Hé oui, il faut être conscient que les Philippines, c'est pas la Thailande.
Moins de touristes, donc moins de compétition pour les prix mais également une saison basse plus marquée (quoi qu'évidemment un peu partout, les prix sont souvent divisés par deux à ce moment).
Et surtout les Philippines sont un archipel, ce qui signifie prix de l'électricité prohibitif - à prendre en compte pour les resorts qui utilisent l'air conditionné - et logistique coûteuse - tous les produits arrivent par avion puis bateau...
Manille: Surpolluee, surpeuplee, sale, un traffic insuportable, j ai pourtant bien aime la capitale des philippines qui a en elle meme beaucoup plus de charme que Kuala Lumpur par exemple. .
Marrant ca, parce que pour moi Kuala Lumpur a infiniment plus de charme que Manille !
Ce que j'ai aimé à Manille : les combats de coqs au Makati Coliseum, le cimetiere US et les jeepneys !!
A KL C'est le mélange génial des styles d'architectures, les combinaisons avec les espaces verts, la propreté, la vie de la rue et assez peu d'embouteillages !!! Moins trépidante que Manille : pour moi une des + sympas d'Asie du Sud Est (après Bangkok quand même 😉)
Ne pas oublier que la vraie capitale des Philippines sur beaucoup de point c 'est QUEZON CITY;
De loin la plus peuplée dans Metro Manial 1,5 fois Manila avec 4 fois la surface Manila
Nav😉
MAKATI n'est pas la capitale des philippines uniquement sont centre commercial et financier et encore!!!; capitale des bars, disco , hotels, restaurants (CHR) lol😉
Pour les Philippins, c 'est bien , QUEZON city historiquement d 'ailleurs et capitale administrative et du pouvoir ;toutes les administrations et universités , ministères des Philippines se trouvent à QUEZON CITY.
Un de mes amis Philippins haut placé au B.I.R me le précisait lors de mon dernier séjour ;j 'en ai découvert l'ampleur!
Bientot 3 millions dhabitant!!!
Makati c'est 413.000 habitants et 30 km²
QUEZON c'est 2.411 000 habitants et 166 km²
Manila c'est 1.520.000 habitants et 30km²
Quezon City (en tagalog, Lungsod Quezon ; en espagnol, Ciudad Quezon ; en français, Quezon) est l'ancienne capitale et la ville la plus peuplée de l'archipel des A View of SM City North EDSA, the largest shopping mall in the Philippines, in the Diliman District.
At the center of Diliman lies the Quezon Memorial Circle, where the late President Manuel L. Quezon is interred. Around the monument is the two-kilometer Quezon Memorial Circle, also known as the Elliptical Road (R-7/C-5).
The Quezon City Hall, one of the tallest city halls in the country, is located along the Circle. Surrounding the city hall are spacious parks and open areas. The head offices of some national government are located in Diliman:Land Transportation Office (LTO)Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)Social Security System (SSS)National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR)National Printing Office (NPO)Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)National Statistics Office (NSO)National Housing Authority (NHA)Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB)National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI)Land Transportation Franchishing and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)Philippine Information Agency (PIA)National Computer Center (NCC)Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT)Commission on Higher Education (CHED)Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC)Office of the OmbudsmanCourt of Tax AppealsThe Departments of Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) and Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).Population CensusCensusPop.Rate193939,013—1948107,97712.0%1960397,99011.5%1970754,4526.6%1975956,8644.9%19801,165,8654.0%19901,669,7763.7%19951,989,4193.6%20002,173,8311.92%20072,679,4502.93%
Near the Circle are many important health centers and institutions. Along East Avenue stand the Philippine Heart Center, the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and the Philippine Mental Health Association. Along North Avenue is the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) and the Philippine Health Association. The Philippine Children's Medical Center and Lung Center of the Philippines are located along Quezon Avenue (R-7).
The headquarters of NBN, RPN, IBC, PBS, ABS-CBN Broadcast Center, and GMA Network Center are also located in Diliman. The online publication covering Diliman, the Diliman Diary, is also based there.[3]
Most of the rest of the area is residential. Some villages in this portion of Diliman are Teachers Village, U.P. Village, and Sikatuna Village. Those closer to the University of the Philippines campus such as Teachers Village and U.P. Village remain mostly residential although there are two major secondary schools in the area namely Claret School of Quezon City and Holy Family School, and many have converted spare rooms into boarding facilities for out-of-town students attending schools in the area: U.P., Ateneo, and Miriam College. The eastern edge of the Diliman area is roughly bound by Katipunan Avenue which passes in front of Ateneo and Miriam and runs behind the U.P Diliman campus.
