Très juste, pour contacter les gros poissons il faut se contenter d'utiliser Twitter ...
😎
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Effectivement, les traces d'une "victoire" militaire de Vichy constituent certainement un haut-lieu du tourisme !
Bon, les touristes ne se recruteraient que parmi les membres du FN et quelques groupuscules d'extrême-droite
mais çà peut constituer une niche ...
Surtout en ce moment où les sondages français montrent que la résurgence est en marche (si jamais le
phénomène avait disparu), on va pouvoir enfin déboulonner les plaques commémoratives de la célèbre
"Rafle de Vel' D'Hiv" pour les remplacer par des portraits du Maréchal !
🙂
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Effectivement, les traces d'une "victoire" militaire de Vichy constituent certainement un haut-lieu du tourisme !
🙂
...voilà!...
Au matin du 17 janvier 1941, le « groupe occasionnel », flotte de circonstance formée du croiseur Lamotte-Picquet, des avisos coloniaux Dumont d'Urville, Amiral Charner et des avisos Marne et Tahure, placé sous le commandement du capitaine de vaisseau Régis Bérenger, commandant le croiseur Lamotte-Picquet, attaque les navires thaïlandais à Koh Chang.
Bien que la flotte ennemie la surclasse en nombre — et de loin —, l'opération de la marine française, menée avec brio, s'achève par une victoire complète. À l'issue du combat, qui dure presque deux heures, le bilan est lourd côté thaïlandais. Les torpilleurs Chomburi et Songkla sont coulés. Le garde-côtes cuirassé Dombhuri chavire, en flammes. Une bonne partie de la flotte de guerre thaïlandaise est détruite.
Le bilan des pertes humaines diverge selon les sources. Selon la marine française, plus de 300 hommes sont morts du côté thaïlandais et il n'y a guère que 80 survivants.
C'est une victoire importante[1] : la bataille de Koh Chang est la dernière bataille navale remportée par la France et la seule victoire navale remportée par la France au cours des deux guerres mondiales.😕
Il y auraient au moins trois navires de coulés si je comprend bien...
...l'important n'est pas la destination mais l'expérience de ce que le voyage nous apporte...
les thais voulaient profiter de la defaite de la France de juin 40 pour mettre la main sur le Cambodge .
( c'est toujours d'actualité , comme ces petits conflits qui resurgissent periodiquement du coté des temples au sud de Surin/Buriram )
Seulement ils avaient sous-estimé les forces ennemies et se sont pris une raclée qu'ils oublient
de mentionner dans le musée de Bangkok , musée d'ailleurs fort interessant .
Seule victoire navale de la France pendant la seconde guerre mondiale ? precisions =>
Les anglais avaient voulu que la flotte française présente à Mers el Kebir à coté d'Oran -Algérie se rallie à eux . Refus français et les anglais craignant que les allemands mettent la main sur les navires ouvrent le feu sur leurs anciens alliés .
Evenements qui ' ont pas facilité la tache de De Gaulle et de la France libre mais qui ont servi
la propagande de Vichy ralliée à Hitler .
En 1943 , les troupes allemandes envahissent le secteur sud non occupé .
La flotte française basée à Toulon se saborde . quelques sous marins s'enfuient en Afrique du Nord
Pas trop d'accord avec Mengwan pour dire que le gouvernorat en place en Indochine etait purement vichyste .
La metropole etait eloignée , les gaullistes n'etaient pas tres bien vus mais surveillés pas persécutés et il a fallu composer avec les japonais en surnombre ce qui a permis d' eviter les deportations subies par britanniques et hollandais en Malaisie et indonesie .
En 1945 les japonais voyant la defaite se profiler en asie et europe n'ont pas hésité à commettre quelques massacres sur les civils et militaires français surtout au Tonkin ..
( c'est toujours d'actualité , comme ces petits conflits qui resurgissent periodiquement du coté des temples au sud de Surin/Buriram )
Jean
ouais enfin le temple avant la "reconnaissance" unesco, les profit/revenue etait encaisser par le cambodge/thai/unesco aujourd'hui juste cambodge/unesco la thailande a ete evincer de l'affaire... donc normal qu'ils l'ont mauvaise.
Pas trop d'accord avec Mengwan pour dire que le gouvernorat en place en Indochine etait purement vichyste .
