http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
Mes coups de coeur en Thaïlande
by Lumpini
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Pour ceux qui en on marre des coins trop touristique comme Chiang-Mai, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phuket...j'ai fait une petite sélection personnelle des endroits les plus agréable du Siam.
Nord de la Thaïlande: A ChiangRai vous louez une mobylette puis allez vous promenez aux Doy Mae Salong : magnifique. Dans le même coin: le Doy Toung: vue spectaculaire et panoramique de la Birmanie.
Toujours dans les environs de ChiangRai: la rivière Kok et ses sources d'eau chaude ou il est possible d'aller se faire cuire un oeuf 😄
la piste qui longe la rivière Kok est de toute beautée 😎
Le triangle d'or: bof 😕
La perle de PhuChiFa: c'est une très belle montagne avec une vue sur la Laos et le Mékong d'une beauté à vous coupez le souffle et que des touristes Thaïlandais.
La province de Nan recèle bien des merveilles: montagne très sauvages: une boucle a ne pas rater: de Nan prendre la direction de pua puis cap à l'est pour le bucolique village de Boo Klua: c'est paumé de chez paumé, puis direction le Nord pour Chaloem Prat Kiat: route d'une beauté extraordinaire avec champs en pentes, des petits village traditionnel sans le moindre touriste: une autre Thaïlande.
On ne désire pas ce qu'on ne connaît pas.
On écrit pour raconter, non pour prouver.
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
tout çà en vélo... la classe !!!!!!!
Salut maarvin.
Pour faire du vélo, Chiang Rai, c'est super.
Voici un joli circuit a faire aux départ de Chiang Rai:
jour 1 : de Chiang rai prendre la route principal en direction de Mae Chan ( 25 bornes un peu pénible a cause de la circulation) puis une fois arrivé à Mae Chan tourner à gauche pour Mae Fa Luang ( route 1130) puis prendre la direction du Doy Tung: la route grimpe aux sommet d'une montagne et elle longe la frontière avec la Birmanie, la vue est grandiose...puis redescendre sur Mae sai.
A mae Sai : pas de problème pour se loger, c'est plein de guest house.
Jour 2 : De Mae Sai prendre la route qui vas aux triangle d'or, jusqu'a Chiang Saen. De Chiang Saen continuer jusqu'a Chiang Khong : route extraordinaire, très peu de circulation, la vue sur la Mae Khrong ( Mékong) et les plaines Laotienne est superbe.
A Chiang Saen : plein de Guest house...
Jour 3 : De Chiang Khong prendre la route 1020 en direction du hameau de Ban Lung puis tourner a gauche et emprunter la route 1155 jusqu'a Wiang Kaen: route de toute beautée, puis poursuivre jusqu'a Phu Chi Fa: la montée de cette montagne par ce versant est très raide mais heureusement c'est pas très long.
A moins de 3 km du sommet, il y a plein de guest house, la vue et le coucher de soleil est fantastique car on est en altitude, pour monter aux sommet de Phu Chi Fa, c'est très raide ( 18%) sur 3 km, ensuite il y a un parking, puis il faut continuer a pied pour arriver au sommet ( altitude: 1680 mètre).
Jour 4 : Phu Chi Fa--Chiang Khram: ça fait que descendre.
Jour 5 : De Chiang Khram prendre la route 1148 pour Nan, soit 150 km de pure bonheur, ça grimpe pas mal, très peu de circulation, route impeccable, vues panoramique: un must en Thaïlande.
Jour 6 : repos a Nan.
On ne désire pas ce qu'on ne connaît pas.
On écrit pour raconter, non pour prouver.
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
Bonjour 2ni
Alors j'ai tous parcourus a vélo et avec mes bagages sur le vélo donc je dormais dans les petit patelin puis je revenais a Chiang Rai a la fin de chaque mois afin de renouveler le visas car c'est proche de la Birmanie.
Pour ce qui était du tour de la Thaïlande à vélo, j'avais acheté un visa de deux mois avec 2 entrée, sois 4 mois.
Si tu as d'autre question, n'hésite pas.
On ne désire pas ce qu'on ne connaît pas.
On écrit pour raconter, non pour prouver.
