Bonjour a tout l'monde sur ce merveilleux forum... mon premier post apres avoir lu tant de beaux recits et autres carnets de routes...
Donc voilà je voulais juste votre avis sur quelques petites questions qui se posent encore a moi quand à mon voyage au moi d'avril sur Java et Bali. Je part le 6 avril (pour 3 semaines) de paris pour jakarta, on arrive à 11h a jakarta. Est-ce que jakarta merite que l'on s'y atarde un peu? car notre idée à la base serait de louer une voiture et partir directement en direction de yogyakarta pour ensuite aller admirer le borobudur et prambanan. On aimerai rejoindre la côte est de java en gardant la voiture (d'ailleur pourra t'on la rendre dans une autre ville facilement) et ainsi pouvoir nous balader a notre rythme. C'est là que je me demandais laquelle des côte est la plus belle, devons-nous plus nous atarder sur le nord ou le sud (et le centre dans tout ça? ahah).. en fait on n'a rien prevu d'autre sur java (quid des volcans.. les plus beaux endroits à voir), on se dit k'on se fera ça à l'impro avec la voiture. Combien de temps pensez vous qu'il nous faudra pour faire cette traversée de java? 5, 6 jours?
Voilà apres pour bali j'y vois deja beaucoup plus clair.. apres la traversée en ferry pouvons nous nous atarder un peu au nord ouest de l'ile ? Apres sur bali j'ai envie de passer un bon moment a ubud, louer des motos et faire de somptueuses balades dans les alentours... aller voir kuta et les plages aux alentours pour surfer (d'ailleur est-ce k'on trouve des shops facilement car emmener sa board et le matos ça me dis moyen) ... faire un tour sur lombok avant de rejoindre les gili.. et finir par refaire (en voiture de location) bali et les endroits où l'on aura repérer les meilleurs affaires pour ramener souvenirs et autres achats.. ah oui o fait.. quid de la grippe aviaire? même si elle ne me fera pas renoncer a ce voyage.. qu'en pensez vous les loulous? ;-)
merci beaucoup pour vos futures reponses...
une biZe a tous..
tootafunk
.....pour descendre de Jakartaà Bali en traversant Java, ne loue pas de voiture, c'est long et un peu galére.....surtout que tu n'a que 3 semaines...préfere l'avion pour aller à jogja par ex.....pas de problémes pour louer une planche à Bali...mais tout ca me parit un peu speed...mais bon....
quand tu dis que c long... tu l'estimes a combien de jours cette traversée de java ? sinon alor il faut que je prenne l'avion de jakarta à yogia et ensuite de yogia à denpasar ?
Il serait dommage de faire Yogya-Denpasar en avion, une halte aux volcans est quand même fortement recommandée…
C’est vrai que louer une voiture pour traverser Java n’est pas justifié à mon avis.
Entre train, bus, ya de quoi faire. Et puis la conduite en Indonésie, comme dans tous ces pays, je ne m’y risquerai pas !!
J’avais bien aimé le train Jakarta-Bandung puis le bateau pour Cilacap pour aller à Pangandaran. Ensuite on avais pris un mini-bus pour Yogya, et le reste en bus.
Selamat jalan !
merci.. donc que me conseillez vous ? quel trajet/transport vous pour java?.. j'ai vraiment envie de voir borobudur.. mais j'ai pas envie de passer plus de 4 ou 5 jours sur java.. je veux rester le plus longtemps possible sur bali...
Phil, quand tu dis qu'une halte aux volcans est kan même fortement recommandée.. est-ce vraiment quelque chose d' ENORME parce que j'ai jamais été trop fan de volcan moa.. le vesuve m'a suffit je crois mais si c vraiment genial.. ;-)
salut,
Pour Java
je pense et ce n'est que mon avis, que 5 jours a Java c le minimum, car les temps de trajets sont longs en voiture comme en train...la voiture c pas une super idée, le train j'ai bien aimé.
mes immanquables de java c: bien sur Yogja, sa vieille ville, ses marchés, c vraiment génial, Borubudur évidemment, et les volcans aussi, ça vaut le coup
Jakarta ne présente pas réellement d'intérêt, et la traversée en ferry je ne l'ai pas faite alors je ne pourrai pas te dire...
