Nous partons en Thailande au mois de janvier 2013 et nous souhaitons faire un petit crochet par Siem Reap. Nous avons prévu d'y être 4 jours pleins sur place.
Nous nous demandons si nous devons consacrer ses 4 jours à Angkor et ses environs ou si nous passons 2jrs à Angkor, une journée pour prendre le bateau de Siem Reap à Battabang et une journée du côté de Battabang.
Nous aimons bien les visites de temples, mais n'est ce pas trop répétitif sur 4 jours? Est ce que une journée de bateau c'est trop long pour ce que c'est? La campagne de Battabang vaut elle le coup de s'y attarder?
Pour les connaisseurs, quel serait sinon le meilleur itinéraire pour cette partie du Cambodge. Nous souhaitons découvrir les joyaux d'Angkor, nous perdre dans la campagne à la rencontre des habitants, nous aimerions voir les villages flottants du lac ou bien carrément un marché flottant ( s'il y en a ). Nous souhaitons rester dans des endroits sécurisés mais pas non plus suivre un troupeau de touristes... Sauf pour la visite d'Angkor, lol.
Nous venons au Cambodge car nous pensons que ce pays a gardé un côté authentique contrairement à sa voisine thailandaise. Qu'en est il réellement?
Personnellement, sans être un spécialiste de l'art ni de l'architecture Khmère, je pense que 3 jours sur Angkor c'est bien. Le premier jour vous faites les temples principaux ensuite jour 2, les temples connus aussi, mais en périphérie du "centre". Puis 3eme jour, il faut aller assez loin (à 1h - 1h30 de route) pour voir un autre temple qui change un peu de ce que vous aurez déjà vu ainsi qu'une rivière dont le fond est sculpté.
Après, c'est vous qui voyez, mais pour voir l'essentiel d'Angkor c'est minimum 2 jours.
Pour la suite, Batambang c'est pas mal du tout. La campagne environnante est très sympa, et reste "authentique". Comptez une demie journée de bus à partir de Siem Reap. Vous arriverez en début d'aprem certainement, ce qui vous laisse le temps de vous installer à l'hotel, un tour dans la ville, et c'est à peu près tout. Le lendemain, prenez un scooter et allez battre la campagne, ca vaut vraiment le coup.
Concernant la masse de touristes à Angkor.... Ben déjà vous en ferez parti donc un peu d'humilité s'impose à mon avis. Ensuite, le fléau ce sera les hordes de coréens et chinois (peut etre d'autres aussi) qui débarquent de leur bus et envahissent le temple que vous visitez paisiblement avec Madame. Ils se comportent en territoire conquis, et ne respectent pas les autres touristes, encore moins les cambodgiens que vous croiserez dans les temples... La meilleure technique reste de se mettre de coté, d'attendre que l'orage passe. De toutes manières ca ne dure jamais bien longtemps, ils visitent au pas de charge. Pour vous, la meilleure solution, consiste à prendre un tuk tuk en ville pour les 2 ou 3 jours de visite. Ca coute entre 15 et 20 USD la journée (15 pour les temples du centre, 20 pour la journée à l'autre bout du site poru aller voir la rivière). Le tuk tuk vous lache à l'entrée du temple, puis vous visitez à votre rythme. Votre chauffeur vous attendra à la sortie.
Après libre à vous d'accepter les extras de type coucher ou lever de soleil sur les temples. Je n'ai pas véritablement d'avis sur la question. Je suis mitigé sur le résultat, mais en même temps, c'est Angkor, on n'y va pas tous les jours et c'est 5 USD e coucher de soleil, alors bon... JE pense qu'il faut mieux regretté ses 5 USD si le résultat n'est pas au top, plutôt que de rentrer à Paris torturé de ne pas l'avoir fait...
Évitez le "fishing village" du lac que l'on vous proposera partout à Siem Reap... Ça n'a rien d'authentique du tout, voire aucun intérêt. Les seuls que j'ai vu, c'est au cours de la traversée Phnom Penh - Siem Reap, mais on ne s'arrête pas.
Pour le trip en totalité, 4 jours me paraissent un peu court quand meme. Peut etre pouvez vous vous en sortir avec seulement 2 jours à Angkor puis Battambang. Mais ca va etre la course un peu...
