Je cherche quelques renseignements
j'ai l'intention de faire une croisière 2 jrs / 1 nuits sur la baie d'Halong
1 - on m'a proposé soit de faire l'itinéraire classic de la baie d'Halong (mais qu'est ce que l'itinéraire classic ?? que voit t'on dans cet itinéraire classic ??) ou bien de faire la croisière sur la baie Bai Tu Long, qui parait-il a moins de touristes ? Quelle est la différence entre les 2 ? je suppose qu'on ne voit pas les mêmes iles ??
2 - on me propose la jonque Thanh Hung. je ne trouve guère d'information sur cette jonque (pas de site internet, pas beaucoup d'avis sur les moteurs de recherche...) Quelqu'un connait-il cette jonque ? est-elle confortable ? je voulais un jonque deluxe type Calypso Cruiser / dragon pearl ; car j'ai lu qu'il y avait des jonques à bas prix mais dont la qualité laisse à désirer (humidité dans les chambres / douches sales / bruyant / inconfortable, etc...) et je ne voudrais pas tomber dans ces jonques là... (d'autant que je me balade avec une fille de 3 ans...) (attention je ne dis pas que la jonque Thanh Hung est une jonque à bas prix, d'ailleurs je ne connais meme pas le prix exact, elle a fait parti d'un devis global)
nous avons fait la Baie de Bai Tu Long l'année dernière. Tu n' y verras pas exactement la même chose mais c'est vraiment sympa. Tu peux faire tout tout seul, dormir sur l’île de Quan Lan et profiter de cette île tranquillement.
Jette un oeil sur notre blog si cela t’intéresse. www.candq2010.blogspot.com/2010/04/dans-la-famille-des-long-bai-tu-bat-ha.html
ok super merci je vais aller faire un tour sur ton blog ca me donneras des idées.
il y a tellement de petites iles et de grottes, je ne sais même plus lesquelles voir !
nous avions pris les bateaux publics (il n'y avait pas de couchage à l'intérieur, il ne s'agit donc pas véritablement d'une croisière).
L'avantage est que c'est vraiment pas cher (aller vers Quan Lan: 50 000/pers, retour sur Halong : 130 000/pers) et que tu vois des endroits un peu moins connus mais d'un peu moins près (tu ne feras pas par exemple de visites de grottes). Tu évites également le flot de touristes.
D'un autre coté, tu ne passes pas de nuit "à bord" dans la baie d'Halong. Certains sont très attachés à cela, ce que je peux compendre.
Si tu as besoins de plus d'informations n'hésite pas!
Quentin
PS: les gens fument énormément dans les bateaux... tu peux bien entendu sortir et te mettre sur le toit du bateau quand il fait beau, mais cela peut être gênant quand on voyage avec un enfant.
1 - on m'a proposé soit de faire l'itinéraire classic de la baie d'Halong (mais qu'est ce que l'itinéraire classic ?? que voit t'on dans cet itinéraire classic ??) ou bien de faire la croisière sur la baie Bai Tu Long, qui parait-il a moins de touristes ? Quelle est la différence entre les 2 ? je suppose qu'on ne voit pas les mêmes iles ??
En terme de croisière, il n'y a pas à vrai dire beaucoup de différence entre le paysage de Bai Tu Long et de Ha Long, si ce n'est que Bai Tu Long est moins fréquenté par les centaines d'autres jonques de tourisme.
Croisière en baie Bai Tu Long
Croisière en baie Ha Long
Par contre, lorsqu'on prend un bateau public qui dessert les iles, on suit une route de navigation des bateaux, donc, ce n'est pas le même paysage.
2 - on me propose la jonque Thanh Hung. je ne trouve guère d'information sur cette jonque (pas de site internet, pas beaucoup d'avis sur les moteurs de recherche...) Quelqu'un connait-il cette jonque ? est-elle confortable ?
Thanh Hùng est une très belle jonque de croisière, très bien équipée et très confortable
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
oui je voulais passer une nuit à bord pour profiter du paysage au maximum car les croisière en 1 journée on ne voit pas grand chose à part la horde de touristes agglutiné à la visite de la même grotte (je crois que c'est celle de sung Sot - grotte que malgré tout j'ai bien envie de voir)
pour la fumée pas de souci, c'est une croisière privée où il n'y aura que ma famille. le seul fumeur ira fumer dehors haha !
Abalone, merci pour les vidéos c'est cool !
Ps : j'ai les mêmes photos de la jonque. je crois qu'elles ont du être envoyées par la meme agence (ou tour opérateur plutot - celle dont tu parles parfois dans tes post) =)
Merci de partager ces belles images. Et tu as bien de la chance d'avoir vu ça avec le soleil ! Nous l'avons vu sous la pluie, puis par un froid "glacial", puis dans le brouillard ... la quatrième fois sera peut-être la bonne !
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Bonjour Shiyvan,
Je vous conseil qu'il faut demander votre agence voyage quel nom du croisièrre qui vous accompagnge pendant votre voyage à Ha Long , car la bas on a bcp des croissière de 1 * au 5* et j'ai trouvé pas mal de gens paient Le prix de 4* pour prendre croisière 3*. Les croisière que vous avez ils sont 3* en général ils sont comfortable.
Quand voulez vous aller car en été de 1/05/2011 au 30/09/2011 , ils ont des bonne prix. Si vous avez des questions n'hésitez pas .
Savez-vous où il faut s'adresser à Cam Pha pour avoir une jonque pas trop chère mais confortable qui fasse le tour de Bai Tu Long, avec une nuit sur le bateau ?
