Etant donné que je me suis appuyé sur pas mal d'info sur ce forum pour faire mon voyage, je vous pousse les infos utiles sur mon voyage. Grosso modo les couts et les temps de trajets ainsi que mon itinéraire.
A soir : 15000Rp = 1 euros. (je metterai les prix qu'en RP). (Tout les prix sont "aprés négociation").
Vol Bali - Flores (Maumere) : 1.150.000RP avec Merpati. Arrivé à Flores horde de relou pour une prise en charge en taxi. Je me suis fait déposé à Sunset Cottage (extra !) pour 50.000RP. 50.000RP le prix d'un bungalow.
Maumere - Kelimutu (Moni village) - Environ 4h de bus, un peu chiant à choper à la gare de maumere.
Kelimutu levé tot le matin (4H00) monté en moto pour 35000.
Moni - Bajawa : Trajet en Shullte car pour environ 70 000 et presque 6 h de trajet.
Bajawa, les villages traditionnels : A soir il sont desertique, car les gens d'age adulte travaillent au champ, reste les vieux et les gosses, prendre un guide sinon, on comprend pas trop les choses. Guide sympa et efficace Willamus (un rasta) qui traine souvent à l'Edelweiss hotel.
Bajawa - Labuan baja : 10 h (minimum) de bus, assez relou, mais beau paysage (je recommande d'ailleurs la voiture ici, pour les arrets photos fantastiques. (mon regret...)
Hotel Gardena à LabuanBajo (bon hotel, mais fort booker.)
Trip en bateau pour Rinca & Komodo, allez directement sur le port, voir Captain Jay. il est sympa, et fera le trip pour deux jours pour le bateau autour de 1.500.000 (nous étions 3 donc 500.000 chaque.) Super snorkelling, palme obligatoire pour les courants.
Seraya Island, 120.000 la nuit, + 20.000 de transport, superbe, mais on fait vite le tour (pareil en saison haute attention il n'y a que 7 bungalow.)
Vol retour LabuanBajo - Bali : 700 000 RP avec TransNusa.
Bali - Ubud : 200 000 par taxi. (prix fixe dur d'avoir mieux sauf bemo ou mototaxi.)
Ubud, allez dans le quartier excentré de Campuan ou Penestanan (bungalow au milieur des riziéres pour environ 150.000RP) Fantastique !!
Location de moto : 40 000 RP (obligatoire dans le coin pour vraiment apprécié et bougé.
Trip vers Mt Batur, vers Lac Beratan, etc... (attention, anarque sur les temples autour du mont batour, ils sont en construction, ou en ruine, et on vous fait payer l'entrée quand même. (voir le port du sarong..)
Chaque temple ou le sarong est obligatoire en fourni gratuitement à l'entrée, donc ne payez pas pour un sarong.
Trajet Denpasar - Java pour arret Probolingo et Mont Bromo. (125 000 RP)
D'un point de vu général, dans les stations de bus : Prenez des Bus Executive. (reconnaissable car pas de banquettes de trois places.) N'achetez aucun billet à personne (ni la guéritte, ni la compagnie de voyage, ni meme le mec devant le bus.) montez dans le bus, attendez qu'il parte et un mec passera dans les rangs encaissés le VRAI prix. (les autres anarques de 50 000 RP au minimum !!)
Mont Bromo, suivant la période RESERVEZ ! sinon, vous pourrez avoir à dormir des trous à rats. (vu que je suis arrivé super tard, j'ai eu droit à un truc pas top) mais bon c'est que pour une nuit. 100.000RP par personne pour le trip Jeep est le bon prix.
Bromo - Jogya : combinaison de différent bus & opportunité, je ne détaille pas.
Jogya, Hotel bladok, sympa, un peu cher, mais y a une piscine sympa. Ici aussi, trés facile d'aller à Prenbanan par ses propres moyen ( coute 3000RP en bus intracity), pour le borobudur il est plus interessant de prendre un bus affraité pour arriver trés tot et éviter les touristes en masse (alors que les bus publiques partent trop tard.) Les deux temples sont à 10dollars l'entrée !! (prenbanan est plein d'échaffaudage), Prendre un guide à 50 000 pour borobudur, l'histoire est interessante.
Avion Yogya - Denpasar prix normal 500 000Rp environ.
Prix normal des choses :
Une petite bouteille d'eau : entre 2000 et 3000 RP
une course en bemo : 5000 max
Une course en Ojek : 5000 max (meme pour presque 5 bornes.)
