I’m posting this because in about two weeks, my wife and I want to go to Myanmar.
Ever since the country opened up, we’ve really wanted to visit. However, I’m wondering if there’s too much hype about it.
Everywhere you read that it’s authentic, not too touristy, really different, etc. So I’m worried we might be getting our hopes up too high and risk being disappointed if it’s not the case.
Because despite everything, it’s become a very popular destination in Asia, and a lot of tourists are heading there.
I’d love to hear your general thoughts. Were you disappointed? Or was it exactly what you expected?
Because if all this enthusiasm is a bit exaggerated, maybe we’ll choose another country instead.
Burma is definitely the Southeast Asian country I loved the most.
But it’s hard to say what a trip there looks like today—I went in 2005... (and just to clarify, Burma hasn’t *recently* opened up; it’s been possible to travel there for a long time).
Back then, there were very few tourists—things must’ve changed, but I doubt the country is as touristy as its neighbors. Apparently, Myanmar had 4.5 million visitors in 2015, compared to 32.5 million in Thailand.
So, whether it feels "too touristy" really depends on your own reference point...
Because if all this hype is a bit exaggerated, maybe we’ll just go somewhere else.
Hmm. I don’t really get it. We go places because *we* want to, right? Not because strangers (whose tastes or travel styles we don’t even know) liked it or not.
I’m currently in Myanmar. To answer the question—yes, there are tourists, but since it’s not peak season right now, it’s still manageable. Even when you do run into other travelers, it’s not that bad. I’ve even been able to visit pagodas and temples in Bagan and met more locals than tourists. That said, if you go for sunrise or sunset, it *is* crowded (that’s actually where I’ve seen the most people, or at the hotel).
But hey, if you decide to visit a country, there are bound to be tourists. Personally, I chose to come now before it gets even more crowded. I think it’s a shame to skip a place just because of tourists.
That’s just my take!
There are six to ten times fewer tourists than in Thailand, and yet I much prefer Thailand. Goes to show, it's all relative.
What you should tell yourself is: I’ll go now instead of later, when there’ll be three times as many tourists."
Just to let you know, we're on an 8-month trip across Asia. We've already been to several countries, and the reason I'm asking this is because we've just been to Cambodia, which we didn't really enjoy.
Since we're traveling on a tight budget, it's really frustrating to end up in a country that isn't pleasant. Cambodia cost us quite a bit (more than all the other countries we've visited), and if we decide to buy flight tickets for Myanmar and pay for those super expensive visas, we really want to be sure we'll like it.
While it's impossible to know for sure in advance, Myanmar is the country we're most unsure about what to expect.
It's obvious we'll encounter tourists there, and that's not a deal-breaker. But that's exactly why we want to know what to expect. Myanmar seems to be a country of many fantasies when you read blogs or watch documentaries.
And while I'm convinced I'll like it, I'm afraid I might have been too influenced by everything that's said about it.
My wife and I much preferred northern Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand over Myanmar and Cambodia.
Thailand and Vietnam are better in terms of prices than Laos.
Myanmar is really cheap, but the food isn’t great at all.
There’s a bit of a "trendy" vibe with Myanmar, and if you criticize it, some people act like you’re a heretic. I never blindly follow those kinds of trends.
You can check out my travel journals for these destinations by clicking on my username.
Hi there,
If you didn’t enjoy Cambodia with Angkor or Tonlé Sap (if I’m not mistaken), it’s pretty much certain you won’t like Bagan and Inle Lake—two of Burma’s main tourist spots. And if you thought Cambodia was expensive, I’d steer clear of Burma, where accommodation prices are even higher.
For me, I love Thailand for its landscapes, its beaches, and how easy it is to adapt. Sri Lanka with its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and flora, and its people. Cambodia isn’t as "beautiful"—the beaches aren’t amazing, and the wildlife and flora aren’t mind-blowing... yet it’s the country I prefer, for its people. I can’t explain it; it’s just how I feel 😐
Thanks everyone, I’m reading your messages with a lot of attention and interest.
It’s true that as it’s becoming the trendy destination, it’s only natural to have questions—though it’s probably not for nothing either. The country’s recent opening brings a lot of mystery. It’s a bit like if North Korea opened up to tourism; I’d be the first to want to go, without really knowing if I’d actually like it in the end.
After checking accommodation prices on Agoda and Booking, it’s pushing me even more not to go to this country. We’re trying not to exceed a budget of 10-11 € per night, and prices climb quickly in Myanmar.
We’ve just been to Cambodia and Laos, two countries that had a certain impact on our finances (Laos much less, though). With the visa cost, I doubt it’s a good idea for us right now.
Of course, the longer we wait, the more we risk losing that authenticity. And I don’t doubt for a second that it’s a wonderful country.
I console myself by thinking we experienced a real change of scenery and an amazing trip in Sri Lanka, that the people in Laos are really friendly, and that the landscapes in northern Vietnam are among the most beautiful we’ve ever seen.
Every country is different, of course, but hey, we do what we can ;)
About Cambodia, the people are very nice too—that’s not the issue.
The main thing is that we came from northern Vietnam, and suddenly, in terms of landscape, we lost a lot. It’s so flat; from east to west or south (we didn’t go north), you see the same scenery.
