Nous souhaitons partir en Asie du sud-est en juillet 2009, couple et un garcon de 12 ans.
Nous connaissons la Thailande et hésitons entre Malaisie et indonesie ?
Objectif : une semaine plage/Balade jungle/Snorkelling et 10 jours de visite parc naturel, campagne et divers centre intérêts
Pour l'instant le plan serait : Kuala lumpur + jungle train + Une ile de l'est + Borneo (park)
Quelle sont les compagnies les mieux placées depuis Genève ou Allemagne pour les vols ?
Que pensez vous de Air Asia et son vol Londres : Kuala lumpur ?
L'Indonésie offrira une plus grande diversité de lieux, en 2semaines et demi vous pouvez visiter une partie de l'île de Java et de l'île de Bali par exemple. A Java c'est l'efferécence, et Bali c'est farnienté et lieux typiques. Il existe pleins d'autres endroits en Indonésie mais vous allez devoir faire un choix :)
Je peux pas vous renseigner plus en détail, je n'y suis pas allé souvent.
Si vous voulez profiter de la plage et du snorkelling et visiter quelques parcs naturels, la Malaisie me paraît un très bon choix. C'est un pays très accueillant et où il est facile de voyager, surtout en famille.
Pour les îles vous avez l'embarras du choix, pour ma part j'ai beaucoup aimé Tioman mais les Perhentian sont très jolies aussi (les deux sont sur la côte est de la péninsule malaise). En une vingtaine de jours, je ne suis pas sure que ça vaille la peine d'aller jusqu'à Bornéo, vous avez déjà beaucoup à faire sur le continent.
Vous pouvez faire un programme du style arrivée à KL + une semaine à Tioman et/ou Perhentian pour profiter de la nature + le parc du Taman Negara et le jungle train au centre de la Malaisie + les Cameron Highlands pour de belles randos en montagne et les plantations de thé + éventuellement un petit tour sur la côte ouest. Nous avons passé un mois en Malaisie sans aller à Bornéo et sans nous ennuyer !
Je n'ai pas d'avis très précis sur les compagnies aériennes, j'avais pris British + Qantas pour un Lyon / Londres / Singapour, Qantas super confort et très agréable, mais c'était dans le cadre d'un billet tour du monde et ces compagnies ne doivent pas être les plus intéressantes côté finances.
N'étant allé en Malaisie que très peu de temps, difficile de répondre. J'ai tout de même pas mal traîné en Indonésie, et je rejoins là dessus les réponses précédentes. Java ou Bali, ou n'importe quelle autre île, il y a énormément à voir. Après, j'imagine la Malaisie comme un pays plus "homogène", à savoir qu'il est moins long et contraignant de se déplacer d'un endroit à l'autre, de la montagne et de la forêt vierge à la place avec hôtels 4 étoiles.
Instinctivement je dirais donc Malaisie, mais peut-être que je me trompe.
Comme les avis sont partages, il faudrait peut-etre preciser le style de voyage que toi et ta famille envisagent. Si vous cherchez la facilite, la Malaisie passe en premier, ou alors Bali. Il y a de quoi faire pour 10 jours a Bali, en fait on peut presque TOUT faire, du touristique (culturel, artistique, balades etc), du farniente, restaurants, bars et boites de nuit, des sports de bord de mer, de l' aventure etc... des plages touristiques au sud, au centre (paysages volcaniques magnifiques et impressionants), a la cote nord beaucoup moins touristique mais tout aussi interessante. Bali n' est pas une petite ile! Ayant fait Kuala Lumpur - Taman Negara - Perhentian - Frontiere Malaisie/Thailande il y a 3 ans, personnellement j' opterais pour Bali, mais je dois dire que mes deux voyages a Bali etaient en .... 1982 et 1983!
