Bonsoir
nous serons sur Luang prabang du 21 juillet au 29 juillet.
8 jours étant un peu long sur LPB, nous souhaiterions
monter vers muang noi¨( ? ) pour faire la descente de la nam ou....
vers muang Khoa ( ? ) et là : je suis perdue !!!!!
entre muang noi et nong khiaw, et puis muang khoa....
je suis perdue dans tous ces noms de villes ou villages !!!!!
quelqu'un pourrait il m'éclairer ???????
Notre bonheur dépend de notre capacité à être satisfait. Dalaï Lama.
- par la route au Nord de Luang Prabang tu trouveras Nong Khiaw
- à Nong Khiaw la route s'arrête (elle continue sur l'Est)
- de là tu prends un bateau qui te monte sur Muang Ngoi (1h-1h30 de trajet) ou plus au Nord encore sur Muang Khua (compte bien 7h)
La Nam Ou coule du Nord au Sud et se jette dans le Mekong à Luang Prabang. Donc en partant de Luang Prabang tu remonteras la Nam Ou. A cette saison la navigation ne pose pas de problème. Mais je ne sais pas si tu trouveras un bateau qui te monteras sur Muang Ngoi à partir de Luang Prabang.
Si tu ne trouve pas à embarquer à Luang Prabang, tu montes par la route à Nong Khiaw (compte une journée). Tu peux dormir à Nong Khiaw sans aucun problème.
Le lendemain matin tu prend le bateu qui te monteras à Muang Ngoi ou Muang Khua. C'est le même bateau qui fait simplement un arret en chemin. Sur Muang Ngoi, les hébergements sont plus spartiates, mais à présent tu peux y trouver le confort minimal. Je te conseille de te prendre un bungalow sur pilotis face à la rivière (celui le plus au Nord, tout à gauche du quai, c'est là que tu auras la plus belle vue). Sur place, tu as pas mal de choses à faire : balades dans les environs (en solo), treks de plusieurs jours (avec guide), peche, tubing...
Ensuite, si ton objectif est de revenir à Luang Prabang, tu trouveras un bateau pour te redescendre. Il te faudra peut etre changer à Nong Khiaw, mais cela se fait sans problème dans la journée.
De nos jours, les liaisons fluviales entre Nong Khiaw et Luang Prabang n'existent plus que pour les touristes, la route étant bonne et bien moins chere de nos jours. Ce sont en fait les anciennes pirogues qui ont été réaménagées pour les touristes (avec des siège de voitures). En revanche, entre Nong Khiaw et Muang Khua la navigation fluviale reste le plus rapide plutot que de faire un grand détour de 2 jours par la route. Les pirogues sont donc plus sommaires.
Tu n'auras donc pas à t'inquiéter pour le retour qui se fera dans de meilleures conditions.
Enfin, à titre personnel, sur 8 jours avec la visite de Luang Prabang, je ne te conseille pas de monter jusqu'à Muang Khua. Reste à Muang Ngoi qui est magnifique, sur la rivière, sans accès routier. Muang Khua est un carrefour qui mène au Viet Nam, assez moche qui plus est.
En fonction de la suite de ton périple, si c'est plus simple pour toi de remonter sur Muang Khua, tu pourras toujours reprendre une pirogue à Muang Ngoi quelques jours après. Si ca n'a pas changé, tu as deux pirogues par jour qui font la navette sur la rivière.
Encore une chose : sur le LP je lis que Nong Khiaw est également appelé Muang Ngoi ?...... c'est pour ça que j'étais un peu perdue.
Sur la carte je vois Nong Khiaw, légèrement au dessus Muang ngoi Neua ....donc ils racontent n'importe quoi dans le LP ?????
Effectivement, Muang Khua est beaucoup trop haut.
Nous sommes du genre à rester sur place et bien visiter, nous balader plutôt que de faire la course en voulant en voir un maximum et en fait : on ne voit rien !!!!
On revient dans le pays.
C'est ce que nous faisons en ThaÏlande : 6ème fois cette année .... nous faisons un détour par le Laos histoire de voir ..... j'ai la sensation qu'il y a plus d'authentique que de touristique au Laos....
En conclusion : nous arriverons par les airs sur LPB le 21 juillet, resterons 3 ou 4 jours puis bateau ou route pour Muang ngoi 3 ou 4 jours et retour le 29 sur LPB car avion le 30 juillet pour Surat Thani.
