Portail Asie is an independent editorial travel site focused on Thailand and Southeast Asia. The content published here is based on first-hand experience, regular local monitoring and time spent on the ground.
My mission is to help you prepare your trip with clear, practical and regularly updated information, so you can travel with more confidence and better context.
At a Glance
- Name: Stéphane Oliver
- Role: Founder and main author of Portail Asie
- Status: Expat and digital entrepreneur in Thailand since 2024
- Languages: French native, English fluent, Thai learning
- Expertise: Travel formalities, travel safety, island life, Thai culture and Southeast Asia travel
How My First Trip Changed Everything
My name is Stéphane Oliver, often called Oliver. It all started in 2009 with a first meaningful trip to Thailand. That journey changed the way I travelled, and later the way I chose to live.
Over the years, I built Portail Asie as a travel resource for readers who want to go beyond a simple tourist stay: understanding local habits, avoiding common mistakes and approaching Thailand and Southeast Asia with more respect and awareness.
My Journey in a Few Key Dates
- 2009: The turning point. My first one-and-a-half-month trip to Thailand, with the discovery of Bangkok, Phuket and several islands.
- 2018: Regular returns. Frequent trips to Asia with a more immersive approach.
- 2020–2022: Long-term immersion. I spent 16 consecutive months in Asia, mainly in Bali, but also in Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
- 2024: Expatriation. Settling down in Thailand to experience and observe the country in daily life.
Among all these destinations, Koh Chang holds a special place. I return there regularly for its slower pace of life and its still-preserved balance. You can also read my Koh Chang review, where I share my experience after spending two weeks on the island, with practical tips, routes, restaurants and places I recommend.
My Method: Verified and Updated Info
Unlike many sites written from a distance, Portail Asie is built from the ground. Every piece of advice is based on field experience, local observation and regular checks of practical information.
- Local monitoring and official sources: I regularly check announcements from administrations, transport companies, national parks and local organisations.
- On-the-ground experience: Whenever possible, I personally test the places, routes, services and practical advice I mention.
- Regular updates: Content is reviewed when information changes. If an error is found, it is corrected transparently.
My Professional Background
In 2005, I left France for my first expatriation. Since then, I have worked online as a digital entrepreneur and managed real estate projects, which allowed me to live with a mobile lifestyle before gradually putting down roots in Asia.
What You Will Find on Portail Asie
Whether you are preparing your first trip or already know Southeast Asia, Portail Asie aims to provide clear, practical and reliable information based on field experience and regular updates.
👉 Start with the essentials:
- Avoid common scams in Thailand
– practical safety advice for travellers - Rent a scooter in Thailand
– what to know before getting on the road - Thailand Digital Arrival Card
– entry form to complete before travelling to Thailand
Beyond Practical Guides
Portail Asie is not limited to practical travel advice. The site also covers broader topics such as elephants in Thailand, local life, travel safety, cultural habits and the realities of living abroad.
This approach helps go beyond a simple list of places to visit. The aim is also to understand local contexts: transport, everyday habits, relationships with animals, tourism practices, or the difference between a very busy destination and a quieter island.
Follow Portail Asie
📸 For local information, practical alerts and behind-the-scenes updates from daily life in Thailand, follow Portail Asie on Facebook and Pinterest.
How to Contact Me
Have a question or suggestion? You can contact me through the contact form.