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.
The country just the way we love it. Well, we love all its sides!
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Thanks for starting this photographic conversation.
Great lighting on the farmer’s sidecar in his rice field.
Sugarcane is one of the main crops in Kanchanaburi Province, and during the right season, these trucks transporting it (sometimes in convoys) are a common sight on Route 323. Watch out for the frequent falling canes if you're in the vehicle behind.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
I’d spotted it online—the area around Ban Tha Song. Hardly anyone makes it there. Gotta say, you’re quite the adventurer! 🙂
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
I’d spotted it online—the area around Ban Tha Song
Ban Tha Song Yang or just Tha Song Yang? Two separate villages on the same Route 105. Since "ban" is just a prefix meaning "village," you could say both have the exact same name—so much so that even cartographers often mix them up, merging them into one spot despite the ~50 km between them (same thing on Google Earth).
Both sit along the Moei River, which forms the border with Myanmar in this area.
Tha Song Yang: the southernmost of the two, about 2 hours by songthaew north of Mae Sot. A really peaceful, pleasant spot with hang yao service for locals crossing between the two countries. A few places to stay (including a decent hotel), some street food stalls, a market, and a 7-Eleven.
Transport: six daily songthaews covering the full Mae Sot–Mae Sariang route, plus a songthaew every 20 minutes from Mae Sot to Tha Song Yang.
Ban Tha Song Yang: about 50 km farther north. Also peaceful and quiet, with a steady flow of hang yaos shuttling locals between the two countries. Thai is barely spoken here, and English isn’t at all—Karen is the dominant language. A few food stalls and a small market for meals, but no accommodations (so a soup vendor let me sleep in her shop after bringing me a mat, mosquito net, fan, and a multi-dish meal from her home).
Transport: the same six daily songthaews that run the full Mae Sot–Mae Sariang route.
Hi there,
What a great initiative!
These photos really reinforce my idea of planning my next trip to a rural area, far from the crowds.
I also have similar photos from my last trip, but since I haven’t covered that aspect yet in my travel journal, I’ll post them later once I’ve made more progress on it.
The countryside around Sukhothai
A few hours by tuk-tuk through the countryside around Sukhothai in February.
There’s rice, heavily sprayed with pesticides by workers without protection.
A modern planting machine... broken down.
In a village, a fighting cock enthusiast and his trophies.
In a travelers' forum, it's rare to see the words "countryside" and "Sukhothai" together in the same sentence...
Bravo and thanks for your series of photos.
You're right, when you go to Sukhothai, it's for the temples of the ancient capital. I've been to Thailand often in January or February to show my friends around the country. But at that time of year, you don't see many active rice fields. I had noticed there were some around Sukhothai. When I went back two years later, I saw that a French guy was organizing countryside discovery tours by bike. Personally, biking between rice fields—I tried that in Vietnam—it's not for me. As soon as I see water, I panic! I asked him if he could organize the tour by tuk-tuk instead, which he did, but not exactly on the same paths. My husband and I did it by tuk-tuk with an adorable cycling champion who guided the tuk-tuk driver and acted as our English-speaking guide, while my friends did the tour by bike. It was fun, not too expensive, and no taxi would have taken us on that route. Plus, when it's really hot, you're better off in a tuk-tuk than on a bike.
In Sukhothai, we stayed at a charming guesthouse that arranged an appointment for me with an extraordinary masseuse—kind of like a local grandmother, no zen music, no incense, or lotus photos. In the evening, there was a nice food court and night market too.
As for the countryside, I've been several times to the east, in Nang Rong, where I sponsored children. They speak Khmer there, and it's near the Khmer temple of Phanom Rung. In winter, the rice fields are dry, adults head to the city to find work, and the kids stay with grandparents or aunts. I took lots of photos in villages that still work with silk and were trying to make a living from their weaving.
I really liked Pattalung—it's off the beaten path, but it's more of a lakeside town than countryside, so it doesn't quite fit your theme.
The following photos were taken near Nong Khao (northeast of Kanchanaburi city on the road to Suphanburi). All the rice fields in the area were harvested in a single long day by an independent contractor with two machines that worked non-stop until late into the night. Some owners haul the rice away by truck, while others keep it on-site on tarps.
The end of the harvest day didn’t lead to any celebratory meal.
Photos of farmers overseeing the work are already posted further up in this thread.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Hello,
What a great initiative!
These photos reinforce my idea of taking a next trip to rural areas, far from the crowds.
I also have this kind of photos from my last trip, but since I haven’t covered this aspect in my travel journal yet, I’ll post them later when I’ve made more progress.
Actually, all the photos in this thread are amazing! I just scrolled through the whole post, and it almost makes me want to go, even though I’m not (no longer) drawn to Thailand.