Concernant la différence "d'authenticité" entre le Cambodge et la Thailande... Très difficile de répondre objectivement à cette question. Si vous vous limitez à Siem Reap, alors, aucune différence notable entre les 2. En revanche, si vous y passez un mois, le Cambodge sera plus "authentique". Quoi que je ne sois pas sur du sens à donner à ce mot. Je pense qu'il ne faut pas aller chercher la meme chose au Cambodge ou en Thailande. Souvent sur ce forum, "authenticité" rime avec pauvreté apparente et dénuement des populations locales. Sans rentrer dans un débat de philosophie de comptoir néo-colonialiste, je pense que c'est une manière de voyager et d'aborder les choses. Vous pourrez trouver de "l'authentique" dans les tours-centres commerciaux de Bangkok, mais vous ne verrez pas de petit village avec huttes de bambou sur pilotis avec le cochon qui dort à l'ombre sous le plancher et la grand mère qui tisse à coté... En même temps si vous débarquez dans ce genre de village l'appareil au tour du cou, les pataugas nickelles, le petit short de lin et la chemise tissée de bambou bio et recyclé achetée à prix d'or à Paris, je ne suis pas non plus sûr de "l'authenticité" de votre démarche.
Donc tout dépend de ce que vous cherchez à passer comme vacances, et de votre état d'esprit. Personnellement, la seule attitude que je condamne, c'est l'hypocrisie.
Après, chacun trouve son bonheur là où il veut et de toutes manières, que vous cherchiez "l'authenticité" ou que vous cherchiez à vous mettre des cuites sur les plages thaï, vous alimenterez le circuit du tourisme de la même manière...
N'hésitez pas si vous souhaitez d'autres précisions,
Bonne préparation !
Pour vous situez un peu mieux qui nous sommes et ce que nous recherchons :
Nous sommes de nanas de 35ans qui n'ont encore jamais voyagé en dehors de l'Europe. L'Asie, c'est un rêve qui va devenir réalité ...😉
Au départ, le voyage devait se faire en Thailande uniquement. Mais il nous est impossible d'être si prêt des temples d'Angkor sans y faire un saut. Nous sacrifions le nord de la thailande pour ça... Nous ne pouvons pas consacrer plus de 4 jours sur place car cela serait au détriment de certains sites basés en Thailande ( 4jrs à Kanchanaburi, 6 jours koh phan gan ou/et koh tao, 4 jours Angkor et 1 jour Bangkok ). A part sur les îles, je ne vois pas trop où grignoter déjà que l'on m'ait fait remarquer que 1 journée sur Bgk c'est trop peu.
Alors mon dilem : Passer 2 jours pour visiter les temples ( les classiques petit circuit et grand circuit ). Prendre le bateau entre Siem Reap et Battabang ( pour voir sans voyeurisme les villages flottants ) et passer une journée à Battabang pour sillonner la campagne. Le but : découvrir deux facettes du Cambodge, l'une historique et l'autre sinon authentique, on va dire un peu en dehors des sentiers touristique. Une campagne avec de jolis paysages et pourquoi pas des rencontres avec des cambodgiens curieux de nous parler... Nous connaissons une personnes qui va se rendre dans cette ville pour faire de l'humanitaire. Nous n'aurons pas la prétention de vouloir changer leurs vies, mais au moins d'échanger un sourir avec eux... C'est ça pour moi l'authentique : Un regard, un sourir, un échange. Pas de voyeurisme, pas de pitié mal placée, pas l'impression d'être dans une foire à touriste...Si une journée de bateau pour rejoindre Battabang, c'est trop long et que la région de Battabang ne correspond pas à l'idée que l'on se fait, alors nous resterons 3 jours sur Siem Reap et nous rejoindrons Bgk pour y passer 2 jours au lieu d'un seul.Nous partons pour 21 jours en tout et nous sommes conscientes qu'il faudra faire des choix car nous ne pourrons pas tout voir. On cible en fonction de nos points d'intérêts. Je ne sais pas du tout à quoi m'attendre à Angkor, mais je me demande sérieusement si 3 jours c'est trop ou pas assez. Soit on survole pour s'en mettre plein les yeux mais sans approfondir l'histoire, soit on s'impreigne de l'histoire Khmer et du coup, je pense qu'il faut y rester plus d'1 semaine... Voir ne faire que le Cambodge.🤪
Alors le dilem : Survoler et varier les plaisir ou bien approfondir la visite sans overdose...
