Ben oui; le seul problème, c'est qu'il est totalement illégal de louer une moto sans chauffeur, donc, en cas de pépins, les flics locaux ne vs ratent pas !!!!!! (voir ce qui c'est passé à Sapa il y a 1 mois, où les flics ont décidé sans prévenir personne -y compris les loueurs- de saisir toutes les motos conduites par des étrangers, avec amende à la clé et bonjour pour récupérer le dépôt de garantie auprès du loueur !!!)
Bonjour, tout d'abord merci a tous pour vos conseils et d'avoir pris le temps de répondre! Dans mon budget je prevois 10 € la nuit pour les hotels, 10€ pour 3 repas par jour, le reste pour les transports, visite de temples, parc nationauxq etc... J'ai du me definir un budget serré car apres un mois passé au vietnam, j'enchaine sur la thailande pour un mois, et ensuite l'inde pour un mois aussi! Je passe la derniere semaine au vietnam chez un ami à Hu Chi Minh, donc je n'aurais pas d'hotel à payer au moins pour cette semaine! Encore merci.
Tout simplement parce que çà vaut le déplacement- enfin pour nous çà le valait en tout cas! Modestement je donne mon humble avis tout en précisant quand même que pour avoir pas mal voyagé seuls à travers le monde nous avons été agréablement surpris par cette région touristique du Nord Vietnam.S'il y a "troupeau" comme vous dites c'est qu'il y a peut-être quelque chose à voir! Ceux qui se pensent plus malins et évitent "le troupeau" passent peut-être à côté de quelque chose.Vous n'y êtes sans doute pas allé puisque vous évitez systématiquement le"troupeau", alors vous donnez un avis sans avoir vu. J'ai vu des hordes de touristes dans des endroits bien moins interessants.
Alors tout est dit ou presque : on vous souhaite un très bon voyage -
Serrez, serrez du début.. car vous aurez des choses impondérables telle que l'eau (puisqu'au Vietnam on ne boit pas l'eau du robinet..😠) et c'est pas cadeau...entre autres..
A savoir qu il y a une tolerance. Combien de dizaines de milliers d expats circulent a Hanoi ou Saigon sous le nez de la police ?
Bonjour,
A Hanoi il n'y a pas tant que ça d'expats roulant sous ou en dehors du nez de la police -🙂 Oh non !! - et depuis l'histoire de Sapa, je pense qu'une opération pourrait bien se reproduire à Hanoi - - j'en ai vu des petites camionnettes de canh sat" emmener des motos - c'était peut-être celles des autochtones à l'époque : ça va sûrement se transformer, à l'instar de Sapa, de la même manière pour Hanoi - Il ne faut pas mésestimer la rigueur et la détermination des Autorités vietnamiennes... c'est la main de fer dans le gant de velours😎😎
A savoir qu il y a une tolerance. Combien de dizaines de milliers d expats circulent a Hanoi ou Saigon sous le nez de la police ?
en france ou ailleurs, il y a aussi des milliers de personnes qui conduisent sans permis, c est pas une tolerance, c est interdit.
mais les lois sont faites pour etre contournees...🤪aussi bien par les vietnamiens ou les expats. maintenant a chacun ses responsabilites et il ne faudra pas se plaindre le jour ou la police fera son boulot. on lira plus tard sur vf, que la police est ripoux, corrompue, que le vietnam et les vetnamiens, c est de la m..(comme sur un autre sujet) etc, etc...😠
qui seme le vent...😕
a+
Merci beaucoup de tes sentiments réservés aux Hauts-Plateaux (mon pays natal, lol)!!! Oui, il faut du temps pour découvrir et mieux connaitre une région avec toute sa population (surtout pour la terre mystérieuse des Hauts-Plateaux encore) mais ici, l'auteur n'a pas beaucoup de temps pour son parcours!
Que tu le veuilles ou non il y a une tolerance. D ailleurs les Vietnamiens eux meme, combien ont ils le permis ? Crois tu que les Hmong de Meo Vac aient un permis ?
