Hi everyone! ☺️ In early February, we’ll be in Phu Quoc. We’re looking to stay in a hotel or resort near the beach—ideally beachfront—but most importantly, close to shops, little restaurants, and bars. Which area should we pick? The island seems so different from one spot to another... Thanks so much!

Hi, We’ve planned a week in the delta, but sometimes I wonder if that’s not too much… We’ll be there in early February, and the idea is to take a taxi straight from Saigon Airport to Ben Tre. I’m counting on 3 nights to recover and adjust after the long trip. Then I was thinking of Sadec, Can Tho, Chau Doc, Ha Tien, and back to Saigon for 3 nights before a flight to Hoi An. We’ve got 6 weeks total, so we have a bit of time. After reading different travel stories, the destinations in the delta seem a bit repetitive—I keep seeing the same excursions. On the other hand, I also think having time is a chance to get to know the local life a little better. My question really comes down to this: for those of you who travel at a relaxed pace, do you have any tips? I’ve heard the floating markets aren’t that interesting anymore. Also, motorbikes aren’t our thing. Thanks

Imagine a peaceful fishing village, completely transformed by artists who worked their magic on the walls of 100 residential houses. That’s the remarkable story of the Tam Thanh mural village in Quang Nam province. Once similar to many other coastal villages in the area, it now firmly stands out on the tourist map for a day trip from Hoi An. In the summer of 2016, Tam Thanh was selected by a Korean-Vietnamese joint project called Art For A Better Community. The village was chosen to be their blank canvas, inspired by the success of mural villages in Korea. The project aimed to make Tam Thanh the first painted village of its kind in Vietnam. The joint project included five Korean artists and seven Vietnamese artists, along with local volunteers. They aimed to show Vietnamese people that art could be part of everyday life, no matter where you stand in society. The effort began with about three weeks of wall washing, followed by painting the walls of over 100 residents' houses. The project was a success, and the village came alive with the paintings. The entire village is now a breathtaking gallery just waiting to be explored. The murals capture the life and soul of the village—from young children playing to fishermen in the ocean. A mix of fantastic pieces offers stunning backdrops for photos. The painted art around the town didn’t just have a visual impact; it also had a social one. The village itself was chosen not only for the layout of the houses but also to contribute to economic development opportunities in Tam Thanh. Tourists now visit the once-overlooked village, creating more income for locals and making it a successful "art for a cause" project. For example, an entrepreneurial resident who owned a small local café invested 1,000,000 VND ($390 USD) in a sugarcane press a week before the paintings were completed. Sugarcane juice vendors then multiplied with the growth of tourism (5,000 VND - $0.20 USD). Walking down the village’s single street, it’s common to find locals selling refreshments and handmade crafts. In one house in particular, a tailor and his family are painted on an outer wall with incredible detail. The family started selling tote bags decorated by their young daughter. The asking price for the bags is 100,000 VND ($4 USD). If you’re looking for a way to support the village’s economy, this is it. Since there’s no middleman here, you can be sure your money goes directly to the community. Since the project’s completion, two other villages in the province have now been painted. The new mural villages were created with different local Vietnamese artists to raise awareness about each community’s issues. Tam Hai Island was redecorated to highlight the serious waste problem the population faces due to the lack of treatment plants. Another village on An Binh Island was painted to raise awareness among locals and tourists about the importance of environmental protection. How to get there Route No. 1: Cross the large Cua Dai bridge. Once you’ve crossed it, continue onto Duong 129/Duong Ven Bien. Stay on this road for 33 kilometers. Upside: this route has light traffic, no traffic lights, and no trucks or buses. It’s a great direct route to the village but offers little to see. You’ll eventually reach a crossroads. Turn right toward Tam Ky town, while the left will take you toward the mural village; stay on Road 608 as it turns twice before reaching a bridge. Cross the bridge, and you’ll arrive at Thanh Nien Road. Finally, turn right to reach the village. This route takes about an hour. Route #2: Cross the large Cua Dai bridge. Once you’ve crossed it, continue onto Duong 129/Duong Ven Bien. Stay on this road for 12 kilometers, then turn left onto Road 613, where you’ll continue for 1.5 kilometers until you reach Thanh Nien Road. Finally, turn right and drive 23 kilometers to the painted village. For most of the trip, taking Thanh Nien Road will take you through a much more local part of the region. The journey takes about an hour and a half.

Merci pour ton retour :) .

Après je vais peut être faire une journée à Malacca du coup.

Merci pour la carte ça m'évite de rechercher

Anecdote : ce matin j'étais à l'hôpital. Après plus d'une heure d'attente j'ai appris que le médecin était parti. Il m'avait complètement oublié ! Ça vaut pas mieux que les dysfonctionnements en Thaïlande ou en Inde

Merci beaucoup pour cette réponse ! Je viens de regarder et en effet, certains trains sont déjà bien remplis ! Sachant que l'on est 3, je vais réfléchir aux dates et suivre ton conseil ! En version anglaise, ce sera sûrement mieux 😉

Merci Thierry, vous avez été plus perspicace que moi ! Je vais aller voir ce site. Bon dimanche.

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:

July 30: Makassar – sightseeing July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts) August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar August 17: Rammang Rammang August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home

Overall, what do you think?

I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?

