j'ai parcouru pas mal de pages sur ce forum et je suis desolee si certaines de mes questions vont se repeter...mais j'aurai besoin de qques infos!
Nous partons en sac a dos debut avril pour 3 semaines, 1er voyage....donc nous avons prevu de voir plein de choses, nous aimons bouger!
nous aimons la nature, la decouverte, les rencontres, le partage avec les locaux, nous avons tendance a fuir les villes,
Dans les grandes lignes, voila notre programme:
Jour 1 - Sumatra
Medan - Bukit Lawang
Bukit Lawang ou tangakhan? que conseilleriez vous? on aime bien etre en dehors des sentiers battus et vivre une experience sympa dans la jungle
Jour 2 - Sumatra
Bukit Lawang ou Tangakhan
avez vous des guides a recommender? des endroits ou dormir, etc?
Jour 3 - sumatra
Bukit Lawang our Tangakhan - Medan
Depuis Bukit ou Tangakhan, faut il passer par Medan pour se rendre a Samosir, est ce plus court?
Jour 4 - Sumatra
Medan - Samosir
Une adresse de Losmen?
Jour 5 - Sumatra
Samosir
velo, etc...
Jour 6 - Sumatra
Samosir - Medan
Medan - yogya (vol)
Jour 7 - Java
Yogya - (Borobodur)
rester a Yogya ou aller sur Solo?
une adresse de Losmen?
Jour 8 - Java
Yogya (Prambanan en velo
yogya ou Solo
Que conseilleriez vous? sejourner a Yogya ou a Solo? quelle ville est mieux?
Jour 9 - Java
Solo ou Yogya - Malang en train?
Malang - Tosari
adresse pour un Losmen?
Jour 10 - Java
Mount Bromo
Jour 11 - Java
Malang - Kalibaru
une adresse pour un Losmen?
Jour 12 - Java - Bali
Kalibaru - Banyuwangi en train?
Ketapang - Gilimanuk (Bali)
Ou dormir, y a t il possibilite de dormir a Labuhan Lalang? avez vous des tuyaux?
Jour 13 - Bali
Menjangan Island
Jour 14 - Bali
Taman Nasional Bali Barat
trek
Jour 15 - Bali
Munduk
Jour 16 - Bali
Ubud et alentours
elephant safari
cycling etc
Jour 17 - Bali
Ubud et alentours
Jour 18 - Bali
Ubud et alentours
Jour 19 - Bali - Kuala Lumpur
nous prenons un vol le soir pour Kuala Lumpur, une idee sympa pour cette derniere journee? une plage sympa? Sanur? on veut eviter KUTA?
en regle general, faut il prevoir des dollars, des travellers cheques?
que pourrons nous apporter aux indonesiens? aux ecoles? orphelinats etc...
si vous avez des infos sur les transports et autres , je suis preneuse.....
Je vous remercie par avance de votre temps et de vos precieuses informations!
Bonjour,
Je suis allee a Sumatra l'ete dernier. Il me semble que pour aller au lac Toba depuis Bukit Lawang, il faut repasser par Medan. Pas tres pratique, c'est pour ca que j'avais exclu Bukit Lawang.
Samosir: J'ai beaucoup aime le "Lekjon" (50 000rp, je crois), mais il y a l'embarras du choix et ce n'est pas la peine de reserver en cette periode.
Jogja ou Solo? YOGJA bien sur!!!! (euhhhhhh, je ne suis jamais allee a Solo, plein de fois a Jogja, mais bon, incontestablement Jogjakarta)
Losmen a Jogja: il y en a plein dans la rue Sosrowwijayan (Sosro), pas loin de la gare de trains. Le quartier est anime le soir. La rue "Malioboro se debarasse de tous ses etalages de souvenirs pour laisser place aux vendeurs de "gudeg", plat regional, et autres, que l'on mange assis sur des nattes. Losmen dans le vraiment pas cher dans ce quartier: environ 50 000 rp, il y a:
hotel INDONESIA, DEWI Homestay (att! toujours complet celui-la!), etc. Le quartier le soir est sympa car anime mais pas trop.
Pour un quartier plus calme: la rue Prawirotaman: METRO guest house, DELTA homestay. Ce sont des losmen, pas des hotels, alors pas d'eau chaude, un confort tres basic mais a mon experience toujours propores. Si vous voulez quelque chose de mieux, chechez un peu sur place. On vous fera surement un prix hors saison.
Si je peux me permettre un conseil: votre planning me semble bien charge. Mieux vaut se mettre a un rythme plus indonesien et prendre le temps de voir les gens vivre. Vous serez vite invites a passer un moment avec eux. Le probleme, c'est qu'en se posant un ou deux jours quelque part, apres on a du mal a partir...
argent: la monnaie locale. Attention, dans les coins retires, vous aurez du mal a changer votre agrent. Prevoir avant de se rendre a Samosir par exemple, car le taux sera eleve.
