Fruit bought at a market in Bajawa on the island of Flores (Indonesia): I don’t know its Indonesian name or its French name (if it has one). Pretty good with a creamy texture and a yogurt-like taste! We even ate it with a small spoon.
Hey, my first guess: soursop.
Same family as the sugar apples mentioned in the previous post, but bigger and with a different taste.
Right now, you can find quite a few of them in markets, but what is this fruit? Do you know it? It’s not that common. The segments you remove from the bunch can be eaten raw or fried with the pit still inside.
Hi,
I think it’s jackfruit. You see a lot of it in Indonesia and Malaysia, for example. I’ve never tried it, though!
@Cerelinde @Eiger @Songsam
Djalma is right. There was a trick—it’s not jackfruit, even though it’s from the same family; it’s different in many ways. It’s the chempedak, jumpada, jampada, cempadak... (in Thai: จำปาดะ). It’s more elongated and less imposing. The inside forms a cluster where the bulbs are attached, and you can easily remove them, unlike with jackfruit. The bulbs are round, very soft, fleshy, creamy, and the taste is rich, sweet, and sugary.
It stinks... You have to admit it—when the fruit is very ripe, it gives off an incredible smell, not very pleasant. You could compare it to durian, maybe even worse... But man, is it good!
You can also fry the bulbs with their seeds, coated in batter.
It grows mainly in southern Thailand, especially around Nakhon Si Thammarat, which produces a ton of it.
Djalma is amazing! 😎
Thanks for the explanation, Philippebrg! 😉
In Indonesia, locals translate it as "jackfruit," but I guess that’s just for convenience.
This time, I headed to Bangkok Province, in the Klong Sam Wa district, to the late-afternoon market at KC (13°53'14.33"N 100°43'8.91"E).
Having stayed there many times, I visited the market almost daily. Since the place doesn’t attract tourists at all, the vendors and customers had plenty of time to get used to my presence, so they stayed natural the day I decided to bring my camera along while running errands.
The only public transport to KC is a frequent minivan service from Minburi, about a 20-minute ride... but you’d have to want to go through crowded Minburi. Another reason to visit Klong Sam Wa district is Safari World (Safari Park and Marine Park), whose entrance is just 5-6 minutes by taxi from KC and closes at 5 PM—right when the market hits its peak, making for a full day’s outing.
First set: the market entrance and fresh produce vendors:
At first, when I saw those stalls of fish or meat, I told myself I’d never buy or eat those products—they weren’t in refrigerated displays. I was worried about hygiene in that heat, with no obvious cold chain management...
But that was before. I admit I don’t pay any special attention to it now. Maybe because I’ve never gotten sick... After every purchase, at home, meats or fish are thoroughly washed. Usually, the food is cooked very well. And what I’m often told is that the meat found in markets comes from animals that were recently slaughtered, and they haven’t been sitting in cold storage—I like to believe that. For fish, since we’re near the sea, they often come straight from the port, which reduces the risks.
I even catch myself eating raw shrimp or oysters...
Though I’m not sure I’d try beef tartare...
Here, oysters are always enjoyed with condiments (grilled onion, garlic, chili paste, lemon, fish sauce, *krathin* (a herb from the mimosa family), and chilies. Without these accompaniments, I admit they have absolutely no flavor...
Shrimp are served raw, on a bed of cabbage or lettuce, with thin slices of *mara* (bitter cucumber) and a sauce made from lemon, chili, and cilantro.
At first, when I saw those stalls with fish or meat, I told myself I’d never buy or eat those products—they weren’t in refrigerated displays. I was worried about hygiene, with the heat and the obvious lack of cold chain management...
But that was before. I admit now I don’t pay any special attention to it anymore.
Whether you cook at home while living there or eat only in street stalls or restaurants as a tourist, the products usually come from the same kind of rustic shops anyway, so...
And some meat or fresh fish vendors who are more careful about hygiene go so far as to set up old, grimy recycled fans as fly repellents by attaching a plastic bag to a single blade spinning just above the goods—it’s reassuring...
Below is an illustration from the Sangkhom market (Nong Khai province, on Route 211) where there are no fewer than 5 fly repellents spinning above the meat. You can also see one (cleaner) in your first photo.
Here, oysters are always enjoyed with condiments (grilled onion, garlic, chili paste, lemon, fish sauce, krathin (a herb from the mimosa family), and chilies. Without these accompaniments, I admit they have absolutely no taste at all...
Oysters in Thailand? I tried them twice. Oh, the rage, oh, the despair!...
They’re completely bland, and for good reason—those #@µ$ wash them before serving, so goodbye to the briny taste, which is pretty much the only flavor the little critter has. As for the condiments, that little herb (krathin?) in your photo has absolutely no taste, and the rest are just tongue-and-palate-traumatizing stuff for farangs (and oysters!)...
While I’m at it, I’ll also mention prawns and other crustaceans of similar shape, whose species name changes depending on their size. They’re excellent, but damn—will no one ever tell them that grilling on the barbecue isn’t the only way to cook and prepare them?*
During my last visit to the food corner at Chiang Rai’s night bazaar, I noticed that all 20 or 30 food stalls were selling prawns, but just like everywhere else, every vendor served them grilled on the BBQ (and took "uniformity" to the extreme by selling them all at the exact same price). Ffffh...
Conclusion: I love Thai cuisine, but when I start dreaming of a good seafood platter, no way—I’ll wait until I’m back in France**, even if it costs me three times as much.
* You’re implicitly on the mission now 😉
** Or until I go back to Chile or Argentina... 🙂
Oysters in Thailand? I tried them twice. Oh rage, oh despair!...
They’re completely flavorless, and for good reason—those #@µ$ wash them before serving.
Same thing in Vietnam.
