Tu peux consulter quelques idées cadeaux de souvenirs comme suit:
1, La tunique (Robe traditionnelle vietnamienne) – Le ao dài (Si quelqu'un de ta famille est fan de la mode, peut-etre une robe traditionnelle va lui plaire. Tu peux la faire sur mesure à la ville de Hoi An avec un prix pas cher et un délai super rapide.
2, La laque (un cadeau souvenir très populaire pour quiconque voyage au Vietnam. Tu peux trouver facilement dans les boutiques de souvenir de plusieurs produits laqués)
3, Le chapeau conique (un peu encombrant pour emporter, mais il existe aussi en forme de l'objet de décoration)
4, La broderie
5, La mangue Cat de Hoà Loc (Xoài en vietnamien)
6, Le fruit du dragon (Thanh Long en vietnamien)
7, La pomme-lait de Lo Ren (trái vú sữa en vietnamien) : On parle de pomme-lait car le jus de ce fruit ressemble à du lait. L’une des sources consultées conseille, avant de peler le fruit et de le consommer, de la « masser » fortement pour mélanger pulpe et jus.
En général quand il n'y a pas de prix indiqués il faut marchander mais quelques magasins (peu) affichent des prix fixes.
Pour le shopping tout dépend de l'endroit ou l'on se trouve. Moi et ma fille qui aimons "magasiner", nous avons adoré le Vietnam !!!
Les choses que l'on trouve un peu partout sont :
- les objets laqués. Il s'agit d'objets utiles (boites, bols, plateaux, assiettes, dessous-de verre, boites à bijoux etc...) ou décoratifs (tableaux, vases...). Ils sont soient simplement peints, soient incrustés de motifs en nacre ou en morceaux de coquille d'oeufs .
Les prix sont très variables en fonction de la qualité de la laque ou des incrustations ou pas.
- les baguettes (sous toutes leurs formes et sous tout mode de conditionnement) et les boites à baguettes, parfois avec des porte baguettes. Nous en avons acheté 2 à Sapa avec des compartiments pour ranger les baguettes. J'ai revu ensuite bien des boites, mais aucune n'avait ces petits compartiments !
- les broderies. Sous diverses formes : Tableaux finement brodés, nappes, housses de coussins, chemin de tables...
- Les objets en cornes de buffle : peignes, ouvre lettre, ...
- Les statuettes ou diverses sculptures : Statuettes, boites, lampes, jeux d'echec... En bois précieux, en racine de bambou , en pierre finement scuptée ...
- Les bijoux : De toutes formes et couleurs. Des perles de la baie d'Halong, en nacre, des bijoux en pierre (ex jade), pierres semi précieuses ou pierres précieuses (saphir, emeraude, ), des bijoux en argent...
- Des écharpes : en soie ou autre...
- Des sacs à main (plutôt ethniques)
- Des chapeaux : conique bien sur mais aussi avec d'autres formes et aussi la fameuse imitaion du "casque bodoï" (militaire) dont la structure est en plastique véritable.
- Des petites bricoles à 1€ pour faire plaisir à tous (portes clefs, portes bonheur, magnets...)
- Des vêtements, des tas de vêtements et de chaussures. A Hanoi nous avons fait un peu de shoping avec ma fille, je dirais POUR ma fille car je ne risquais pas de trouver ma taille. Les robes sont très mignonnes mais faites pour des "poupées" vietnamiennes . En gros ça va du 34 au 38/40... Les chaussures que j'ai vues à Hanoi étaient toutes en plastiques. Il y a certainement des boutiques qui en font en cuir mais bon, je n'étais pas dans le bon quartiert et ce n'était pas notre préoccupation.
- On trouve partout des tas de Tee shirt humoristiques (ou pas) sur le Vietnam et on trouve des grandes tailles (mon mari fait du XXXL). Il y a quelques chaines qui font des tee shirt de qualité supérieure comme Bamboo compagnie.
- Côté alimentation on trouve des épices, des champignons séchés, des tas de racines et autres bizareries pour remèdes de "grand mère", de l'alcool de riz ou de maïs dont certains sont présentés dans des contenants "habités" par des reptiles, des oeufs de fourmis et autres joyeusetés... Des biscuits au sésame, des confiseries, de bons bonbons aux fruits, des fruits séchés, du riz, du vrmicelle, des sauces enfin tout ce qu'il faut pour faire de la cuisine...
Une des spécialité de la ville de Hoi An où nous avons séjourné une semaine, ce sont les tailleurs qui vous font un costume, une robe, un manteau sur mesure en moins de 24h !
Nous n'avons pas essayé ! Les avis sont très mitigés sur la qualité.
De plus aujourd'hui, à Roubaix j'ai vu au centre des magasins d'usine Mc A Glen des costumes à 60€ ... devinez d'où ils venaient ?....