Sinon, si c' est un peu plus l' aventure et le depaysement que vous cherchez, et j' imagine que ca depend en partie de votre fils de 12 ans, c' est sans aucun doute l' Indonesie, ou il y a un choix enorme que la Malaisie a mon avis n' offre pas (mais il est vrai que la Malaisie est plus facile a voyager que l' Indonesie). On peut se perdre en Indonesie! Et je crois que c' est moins cher que la Malaisie. Qunad je vois les annonces a la tele "Malaysia, truly Asia", je me dis toujours que non, ce serait plutot "Indonesia, truly Asia"!
Quelle sont les compagnies les mieux placées depuis Genève ou Allemagne pour les vols ?
Que pensez vous de Air Asia et son vol Londres : Kuala lumpur ?
AirAsia X sur Londres / Kuala Lumpur est rarement interessant pour les "non anglais" du fait des horaires et pbl de correspondances. De plus les Cies du golfe sont, maintenant, au départ de Londres, assez proches en prix avec souvent de meilleurs horaires pour les "non anglais"
sans aucun doute possible ; vu le temps que vous voulez y consacer ( 17 jours ) la malaisie !
tout simplement parce que c'est plus petit, donc moins de perte de temps en déplacement, de belles iles, ( pas tioman comme on vous l'a dit, car le snorkling c'ets pas ça ), mais je pense plutôt au coté ouest !
pour l'indonésie, bali est une destination merveilleuse, mais jepense que votre fils va s'emmerder au bout de quelques jours, car c'est une ile très belle, mais surtout culturelle, les plages, a part le surf, elle ne sont pas idylique ( c'est le bassin d'arcachon ), en revanche pour le surf, c'est top, et là votre fils poura s'initier !!
florés correspondrait peut etre plus a votre recherche de farniente, mais là aussi, il faut y aller, il faut du temps ......
si vous aveiz du temps je dirai indonésie sans réflechir
mais là je pense que malaisie parait nettement plus raisonnable !!
l'Indonesie est un grand pays et il est possible de se limiter a une partie en 17 j
Très juste !!! Mais disons que les centres d'intérêt de FrankPat (plage/jungle/snorkeling/parc naturel/campagne) me semblent plus "regroupés" en Malaisie.
... pour moi l'un ou l'autre au choix!
Judicieuse remarque qui, je pense, va grandement aider notre ami... 🤪🤪😛
bonjour à tous,
en fait je suis à la rechreche d'un stage à kuala lumpur pour une durée de 3 mois, mais comme c un lieu étrange pour moi et je ne sais pas grand chose sur ce pays, je demande aux gens qui connaissent plus de me donner des conseils SVP.par exemple au niveau du logement ca se passe comment?est-ce que c facile de trouver un appart/studio sympa et pas tres cher?la nourriture, la population...
une derniere question:est-ce que vous savez s'il ya des familles d'acceuil la bas ou pas?
merci d'avance 🙂
Je ne peux te répondre directement sur ton choix, je n'ai pas (encore) visité ni l'un, ni l'autre de ces pays. Par contre, je pars en famille (2 jumelles de 16 ans) un mois en Malaisie en juillet 2009. Je vais voler avec Qatar au départ de Genève (Genève-Doha et Doha-KL). Les prix sont intéressants, mais il faut te dépêcher les vols commencent à être complets... et les prix grimpent. J'ai volé avec Qatar pour aller à Oman en novembre dernier, vraiment bien (avions neufs, écran perso sur chaque siège en classe éco, aéroport de Doha neuf et moderne, ...).
Merci pour ta réponse
Pour l'instant la meilleure proposition que j'ai trouvé est avec Emirates, mais au départ de Londres avec 460€ par personne pour Singapour.
Je n'ai pas trouver mieux au départ de Genève, car je partirais de Cointroin, nous habitons près d'annecy et nous trouverons un Genève > Londres type Easy jet .
Mais attention, ton vol partira sans doute de Heathrow, alors que Easyjet va à Gatwick, Luton ou Stansted. Et en plus, j'avais testé sur les sites internet, les heures de connexion ne sont pas terroches. Tu devras changer d'aéroport, prendre le bus, reprendre tes bagages, etc... Ca va être la course.
