Je serai aux Philippines du 9/01/2012 au 26 janvier.
J'envisage de faire Banaue (3-4 jours) et palawan le reste + 2 jours sur Manille à l'arrivée et au départ.
Est-il selon vous nécessaire de réserver à l'avance les hôtels?
J'ai entendu dire sur les forums qu'il était plutôt facile de trouver des hôtels. Toutefois, le mois de janvier étant considéré comme une période haute, je m'inquiète un peu.
Sachant que nous voyageons à deux et n'avons pas des gouts de luxe.Nous cherchons plutôt des hôtels intermédiaires (chambre propre avec douche).
ça me rassure un peu!!
Mais bon je me demande du coup si je vais pas réserver seulement quelques jours.
Par contre est-ce que c'est sécurisé de réservé et de payer en ligne?
De plus, de nombreux hôtels ne font pas de réservations en ligne.
Je suis allé il ya deux ans au cours de cette période ... J'ai atterri à Cebu et juste regardé pour une chambre sur place. J'ai rarement réserver en ligne et ne jamais payer à l'avance.
bonsoir fln
...
je pars du 17/12 au 21/12/11....en mode sac à dos je n'ai pas réservé d'hotel..je vais surement rester sur manille ou batangas car je serais en escale ....j'ai lu pas mal de post dans ce forum la plupart conseil de reserver mais bon....comme le dis navigator646 et JmL.... l'experience!!!! j'imagine janvier n'est pas booké au niveau des hotels me semble t'il !!!!..
j'ai parcontre deja reservé par le passé, sur le net des hotels ..payé en ligne..... je n'ai jamais eu de réel soucis.. documente toi bien sur l'hotel, sur son site , les commentaires etcc ..pas de lézard...
je réserve un hotel par internet pour mon arrivée à manille. je donne mon n° de carte mais la première nuit est débitée seulement si je ne meprésente pas. hotel rothman dans le quartier ermita/malate, 1870 php. dans le même quartier, il y a le lotus garden, 2300 php, un peu plus cher et très bien, le pearl garden,2400/2500 php, avec un super déjeuner-buffet. le quartier est assez animé, robinson mall sur place, et accès à l'aéroport en 30/40 mn.
jamais aucun problème avec mes achats de billets d'avion par internet.
pour banaue, pas besoin de réserver.
Meme chose, je réserve quand j'arrive a Manille ou Cébu par le Net, ca coute moins cher par Agoda style, mais si tu prolonges ton séjour, tu paieras
plein pot pour la meme chambre(20 a 30 % de +) !Jamais eu aucuns problèmes avec ma carte Visa Prem, pour les billets d'avions, meme chose!🙂😉
au rothman, la resa par agoda est effectivement 40 php moins chère. en résevant directement à l'hotel, j'ai toujours payé le même prix pendant tout le séjour. 1870 c'est le prix d'une chambre standard, la deluxe est à 2125. différence : standard au 3ème étage et 2m2 de moins. petit dej non compris. prendre une chambre sur l'arrière, les chambres sur adriatico sont un peu bruyantes.
Risqué non .... c'est +/- partout pareil en Asie , hors très grosse periode comme déjà évoqué, tu trouveras as +/- toujours te loger
... par contre si tu as des exigences sur un etablissement ou un type de chambre c'est different ! et les etablissements cités sur les forum ou certains guides sont rapidement complets ou n'ont pas la chambre souhaitée ! (exp perso récente)
Attention : en 2012 le nouvel an chinois tombe très tôt, le 23 janvier.
Pour la semaine qui précède et pour celle qui suit, il est IMPERATIF de réserver dès maintenant vos hébergements et transports domestiques!
bonsoir getehem...
donc tu préconise , de réserver même pour une seule nuit ...la semaine avant noël?
je suis plutot mode routard, babacool, pas prise de tete ( pas hyper exigeant , mais le minimum syndical d'hygiene s'impose 😏) je voyage seul..comme je l'ai précedament précisé.. je serais avant noël du 17/12 au 21/12/11 depart ..je ne serais pas dans le nouvel an chinois...c'est risqué si je n'ai pas réservé???
Manille est quand meme une mégalopole de 11 millions d'habitants ..si tu ajoutes à cela les quartiers Ermita, Malate , "makita" qui sont reputé quand meme pour leurs pensions, guest house , petit hotel, .... endroit pour backpackers c'est jouable non???
