins deux, cela ne doit pas empêcher les contacts. pas une population accueillante : mais encore ? quels endroits ? quelles sont tes expériences ? le touriste étranger n'y est pas aimé : idem, qu'est-ce qui te fait affirmer cela ?
Petite précision avant le déluge : Ne prends pas mes questions comme des accusations, je veux juste comprendre pourquoi tu dis cela, d'autant que sur ta fiche, tu te situes comme vivant au Vietnam.
C'est gentil de ne pas m'accuser parce que je ne voulais pas être désobligeante. Je pourrais tout aussi bien dire que les parisiens sont froids, pressés et peu accueillants avec les touristes... Pour le c��té "seul", je me suis mal exprimée, je voulais dire "seul" par opposition aux groupes (voyages organisés, excursions même en petits groupes..) = dès qu'on est plusieurs touristes massés ensemble, les échanges sont compromis. Je suis certaine qu'une petite famille avec enfants aura facilement des contacts avec la population, pas 10 backpackers arrivés ensemble. l'aspect peu accueillant avec les étrangers vient selon moi d'un rapport à l'argent particulier, il y a bcp de gens cupides, encore plus bien entendu dans les lieux ultra fréquentés. Ca peut se retrouver dans d'autres pays, évidemment. Cependant, même si j'ai fait de belles rencontres, je persiste à croire que l'étranger n'est pas bien vu et que cela est dû à un certain endoctrinement.
Merci pour ces précisions et ton point de vue. Je dois dire que ma première impression à Hanoi a été assez négative. Comme tu le dis, après, on fait de belles rencontres et on revoit ses positions.
"Il y a que les imbéciles qui ne changent pas d'avis", c'est bien connu.
Je te rejoins lorsque tu parles de voyager seul ou en petite famille, j'ai pu constater que les gens sont timides et qu'il est nécessaire d'aller vers eux. Il est bien certain que quiconque voit arriver un groupe sur lui a tendance à se mettre sur la défensive, tandis que lorsqu'il s'agit d'une ou deux personnes souriantes et amicales, la barrière tombe presqu'immédiatement. Les enfants, comme partout, sont un vecteur incroyable lorsqu'il s'agit de rencontrer l'autre.
J'espère que tu auras l'occasion de faire encore beaucoup de belles rencontres, j'ai eu cette chance et je remercie ceux qui m'ont ouvert leurs portes.
Vous semblez connaitre bien le Vietnam, c'est pourquoi je me permet de vous soumettre quelques interrogations...
Pouvez vous faire des commentaires sur ce circuit???
en vous remerciant,
Nous partons en couple du 4 au 30 juillet cet été, et au vu du temps, des pluies, nous avons bien conscience que notre itinéraire devra s'adapter à la situation...
Bonjour lolomiss.
En réponce de votre MP.
Excusez moi de pas avoir répondu toute suite sur le forum !
Je connais surtout la culture . grâce a la famille de mon ex-amie
Le vietnam je n'ai pas tout fait !
Mais je peux vous donnez mon avis .vous me demander tellement poliment ^^ comment refuser .... 🙂
Alors deja vous arrivez et partez de : 2 jours à HCM ... perso j'ai adoré cette ville
la découverte de l'époque pour moi petit voyageur qui avais rien vu !! ah ! les "TOM" crevettes ^^
2 jours vers doc let--> Doc Let (plage) - Nha Trang dsl la je donne pas mon avis mauvais souvenir pour moi mais je l'ai bien chercher ! mais d'autre ont surment aimés
les fonds marrins sont bien a ce qui parait ! j'étais aller pour sa ma copine voulais nager avec des tortues ^^...le reste dans cette ville y 'a rien qui me revient a part tout les matins c'est la gyme générale ^^ demandez d'autre avis !!!!
3 jours soit autour de hué, soit autour de hoi an ????