Thanks for this lovely selection.
I notice you also find countryside spots in Bangkok—that’s great.
And that’s not even all of them... But yeah, I discovered some totally unexpected countryside places right in the heart of Bangkok, and it was delightful!
Here are a few photos I took this morning shortly after 7 a.m. during my morning walk through the rice fields, 20 km from Chiang Rai, where I arrived two days ago. And I thought a lot about Songsam. Who would’ve guessed he’d be with me here? 😢 🤗
I’m dedicating these photos to you, Thierry—I know you’ll appreciate them.
And here he is, so cheerful from his tractor, hands pressed together, letting go of the wheel and leaning forward to greet me with a big smile as he approached. But in the photo, you mostly see the magnificent tractor up close and not so much the smile. So I’m not posting it.
What exactly is he doing?
Marabou storks or some kind of Asian stork? Either way, they were feasting.
And it was another farmer who pointed them out to me—I hadn’t noticed them at first.
And here I was, worried I’d get scolded for walking through their fields...
With an incredible urge to pee and still not knowing if it’s okay to relieve myself in nature. My driver last year hinted that it wasn’t a good idea... Thais aren’t like Indians, who pee anywhere, even in the middle of the city 😠. But in nature? I used all sorts of tricks because after my tea, I had to empty my bladder three times (which never fully empties, by the way...). I can already hear someone saying I’m oversharing... She doesn’t like what I write, but she never misses one of my posts... 🤗
And this one—I thought he was spraying pesticide, but I saw a shower of little things coming out of his machine. Maybe fertilizer?
And her? She was sowing by hand, like we used to do when I was a kid... But what was she sowing? Rice?
Either way, everyone, completely absorbed in their work, still took the time to greet me cheerfully
Yes, everywhere in the country, people greet you, and the vast majority are friendly and exceptionally polite.
Yes, they use pesticides as much as they can, with a lack of regulations that would shock any French farmer, leading to far too many cases of cancer.
Yes, it’s extremely frowned upon to pee anywhere in nature. That said, while traveling through the country, you’ll regularly see workers taking a quick leak. When you’re far from home on a construction site with no toilets available yet, you’re not gonna hold it just for the sake of appearances.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Yes, it’s really frowned upon to pee anywhere in nature. (...)
When you’re a good distance from home, on a construction site where there aren’t any toilets yet, you’re not gonna hold it just for the sake of propriety.
And when you’re an older man hiking, far from home—and any welcoming temple—with health issues (prostate), it’s the same deal. So for the past two days, I’ve been breaking this kind of unfair rule. Still, I make sure no one’s around, and banana trees and other lush bushes act as walls...
Morning walk and immersion in rural life around Chiang Rai.
I made two local discoveries in this village.
1/ In India, people don’t respect the environment, their neighbors, or passersby and turn nature into a dump. But at home, it’s spotless. You could eat off the floor. Here, it’s the opposite—outside, everything looks neat and flowery, but inside, what a mess! Farmyards are real filthy dumps.
2/ The houses on the village’s main street have pretty gardens and flowery doorsteps, but as soon as you turn onto the side streets, every house and garden is surrounded by really high, ugly cinderblock walls. Walking between these horrible rows of walls feels like prison corridors. Is it to hide the squalor they live in from passersby?
Thankfully, there are the rice fields...
I think I’ve figured out rice cultivation: you scatter the seeds by hand, collect the seedlings that sprout, and transplant them one by one—very carefully and... aesthetically. What a job! And then... the harvest...?
But honestly, I don’t understand what they were doing here. They were loading a truck with these rolls, but I couldn’t get close enough to see what was inside because of the mud...
I came across a pig farm. Beautiful, well-fed, clean, and pink, but... terribly confined in individual cages...
This one broke my heart with its gaze, so I removed the bars... Plus, it wouldn’t stop talking to me. Seriously, I swear! More welcoming than the dogs...
Thanks so much, Marien, for these two new near-live series—I’m really enjoying them!
le magnifique tracteur
Gorgeous, and a 4x4 on top of that, so probably not a "poor farmer" (though he stayed loyal to Kubota)—maybe it was a contractor. Once, at Jodelavega’s place, I had a blast doing some minor work on his tractor (not 4x4). Since it’s the only four-wheeled vehicle I know how to drive, I took the opportunity.
And I was worried I’d get yelled at for walking through their fields...
As long as it’s during the day and you’re behaving respectfully and modestly, there’s not much to worry about. That said, you *do* need to watch out for stray dogs. That’s why I never walk in the countryside (including on its small roads) without a stick. Usually, just standing up straight and raising the stick (or a rock) is enough to scare them off—they’re often more dumb than brave. The same advice goes for biking in those areas, and there’s the added risk of falling, so always keep a stick in your basket.