Un conseil pour les transports : Ne demandez pas le prix. Montez et payez entre 3000 et 5000, si il rale, vous dites que vous connaissez le prix, et que c'est clairement pas ce qu'il demande.
N'hesitez pas à heller des mecs en moto dans la rue, certains vous prendrons derriére pour encore moins cher.
Pour les souvenirs, aucun des souvenirs typique ne coute plus de 40 000 RP. (Masque, Garuda taillé, boudan, etc...)
Certains chargent jusqu'à 20 fois le prix !!
Bon, je sais que c'est un peu des infos au lance-pierre, mais j'ai pas le temps ici de détailler plus. Vous pouvez m'envoyer des MP.
Les incournables de mon séjour:
Riziéres autour d'Ubud et en particulièr sur la route qui méne au mont batur (celle qui passe par l'elephant park) Sunrise sur Kelimutu et Bromo Snorkeling à Pink Beach sur Komodo Seraya et Babi island un tiramisu de bourgeois au Three Monkey d'Ubud (tout de même le prix d'une nuit d'hotel pour un dessert !). les ballades en moto. Nasi goreng et bintang.
Merci pour toutes ces informations (très) pratiques.
Si je puis me permettre quelques (petites) remarques :
Flores : ne pas prendre de voiture avec chauffeurs. Ceux-ci n'ont qu'une idée en tête : aller le plus vite possible. Les bus publics sont lents au démarrage (j'ai attendu 2H15 à Ruteng). Couper les étapes Moni-Bajawa à Ende et Bajawa-Labuanbajo à Ruteng.
Il y a des liaisons en bateau de Labuanbajo à Lembar (Lombok) et Benoa (Bali) avec la pelni
A Ubud on peut trouver à se loger à partir de 50.000Rp (150.000Rp c'est avec une belle piscine et A/C) dans le centre ce qui évite les déplacements depuis les quartiers excentrés mais néanmoins sympathiques quoique bourrés de chiens pas très sympas pour ne pas dire ch...
Il vaut mieux louer des vélos (15.000Rp/20.000Rp) que des motos, c'est plus sympa.
Bromo : 100.000Rp par personne pour une jeep qui monte à 4h du mat !! Cher !! En 2003 c'était 35.000Rp donc 3X plus cher en 6 ans !
Borobodur : logez sur place. Si vous avez du fric n'hésitez pas à louer une chambre au Amanjiwo, l'un des plus beaux hôtels au monde. Si vous n'avez pas trop d'argent logez à la Lotus G.H. et soyez le premier (après les vendeurs du temple 🤪) à gravir les marches pour vous rendre compte qu'il y a déjà au sommet les clients de l'hôtel Manohara, établi dans le site 😕)
Malheureusement il manque quelques renseignements (nom et/ou prix) pour les hôtels à Moni, Bajawa, Labuanbajo, Bromo, Yogjakarta.
Mais un grand merci pour tout le reste.
Selamat Jalan/tinggal
Voir d'autres infos pratiques dans mon message : mes trois itinéraires en Indonésie
Moni - Bintang homestay - 50 000 RP / Nuit
Bajawa - Edelweiss - 90 000 RP
Labuanbajo - Gardena 90 000 RP
Bromo (à chier l'hotel, indah qqchose...) - pour 60 000RP
Yogya - Bladok - Pour 90 000 RP
Pour Ubud, je reste sur mon choix excentré.. effectivement, tu peux (encore que ca doit etre moins facile trouvé moins cher et plus dans le centre...) mais avec ma piscine privé, les nénufart, la vue sur les riziéres et aucun bruit, pour 10 euros, c'est le must (j'avais meme un frigo et une cuisine :!)
Le vélo oui si l'on reste autour d'ubud, pour les trajets que j'ai fait, seul la moto est marrante. En plus, c'est assez simple et pas dangereux comme route.
Pour Flores, oui, les mecs en voiture ont tendance à tracer, et à jouer un peu du klaxon... c'est un peu chiant... mais bon, j'suis resté bloqué des heures à cause de glissement de terrain avec le bus, les voitures, elles, passaient...
Le plus important à Ubud c'est la qualité, le prix est secondaire mais 150.000 Rp c'est - pour moi - plafond.
L'année dernière j'y suis resté 3 semaines entrecoupées par une escapade aux Gili.
Dans ma guest house juste 2 chambres et la très intéressane vie familiale - très calme, les Balinais et les Indonésiens sont des gens calmes en comparaison des Indiens ou des Chinois - au rez-de-chaussée. A deux pas du terrain de football.
