Ca semble etre la meilleur solution vu l' etat des routes, la lenteur des bus. ( honda dream pas jouable a mon avis ?? )
Aussi plus d'autonomie.
Alors en pratique ca donne quoi ? Sympa ?
Ou louer et a combien ?
Merci si quelqu' un connait.
PS: GRRrrr ! Le visa vietnamien avec date d' entree fixe va nous obliger a planifier depuis Ventiane ( La solution sera surement de compter large pour le nord Laos. )
Des informations données en 2001 donc collectées en 1999 n'ont plus rien à voir avec la réalité d'aujourd'hui. Le Vietnam n'est qu'un gigantesque chantier et la presque totalité des routes ont été goudronnées. Le pays peut parfaitement être visité avec un véhicule normal.
De toute façon un étranger n'a pas le droit de conduire donc vous devrez louer un véhicule avec chauffeur.
Bonjour
J ai pas exactement compris quelle boucle etait prévu dans le Nord Vietnam. Comme indiqué ci dessus les routes sont en tres bon état et il y a pas besoin d un 4x4, les toyota camry qu on voit partt passent sans pb. cela se fait aussi en moto mais c est assez fatiguant au final. J ai fait la boucle Hanoi - DBP - Lai Chau - Lao Cai - Hanoi. Pas de pb.
C est pour moi les plus beaux coins du VN mais je residais au nord et j ai moins écumé les plateaux du centre.
A moins d etre passionné d histoire, DBP n a aucun charme, elle a été construite sur le modèle de toutes les villes de province du VN en outre il est prévu d en faite un pole de dvpt rural. Donc c est construit de partt.
Par contre entre la route entre Hanoi et DBP est splendide en elle meme.
Lai Chau reste mon coup de coeur et y rester un peu vaut le coup. Comme un barrage devrait etre construit, le village ne pousse pas, endroit préservé et peu visité. Ambiance de ville frontière, bcp de hmongs et pas les travers de Sapa maintenant envahie de touristes vietnamiens en particulier. Paysages magnifiques.
Lai Chau jusque Sapa c est tres beau aussi.Apres de Lao Cai possibilité de rentrer en train de nuit ou retour encore en voiture, assez long et beau. Sapa, bof car maintenant bcp de monde, mais un hotel/resto/boulangerie sympa chez Tartine et Chocolat si je me souviens bien. Possibilités de faire des randos car dans les autres coins c est pas evident si on a pas de contact en particulier qui connaissent les autorités, comités populaires du coin. C est encore des zones frontières assez surveillées, villages de réfugiés chinois et tensions ponctuelles (rappelons qu a la fin des années 70 les chinois ont attaqué Lao Cai, massacrés quelques milliers de personnes) donc...
Voila tres beau trip en ts cas, bonne ballade
Je n ai malheureusement jamais eu l occase de faire la boucle Est mais elle est sympa aussi de ce qu on m en a dit.
Ca chauffe les infos:
Memepat en prive qui m' encourage pour Can cau ( Hors sentier battus ).
Rotsaka kif pour Lai chau.
La jeep a 50$/jr risque d' etre hors budjet
Je retiens surtout que la 100cc pour la boucle sera probablement tres fatigant.
Alors transport public ! et j' insiste avec mes becanes: Ou peut on en louer dans le nord pour petites escapades. J' adore !
la suite,
il est possible de cumuler transports en commun depuis Hanoi jusqu un peu ou on veut et moto. On trouve des motos a louer un peu partout. Par contre, en moto, si on est pas du pays, si on maitrise pas la langue, mieux vaut y aller avec un guide, ca peut aider mais c est pas indispensable non plus. Dans le nord, plus difficile quand meme de trouver des anglophones a plus forte raison des francophones. Je n ai pas de nom particulier de guide a donner.
On peut louer des motos a Sapa ou Lao Cai par exemple et aller soit vers l ouest, soit vers l est comme on préfère. J oubliais la route entre Sapa et Lai Chau est assez grandiose en arrivant vers Sapa, on descend dans la vallée avec vue sur la chaine du Fansipan, magnifique.
Sur tt le tour, c est entre Moc Chau et Sapa que la route est la plus belle (mais ca depend des gouts bien entendu) ce qui fait tt de meme deja une bonne bonne trotte tres belle. Le reste est beau aussi toutefois.
Le tour en moto intégral se fait aussi bien entendu mais de mon point de vue c est long. en outre des qu on revient sur les routes dans le delta, cela devient un peu dangereux.
Location moto hyper petit prix partout, le guide ne coute pas cher non plus (bien préciser au départ si la prestation prend en compte la bouffe et les nuits du guide et faire cela en présence du guide que tt le monde soit OK).
Au fait, si besoin, pas besoin de réserver le train Sapa Hanoi quand on rentre de Sapa, les boutiques de Sapa le proposent et se prennent une bonne marge alors qu en allant a Sapa on trouve des billets a ts les coups (en ts cas sur 3 fois je n ai jamais eu de probleme meme pendant la semaine du Tet alors que tt le monde est en congé au VN).