Only once have I been bitten by a stray dog—ironically, it was in a city, but in India, in Pushkar. When I got back to the guesthouse, I asked if I should see a doctor. The owner looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Why? Just wait for it to heal." So that’s what I did.
But in Nature? I used all kinds of tricks because after my tea, I had to empty my bladder three times.
What, peeing on the king’s land??? Better not tell you the punishment for such a crime...
Just kidding. Do what (almost) everyone does everywhere: hide.
As for the machine I saw in the countryside around Sukhothai, it unrolls rice seedlings! No more manual transplanting for those who can afford it! In France, they sell rolls of turf on the same principle..
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Alors voilà ma copine 22ans et son amie 22ans aussi sont en Thaïlande pour une aventure de 3 mois et elles se sont mis en tête d'aller passer le nouvel an à la…
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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.
Bonjour,
Je serai en malaisie avec mon épouse, principalement Langkawi et Penang pour noel et jour de l'an fin 2026.
Si vous en avez eu l'expérience et comme j'ai lu mais ce n'est pas très précisé qu'il y avait beaucoup de monde à cette période sur ces 2 îles.
Me conseillez vous de réserver bien à l'avance des logements ou trouve t'on facilement.
Hoteis ou Airbnb ?
Avez vous des bons plans logement ? et toutes infos pratiques.
J'y resterais 5 ou 7 jours sur chaque ile.
Merci d'avance pour vos réponses
Bonjour. Pour profiter du lac Toba, est-il préférable de trouver un hébergement sur les rives du lac (laquelle ?)ou sur l'île de Samosir ? Merci de vos conseils.
Bonjour,
Je me rends au Vietnam en famille le 8 juillet, pour un peu plus de 3 semaines (nord et centre). Nous avons juste réservé les 3 premières nuits à Hanoi, puis rien d’autre. On aime bien voir sur place et se laisser porter, sans courir partout. Mais j’ai cependant un doute : est-ce que pour descendre vers le centre (Hué), il vaut mieux réserver à l’avance les trains de nuit ? On ne veut pas prendre l’avion sur place, juste utiliser le train de nuit pour les longs trajets. Mais je crains de ne pas avoir de place en achetant les billets sur place, 2 jours avant par exemple. Qu’en pensent les connaisseurs.euses ? Et sur quel site peut-on prendre les billets ? Par avance merci pour vos retours !
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
Bonjour,
Je ne voulais pas retourner en Thaïlande cette année, mais mes conditions de santé font que ce sera pour moi le meilleur endroit où me poser entre deux séjours en Inde. L'organisation du tourisme y est tellement parfaite que c'est pour moi le pays le plus "confortable" à visiter pour un court séjour. La Thaïlande est trop aseptisée à mon gré, et puis trop de religion, de Bouddha, de Roi, mais c'est le meilleur endroit où aller compte tenu de l'évolution de ma santé. J'avais envisagé deux semaines à ThaTon pour randonner, mais j'ai été trop malade à cause des brûlis lors de mes escapades dans les montagnes autour de Chiang Rai. Alors je ne sais pas où aller cette année. Certainement pas la mer ni les coins à touristes, ni les montagnes avec brûlis......
J’’aimerai avoir un avis sur notre itinéraire, certainement très basic). C’est notre deuxième voyage en Asie, et une première en Indonésie. Nous avons 3 enfants de 20, 18 et 12 ans. Atterrissage à Jakarta à 16h, 3 nuits 2jours, départ train pour Yogyokarta 3 nuits 2 jours, départ train pour Surabaya 2 nuits 1 jour, départ train pour bromo 1 jour 1 nuit, départ chauffeur pour Ijen 2 nuits 2 jours, départ pour Bali Ubud 4 nuits 3 jours puis départ pour Gili Air 3 nuits 2 jours, départ pour Senggigi Lombok 2 nuits, puis 5 nuits à Kuta. J’hésite à enlever les 2 nuits à Senggigi pour ne garder que Kuta et donc 7 nuits. À Lombok, je ne sais pas trop comment se déplacer car pas à l’aise avec les scooters...votre avis sur tout, vos conseils sont les bienvenus donc n’hésitez pas.
Pour ceux qui se demandent pourquoi des villes comme Jakarta et Surabaya : on a pas l’occasion d’aller dans des grandes villes d’Asie donc pour nous c’est une découverte que nous souhaitons intégrer dans notre séjour. Les trains entre Jakarta et Yogyokarta, Surabaya et Probolinggo sont réservés. Le vol retour de Lombok à Jakarta aussi. Lés hébergements sont réservés mais modifiables (idem pour le train)
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!