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
Est-il envisageable d'acheter un vélo, et peut-être de le revendre, pour pouvoir le garder assez longtemps? Les vélos de location sont-ils adaptés pour de longs trajets? Je suppose que les fous du vélo emmènent le leur? Merci! je rêve de me déplacer en vélo dans plein d'endroits en Thaïlande, laos et camboge
Valérie et Hervé
Bonjour,
tu dis j'ai fait une petite sélection personnelle des endroits les plus agréable du Siam mais, si je ne m'abuse, il n'y a pas que ces coins que tu décris en thaïlande. Tout ça ne repr&ésente qu'une infime partie de ce qui fait l'intéret du Siam ( qui n'est plus le Siam depuis longtemps, mais la Thaïlande )
Donc, j'attends la liste des autres coins à visiter..........! ou alors, rectifie ton post, et précise : des endroits les plus agréable du Nord Est du Siam
tu dis j'ai fait une petite sélection personnelle des endroits les plus agréable du Siam mais, si je ne m'abuse, il n'y a pas que ces coins que tu décris en thaïlande. Tout ça ne repr&ésente qu'une infime partie de ce qui fait l'intéret du Siam ( qui n'est plus le Siam depuis longtemps, mais la Thaïlande )
Donc, j'attends la liste des autres coins à visiter..........! ou alors, rectifie ton post, et précise : des endroits les plus agréable du Nord Est du Siam
oscar
Bonjour Valeon.
Bien sur il est préférable d'acheter un vélo en Thailande, pour ma part, chaque fois que je retourne en Thailande, j'en rachète un et puis avant de rentrer en France, je le revends sans problème.
Un conseil: ne pas prendre son vélo car le transport en avion risque de l'endommager et en plus on trouve d'excellent modèle pour 250 euros, la dernière fois, j'avais acheté un vélo gary Fisher, modèle Yahoo et aucun problème, c'est du costaud.
bon trip
On ne désire pas ce qu'on ne connaît pas.
On écrit pour raconter, non pour prouver.
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
merci, je retiens. je n'aurais pas emmené mon vélo, car je ne sais pas encore si on pourra en faire beaucoup (j'aime pas beaucoup rouler lorsqu'il y a des voitures sans avoir vu sur place à quoi ça ressemble "un peu de voitures"). J'ai pensé d'abord à la loc, mais si on pouvait en faire pas mal, ça vaut le coup d'en acheter un
Valérie et Hervé
Pour faire plaisir a Oscar, je vais vous part de mes impression sur l'Isan.
Dans l'Isan je n'ai parcouru que 12 provinces a vélo : Loey, Nong khai, Udhon Thani, Sakhon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Saket, Surin, Buriram, Nakhon Ratchasima ( khorat).
Ce que j'ai retenu :
C'est sympa mais c'est moins joli que le Nord du Siam toutefois quelques endroits valent le détour.
La province de loey est très joli surtout le long du Mékhong, le parc national de Phu Khradung n'est pas si terrible que ca comparer avec les parc nationaux du Nord...
La province de nong Khai c'est sympas aussi, mais c'est plat et les paysages se ressemblent.
Ce que j'ai aimé : Le Phra Tat proche de Nakhon phanom est l'un des sanctuaires bouddhique les plus visité de l'Isan.
Bien sur il y a le Phrasat Hin Phanom Rung ( province de Buriram) et ses vestiges Khmer aux sommet d'une montagne.
Proche de Khorat il y a Phimaî, c'est Khmer et c'est moins joli que Phanom Rung.
Dans un autre post je vous raconterai ce que j'ai aimé dans le centre et dans le Sud.
Lumpini
On ne désire pas ce qu'on ne connaît pas.
On écrit pour raconter, non pour prouver.
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
Hello Lumpini!
Merci pour le topo.
Il se trouve que justement je pars en thailande le 1er decembre pour 3 semaines, et j'hesitai a prendre mon velo ou a en acheter un sur place.
