Hi there,

Here’s the itinerary I’ve planned for May with my partner—what do you think? I’m not entirely sure if my choices are the best. We’re traveling independently, no guide, no agency, and using public transport.

- Hanoi: Arrival at 10 AM – 1 day (05/09) - Mai Chau: 2 days (including visits to the Pa Co and Mai Chau markets) (05/10 and 05/11) - Pu Luong (Lang Bang): 2 days (05/12 and 05/13) - Tam Coc: 2 days (05/14 and 05/15) - Tu Long Bay: 2 days (05/16 and 05/17) - Hanoi: 1 day – Night train (05/18) - Hue: 2 days (05/19 and 05/20) - Hoi An: 2 days (05/21 and 05/22) - Da Nang: 1 day (05/23) - Flight from Da Nang to Can Tho (05/24 and 05/25) - Ben Tre: 2 days (05/26 and 05/27) - Ho Chi Minh City: 2 days (05/28 and 05/29)

Thanks for your feedback! Have a great day.

So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025. I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path. I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh. My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter. What itinerary would you recommend? What are the must-do things? I’m open to all tips and info. Thanks in advance for your help and responses.

Hi fellow travelers! I’m planning a little 3-week trip to Vietnam in mid-to-late March. It’ll probably be the only time I can go. I enjoyed Thailand but clearly preferred Laos—it was calmer. For Vietnam, I don’t have a precise idea of what I want to see yet, and I’m the type to improvise a bit once I’m there. I’m not super adventurous but I’m curious, and I prefer street food over restaurants, markets and off-the-beaten-path villages over big attractions. But I don’t want to miss the must-sees either. So, given that I’ll only be there for 3 weeks, I’m wondering: should I absolutely stick to either the north or the south? Or is it possible to have a nice, not-too-hectic trip by spending, say, one week in the south and two in the north?... (I’d take a multi-city flight for arrival and departure) What do you think? Thanks! 🙂

Hi everyone,

I couldn’t find any recent posts on this topic, so I thought I’d create a new one. We’ve just started planning our family trip to Vietnam this coming August. We’d like to travel from North to South, starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh.

Usually, we rent a car when we arrive and manage on our own. But I get the feeling that in Vietnam, it’s more complicated... It seems like the only option we have is to rent a car with a driver? Is that really the case?

I’m thinking of starting with a cruise in Halong Bay since we arrive on my partner’s birthday, and I wanted a beautiful setting to celebrate it. So, is the option of having a driver wait for 2 days while we’re on the cruise really feasible?

The rest of the itinerary isn’t planned at all yet. I’d love to hear your tips. We’re traveling from August 8th (morning) to the 26th (afternoon).

Thanks for your advice.

Hi everyone, I’m starting to plan my next trip to Southeast Asia this winter (2.5 months, leaving in early December), and here’s a rough outline of my route—I’d love to share it with you and hear your thoughts and tips.

- I’ll start in Bangkok and already have three spots I’ve marked: Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Uthai Thani (I haven’t been to any of these places yet). - Next, I’d like to cross the country from west to east to reach the Laos border. I’d love suggestions for any interesting stops along this route—I don’t know this part of Thailand at all... - Then I’ll head into Laos, probably at Savannakhet (you can usually get a visa at the border). - > I’m tempted to spend a week in Hoi An, Vietnam, since I loved that city and the area when I visited two years ago. No visa needed for Vietnam now, so it could be a nice little detour. On the map, it doesn’t look too far, but I know you’ve got to be careful with these things, and I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. Any opinions on this? - Back to Laos (maybe via Dakta), and I’ll head south along the Mekong, probably doing the Bolaven Plateau loop that I missed last time. Then Paksé, the 4,000 Islands... I’ve been before, but I’d happily go back. - Crossing into Cambodia, I’ll follow the Mekong down to Phnom Penh (I know this area and love how untouristy it is). From there, I’ll probably spend a few days in Kep (quieter than Kampot). Still undecided, though. - Then back to Thailand (BKK), likely by plane from Phnom Penh since the borders between the two countries are currently closed (plus, let’s be honest, Cambodian roads... ;-). We’ll see how things look when the time comes. - After that, I’d like to explore southern Thailand, taking it slow with short hops. I’ve got my eye on Khao Sok National Park, and I’ve heard good things about Krabi... Again, I don’t know this region well, so any info or tips would be great.