Pour infos, en grèce nous avons fait les visites de l'acropole, l'agora et les musées en deux jours ... et il n'en fallait pas plus à notre goût. D'autres auraient pu y passer une semaine sans s'en lasser. 😛
Merci pour vos réponses détaillés et j'apprécie que vous aillez pris le temps d'échanger avec moi.🙂
J'ai lu vos deux messages.
Pour une 1ère en Asie, ne soyez pas trop ''gourmandes''. Vous risquez d'être déçues en ne supervisant ce que vous voulez voir.
Sachez qu'en Asie on ne se déplace pas toujours (voire jamais) rapidement.
Je vous conseillerais de ne faire qu'un pays, et ''d'affiner'' vos visites. Aller à Angkor en 2 jours, c'est IMPOSSIBLE.
Vous êtes jeunes, vous aurez l'occasion de revenir !!!
Je n’avais pas compris le but de votre voyage en fait…
Désolé…
Je te réponds alors en modulant ma réponse.
En 3 semaines de Thaïlande, tu as le temps je pense de découvrir ce pays. Entendons nous sur les mots : il s’agit d’humer, de gouter, pas de rentrer et de pouvoir faire un numéro de chien savant à tout connaître et tout savoir.
Pour une première expérience d’Asie, c’est à mon avis le meilleur que vous pouviez choisir, car si cela ne vous plait pas, il y a toujours en Thailande une structure aux normes « occidentales » pas bien loin. Ce qui n’est pas nécessairement le cas aux Cambodge et Laos.
Du coup, essayez de varier les plaisirs : la mégalopole à l’asiatique (Bangkok), les montagnes au Nord et les plages au Sud…
Si votre objectif est de découvrir, alors, 4 jours au Cambodge c’est pas si mal que ca. Ca vous montrera un autre pays et aussi que deux pays limitrophes peuvent être très différents… Il ne faut pas en revanche s’attendre à grand-chose de Siem Reap, c’est une ville dortoir pour aller visiter les temples en journée…
Si tu es allée en Grèce, alors en comparaison, dis-toi que c’est l’ensemble de toute la Grèce qui est rassemblée sur un carré de 50 km de coté. Le Parthénon, c’est comme Angkor Vat (le temple le plus emblématique du site d’Angkor, mais en bien meilleur état que la Parthénon…). En une bonne heure tu as visité le temple… Le charme n’est pas le même du tout, Angkor c’est mieux conservé, et puis on est beaucoup moins habitué à ce cadre. Après c’est une question de sensibilité personnelle.
Il est intéressant d’en faire plusieurs car ils ne se ressemblent pas tous. Maintenant en 4 jours de Cambodge, si ton objectif est de voir un autre pays, alors ne passe que 2 jours sur Angkor. Tu feras le grand et le petit circuit. Ca te donnera une bonne première impression.
Si tu arrives la veille au soir à Siem Reap (par avion) :
J1 : Angkor jour 1
J2 : Angkor jour 2
J3 : trajet Siem Reap – Battambang (par bus ou bateau, comme tu veux)
J4 : visite de Battambang et environs
Pour ton retour en Thailande, tu as des bus vers Poipet pour traverser la frontière.
Tu ne verras certes pas grand-chose du Cambodge, mais ca te permet de voir autre chose que la Thailande…
Et qui sait ? peut etre que cela te donnera envie d’y aller l’été prochain…
Merci encore de m'aider dans l'élaboration de mes vacances. Et merci Mattaf pour toutes les précisions apportées. Je persiste dans mon envie de passer 4 jours au Cambodge et je reste consciente que je ne pourrais que survoler l'état d'esprit de ce pays.
Voici le parcours envisagé :
J1 : départ très tôt le matin en bus de Ko san road ou en train de bangkok. Arrivée en fin d'après midi ou début de soirée à Battabang. Je pense que nous n'aurons pas le choix que de prendre un taxi de la frontière à BB. J'ai lu que cela coûtait 20$.
J2 : visite de la campagne de battambang ( avec un scoot par nous même ou bien avec un guide ).