1.le concept de "purement vychiste" (sic) n'est sûrement pas de moi ... 😉
2.A qui obéissaient les troupes ? Pas à deGaulle en tous cas !
D'ailleurs, s'ils avaient été gaullistes (et donc alliés aux anglais), les japonais les auraient mis en pièces, ils ont
bénéficié de la neutralité des japonais grâce au fait qu'ils étaient vichystes ...
🙂
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
2.A qui obéissaient les troupes ? Pas à deGaulle en tous cas ! => EXACT
D'ailleurs, s'ils avaient été gaullistes (et donc alliés aux anglais), les japonais les auraient mis en pièces, ils ont bénéficié de la neutralité des japonais grâce au fait qu'ils étaient vichystes ...
=> Entierement d'accord , vu la puissance de l'armée japonaise valait mieux courber l'echine .
Et l'armée imperiale japonaise avait du laissé quelques terrifiants souvenirs dans les esprits :
massacres de Shanghai et Nankin quelques années auparavant .
Donc la consigne etait on se tient tranquille et on laisse faire , les japs utilisent les ports Haiphong , Saigon , Tourane ( =Da Nang ) comme ils l'entendent .
Vichyste ou pas tout le monde avait interet à la boucler .
Au tout début De Gaulle etait un inconnu en France et n a pas bénéficié de la sympathie de la population meme si la presence de l 'occupant ne rejouissait personne dès juin 40 ( enfin.. quasiment personne ) .
Petain le vainqueur de Verdun a paru etre l'homme providentiel à qui se raccrocher pendant un moment devant le desarroi général mais le gouvernement collabo de Laval a fait basculer les gens dans l autre camp au fil du temps .
Le 17 janvier 1941, pendant la guerre d'Indochine, sept navires français pénétrèrent dans les eaux territoriales thaïes. La marine du royaume réussit à les repousser au terme d'une bataille à laquelle participèrent trois navires : le Thonburi, le Chonburi et le Songkhla. Les deux premiers furent coulés par les Français, entraînant la morts de 36 marins.
L'emplacement des épaves est signalé par des bouées, et il est facile d'y descendre en plongée.
Merci pour les infos...ca m'a permis de trouvé Les miennes...😉
...l'important n'est pas la destination mais l'expérience de ce que le voyage nous apporte...
pour ceux que l'histoire; leur porte un intérêt...
La guerre fait selon certaines sources environ 3 400 morts. Ce bilan diverge selon les sources.
Le Japon, désireux de s'assurer la collaboration militaire de la Thaïlande, intervient rapidement en médiateur dans le conflit. Un ultimatum impose d'abord aux deux belligérants un armistice, proclamé le 28 janvier. Le 9 mai, la France, sous contrainte japonaise, signe un traité de paix, par lequel elle abandonne les provinces de Battambang et Siem Réap, prises au Cambodge, de Champassak et Sayaburi (prises au Laos qui cède ainsi les territoires sur la rive droite du Mékong) soit un territoire de plus de 50 000 km2 habité par 420 000 personnes. Ce traité est suivi d’un autre entre la France et le Laos le 21 août.
Cette annexion provoque, en juillet 1941, l’imposition par les États-Unis d'un embargo sur les livraison de pétrole vers le Japon et la création, avec l'aide des services secrets anglo-saxons, du Thaï Séri (les Thaïs libres), organisation clandestine anti-japonaise.
Le gouvernement thaïlandais promet oralement aux Japonais de leur laisser le passage sur son territoire dans le cadre de l'attaque sur la Malaisie prévue par l'Empire.
Le 8 décembre 1941, la Thaïlande n'ayant toujours pas répondu aux demandes japonaises, le Japon décide de passer outre et, afin de pouvoir passer en Malaisie, envahit le territoire de la Thaïlande. Cette invasion se conclut par la bataille de Prachuab Khirikhan et un cessez-le-feu quelques heures plus tard, puis la Thaïlande s’allie au Japon.
Les territoires annexés par la Thaïlande ne sont restitués à la France qu'en novembre 1947, qui ne les conserve pas longtemps, car les territoires d'Indochine obtiennent l'indépendance peu après. La faiblesse que la France a révélée est un des facteurs de cette décolonisation.
