Je ne te donnerai pas d'avis catégorique sur les étapes à choisir sur ton circuit, car cela pourrait être trop subjectif !
Je me contenterai donc de te faire juste quelques remarques en me focalisant sur 2 ou 3 points qui m'ont interpellé.
- J1 Dès ta descente d'avion, tu envisages d'enchaîner directement (sans avoir même visité Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville) par bus vers le delta du Mékong... Après plus de 11 heures de vol ? 🤪
- Ton J10 m'intrigue fortement !
Après avoir visité Huè, tu envisages de revenir vers Danang (au demeurant sans grand intérêt, mis à part la montagne de marbre et le musée Cham) ? 😮
- Hué (dont les environs sont tout aussi intéressants) me semble "délaissé" par rapport à Hoi An ! 😕
Concernant l'extension de 3 J/3N, à défaut d'être trop directif sur ce qu'il te faudrait faire, je vais te dire ce que moi je shunterai sans trop de regrets:
La nuit de plus à Hoi An ou sur l'île de Cat, et envisager de faire du vélo à la périphérie (vraiment proche) de Hanoï !
Par contre l'idée qui consiste (J17) à rejoindre directement Ninh Binh à partir du débarcadère est vraiment judicieuse, car cela évite de repasser inutilement par Hanoï ! 🙂
Les environs de Ninh Binh et Tam Coc sont vraiment charmants et méritent bien (à mon avis) 1 ou 2 jours de plus ! 😉
Un conseil pour la ballade en barque (Tam Coc):
privilégier à tout prix le début de matinée ou la fin de journée (après 16h00), c'est à dire le laps de temps au cours duquel les cars de touristes ne sont pas encore arrivés ou sont déjà partis !!!
Ce qui nécessite bien de dormir sur place. 😉
Une dernière chose (et non des moindres !) avec laquelle tu seras fort probablement obligé de "composer" durant les mois d'été : la météo !!! 😐
Donc quel que soit le circuit choisi, prévois bien à tout hasard... Un plan "B" ! 😉
Mon avis..
- Le bus d'Hanoi pour le delta du mekong sera a peu près au même prix qu'un vol (1 millions de dongs) => prends un vol
- train pour Hué: Le prix du train est excessif par rapport au bus. et le bus longe aussi la plage (et la voie ferrée) donc tu aura les mêmes paysages pour moins cher, avec l'avantage d'un départ et d'une arrivée en centre ville donc tu économises 2 trajets gares-centre ville.
- j8: loue un scooter et fait My son et les montagnes de marbres, la route est facile. Pour My son, y aller sit très tot, soit l'apres midi. Le site n'est pas très grand et cela permet d'eviter les groupes de touristes.
- pour tes jours restants, ne fais pas la pagode des parfums si tu vas à tAM coc (avis très personnel.. je n'ai apprécié que la balade en bateau, qui ressembkle à celle de TAM COC).. restes un jour de plus à Hoi an et Hanoi et HCMV...
- Apparemment, aux alentours de Ninh Binh (retours de voyageurs croisés sur le chemin), il n'y a pas grand chose à faire donc peut être pas utilie d'y rester une nuit de plus.
Dans tous les cas, n'hésites pas à écouter tes envies une fois sur place.. si tu apprécies un endroit, cela ne coute rien d'y rester un jour de plus...
J5 Vol en fin de journée pour DANANG. Nuit à HOI ANN
La montagne de marbre est à quelques km de Danang, donc, si vs voulez la voir, je suggère de prendre un vol un peu plus tôt et un taxi Danang-montagne-Hoi An 'HA est à 34 km au sud de Danang)
J6 Visite HOI ANN Nuit à HOI ANN
J7 Nuit sur les Iles de CHAM
J8 Retour puis montagne de Marbre ? Nuit à HOI AN
J9 Train pour HUE - Nuit HUE
J10 Visite HUE - Nuit HUE ou DANANG
2 jours à Hué, qui les valent bien ! Nuit à Hué, plus sympa que Danang
J11 Vol pour HANOI - train de nuit pour SAPA
Mizeux de prendre le train de nuit Hué-Ninh Binh, faire Tam Coc (surtout pas coucher à Ninh Binh, moche !) et ensuite bus Tam Coc-Hanoi, visite Hanoi, train de nuit Sapa etc.
