J'avais lu ici et là que marchander en Thailande faisait partie "du jeu", qu'il fallait en général proposer la moitié du prix annoncé. Il me semblait que MBK était également le seul centre commercial où il était possible de marchander...or me voilà arrivée depuis une semaine, et à chaque fois que je tente de marchander (toujours avec le sourire et sans exagérer sur les prix) je me fait presque insulter par les vendeurs...
Avez-vous des conseils pour le shopping à Bangkok ?
Une idée de prix juste pour les vêtements (tshirt, robe, sac, maillot...) ?
Et des conseils pour (essayer de) marchander efficacement !
allo , jarrive de la thailande et je dois te dire que jai marchandé partout meme au mbk...
de plus je te conseil
Le marché de Chatuchak
Ce marché est immense et ouvert seulement le samedi et dimanche et les prix sont vraiment bon....
t shirt 150-200 bath max plus tu en achete plus le prix baisse...
bermuda armé 400 bath
camisole, ,,100 150 bath
apres avoir vue bien des places ce marché semble un des meilleurs pour faire nos achats pour le linges....bonne chance
On marchande de moins en moins en thailande
T shirt simple en coton À 70 bahts dans les grandes surfaces type lotus ou big c
Pour le reste tout dépend de la qualité de la coupe, du tissu...
C'est sur le marché de Chatuchak que tu vas avoir le plus de possibilité de négocier... Propose la moitié du prix pour au final l'obtenir un tiers de moins... Par contre, contrairement aux pays du Magreb, si on te dit non et que tu t'en va, on ne te rappellera pas...
Les touristes prennent l'habitude de marchander et ne se rendent pas compte qu'ils se ridiculisent parfois en pinaillant pour 10 ou 20 baths .Certes , il est indispensable d'avoir une idée du prix réel des choses mais il faut que le vendeur gagne sa croute .Certains jouent les radins pour quelques baths et se font regarder de travers .Il est indispensable d'éviter les magasins et les marchés fréquentés uniquement par des touristes .Les locaux connaissent les prix et quand ils se précipitent sur des articles , c'est bon signe .La dégringolade de l'euro diminue sérieusement les bonnes affaires et je constate qu'il n'est pas toujours si intéressant d'acheter en Thaïlande .
J'avais lu ici et là que marchander en Thailande faisait partie "du jeu", qu'il fallait en général proposer la moitié du prix annoncé. Il me semblait que MBK était également le seul centre commercial où il était possible de marchander...or me voilà arrivée depuis une semaine, et à chaque fois que je tente de marchander (toujours avec le sourire et sans exagérer sur les prix) je me fait presque insulter par les vendeurs...
Bonjour,
Marchander n'est pas un jeu... C'est une façon de conclure un contrat de vente quand les prix ne sont pas affichés (en règle générale)
La généralité de proposer la moitié du prix ne peux pas s'appliquer si vous ignorez combien coûte réellement le produit.
Rappelez-vous quand vous étiez petite, quand vous alliez au marché avec votre grand-mère...Est-ce que les prix étaient affichés? (je pense que non)...Qu'est-ce qu'elle faisait? Elle marchandait....Pratique qui est tombée en désuétude dans nos contrées...
Avez-vous des conseils pour le shopping à Bangkok ?
Dans votre cas, non...Continuez à marchander, mais si vous vous faites remballer c'est que vous étiez à côté de la plaque selon votre prix proposé.
Une idée de prix juste pour les vêtements (tshirt, robe, sac, maillot...) ?
fallait se renseigner en France, combien "le chinois" vous vendrait un tshirt, robe, sac, maillot...On propose généralement l'équivalent au Thailandais...un prix juste...
Et des conseils pour (essayer de) marchander efficacement !
Marchander, c'est tout un art...c'est un peu comme jouer au poker...tout est question de bluff...Faut tenir compte en tête le prix "réel" que peut valoir telle chose et essayer d'atteindre ce prix. Le contrat de vente est réputé être fait quand les deux parties tombent d'accord sur le prix.
Je suis surprise que les thais t'envoient bouler quand tu marchandes. Cela ne m'est jamais arrivé. Pourtant, je les fréquente tous les jours et je "marchande"! Bon, passons.
Il faut déjà connaître un peu le prix pratiqué dans d'autres boutiques ou étals et de là, tu peux commencer à faire baisser le prix.
Il m'est arrivé de faire baisser le prix de 2/3, car j'en connaissais la valeur exacte et j'ai pu dire à la vendeuse où je l'avais vu.
