Excusez-moi Kimtow, mais pourquoi parler de normalité ? Est-on "obligé" de faire comme tout le monde.
Si Vasanti désire de la chaleur, ce n'est pas dans le nord qu'elle en trouvera !!!! Elle verra sur place. Il est vrai qu'on dit toujours, même en France, qu'il faut commencer par le Nord puis descendre dans le Sud. On doit avoir le cerveau fait comme ça 😉
Ce qui me surprend aussi c'est que Tandinh puisse donner ce genre de conseils pour un premier message posté sur le forum.... alors que d'autres forumeurs, spécialistes du Vietnam, n'ont rien dit.. Je reste très perplexe....
Enfin, je dis à Vasanti, ce que je lui ai déjà dit : faites le bon choix et profitez de votre séjour. 3 MOIS, C'EST LONG.... elle pourra voir sur place et puis, un ou deux vols intérieurs, c'est vite fait, ce n'est pas comme celui qui n'a que trois semaines de congés. Donc, on ne peut pas trop parler de gâchis de voyage....
Cordialement.
P.S. D'ailleurs, vous avez répondu en Avril 2011 à Motty qui désirait se rendre dans le nord en Décembre. Vous lui avez conseillé de rester dans le sud car le temps était beaucoup plus agréable et que les Fêtes étaient magnifiques....
Bon courage à Vasanti pour s'y retrouver. Le mieux, est de rechercher météo au Vietnam sur le forum et là, on a pas mal de conseils de personnes qui ont vécu leur voyage à ces périodes là.
Pourquoi parler de normalité ? parce qu'un forum c'est surtout fait pour renseigner UTILEMENT les personnes qui ne connaissent absolument pas un pays, et qui, en plus peut-être, de guides papiers, essaient de se faire une idée dudit pays pour organiser leur voyage -
Je ne suis ni propriétaire ni gérante d'un quelconque hôtel ou d'une infrastructure en relations avec le tourisme, mais je ne vois pas pourquoi on irait raconter, nous qui savons, quelque chose qui va forcément mettre la personne dans la difficulté - j'ai assez regretté, personnellement, que l'on ne m'ait pas dit (mais il est vrai qu'à l'époque je ne fréquentais pas les forums) que j'allais passer à Hanoi du 17 décembre au 5 février suivant des moments qui ont bien failli me faire renoncer à tout jamais au Vietnam : brume, froid humide, pluie fine incessante, impression de dormir dans un lit mouillé car évidemment le chauffage ????- il y a certainement des hôtels qui se sont améliorés en changeant leur vieille clim pour en mettre des neuves "deux voies" qui font maintenant aussi chauffage, mais je puis vous assurer qu'Hanoi ainsi que sa périphérie n'ont guère de charme en hiver - et le fait qu'a souligné Tandinh que tout le monde se cache à 20 heures maxi pour essayer de rester au chaud, est tout à fait le reflet de la réalité -
J'essaie toujours, d'après mon expérience, de dire au plus près la véracité aux amateurs - c'est sûr que si la forumiste avait choisi une autre période, j'aurais été la première à lui dire que le Nord est splendide... sous le soleil, dans la chaleur dans les fleurs des flamboyants- je ne suis pas avare de détails pour rendre lisible ce pays, mais là ce serait travestir la vérité que de lui dire qu'elle va se régaler... au nord -
Alors décidément je me rendrai dans le sud.
Ce qui est le plus important pour moi dans le voyage c'est la rencontre avec les gens, les échanges interculturels. Je ne suis pas une enragée des sites touristiques à voir absolument.
Je ne rêve pas de la baie d'Halong et je la laisse volontiers à sa brume hivernale.
Merci à vous tous de tenter de m'éclairer sur ce pays.
Alors, désolée, je n'ai sans doute rien compris. OUI, il fait froid, brumeux.... à Hanoi, ça je le sais, pas de problème donc.... pourquoi faire atterrir VASANTI à Hanoi ????
J'arrête là, car je ne suis pas capable de comprendre cela....Il doit y avoir quelque chose que je n'ai pas saisi...