J3 : bateau entre BB et Siem reap, arrivée à SR en fin d'après midi ou début de soirée.
J4 et J5 : visite des temples d'Angkor.
J6 : retour sur Bangkok pour finir le séjour avec 2 jours ds la capitale. Si nous avons le sentiment que 2 jrs ne sont pas suffisant, et vu que le pass de 2jrs et celui de 3 jrs est au même prix, nous déciderons au dernier moment si nous restons 2 ou 3 jrs pour la visite de Angkor. Cela sera au détriment d'une journée sur Bangkok. Sachant qu'il sera surement plus facile de revenir sur Bangkok lors d'un prochain voyage que sur Angkor...
Il me reste deux questions cruciales :
Notre passage au cambodge sera fin janvier du 25 au 31. Doit on réserver les chambres ou bien peut on ne rien réserver et voir sur place?
Doit on se faire vacciner contre l'hépatite, typhoide, palu et dengue???
En Asie il n'est pas nécessaire de réserver! On trouve toujours un endroit où dormir et cela permet de modifier son itinéraire.
Cependant tu peux réserver par internet (asiaroom.com / booking.com ou encore agoda...il y en a plein!) Ca évite de perdre du temps à chercher sur place.
Si tu veux des bonnes adresses sur Batambang, n'hésite pas!
Concernant les vaccins :
- DTPolio (obligatoire)
- hépatite A (fortement conseillé)
Il n'existe pas de vaccins pour le paludisme ou la dengue.
- Pour le palu il y a un traitement. Si vous restez dans les villes : aucun risque de le chopper! Par contre si vous voyager dans la campagne : il y a un risque plus élevé. Aussi à la frontière Cambodge/Thailande il y a des souches résistantes.
Conseil : dormir avec une moustiquaire quand vous êtes dans les zones rurales, proches de l'eau. Ce sont les moustiques qui sortent le soir qui peuvent transmettre le palu
- pour la dengue aucun traitement. on peut se la chopper partout en Asie. Seul conseil : le répulsif.
Salut!
Je suis au Cambodge depuis bientôt un mois, et n'ai pas encore eu l'occasion d'aller à Siem Reap. Je cotoie toutefois régulièrement des expatriés qui me disent que trois jours pour visiter les temples, c'est bien.
J'ai lu vos messages et je sais donc que vous ne restez que 3 semaines en Asie, mais quand même, vous allez manquer plein de trucs au Cambodge :p Prévoyez un prochain voyage pour y retourner, car il y a beaucoup à voir :
- Phnom Penh, son palais royal, ses marchés, ses bars, etc. Et les environs aussi, avec l'île de la soie qui est très jolie.
- La côte sud, avec SIhanoukville, la ville paisible de Kampot, les plages de Kep, l'île paradisiaque de Koh Rong, Rabbit Island..
- Siem Reap et Battambang bien entendu
- Preah Vihear, à la frontière thailandaise, est un temple khmer en pleine montagne
- Le Rattanakiri et le Mondolkiri, la jungle, les minorités ethniques, les éléphants, les singes :)
A vrai dire j'étais bien loin de me douter qu'il y avait autant de choses à voir dans ce pays, et je ne peux que vous encourager à y rester un ou deux jours de plus, d'autant plus que les gens sont vraiment sympas et souriants et ne prennent pas encore les occidentaux pour des portefeuilles ambulants (à Phnom Penh en tout cas, Siem Reap je sais pas).
Sur ce, je vous souhaite un bon voyage! Enjoy les temples, parait-il qu'ils déchirent :)
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Salut à tous !
Nouveau sur le forum, mais un peu moins nouveau en Asie 😊
Moi c’est Nico, Suisse, actuellement basé à Bangkok. J’adore partir à moto me perdre dans les montagnes et les petits villages de Thaïlande, du Laos, du Vietnam, etc. Ça fait maintenant une bonne quinzaine d’années que je vadrouille dans le coin, avec pas mal de kilomètres au compteur notamment dans le nord du Vietnam.
Cette fois-ci, je me suis enfin décidé à faire la Mae Hong Son Loop, dans le sens des aiguilles d’une montre. J’étais déjà allé plusieurs fois à Pai, mais bizarrement je n’avais encore jamais fait la boucle complète.
