Nous préparons un voyage de 16j à Birmanie, fin février et début mars prochain. Même si nous avons l'habitude des voyages à l'aventure, nous avons contacté plusieurs agences locales car ça nous semble beaucoup plus simple en Birmanie. Parmi celles-ci, Gulliver nous propose un voyage qui nous parait bien équilibré sachant que nous préférons prendre notre temps pour visiter les principaux sites et découvrir les habitants et l'atmosphère du pays plutôt que de speeder à voir plein de choses, et que nous avons aussi envie de nous reposer quelques jours en bord de mer à la fin de notre séjour.
Le voyage est réusmé ci-dessous. Nous sommes preneurs des avis de ceux qui connaissent déjà le pays ;)Jour 1 : Arrivée a Yangon en soiréeJour 2 : Yangon : Visite libreJour 3 : Vol vers Mandalay. En fonction de l’heure d'arrivée, découverte de Mandalay. Visite de différentes fabriques de tapisseries, de feuilles d’or ou de bouddhas en marbre Coucher de soleil depuis la colline de Mandalay. Jour 4 : Mandalay (Mingun en bateau, Sagaing, pont U Bein)Jour 5 : Mandalay – Bagan en descendant l’Irrawaddy en bateau toute la journéeJour 6 : Bagan : Visite libreJour 7 : Bagan et sa région : Marché de Nyaung U, village de Myinkaba, temples de Manuha et de Nanpaya. L’après-midi, visite des fabriques de laque à New Bagan. Balade en calèche en direction du temple de Mingalazedi et coucher de soleil depuis la terrasse supérieure.Jour 8 : Vol vers Heho, puis route vers Pindaya et Kalaw. Visite des grottes de Pindaya. Rencontre des artisans locaux qui fabriquent le papier shan et les ombrelles et balades autour du lac. Retour à Kalaw pour la nuit.Jours 9 & 10 : Trek d’un jour et demi de Kalaw à Indein, pittoresque village situé au bord du lac Inle. Nuit dans un monastère. Le 2ème après-midi, visite du site Pao d’Indein.Jour 11 : Lac Inle : Rivages, maisons sur pilotis, îles flottantes formées de terre et de jacinthes d'eau, pagode de Paung Daw Oo et monastère des chats sauteurs.Jour 12 : Marché dans la région et site d’Indein Jour 13 : Vol vers Thandwe puis Ngapali Jours 14 & 15 : Nagapali, journées libresJour 16 : Vol vers Yangon+ Départ international Autre question pour ceux qui ont déjà voyagé avec Gulliver : Nous n'apprécions vraiment pas les visites imposées de fabriques et autres artisanats, dont le but est en général d'encourager les touristes à acheter à tout prix. Nous préférons passer notre temps à visiter et flâner. Or dans le descriptif, Gulliver parle de découverte de l’artisanat de Mandalay et visite de différentes fabriques de tapisseries, de feuilles d’or ou de bouddhas en marbre, de visite de fabriques de laque à New Bagan et de rencontre des artisans locaux qui fabriquent le papier shan et les ombrelles à Pindaya. Qu'en pensez-vous ?
ça doit coûter ces 16 jours en Birmanie, surtout en haute saison, avec 3-4 vols intérieurs et les frais d'organisation de Gulliver.
Sinon le programme n'est pas trop mal, vous voyez l'essentiel Yangon, Mandalay, Kalaw, le lac Inle, Bagan et en prime Ngapali.
Si vous voulez alléger la note, sachez qu'il y a aussi des bus VIP de nuit, très confortables, qui permettent de faire les trajets entre toutes ces destinations. ça évite aussi les attentes, de jour, dans les aéroports et les trajets aéroport-ville parfois longs comme à Mandalay.
Pour ce qui est de Mandalay-Bagan en bateau sur l'Irrawaddy, très sincèrement, ça devient très vite monotone et vous n'êtes entourés que de touristes. Il vaut mieux privilégier le bus.
Si vous n'aimez pas les boutiques, il risque dans un voyage organisé que le vôtre d'y en avoir à Mandalay, sur le lac Inle... Difficile d'y échapper quand on ne voyage pas en indépendant, ce qui est d'ailleurs très simple en Birmanie.
Bonjour Hervé.
Parcours que j'ai effectué par mes propres moyens en janvier 2015 ( voir carnet sur profil), hormis que j'y avais ajouté Myawlamine ( en 23 jours , c'était plus facile).
Rien a redire, si ce n'est que les agences te font faire du shopping pas forcément désiré ( ils appellent ça " découverte de l'artisanat...)....
Pour ma part budget hors vol international , le budget tout compris fût de 1600€ par personne, sans se priver . Juste pour que tu compares avec Gulliver ....