Le truc c'est 1 jour pour monter jusqu'à Nong Kwia..... je me demande s'il n'y a pas plus de choses à voir sur Muang que sur LPB ? ....
QU'en penses tu ?
Notre bonheur dépend de notre capacité à être satisfait. Dalaï Lama.
Euh je ne sais pas ce que raconte le lonely, mais non, Nong Khiaw est au Sud de Muang Ngoi (= Muang Ngoi Neua). En remontant vers le Nord (c'est à dire en remontant le cours de la Nam Ou à partir de Luang Prabang) tu passeras dans l'ordre :
- Nong Khiaw
- Muang Ngoi (Neua mais il n'y a que le guide qui utilise le nom Neua)
- Muang Khua (où tu retrouveras la route qui mène au Viet Nam par Dien Bien Phu).
Muang Ngoi et Nong Khiaw sont bien deux villages totalement différents, distant d'une bonne heure de pirogue. Muang Ngoi n'est pas accessible par la route. La route fait Luang Prabang - Pak Mong. A Pak Mong soit tu files à l'Ouest sur Nong Khiaw puis Sam Neua ou alors sur l'Est sur Udom Xai ou tu pourras remonter sur Muang Khua (je ne l'ai jamais fait d'une traite, mais à mon avis ca se fait en pas moins de 2 jours).
Question authenticité... Je n'aime pas la Thailande et je n'y vais plus que comme escale entre Paris et le Laos. Mais c'est un avis très personnel, je n'ai pas la moindre prétention de faire un diktat.
Par comparaison, le Laos est plus "authentique", mais du coup beaucoup plus lent question transports et autres. En revanche, c'est propre, et il n'y a pas de grosse ville, ce n'est quasi pas urbanisé (mis à part à l'approche des 3 ou 4 grosses villes du pays). Les gens sont aussi beaucoup moins souriants et moins "ouverts" vers les touristes (les falangs...). Ce sera à toi de faire un effort pour engager la discussion. L'avantage c'est que si tu y arrives (et tu y arriveras) ce sera sincère, ils n'essaieront pas de te vendre un truc par derrière.
Le Laos est beaucoup moins "money money" que la Thailande. Tu cherches un bus ? Tu as 2 solutions : tu te rends aux aurores à l gare routière, ou bien tu prend ton ticket dans un agence moyennant un supplément, mais toutes les agences sont alignées. Il y a beaucoup moins d'arnaques, on marchande moins. Tu paies le prix indiqué, tu as le service point. Pas de finasseries comme en Thailande ou au Viet Nam. Les paysages sont magnifiques, surtout le tronçon de la Nam Ou que tu veux remonter.
En revanche, passer 22h à Luang Prabang, il n'y a plus rien à faire. La ville est petite (le centre historique se limite à 3-4 rues). Mais c'est magnifique (rien à voir avec la Thailande et le kitch). Il n'y a pas énormément de monuments à voir au Laos, ce sera plus des paysages magnifiques et des sports natures (trek...).
C'est différent, après chacun ses gouts... Encore une fois, mon propos n'est que mon point de vue, en aucun cas une vérité.
D'un point de vue pratique :
21/07 arrivée sur Luang Prabang
22-23-24/07 visite
25/07 trajet sur Nong Khiaw
26/07 montée sur Muang Ngoi
27/07 Muang Ngoi
28/07 descente sur Luang Prabang par bateau
29/07 avion
Ca fait très court, mais le souci vient qu'il te faut passer par Nong Khiaw. En fait, il ne te faut que 4-5 heures (en théorie), et du coup tu n'arriveras pas à prendre la pirogue. Je ne vois que 3 solutions :
- trouver un bateau à Luang Prabang qui te monte directement sur Muang Ngoi (ce sont les bateaux en direction de Muang Khua). A l'heure actuelle, je ne peux absolument pas te garantir que cela existe encore. Je l'ai fait en 2006 et l'été dernier je ne me suis pas renseigné sur ce point à Luang Prabang.
- tu peux enlever un jour à Luang Prabang pour le mettre sur Muang Ngoi. En 2 jours tu auras vu les principaux monuments de Luang Prabang
- tu peux aussi rester à Nong Khiaw, et rayonner dans les environs. Mais Nong Khiaw c'est moins joli et ca a moins de charme que Muang Ngoi. Mais il y a des balades sympa à faire dans le coin.