Kuta: arretons de diaboliser Kuta. On n'est pas obliges d'aller s'eclater dans une boite de nuit ou de manger un hamburger. Moi, j'aime y passer ma dernier nuit. J'y ai "mon" petit losmen: un guest house rien de luxueux la encore, mais super sympa. C'est devenu le rituel: Losmen CEMPAKA, poppies lane2. Dernier soir: repas dans un petit resto local (des qu'on sort des grands axes, on retrouve la "vraie" Indonesie) et coucher de soleil sur la plage pas loin. Et le lendemain, l'aeroport en un coup de moto. Pratique! Et puis, qui n'a pas vu Kuta n'aura pas le doit de la critiquer😠 (je parle en general)
Sinon, a Sanur, toujours dans la categorie losmen: KEKE Homestay, mais plus loin de l'aeroport.
Cadeaux: grande polemique autour des cadeaux.... A mon avis, ne jamais repondre a la mendicite, meme les Indonesiens vous le diront. Sauf parfois si il s'agit de personnes tres agees. Ne JAMAIS donner d'agent aux enfants: mauvaise education. Pas de bonbons. Des crayons peut-etre. A Sumatra, c'est ce que les enfants demandaient, mais j'ai toujours fait en sorte de donner non pas a une main tendue mais toujours en cadeau de remerciement, pour un service rendu ou un bon moment passe ensemble. En petits cadeaux: des echantillons de shampoing, savons d'hotels, etc... Pour les hommes, des cigarettes, mais pas d'importation. En general, ils preferent les leurs. On offre une cigarette, pas un paquet. Eviter de se demarquer: vous pauvres, moi riche. On s'offre un verre, on s'offre une cigarette et les barrieres disparaissent. Je ne cherche pas a precher. C'est juste a mon avis une question de bon sens.
Merci pour tes precieuses infos!! je sais notre programme est charge mais il y a tellement de choses sympas a voir qu'on a du mal a se decider, on verra sur place et comme tu dis on se laissera guider par les rencontres et nos envies du moment....
Je suis novice sur le forum, donc j'espère pas trop déranger avec des questions assez basiques.
J' ai en projet de partir 3 semaines et demi en octobre-novembre prochain avec ma fille de 3 ans sur SUMATRA JAVA ET peut -être BALI . Ce sera notre second voyage à sac à dos après Thailande-Cambodge fait l'année dernière. J'ai donc beaucoup de questions, les premières étant:
Quelle guide de voyage utilisé? sachant que je n'ai pas trouvé de routard ni de lonely planet traitant de Sumtra et Java?
Faisabilité du voyage en tant que jeune femme seule avec enfant?
3 semaines suffisantes? pour faire: (en sachant que ma fille est très tonique, marche beaucoup et s'adapte tès facilement)
Sumatra (parc Gunung Leuser, lac Toba, pays Minang+/- Samosir)
Java ( Jogjakarta, borodurur, Prambanan, Bromo et Kawah Ijen)
Bali (Ubud, munduh et je sais pas trop)
Vol PARIS-KL puis vers Medan et retour Denpasar-PARIS via KL
Comment relié Sumatra et Jogjakarta?
Quelle temps de transport prévoir entre ces 3 îles?
quelle belle aventure de vivre cela avec ses enfants! Il n' y as pas d'edition 2oo9 du Routard sur L'indonesie, par contre Le Lonely planet est relativement complet pour couvrir Sumatra et Java, tu peux ensuite te procurer le lonely ou routard sur Bali seulement pour avoir plus de details.
Pour rejoindre Medan (sumatra) depuis Kul, il y a un vol Air Asia - ca dure 50 min.
Pour rejoindre Yogya, depuis Medan, il faut prendre un vol via Jakarta.
Nous aussi avons le projet de faire le meme iti, c'est un programme charge avec qques journees dans les transports, les distances ne sont peut pas tres longues mais le temps de trajet quand a lui peut etre tres long vu l'etat des routes....
Tangkahan est au nord de Bukit Lawang a 2h30 environ et a 4h ou 5h de Medan en bus, c'est une alternative a Bukit en plus authentique et moins touristique, possibilite de faire un trek dans la jungle a dos d'elephants, etc...il n'y a pas de centre de rehabilitation pour Orangutans,
L'endroit m'a l'air tres sympa et c'est un peu ce que l'on recherche comme experience, j'ai lu qu'il y a avait seulement 2 bus au depart de Medan un le matin et un autre en debut d'apres midi sinon des agences de voyages peuvent organiser un transfert en 4x4.
est ce que qqn aurait des infos sur les agences a Medan?
a quelle distance ou temps se trouve Polonia Airport du terminal de Bus Pinang baris?
Bonsoir, j'ai lu votre post avec attention car je pars également un petit mois sur Sumatra en juillet...
Alors pour finir qu'avez vous choisi, Bukit Lawang ou tangakhan ? Les deux destinations étant à mon programme...
Merci 😉
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
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, 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.