Du coup je vais essayer de vous faire un petit retour ici, journée par journée, avec les routes, les arrêts, les endroits qui valent le coup… et ceux qui m’ont un peu moins retourné la tête 😅
J’ai aussi filmé le voyage, donc je mettrai la vidéo correspondante à la fin de chaque journée si ça ne pose pas de problème. Et si ce n’est pas autorisé ici, dites-le-moi et je les enlèverai sans souci.
JOUR 1 — Chiang Mai → Doi Inthanon → Mae Chaem → Khun Yuam
Départ de Chiang Mai après avoir loué un Honda ADV 160 chez Pop Motorbike. Pas exactement une Africa Twin, mais pour ce que j’avais prévu de lui faire subir, ça devait largement faire l’affaire.
Petite parenthèse hôtel : j’ai dormi au Lanna Thaphae Hotel avant le départ. Environ 30 € la nuit, super bien placé et surtout probablement un des lits les plus confortables dans lesquels j’ai dormi de ma vie. Information capitale pour tout road trip moto, évidemment.
Le plan du jour était relativement élaboré :
partir vers Doi Inthanon… et voir ensuite.
Une organisation suisse irréprochable.
Premier arrêt en chemin à Wachirathan Waterfall. Très belle cascade, très facile d’accès, mais ne vous attendez pas non plus à jouer les Indiana Jones : il y a du monde, c’est touristique et on ne peut pas s’y baigner. Mais ça reste un joli arrêt sur la route.
Ensuite, montée vers Doi Inthanon.
La route grimpe bien et mon petit 160cc a commencé à découvrir que transporter mes 80 kg jusqu’au point culminant de Thaïlande ne faisait probablement pas partie de ses rêves de jeunesse. Je plafonait à 34km/h à certain endroit.
Mais il l’a fait. Brave petite bête.
Le sommet est sympa, la forêt est belle, il fait frais… mais je dois avouer que ça ne m’a pas non plus complètement retourné. Content d’y être allé, mais pas forcément le moment fort de la journée pour moi.
Parce qu’ensuite arrive la route 1192.
Et là, déjà beaucoup plus mon truc : petite route de montagne, beaux paysages, peu de circulation… le genre de route où je commence généralement à prendre beaucoup trop de détours inutiles juste parce qu’une petite route à droite « a l’air sympa ».
Passage par Mae Chaem pour manger un morceau, puis direction Khun Yuam pour terminer la journée.
Un peu plus de 200 km au total.
Khun Yuam, c’est… calme.
Très calme. 😅
Un petit marché sympa, deux-trois cafés/restos et pas franchement de risque de terminer en boîte jusqu’à 4h du matin. Mais après une journée sur la moto, ça faisait parfaitement le boulot.
Nuit au Mit Khun Yuam Hotel, environ 20 € pour une petite chambre très correcte.
Au final, une bonne première journée et une entrée en matière assez tranquille pour la boucle. Une partie de cette étape sert surtout, à mon avis, à sortir de Chiang Mai et à commencer à rentrer sérieusement dans les montagnes.
Parce que pour moi, les choses vraiment intéressantes commencent surtout les deux jours suivants…
Et quelques décisions d’itinéraire légèrement discutables vont également faire leur apparition 😅
Si certains préparent la Mae Hong Son Loop, n’hésitez pas à poser vos questions, je répondrai avec plaisir !
J’ai également filmé cette première journée, donc pour ceux qui préfèrent voir les routes et les paysages plutôt que de lire mes tartines, voilà le Jour 1 😊
VIDEO DU JOUR 1
Je posterai la suite ici dans les prochains jours avec Jour 2 : Khun Yuam → Mae Surin → Mae Hong Son.
Et là, ça commence à devenir vraiment sympa. 😁Voilà voilà ! Au plaisir de contribuer le plus possible sur le forum!
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,
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?
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?
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 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.
Hi,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
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.
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.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
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.
However, I’m not quite 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 some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
Hi there, I’ll be on vacation in Malaysia in November and plan to spend 5 days in Penang. After that, I’d like to visit some temples and places in Butterworth or nearby, and also explore the city. Since I usually get around on foot, which neighborhood would be best for me—meaning within a 30-minute walk of attractions, street food stalls, bus lines, etc.? Thanks in advance for your help!
Françoise
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!
