Bonjour, Bonsoir.
Ma destination, cet été sera (pour la 3ème année consécutive), le Vietnam ( à Saigon/HCM ville). J'aimerai donc avoir quelques "bonnes adresses", et savoir quels sont éventuellement les endroits "tendances", et surtout les boîtes de nuits où je pourrai m'aventurer le soir venu, ayant désormais l'âge recquis 😇
Je recherche un endroit avec de la "bonne" musique (entre guillemets car relatif aux goûts musicaux de chacun), c'est à dire selon moi, une musique d'actualité et qui fait "bouger".
Ce sujet a effectivement été évoqué dans d'autres discussions présentes sur ce forum, cependant il ne me semble pas y avoir vu de sujets "récents" (le dernier en date que j'ai lu est de 2009), et dieu sait que les boites de nuits fleurissent et disparaissent à une allure parfois allucinante, c'est pourquoi d'une part j'aimerai me mettre à jour,
et d'autre part introduire un petit bémol : en effet, après avoir parcouru différents topics relatif à ce sujet, je me suis rendue compte qu'on évoquait le taux non négligeable de prostituées présentes dans ces endroits. Ce qui m'embête quelque peu dans la mesure où ; étant une jeune fille d'origine vietnamienne tout juste majeure, j'aimerai autant éviter que l'on me prenne pour l'une d'entre elles ou encore pour une quelconque délurée de service [ car j'ai cru comprendre que là-bas filles qui sort après 21H=Filles qui travaillent ou jeune fille dévergondée (de plus ou moins bonne famille) ? ], et par la même, éviter d'autres situations déplaisantes auxquelles je pourrai éventuellement être confrontée dans ces endroits nocturnes. Ce qui m'amène donc à vous poser une autre question :
Est-ce possible étant une jeune fille ( "touriste" en plus de cela ) de seulement sortir s'amuser en boîte avec des amies ( oui je ne suis pas inconsciente au point d'y aller seule 🏴☠️ ) sans être prise pour une fille "facile" ou qui "travaille", ou encore rencontrer de facheux soucis ? Le but étant simplement de rencontrer éventuellement des jeunes gens venus également faire la fête (et pourquoi pas d'autres "étrangers"/"touristes" ), de s'amuser dans la mesure du raisonnable, comme je le fais, en sortant parfois en boîte ou en soirée ici, en France, or je sais que là-bas (au Vietnam) la mentalité est tout autre, et que la légèreté du milieu de la nuit notamment, n'est pas forcément évidente, et certains codes (sociaux) sont difficilement compréhensifs... D'où mon questionnement quant à la pertinence de mon envie de sortir faire la fête le soir venu, dans un pays tel que le Vietnam.
Mon message était plutôt long, je vous l'accorde, j'ai tendance à m'étaler de manière à tenter de clairement expliciter ma pensée, quoique je doutes que vous ayez tout saisis . 🤪
Bref en résumé, si vous aviez quelques noms de boites sympas, pas crades, sécurisées, à la fréquentation plutôt jeun's : je suis prenante ! En espérant que quelqu'un puisse venir m'éclairer et peut-être aussi me faire découvrir des endroits nocturnes ( ou pas ) à Saigon, qui sont TOP et dont j'ignore l'existence.
Merci d'avance ( & Une standing ovation pour les braves qui ont eu le courage de lire jusqu'au bout 😛 😉 ) !
j'aimerai donc avoir quelques "bonnes adresses", et savoir quels sont éventuellement les endroits "tendances", et surtout les boîtes de nuits où je pourrai m'aventurer le soir venu, ayant désormais l'âge recquis
Vas essayer tout ça et fais nous un reportage: les goûts ne sont pas universels
America Discotheque
18 An Duong Vuong, D5
Arena
102 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1
Tel: 822 2731
Asia Munich Brewery
3 Le Van Huu, D1
Bia Tuoi Pacific
15 Le Thanh Ton, D1
Blue Gecko
31 Ly Tu Trong, D1
Tel: 824 3483
Bottom Line
21B Ton Duc Thang, D1
Tel: 910 5621
Bread & Butter
42/24 Bui Vien, D1
Tel: 836 8452
Buddha Bar
7 Thao Dien, D2
Tel: 744 2080
Catwalk
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1
Tel: 824 3760
Cyclo Bar
163 Pham Ngu Lao, D1
Tel: 920 1567
Eden Bar
236 De Tham, D1
Tel: 836 8154
Go2
187 De Tham, D1
Tel: 832 2389
Gossip Club
79 Tran Hung Dao, D1
Tel: 824 2602
Hoa Vien Brauhaus
28Bis Mac Dinh Chi, D1
Tel: 829 0585
Sheridan’s Irish House
17/13 Le Thanh Ton, D1
Tel: 823 0793
Storm P
28 Cao Ba Quat Tel: 827 5718
The Tavern
SB8-1 My Khanh 2 (H4-2), Nguyen Van Linh, D7
Tel: 412 0866
Underground
69 Dong Khoi, D1
Tel: 829 9079
Vasco’s Bar
16 Cao Ba Quat, D1
Tel: 824 3148
Why Not
24 Thai Van Lung, D1
Tel: 822 6238
Est-ce possible étant une jeune fille ( "touriste" en plus de cela ) de seulement sortir s'amuser en boîte avec des amies ( oui je ne suis pas inconsciente au point d'y aller seule 🏴☠️ ) sans être prise pour une fille "facile" ou qui "travaille", ou encore rencontrer de facheux soucis ?