Exact; les prix ne cessent d'augmenter ici, que ce soit les hotels, même les plus simples, pour lequels il est maintenant difficle de trouver à moins de $15, où les autres un peu partout, qui ont augmenté leurs prix d'environ 50 000, les repas ds les maisons d'hôtes à Mai Chau et Pac Ngoi montent maintenant à 70 000-80 000 D, etc., les restaurants, même de rue où une soupe à Hanoi va maintenant de 15 000 D à 25 000 pour une "spéciale", les prix dans les marchés (25 000 pour 10 oeufs de canne, 30 000/kg pour des durians), ceux des super marchés évidemment, et même le verre de jus de canne à sucre, que j'ai connu à 2000 et est maintenant 4-5000.
n oublie pas que si tu galeres pour trouver un hotel pour septembre, c est que les festivites qui s annoncent y sont pour beaucoup, sinon en temps normal, il n y a pas ce probleme.
et je reconnais (milles excuses sharkee) que dans tous le pays, il y a plethore d hotels a 150000 d, du nord au sud.
de septembre 2009 a avril 2010 (y a ps longtemps), j ai parcouru 15 000 km a moto, seul, et l hotel le plus cher que j ai paye, seul, etait 180 000 , sinon ca a ete de 50 000 chez les minorites de ba be, a 80 000 d a quang ngai (c est venissian qui m a fait connaitre) et la moyenne 150 000d. et j ai garde les adresses. et toutes ces chambres etaient correctes avec tout le confort. certaines etaient parfaite au niveau proprete et dignes d hotels etoiles avec meme acces avec ascenseur (deux fois). aussi bien tenu que chez loan par exemple, si tu connais, avec la tele en plus.
biensur, je suis passe dans des endroits moins touristiques.
de hanoi a dong van en passant par cao bang, hue (ou nous etions base pour 7 mois avec hotel a 10$ avec piscine), les hauts plateaux et le sud du delta en passant par tuy hoa, ninh hoa, etc...
voir mon blog picasa pour le parcours,
a+
Ce n'est pas une question de festivités. En effet, je suis soufflé de constater que 1) Trés peu de gens hors Vietnam sont au courant des festivités du 1 au 10 octobre, qui vont portant être extraodinaires si j'en crois le programme 2) et surtout qu'il y a de la place ds ts les hotels à ces dates, alors qu'ils devraient être pleins de puis longtemps. Visiblement, le marketing du festival n'est pas à la hauteur de l'évènement 😕
Le problème est qu'il est de plus en plus dur de trouver un hôtel correct à $10-12 dans le Vieux Hanoi ; beaucoup sont infréquentables -chambres sans fenêtre, donc avec l'odeur de moisi incluse ds le prix, bruit infernal dans la rue (certains ont un haut-parleur à proximité, donc réveil en fanfare à 6h30 le samedi, à 7h-7h30 le reste de la semaine, etc.), de nombreux ont été refaits -et les prix en conséquence, etc. De plus, et ce n'est pas la moindre raison des difficultés, les bons petits hôtels n'aiment pas du tout les séjours longue durée, car ils font beaucoup plus d'argent sur toutes les excursions -Halong, Sapa, etc., transports -trains de nuits, etc., extensions de visa, etc. que les touristes réservent chez eux, que sur les chambres (ce qui explique le fait que, même quand ils acceptent -et ce n'est pas facile de les convaincre - ils ne font aucune réduction pour un long séjour).
En ce qui concerne les prix, je confirme que ce n'est plus pareil : à Dong Van, c'est passé à 200 000 D, à Pac Ngoi 60 000 pour le lit et 70 000 par repas principal, depui 3 mois, le Ha Giang Resort est passé à 260 000 pour un bungalow sur la rivière, etc. Bien sûr, je parle des excellentes maisons que je connais habituées aux touristes étrangers ; il y a partout des pts htls pas chers pour vietnamiens (ou pour des comme toi qui parle la langue -ou comme moi qui la baragouine un peu).
