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!
But I’ve read here and there that flights to this destination could be delayed or worse, canceled
I don’t recall seeing any info suggesting that the Denpasar-Kupang route is at higher risk of delays/cancellations than Denpasar-Labuan Bajo.
it was preferable to land and depart from LB, which isn’t exactly ideal...
No. What I think is preferable is to arrive in Maumere or Ende via Kupang or Labuan Bajo and depart from Labuan Bajo.
Currently (2026), the fastest and daily one-way option is Denpasar-Labuan Bajo on Batik Air*, then Labuan Bajo-Ende on Wings Air*, depending on the period, roughly 3h to 5h55 total travel time including layover, for 118 to 132 €.
Then return Labuan Bajo-Denpasar or Jakarta with several airline choices.
What I think is preferable is to arrive in Maumere or Ende via Kupang or Labuan Bajo and leave from Labuan Bajo.
Yes, that's what we've planned to do. Arriving in Ende and departing from LB (to Jakarta).
Some comments in other forums, mostly English-speaking ones, are quite alarmist about flights to Ende and especially Maumere. The eruption of the Lewotobi volcano is probably the reason for that.
Thanks for your feedback! 🙂
My experience with flights to Flores dates back to summer 2025:
Outbound: Denpasar – Maumere / Return: Labuan Bajo – Lombok.
On the way out, we had a layover in Kupang (Lion Air + Wings Air), and the second flight was 2–3 hours late, but it gave us a stunning approach over Flores just before sunset.
On the way back, there was also a delay (due to the Lewotobi eruption the day before), but we were able to leave and fly between the rain clouds. Others at LB airport had been more or less camping there since the day before.
We knew before leaving that delays and cancellations are common. Lewotobi had been very active for several months, and we’d planned extra time, especially for our final return to Jakarta. We also counted on our lucky stars, and everything worked out!
Really enjoyed reading your travel journal about Indonesia, 😇! We’re using the same host...
We’ll be doing roughly the same route, though we’ll stay a bit longer in LB. We won’t be going to Lombok, already (well) visited.
Thanks for stopping by my travel journal! I’ve already read several of yours too—gorgeous photos and amazing hikes... 😉
For Flores, the Bajawa area really won us over and deserves a stop for a few days. The surroundings are stunning, and the scooter rides through the countryside are super fun, just cruising along the little roads.
But there aren’t many places to stay, and some can be a bit iffy in terms of cleanliness... You’ve gotta find the right one (not ours!...😛)
And for Labuan Bajo, it’s great you’re staying longer. Better for spending a few days exploring around Komodo National Park—our day trip was a letdown. Same goes for the scooter rides around the area, I bet they’re really nice!
Thanks for stopping by my travel journal! I’ve already read several of yours too—gorgeous photos and amazing hikes... 😉
For Flores, we really loved the Bajawa area and think it’s worth stopping for a few days. The surroundings are stunning, and the scooter rides through the countryside are super fun, just following the small roads.
But there aren’t many places to stay, and some can be a bit iffy in terms of cleanliness... You’ve gotta find the right one (not ours!...😛)
And for LB, it’s great you’re staying longer. Better to spend a few days sailing around Komodo National Park—the day trip left us disappointed. Plus, I bet the scooter rides around the area are really nice!
Hi Béatrice,
I just reread your Flores travel journal, and now I’m wondering if the Komodo cruise is even worth it... We’d planned 2 nights on board.
I’m having second thoughts. Maybe flying into Maumere (instead of Ende) would make more sense.
Here’s what we’ve got planned so far:
Arrival in Ende
2 nights in Moni
2 nights in Riung
3 nights in Bajawa
1 night in Ruteng
Then Labuan Bajo for the famous cruise and 2 nights/3 days, possibly followed by Pirate Island.
If we add 2 nights in Maumere, we’d lose them in Labuan Bajo. At the same time, I’ve read a lot of comments on other forums about flights to Maumere being canceled or seriously delayed...
From what you’ve said, there are also sometimes big delays leaving LB, and that’d be more of a hassle since our flight from Jakarta is the next day...
At the beginning, you mentioned 2 weeks in Flores—it seems like the duration in your description is shorter?...
We didn’t do the Komodo cruise with nights on a boat, but I would’ve loved to! That said, it’s a budget consideration, and my partner isn’t too keen on spending time on a boat. I love it, though...
I think it’s worth it if you choose the right provider. 🙂
In LB, it must be really nice to explore the area by scooter, since no one does it! All the tourists are there just for the marine park.
I think you can find some quiet roads in the surrounding areas, enjoy the scenery, and have some great encounters.
For flights/cancellation/delay risks, you’re never completely safe... Those who lived through the COVID period or recently the war in the Middle East, stranded abroad, could tell us about it.
We took a calculated risk by planning a bit of extra time (but not too much), and we closely followed the news about Lewotobi. But we also accepted in advance that there might be a minor hiccup in the trip’s flow, though nothing dramatic. 😛
Arrival Ende
2 nights in Moni
2 nights in Riung
3 nights in Bajawa
1 night in Ruteng
then Labuan Bajo with the famous cruise and 2 nights/3 days, followed by (maybe) Pirate Island.
If we add 2 nights in Maumere, we lose them in Labuan Bajo.
It’s too bad it’s no longer 2 weeks in Flores—this turns that part into a rush, a tough physical challenge on this island...
From what you’re saying, there are also sometimes significant delays when leaving LB, and that would be more annoying since our flight from Jakarta would be the next day...
If we reversed the order of the islands (Flores-Bali-Java), that risk wouldn’t exist.
I just reread your travel journal about Flores. I'm starting to wonder if the Komodo cruise is worth it... We had planned 2 nights on board.