Plus, we always try to eat in little local spots with the locals during our travels. We’ve always managed to do that—except in Cambodia. Hygiene often put us off, and the smells were hard to handle. Everywhere, there’s a strong smell of grilled food mixed with sewage.
So after 15 days, we decided to head to Laos earlier than planned.
That said, we met quite a few people who loved the country—everyone’s experience is different. Ours wasn’t great.
Solene40, I hope you have a better experience than we did and that you’ll love the country! :)
It’s really pointless to ask for opinions from people you don’t know. How can anyone give you advice when they don’t know you either?
Reducing everything to money, especially in Southeast Asia, is a bit sad, and I’m being polite—it’s one of the cheapest regions on the planet, which explains the number of tourists. If you look around locally, you can find great places to stay and eat for very little, but these spots aren’t on Booking.
I’d recommend going to Bagan, and if you really don’t like it, well… that’s disheartening.
Otherwise, just continue your journey through Myanmar.
There’s really no point in asking for opinions from people you don’t know. How can anyone give you advice when they don’t know you either?
Reducing everything to money, especially in Southeast Asia, is a bit sad—I’m being polite here—knowing it’s one of the cheapest regions on the planet, which explains the number of tourists. If you look locally, you can easily find accommodation and food for very little, but those places aren’t on Booking.
I’d recommend going to Bagan, and if you really don’t like it, well… that’s just disheartening.
Otherwise, you can continue your journey through Myanmar.
Couldn’t agree more. I’d even take it further—if you can afford a flight ticket costing several hundred euros to go to Asia, you shouldn’t be nickel-and-diming over 15 or 20 € for a hotel room. Travel around France a bit, and you’ll see whether the cost of living is higher or lower than in Myanmar, Cambodia, or Laos.
Sometimes I think about how some people pay 600 € for their flight ticket and still have a 7,000 € budget for their stay in a country, while others, after buying the same ticket, only have 600 € left to spend on the ground.
More often than not, it’s young people, but not exclusively.
The privileged ones are those who at least have the financial and physical means to travel.
Absolutely. But with 600 €, while we're at it, you can spend three weeks in Myanmar. Try doing the same in France, Belgium, or Switzerland with hotels, transportation, and meals.
To be honest, even if much wealthier, it would be the same...
Besides, Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy goes on vacation to Phuket—enough said...
As for Burma, there’s one question that’s been completely overlooked;
so I’ll give you the answer 😛;
if you don’t like pogroms, don’t go to Burma.
Buddhism, the other religion of love and peace, regularly targets Muslims—and not in a peaceful way.
Destruction of property and murders are commonplace there, with the blessing of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, who has never once spoken out against it.
Thanks to everyone for your replies. We could have left it at that, but honestly, when people judge me without knowing me, it tends to annoy me.
Dear Daisyone, if you're lucky enough to live in the lap of luxury and hold that kind of discourse, good for you, but unfortunately, that’s not our case :) As I always say, I think traveling is a lifestyle choice, not just luck. No matter your budget, you can find a way to travel—maybe not exactly how you’d like, but still.
We’re on a several-month trip in Asia, for which we gave up our apartment, and we continue to work remotely to fund it. But since we don’t earn much money, we really feel the difference between a room at 10 € and one at 15 €. It’s not about a 2-week trip; it’s several months. Over that kind of time, it makes a real difference. But let’s be clear, I’m not complaining at all. I’m already so happy to be traveling—rooms at 5 € or 10 € suit me just fine!
That said, I find the judgment implying we’re freeloaders completely exaggerated. You know nothing about our finances.
I’ll add that if I’m so attached to Booking or Agoda, it’s because my partner is autistic (Asperger’s). I invite you to read this article to understand what that means: http://bapetcec.com/cec-et-le-syndrome-d-asperger/. The unexpected is very stressful for her, and there’s already so much of it. At least the internet lets us manage things in advance.
I didn’t mention this in my original post because I didn’t think I’d have to pull out my credentials just to get opinions.
Finally, you ask how you can help me when we don’t know each other. Gosh, should we shut down all internet forums then? Isn’t that the point—to ask strangers for help? Isn’t that what VF is for?
In the end, we won’t be heading to Myanmar after all. It’ll be for a future trip when we’re better prepared. We’re currently in Vietnam and looking for the cheapest next destination.
Thanks to everyone who shared their insights—it was a huge help, even though I don’t know any of you from Adam.
No, I’m not living in luxury and I’ve been traveling on a tight budget for years. I’m sorry if I offended you—my response was a bit harsh. And, you know, it’s by sharing a little more about your "personalities" that we can better understand your situation.
I have a friend who just spent a month in Burma on a very tight budget, and he managed just fine. But it’s true that he doesn’t book anything in advance and always asks locals for cheap tips on the spot.
Hi there,
You're right, it's exaggerated. Even the enthusiasm is overblown by the Burmese authorities, who announce every year that they want to reach 5 million tourists but never manage to do so.
90% of the travelers on this forum will tell you it's an authentic country or their favorite destination in Asia. Don’t believe them—they’re just doing what everyone else does by saying that. It’s just to be trendy. You're absolutely right to move on; there's nothing to see. Head to Thailand, Vang Vieng in Laos, or Angkor—they're much more authentic.
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?
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.