So, I think this should be doable in 2.5 months, especially since I prefer short hops of 300 km max to avoid getting too tired, and I like staying 2-3 days in each place to explore. Plus, I’ll take a week off to relax if I find a spot I love—maybe by the sea for some real downtime.

Thanks for your feedback and for sharing your favorite spots! Pascal

Hi everyone! I’ve booked flights to Phnom Penh for August 26 (no layover in the Emirates as a precaution...). We arrive on Sunday, August 2 in the morning and leave on August 19 around 9 PM (also from Phnom Penh). We’re a couple traveling with three kids aged 9 to 16. Among the many questions I have about our itinerary, a few are standing out: If we arrive in Phnom Penh exhausted, I imagine we’ll need to stay one night there before heading to Siem Reap... but how much time should we spend there to enjoy Angkor in good conditions? Then, Mondulkiri or Battambang? (Because I don’t want it to be a total rush, changing accommodation every two days and praying that bus transfers or private drivers go as planned...). Where does Tonlé Sap Lake fit into all this? And if we end with a beach stay: is Koh Rong a must, or is there another spot? Also, what about the return logistics: should we spend the night before our flight in Phnom Penh to be safe... or do we do everything on August 19... like taking a boat and then the road from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh, risking missing our flight if anything goes wrong? Anyway, a huge thank you in advance for your valuable tips and feedback!

Hi everyone, We’re planning to return to Cambodia in July 2026, as a family, for the third time. Since we’ve already visited Siem Reap and Battambang, we’re not considering going back this time. Instead, we’d like to travel more slowly and take the time to settle in. We’re thinking of an itinerary around Mondulkiri, Kampot, and Koh Kong (Tatai waterfalls, mangroves, etc.). For those who know the Koh Kong province and Mondulkiri well: are these areas still accessible and enjoyable during the rainy season? We’d also like to spend 2 or 3 days on an island, but we’re not sure if it’s really feasible at this time of year (sea conditions, boat crossings…). If it’s doable, which one would you recommend? We’re planning to spend only a short time in Phnom Penh, then a few days with family near Koh Thom. If you have any other ideas, firsthand experiences, or suggestions for stops that work well for a trip in July, we’d love to hear them. Thanks in advance !

I really loved Thailand, but it was too touristy for my taste. So I'm hesitating about going back and wondering if Cambodia or Vietnam would be less crowded with tourists...

Hi, just a quick note mainly for Samsong, even if he’s still giving me the silent treatment. I’ve been in Nan since yesterday and... I love it! So thanks, Thierry. It’s exactly the kind of place I’d been dreaming of... Even if communication is a bit tough, it’s not impossible. They don’t even know the most basic English words! Everyone laughs and they’re the first to pull out their phones to... translate. They’re even quicker on the uptake than I am. And then there’s the time I say Nan (pronounced "Nane"). They don’t understand me. After a while (sometimes a long one), they reply: "Ah, Nan?" (pronounced "Nane") 😵🤳😃

The town is exactly how you described it back in 2022. Though I’m surprised to find so many trendy, slightly intellectual "Cafés." Apparently, coffee—excellent everywhere—is king in Nan. It feels like a university town. And it seems pretty lively at night! But for now, I’m going to bed early. I caught a nasty cold, which didn’t stop me from walking 12 km this morning. But I came back to my accommodation by 3 PM (gorgeous and luxurious with top-notch service for 800 baht—even a cute local welcome gift this morning, plus other unexpected touches like a bottle of honey and chrysanthemum flowers for tea. The lady must’ve guessed I was coming down with something yesterday). I thought about going out for dinner but didn’t have the energy. I think I’ve got at least 39°C fever...

