C'est décidé nous partons pour 3 mois, début juillet, en Indonésie avec mon cousin, (PS : pour ceux que ça intéresse 831€ de Munich - Singapore en direct avec TerminalA --> meilleur prix que j'ai trouvé à force fouiner)
Comme nous arrivons tôt à Singapour je pensais faire les magasins et y passé la 1er nuit (ceux qui ont de bons plans pour le shopping et dormir je suis preneur...), de là soit bateau vers Java - Indonésie soit avion vers Indonésie, que me conseillez-vous ainsi que pour le parcours aventure, trekking, volcans, diving, fêtes, visites, de préférence le plus souvent en guesthouse ou autre solutions insolites comme les kelong (lire ici) loin des gros hôtels et troupeaux de touriste ?
PS : comment ça se passe pour le visa ?
Merci d'avance à tous et bon voyage si vous partez...
Le visa à l'arriver ne sera valable que 1 mois.
Si tu comptes rester plus longtemps il faudra acheter le visa à l'ambassade d'Indonésie de ton pays avant de partir et celui là sera valable 2 mois.
L'avion sera tout de même plus rapide que le bateau pour te rendre à Jakarta, si tu optes pour le bateau sache que tu devra prendre un ferry de Singapour vers Batam et de là reprendre un autre ferry de la compagnie pelny pour rejoindre Jakarta ce qui pourras prendre plusieurs jours puisque la liaison entre Batam et Jakarta n'est pas quotidienne.
Je pars aussi cet été en Indonésie pour 6 semaines. J'arrive à Jakarta le 6 juillet et compte traverser Java en faisant des randos sur les volcans ou les parc naturels et visiter les temples.Je me rends ensuite à Bali et Lombock pour plonger et aussi continuer à visiter les sites culturels de ces deux îles . Je ferai une boucle pour remonter sur Jakarta mi août pour faire la fête de l'indépendance le 18.
Si ça vous dit qu'on fasse un bout de chemin ensemble, n'hésitez pas à me contacter sur mon mail perso : mbabonneau@yahoo.fr.
1) Bali + Nusa Tengara : Iles Gilis + Lombok + Sumbawa + Komodo + Rinca + Sumba + Iles Flores en 3 sem. ou 4 sem. à décider
2) Sulawesi en 3 ou 4 sem. à décider
3) Java est en 2 sem.
4) Sumatra + Iles Naïs en 3 sem.
Bonne idee de partir longtemps en Indonesie car c'est un GRAND pays.
Pour fuir les "troupeaux de touristes" comme tu les appelle bien justement tu trouveras a Lombok (plus qu'a Bali), une nature encore vierge et de vastes espaces sans touristes (ou si peu). Bali est tres beau si on se perd dans les petites routes (comme celle qui relie Sidemen a Iseh a l'Est de l'ile) ou le centre et le nord de l'ile et que tu evites le sud (Kuta et autre Seminyak).
Pareil a Lombok il faut eviter les "troupeaux" de Senggigi, la station "a la mode". Gilli's c'est sympa opur experimenter une ile microscopique sans voitures ni mobylettes (la plaie en Indonesie) et le plongee (meme masque et tuba). Au sud de Lombok tu as de superbes plages de sable blanc totalement desertes a decouvrir avant que les investisseurs cassent tout de cet endroit magique. Tu peux louer un mob pour circuler ou un velo. Tu peux aussi faire du surf, du cheval www.chevalkutalombok.canalblog.com (un francais serieux tient ce petit centre) et voir des villages sans "troupeaux" ou vivent des gens simples. Tu toruveras tuote sorte de logement a partir de 5 dollars la nuit. Ca na maque pas.
Bon voyage
salut
Trop juste !
Bali + Lombok + Nusa Tenggara est la suite logique de Java Est donc
Conseil: atterrir à Bali, visiter Bali, puis Java Est, prendre prendre vol direct pour Lombok depuis Yogia (sans repasser par Bali), puis traversée de Nusa Tengarra jusqu'à Kupang, ce qui te permet de revenir sur Bali.
Ensuite en fonction du temps qu'il te reste monte à Sulawesi.
En plus en repassant par Bali tu peux renouveler ton visa au bout de 2 mois.
Idéalement pour 12 semaines
Java Est 2 semaines
Bali 2 semaines (1 peut suffir)
Lombok 1 grosse semaine (2 c'est mieux)
Sumbawa 1 petite semaine
Komodo 3 jours voire 4 (c'est magnifique)
Flores 2 semaines pour tout voir bien comme il faut.
Ensuite tu as le choix: soit te rendre à Sumba (mais c'est long, compter 2 semaines avec les ferrys très aléatoires) soit rentrer directement sur Bali depuis Flores (vol pour Denpasar depuis Ende ou Maumere) soit pousser plus à l'Est vers Alor et de là revenir sur Bali via Kupang (compter 1 à 2 semaines)
Ensuite Sulawesi faut voir si tu as le temps - les temps que j'ai indiqués sont larges (calculés sur mon propre rythme), tu peux peut-être inclure Sulawesi (le nord ou le sud, pas les 2).
Sumatra, très éloignée, me parait irréalisable.
Ne pas oublier que les temps de transport sont longs, surtout à Florès, et que + on veut en voir, + on passe son temps sur la route !