... "la vue sur les riziéres et aucun bruit" ...
J'avais aussi la vue sur les rizières et ... les coassements des batraciens la nuit 😕 mais je suis équipé 😉 contre ce genre de nuisance.
Quelques photos d'Ubud :
1. + 2. Vues de ma terrasse sur les travaux des "champs"
3. Le martin pêcheur n'est pas l'ami des batraciens (mauvaise photo 😕 sorry)
4. La piscine de ma guest house était trop petite et en plus souvent occupée par le petit dernier de la famille qui n'avait vraiment pas envie de la partager 🤪 . J'étais "obligé" d'aller nager dans la piscine d'un hôtel qui me demandait un droit d'usage de 20.000 Rs.
5. Ma logeuse qui tous les matins me disait : "Today it's a very special day" en me rafraîchissant la mythologie hindoue tout en préparant les offrandes qu'elle allait le soir porter au temple du dieu du jour
Comment a tu visité les villages autour de Bajawa, et pour quel prix? Quand on y est passés en septembre dernier ça avait l'air plutôt cher (1.000.000Rp l'excursion d'une journée enviraon - beaucoup de touristes rencontrés se plaignaient de cette inflation et ont laissé tombé, ou se sont rabattus sur des locations de mobylette).
Je suis monté sur la mob du guide derniere lui. Ca m'a couté je pense 100 000 pour la journée entiére de mémoire. (3 villages et les sources d'eau chaude.)
Merci pour toutes ces infos.
Pourrais-tu me donner le nom de ton logement à Ubud vers Campuan
Nous partons 15 jours sur Bali en octobre et prévoyons un circuit moto.
Cordialement
Selamat siang!
Pour le mont Bromo, de l'hotel c'est possible d'y aller à pied en traversant la caldeira et c'est gratos en plus y'a plein de jolie pierres volcanique !!
Bonjour
je serai en indo du 9 au 30 octobre , je compte aller decouvrir Flores apres un trio a Jogja et bali pour environ 1 semaine pouvez vous m indiquer les endrois a faire imperativement la facon de ci rendre de bali? est il necessaire de passer par Maumere ou est il preferable de faire l aller retour par luang bajo ? il y a t il la possiblite de louer une voiture mais est ce necessaire ?
merci
Dans les deux cas, je recommande d'y aller par avion.
Deux possibilité, faire denpasar maumere, ou denpasar labuan bajo.
Tout dépend du temps que vous avez aussi. Personnellement, j'ai vais Maumere->Labuan bajo, et je ne regrette pas. Maintenant, on retrouve presque le même interet des deux sens.
Les points interessants sont le kélimutu, maumere (babi island) (sortir de la ville, allez un peu plus à l'est), Bajawa (pour rando & village tradionnel) : ce dernier n'est pas majeur, mais étant donné que la route est longue, il constitue un stop parfait, puis labuanbajo, (faire trip 2 jours ou 3 en bateau) et 2 jours sur Seraya island.
Maintenant si vous n'avez qu'une petite semaine, alors j'essayerai de concentrer cela autour de labuanbajo. Oui, des chauffeurs se louent avec leur 4x4 sans souci, demandez à votre hotel, et ils trouveront quelqu'un.
Certains paysages entre bajawa et labuanbajo sont purement magnifiques sur cette route, donc même si vous restez autour de labuan essaye d'y faire un tour en voiture pour voir.
Pour le trip en bateau vers komodo, essaye avec Cpt Jay, il est bien cool, et fait des prix raisonnables.
merci pour les infos, as tu des conseils pour les l hebergements j aime les paillotes tranquille petit bungalow typique et traditionel avec ventilo, moustiquaire et douche rudimentaire mais vraiment ds le look du pays?
marco🙂
Sur Flores, t'auras pas énormément de choix, mais t'as de la chance car des bungalows avec moustiquaires, sont légions.
à Labuan bajo, je conseille le gardena (c'est aussi la que sont la majeur partie des gens), et c'est aussi depuis cet hotel qu'on organise le trip sur Seraya.
Sinon, A maumere, y a le sunset cottage, qui est tres bien, un peu à l'écart de la ville (environ 25mn de voitures), mais vaut vraiment le détour. (trés bonne bouffe, paisible, et babi island en face)..
Si ca t'interesse, tu peux visiter mon site http://mg-photographies.com dans la section digital works, y a l'indonesie avec des photos de flores entre autres...
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
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
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 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.
en plus y'a plein de jolie pierres volcanique !!