Anyway, I’m sending you this message, Thierry, because you mentioned a daily bus to Chiang Rai, so I didn’t look into it. But now it’s a real problem—no buses to Chiang Rai, only taxis. At least 2,500 baht for the cheapest one! I’ll check the bus station directly tomorrow. Online, it’s all taxis, no buses. I’d like to explore the countryside/mountains if I can find an affordable driver. Any ideas for destinations or itineraries? Thanks.

hi everyone, I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies? Thanks, and happy holidays!

Hi there, We’re heading to Cambodia for 15 days in February 2026. We’ll spend 3 nights in Siem Reap for the Angkor temples, then check out the floating markets. I’d love to know if Battambang is worth the detour. If so, we’re thinking of taking a ferry across the lake, staying one night, and then flying to the islands for the second week. Which islands would you recommend—Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem—or is there another that’s better for relaxation, downtime, and snorkeling? Thanks for your tips!

Hello everyone, we’re planning a trip to Vietnam at the end of June 2026 for at least two weeks. Our goal is to avoid rushing around too much and take our time, focusing on nature, hiking, and getting to know the locals. Here’s my first draft itinerary: Arrival and departure from Hanoi Sapa and its surrounding area Tam Coc – the "land Halong Bay" and Ninh Binh... Halong Bay (maritime) Cat Ba Island... I’d love to hear your thoughts, advice, and feedback. Looking forward to reading your replies. Cédric

Hello. In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.

- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).

- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).

- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?

- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.

- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!

- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.

- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.

That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before: - Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?

Thanks, and long live the Nam! !

I'd love to get some suggestions for central Vietnam in February for seniors. We'd like to stay in one place, near a beach, and visit the surrounding areas. Then after a month, we'd head to the south of the country.

Hi there, After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City at the beginning of March 26, where I think I’ll stay for maybe two days (or more?), we’d like to spend a few days in the Mekong Delta. Is it better to stay in one place (Vinh Long, Cai Be, My Tho, An Binh, etc.) and take boat trips every day, or split our time between two or three spots, which means changing accommodation and moving our luggage around? Of course, agencies offer 3- or 5-day tours from Ho Chi Minh City, but are they really worth it, both financially and in terms of the visits themselves? What’s your experience with this? How did you do it, and if you had to do it again? Any tips? Thanks in advance for your help. Dominique

Hello, I’m starting to plan my adventure in Cambodia. I’ve read a lot of your posts and really appreciate all your articles. Now it’s my turn to share my plans with you: 12/01 arrival in PP 13/01 arrival in SR where I’ll meet up with 2 friends for 6 days exploring the temples and surrounding areas 19/01 I’ll leave and finish the trip solo. I fly back on 29/01 at 8 PM, so I’ve got 10 days for a little immersion. The dilemma is whether to: # head to Battambang, then make my way to PP, Kampot, and 2 nights by the sea # go to Kratie and head down to Kampot with 2 nights by the sea (or, to cut down on kilometers, go via Kampong Cham to Kampot). Option 2 is my preference. I’m almost 70 and not too keen on rushing 😅 Thanks in advance for your time and any helpful tips! Françoise

Hi there, I need your thoughts on the rest of my itinerary. We’re spending two nights in Phnom Penh and five in Siem Reap. That leaves us with six days, and we’d like to do Kampot-Kep and Koh Rong Sanloem. Originally, I wanted to go to Battambang, but I’m worried it might be too much. Our flight back is on 22/03 at 6:30 PM from Phnom Penh. Thanks in advance for your feedback and tips!