Pourquoi faire atterrir Vasanti à Hanoi ??? - ainsi que l'a dit Tandinh et d'autres dont j'ai mangé le nom, parce qu'elle peut sur début décembre avoir encore, ainsi que je lui ai dit, quelques journées à peu près correctes qui lui permettraient de voir la capitale..... mais ça ne durera pas : passé le 15 décembre .... gris, gris, bruine, je l'ai malheureusement vérifié plusieurs fois - il y a des exceptions quelquefois, mais tenter la chance me parait une gageure ....
Si Vasanti fait une croix sur le Nord (ce que je préconiserai plutôt) et qu'elle atterrit et qu'elle reste sur le sud, il y a quand même beaucoup à faire!!!!!- je ne peux pas donner beaucoup de détails car je connais peu et c'est d'ailleurs pour cette raison que j'y vais passer.....4 ou 5 mois à partir de novembre cet hiver - elle ne connait pas du tout, donc, l'église caodaiste, les tunnels de cu ci, la belle petite route pour y aller, les femmes qui confectionnent les galettes le long de cette route, Vung tau, la croisière sur la rivière Saigon, les iles, voire Phu Quoc etc....... c'est tout nouveau pour elle et ça permet d'apprécier tout ça sans être au pas de course, savoir se laisser vivre, échanger avec les locaux, c'est quelque chose de bien agréable... surtout lorsqu'on a un top et un chapeau pour le soleil et un maillot pour les bains!!!!
Tandinh est originaire de ce beau pays qu'est le Vietnam. Il y retourne souvent et a parcouru le pays de long en large (sauf Sapa) depuis plus de 15 ans. Sa dernière visite à Hanoi et à Ha long remonte justement à février 2011, Il a pu constater pour sa 4ème visite à la baie d'Halong beaucoup de changements comme partout dans le reste du pays. En revanche, les conditions météorologiques ne changent pas. De toute façon, en commençant par le Nord ou par le Sud, Vasanti ne s'ennuiera pas au Vietnam.h
Cordialement - tandin
Bonjour,
J ai parcouru les réponses
On dirait rolland Garros
au nord , au sud au nord ....au sud ...
çà donne le tourniquet ... Mais...
bref vous avez le choix ...
par exemple si vous préférez voir les fetes ce sera bien au nord que des fetes traditionnelles juste apres le tet seront légions et les paysages printanières du nord seront attrayants (tet =23/01/2012)
si non le temps est assez froid à cette époque
acceptable au sud
mais dès fin fev la chaleur commence à revenir au sud
, supportable cependant pour des jeunes moins pour les personnes de plus de 50ans
une chaleur humide , lourde / chaleur enFrance
une petite participation aux infos de ma part
cordialement
Merci à vous tous, le premier pas est fait J'ai pris un A/R PARIS HO CHI MINH pour séjourner dans le coin décembre janvier février. Je referai certainement appel à vous plus tard. Je sais que sur place j'aurai tout le temps et loisir d'envisager plusieurs options pour mon voyage. Merci pour vos contributions éclairantes.
Bonjour, je suis lotusflower, je me déplace au Vietnam depuis 1992 ! et vit une partie de l'année là-bas (à Phu Quoc ) au sud...., je vous conseille pour ma part de prendre un vol pour Saïgon, (meilleur prix avec la Turkish en ce moment, pour un départ mi-déc.-début Janv. ) ensuite ne pas oublier de faire un saut dans le magnifique delta du Mekong....et le Cap St Jacques et Phu Quoc mon île....après remonter tranquilos sur le centre Vietnam, Dalat, Hué, Danang, Hanoï (entre mer et montagnes ) et ne pas oublier de faire une incurtion dans les jungles montagnardes du Nord Ouest, Sapa et ses multiples ethnies ! voila ce que je vous conseille, vous en avez le temps ! si vous voulez d'autres "tuyaux", je me tiens à votre dispo. Salutations😉
bonjour ravie d'être en contact avec un résident au Vietnam, merci pour vos conseils et peut-être au plaisir de vous rencontrer sur votre île ou sur le site pour d'autres infos. J'ai pris un billet Paris HO CHI MINH A/R arrivée début décembre retour 01/03/2012. Salutations
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.
