Si vous avez des remarques, des critiques, des suggestions, je suis preneur, et je vous en remercie !
J'essaie d'alléger le plus possible, mais là, je ne sais plus quoi sacrifier !
J1 - JEUDI 4 SEPTEMBRE
Arrivée à 14H45 Dodo - Nuit à Jimbaran Hotel Puri Bambu
J2 - VENDREDI 5 SEPTEMBRE
Repos - Plage – Petit resto sur la plage - Nuit à Jimbaran Hotel Puri Bambu
J3 – SAMEDI 6 SEPTEMBRE
Pura Luhur Ulu Watu – Danse Kecak - Nuit à Ubud Londo Bungalows
J4 – DIMANCHE 7 SEPTEMBRE
Départ pour Ubud – Visite de temples - Nuit à Ubud Londo Bungalows
J5 – LUNDI 8 SEPTEMBRE
Goa Gajah Grotte de l’éléphant –
Yed Pulu Falaise sculptée - Nuit à Ubud Londo Bungalows
J6 – MARDI 9 SEPTEMBRE CHAUFFEUR/GUIDE
Ballade / rando Sidemen - Village de Tenganan - Nuit à Ubud Londo Bungalows
J7 – MERCREDI 10 SEPTEMBRE CHAUFFEUR/GUIDE
Proximité du Gunung Batur : village de Penelokan
(Panorama pour photo) - Région du Danau Bratan
Environ du Gunung Batukau - Nuit à Ubud Londo Bungalows
J8 – JEUDI 11 SEPTEMBRE CHAUFFEUR/GUIDE
Temple / Rando / Repos - Nuit à Ubud Londo Bungalows
J9 – VENDREDI 12 SEPTEMBRE
Départ pour Pemuteran / installation / info - Nuit à Pemuteran Reef Seen
J10 – SAMEDI 13 SEPTEMBRE
Snorkeling Pulau Menjangan - Nuit à Pemuteran Reef Seen
J11 – DIMANCHE 14 SEPTEMBRE
Forêt de mangrove et snorkeling au
Taman Nasional Bali Barat - Nuit à Pemuteran Reef Seen
J12 – LUNDI 15 SEPTEMBRE EXCURSION
Départ pour Gilimanuk – Ferry pour Ketapang - Nuit à Bondowoso Java
(départ du trek : Paltuding)
J13 – MARDI 16 SEPTEMBRE EXCURSION
Kawah Ijen – retour sur Bali (traversée complète de l'île) - Nuit à Padangbai
J14 – MERCREDI 17 SEPTEMBRE
Départ et installation à Gili Meno - Nuit à Gili Meno Mallias Child
J15 – JEUDI 18 SEPTEMBRE
Plage, Plongée ou snorkeling - Nuit à Gili Meno Mallias Child
J16 – VENDREDI 19 SEPTEMBRE
Plage, Plongée ou snorkeling - Nuit à Gili Meno Mallias Child
J17 – SAMEDI 20 SEPTEMBRE
Plage, Plongée ou snorkeling - Nuit à Gili Meno Mallias Child
J18 – DIMANCHE 21 SEPTEMBRE
Retour sur Bali - Nuit à Sanur Palm Garden Hotel
J19 – LUNDI 22 SEPTEMBRE CHAUFFEUR/GUIDE
Pura Tanah Lot & Tirta Gangga - Nuit à Sanur Palm Garden Hotel
Une semaine a Ubud? bon tu a un programme pour rayonner autour et faire des activités mais faut vraiment aimer les endroits très très touristiques, 3-4 jours auraient suffit et te permettrai de voir plus d'endroits a Bali comme le Mont Batur, le Nord de l'île, Bedugul, etc.... Enfin, c'est toujours mieux que 15 jours a Kuta-Legian 😉
C'est effectivement pour rayonner autour, à priori Ubud est pratique pour ça. Vu que nous sommes pas spécialement débrouillards, on se dit qu'au pire on pourra y trouver des idées.
J'ai lu à plusieurs reprises que des personnes regrettaient de n'y séjourner qu'une ou deux journées.
