J'ai glané çà et là des infos sur le change à Yangoon, mais je suis un peu perdu quand il s'agit de résumer la procédure...
Est-ce que ça ressemble un peu, beaucoup, pas mal à ceci?
1-On se rend dans un quartier ou près d'un monument en particulier (le ou les quels)?
2-On attend qu'un individu nous aborde pour nous proposer de changer nos dollars en kyats ou on évite coûte que coûte ce genre de rencontre?
3-On entre dans une bijouterie, et on demande à faire le change?
4-On entre dans une autre catégorie de commerce (le ou les quels), et on demande à faire le change?
Après les sourires d'usage, on discute pronto le taux de change?
S'il s'agit d'un individu rencontré sur la rue, on fait le change là ou alors on demande d'aller dans un lieu à l'abri des regards?
Si le taux de change est de disons 970 kyats pour 1 $ et que je change 300$, je compte les 291,000 kyats c'est-à-dire 291 billets de 1000 kyats ET ensuite je remets les 3 billets de 100$?
Merci d'éclairer ma lanterne, car le change dans la rue, je n'ai J-A-M-A-I-S fait cela auparavant, et je crains fort de me faire arnaquer, car plus novice que moi en la matière, j'ai peur que l'on ne fait pas......
Marc de Montréal
La vie étant particulièrement imprévisible, vaut mieux manger son dessert en premier, et garder les navets pour la fin...
je suis rentree de Yangon ce matin et le cours du dollar s effondre : il est passe de 950/960 mi aout a 900/930 hier. Je te cite les cours pratiques au Central Hotel, endroit tres sur pour changer tes dollars. Facile a trouver, a cote du Traders Hotel et en face du marche.
Si tu veux un taux plus interessant, va au marche mais surtout pas a la Paya Sule ou tu as de grandes chances de te faire rouler. 2 techniques pour l arnaque : soit ils subtilisent ton billet de 100 et le remplace par un billet de 1 dollar, soit ils enlevent des billets au paquet que tu viens de compter.
Au marche, compte toujours tes billets avant de donner tes dollars et ne leur redonne pas. Tu gardes tout bien en evidence devant toi et tu ne devrais avoir aucun probleme. Si tu ne veux pas "paranoier", change au Central Hotel. Le change est moins interessant dans les autres villes mais ca te permet de voyager plus leger. Il existe des coupures de 5000 mais elles sont assez rares et les gens ont rarement la monnaie, c est bien pour payer les trajets en bus.
je vais poster dans la journee un compte rendu de voyage avec des infos pratiques si ca t interesse. Bon voyage !!! Je t envie ! Attention a ton visa aussi, il n y a plus de visa on arrival depuis le 1er.
Je vais essayer de répondre à tes questions :
Personnellement en arrivant à Yangon, j'ai préféré changer directement à la réception de ma guest house, je trouvais ça plus sûr et il n'y a pas d'énorme différence......
Sinon voici où aller :
- Lorsqu'on parle de changeurs dans la rue, c'est généralement autour de la pagode SULE.
C'est un quartier où tu passeras automatiquement devant à pied. (Les guest houses ne sont pas loin et le marché aussi.)
Des rabatteurs repèrent les touristes et t'aborderont.
Il faut évidemment faire attention, c'est à dire compter les liasses de billets une à une, certaines liasses peuvent être incomplètes......
Et donner tes dollars une fois après avoir vérifié que le compte est bon.
- Un endroit plus sûr que dans la rue, c'est au marché BOGYOKE. Attention, il est fermé le Lundi.
Les changeurs sont des bijoutiers. C'est plus discret, moins dans la précipitation, cela se passe dans l'arrière boutique généralement.
Pour ce qui est de discuter le taux de change, franchement je n'ai jamais discuté....
Essaies peut-être de trainer un peu avant pour avoir plusieurs propositions ?
Si le taux de change est de disons 970 kyats pour 1 $ et que je change 300$, je compte les 291,000 kyats c'est-à-dire 291 billets de 1000 kyats ET ensuite je remets les 3 billets de 100$?
Pleins de bons conseils ont été donnés plus haut par des VFistes qui connaissent le pays.
Tu peux leur faire confiance.
Tu comptes 97.000 kyats, tu les mets en poche, tu donnes 100 USD au gars.
Puis tu recommences.
Ca fait beaucoup de billets tout ça crois-moi...
Un jour, j'ai fait la c.... de compter une liasse de kyats. Le compte était bon. Et au lieu de les mettre en poche, je les ai rendu au gars pendant que je comptais la deuxième liasse. Evidemment, de retour à l'hôtel, j'ai recompté et il manquait quelques billets...
Privilégier une arrière boutique au calme plutôt qu'un tea shop plein d'effervescence où il y aura obligatoirement une coupure de courant en plein milieu de la transaction.
Ca m'est déjà arrivé d'envoyer tout pêter parce que de toute évidence, le compte n'y était pas.
Dans ce cas-là, je vais au Central Hotel, où tu attends dans un salon de cuir qu'on t'amène l'argent sur un plateau de cuivre. C'est bien plus safe, même si le taux est un peu moins bon.