POur Bali
je ne connais pas le nord ouest, pour ce qui est de Kuta, les à priori sur le fait que c hyper touristique met les de coté!
c vrai que c'est touristique, que ça n'a pas l'ame d'ubud, mais ya des coins vraiments charmant et les balinais y sont formidablement gentils (comme partout sur l'île). les plages sont magnifiques, je te conseille les plages de dreamland, Balangan pour le surf (seulement si tu taquinne severemment) la mer est vraiment dangeureuse... ya des loueurs de planches partout, prend pas ta board, tu vas galerer.
Ubud est tres sympa aussi, mieux vaut prendre une moto pour se balader dans les rizieres, ya personne, c grandiose!
voila je v pas faire dix pages sur bali, si tu as des questions précises n'hesite pas a me contacter (bonne adresse, resto, hotel...), juste un dernier truc:
n'hesite pas a aller vadrouiller à bali, tu risque rien, les gens seront toujours accueillant, pas besoin de guide, loue une moto, c le mieux pour voir et ressentir les odeurs, les ambiances...
enfin tu as de la chance d'y aller!! je t'envie!
Bon, Ok, mais alors pourquoi ne pas aller à Bali direct… ?
Java et Bali sont comme 2 pays… vraiment très différents.
Les volcans ? ben je ne connais pas le Vésuve mais le Bromo est quand même un site exceptionnel, on devait aller au Kawa Ijen, mais à l’époque il y était fortement dangereux de s’y aventurer…
C’est sûr que Yogya vaut le coup avec la vie culturelle, Borobudur et Prambanan, il y a de quoi y passer 4à 5 jours facile. Mais bon, est-ce que ca vaut le coup de traverser tout Java juste pour la halte à Yogya.. c’est à voir… ?
Moi personnellement j’ai préféré Java à Bali, de par les contacts que l’on a eu avec les gens… Mais bon, tellement de monde te dira le contraire… difficile de te conseiller, c’est selon chacun.
Si tu privilégies le surf, la plage et que les volcans ne te font pas trop triper, file à Bali direct, c’est mon conseil…
ok merci pour toutes vos reponses.. apres reflexion, sur java, je vais juste me faire yogya et les alentours, mais comment y aller: train, avion?? et ensuite de yogia? peut on prendre l'avion pour denpasar? si oui vaut il mieux reserver à l'avance via airasia ou on trouve facilement sur place..
julien: sur bali j'ai deja prevu de "vadrouiller" en moto, de me laisser porter par les rencontres, les odeurs, les couleurs... j'ai tellement hate !! je mankerai pas de te contacter pour que tu me laisses quelques plans hotel resto...
D'accord avec les autres le volcan Bromo, un must et rien à voir avec le Vésuve ou l'Etna. Nous avons pris l'avion de Denpasar à Jobjakarta pour faire Borobodur et Prambaban et ensuite le volcan, le tout en 3 ou 4 jours, je ne me souviens pas très bien.
Les vols ne sont pas très chers il faut juste avoir BEAUCOUP DE PATIENCE, souvent des heures de retard😕
bonjour
j etais du 26/12 au 18 /1 en indonésie
je n ai pas du tout visité jakarta ; je connaissais cette ville en 1991 ; aucun intéret pour moi cette ville
je suis allée directement de jakarta à yogjakarta en avion
les vols intérieurs en indonésie ne sont pas chers du tout si on les prend sur place
l indonésie (y compris bali) est déserté par les touristes .....
