Itinerary for 18 days in Cambodia
by Balboakayak
Translated into English.
Original post
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
Hello,
2 nights at the beach
Where?
- Koh Rong, Koh Ta Kiev or Koh Rong Samloem
2 nights at the beach
Where?
- Koh Rong, Koh Ta Kiev or Koh Rong Samloem
So after Siem Reap, over 10 nights.
Option 1 is fine but in a different order:
Battambang – 1 night
Bus to Sihanoukville, 1 night on the bus
Island – 2 nights
Kampot – 3 nights
Phnom Penh – 3 nights
Details: Siem Reap to Battambang by boat because it’s a must-do. The next day, explore Battambang or its surroundings by tuk-tuk, then take an overnight bus to Sihanoukville (this company offers the route: https://vireakbuntham.com/bus-list, but there may be others) and continue to an island. Sihanoukville before Kampot because it’s better connected by bus from Battambang. Island to Kampot: Buva Sea (https://www.buvasea.com/) offers convenient direct connections to Kampot from Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, and Koh Sdach (not Koh Ta Kiev). Kampot: 3 nights to explore the area by tuk-tuk and take a ride through the countryside of the Fish Island peninsula if you can bike or scooter. Phnom Penh: 3 nights because it’s a cool capital with plenty to see.
Option 2: Kratie or K.Cham – 3 nights Kampot – 2 nights Island of your choice – 2 nights Phnom Penh – 3 nights
I’d lean toward Kompong Cham to avoid the detour to Kratie, which isn’t really worth it on its own, and to skip a transit night in Phnom Penh before Kampot. By leaving early, you can make the K.Cham-Kampot trip in the same day. K.Cham is a chill town, but if you can bike or scooter, the real highlight is exploring the river island of Koh Pen and taking the paths along the east bank of the river, north and south of the bridge, passing through quiet villages. The area around K.Cham can also be explored by tuk-tuk or motodop. Kampot to island: same route as Option 1, just in reverse.
For both options: Is the beach stop *really* a must for you?
Details: Siem Reap to Battambang by boat because it’s a must-do. The next day, explore Battambang or its surroundings by tuk-tuk, then take an overnight bus to Sihanoukville (this company offers the route: https://vireakbuntham.com/bus-list, but there may be others) and continue to an island. Sihanoukville before Kampot because it’s better connected by bus from Battambang. Island to Kampot: Buva Sea (https://www.buvasea.com/) offers convenient direct connections to Kampot from Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, and Koh Sdach (not Koh Ta Kiev). Kampot: 3 nights to explore the area by tuk-tuk and take a ride through the countryside of the Fish Island peninsula if you can bike or scooter. Phnom Penh: 3 nights because it’s a cool capital with plenty to see.
Option 2: Kratie or K.Cham – 3 nights Kampot – 2 nights Island of your choice – 2 nights Phnom Penh – 3 nights
I’d lean toward Kompong Cham to avoid the detour to Kratie, which isn’t really worth it on its own, and to skip a transit night in Phnom Penh before Kampot. By leaving early, you can make the K.Cham-Kampot trip in the same day. K.Cham is a chill town, but if you can bike or scooter, the real highlight is exploring the river island of Koh Pen and taking the paths along the east bank of the river, north and south of the bridge, passing through quiet villages. The area around K.Cham can also be explored by tuk-tuk or motodop. Kampot to island: same route as Option 1, just in reverse.
For both options: Is the beach stop *really* a must for you?
Hi there,
I have a preference for Kampong Cham, so I’d go with the second option: 19/01: arrive in Kampong Cham around noon. Depart on 21/01 early morning either for Kampot, arriving mid/late afternoon. 22 and 23/01 in Kampot, depart on 24/01 in the morning for Koh Rong or KRS with Buva Sea as Songsam mentioned. 24, 25, and 26 on the island. Depart on 27 in the morning for PP, with the afternoon of the 27th and the 28th–29th in the capital.
Alternatively, a half-day stop in PP on the 21st to break up the Kampong Cham–Kampot trip. Then depart on 22 in the morning for Kampot by train (scheduled arrival at 10:40, likely a bit late). 23 and 24 also in Kampot. 25 in the morning to the islands, 26 and 27 there. Afternoon of the 28th and the 29th in PP.