C'est la 1ere fois que je pars comme ca (seule et a velo), et je suis sure qu'il y a plein de details auxquels je ne pense pas (equipement, trajets, timings...). D'apres ce que j'ai pu comprendre on a les memes criteres en matiere de voyage, donc je pense que tes conseils seront efficaces. Dans l'ideal, je souhaitai aller sur la cote est du golf de Siam, du cote de la riviere kwai et au nord chiang mai/chiang rai, en utilisant les transports en communs (cars, avion) de temps en temps (je n'ai que 3 semaines). Tout ca n'est qu'approximatif, j'essai de me concocter un itineraire a l'aide du routard et du lonely, mais je suis plus que decue par leurs infos. Aurais tu un guide a me conseiller? As tu des endroits a me deconseiller categoriquement, d'autres a me recommander? Qu'as tu utilise comme carte routiere?
Bref j'ai des milliards de questions a te poser, mais si tu peux deja repondre a celles ci ca me serait d'une grande aide.
A bientot!
Bonjour,
Voici un lien très intéressant http://www.clickthai.de/cgi-bin/map.pl?0022049 une fois cliqué dessus tu cliques sur clikthai et tu peux naviguer dans toute la Thaïlande avec les N° des routes grandes ou petites et avec zoom, tu peux aussi imprimer les pages qui t'intéresses . Perso pour le vélo je l'achèterai là-bas, il y a eu un post la dessus vas voir sur le moteur recherche de messages "vélo en Thaïlande"" . A bangkok tu peux acheter le Michelin Thaïlande, tourist and motoring atlas, 350 baths, avec les noms des villes ou villages en anglais et en thai juste à côté très pratique pour demander son chemin à des thais . Ce livre tu le trouves dans les librairies à Bangkok .
Voici un lien très intéressant http://www.clickthai.de/cgi-bin/map.pl?0022049 une fois cliqué dessus tu cliques sur clikthai et tu peux naviguer dans toute la Thaïlande avec les N° des routes grandes ou petites et avec zoom, tu peux aussi imprimer les pages qui t'intéresses . Perso pour le vélo je l'achèterai là-bas, il y a eu un post la dessus vas voir sur le moteur recherche de messages "vélo en Thaïlande"" . A bangkok tu peux acheter le Michelin Thaïlande, tourist and motoring atlas, 350 baths, avec les noms des villes ou villages en anglais et en thai juste à côté très pratique pour demander son chemin à des thais . Ce livre tu le trouves dans les librairies à Bangkok .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Bonjour Clemenceco.
J'ai plusieurs parcours a te proposer:
Le mieux est d'acheter son vélo à Bangkok ( www.probike.co.th ) puis tu le met dans le bus pour Sukhothai, tu visites à vélo, puis tu met les sacoche pour Si Satchanalai, tu empruntes la route 1113, très peu de circulation et c'est magnifique.
A Si Satchanalai, tu te balades à vélo dans le parc historique....
Puis tu prends a nouveau un bus pour Lampang, c'est sympa et c'est peu touristique.
Encore un bus, et cette fois tu vas a ChiangMai, tu reprends le vélo et tu te dirige vers Phrao par la petite et magnifique route 1001, à Phrao tu peux dormir dans un resort.
Puis tu prends la route qui vas dans les montagnes pour Wiang pa pao ( route 1150) c est super sauvages, la route est impeccable mais c 'est raide .
Une fois a Wiang pa pao tu trouvera un petit hôtel sans problèmes.
Puis tu continu pour ChiangRai et tu aura fait un très joli parcours pas trop dure et sans trop de touristes .
Si tu as d'autre question, n'hésite pas.
On ne désire pas ce qu'on ne connaît pas.
On écrit pour raconter, non pour prouver.
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
Salut Barbot!
Merci pour les infos, je vais de ce pas commencer a regarder plus serieusement mon itineraire, meme si je sais qu'il changera, comme d'habitude au gres de mes envies, des rencontres, et de l'etat des routes.
A bientot,
Clemence
Salut,
Ce lien je l'envoi sur ma boîte Émail, lorsque je suis là-bas c'est bien pour le consulter d'un cyber-café ça peut toujours servir d'autant plus qu'il est plus précis que le Michelin .
Ce lien je l'envoi sur ma boîte Émail, lorsque je suis là-bas c'est bien pour le consulter d'un cyber-café ça peut toujours servir d'autant plus qu'il est plus précis que le Michelin .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Salut Lumpini!