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,
Je te remercie pour ta réponse, ainsi que pour toutes ces adresses, je tenterai de faire un bon compte rendue de ces quelques endroits que j'aurai "testé" . 🙂
Merci encore !
Euh autre chose : les prix pour accéder à ces endroits nocturnes, j'ai cru comprendre qu'ils étaient assez élevé : tables remplies de bouteilles divers et variées, facture plutôt onéreuse en fin de soirée ...🤪 ça se passe comment concrètement ? On paye notre "droit d'entrée" en arrivant ? c'est libre entrée pour tous mais à condition de prendre une table et les boissons qui vont avec ?
Et les prix tournent approximativement aux alentours de combien en moyenne ?
On paye notre "droit d'entrée" en arrivant ? c'est libre entrée pour tous mais à condition de prendre une table et les boissons qui vont avec ?
Généralement, il n'y a pas de droit d'entrée. Quand on vient en groupe, on prend un sofa en demi-cercle avec une table au milieu et on commande les boissons. Ça peut-être de simples bières ou plusieurs bouteilles de cognac (il y a des prix promotionnels quand on en commande plusieurs), et on commande aussi une ou plusieurs assiettes de fruits préparés et présenté s en morceaux.
Et les prix tournent approximativement aux alentours de combien en moyenne ?
Les boissons alcoolisées sont importés de France ou d'Angleterre🙂
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,
En définitive, on est dans l'obligation de consommer c'est ça ? Je suppose que si les boissons sont importés de France ou encore d'Angleterre, les prix doivent être relativement élevé. 🤪
En tout cas je te remercie pour les infos ! 🙂
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,
"Si tu ne veux pas consommer, tu vas dans les jardins publics le soir vers 17 H 00 ou dans les écoles de danse"
Les jardins publics et les écoles de danse, j'irai voir c'que ça donne aussi, histoire de ne pas mourrir bête 😛 Ce sera forcément différent des ambiances boites de nuit je suppose.
Et pour ce qui est de la consommation inévitable en boite de nuit, je pense que j'irai avec quelques autres personnes qui s'occuperont de "s'abreuver" pendant que je profiterai du dancefloor 😄 .
D'ailleurs, en parlant de dancefloor, on m'a dit que les pistes de danse n'était finalement que peu présente dans les club au VN, euh aller en boite de nuit ( dont la fonction première est de faire danser les gens qui y viennent ) et rester à sa table avec sa bande de potes : cherchons l'erreur 😮
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,
Ouh la la, la liste d'Abalone n'est pas a jour du tout !
Go2
187 De Tham, D1
Tel: 832 2389
A deconseiller pour une fille seule
La Habana
6 Cao Ba Quat, D1
Tel: 829 5180
Concert le vendredi soir
Le Pub
175/22 Pham Ngu Lao, D1
Tel: 837 7679
Tres sympa, cocktail a 2USD le jeudi
Lush
2 Ly Tu Trong, D1
Ladies night le mardi
Q Bar
Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, D1
Tel: 823 3479
FERME
Qing
31 Dong Du, D1
Tel: 823 2414
Au 110 Pasteur
Sheridan’s Irish House
17/13 Le Thanh Ton, D1
Tel: 823 0793
Pub irlandais
Vasco’s Bar
16 Cao Ba Quat, D1
Tel: 824 3148
Au 74 Hai Ba Trung
Blue Gecko
31 Ly Tu Trong, D1
Tel: 824 3483
Pub
Sinon tu as le Cloud 9 (rooftop tres sympa 2bis Cong Truong Quoc Te) et le Shri (pareil, super vue sur la ville 72-74 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai), tres recents.
Je conseille aussi le Carmen, avec concerts tous les soirs (8 Ly Tu Trong) et l'Alibi ou le Pacharan (Nguyen Sieu) pour un apero.
En définitive, on est dans l'obligation de consommer c'est ça ?
non tu n'es pas obligee de consommer.
tu penetres dans l'etablissement, tu fais ce que tu as a y faire, et ensuite tu ne paies que ce que tu as consomme, si t'as rien consomme, tu ne paies rien et tu t'en vas..
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
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!
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! :-)