Alright, I’m scaling back the kilometers thanks to the relevance and patience of our Cambodia experts! Here’s yet another hesitation /\ When I arrive early on 01/12 in PP, I have the choice between spending a day in PP (booking a convenience room for half a day and leaving by night bus), sleeping in PP and taking the bus to SR the next morning, or hiring a driver to head back up to PP with a nice little stop and maybe sleeping in Kampong Thom or Kampong Chhnang, then heading to SP on the 13th. Then from the 13th to the 17th or 18th, exploring Angkor. I continue to Kampong Thom and stay for 2 nights (if I didn’t do it on the way there), but I might be templed-out by then. I head to Kampong Cham, where I’ll spend 2 nights—one on the island and one on the mainland. Next, I go to Kampot and Kep: probably 2 nights in Kampot, 2 in Kep, and 1 night on Tonsay Island. On 01/28, I return to PP until 01/29. One detail: how long does it take to get from downtown PP to the new airport? Because I leave on 01/29 around 7:50 PM... Anyway, I’m ready to read your unfiltered reactions 🤓 and thank you in advance for your help!

Hello everyone! I just got back from a little trip to Cambodia, and I really wanted to share this experience with you—because honestly, it was wow from start to finish. I set my bags down in Siem Reap, and even though I knew the temples would be amazing… I wasn’t expecting that much beauty. Angkor Wat, of course, is THE classic, and you quickly understand why. I went super early in the morning to see the sunrise (yes, 4:30 AM wake-up, and no complaining 😊), and I don’t regret a second of it: that soft light, the silhouettes of the towers in the mist… you feel so small. I also loved Bayon, with its mysterious faces, and Ta Prohm, overrun by giant roots—guaranteed Tomb Raider vibes, but without the crowds of Lara Croft. What I found amazing is that beyond the big temples, there are plenty of quieter, almost forgotten spots where you can sit, listen to the birds, and just soak in the moment. It was hot (really hot!), so I didn’t hesitate to take breaks in the shade with a nice cold mango juice. For nature, I took a little trip to Tonlé Sap Lake. Very different, more raw, but super interesting. The floating villages are surprising—it makes you think about life at the rhythm of the water, and I was lucky enough to chat a bit with a local thanks to my guide. Authentic, simple, and touching. And then those kids rowing like pros in plastic boats… respect. In short, this trip did me so much good. Landscapes that filled my eyes, sincere smiles, and that feeling of having brushed against something bigger, something older. Cambodia—I’m not really leaving it behind; I’m bringing a little piece of it with me. If you’re hesitating about going: just go for it! And if you have any practical questions, I’d be happy to chat 😊

Back from Dong Van Big plus: a brand-new highway between Hanoi airport and Tuyen Quang, halfway between Hanoi and Ha Giang. The speed limit is usually 50 km/h, but it still saves time.

In Ha Giang, the Truong Xuan Hotel (Ha Giang Resort) has gone downhill. Stay at the gorgeous guesthouse (varnished wooden bungalows with panoramic terrace and excellent meals) run by Mr. WIN (03 64 86 67 66) in Thôn Tha village, 5 kilometers before Ha Giang. If it's full, try next door at Mr. Cay’s place—also bungalows, but with a less stunning view: 09 79 76 94 67.

Dong Van has become so popular that there are now over 200 hotels and guesthouses (only one existed 5 years ago). I stayed at my usual spot, the Hoang Ngoc, which now has an elevator, but it’s gotten expensive (450,000 VND). Instead, check out one of the two 2-star hotels across the street.

On the other hand, dining options have really improved. The excellent Green Karst (one of the servers, Mr. Hung, is also a French-speaking guide) has two locations—one on the main street and another a bit uphill to the left. Go to the latter.

I revisited Lung Cu, still just as spectacular. There are now small electric trains that take you up to the viewpoint (30,000 VND per person round trip). The Hmong King’s Palace in Sa Phin is still standing strong. Small shops to the left of the staircase—the closest one is run by a descendant of the king, actually a traditional costume chief.

There’s a lovely guesthouse at the top of Ma Pi Leng, run by a super-friendly Hmong guy in a beret (a French legacy) who speaks decent French. The terrace overlooks the Nho Qué River canyon. 250,000 VND for two, breakfast included (dinner is 200,000 VND).