Merci beaucoup pour ta reponse, tes precieux conseils vont m'aider a echaffauder mon itineraire. Il se trouve que j'ai encore trois tonnes de questions a commencer par:selon toi, combien de temps je dois compter pour ce parcours;as tu un modele de saccoche a me conseller (celles que je trouve sont cheres, et peu volumineuses);en ce qui concerne ma tenue, est ce que je ne risque pas de choquer si je suis en cuissard et debardeur, je ne mets jamais de casque (je sais c'est pas raisonnable), penses tu que l'etat des routes et la conduite des auto-chtones le rendent indispensable, est il necessaire d'attacher son velo sorti des grandes villes et de garder un oeil systematiquemnet sur les saccoches.
Je suis sure que d'ici decembre d'autres questions me turlupinnerons, donc si tu n'y vois pas d'inconvenient je ferais appel a ton experience.
Encore une fois, merci!!!!
Clemence
Salut Clemenceco;
Alors pour le parcours que je t'avais proposé dans un autre post, il faut compter dix jours en se pressant, en prenant son temps, une quinzaine de jours te suffiront, mieux vaut prendre son temps plutot que de se précipiter et vouloir tous voir a la fois.
Pour ce qui est des sacoches, a l'avant du vélo j'ai opté pour une sacoche décathlon ( le plus gros modèle) et a l'arrière j'ai juste mis un sac a dos qui tien grace a des sandow, le tous recouvert d'une housse de protection (voir la deuxième page de mon blog).
Pour ce qui est de la tenu, le mieux est le cycliste a bretelle et tu pourra rouler avec un débardeur.
pour ce qui est du regard des Thaï aux sujet de ta tenu de cycliste, pas de soucis car ils savent que tu fait du sport et quand ils font une activitée physique, ils se mettent en short et un débardeur, par contre en ville tenue correcte exigée.
Le vol est peu courrant en Thaïlande, je n'ai jamais cadenassé mon vélo.
Pour les long trajet; le casque est OBLIGATOIRE.
Si tu fait mon parcours, prends des vetement chaud, car dans le Nord, il peut faire froid.
On ne désire pas ce qu'on ne connaît pas.
On écrit pour raconter, non pour prouver.
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
Hello Eric!
Merci pour ta reponse, je pense que je vais opter pour la version ''je prends mon temps'', ce qui me laissera une semaine pour improviser une escapade farniente. Je pense emmener mon aile de traction, connais tu un spot ou je pourrais la sortir? Evidemment un endroit desert avec un vent soutenu, constant, du sable blanc, une eau a 24 degres et un peu salee mais pas trop, avec des gens sympathique et du bon poisson (je suis un peu trop exichiante, non?).
Pour la tenue et le port du casque, c'est note, penses tu que je m'equipe en France, ou que j'attend d'etre au probike store pour essayer la panoplie deu petit cycliste (cycliste brettelle+casque)?
Pour ce qui est des saccoches avec un sac ados + sandow, j'ai peur de galerer pour les fixer et d'etre souvent desequilibree.
Pense tu que je peux reussir a revendre facilement le velo apres trois semaines d'utilisation?
Merci pour ton blog, il me fait deja bien rever.
A bientot!
Clemence
Salut Clemenceco.
Désolé pour la réponse tardive.
Au sujet des ailes de traction, en Thaïlande c'est pas le top car il y a peu de marée, voire inexistante et en plus il y a des cocotier de partout donc très dangereux.
Pour ce qui est de la tenue cycliste et le casque, le mieux est d acheter en France ainsi que les sacoches.
Tous ce qui est chambre a air et autres pièce d'usure de vélo, c'est en Thaïlande qu'il faut acheter.
J'ai réussi a revendre mon gary fisher 100 euros alors que je l'avais acheté 250 euros et 10000 km aux compteur.
Voila.
On ne désire pas ce qu'on ne connaît pas.
On écrit pour raconter, non pour prouver.
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
http://velo-thailand.over-blog.com/
Log in first, then come back to this page.
You might also like
More discussions
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.
Bonjour ,
nous sommes actuellement à Mai chau et demain nous reprenons la route pour Hanoi afin de monter vers Ba Ha et Sapa .