> dur choix alors.
hoi an petit village trés beau avec des jolies petites maisons trop mimi et prendre une moto faire un tour vers la plage ou les coins plus reculer c'est génial !!!
ou sinon aussi une personne de ce Forum a fais un site avec des photos superbe de ce village du marcher avec ces petits ponts etC...
un plaisir la nuit romantique et le matin explosion de couleur.et l'histoire des petites maisons ! c'est quelque chose a voir meme si c'est payant si je me souvient ces devenu protection de site calsser par l'unesco ...
Hué une ville plus grosse ...La riviere des Parfums en bateau ou velo etc. ! la vielle cité interdite avec des musées un peu partout a l'interieur et même si il y a peu d'objet ils sont a faire ! mais ceux de la guerre perso j'évite..... et aussi les temples de moine boudhiste apres beaucoup les tombaux.sur des klm ....
j'ai un lien web qui peut vous donnez une idée pour voir les infos parce que y'a bcp de choses a Voir et a expliquer .comme partout ! dans le pays
http://www.vietnamtourism.com/Hue/f_pages/tn_huonggiang.htm
1 ou 2 jours à hanoi -->belle ville tres vaste .
Beaucoup de Musée sourtout celui sur le Viêt Nam qui explique tres bien les 54 ethnies, du pays qui est autant que la Chine vingt-huit fois plus grande. Une véritable mosaïque de richesses culturelles. ^^
bien sur le Mausolée ho chi minh etc....et le vieux quartiers avec ces petites rues avec ses spécialiter et c'est restau de tout genre .
5 jours dans les hauts plateaux de komtum à BMT -->pas fait 2 jours entre cat ba, haiphong et la baie -->pas fait
le liens en dessous va vous permetre d'avoir pas mal d'infos ! et surtout de voir la distance de votre parcour ! qui est long et 1 mois au vietnam c'est bien mais par rapport a ce que vous voulez faire et voir ! et en plus vous dever revenir ....au point de départ ...La mission mais peut être y en a qui ont réussi ......
vos yeux vos nez, et vos pieds vont dicider a votre place ^^ c'est bien de prevoir mais sur place vous allez peut être plus rester dans tel ville et l'autre pas !
j'avais fait pareille je voulais tout prevoir ...sa marche pas ... sa dépend surtout de votre conception du voyage ....
en 1 mois j'ai bien tracer le train et sur les routes mes j'étais avec la famille en moto ou voitures donc pas trop de galére en chemin.
mais j'ai pas pu faire Sapa ni la baie d'along ni la baie terrestre .qui étais au départ ma prioriter ! la raison ont a finis sur les genoux a hanoi tellement qu'on avait cavalés dans tout les sens et surtout mauvaise périodes quand ont y étais en fin Avril il fesait super froid par rapport au sud et ont étaient pas équipés du tout .et puis ont est repartis de Hanoi en Avion ....
j'ai adorer le pays dans la totalité mais ! c'est surtout le sud qui ma plus correspondue peut être parce que j'étais en famille dans cette région et puis pas de touriste les routes en terres rouges pas d'hotel et les gens dans le village .....je peux pas le décrire plus que extraordinaire !!!
Bon voyage écoutez votre coeur il sera votre direction !
Pour Hanoi, c'est une ville ou les contacts sont faciles, tu trouveras toujours quelqu'un qui te fera la causette que ce soit en anglais, en français ou en vietnamien
je connais bien Hanoi et c'est pour moi un plaisir de contater, les gens y sont très aimables ( avec moi!!) mais peut être pas avec les autres touristes!!
je pense que tu n'as pas le temps d'aller jusqu'au nord du pays
fais le sud jusqu'a Hué, prends ton temps, profites et tu verras le nord une autre fois
le vietnam est un pays ou il faut prendre le temps de se poser, de s'y impregner et ne pas le visiter en touriste, à la va vite
bon voyage
Je pars le 19 juillet sur Hanoi pour 3 semaines et je reprends l'avion sur saigon. J'ai lu tes conseils interessants, je penser faire les montagne du nord avec les minorités, mais je vois que tu conseilles de faire les haut plateaux. De quelle ville il est bon de partir pour les faire,
je penser faire les montagne du nord avec les minorités, mais je vois que tu conseilles de faire les haut plateaux. De quelle ville il est bon de partir pour les faire,
Bonjour,
Mes conseils pour les haut-plateaux sont destinés à l'auteur du post qui veut concentrer ses visites sur peu de sites pour profiter au maximum du contact de la population.