J'espère qu'il n'y aura pas trop de monde en septembre.
Vu la durée du vol, ça me ferait mal aux doigts de pied de rester 15 jours dans un endroit comme Kuta. C'est sûrement super pour ceux qui aiment, mais ce n'est pas pour nous.
Oui en effet c'est pratique, joli et bien desservi pour tout ce qui est ressources hôtelières, banques etc ....mais c'est vraiment un décors de carte postale exclusivement touristique, c'est ce que je n'avais pas aimé 🙁 mais bon en septembre en effet c'est la saison basse qui commence (pluies obligent 😉) alors ca sera peut-être plus supportable mais moins pratique pour les activités de randonnées. En tout cas avec les Gilis ca sera un beau voyage 😎
.....le point difficile, ca va être Kawa Ijen/Padanbgbai dans la journée.............et si tu cherches une étape à sacrifier : Sanur tu peux t'en passer.........
Effectivement j'ai peur que cela fasse short pour traverser Bali au retour du Kawah Ijen, il va falloir que je creuse le sujet ou que j'abandonne l'idée de faire ce saut à Java. Prévoir une étape me fait "perdre" un jour de plus, surtout que je n'ai pas spécialement d'idée au sujet de cet étape. Je n'ai pas envie de faire la course pendant les vacances.
Pour Sanur, j'avais cru comprendre que je pouvais m'en passer, mais je trouvais cela plus pratique pour aller voir le Tanah Lot et Tirta Gangga avant de partir tout en étant près de la mer le soir. Du coup je vais peut-être me prévoir une journée de plus sur Ubud à la place de Sanur pour me faire ces visites. J'y passerai une nuit malgré tout avant de rentrer, j'aurai trop peur d'avoir un problème de transport au retour des Gili et de rater mon avion 😊
.....sans vouloir critiquer ton programme vacances, il est peut être trop précis et minuté........à Bali, c'est pas un probléme de trouver un hotel sans avoir réserver, de décider de bouger tout de suite, ou de rester plus longtemps, bref pas la peine de tout planifier.............j'ai plutôt par contre tendance à t'encourager à te rendre au Kawa Ijen, c'est un endroit assez marquant à voir, et qui change beaucoup de l'atmosphére balinaise...........
Bonjour,
Moi ce qui m'interpelle dans ton programme, ce sont les distances que tu vas avoir à parcourir.
Je pense également que tu pourrais raccourcir ton séjour à Ubud. Il me semble qu'a partir de J6 tu t'éloignes franchement de Ubud et que tu pourrais changer d'hôtel. Une nuit sur Sidemen par exemple, avant de repartir vers le Batur. Ce qui t'éviterait bien des distances inutiles et te permettrait de voir le bali plus authentique.
Et Sanur, bof bof... Pourquoi ne pas passer les deux dernières nuits plutôt dans la région de Tanah Lot ? Moi j'avais beaucoup aimé le bungalow que nous avions face à l'océan Indien à Yeh Ganga.
En revanche, la piscine et le bar de piscine du Puri Bambu à Jimbaran, très sympa😉
Bons préparatifs, et si tu es intéressé, je peux te rechercher les coordonnées des hotels à Sidemen et Yeh Ganga où nous sommes allés, dans des décors très beaux (face montagnes et rizières au premier, et bercé par l'océan dans le second).
J'ai posté le programme justement pour chercher les critiques, donc merci.
Pourquoi j'ai ainsi tout "calculé" ?
En début d'année j'ai contacté une agence avec qui nous avions fait un programme et qui m'a lâché car mon acompte n'était pas arrivé le 10 mars pour un voyage en septembre.... 3 jours de retard, mais déjà remplacé par d'autres clients pour la même période...
Malgré mes réticences, j'ai donc décidé d'écouter les conseils des membres de VF en organisant tout moi-même.
Problème : timidité excessive et pas spécialement débrouillard, budget limité (1500 € à 2 pour 20 jours avec plein d'envies à satisfaire !). Négocier un prix c'est certainement respecter un usage, mais bon, voilà quoi... Donc réserver les hôtels par le net, c'est quand même super économique. Et vu que je suis du genre à tout préparer à l'avance et à me laisser totalement porter une fois arrivé sur place, je me dis qu'effectivement cela m'obligera à bouger si l'hébergement est réservé.