Pas vraiment de programme attitré depuis notre arrivée nous avons déjà fait la baie d'Halong terrestre et maritime.
J'ai 2 jours libres avant d'aller sur Bac Ha et Sapa .
Avez vous des conseils ?
Merci et au plaisir de vous lire .
Hey everyone,
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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...
Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.
Thanks, friends, if you’ve got any suggestions.
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?
Thanks, and long live the Nam! !
- 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?
Thanks, and long live the Nam! !
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.
What do you all think? Thanks in advance!
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.
What do you all think? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
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?
Thanks for your opinions/answers! Marc Lamarre
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?
Thanks for your opinions/answers! Marc Lamarre
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. Is it possible to take the train from Malacca to Ipoh? Thanks for your feedback.
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
Hello,
We’re a couple looking for a driver for 10 days to explore Northern Vietnam in April.
Best regards,
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).
Thanks!
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).
Thanks!
hi
I’ll be on a cruise on January 11, 2027. We’re stopping in Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My).
I’d love to see something other than the city—anyone have recommendations or a guide for 6-8 people with pickup at the port?
I’d really like to visit some rice paddies.
I’ll be on a cruise on January 11, 2027. We’re stopping in Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My).
I’d love to see something other than the city—anyone have recommendations or a guide for 6-8 people with pickup at the port?
I’d really like to visit some rice paddies.
Hi there,
I’m spending 4 days in Kuala Lumpur.
Could you let me know what’s absolutely worth visiting and what’s not really worth the effort?
Any suggested itinerary?
Apart from Batu Caves, I don’t have many ideas...
I’m traveling with my partner and our 16-year-old son.
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
I’m spending 4 days in Kuala Lumpur.
Could you let me know what’s absolutely worth visiting and what’s not really worth the effort?
Any suggested itinerary?
Apart from Batu Caves, I don’t have many ideas...
I’m traveling with my partner and our 16-year-old son.
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
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!
Hi there,
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. ;-)
Thanks for your tips! DrSnuggle
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. ;-)
Thanks for your tips! DrSnuggle
Bonjour,
En voyage en Thaïlande je suis à la recherche de jonc bouddhiste kumlai.
Quelqu’un saurait-il me guider pour en trouver?
À Bangkok j’ai visité quelques temple mais je n’en n’ai pas trouvé sur les magasins à proximité.
Si vous avez une idée je suis preneuse! Belle journée :-)
Hi there
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?????
Thanks for any tips—I’m stuck!
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?????
Thanks for any tips—I’m stuck!
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi everyone. As I’m planning my trip for next winter, I’m looking for hotel suggestions in Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor. The ones I had in mind seem to be fully booked (unless it’s too early?). For those familiar with the area, is it easy to find accommodations on the spot in January/February? I’m specifically looking for hotels with a pool, beachfront, air conditioning, and easy scooter rental nearby. Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning March 24: Phnom Penh March 25: Phnom Penh March 26: Depart for Kampot March 27: Kampot March 28: Depart for Battambang March 29: Battambang March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap March 31: Siem Reap April 1: Siem Reap April 2: Siem Reap April 3: Siem Reap April 4: Siem Reap April 5: Departure
Thanks for any suggestions or help!
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning March 24: Phnom Penh March 25: Phnom Penh March 26: Depart for Kampot March 27: Kampot March 28: Depart for Battambang March 29: Battambang March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap March 31: Siem Reap April 1: Siem Reap April 2: Siem Reap April 3: Siem Reap April 4: Siem Reap April 5: Departure
Thanks for any suggestions or help!
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Kanchanaburi:
Kanchanaburi:
Sri Chiangmai:
Soppong:
Tha Wang Pha:
Kanchanaburi:

Kanchanaburi:

Sri Chiangmai:

Soppong:

Tha Wang Pha:

🙂 Hi everyone!
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks everyone, take care and stay happy! ❤️
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks everyone, take care and stay happy! ❤️
Hi there,
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta. 21/09: Borobudur 22/09: Prambanan 23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang) 24/09: Bromo 25/09: Kawa Ijen 26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran 27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran 28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk 29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk 30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk 01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud 02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud 03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud 04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo 05/10: Komodo cruise 06/10: Komodo cruise 07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo. 08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar 09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore 10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Thanks for your thoughts—and for your time!