I have a preference for Kampong Cham, so I’d go with the second option: 19/01: arrive in Kampong Cham around noon. Depart on 21/01 early morning either for Kampot, arriving mid/late afternoon. 22 and 23/01 in Kampot, depart on 24/01 in the morning for Koh Rong or KRS with Buva Sea as Songsam mentioned. 24, 25, and 26 on the island. Depart on 27 in the morning for PP, with the afternoon of the 27th and the 28th–29th in the capital.
Alternatively, a half-day stop in PP on the 21st to break up the Kampong Cham–Kampot trip. Then depart on 22 in the morning for Kampot by train (scheduled arrival at 10:40, likely a bit late). 23 and 24 also in Kampot. 25 in the morning to the islands, 26 and 27 there. Afternoon of the 28th and the 29th in PP.
Thanks for your tips! The more I think about it, the less the islands are a priority for me... so new itineraries. I’m not a big fan of big cities. Are the floating villages worth visiting? At least one!! But if I take a boat to Siem Reap, that could already be an experience. Are there different categories of boats? Thanks again for your help
Re itinerary: I’m planning to arrive
on 1/12 in PP: room for 1/2 night, rest and stroll around Silk Island, cruise and overnight bus to SR
On the 13th, SR until 1/18 in Angkor and surrounding areas
On the 18th, departure for Kampong Thom – 1 or 2 nights?
On the 19th, heading to Kratie, 1 night
On the 20th, heading to Kampong Cham, 2 nights
On the 22nd, heading to Kampot/Kep, 3 or 4 nights
From the 25th to the 28th, islands
28th, back to PP and departure on the 29th late evening?
What do you think?
Thanks
In my opinion, it's too packed—you should pick just one of the three stops between Kampong Thom, Kampong Cham, and Kratie.
Because with the travel time (e.g., your Kampong Thom–Kratie route with only one night in Kratie), you’ll arrive mid-morning, and by the time you drop your stuff at the hotel and grab a bite, you’ll only have a few hours to explore before it gets dark around 5:45 PM in mid-January. Meanwhile, just a relaxed stroll on Koh Trong, the island in the middle of the Mekong opposite Kratie, takes up an afternoon (you also have to factor in waiting time for the ferry crossing both ways).
If you want to do all three stops, you’ll have to skip the south of the country...
For just 10 days, I’d recommend staying two days in Kratie or Kampong Cham to experience life along the Mekong, then head down to Kampot. With 8 days left for Kampot, an island, and PP (not counting the long trip to Kampot), it’s already pretty tight.
For just 10 days, I’d recommend staying two days in Kratie or Kampong Cham to experience life along the Mekong, then head down to Kampot. With 8 days left for Kampot, an island, and PP (not counting the long trip to Kampot), it’s already pretty tight.
12/01 in PP: half-night room, rest and stroll on Silk Island, overnight cruise and bus to SR
Nope, this won’t be restful—it’s borderline impossible. Plus, for Koh Dach, it’s way nicer to sleep there. But that’s not even the worst part—the math is brutal: with this new version, you’re averaging only 0.88 full days per stop (and just 0.62 for those outside Siem Reap). That’s totally unreasonable—it’d be a marathon. Wasn’t it you who said you didn’t like rushing around at the start?
To get back to something doable, you’ll need to cut 2–3 stops. I’d say drop Kratie and either Kep or Kampot.
Nope, this won’t be restful—it’s borderline impossible. Plus, for Koh Dach, it’s way nicer to sleep there. But that’s not even the worst part—the math is brutal: with this new version, you’re averaging only 0.88 full days per stop (and just 0.62 for those outside Siem Reap). That’s totally unreasonable—it’d be a marathon. Wasn’t it you who said you didn’t like rushing around at the start?
To get back to something doable, you’ll need to cut 2–3 stops. I’d say drop Kratie and either Kep or Kampot.
Oh wow, you're saying it's impossible whether by public transport or car? Thanks for your honesty!
Erwan and Thierry are absolutely right—the itinerary as it stands is unrealistic.
We’ll have to make some choices: either extend the trip or we’ll have to come back...
La musique est le seul plaisir sensuel sans vice.
joël
joël
Ouch, you're saying it's impossible whether by public transport or car?
Arriving at the airport, which is now way out there, getting to the hotel, dropping your bag, taking a shower, a reasonable-length excursion to Koh Dach, doing a cruise—all without spending a single night in Phnom Penh? Yeah, realistically impossible no matter how you travel between each of these spots. Skip Koh Dach or plan at least one proper night in the capital or on the island.