Ne sois pas parano, la plupart des transactions se passent sans soucis. 😉
Après, c'est vrai qu'on est plus "reeelax" pour compter ses liasses dans le salon d'un hotel que sur les petites chaises d'un tea shop, dans la rue au milieu de tout le monde, avec un cheroot au bec... (genre on me l'a fait pas à moi, je ne suis pas un rigolo).😛
Règle n°1: Bien prendre son temps pour recompter
Règle n°2: Bien prendre son temps pour recompter
tout comme Omenous, j'ai changé au Central Hotel la différence était minime par rapport au change sur la rue.
J'avais tenté de changer sur la rue, procédure que tout comme toi je n'avais jamais faite lors de mes autres voyages. Mais lorsque les deux Birman m'ont fait monter dans une voiture et aient démarré le moteur, j'ai tout arrêté et suis descendue. Trop risqué pour moi !!!
Les billets de 5,000 sont utiles pour payé la note des guesthouses lorsque l'on y réside quelques jours.
Un grand mersi à toutes ceux et celles qui ont pris le temps de répondre. Je crois que je vais "adopter" une bijouterie pour la transaction. Si une personne pourrait suggérer le nom où alors l'emplacement d'une bijouterie susceptible de faire le change, je suis opreneur. Merci encore! Marc de Montréal
La vie étant particulièrement imprévisible, vaut mieux manger son dessert en premier, et garder les navets pour la fin...
Ming2: "Un endroit plus sûr que dans la rue, c'est au marché BOGYOKE. Attention, il est fermé le Lundi."
J'ai souvent changer ici, jamais eu le moindre problème. Maintenant le nom de la bijoutrerie...??... Tu pousses le bouchon un peu trop loin Marc !... 🤪
Pas mal aussi mais dans un tout autre style, disons un peu plus engagé, bien que le message "Free Dal Bhat" soit déjà suffisament fort et osé...🤪🤪😛
Par contre un peu moins passe-partout. J'en ai souvent vu dans le même style à Bangkok et je me suis toujours demandé comment ça passerait en Birmanie, sur les épaules d'un touriste bien sûr. Pas certain que ça plaise à tout le monde... 😕
Pas d'adresse précise pour les bijoutiers du marché Bogyoke.....
(Suffit de trouver un bijoutier mais c'est pas compliqué !)
Pas de stress à avoir, c'est à l'abri des regards, le marché est couvert et plutôt clean.
Tu es tranquille pour bien compter tes billets, moins de risques d'arnaques que dans la rue, le bijoutier ne peut pas s'échapper.....! 😉
Si tu veux changer de suite en arrivant, tu peux demander au taxi depuis l'aéroport de t'amener et de t'attendre au marché. C'est dans le centre, pas loin de la gare et de la pagode Sule.
J'ai choisi de ne pas aller au marché pour être dans un environnement serein le premier jour, sans avoir peur de me faire rouler dès la sortie de l'avion et surtout, sur 100$ la différence est vraiment minime... de quoi se payer 2 repas dans une échoppe de rue.
Cette question est récurrente et en cherchant un peu, tu aurais trouvé des réponses à toutes tes questions. Mais bon, je vois que des forumeurs t'ont bien renseigné, alors bon voyage.🙂
Pas mal aussi mais dans un tout autre style, disons un peu plus engagé, bien que le message "Free Dal Bhat" soit déjà suffisament fort et osé...🤪🤪😛
Par contre un peu moins passe-partout. J'en ai souvent vu dans le même style à Bangkok et je me suis toujours demandé comment ça passerait en Birmanie, sur les épaules d'un touriste bien sûr. Pas certain que ça plaise à tout le monde... 😕
Celui a été acheté à Sydney...pourtant je me verrais bien à côté d'un militaire birman en portant ce T.shirt pour être pris en photo ! Ca pourrait devenir une bonne idée d'épreuve de bizutage chez les étudiants birmans...I'm joking !🙁😉
Je te cite les cours pratiques au Central Hotel, endroit tres sur pour changer tes dollars. Facile a trouver, a cote du Traders Hotel et en face du marche.
Ouvre mieux tes yeux quand tu recompteras tes billets 😛
Je confirme les conseils, j'ai changé chez un bijoutiers dans le marché sans aucune embrouille, un bon taux et le temps de recompter les billets. Idem au Central hotel, le taux était moins bon mais l'opération s'est faite dans le confort et la tranquilité. En revanche j'ai changé avec un 2 gars dans la rue: ils m'ont demandé de les suivre dans le fond du pizzeria, ils m'ont offert un verre et là...embrouille ....arivée à mon hôtel je réalise qu'il manque au moins 20 billets...
Un conseil: une bonne opération de change c'est quand rien ne vient derranger la transaction...pas de commission au dernier moment, pas de blabla quand tu recomptes, tu gardes les billets déjà comptés...par contre attention à l'état de tes billets.
J'ai croisé 2 voyageurs qui se sont fait avoir, ils se sont plaints à la patronne de leur GH qui leur a dit d'y retourner illico. Les mecs les ont remboursés, il manquait 80 000 K ! Le mec n'a pas arrêté de leur demander s'ils partaient le soir même pour Mandalay... Et à peine l'ont ils revu qu'il a dit "oh sorry, we made a mistake" et a rendu les billets rubis sur l'ongle...
2e enseignement : éviter de changer et de partir pour une autre ville dans la foulée... :-)
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.