De retour de Thailande, tes impressions sont proches des miennes; hormis boracay que je ne connais pas:
Qq remarques:
- Ton itinéraire semble crevant pour 2 semaines; il aurait mieux valu voler de manille à cébu directement puis rayonner sur bohol, siquijor, bantayan, etc...
- Siquijor est superbe en effet,
- Manille est embouteillée et polluée c'est vrai mais finalement pas beaucoup plus que Bangkok; seule différence il n'y a pas l'airport link comme à Bangkok^^
Bon retour en Thai; perso je repartirai aux philippines en novembre🙂
Bonjour,
Pourtant; il y a des hôtel qui offrent des prestations excellentes à des prix .... dérisoires !
Comme le Amigotel à GenSan !
http://www.amigotelgensan.com/
ou les Sampagita inn à Davao
http://www.travbuddy.com/Sampaguita-Tourist-Inn-v309733
Donc il ne faut pas dire que cela n'existe pas !!!
Il faut seulement sortit un peu des sentiers battus !!
Cordialement
Denis de davao
comment va à danao la vie est belle q'uelles nouvelles de mindanao !!!
je prepare un trip au sud des island toi qui est du coin que en penses tu faisable ou non gros risques de perdre sa tte ou qoi !!! tes impresions sont les bienvenues.
Salut,
Actuellement, il pleut pas mal a Davao, alors que d`habitude on est assez privilegies.
La semaine derniere, une petite riviere est sortie de son lit, suite a des pluies torrentielles sur les hauteurs> Resultat, le quartier de Matina a ete recouvert d`un metre vingt d`eau et il y a eu 40 morts.
De vie de philippins, personne n`avait jamais vu cela.
Cette annee, le climat est vraiment deboussole.
Si non, pour visiter, je te dirais que je me sens plus en securite ici qu`a Bordeaux.
Je vais avoir bientot fait tout le tour de Mindanao et une grande partie de l`interieur>
A Koronadal, mom hote m`a promene partout, jusqu`au lac Cebu avec le pistolet a la ceinture>
Au dessus de Tagum, dans la province de Compostelle valle, il m`est arrive la meme chose>
Peut etre avaient`ils peur, eux, mais moi, je n`ai jamais senti d`hostilitesde la part de personne>
Peut etre aussi n`avons nous pas peur de ce qu`on connait pas .
Beaucoup de curiosite, de questions, de sourires> Jamais de gestes hostiles, de paroles genre haineuses, de face desaprobatrices.
Actuellenemt, je visite la province de Sarangani>
Depuis General Santos< Je remonte doucement la cote Ouest> Aujourd`hui je suis a Kiamba> Ils n`ont pas l`air d`avoir trop l`habitude de voir des touristes, mais l`acceuil est toujours aussi chaleureux partout.
Apres le 15, c`est vers DIPOLOG que je vais aller, en faisant au passage Catabatao, Iligan, Ozamis>
A Noel, ma fille faiait le momt Apo et ses environs> Kilapawan et compagnie.
Elle n`a pas eu l`impression qu`on voulait lui couper la tete.
Pour Aout, avec un copain, on se prepare pour aller a Zamboanga en visite< On a nouer des contacts avec des profs turcs qui nous ont invites> On le prepare un peu plus qu`ailleurs, notamemt au niveau des contatcs noues, a cause de la mauvaise presse qua cette region>
Si j`avais une seule hesitation, je ne prendrais pas le risque> La vie est trop belle sous ces latitudes, et je tiens a y rester le plus longtemps possible>
Par contre, plus bas que Zamboanga, je n`irais pas.
Non !!! Je dis que je ne connais pas personnellement les zones Zamboanga : Zamboanga Norte, Del Sur, Misamis Occidental. Je n’y ai pas encore mis les pieds !
Les renseignements que j'ai recueillis, ici, à Davao, disent que c'est OK.
Le patron des City Hardward (c'est un chinois) y a un magasin. Il dit : pas de problème !
Le patron des abattoirs de GenSan y va régulièrement (c'est un Belge) : il dit : pas de problème !.