Arriving at the airport, which is now way out there, getting to the hotel, dropping your bag, taking a shower, a reasonable-length excursion to Koh Dach, doing a cruise—all without spending a single night in Phnom Penh? Yeah, realistically impossible no matter how you travel between each of these spots. Skip Koh Dach or plan at least one proper night in the capital or on the island.
Of course you're right!!!! I'm thinking of skipping Kratie and spending a night on Tonsay to satisfy my island craving... which will give me some breathing room since leaving SReap.
I'm keeping Kampong Thom (2 nights), Kampong Cham for 2 nights, Kampot, Kep, and one night on Tonsay.
I thought I was still sharp at 68 to plan this trip. Maybe it's too big a challenge.
Thanks
Hi Thierry,
We’ve been traveling through Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos for 12 years now—two months every year—and we’ve learned to take our time to really explore these amazing countries at a relaxed pace.
La musique est le seul plaisir sensuel sans vice.
joël
joël
Of course you're right!!!! I'm thinking of skipping Kratie and spending a night on Tonsay to satisfy my island craving... which will give me some breathing room since leaving SReap.
I'm keeping Kampong Thom (2 nights), Kampong Cham for 2 nights, Kampot Kep, and one night on Tonsay.
I thought I was still sharp at 68 to plan this trip. Maybe it's too big a challenge.
Thanks
That’s much better! 2 nights in Kampong Thom, 2 in Kampong Cham, 4 in Kampot/Kep (including one on Koh Tonsay), and 2 to finish in Phnom Penh—this seems well-balanced, and you’ll have time to enjoy your stay! 🙂
That’s much better! 2 nights in Kampong Thom, 2 in Kampong Cham, 4 in Kampot/Kep (including one on Koh Tonsay), and 2 to finish in Phnom Penh—this seems well-balanced, and you’ll have time to enjoy your stay! 🙂
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I’m traveling with my partner and our 16-year-old son.
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I’m spending 4 days in Kuala Lumpur.
Could you let me know what’s absolutely worth visiting and what’s not really worth the effort?
Any suggested itinerary?
Apart from Batu Caves, I don’t have many ideas...
I’m traveling with my partner and our 16-year-old son.
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Hi,
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Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai? Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai. My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
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There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Thanks for your tips! DrSnuggle
Bonjour,
En voyage en Thaïlande je suis à la recherche de jonc bouddhiste kumlai.
Quelqu’un saurait-il me guider pour en trouver?
À Bangkok j’ai visité quelques temple mais je n’en n’ai pas trouvé sur les magasins à proximité.
Si vous avez une idée je suis preneuse! Belle journée :-)
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Thanks for any tips—I’m stuck!
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok: No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna: From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄). Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM. Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau: Found this via AI—is it legit? No online booking, as far as I can tell. Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly???? And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Thanks for any tips—I’m stuck!
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Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi everyone. As I’m planning my trip for next winter, I’m looking for hotel suggestions in Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor. The ones I had in mind seem to be fully booked (unless it’s too early?). For those familiar with the area, is it easy to find accommodations on the spot in January/February? I’m specifically looking for hotels with a pool, beachfront, air conditioning, and easy scooter rental nearby. Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning March 24: Phnom Penh March 25: Phnom Penh March 26: Depart for Kampot March 27: Kampot March 28: Depart for Battambang March 29: Battambang March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap March 31: Siem Reap April 1: Siem Reap April 2: Siem Reap April 3: Siem Reap April 4: Siem Reap April 5: Departure
Thanks for any suggestions or help!
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning March 24: Phnom Penh March 25: Phnom Penh March 26: Depart for Kampot March 27: Kampot March 28: Depart for Battambang March 29: Battambang March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap March 31: Siem Reap April 1: Siem Reap April 2: Siem Reap April 3: Siem Reap April 4: Siem Reap April 5: Departure
Thanks for any suggestions or help!
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Kanchanaburi:
Kanchanaburi:
Sri Chiangmai:
Soppong:
Tha Wang Pha:
Kanchanaburi:

Kanchanaburi:

Sri Chiangmai:

Soppong:

Tha Wang Pha:

🙂 Hi everyone!