I'm having second thoughts. Maybe arriving in Maumere (instead of Ende) makes more sense.
Here's what we have planned so far:
Arrival in Ende
2 nights in Moni
2 nights in Riung
3 nights in Bajawa
1 night in Ruteng
then Labuan Bajo with the famous cruise and 2 nights/3 days, followed by (maybe) Pirate Island.
If we add 2 nights in Maumere, we lose them in Labuan Bajo. At the same time, I've read quite a few comments on other forums mentioning cancellations or significant delays for flights to Maumere...
Hello
If it's to go directly to Moni, it's better to land in Ende—it's closer than Maumere. Many taxis wait to take you to Moni for a modest fee.
2 nights in Riung is too few: if you're coming from Moni, you'll arrive in the evening, so that's only one full day there. Given the travel time to get to and from Riung, you should stay 3 nights. So you'll need to remove one night from Moni or somewhere else.
Yes, a Komodo cruise is a must if you're into diving or snorkeling. Again, you need 3 nights because the last day involves a morning return, so 2 nights means only 1.5 days there—too little to enjoy the many amazing spots.
However, don’t do this cruise without diving or snorkeling.
Agencies offer high prices on fancy boats, but if you go to the port, you can find cheap cruises on basic but perfectly fine boats.
I’d skip Maumere and add 3 nights in Riung and 3 nights on the cruise.
In Flores, we’ll be staying for a total of 15 days, including Labuan Bajo and Komodo.
When I read other travelers’ trip reports, the length of our itinerary from Moni to LB seems pretty standard, but maybe I’m wrong... I’ll think about the route and maybe tweak it.
Flights from Bali to Ende are super early. Do you arrive in Moni in the evening? If there’s a big delay, probably, but if not?
I’m definitely thinking of adding one night in Riung. (That’ll mean cutting something else—probably Meru Betiri Park in Java.)
We’ll likely go with a driver from Ende to LB to make the most of our sightseeing.
Funny enough, it’s often the 2-night cruise ("3 days"—which is pretty debatable, honestly) that’s recommended on other forums, mostly English-speaking ones. I was thinking of chilling on Pirate Island after the cruise to end the trip on a relaxing note.
As for the order of the itinerary, I don’t think I’ll change it. For us, it makes more sense to start with the eastern part of Java. Either way, if there’s an issue with delayed or canceled flights, it could happen in either direction, right?
Our LB/Jakarta flight is the day before our return flight to France, so we’ll spend one night in Jakarta.
For flights / cancellation / delay risks, you’re never completely safe... Those who lived through the COVID period or recently the war in the Middle East, stranded abroad, could tell us about it.
Flights from Bali to Ende are very early in the morning. Do we arrive in Moni in the evening? If there’s a significant delay, probably, but if not?
Depending on the day of the week and assuming no delays or cancellations, you’ll arrive in Moni by mid-afternoon at the latest.
I’m actually thinking of adding 1 night in Riung. (It’ll mean cutting something else—probably Meru Betiri Park in Java.)
Yes to adding a night in Riung. But even though I don’t know Meru Betiri, I’d say Ubud—the only Balinese stop that doesn’t make much sense for your trip—is what you should cut. Instead, plan just one transit night in Jimbaran (close to the airport) to catch the "very early" flight to Ende (via Labuan Bajo)* the next day. That way, you’d gain 2–3 days to explore Flores more comfortably. Save a proper visit to Bali for your next trip.
* Book both flights as a single purchase.
We’re thinking of hiring a car with a driver from Ende to LB to maximize our visits.
That’s debatable—it might push you to rush.
As for the itinerary order, I don’t think we’ll change it. For us, it makes more sense to start with East Java. Anyway, if there’s a problem with delayed or canceled flights, it’ll happen in both directions, right?
True, but if the issue happens on the way to Flores, there’s no practical air backup plan. To make up for lost time, you’d have to speed up or adjust your original itinerary. Meanwhile, if it happens between East Java and Jakarta (much rarer since you’re not "in the middle of nowhere" anymore), you’d have plenty of backup options to reach JKT (way more flights, overnight buses, etc.).
In Flores, we’ll be staying for a full 15 days, including Labuan Bajo and Komodo.
When I read other travelers’ trip reports, the length of our itinerary from Moni to LB seems pretty standard, but maybe I’m wrong...
15 days is great. You can always stay longer, but you’ve gotta make choices if you don’t have months of vacation 😏
Flights from Bali to Ende are super early in the morning.
Agree with Songsam: stay in Jimbaran right next to the airport.
I think I’ll actually add one night in Riung.
Perfect 😎
Our LB/Jakarta flight is the day before our return flight to France. We’ll spend one night in Jakarta.
Normally, one buffer night should be enough. If the flight’s canceled, you should be able to find another one pretty easily. I’ve had flights canceled several times, and I’ve always been able to rebook—except once when I was coming back from Papua, where there were only two flights a day. So when one was canceled, I was worried the other would be full.
Thanks to both of you for these useful tips.
Ubud is kind of a must-visit for family reasons, and yes, we’ll spend the night (loyal to the same hotel!) in Jimbaran before catching our flight to Ende. That was already the plan.
Adding an extra day in Riung seems like a smart move.
Instead, we’ll cut back somewhere in Java. Meru Betiri Park still tempts me, or maybe just skipping the Ijen ascent, which we’re not really into after all.
So instead of spending 2 nights in that area—specifically in Licin—we could just stay one night and head straight to Bali the next day. I haven’t had any feedback on Betiri Park. It’ll be a discovery (or not). 😇
As for the car with a driver, nothing’s decided yet, but I don’t quite get why this option would make us rush.
But it might not be the best idea... So we’ll see.
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Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
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 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!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
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! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
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
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!