Voila bien s imprégner de l atmosphere tres particuliere du Nord, les marchés sont des lieux privilégiés pour cela mais pas seulement. Le long de la route, plein de tranches de vie splendides, ca se perd alors faut y courir tant qu il est temps. En sortant des sentiers battus (pas faciles) on peut parfois voir qq champs d opium résiduels mais ils se font de plus en plus rares. Bref un coin encore un peu secret.
pour les billets de train, je voulais parler de Lao Cai Hanoi bien entendu, la ligne n a pas encore été rallongée jusque Sapa. Au VN tt change et ca fonce mais qd meme pas a ce point la.
Bref pas besoin de rserver des Sapa, le train Lao Cai Hanoi, on peut le faire directement a Lao Cai.
Merci Rotsaka,
C' est maintenant plus clair.
La moto pour des petites boucles.
Par contre, je vois sur ma pauvre carte pas mal de routes non asphaltees, en y allant molo ca doit passer...au mois de mars ?
L' essence ? sur le bord des routes, un peu partout ?, peut etre prevoir une reserve ?
quelqu' un a un site sur le nord ouest vietnam ?
Bonjour
Sur la boucle que j indiquais (Hanoi-DBP-LaiChau-Sapa-Lao Cai-Hanoi) tout est asphalté sauf qq troncons en réparation parfois (moins de 1 km chaque troncon).
Du carburant on en trouve partt soit dans des stations, soit en vente a la bouteille au bord de la route. Les vietnamiens sont enormement motorisés maintenant, fini le pousse pousse et de moins en moins de velo, le Nord ne fait pas exception. En particulier dans le Nord on retrouve beaucoup de Minsk, la moto mythique. Donc la ou il y a des motos, il y a du carburant. Chaque ville etape permet de faire le plein sans pb. En kms, les distances entre villes etapes ne sont pas monstrueuses. Vraiment aucun pb de ce coté. Voir en fct de la conso de la moto, de la contenance du reservoir et du kmtrage prévu pour l etape pour une reserve de secu.
Je ne connais pas de site sur le Nord, c est une region vraiment ouverte depuis pas si longtemps que cela.
le nord vietnam est la région que je préfère. je suis allé à sapa en train de nuit, il y a plein de randon super . pour aller au marché de bac ha, on a loué une jeep pour 40usd à 4 personnes. la jeep était là vraiment indispensable, et ce marché aux bestiaux extraordinaires car toutes les ethnies s y rencontrent .
le lotus hotel a sapa m est revenu à 5usd, la chambre double.
a+
nous avons loue une jeep pour 4 personnes avec chauffeur-guide pour 40 usd la journee
nous l avons trouvé juste en bas du lotus hotel a sapa, (ds petite agence très sympa).c est juste dans le centre ville, vers l arrivée des navettes.
de sapa a bac ha, nous avons bien mis 3h, impossible en 2 roues, la route était très mauvaise le long de la frontière chinoise.
j ai adoré ce marché, par contre on a demandé a notre chauffeur de nous ramené a la gare sans passé par sapa car ça fait un sacré détour.
( on avait pourtant achété a hanoi, nos tickets de bus aller retour de sapa), a refaire je ne prendrais que le bus aller.
sinon tous les villages autours de sapa, je l ai fait en louant une motobike sans guide. c est très simple d aller jusqu a la cascade, la route est bonne et c est tt droit.
le village cat cat est à 2, 3 km de sapa ( a faire a pied ), belle promenade.
par contre taphin en scooter, faut savoir tourner à droite au niveau d une cabane ( pas de panneau)
je suis alle jusqu a un autre village a pied, bcp plus loin, un peu a l aventure car on n avait pas de guide mais de loin on a vu des gens, on s est dit que c etait par la, et on a trouvé facilement en longeant une riviere ( je vais voir dans mes docs et te dirait le nom exact).
le lotus hotel était très bien avec une super vue sur les montagnes, 5usd la chambre double.
Pour la boucle au Nord-ouest, vous pouvez prendre un landcruiser ou Zade parce que la route est bonne. Le prix de transport eleve un petit peu depuis quelques mois a cause de l'augmentation de l'essence. Donc preparez-vous vers 50 $ par jour, c'est tres tres raisonnable parce que vous devez prendre vers 200 km/jour. Je vous conseille de contacter avec une agence francophone locale pour avoir des meilleurs prix et voir maximum de choses.
Can cau, c'est une belle region pres de la frontiere sino-vietnamienne ou vous decouvrir un marche traditionnel ( on peut dire encore sauvage, mois de touristes). Paysages fabuleux !
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.
Bonjour ,
nous sommes actuellement à Mai chau et demain nous reprenons la route pour Hanoi afin de monter vers Ba Ha et Sapa .
Pas vraiment de programme attitré depuis notre arrivée nous avons déjà fait la baie d'Halong terrestre et maritime.
J'ai 2 jours libres avant d'aller sur Bac Ha et Sapa .
Avez vous des conseils ?
Merci et au plaisir de vous lire .
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.
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...
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?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
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!
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...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
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 :-)
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?????
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 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
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.
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.
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
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! !
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?
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!
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?