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks everyone, take care and stay happy! ❤️
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks everyone, take care and stay happy! ❤️
Hi there,
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta. 21/09: Borobudur 22/09: Prambanan 23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang) 24/09: Bromo 25/09: Kawa Ijen 26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran 27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran 28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk 29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk 30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk 01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud 02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud 03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud 04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo 05/10: Komodo cruise 06/10: Komodo cruise 07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo. 08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar 09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore 10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Thanks for your thoughts—and for your time!
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta. 21/09: Borobudur 22/09: Prambanan 23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang) 24/09: Bromo 25/09: Kawa Ijen 26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran 27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran 28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk 29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk 30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk 01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud 02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud 03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud 04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo 05/10: Komodo cruise 06/10: Komodo cruise 07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo. 08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar 09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore 10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Thanks for your thoughts—and for your time!
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
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! :)
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! :)
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
Hi everyone,
Family of 4—2 adults and 2 kids (11 and 15) who are well-traveled. We’re planning a 15-day trip to Indonesia and would love your thoughts on our itinerary. We love discovering local culture, food (!!), seeing beautiful landscapes, and keeping an active pace. We’re not the type to lounge on the beach for 5 hours or spend ages by the pool when we’re halfway across the world. Also, we try to avoid places "ruined" by mass tourism (like Holbox in Mexico, which we loved 10 years ago but not at all on our last visit, or Phi Phi in Thailand, completely destroyed by mass tourism).
Special note: we love traveling by train :)
Here’s what we’ve planned so far:
**Day 1** Arrival in Jakarta, then domestic flight to Yogyakarta. Settle in Yogyakarta.
**Day 2** Borobudur in the morning, then exploring nearby villages.
**Day 3** Prambanan in the morning, followed by culinary discovery / market / local vibe in Yogyakarta.
**Day 4** Train to Jombang, then driver/bus to the Bromo area. Overnight stay.
**Day 5** Sunrise at Bromo, exploring the volcano and sea of sand. Relax in the afternoon.
**Day 6** Travel to eastern Java, then train, ferry, and road to reach Sidemen in Bali.
**Day 7** Sidemen
**Day 8** Sidemen
**Day 9** Sidemen
**Day 10** Transfer to Gili Air (car to the port + fast boat?)
**Day 11** Gili Air
**Day 12** Gili Air
**Day 13** Transfer to Ubud
**Day 14** Ubud
**Day 15** Return to Bali airport, flight to Jakarta, then international flight.
Does this itinerary seem coherent for a family? Does it feel too packed or well-balanced? Would you make any changes to certain stops, durations, or transfers?
Thanks so much for your tips and experiences!
Family of 4—2 adults and 2 kids (11 and 15) who are well-traveled. We’re planning a 15-day trip to Indonesia and would love your thoughts on our itinerary. We love discovering local culture, food (!!), seeing beautiful landscapes, and keeping an active pace. We’re not the type to lounge on the beach for 5 hours or spend ages by the pool when we’re halfway across the world. Also, we try to avoid places "ruined" by mass tourism (like Holbox in Mexico, which we loved 10 years ago but not at all on our last visit, or Phi Phi in Thailand, completely destroyed by mass tourism).
Special note: we love traveling by train :)
Here’s what we’ve planned so far:
**Day 1** Arrival in Jakarta, then domestic flight to Yogyakarta. Settle in Yogyakarta.
**Day 2** Borobudur in the morning, then exploring nearby villages.
**Day 3** Prambanan in the morning, followed by culinary discovery / market / local vibe in Yogyakarta.
**Day 4** Train to Jombang, then driver/bus to the Bromo area. Overnight stay.
**Day 5** Sunrise at Bromo, exploring the volcano and sea of sand. Relax in the afternoon.
**Day 6** Travel to eastern Java, then train, ferry, and road to reach Sidemen in Bali.
**Day 7** Sidemen
**Day 8** Sidemen
**Day 9** Sidemen
**Day 10** Transfer to Gili Air (car to the port + fast boat?)
**Day 11** Gili Air
**Day 12** Gili Air
**Day 13** Transfer to Ubud
**Day 14** Ubud
**Day 15** Return to Bali airport, flight to Jakarta, then international flight.
Does this itinerary seem coherent for a family? Does it feel too packed or well-balanced? Would you make any changes to certain stops, durations, or transfers?
Thanks so much for your tips and experiences!