Thanks in advance for your feedback! :)

Oui merci, c'est exactement le but de mon message... 😛

On trouve très facilement pléthores de sociétés de transport qui couvre de Sukhotai à Hua Hin, c'est un peu plus compliqué pour le Nord.

Perso un type Toyota Fortuner/Innova irait très bien, nous sommes 4 et trois valises. Pas besoin d'un minibus pour 4 personnes. C'est le type utilisé l'année dernière et qui nous a parfaitement convenu et c'était évidemment une compagnie thaï avec conducteur itou.

Il reste également la solution "au jour le jour" selon l'hébergeur mais j'aime bien être au clair sur les logements/déplacements avant mon départ et me laisser porter par le vent sur place pour les activités/visites, c'est un choix...

Hello,

La Thaïlande regorge d'endroits tranquilles. Je pense que sans trop m'avancer, 80% du pays voit peu ou pas de touristes lesquels vont inéluctablement dans les sempiternels endroits dont tout le monde parle. Même en bord de mer vous trouverez des centaines de kilomètres de plages où il y a très peu de monde, voire personne. J'exclue les îles, bien qu'il en existe encore quelques unes bien sauvages. Si vous voulez éviter les brulis dirigez vous vers le sud , dans le continent, je suis certain que vous trouverez ce que vous cherchez.

Bonjour et merci d'avoir répondu si vite... Encore faut-il tomber dessus, car bien sûr, forcément on n'en parle pas dans les guides...

Bonjour Thierry E.core une fois merci jzi suivi tes conseils et jai réservé un logement a Ayutthaya et l autre endroit!! Comment connais tu tout ca a fond? Tu voyages depuis longtemps?je suis curieuse !!mais tu nes pas obligé de me répondre !!je vais regarder comment faire tout ce que tu me conseilles, en tous cas je suis contente de faire ces alentours de bkk!! Merciiiiii Laurence

Between Siam and Khao San Road (Democracy Monument): which buses are available? Thanks in advance!

First time in Thailand next January. Which islands are away from mass tourism? 😊😊 Thanks everyone!

Donc pour résumer tu cherches: - une petite ville ou un village, - avec un hôpital au cas où, - pas à la mer, - sans autres touristes ni étrangers ni thaïs, - hors des provinces "réputées" à brûlis*

Un critère à ajouter, soustraire ou modifier?

* qui selon les infos glanées ici et là sont celles de Chiang Mai et Chiang Rai pour les pires et dans une moindre mesure celles de Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Nan**, Lamphun et Lampang (voir carte ci-dessous pour repère)

** celle-ci listée selon ton indication concernant Thung Chang et Pua

https://ontheworldmap.com/thailand/thailand-provinces-map.jpg

Je n'étais pas venu ici depuis longtemps je vois que les beugs continuent de prospérer ici 😠

Oui, depuis quelques temps il refait des siennes.

Bonjour Thierry, Merci de ta synthèse tout à fait exacte... Il y a juste à ajouter deux (trois) personnages que je n'ai plus envie de voir tous les 5m. Mais dans ce cas c'est carrément la Thaïlande dans sa totalité que je ne dois pas visiter...😉

Bonjour. Est-il possible de prendre le train de Malacca à Ipoh? Merci de vos retours.

Hi there What’s the best way to travel to Bangkok from TRAT (Koh Chang)? Thanks Aimé Delisle

Hi there, I’d love to do a one-day trek that includes visiting waterfalls, swimming, etc. with my family, starting from Koh Phang Nga. Thanks in advance for your tips on finding a guide. Best,

Hi there,

Does anyone know if it's possible to go directly from Malaysia to Jakarta by boat? If so, could you please share the companies, websites, departure points, and/or schedules if you have them?

Best regards

Hi there,

What transport options are there to go directly from Taman Negara to Kota Bharu, please?

Where can I book the trip?

Thanks for your help! 😊

Hi there,

What are the transport options for getting from KL to Taman Negara National Park, please?

Where can I book the transport?

Thanks for your help! 😊

Hi, How long does it take to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok? Thanks! Car, metro?

🌴 Hi there! Which islands (and things to do) would you recommend for September (for good weather) in the Philippines? Thanks for your tips 😊.

Hi there, Need to hear your thoughts on the trip offered by Salaun, "Vietnamese Escape"—flights, accommodations, activities, weather, and the overall trip structure. Thanks everyone! EP

Hi, Are there any banks that don’t charge fees for withdrawals? Thanks

Hi, After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling. We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times. Thanks for your suggestions!

Hi there, we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area. Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there? How do you get there? Thanks for your feedback. Looking forward to hearing from you. Cédric.

I’m heading to Santa Fe, Bantayan in February-March. If you’ve got any great spots in town for eating well on a budget, I’d love to hear them—thanks in advance!

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, we arrive in Bangkok Thursday around noon and take the overnight train to Chiang Mai (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station-Chiang Mai). Since Chatuchak Market isn’t far from the station, we’re planning to spend the afternoon there—but how do we get there from the airport? Thanks

Hi everyone, I have a Visa card with international option. How do I pay in Vietnam? Hotels booked on Booking—do hotel owners charge a commission? How do I withdraw money? ATM fees? Where can I exchange euros at the lowest cost? Thanks in advance for your tips! Larri