Ayant atteri sur Singapour voici le trajet de mon premier mois :
Jour 1 : Visite et achat a Singapour puis ferry vers Batam pour y dormir la nuit
Jour 2 : Avion Batam - Medan - Banda Aceh puis ferry Pulau Weh
Jour 3 : Repos Pulau Weh
Jour 4 : Pulau Weh : Open Water Diver (4 jours)
Jour 8 : Retour Bandah Aceh (1 nuit) - avion Medan - bus Bukkit Lawang (1 jour)
Jour 10 : Trekking 2 jours Bukkit Lawang + 2 jour de repos
Jour 14 : Bus Danau Toba : 2 jours (Repos + tour en Scooter : etant perdu et pris dans une pluie torrentielle, nous avons ete accueillis par une famille Batak admirablement gentille pour la nuit jusqu'au lendemain avec dejeuner en famille, en prime)
Jour 17 : Bus Bukkitingi - Bus Padang et Bemo jusqu'a Pantai Bungus pour repos 1 jour
Jour 18 : Bemo vers village Kersik Tua (Kerinci) 1 jour
Jour 21 : Trekking 2 jours Volcan Kerinci
Jour 23 : Retour vers Padang pour prendre l'avion vers Jakarta (1 journee)
Jour 24 : Repos a Jakarta (Aujourd'hui)
Je viens de terminer Sumatra en 3 sem et demie, la je suis a Jakarta.
me reste encore 2 mois devant mois, comme j avais prevu je suis dans les temps.
Actuellement, j hesite a faire Ujung kulung ou directement Yogya pour le Borobudur, Prambanan, Kraton et les volcans.
Par contre, je ne comprend pas trop ton itineraire directement Bali pour revenir sur Java est puis repartir pour Lombok, cela augmente les tarifs d avion puisque ca fait des allers-retours, alors qu'il me parait plus logique de faire Java est, Bali Lombok... Peux-tu m'eclairer ?
Autre question : Qu'entends-tu par "En plus en repassant par Bali tu peux renouveler ton visa au bout de 2 mois" ?
Il me semble qu'il faut sortir du pays pour cela.
Concernant Sulawesi, je compte y passer 1 mois pour la traversee en visitant Makkassar, les pays Toraja, Danau Poso, Iles Togian, et continuer la plongee a Bunnaken, Manado, Iles Banggai peut etre aussi, je n'ai pas encore tout lu dessus...
Merci pour ton aide.
PS : Dsl pour les accents, ils n'existent pas sur les clavier d'indonesie :)
J'ajouterais a ta formule dans ton annonce : CQFD ;-)
Bon bon, tu courres donc plus vite que moi 😉
Etant actuellement à Jakarta, ça ne vaut effectivement pas le coup d'aller à Bali, mais bien d'aller à Yogia par exemple, puis de continuer toujours vers l'est, en prenant les ferrys (ou speedboat entre Bali-Lombok).
Tu aurais pu renouveler ton visa sans sortir du pays si tu avais un social budaya (j'avais pas vu que tu étais déjà parti en fait, je pensais que c'était encore à l'état de projet). Donc là, oui, faut sortir du pays. Bali c'est bien pour ça, c'est desservi par Air Asia, ou éventuellement Kupang (tu renouvelles au Timor Oriental, il parait que ça se fait)
Sinon mon itinéraire reste toujours valable, sachant donc que tu as + vite que moi, tu peux le boucler en 1 mois en allant vite (par exemple ne pas t'attarder à Sumbawa qui peut fait un peu doublon avec Lombok)
Pour te donner une idée de nos rythmes respectifs, pour moi je compte 2 mois pour Sulawesi (et sans Manado/Bunaken) 😉
Ah si je pouvais je prendrais 6 mois si pas plus pour toute l'Indonesie (lol)
Donc la me reste 5 semaines a 6 semaines max. pour tout traverser avant d'attaquer Sulawesi en sachant que je vais surement faire mes debuts de surf a Bali (faut que je verifie les prix), les visites, les volcans avec leur lot de repos car pour les jambes je les sens..., du cheval a Lombok, de la plongee, etc...
C vrai que ca va etre juste...
Un social budaya, qu'est-ce que c'est au juste ?
@+
Pour te donner une idée de nos rythmes respectifs, pour moi je compte 2 mois pour Sulawesi (et sans Manado/Bunaken) 😉
Oui ça va être juste !
Fais comme moi, tu remets Sulawesi à un prochain voyage, c'est un bon anti-déprime de retour 😏
Un social budaya, je ne suis pas spécialiste de la question, c'est un visa normal (2 mois) renouvelable chaque mois sur place, pendant 6 mois maxi. C'est un peu lourd car faut revenir chaque mois au bureau de l'immigration avec des paperasses. Y'a les pour et les contre: ceux qui préfèrent quitter le pays tous les 2 mois, ceux qui reviennent au bureau de l'immigration chaque mois, ou ceux qui payent une des agences qui ont des relations bien placées avec le bureau de l'immigration (tu vois ce que je veux dire...) auquel cas tu peux rester dans ton hamac sans bouger (parait-il).
Un social budaya s'obtient sur lettre d'invitation d'un Indonésien, l'Indonésien en question pouvant être une des boites à visa sus-mentionnées...
Les visas en Indo c'est un vrai business 😎
Je m'en doute un peu, d apres toi la meilleur solution serait passer la frontiere et revenir... je t'avoue que je deteste les administrations. Ca doit etre pire sans la langue...🤪
Je sais pas, j'ai jamais eu à renouveler un visa.
Mais là, dans ton cas, de toutes façons, faut sortir du pays.
Et les administrations Indonésiennes, laisse tomber 😏
Je prévois partir pour un trois mois en Indonésie pour juin-juillet-aout 2010. A date, je cible Bali/Lombok/Borneo/Sulawesi
Je suis encore entrain de me renseigner pour plusieurs détails, alors cet itinéraire n'est vraiment qu'une ébauche. J'aimerais savoir comment se sont déroulés vos voyages, quels itinéraires avez vous empruntés, qu'est ce que je ne dois pas manquer et, surtout, qu'est il arrivé avec le fameux visa 60 jours??
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.