Souvent je lis sur des post.. le CHILL OUT tenu par 2 français ( perso dorttoir ça m'interesse pas mais la chambre seul et à 13 euro maxi 15)
ou alors la PENSION MALATE... à peu pret les memes tarifs....
En asie parmis mes précedentes experiences lorsque j'ai eu le plaisir de voyager, je n'ai jamais reservé avant...."période noél inclus"( thailande, malaysie, indonésie) j'ai toujours trouvé sur place selon mes infos ..capturer sur les forums et aussi sur les bons conseils des forumeurs ( merci au passage😉).... comme je ne connais pas Manille et l'influence en cet periode là.....je suis preneur de bon conseil ...merci
En ce qui concerne le " mode routard avec le minimum syndical d' hygiène", je ne suis pas qualifié pour te répondre....et encore moins vu les quartiers que tu cites, sorry.
Mais puisqu' à Manille il y a des familles entières qui logent toute l'année dans des boîtes en carton sur des trottoirs, je pense que tout est possible, même avant Noel.
Cependant, la période de Noel dans un pays catholique doit sûrement a priori avoir plus d' importance pour les habitants que dans un pays boudhiste.....enfin je suppose....
Bref, tout ce que je peux dire, c'est que dans les hôtels de niveau moyen que je connais, tout est booké pour le 23 au 27 décembre.
NB. MAKITA est une excellente marque d' outils pour le bricolage. Nous ici, on a MAKATI....😉😉
ok merci pour le lien..certe ma préférence pour le moment est le CHILL OUT.....donc j'aviserais làbas et le fait que tu ais déjà sejourné làbas.... sans être deçu ...ça me rassure merci l'ami..
ah sacré getelhem..😉 eureur de frappe pour le quartier de "MAKATI" ( d'aileurs réputé pour etre un quartier un peu + hupé que malate et ermita avec les bobos de manille et son coté quartier buisness..
désolé.. j'essaye de faire un effort lorsque je veux visiter un pays , quand j'ai un coup de coeur..je me renseigne avant..et si possible auprés de personnes qui ont deja foulé ce pays....les gens qui dorment dans des cartons j'en suis désolé pour eux mais je ne prendrais pas pour example leur fatalité ..qu'ils soient chretiens ..hindouiste..musulman..que dieu les garde....
Désolé aussi au passage d'etre un routard un amoureux de la vie qui suit son feeling, les rencontres et les bons plans echangés , et de ne pas avoir un compte en banque blindé pour ..reserver des hotels 5 etoiles all in....si je devrais attendre d'etre riche ou de gagner au loto.. jamais j'aurais eu la chance de voyager à l'autre bout du monde ... à chacun sa bourse ( pécunièrement parlant biensur 😉)...
en tous cas merci pour vos conseils les gars c'est toujours bon de partager nos experiences
ps: si maitre capelo me lit d'ici haut..pardon pour les fautes d'orthographe les accents etc etc je suis faché avec la grammaire depuis tout petit 😊.. on m' a toujours dit " le fond est + important que la forme"
C'est vrai que l 23 c'est le nouvel an chinois, bon réflexion faite je vais quand même essayer de réserver un tant soit peu.
En revanche pour Banaue, je ne pense que cela sot nécessaire????
Autre question pour les réservations par Internet, question bête!
Est-ce que l'hotel prélève dès la réservation ou est-ce qu'il attend que je me présente à l'hotel pour effectuer le prélèvement.
De plus, un certain nombre d'hotels pratiquent le 1er arrivé 1er servi, du ocup, je vois pas à quoi ça sert de réserver.
En tout cas, je vais réserver pour El nido histoire d'assurer le coup.
Avez -vous des hotels à me recommander?
De préférence pas trop cher, propre et idéalement situé.
C'est vrai que l 23 c'est le nouvel an chinois, bon réflexion faite je vais quand même essayer de réserver un tant soit peu...
mm un peu plus 😄😄😄 pour ton info je veins d'essuyer 3 reponses "sorry fully booked" pour cette periode en 2 lieux differents !
... donc moi pour cette periode visiblement chargée je reserve n'ayant pas envie de passer 2 ou 3 h a trouver un hotel, après chacun sa façon de voyager
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.