J’ai un copain (qui est ici depuis 28 ans), dont la femme a la famille à Zamboanga City. Il y va régulièrement. Il dit : maintenant il n’y a plus de problème !
Trois français font partis de la croix rouge basée à Davao. Ils sont régulièrement en mission sur toute l’ile. Actuellement, ils sont à Catabato. J’attends leurs informations sur les provinces de Zamboanga.
Mais cela rejoint ce que dit ton capitaine de Yacht qui est de Zamboanga Sibuguey (qui fait partie de Zamboanga del Sur)
Comme je t’ai dit, je vais aller faire prochainement Lanao del Norte, et Misamis Occidental.
Et je prépare mon trip pour les deux provinces de Zamboanga.
Je pourrais donner mes impressions perso. , après.
Par contre, je n'ai pas de renseignements; bons ou mauvais, sur Basilan, Sulu et Tawi Rawi
Concernant le reste de Mindanao, j'affirme que j'y suis allé sans crainte et sans problème.
Quand tu veux, tu viens ! la porte est toujours ouvertes aux amis.
Lees locauz m`ont dit que c`etait toujours craignos d aller sur Tawi Tawi et Sulu pour les etrangers.
Par contre ils m`ont recommande d`aller sur Mindanao.
Bonsoir,
Je viens d'avoir des informations de mes amis de la Croix Rouge.
En fait, il disent : Les groupes rebelles, susceptibles de créer des problèmes avec des étrangers, comme par exemple des enlèvements, sont établis sur Basilan et plus bas.
Un ou des enlèvements ne s'improvisent pas !
Ils ont bien des contacts sur "la glande ile, à Zamboanga City ou plus loin" qui peuvent les renseigner.
Mais du fait de l'éloignement, il leur faudra bien deux à trois jours, pour s'organiser.
De plus il leur faudra trouver des vedettes rapides pour rejoindre leur fiefs, une fois leur coup fait.
Cela devient de plus en plus difficile pour eux, du fait de la présence policière et armée sur Zamboanga.
Leur conclusion est que si on y va passer 48 h et qu'on en parte, on ne risque absolument rien.
C'est ce qu'ils font. De petites missions de 2 à 3 jours pas plus.
Plus, ils le déconseillent.
J'en saurais plus vendredi prochain, il viennent diner chez moi.
C'est un peu pareil à Catabato. Il y a des accord passés avec les ex belligérants, le gouvernement et l'armée. Dans la théorie, c'est calme et serein.
Mais c'est plus des groupes familiaux que de vrais bandes organisées, qui risquent foutre la merde. Et là, c'est comme avec les volcans. Ca peut péter sans prévenir.
A tel point, qu'ils avaient un permanent sur place jusqu'en Fevrier, et qu'ils l'ont rapatrié Sur Davao suite à des menaces précises !
Ils y vont quand même en mission sur la semaine, mais se gardent de sortir la nuit.
Par contre, ils déconseillent formellement actuellement d'aller à MARAWI et le lac Lanao, alors qu'il n'y a absolument aucun risque d'aller à Iligan. Et il n'y a qu'environ 30 km entre les deux.
Voila les dernières news que j'ai.
Cordialement
Denis de Davao.
Cela confirme les dires de mes amis de la croix rouge;
sur la méthode employé; Qu'il faut être très prudent, et si on va la bas, ne pas séjourner longtemps
Merci le vieux.
Ca va bien ! Merci.
Non, je ne suis le représentant de personne. Mais j'essaie d'être le plus objectif possible.
J'ai vécu et travaillé depuis 1977 à l'étranger. Je connais 21 pays sur 5 régions du monde différentes :Europe, Moyen Orient, Pays de l'est, Afrique et Asie.
Quand tu travailles dans un pays, avec ta famille en plus, que tu y vie tous les jours, tu vois les choses différemment, n'en déplaise à certain.
Je continu à voir les choses sous le même angle !
Merci de suivre mes Spots. Mais hélas, 80 % de ma correspondance, passe en message privée, et j'ai au moins deux à trois plus de discussions, qu'il n'y en a d'ouverts sur ce site.
Et je ne dois pas être le seul !
Il n'y a pas à chercher bien loin la cause. Tu la connais toi aussi, je suis sur !
Amitiés.
Denis de Davao .
Non !!! Je dis que je ne connais pas personnellement les zones Zamboanga : Zamboanga Norte, Del Sur, Misamis Occidental. Je n’y ai pas encore mis les pieds !