Auriez-vous connaissance d'une compagnie de transferts privé ou taxi qui organise des transferts depuis la latitude de Sukhothai jusqu'à Chiang Mai ?
Nos trajets sont Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong et Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
Mes recherches sur google map, 12Go et autres ne donnent pas grand chose...
Pour nos trajets Bangkok-Sukhothai j'utilise une compagnie que j'ai déjà testée mais elle ne dispose pas de flotte à partir de Sukhotai et doit passer par des compagnies tierces qui prennent, et c'est normal, leur commission. Ce qui quasi double les prix...
Nous sommes 4 et ne voyageons pas léger donc le mini-bus n'est pas une 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 :-)
le voyage approche et j ai qq difficultés pour 3 trajets en bus ou minivan
d habitude, à cette époque , j ai tout trouvé mais là aie aie aie
Sandakan → Sepilok :
aucune appli, tu montes directement dans le bus n°14 au terminal local (paiement cash à bord)
ou le prendre et ou est l arret ??
Sandakan → Semporna :
A priori cela serait la compagnie Sida Express ( super nom :) )
impossible de réserver en ligne, pourtant à priori, il le faut car qu un bus le matin à 8h
Ou le prend t on et ou nous pose t il ?
Semporna → Tawau
trouvé via IA: vrai ?
Pas de réservation possible en ligne à priori
les minivans partent d'un arrêt dans le secteur de Jalan Hospital, près du supermarché Milimewa à priori ????
À l'arrivée, ça te dépose à **Sabindo Square**, à 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.
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?
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
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?
I couldn’t find any recent posts on this topic, so I thought I’d create a new one.
We’ve just started planning our family trip to Vietnam this coming August. We’d like to travel from North to South, starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh.
Usually, we rent a car when we arrive and manage on our own. But I get the feeling that in Vietnam, it’s more complicated... It seems like the only option we have is to rent a car with a driver? Is that really the case?
I’m thinking of starting with a cruise in Halong Bay since we arrive on my partner’s birthday, and I wanted a beautiful setting to celebrate it. So, is the option of having a driver wait for 2 days while we’re on the cruise really feasible?
The rest of the itinerary isn’t planned at all yet. I’d love to hear your tips. We’re traveling from August 8th (morning) to the 26th (afternoon).
Hi!
We (a couple) are heading to Indonesia from July 9th to August 15th (I already know some spots).
> We’re hesitating about the direction of the route: Java/Bali/Nusa/Flores/Sula or Java/Sula/Flores/Bali—does it depend on the rain and flights? (That’s my first question, by the way :))
We land in Jkt on the 9th (follow-up question: where to stay? We saw the Wonderloft for 20 €—does that seem reasonable? I used to pay way less a long time ago).
We’d like to leave for Borobudur on the 10th in the mid-afternoon (question 2: train or VIP bus—we’ll have just landed—nighttime or not?).
Next question: any chill but nice places to stay in Borobudur, Yogyakarta, and Solo? We’re thinking one full day in Borobudur, then Yogyakarta (1 day), then Solo (1 day). Does that work time-wise without rushing?
After that, we’re heading toward the volcanoes (I always mix them up… any tips?) and crossing over to Bali (2 days?).
If I’m calculating right, we’ll be in Java from the 9th to the 18th—does that sound okay to you? Or too much? I’m struggling to estimate how long temples and volcanoes take to visit.
Bali: I used to stay around Seminyak or Canggu. What’s the best place to stay now without breaking the bank? Somewhere not overrun by Australian surfers or hipster restaurants?
Another question: where and how to rent a scooter in Bali? (So we can easily get to the temples and Ubud?) Is there still a way to see Kecak without it feeling super touristy, or is it just for tourists now?
We’re detouring to Nusa Penida: same deal—I want to see rays but don’t necessarily want to dive. I’ve heard the sea can be rough. Where to stay for 2–3 chill days? What to do there? It’s all new to me (haven’t researched it yet).
Then to get to Flores: do we *have* to go back through Bali and take a flight? I haven’t looked into Flores or Sulawesi much yet, so I’m not even sure what questions to ask ;) Feel free to point me in the right direction—thanks!
Hey everyone!
I’m landing in Puerto Princesa with my best buddy in 10 days.
I’d like to explore the island a bit, probably by scooter.
We’re planning to head to El Nido for a tour, but not right away, I think.
Any great spots you’d recommend in Palawan?
Must-sees?
Any tips for the southern part of the island?
Thanks in advance for your awesome suggestions, and safe travels to all!!
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.
Kanchanaburi:
A modern planting machine... broken down.
A "local whisky" distillery.
Women processing and drying fish.