à yog : j étais à l hotel prambanan ; 11 euros pour une chambre double
accueil super sympa
ils s occupent de te prendre tes billets d avion internes
visite de borrobudur et prambanan, plateau de dieng et la ville ....
ensuite je suis allée à sulawesi, plus précisement à rantépao
pour visiter les villages toraja
ns avions pris un petit guide super sympa qui s appelle henrick
j ai ses coordonnées
ns sommes restés 5 jours sur place
ç est magnifique
ensuite tjs par avion ns avons gagné bali
ns sommes tjs rester à ubud ville super sympa
ns avions pris l hotel gusti garden (12 euros la nuit avec petit dej)
delà, nous avons pu soit en voiture soit en moto aller au nord de bali, à l est, au centre ....
ns avons fini notre sejour à kuta .... très peu de touristes australiens
je nai pas du tout aimé cette ville ravagé par le commerce ..... ubud est bien plus agréable
voilà .... ça te donne une diée
sylvie
Cher Julien,
J'avouerai que j'ai un peu près la même vision que toi au sujet de Bali, comme c'est étrange, Kuta a été pour moi uun lieu magique et incroyable (en plus j'y étais avec l'homme que j'aime, ce qui me laisse un souvenir encore plus incroyable!!)
Je ne sais pas si tu compte y retourner prochainement mais le conseil que je peux te donner c'est y retourner avec la femme de ta vie,
me revoilà... la date de mon depart approche.. et j'ai encore beaucoup de questions..
alors voilà, je compte reserver un billet d'avion pour yogyakarta des mon arrivée a jakarta, comme j'arrive à 11h00, j'espere trouver un avion décolant l'apres-midi même, est ce faisable ? que me conseillez vous ? quelle agence ?
apres a Yogya, quel hotel me conseillez vous... pour 2 personnes (je part avec mon meilleur pote), on veut pas d'hotel trop cher mais kelkechose de sympa (pas pour touristes friqués)... propre avec un minimum de confort pour se remettre du decalage horraire. Ensuite quels sont les trucs a faire a voir en dehors de borobudur et prambanan.. de la ville et de ses marchés.. on veut se faire masser ossi et bien manger ;-)
Ensuite il nous faudra aussi trouver nos billets d'avion pour denpasar, a qui s'adresser ? j'ai vu que les hotels pouvaient le faire a notre place..
En vrac:
sur java, quid du palaudisme? de la nourriture? faut il prevoir des medocs pour eviter la tourista ? brefs quelq sont les petits trucs a savoir ?
alors, plus personne pour m'apporter des reponses 😊
j'en rajoute une couche... mais kels sont vos conseils face aux moustiques sur java et bali.. la dengue, qui connait? faut il prevoir une moustiquaire au cas où? 🤪 le paludisme? quel repulseur anti moustique.. bref j'aimerai avoir vos experience au niveau sanitaire.. merci a vous tous
🙂🙂coucou toota, eh bien pour les moustiques ya moustifluid corps et vetements je le prends depuis des années c super et sa sent bon, qd a la dengue tu ne risques rien sauf si tu bois de l'eau pourrie mais ça m'etonnerait hihi je reviens de thailande, je n'aipas frequenté de poulets au propre comme au figuré, par contre j'en ai mangé, et a mon avis a bali pas de blemes ;j'y vais en septembre d'ailleurs comme je ne connais pas je profite de tes posts.comme m'a conseillé un membre de vf regardes tous les posts au sujet de bali et si g des infos je t'en ft part, j'ai hate d'y etre alors que je reviens a peine.......
🙂🙂heu rectificatif😊la dengue c causé par les moustiques hem g ecrit sans reflechir, prends de l'imodium instant et au cas ou du motilium instant ça ne pese pas lourd dans la poche!@+
imodium c contre la tourista
motilium c au cas ou tu ne digeres pas un truc, voila
hi fellow travelers I really need your help to plan our trip. A little background: we re a family of 2 adults and 2 kids aged 11 and 12. We re used to…
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.
