Je viens de passer 4 jours à Ca Mau : cap extreme sud du Vietnam.
Cette region est délaissée par les services de tourisme et pourtant on peut y faire un tourisme de découverte de la vie locale.
Pour le cap Ca Mau, il faut aller demander l'embarquement des bateaux rapides pour RACH TAU (le dernier village avant la pointe) Ensuite le rete du trajet se fait en moto taxi.
Mais il faut absolument éviter de déjeuner au restaurant, batisse hexagonale, tenu par le service du tourisme je n'ai jamais manger aussi mauvais au Vietnam ......NUL, TROIS FOIS NUL.
En revanche, Il faut aller au restaurant d'en face tenu par une famille très sympa et bonne cuisine. Ils prévoient d'installer des chambres d'hôtes.
Camau elle-meme n a pas grand chose à offrir .
par contre c'est la ville du vietnam ou beaucoup de familles intriguées par ma presence seul en ville , venaient m'accoster pour savoir de quel pays je venais .
j ai bien aimé la "route" de campagne toute etroite à la sortie de la ville qui permet de gagner Rach Gia tout en longeant des cours d'eau .
ha oui, je confirme, cette route est superbe de ca mau a rach gia, ainsi que les 90km de hatien a chau doc, route toute neuve, refaite il n y a pas longtemps.
un plaisir a moto, je me suis regale pendant 8 jours dans le delta.
un bon point pour les defenseurs du sud😛
a+
Je remonte ce post car les choses changent vite au VN.
Est-ce que l'un de vous connait un moyen de transport (hors moto) pour faire le trajet Dong Thap / Sadec - Ca Mau?
Y a-t-il un bus HCM - Ca Mau ?
Tu peux faire HCM -Camau en minibus 15 places de la Cie Mailinh ( place assise reservable à l'avance )
Ils ont des departs quotidiens depuis la gare routiere sud au delà de Cholon .
Plusieurs départs par jour . Celà m'a pris environ 7 heures de route .
De Camau tu peux repartir sur Ha Tien via Rach Gia en minibus mais d'une autre petite gare routiere , service
assuré par autre compagnie .
Quelques precisions remontant à plus de deux ans sur cette Cie Mailinh .
Je l'ai utilisé de nombreuses fois . Un seul ennui , crevaison lors d'un parcours entre Buon Me thuot et Dalat .=>
Mailinh est une des compagnies de taxi de HCMV et Hanoi aux couleurs blanche et inscriptions en vert mais posséde aussi une flotte de minibus et
plus rarement de grands bus tous de couleur verte .
Tu peux reserver ta place à l'avance . Dans le minibus je prends la 15 tout au fond à droite qui me permet d'avoir la vitre et de l'espace pour allonger mes jambes .
sinon je prends la 11 juste devant la 15 .
Pour reserver tu peux aller à leur bureau au centre de Saigon à coté de l'Opéra et grands hotels .
Grand bureau ou il n'y a jamais foule .
Les employées sont vetues à la vietnamienne , ao dai vert et pantalon blanc .
Les chauffeurs eux sont en chemise blanche et cravate verte .
Sinon si tu loges dans le quartier routard , prend un mototaxi ou un taxi et va à leur petit bureau un peu plus au sud .
c'est rue LE HONG Phong à 2 bons kms au sud , tous les taxis connaissent . Le mieux prend un Mailinh ( chauffeurs en principe honnetes ) .
moi je prends un mototaxi , c'est sympa de traverser Saigon et se meler au trafic de pres
Le bureau n'est pas grand mais bien frequenté , il y a une petite salle d'attente .
Tu peux reserver ici pour le nord ou sud , certaines filles parlent anglais et sont vraiment serviables .
Arrive à ce bureau avec de l avance le jour du depart .
Toutes les 15 mns passe un de leur bus navette , gratuit si tu es en possesion d'un billet , lequel t'aménera à la gare routiére sud , celle située bien apres Cholon
C' est un beau capharnaum cette gare routiére entre les dizaines de baraques /guichets de toutes les Cies .