Les renseignements que j'ai recueillis, ici, à Davao, disent que c'est OK.
Le patron des City Hardward (c'est un chinois) y a un magasin. Il dit : pas de problème !
Le patron des abattoirs de GenSan y va régulièrement (c'est un Belge) : il dit : pas de problème !.
J’ai un copain (qui est ici depuis 28 ans), dont la femme a la famille à Zamboanga City. Il y va régulièrement. Il dit : maintenant il n’y a plus de problème !
Trois français font partis de la croix rouge basée à Davao. Ils sont régulièrement en mission sur toute l’ile. Actuellement, ils sont à Catabato. J’attends leurs informations sur les provinces de Zamboanga.
Manque de chance pour cette maman Americano /Pinay et ses deux fils , le mari allemand étant absent;famille kidnappée ces derniers jours sur une île au Sud de Zambo.
Il est possible de séjourner à Zamboanga et visiter tawi tawi, une délégation Française est passée en 2010, non pas Basilian et nous sommes aussi bien reçus sur le territoire des Bajaos;mais les conditions ici évolues du jour au lendemain .Pour cette destination , le mieux est de consulter le headquater army in Zamboanga.
Consultez aussi Jens Peters, un vrai spécialiste des Philippines qui lui a visité toutes les Philippines DE LONG EN LARGE DEPUIS PLUS DE 20 ANS, non pas, les piliers de bistrot immobiles qui colportent des on dis que, arrivés aux Philippines en 2009, ne connaissant pas 1/100 eme du pays.
Nav😄
Maintenant;la cote Nord et EST de Mindanao de Cagayan /Butuan /Suriago et autre enchanted river (magique)et Siargao sont magnifiques et trés tranquilles et méritent déplacement pour ceux qui connaissent!!!!😏
Ps ;le meilleur ouvrage sur les Philiippines ;Philippines Travel Guide de jens Peters ou la huitieme édition du lonely planet année 1997 du meme Jens Peters , avant sa séparation avec le LOnely et la création de son propre guide.
Bonne lecture.
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?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
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.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
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.
A View of SM City North EDSA, the largest shopping mall in the Philippines, in the Diliman District.
At the center of Diliman lies the Quezon Memorial Circle, where the late President Manuel L. Quezon is interred. Around the monument is the two-kilometer Quezon Memorial Circle, also known as the Elliptical Road (R-7/C-5).
The Quezon City Hall, one of the tallest city halls in the country, is located along the Circle. Surrounding the city hall are spacious parks and open areas. The head offices of some national government are located in Diliman:Land Transportation Office (LTO)Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)Social Security System (SSS)National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR)National Printing Office (NPO)Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)National Statistics Office (NSO)National Housing Authority (NHA)Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB)National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI)Land Transportation Franchishing and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)Philippine Information Agency (PIA)National Computer Center (NCC)Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT)Commission on Higher Education (CHED)Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC)Office of the OmbudsmanCourt of Tax AppealsThe Departments of Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) and Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).Population CensusCensusPop.Rate193939,013—1948107,97712.0%1960397,99011.5%1970754,4526.6%1975956,8644.9%19801,165,8654.0%19901,669,7763.7%19951,989,4193.6%20002,173,8311.92%20072,679,4502.93%
Near the Circle are many important health centers and institutions. Along East Avenue stand the Philippine Heart Center, the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and the Philippine Mental Health Association. Along North Avenue is the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) and the Philippine Health Association. The Philippine Children's Medical Center and Lung Center of the Philippines are located along Quezon Avenue (R-7).
The headquarters of NBN, RPN, IBC, PBS, ABS-CBN Broadcast Center, and GMA Network Center are also located in Diliman. The online publication covering Diliman, the Diliman Diary, is also based there.[3]
Most of the rest of the area is residential. Some villages in this portion of Diliman are Teachers Village, U.P. Village, and Sikatuna Village. Those closer to the University of the Philippines campus such as Teachers Village and U.P. Village remain mostly residential although there are two major secondary schools in the area namely Claret School of Quezon City and Holy Family School, and many have converted spare rooms into boarding facilities for out-of-town students attending schools in the area: U.P., Ateneo, and Miriam College. The eastern edge of the Diliman area is roughly bound by Katipunan Avenue which passes in front of Ateneo and Miriam and runs behind the U.P Diliman campus.