Bon voyage
Bruno
Montagnard74 et Kristofe, merci beaucoup pour vos réponses. J'ai aussi lu vos 2 blogs qui nous donnent pas mal d'autres infos :)
Nous avons contacté des agences car nous pensions que la Birmanie était un pays difficile à faire, mais en vous lisant je comprends que ce n'est pas le cas. Donc forcément, on a d'autres questions en tête si on veut organiser le voyage nous-même :
- Budget : Gulliver nous propose les 16j pour 1600€/personne en incluant les 4 vols intérieurs, des hôtels a priori plutôt moyenne gamme d'après ce que j'ai vu sur Tripadvisor ou autres sites, les différents transports "privés" (on sera nous deux) et sans guide (hormis pour le trek). Comme je n'ai pas trop idée du coût de la vie là-bas, je ne sais pas combien ils se prennent mais j'imagine que ce n'est pas négligeable. Pensez-vous qu'en le faisant seuls ça nous coûtera vraiment moins cher ?
- Vols intérieurs : J'imagine qu'il vaut lieux réserver les vols avant. Savez-vous comment on peut faire ça depuis la France ?
Pour finir, je vais relire vos blogs et j'aurai peut-être ensuite d'autres questions !
Merci à vous,
Hervé
Bonjour Hervé.
J'ai un peu baroudé dans ma vie, toujours en mode Backpack et la Birmanie a été un des plus faciles à organiser.
Pour la différence de prix avec Gulliver, tu peux voir que nos budgets sont similaires sauf que je suis resté une semaine de plus, que nous sommes allés à Myawlamine et que j'ai Booke des hôtels toujours bien côtés TripAdvisor ( sans etre des palaces). A mon avis, tu dois pouvoir t'en sortir pour 1000€, voire moins, sur 15 jours. La vie là bas est très économique, hormis les logements dont la problématique de l'offre et la demande ont tendance à faire monter les prix.
Pour les vols intérieurs, j'ai Booke via les sites des compagnies locales, Air Kbz ou Golden myanmar ( les moins chers) avant de partir. Air bagan sont plus chers. Sur GM il peut y avoir des bugs à la réservation mais des posts ici solutionnent le problème.
En fonction du timing, privilégie les bus de nuit qui te feront économiser bcp d'argent ( et rencontrer des gens, les birmans les utilisent beaucoup).
Le parcours proposé tient parfaitement la route, je ferais juste Mandalay/kalaw en bus (départ 6h, arrivée 14h ) pour économiser ( 10usd le ticket). Je confirme que la croisière en bateau n'a pas trop bonne presse, meme là-bas.
De kalaw treck deux jours jusqu'à inle, puis excursion à pindaya en 1 journée en taxi privé ( 50 sud ou 70 à 4 si tu trouves des Co-voyageurs.
Inle/ NGapali, avion obligatoire ( 15 h de bus) ainsi que thandwee/Yangon ( 8h avec routes horribles)
N'hésites pas si tu as des questions.
Amitiés
Bruno
Qqs confirmations et infos :
- tout s'organise seul très facilement sur place
- les bus VIP de nuits sont très pratiques, confortables (3 rangées de fauteuils seulement) et pas chers.
- Bagan-Kalaw en bus est assez rapide, il vous reste l'après midi sur place en arrivant
- essayez d'être a Kalaw le jour du marché de 5 jours (calendrier sur http://www.ananda-travel.com/FR/infos_pratiques_birmanie.htm sans 2016 pour l'instant !). Bp de femmes Pao, Danu, Palaung, Taoung Yo et autres descendent des villages des montagnes et c'est bp - touristique qu'au lac Inle (pour vous donner qqs idées, photos sur mon site ci-dessous)
- a Mandalay, le programme de Gulliver contient effectivement bp de visites de différentes fabriques. Vous verrez l'artisanat de feuilles d’or et bouddhas a l'entrée de la pagode Mahamuni de Mandalay
- au lac Inle idem : en louant un bateau vous vous arrêtez si vous voulez voir l'arrisanat, alors que Gullivar va vous faire un véritable chemin de croix
- la visite de U Bein, Sagaing, Inwa se fait avec un taxi depuis l'hotel de Mandalay a la journée (pour 25-30€ de mémoire fin 2014)
- enfin si vous pouvez arriver a Mandalay et repartir de Yangon ça vous fera gagner du temps et de l'argent (vol AIr Asia a 12h30 a Bangkok puis navette Air Asia gratuite ou vol Bangbok Airways)
Nous avons fait le même trajet sans aucune réservation, en 3 semaines (nous avons pris notre temps) de mi-novembre à mi-décembre derniers mais avec des bus de nuit VIP (Yangon/Mandalay, Inlé/Yangon, attention à la clim), bateau (Mandalay/Bagan, un peu long mais reposant) et minibus de jour (Bagan/Kalaw). Et sur les sites, beaucoup de vélo (max 2 dollars par jour).
Treck Kalaw/Inlé en 3 jours/2 nuits avec Sam family. Arrivés en milieu d'après-midi à Kalaw, nous y avons organisé le treck pour le lendemain matin et réservé l'hôtel à Inlé. Beaux paysages, villages sans grand interêts, guide très sympa.
Sans y être obligés, nous avons fait les visites de fabriques et marchés : c'est en effet touristique, mais pas d'obligation d'acheter et plutôt interressant. Ca change des pagodes...
Notre budget sur place (transports, hôtels...) a été de 1.300 euros à deux.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
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...
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!
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.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
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.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
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.
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.
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