The first time I bought oysters at the nearby market, I saw the vendor open them with a hammer/chisel and then scrub the inside with a high-pressure water jet
Here, oysters are systematically enjoyed with condiments (grilled onion, garlic, chili paste, lemon, fish sauce, Krathin—a herb from the mimosa family—and chilies. Without these accompaniments, I admit they have absolutely no taste at all...
Conclusion: I love Thai cuisine, but when I start dreaming of a good seafood platter, well, now I just wait until I’m back in France**, even if it costs me 3 times as much.
* You’re implicitly on the mission now 😉
** Or to head back to Chile or Argentina... 🙂
Please don’t talk to me about seafood platters... I’m drooling...🤪
I don’t even know if it’s the fact that they’re washed before eating that removes the briny taste, or if they just don’t have it to begin with...
For raw shrimp, they’re washed with sparkling water... 😏
Oysters in Thailand? I tried them twice. Oh rage, oh despair!...
They’re completely tasteless, and for good reason—those #@µ$ wash them before serving!
Same thing in Vietnam.
The first time I bought oysters at the nearby market, I saw the vendor open them with a hammer/chisel and then scrub the inside with a high-pressure water jet
Do they taste the same as in Thailand? Do you eat them with condiments too?
They’re always cooked in the shell, over charcoal, with various sauces and ingredients: butter (actually margarine), green onion, peanut, chili... and even Laughing Cow cheese! 😄
I’m planning to go to Koh Lipe.
Do you know a good site to book a boat ticket from Phuket?
And if you’ve visited any nice islands around Koh Lipe, I’d love to hear about them.
I’d like to go diving.
Thanks
Hi,
We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅
Thanks for your experiences/tips!
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
We’re planning to spend two full days in Phnom Penh next January.
We really love markets, and I’d love to know which one you think is the most interesting in the capital? The Central Market (Psar Thmei) and the Russian Market are often mentioned.
Thanks in advance for your tips.
Have a great day,
I’m planning our summer vacation for August 2027.
We’re a family of 4, and here’s what I had in mind:
- Arrival in Surabaya (one or two stops, including Jakarta). 6 nights on Java Island (private driver, nights split between Bromo and Yogyakarta)
Budget airline.
- 7 nights in Bali: 4 in Ubud, 3 in Amed (with a rental car)
- And a 3-night stopover in Singapore.
During my trip to Thailand, I’ll be spending 2 nights at Tonsai Beach, near Ao Nang Beach, close to Krabi. Tonsai Beach is only accessible by boat, so I was wondering where I could safely leave my car at Ao Nang Beach for 48 hours?
Alternatively, at Ao Nam Mao Beach (on the other side), if there are shuttles to Tonsai Beach.
We’re planning a two-week trip to the Philippines in August (unfortunately, we don’t have a choice on the dates...) and we’ve seen, especially through many posts here, that a large part of the Philippines is advised against visiting. However, some areas might still be okay for this month.
Based on that, we’re considering the following itinerary:
• D1–D2: Flight from France to Manila, overnight transit in Manila.
• D3–D5: Camiguin — beaches, Mantigue, White Island, and a volcanic tour (staying at Balai sa Baibai)
• D6–D9: Anda — beach, snorkeling, rice terraces, Can-Umantad Falls, Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, waterfalls, and adventure activities (staying at Anda White Beach Resort)
• D10–D14: Siquijor — snorkeling, whale shark excursion in Oslob if possible, Apo Island, and sunset fishing (staying at Coco Grove Beach Resort)
• D15–D16: Return via Cebu and Manila, then international flight back to France.
We’ll be two families of four with kids over 20...
I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this itinerary is feasible, and I’m open to suggestions for other islands or activities from those who know the destination well.
Thanks for your help! :slight_smile:
Hi there,
We’re thinking of spending a month in the Philippines at the end of February and the beginning of March. What’s the tourist crowd like during that time—is it super busy? We’re not really used to booking accommodations, transport, etc., in advance.
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone.
I’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
Hi there,
We’re planning a backpacking trip to Northern Malaysia and northern Sumatra in February/March 2027. It’ll be our first time in these areas (we’re pretty familiar with the rest of Asia). Thanks in advance for your favorite spots and diving recommendations! It’s still very open-ended—we haven’t set anything in stone yet.
Thanks,
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 fellow travelers, and thanks to everyone for keeping this blog alive!
It’s my turn to ask a question.
For our trip to Laos next year, I’m torn between using a local agency or organizing everything myself with the Lonely Planet guide and tips from VoyageForum.
If I plan it myself, will I still be able to find French-speaking guides on the spot or book excursions in advance?
Thanks for sharing your experiences, and if you have any recommendations for local agencies—just for excursions or even transportation—that’d be great!
Sylvie
Cinefil67
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes.
I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights?
Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi?
I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have.
Thanks so much! !
Hi,
Is it useful to rent a car from Puerto Princesa to get to El Nido? Are there any nice stops along the way?
I read that once you arrive in El Nido, most of the beaches and sights are accessed by boat, so I'm wondering if this rental is really worth it...
Thanks for your help
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places.
We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok).
We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th.
We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok...
Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya.
From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th.
On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed?
Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip?
Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
Hello.
We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).
18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC
20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land
20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding
23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing)
27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City
1/1: Return flight to France.
What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots.
I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary.
For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists.
So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice:
1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City.
2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay
3- The Heritage Town of Taal
4- Banaue and Batad
5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town)
6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan
7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon)
8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island
I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees.
Thanks in advance
Hi,
We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam.
What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots?
Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night?
Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites?
Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.
Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!
Hi there,
We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach.
The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?
From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.
Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar?
Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total.
Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel?
Thanks, Françoise
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,
After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter).
Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333?
I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!
I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dayi
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