Le chauffeur de la navette t'indiquera ou stationnent les minibus verts de leur Cie , leur destination est affichée devant , par contre il faut regarder le n° de la plaque mineralogique qu'ils
reportent à la main sur le billet pour savoir si c'est le bon minibus . Ne t'inquiéte pas , leur personnel est totalement devoué et t'aidera si tu es deboussolé.
Au retour , quand tu debarques à la gare routiere reprend leur navette gratuite qui te ramenera au bureau Le Hong Phong en montant ton billet utilisé .
elle part meme si elle n'est pas pleine. Et du bureau , demande leur de t'appeler un taxi Mailinh car tu as parfois des rabatteurs/arnaqueurs à l'affut .
En province , tout depend des villes , parfois ils ont des microbus qui te transferent gratuit à l'hotel .
Ils peuvent aussi venir te prendre le jour du depart avec ce microbus , mais parfois ils passent à te recuperer à l'hotel 15 mns et meme 10 mns avant le depart de
l'autre minibus " inter -cités "
Parfait, je vois très bien où se situe la gare routière près de Cholon. Merci encore.
De Cà Mau, je repartirai vers Hà Tiên pour filer ensuite au Cambodge.
D'après ce que tu me dis, ça doit être possible.
De Camau , j ai pris un minibus direct pour Ha tien .
Il faudra prendre un taximoto pour t'amener à cette "gare routiere " secondaire = un bout de terrain avec quelques baraquements et des minibus 15 places . J ai du partir vers 6H30 /7H30 .
La route etroite suivait un petit canal sur des kms , avec un peu de trafic bienvenu car le chauffeur avait tendance à appuyer sur le champignon et etait forcé de ralentir .
avant Rach Gia on a emprunté un bac puis on a traversé la ville pour continuer sur Ha tien .
A l'epoque pas mal de ponts etaient en construction pour remplacer ceux datant de la colonisation .
De Ha Tien j'ai continué sur Chau doc deux jours plus tard en empruntant un vieux bus bringuebalant .
J aime bien Chau doc bien plus interessante que Camau .
Je pense qu'on peut aller maintenant directement de Ha Tien à Kep et Kampot situées au Cambodge .
J'aime bien Kampot , vieille ville decrepie traversée par un petit fleuve .
Les alentours sont également agréables . Par contre pas mal de types au contact rude , qui cherchent le pigeon à
plumer. ( cela ne reflete pas le Cambodge , ex. à Battambang la population est bien plus amicale )
De Kampot tu as des bus pour Phnom Penh .
Sihanoukville : je n aime pas cette ville .
il me semble qu'il y a avait une gare routiere dans Cholon meme.
Celle dont je parle se situe plus au sud , apres avoir traversé Cholon .
En prenant la navette Mailinh , tu es sur d'etre conduit à la bonne .
Mailinh dessert : can Tho, sadec, chaudoc , camau , Ben Tre, Vinh long , Rach Gia , long xuyen , Soc trang et bien d'autres
Mille mercis: tes infos sont d'une aide précieuse. Je suppose que tu parles de la gare routière de Miên Tây à Saigon. A partir de cette gare routière, la plupart des bus part vers Vinh Long, Long Xuyen, Châu Dôc, Cân Tho. Mieux encore si tu me dis que Mai Linh dessert Sadec.
Je partage les mêmes impressions que toi sur les villes au Cambodge: Sihanoukville ne m'a pas laissé un souvenir impérissable mais j'aime bien Kep et Kampot.
Je me rends au Vietnam en mars avec ma famille. Nous avons une connaissance dans la province de CA MAU (sud delta du Mekong). Cette région semble vraiment…
J'ai eu il ya quelques jours la chance d'être invité à une cérémonie incroyablement belle et fascinante, celle du ao Mâu. J'en ai parlé il ya quelque temps, en…
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 .
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 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.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
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 :-)
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?????
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
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.
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.
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
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! !
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?
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!
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?