Sinon, tu n'insistes pas et tu vas à l'étal à côté.
Tu peux marchander dans les boutiques des centres commerciaux, même avec le prix affiché. Je l'ai fait pour des jumelles, des parfums, et je passe mon chemin si on ne peut pas s'entendre. Toujours sans agressivité.
Même si j'ai mon tuk tuk attitré, il m'arrive d'en prendre au hasard et je négocie avant de monter. Jamais de soucis.
Bien entendu, une bricole à 20bths, on ne négocie pas. Mais peut-être à 40bths, si tu as vu moins cher.
C'est à toi de juger, mais avec modération.
Reste dans le raisonnable et cela se passera bien. Chacune des deux parties sera contente, toi, pensant avoir fait une bonne affaire et la vendeuse de t'avoir pigeonnée. "Ah, ces farangs! ils nous prennent pour des fadas" dit la thaie à sa copine d'étal.😉
Bien, je ne suis pas en accord avec la majorité des réponses. Non, tout ne se négocie pas. En tout cas pas comme on l'entend.
Proposer un prix (la moitié comme suggéré ici) fait perdre la face au vendeur. Indirectement c'est lui dire que son produit est de la M... et qu'il ne vaut que la moitié de ce que le vendeur croit. Les thailandais (ceux que je fréquente et ceux que j'entends au marché) employent "loht raa kaa dai mai krap ?" - "puis-je avoir un rabais ?" ou des variations. Aucune de mes connaissances n'aura l'impolitesse de proposer un prix ! Et quand ils trouvent trop cher, simple, ils n'achetent pas !
Après ca peut dépendre des endroits, je ne parle que des endroits pour locaux pricipalement. Par exemple Krao San à Bkk, 100% pour touristes, et bien négocier car les prix sont gonflés. Mais de toutes facons, vous ne parlerez pas à des Thailandais non plus (a 95%) !
Sinon, les thailandais ont une approche et gestion de l'argent bien, énormément différente de la notre. Pour le bon et le pire, comme la vie. Comme j'aime le bon, chercher le mot "namjai" (no nou (n), sara am (am), marque ton 2, sara ai (ai), jo jan (j)) et parlez avec votre entourage de namjai. C'est parfois impressionnant !
Je suis allée au marché de Chatuchak, et je pense y retourner car c'est là où il y a le plus de choix et de possibilité de marchander j'imagine.
Pour répondre à certains, non je ne marchande pas à 20 baths près et j'ai bien conscience que les thailandais doivent également gagner leur vie. Ceci dit je suis la pour 6 mois et mon budget n'est pas illimité, si je veux faire quelque achats et que je paye le prix fort à chaque fois ca va etre compliqué, c'est pour cela que je demande des conseils.
Pour donner un exemple précis, deux fois cette semaine on m'a proposé un maillot a 600 baths, une première fois la vendeuse m'a demandé mon prix je lui ai proposé 250 (parce que j'avais vu ce prix à Chatuchak justement) elle n'a pas cherché a discuter, elle m'a dit de partir, la deuxieme fois, un autre vendeur me l'a proposé a 600 et je l'ai finalement pris a 400 baths. Ceci dit 10euros pour un maillot ca me parait un peu cher, c'est le prix qu'on paye dans des magasins franchisés en France. Qu'en pensez-vous ?
Enfin pour ceux qui disent que tout n'est qu'une histoire d'argent, ce n'est pas la volonté de payer le moins cher à tout prix ou de faire la radine, mais simplement d'avoir une idée des prix pour ne pas toujours avoir l'impression de "se faire avoir".
Non, à 10€, même dans les magasins franchisés, tu ne trouvais pas ce prix en France, sauf au moment des soldes, des prix cassés ou des promotions. Mais c'était exactement le même modèle? la même marque? Je n'ai pas trouvé, qu'en Thailande, le prix des fringues était plus avantageux qu'en France. Pourtant je commence à bien connaître tous les magasins de filles. Bonne journée. 😎
Hello.
Vu que tu es ici un moment essaye de sortir des endroits a touristes. Juste pour bkk par exemple, prends le bts et sors a on nut ( a partir de 18h). Descends du cote oppose du lotus. Tu seras en plein dans un marche de nuit. Bcp d'habits pour femme. Prix generalement affiches comme souvent dans les marches "normaux". Enfin j'espere qu'il existe encore. J'y etais la derniere fois fin 2011.
Bons achats
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.