je suis d accord avec toi, mais si tu sors des grandes places touristiques, je peux te garantir que l on trouve des hotels a 8 a 10 $ voir moins.
les hauts plateaux comme kontum, pleiku, et buon ma thuot, puis tuy hoa, ninh hoa, hong chong a cote de ha tien, ca mau et soc trang, et j en passe, tous les hotels ou je suis descendu, sont dans ces tarifs. ce sont peut etre des lieux moins touristique, et meme si ce sont des hotels pour vietnamien, ils acceptent les etrangers quand meme. j y ai rarement negocie le prix, puisque ca me semblait correct. meme a phan thiet a cote de mui ne, j ai eu droit a un hotel a 160 000, tres clean, confortable, et ascenseur.
si un jour tu descends sur hue, (il serait temps)😛, qui est quand meme touristique, je te donnerais l adresse de l hotel ou nous avons sejourne des mois, ma femme et mes deux filles, et ou des etudiants en medecine sont reste aussi 3 mois. 10$ la grande chambre, clim, linge change tous les jours, et surtout piscine.
biensur prix negocier pour plusieurs mois, mais pour quelques jours, il faut rajouter 2 ou 3 $.
a+
Bonjour congdam,
A savoir que sur les 28 jours au vietnam, ma derniere semaine, je vais sejourner chez un ami a Ho Chi Minh, donc pas d'hotel a payer. A savoir que je prevois de depenser env 10€ par nuit d'hotel, 10€ pour 3 repas par jour, transports, temples, excursion Baie D'along(train, bus...), d'apres toi qui habite le pays, quel serait le budget nécessaire? et peux tu me donner une idee des prix a l'heure actuelle (hotel et repas bon marche), a savoir qui si je me definis un budget, c'est parceque j'enchaine avec la thailande pour 27 jours apres, et puis l'inde pour 26 jours! D'avance merci!
28 jours a 10 euros = 280 pour l hotel
28 jours a 10 euros = 280 pour la nourriture
soit deja 560 euros, il reste donc 140 euros pour circuler, visiter, etc...
ca fait un peu juste mais c est toujours faisable, mais tu ne vas pas faire grand chose.
en sachant que tu seras loge a hcmc gratuitement, c est deja bien, mais que la vie est encore plus chere que dans tout le reste du pays. meme pour manger.
a
merci pour ta reponse! je pars sur une moyenne de 10€ par nuit etant donné que certain endroits seront plus cher et d'autres moins! Je me base sur le guide du routard 2010 (sortie debut 2010 je presume) avec des hotel bon marche qui j'espere est à jour! je budgete car je poursuis mon trip en thailande et l'inde!
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of markets. No matter where I go, in every country or city I visit, I won’t leave without having seen one. I’m mostly talking about food markets. I love the smells, the colors, and watching people from all walks of life stroll around. It’s like a mirror of a country’s culture, and I love soaking it all in.
Thai markets are particularly appealing to me. In my province, there are so many. Maybe more than elsewhere—I’m not sure—but every day, you can find a "Talat Nat." These are traveling markets that set up in specific places on specific days. They only stay open for a few hours. Some attract more shoppers than others because they have more stalls and a wider variety of products. Sometimes, they’re set up in pretty unusual spots: temples, roadside, even on train tracks...
On top of these, there are also markets in the city that stay open all day.
I’d love for you to share your photos of markets, local product stalls, and why not, let’s talk about gastronomy and cuisine too!
I’ll start with my favorite market—it’s 8 kilometers from my place and happens every Tuesday from 2 PM to 5 PM. I never miss a Tuesday unless there’s a downpour... 😉 It’s located in the countryside, in a village famous for its coffee (ThamSing), and inside the grounds of a slightly unusual temple. It’s easy to get to—over the past 10 years, the roads have been paved, which wasn’t the case before and made the trip a bit risky when it rained...
In the first two photos, you’ll see the temple courtyard on a normal day, without the market.
I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dayi
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places.
We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok).
We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th.
We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok...
Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya.
From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th.
On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed?
Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip?
Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone.
I’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
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...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi 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! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?