A Luang Prabang, tu as des excursions possibles dans la verte ou sur le fleuve. Tu peux aller à Pak Ou, et une autre cascade. J'ai vu aussi qu'ils te vendaient un tour pour aller voir un village HMong tres authentique, n'en doutons pas... Luang Prabang est assez touristique, ce qui a créé ce genre d'excursions à faire sur la journée. Si les chutes sont belles à voir, tu oublies tout de suite l’authentique, la nature sauvage et tout et tout... Mais si Luang Prabang est devenue très touristique, le charme et l'ambiance restent. Et puis ce n'est pas la cohue du Palais royal de Bangkok non plus... en 2006 et 2008 j'ai visité le temple principal de la ville seul... cet été (2011), il devait y avoir 3-4 groupes en meme temps. Ce temps là est révolu, mais ca reste très vivable.
Réfléchis à tout ca, et si tu as des questions, n'hésites pas !
je lis sur le forum que tu sembles bien connaitre le Laos. J y vais demain en passant par Dien Bien Phu (Vietnam) avec le projet de faire la descente en bateau de Muang Khoa jusque Louang Prabang. Est-ce que c est une descente qui vaut la peine, y a t il encore une once d authenticite.
Apres je souhaite faire des treks et pourquoi pas m acheter une petite barque dans un village et faire une petite descente de quelques jours du Mekong ou d une autre riviere. Cela te semble faisable seul et est ce que randonner seul est possible aussi?
J avoue que les agences en tout genre c est pas mon truc.
Que me conseilles-tu de visiter comme region au Laos? En sachant que en un mois je ne pourrai pas tout voir et surtout que je n ai pas envie de courir.
Je viens du Vietnam ou money money money sonne aux oreilles a tous les coins de rue. Malgre cela et avec beaucoup de perseverance et de patience, j ai vraiment pu vivre et rencontrer des gens tres authentiques mais il a fallu creuser.
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 there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
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...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Bonjour,
En voyage en Thaïlande je suis à la recherche de jonc bouddhiste kumlai.
Quelqu’un saurait-il me guider pour en trouver?
À Bangkok j’ai visité quelques temple mais je n’en n’ai pas trouvé sur les magasins à proximité.
Si vous avez une idée je suis preneuse! Belle journée :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi everyone. As I’m planning my trip for next winter, I’m looking for hotel suggestions in Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor. The ones I had in mind seem to be fully booked (unless it’s too early?). For those familiar with the area, is it easy to find accommodations on the spot in January/February? I’m specifically looking for hotels with a pool, beachfront, air conditioning, and easy scooter rental nearby. Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing
July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao
August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide
August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena
August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands
August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts)
August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk
August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar
August 17: Rammang Rammang
August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
Family of 4—2 adults and 2 kids (11 and 15) who are well-traveled.
We’re planning a 15-day trip to Indonesia and would love your thoughts on our itinerary.
We love discovering local culture, food (!!), seeing beautiful landscapes, and keeping an active pace. We’re not the type to lounge on the beach for 5 hours or spend ages by the pool when we’re halfway across the world. Also, we try to avoid places "ruined" by mass tourism (like Holbox in Mexico, which we loved 10 years ago but not at all on our last visit, or Phi Phi in Thailand, completely destroyed by mass tourism).
Special note: we love traveling by train :)
Here’s what we’ve planned so far:
**Day 1**
Arrival in Jakarta, then domestic flight to Yogyakarta. Settle in Yogyakarta.
**Day 2**
Borobudur in the morning, then exploring nearby villages.
**Day 3**
Prambanan in the morning, followed by culinary discovery / market / local vibe in Yogyakarta.
**Day 4**
Train to Jombang, then driver/bus to the Bromo area. Overnight stay.
**Day 5**
Sunrise at Bromo, exploring the volcano and sea of sand. Relax in the afternoon.
**Day 6**
Travel to eastern Java, then train, ferry, and road to reach Sidemen in Bali.
**Day 7**
Sidemen
**Day 8**
Sidemen
**Day 9**
Sidemen
**Day 10**
Transfer to Gili Air (car to the port + fast boat?)
**Day 11**
Gili Air
**Day 12**
Gili Air
**Day 13**
Transfer to Ubud
**Day 14**
Ubud
**Day 15**
Return to Bali airport, flight to Jakarta, then international flight.
Does this itinerary seem coherent for a family?
Does it feel too packed or well-balanced?
Would you make any changes to certain stops, durations, or transfers?