A Hoi An vous avez aussi le même type de boutique mais pour les chaussures sur mesure.
Attention, il y a beaucoup de contrefaçons de marques au Vietnam.
Donc à Hoi An, paradis du shopping, j'ai préféré acheter des tuniques déjà confectionnées pour 140 000 vdn (7$/6€)
Autre spécialités de Hoi An : Les lanternes, les tableaux à l'huile, les aquarelles et les lytho.
Dans les villes tout au Nord il n'y a pas grand chose à part à SAPA qui est très touristique donc avec beaucoup de boutiques et des personnes de minorités ethniques qui proposent des tas de produits généralement brodés (sacs, housses de coussins, pochettes, etc...) voir photos .
A Sapa j'ai acheté des tuniques sobres mais au look "ethnique" de la marque Phô' Nui, Mountain town, dans une boutique de la rue principale. De mémoire il y a 2 boutiques qui vendent cette marque aux modèles exclusifs. Tous les prix sont affichés et ils ont des grands tailles (je fais 46).
Sur les marchés du nord l'on trouve des vêtements portés par les minorités (jupes, vestes, pantalons...) mais sur un petit marché au Nord de Ha Giang, une jeune fille Dao longue tunique m'a proposé de me vendre son sac qu'elle avait cousu et brodé elle même, puis son bonnet. Effectivement ils étaient neufs ! Ca je ne l'ai retrouvé nulle part ailleurs.
Une jeune fille Lolo fleurie qui avait revêtu son joli costume pour que nous puissions faire des photos m'a proposé de me vendre la veste. Je ne voulais surtout pas qu'elle se demunisse de son beau costume car si toutes les femmes des minorités se mettent à vendre leurs habits, déjà qu'elles les portent de moins en moins, ce serait vraiment pas bien de les encourager dans ce sens...mais elle m'en a sorti une deuxième qu'elle avait spécialement cousue pour des touristes de passage.
Ca aussi c'est un objet rare et précieux !
Il y a aussi au Vietnam des villages "spécialisés" dans un type d'artisanat donné : Chanvre (set de table, housses de coussins...), poterie...
Nous avons eu également l'occasion de nous rendre chez un artiste reconnu où l'on pratique la technique de l'estampe (au tampon de bois).
Enfin je ne voudrais pas oublier les livres et disques. j'ai eu surtout le temps de regarder les librairies de l'aéroport mais je suis sure qu'on trouve des librairies beaucoup mieux achalandées dans les grandes villes ! La plupart des ouvrages étaient en anglais (après le vietnamien bien sur). Je n'ai vu qu'un seul livre en français et c'était un livre de cuisine vietnamienne. Quant aux disques, on en trouve aussi un peu partout. Nous en avaons acheté un suite à un mini concert donné par des jeunes au temple de la littérature.
J'ai surement oublié des tas de choses car je me souviens surtout de ce qui m'a attirée, mais les spécialistes pourront compléter.
Bref je dirais qu'on trouve de tout au Vietnam... j'ai même trouvé des manneken pis décapsuleurs sur un étal de SAPA !
Je joins quelques photos
" Fais de ta vie un rêve, et d'un rêve, une réalité" St Exupéry
La négociation est de rigueur sur les marchés et dans les boutiques touristiques.
Mais il y a aussi des endroits aux prix fixes et affichés.
Si vous passez par Saigon je vous recommande d'aller jeter un coup d'oeil au marché Ben Thanh. La périphérie du marché est réservée aux boutiques pratiquant les prix fixes (il y a des gros panneaux "fixed price").
Il y aussi le centre commercial Tax au 135 Nguyen Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Avec un supermarché et une grosse boutique souvenirs au dernier étage.
Comme dit plus haut, vous trouverez des ao day, boites laqués, des peintures laquées sur bois, des set de baguettes, des statues, des tee shirts, des maquettes de bateau...
Il y a aussi café, thé, noisettes et gateaux
J'ai oublié :
A Hoi An un magasin spécialisé en maquettes de navires avec notament, pas mal de jonques pour des prix désisoires mais comme je ne suis pas spécialiste, je ne peux juger de la qualité de ces objets. En tout cas ils sont charmants et même, pour certains, impressionnants !
" Fais de ta vie un rêve, et d'un rêve, une réalité" St Exupéry
- 1° Boules Quies, vivement conseillées (meme si l' hotel ou la guest house ne sont pas specialement bruyants il peut arriver ce genre d' evénements = suite à…
On part à Hanoi fin octobre, je souhaite y acheter des objets en laque...mon grand père en avait ramené pas mal autrefois, d'une qualité top et je souhaiterai…
A Hoh Chi Minh, j'ai vu un mec qui s'était installé sur le trottoir et qui vendait des armes, qui avait l'air plutôt costaud (type kalashnikov, et des…
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
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?