Hi there, I’d love to hear about your experiences getting back from Koh Rong to Phnom Penh. I saw that by plane it takes 3h30 with a layover in Siem Reap, so no thanks—I was thinking of taking the bus. How much time should I allow between leaving Koh Rong Island by ferry and then the bus, so I can plan my return to France? Or is a taxi an option? Thanks for your tips!

Hi everyone,

We’d like to travel to Con Dao Island by boat from Can Tho. The return trip will be from Con Dao to Vung Tau.

We can’t find any ferry info online. Has anyone here done this route before? Thanks in advance for any tips!

Hi everyone, We have a chance to stop in Hanoi on our way from Japan back to France. We arrive on Tuesday, May 12th around 2 PM and leave for France on Saturday, May 16th around 10 PM. I’d like to do a 2-day cruise in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, then either 2 days in Ninh Binh or 1 day. - 12/05: Hanoi - 13/05: cruise - 14/05: end of cruise and head to Tam Coc - 15/05: sightseeing - 16/05: early departure for Hanoi, day in Hanoi, then flight to France at 10 PM We don’t want to be overwhelmed by crowds of tourists and prefer to be on our own.

Do you have any tips for us—agencies, transport, sights, accommodation, or visits? Thanks so much for your feedback! Best regards, Isabelle

Hi everyone, we arrive in Hanoi from March 6th to 8th, then head to Ninh Binh from the 8th to 10th. I’d planned to sleep in Halong on the 10th because on the 11th we’re doing an overnight cruise with the Peony. On the 12th, we’re staying in Cat Ba—I’m not sure if we should stay the 13th too? Back to Hanoi to go to Ho Chi Minh City airport for two nights, I think. Then the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre. We’ve booked two nights in Phu Coc to leave on March 19th for Hanoi and fly back to France on the 20th. Nothing’s set in stone yet, but I could really use your help—is going to Cat Ba necessary? We love the nature side, and Ben Tre seems essential. Is going to Phu Coc too much? Please be kind, but if you can give me some guidance, that’d be a huge help. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone, has anyone been to the delta recently and has up-to-date info on the floating markets? We’ll be there at the end of February 2026 and would love to visit one—touristy is fine as long as there’s activity and it’s not deserted. Thanks for your feedback!

I'm looking to rent a scooter in Saigon and be able to return it in Hoi An. If anyone knows an agency that does this

For centuries, until its capture by the Vietnamese in 1407, Quy Nhon was Asia’s busiest port. Marco Polo stopped here on his way back from China to Venice. It was the port of Viraja, capital of the Champa kingdom, which explains the many Cham towers found all over the place, including right in the city center. Today, it’s a lovely beach resort, less crowded than others. There’s a gigantic seaside esplanade lined with alternating gardens and hotel towers, with not a single tree (not on the beach either), except at the café-restaurant-terrace of the 4-star hotel Hoang Yen and another one to the right of it. I was lucky to find a brand-new, spotless little hotel run by a very friendly family, the Ngoc Linh, on a quiet little street just 50 meters from the beach. $12 for a single room and $14 for a double. There’s a terrace restaurant. No bikes, but motorbike rentals are available ($10 per day). 6 Tran Van On 0563 54 66 99 or nearby on the esplanade (19 Xuan Dieu).

Beautiful beach establishments north of the city.

That said, it allowed me to indulge my passion for history with the beautiful Cham towers, especially those at Banh It, 20 km north of Quy Nhon on the Mandarin Road (you can see them in the distance as they sit atop a hill, offering a magnificent view of the entire region). Four well-preserved towers (the largest has been very well restored), built in the late 11th to early 12th century. At the foot of the mountain, you’ll find a beautiful 14th-century pagoda and the ruins of Viraja. Right in the middle of the city on Tran Hung Dao, there are also the two beautiful towers of Thap Doi.

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.

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 there,

I’m thinking of heading to Siem Reap and Angkor in about two weeks. Can anyone tell me if it’s safe given the border issues? Haven’t seen anything recent in the news. Thanks!

Paul