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta. 21/09: Borobudur 22/09: Prambanan 23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang) 24/09: Bromo 25/09: Kawa Ijen 26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran 27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran 28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk 29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk 30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk 01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud 02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud 03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud 04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo 05/10: Komodo cruise 06/10: Komodo cruise 07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo. 08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar 09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore 10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Thanks for your thoughts—and for your time!
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Hi everyone,
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts) August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar August 17: Rammang Rammang August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
Thanks in advance for your feedback! :)
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts) August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar August 17: Rammang Rammang August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
Thanks in advance for your feedback! :)
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,
Family of 4—2 adults and 2 kids (11 and 15) who are well-traveled. We’re planning a 15-day trip to Indonesia and would love your thoughts on our itinerary. We love discovering local culture, food (!!), seeing beautiful landscapes, and keeping an active pace. We’re not the type to lounge on the beach for 5 hours or spend ages by the pool when we’re halfway across the world. Also, we try to avoid places "ruined" by mass tourism (like Holbox in Mexico, which we loved 10 years ago but not at all on our last visit, or Phi Phi in Thailand, completely destroyed by mass tourism).
Special note: we love traveling by train :)
Here’s what we’ve planned so far:
**Day 1** Arrival in Jakarta, then domestic flight to Yogyakarta. Settle in Yogyakarta.
**Day 2** Borobudur in the morning, then exploring nearby villages.
**Day 3** Prambanan in the morning, followed by culinary discovery / market / local vibe in Yogyakarta.
**Day 4** Train to Jombang, then driver/bus to the Bromo area. Overnight stay.
**Day 5** Sunrise at Bromo, exploring the volcano and sea of sand. Relax in the afternoon.
**Day 6** Travel to eastern Java, then train, ferry, and road to reach Sidemen in Bali.
**Day 7** Sidemen
**Day 8** Sidemen
**Day 9** Sidemen
**Day 10** Transfer to Gili Air (car to the port + fast boat?)
**Day 11** Gili Air
**Day 12** Gili Air
**Day 13** Transfer to Ubud
**Day 14** Ubud
**Day 15** Return to Bali airport, flight to Jakarta, then international flight.
Does this itinerary seem coherent for a family? Does it feel too packed or well-balanced? Would you make any changes to certain stops, durations, or transfers?
Thanks so much for your tips and experiences!
Family of 4—2 adults and 2 kids (11 and 15) who are well-traveled. We’re planning a 15-day trip to Indonesia and would love your thoughts on our itinerary. We love discovering local culture, food (!!), seeing beautiful landscapes, and keeping an active pace. We’re not the type to lounge on the beach for 5 hours or spend ages by the pool when we’re halfway across the world. Also, we try to avoid places "ruined" by mass tourism (like Holbox in Mexico, which we loved 10 years ago but not at all on our last visit, or Phi Phi in Thailand, completely destroyed by mass tourism).
Special note: we love traveling by train :)
Here’s what we’ve planned so far:
**Day 1** Arrival in Jakarta, then domestic flight to Yogyakarta. Settle in Yogyakarta.
**Day 2** Borobudur in the morning, then exploring nearby villages.
**Day 3** Prambanan in the morning, followed by culinary discovery / market / local vibe in Yogyakarta.
**Day 4** Train to Jombang, then driver/bus to the Bromo area. Overnight stay.
**Day 5** Sunrise at Bromo, exploring the volcano and sea of sand. Relax in the afternoon.
**Day 6** Travel to eastern Java, then train, ferry, and road to reach Sidemen in Bali.
**Day 7** Sidemen
**Day 8** Sidemen
**Day 9** Sidemen
**Day 10** Transfer to Gili Air (car to the port + fast boat?)
**Day 11** Gili Air
**Day 12** Gili Air
**Day 13** Transfer to Ubud
**Day 14** Ubud
**Day 15** Return to Bali airport, flight to Jakarta, then international flight.
Does this itinerary seem coherent for a family? Does it feel too packed or well-balanced? Would you make any changes to certain stops, durations, or transfers?
Thanks so much for your tips and experiences!