Bonjour Girad7575 ,
Je viens de réserver pour ma famille 5 personne par Bhaya cruise avec le prix 80usd/per pour tours 2J/1N pour 06/06 , ce prix là j'ai négocié directe avec bureau officiel à HN par mail. A coté il y bcp des croissière à Ha Long Bay avec les prix différents aussi des qualités service différents. Je ne sais pas que vous voulez aller HaLong quand mais à partir de 1/06/11 au 31/09/2011 il y a des promotions de croisière et aussi des hotels. Pour avoir bonne qualité service aussi sécurité , je vous conseil prendre des croissières 3* .Voicci les classements du prix des croissière. Attention il faut vous dire que le prix pour les vietnamiens et les étrangeres travaillent et vivent au Vietnam .
+US$ 75 Heritage Cruise Halong bay Tour3 days/2 nightsUS$ 125 ACLASS Cruise Halong bay Tour2 days/1 night+US$ 75 ACLASS Cruise Halong bay Tour3 days/2 nightsUS$ 135 BAI THO Cruise Halong bay Tour2 days/1 nightUS$ 67 BAI THO Cruise Halong bay Tours3 days/2 nightsUS$ 125 BAI TU LONG Cruise2 days/1 nightUS$ 82 PHOENIX Cruise2 days/1 nightUS$ 85 PHOENIX Cruise3 days/2 nightsUS$ 128 DRAGON PEARL Junk 2 days/1 nightUS$ 100 DRAGON PEARL Junk 3 days/2 nightsUS$ 190 HALONG EMOTION Junk Cruise2 days/1 nightUS$ 108 HALONG EMOTION Junk Cruise3 days/2 nightsUS$ 203 BIEN NGOC Cruise on Halong2 days/1 nightUS$ 110 BIEN NGOC Cruise on Halong3 days/2 nightsUS$ 193 WHITE DOLPHIN Cruise Halong bay2 days/1 nightUS$ 115 WHITE DOLPHIN Cruise Halong bay3 days/2 nightsUS$ 205 SYRENA Cruise Halong bay2 days/1 nightUS$ 105 SYRENA Cruise Halong bay3 days/2 nightsUS$ 215 CLASSIC SAIL Cruise Halong2 days/1 nightUS$ 85 CLASSIC SAIL Cruise Halong3 days/2 nightsUS$ 185 AN NAM Cruise in Ha Long2 days/1 nightUS$ 85 AN NAM Cruise in Ha Long3 days/2 nightsUS$ 195 LUXURY IMPERIAL Cruise in Ha Long2 days/1 nightUS$ 90 LUXURY IMPERIAL Cruise in Ha Long3 days/2 nightsUS$ 120 HANOI OPERA Cruise Ha Long2 days/1 nightUS$ 105 HANOI OPERA Cruise Ha Long3 days/2 nightsUS$ 175 LAGOON EXPLORER Cruise2 days/1 night
US$ 115 LAGOON EXPLORER Cruise3 days/2 nights
US$ 152 PALOMA Cruise2 days/1 night
US$ 125 PALOMA Cruise3 days/2 nights
US$ 205 CALYPSO LUXURY Cruise2 days/1 night+
US$ 120 CALYPSO LUXURY Cruise3 days/2 nights
US$ 200 ECLIPSE SAIL 2 days/1 night+
US$ 120 ECLIPSE SAIL3 days/2 nights
US$ 210 RED DRAGON Cruise2 days/1 night+
US$ 145 RED DRAGON Cruise3 days/2 nights
US$ 232 HUONG HAI Cruise Halong2 days/1 nightUS$ 85 HUONG HAI Cruise Halong3 days/2 nightsUS$ 135 GINGER Cruise Halong Bay2 days/1 night
US$ 131 GINGER Cruise Halong Bay3 days/2 nightsUS$ 213 PARADISE Cruises HaLong Bay2 days/1 night
US$ 130 PARADISE Cruises HaLong Bay3 days/2 nightsUS$ 220 INDOCHINA Sails Cruise2 days/1 nightUS$ 123 INDOCHINA Sails Cruise3 days/2 nightsUS$ 220 EMERAUDE CLASSIC Cruise2 days/1 nightUS$ 127 JASMINE Luxury Cruise Halong bay2 days/1 nightUS$ 131 VICTORY Cruise2 days/1 nightUS$ 102 VICTORY Cruise3 days/2 nightsUS$ 174 BHAYA Luxury Cruise2 days/1 nightUS$ 145 BHAYA Luxury Cruise3 days/2 nightsUS$ 253 VIOLET Cruise2 days/1 nightUS$ 198 VIOLET Cruise3 days/2 nightsUS$ 284 PRINCESS Junk Cruise2 days/1 nightUS$ 225 PRINCESS Junk Cruise3 days/2 nightsUS$ 405 PRINCE Junk Cruise2 days/1 nightUS$ 137 PRINCE Junk Cruise3 days/2 nightsUS$ 210
Pour voire les photos du croissières vous tapez son nom directe sur google et voir son website officiel.
Si vous aves besoin d'aide je vais vous aider, n'hésitez pas . Bon voyage
Bonjour,
J'aimerais aller passer 4 jours sur l'ile de Co to, mais impossible de trouver des informations pour l'accès de l'ile. Je suis déjà allé sur quan lan en ferry et je suppose qu'il doit exister un moyen de transport similaire et pas cher pour rejoindre Co to.
A hanoi, certaines personnes m'ont dit que c'était interdit aux étrangers. Quelqu'un est-il déjà aller sur cette ile??? des conseils???
Merci d'avance!
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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
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!
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. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
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?????