Et fais attention aux retards, très fréquents, chez Easyjet, donc si tu optes pour cette solution, compte large en temps, ça t'évitera du stress
:-)). Même si tu rajoutes tes vols Easyjet (minimum 40 Euros par vol j'imagine), plus le bus entre les aéroports londoniens, c'est vrai que tu gagnes encore pas mal. Le problème c'est la durée du voyage, car entre le départ de chez toi et l'atterrissage à SGP, tu vas y passer 24 h. !!!! Ah oui, les hébergements vont aussi être beaucoup plus chers sur Singapour que sur KL, pour la première nuit. A prendre en compte. A moins que tu partes tout de suite sur la Malaisie, mais là, tu fais passer ton voyage à encore quelques heures supplémentaires ...
Maintenant c'est vrai qu'au niveau budget, c'est imbattable et t'auras pas ce prix-là au départ direct de Genève. Pour ma part, j'ai eu le vol avec Qatar pour environ 815 Euros, TTC, départ et arrivée sur Genève, arrivée directe à KL (escale à Doha). Mais avec un booking à fin octobre... L'été dernier, nous avions voyagé sur la Thaïlande, directement de Genève pour Bangkok avec Royal Jordanian. A l'arrivée, t'es quand même content de ne pas avoir trop galéré.
T'as regardé un vol Genève-Bangkok et ensuite Bangkok-KL avec AirAsia ? Ca me paraît plus court (même si le prix sera plus haut que ton LDN-SGP).
Bonjour Franck,
Nous avons passé trois semaines à Singapour / Bornéo cet été, et 18 jours en Malaisie péninsulaire en août 2007 avec nos trois enfants ( 16, 14, 12 ans).
C'est un pays facile à visiter avec des enfants, et nous n'avons jamais eu de problème pour nous loger ( réservation sur place par téléphone au jour le jour - sauf deux nuits réservées à l'avance pour l'arrivée à KL en 2007 et deux à Singapour en 2008).
A Singapour nous logions au Madras Hotel dans le quartier Litlle India. Bien placé proche d'une station de métro, mais chambres petites avec un petit déjeuner trés moyen.
Le mieux est de prendre le guide Lonely Planet sur Malaisie / Singapour, avec lequel j'ai organisé les deux voyages.Vous y trouverez toutes les adresses qu'il faut.
Pour nous déplacer nous avons à peu près tout utiliser: train, bus, taxis, voiture de location, pirogue, et souvent l'avion avec Air Asia sur Bornéo.
Petite suggestion si vous comptez passez 17 jours, cela me parait un peu court pour faire Singapour, KL, Taman Negara, Iles côte est et Bornéo.
Vous risquez de passer pas mal de temps dans les transports et Bornéo mérite un séjour complet me semble t'il, en fonction de ce que vous souhaitez faire.
Les endroits que nous avons préféré en Malaisie péninsulaire et surtout les enfants: iles Pehrentians Besar: nous y avons passé 5 jours merveilleux au Mama's hotel et les avons quittées à regretTaman Negara avec Canopy Walkway et ballade en pirogue.Cameron Higlands ( il y fait frais et les champs de thé sont splendides).
Les Malaisiens sont accueillants et les moyens de transport bien organisés.
Bon voyage pour 2009.
Hi there, I d like to know if it s possible to catch a 9:00 AM flight to Lombok with Air Asia after landing in Kuala Lumpur at 6:10 AM from Paris with Malaysia…
Travel with children › Malaysia / Indonesia · 14 replies
Hi everyone, We re a family with two kids who ll be 3½ and 6½ years old at the time of the trip. We live in the city, and the little ones aren t big hikers in…
Hi there, I m spending a few days in Singapore, which I love. I was thinking about maybe heading to Tioman, but it s a real hassle with the bus and ferry times…
We're a family with two kids aged 15 and 12 planning to visit Malaysia and Borneo. We'd like to travel from 23/07/2025 to 20/08/2025, which is almost 4 full…
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.