...l'important n'est pas la destination mais l'expérience de ce que le voyage nous apporte...
Petain le vainqueur de Verdun a paru etre l'homme providentiel
Déjà, parler de victoire à propos de Verdun ça me laisse perplexe. Cette bataille effroyable, ce carnage hallucinant, où les hommes n'étaient que des variables d'ajustement - 14/18 la dernière guerre du XIX ieme siècle - n'a eu comme effet qu'un retour sur les positions précédentes ! ( Bélisaire, à la tête d'une armée de 20 000 hommes, fit faire demi-tour à une armée perse dix fois supérieure, sans verser une goutte sang de ses soldats ! ) Faut pas oublier Nivelle pour Verdun. Quant à Pétain, en fin d'homme providentiel, il fut un homme ambitieux, et il s'accommoda du déshonneur pour arriver au pouvoir afin de faire goûter au pays son idéologie délétère.
L'armistice ne fut pas un désarroi, mais un soulagement. Simone de Beauvoir écrit dans son journal que...nous allons pouvoir reprendre la vie comme avant !. Rares furent les gens qui s'indignèrent, à part des êtres tels Henri Guérin, qui, apprenant l'armistice Bordeaux, descendit dans la rue pour, croyait-il, partager la colère des gens, mais il note dans son journal, à son grand désarroi, une indifférence, un soulagement.
...a fait basculer les gens au fil du temps dans l'autre camp
En fait, les francais ont attendu que ça se passe, tout occupé à se ravitailler, à se chauffer, mais sans pour autant fayoter avec l'occupant - la grosse majorité des francais, donc.
Seulement, nous connaissons tous ce fait . Un jour, ils applaudissent Pétain, et le lendemain ce fut De Gaulle
Voyager c'est découvrir que tout le monde a tort.
Aldous Huxley
Appelons cela une victoire à la Pyrrhus vu le cout humain payé par les "vainqueurs " .
Nivelle : effectivement on ne parle pas assez de son offensive desastreuse aux Chemin des Dames du
coté de Soissons face à des positions allemandes bien etablies et renforcées en haut des pentes .
Autre insolite.... Il y a un tunnel assez long qui permettait de traverser la frontiere ...malaisie /thailande en temps de guerre... So....pres de koh taratuo... Il y a un mystere insolite portant un attrait particulier....
Je me fais un objectif de raconter Les fairs sur ce tunnel ; une fois explorer...
...l'important n'est pas la destination mais l'expérience de ce que le voyage nous apporte...
Autre insolite.... Il y a un tunnel assez long qui permettait de traverser la frontiere ...malaisie /thailande en temps de guerre... So....pres de koh taratuo... Il y a un mystere insolite portant un attrait particulier....
Je me fais un objectif de raconter Les fairs sur ce tunnel ; une fois explorer...
Ce tunnel (Piya Mit) est à Betong ...
Mais la région "n'est pas sûre" en ce moment !
🙂
Si vous avez compris tout ce que je viens de vous dire, c'est que j'ai dû faire une erreur quelque part. - Alan Greenspan
Science sans conscience n'est que ruine de l'âme - Rabelais
Depuis ce jour je mets de la musique en ecoute 24h/24 avec une selection Morlum & Lookthung Ajareeya, Jintara, Thai Orratai, Sirporn etc... Le lien pour ma…
Travailler, étudier et vivre à l'étranger › Thaïlande · 24 replies
Es que il y aurais parmi les membres ou amis un ou des fous qui veulent se lancer dans une affaire (rentable) en thailande,???? le projet est simple, monter…
Depuis la pandémie de coronavirus, la ville de Lopburie, en Thaïlande, est devenue invivable car, en l'absence des touristes qui les nourrissent d'habitude,…
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
Bonjour,
Le 1er septembre, on part 6 semaines à Kalimantan, probablement de Pontianak jusqu'aux îles Derawan.
J'ai beau parcourir ce site qui d'habitude est ma bible 😉, mais aussi d'autres comme Forum Voyage, les renseignements récents ne sont pas légion.
Je suis preneuse de toute information sur tous les lieux où vous seriez passé, notre programme étant en cours d'élaboration.
Nous voyageons à 2 couples, sac à dos, bus, bateau, guesthouses et chez l'habitant.
Merci à vous !
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