J12 13 et 14 trek à SAPA (avec Vietnam Nomad Trail ?) train de nuit pour SAPA
J 15 Visite de HANOI - nuit à HANOI
J16 Ile de CAT BA – Nuit sur Jonque privée (Luan ?)
J17 transfert à NINH BINH (via Luan) - nuit NINH BINH
J18 Visite TAM COC et HOA LU transfert aéroport fin de journée.
Voila la base 😇
Dans les faits nous avons 3 JOURS ET 3 NUITS de plus (départ J 21)
Voici entre ce quoi nous hésitons sachant que les vols intérieurs ne sont pas encore réserve.
- 1 nuit dans le delta du Mékong pour aller à CAN THO ou faire une croisière (c’est qd même très cher)?
- 1 nuit de plus vers HOI AN
- 1 nuit sur l’ile de CAT
- 1 nuit à Hanoi pour visiter les alentours en vélo (Ca phe velo existe-t-il encore ?) ou aller à la Pagode des parfums,
- 2 nuits pour aller a MAI CHAU au retour SAPA (mais peut-on faire LAO CAI – MAI CHAU ?)
- 1 ou 2 nuits pour aller sur la Baie de TU LANG
- 1 nuit de plus à NINH BINH
Je suugérerais 1 jour de plus Hué, 1 jour Tam Coc (beaucoup de choses à voir autour) et 1 à Hanoi, qui vaut 2 jours plein. Mai Chau vaut le coup si on n'a pas le temps de monter sur Sapa, sinon ce n'est pas conseillé (Lao Cai-Mai Chau c'est 2 ou 3 longs jours de bus : Sapa-Lai Chau-Son La-Mai Chau)
Pour répondre à tes remarques:
J1 on n'aime pas les villes... mais c'est pas tres rationnel...
J10 en fait on a un vol DANAG HANOI.. d'ou ce retour.
Si j'ai bien compris... Hué merite 2 jours de viste pleins et pour faire du vélo dans la campagne choisir les environs de Ninh BinH...
OK pour Cat et Hanoi mais quid de la baie de TU LANG?
Pour le Delta 1 jour de +?
Cela vaut-il la peine d'aller à Can tho?
Quid d'une croisiere?
Encore merci
Merci beaucoup pour ces précisions complémentaires
Meme question que ci-dessus?
Pour Hue le 2nd jour on peu faire une balade dans les risieres?
Est-ce que les montagnes de marbre valent le détour?
Tam hoc ou coucher? car on arrivera le soir de Halon pour etre tot sur le site.
Quid des grottes de TRANG HAN, piège à touriste?
quid de la baie de TU LANG?
Pour le Delta 1 jour de +?
Cela vaut-il la peine d'aller à Can tho?
Quid d'une croisiere?
En général, les 2 jours à Hué se décomposent en une demi-journée pour visiter la Cité impériale et une journée pour les tombeaux. Il y a une grande plaine de rizières à l'ouest de Hue, que l'on traverse pour aller voir le très beau pont couvert Than Toan, mais ça n'a rien à voir avec les rizières en terrasses du Nord
J'aime bien la montagne de Marbre, mais ce n'est pas un 'incontournable"
A Tam Coc vous couchez chez Loan (résa indispensable). La balade des grottes de Trang An est belle, mais certains tunnels (et non "grottes" ont été agrandis au marteau-piqueur et les pagodes sont en béton tout neuf. je trouve la balade de Tam Coc plus charmante et authentique (à faire le matin ou vers 16h quand les groupes sont retournés à Hanoi)
Je connais mal le delta du Mékong, donc je m'abstiens de répondre
itinéraire trop détaillé, où est le plaisir de la découverte, et la part d'imprévu ?
il faut foncer, la base est toujours bonne et puis faire confiance à Larsay
(pas de lézard avec lui, TB conseils)
mais surtout ne pas escamoter les mots,
si non, on se comprend plus
Apparemment, aux alentours de Ninh Binh (retours de voyageurs croisés sur le chemin), il n'y a pas grand chose à faire donc peut être pas utilie d'y rester une nuit de plus.