Si j'avais la certitude de trouver des logements corrects pour 20-25 euros la nuit partout avec l'électricité (je fais beaucoup de photos), effectivement cela changerai mon point de vue, mais à Pemuteran et Jimbaran par exemple, ça n'a pas l'air simple à trouver.
Et surtout, je me dis que je risque de perdre bcp de temps à chercher un hébergement.
Et pour le Kawah Ijen, j'ai super envie d'y aller, mais toutes les infos pêchées sur le forum me font penser que ce n'est pas spécialement simple. 🙁
J'espère trouver une agence à Bali qui me proposera l'excursion pour un prix correct, mais je n'ai pas encore réussi à trouver cette info.
Nous revenons aujourd'hui même de BALI et des Celèbes, c'était trop génial. Nous avions les services d'un chauffeur-guide à BALI ketut Ambaratika, il était parfait, très professionnel ne travaille pas pour une agence, une vraie encyclopédie, il nous a bien fait rire également, nous en étions très très contents nous avons appris énormément de choses avec lui, nous avions choisi de réserver nous-même nos hôtels mais il peut très bien le faire pour vous, suffit de lui dire ce que vous recherchez, ensuite sur place, il est très souple, il était vraiment parfait et nous prenait 35 Euros par jour comprenant chauffeur-guide francophone, (parlant très bien le français), voiture, essence, pk, on l'a gardé les 15 Jours où nous y étions. Si vous voulez ses coordonnées précises, envoies moi un message sur ma boîte. ATTENTION, il est assez bien connu, donc ne pas traîner pour le réserver.
J'attends donc votre message. A bientôt j'espère. Si vous utilisez leurs services dites bien que c'est de la part de GINOUX ET J.C😉 Ketut saura vous conseiller en vous réservant les hôtels de la catégorie qui vous conviendra, vous amener partout où il y a lieu de voir quelque chose d'intéressant, très disponible et très serviable mais aussi très discret, ne pas hésiter à prendre contact avec lui dès que tu peux, pour savoir s'il est dispo pour le nombre de jours que tu lui indiqueras.
.....juste un truc : les hôtels les - chers tu les trouvera pas sur le net........c'est direct sur place.....les résa type Asiaroom c'est intéressant pour les gammes moyennes et supérieures........
j'avais effectivement prévu Sidemen dans les premières moutures, mais je n'avais rien trouvé comme hébergement dans mon budget
merci
Dennis : je vais finalement suivre ton conseil et ne pas réserver, hormis pour l'arrivée. Je vais malgré tout me faire une liste d'adresses pour ne pas perdre trop de temps sur place.
En espérant que je ne change pas encore d'avis et que je ne m'encroûte pas en un lieu si celui-ci m'enchante.
........juste un truc : les hôtels les - chers tu les trouvera pas sur le net........c'est direct sur place.....les résa type Asiaroom c'est intéressant pour les gammes moyennes et supérieures........
J imagine aussi que bcp d hotels visibles sur le net sont pas forcement tenus par des locaux ?
Sinon congratz a toto, car j'essaye de planifier c'est loin d etre simple, il m arrive meme de penser que je pourrais zapper bali et me concenter que sur java ...
En sept l ile est elle tjr autant frequentée ?
ps: je suis egalement preuneur de contacts de chauffeurs guesthouses etc
en ce qui me concerne, j'ai rajouté le Bromo après le Kawah Ijen, du coup, après, direction aéroport de Surabaya puis 2 heures après on est à Lombok pour 35 euros.
en ce qui me concerne, j'ai rajouté le Bromo après le Kawah Ijen, du coup, après, direction aéroport de Surabaya puis 2 heures après on est à Lombok pour 35 euros.
elle est pô belle la vie ?
3 semaines ... pas cher comme vol, mais pas la peine de prendre d aller retour a ce prix la ... lol
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.