En ce moment, ce sont les 2/3 Nord du pays, de Mui Ne à Sapa qui connaissent le temps le plus agréable (aujourd'hui par exemple, il a plu toute la journée dans le delta du Mékong, bref des conseils à faire de la moto dans le delta du Mekong en cette saison, c'est pour soi-même🙂).
En 3 semaines, tu peux faire Sapa, Hanoi, Halong Baie, Tam Coc, puis Hue, Hoi An et les haut-plateaux du centre, Dalat puis Mui Ne.
De Da Nang, tu peux prendre l'avion directement à Pleiku, un vol par jour, tous les jours à 14 H 00.
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,
Ci-après un exemple de réponse que j'ai faite en privée et que je publie aujourd'hui en public ... Je n'y ai aucun intérêt🙂
Bonjour,
Pour les hauts-plateaux, il n'y a pas de bonne ni mauvaise période. Il n'y a que la pluie qui pourrait gêner. Or tu sais que la pluie tombe à partir de Mai à Octobre, mais beaucoup moins que dans le Sud du pays.
Pour le parc Yok Don, il faut te rendre à Buon Me Thuot et te laisser par les Easy Riders à moto. Dans le parc, tu seras en charge par d'autres personnes qui connaissent mieux les lieux.
Pour le parc Cat Tien, il y a des agences qui proposent des trekkings mais si tu veux t'y rendre toi-même: depuis la petite ville de Bao Loc (située sur le plateau éponyme), il faut emprunter la RN 20 sur 50 km, puis tourner à gauche à proximité de Tan Phu. D'ici, il reste 25 km de piste à peine carrossable jusqu'à l'entrée du parc. Il faut également savoir que certains voyagistes (Fiditour, Indochines Voyages) de Hô Chi Minh-ville proposent des excursions à Nam Cat Tien.
Il y a 2 saisons, une sèche de Novembre à Avril et une pluvieuse de Mai à Octobre.
Il faudrait que je fasse un petit post sur le parc Cat Tien, sur VoyageForum, un de ces jours.
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,
Moi, je pars dans une semaine pour un trip de 3 semaines également.
Voilà mon itinéraire :
Hanoï : 2 jours
Sapa : 3 jours (déjà booké)
Haï Phong : 1 jour
Baie d'Halong : 2 jours (déjà booké)
Hué : 2 j
Hoi An : 4 j
Nha Trang : 2 j
HCMV + delta du mékong : 4 j
Hanoï : 2 j
Apparemment le delta du mékong ne vaut pas le coup à cette période (vraiment pas ?). Qu'est-ce que je pourrais faire à la place du delta du mékong, qui vaut vraiment le coup ?
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,
Je vais au Vietnam pour un voyage backpack de 3 semaines du 10 au 31 janvier. J'ai entendu dire qu'il y a beaucoup d'escroqueries au Vietnam, mais je suis au…
Ma copine et moi partons, dans 'une semaine, pour un peu plus de 3 semaines au Vietnam. Nous allons arriver a Ho chi Minh le 3 mai en soirée et repartons de…
Comme chaque année, c'est l'heure de préparer notre itineraire pour notre voyage estival. Après la thailande et la malaisie, notre choix s'est porté tout…
Nous ne sommes pas de grands voyageurs et nos 3 enfants ont 14, 12 et 7 ans. Cet été nous aimerions partir au Vietnam et voudrions allier rencontre avec les…
Plus je lis plus je suis paumée: il y'a trop de belles choses Je travaille avec une agence (que je dois rendre chèvre!) voilà ou j'en suis de mes étapes…
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
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.
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