Je suis désolé de ne pas être d'accord. A part la balade en bateau, l pagode Bich Dong et led temple Thai Vi dans Tam Coc, il y a la pagode Hang Mua, d'où on a une vue fantastique de toute la région et où très peu de mondeva vu que ce n'est pas dans les programmes d'agences, les 2 temples de Hoa Lu, la pagode de Bai Dinh (le tout en vélo à travers les rizières et les pics), l'étonnante cathédrale de Phat Diem (en voiture - 34 km) où presque personne ne va non plus, à tort, et bien d'autres sites. Et puis, après un grand tour, se relaxer à Tam Coc et déguster la cuisine de Loan dans la tranquilité des rizières est bien sympa !
Ne soyez pas désolé de ne pas être d'accord.. J'avais déja cru comprendre à lire votre précédent message que je m’étais trompé.
En même temps, n'ayant pas passé de temps dans les environs, j'avais pris pas mal de pincettes avec mon commentaires ("Apparemment", "peut-être", "retour d'autres voyageurs"..).
Et puis, cela me fait une raison supplémentaire pour venir de nouveau au Vietnam 🙂
J'ai demandé un devis à un guide indépendant Hung ( merciyou2004@yahoo.fr) qui nous a proposé un devis parfait.Il comprends bien les sites à visiter dans toutes les régions.Il nous a donné des renseignements tres pratiques pour notre séjour.Allez y .Contactez - le.
Tu ne regretteras pas ta nuit de plus à Hué et de passer un peu plus de temps à Tam Coc, car ces deux endroits méritent vraiment plus que ce que la plupart des visiteurs y consacrent habituellement ! 😉
Prends bien le temps de choisir une bonne compagnie pour effectuer la croisière en baie d'Halong, qui pour moi représente l'un des "temps forts" d'un voyage au Nord Vietnam !
Pour cette raison, une croisière de 2 jours / 1 nuit est à mon avis un "minimun" pour qui veut juste commencer à s'imprégner de ces lieux magiques !!! 🙂
Je ne peux te renseigner sur le delta du Mékong, car je n'ai pas encore la chance de connaître le Sud Vietnam.
Je connais peu le delta du Mékong, car je suis resté peu de temps dans le Sud. Je n'ai fait que la région à l'est de Mytho, que j'ai touvé charmante (plus le temple Cao Dai et les tunnels de Cu Chi, qui m'ont passionnés, mais ce n'est pas le delta). J'ai bien aimé les paysages tranquilles et toutes ces îles avec des vergers et de petits villages ; c'est totalement différent du Centre et du Nord, mais ma préférence est pour les montagnes, donc je ne peux pas vous conseiller pour Cantho, bien que le marché flottant de Cai Rang soit, il semble, une chose à voir
Hello everyone, We re heading to Vietnam for 14 nights over the Christmas holidays as a family of four I haven t booked anything yet. I d love your insights on…
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of markets. No matter where I go, in every country or city I visit, I won’t leave without having seen one. I’m mostly talking about food markets. I love the smells, the colors, and watching people from all walks of life stroll around. It’s like a mirror of a country’s culture, and I love soaking it all in.
Thai markets are particularly appealing to me. In my province, there are so many. Maybe more than elsewhere—I’m not sure—but every day, you can find a "Talat Nat." These are traveling markets that set up in specific places on specific days. They only stay open for a few hours. Some attract more shoppers than others because they have more stalls and a wider variety of products. Sometimes, they’re set up in pretty unusual spots: temples, roadside, even on train tracks...
On top of these, there are also markets in the city that stay open all day.
I’d love for you to share your photos of markets, local product stalls, and why not, let’s talk about gastronomy and cuisine too!
I’ll start with my favorite market—it’s 8 kilometers from my place and happens every Tuesday from 2 PM to 5 PM. I never miss a Tuesday unless there’s a downpour... 😉 It’s located in the countryside, in a village famous for its coffee (ThamSing), and inside the grounds of a slightly unusual temple. It’s easy to get to—over the past 10 years, the roads have been paved, which wasn’t the case before and made the trip a bit risky when it rained...
In the first two photos, you’ll see the temple courtyard on a normal day, without the market.
I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dayi
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places.
We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok).
We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th.
We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok...
Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya.
From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th.
On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed?
Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip?
Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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.
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?
