Hi everyone!
I’ve booked flights to Phnom Penh for August 26 (no layover in the Emirates as a precaution...). We arrive on Sunday, August 2 in the morning and leave on August 19 around 9 PM (also from Phnom Penh). We’re a couple traveling with three kids aged 9 to 16.
Among the many questions I have about our itinerary, a few are standing out:
If we arrive in Phnom Penh exhausted, I imagine we’ll need to stay one night there before heading to Siem Reap... but how much time should we spend there to enjoy Angkor in good conditions? Then, Mondulkiri or Battambang? (Because I don’t want it to be a total rush, changing accommodation every two days and praying that bus transfers or private drivers go as planned...). Where does Tonlé Sap Lake fit into all this? And if we end with a beach stay: is Koh Rong a must, or is there another spot? Also, what about the return logistics: should we spend the night before our flight in Phnom Penh to be safe... or do we do everything on August 19... like taking a boat and then the road from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh, risking missing our flight if anything goes wrong?
Anyway, a huge thank you in advance for your valuable tips and feedback!
Spending the first night in Phnom Penh is a good idea to recover from the long trip. And hiring a private driver the next morning to get to Siem Reap won’t be much more expensive than buying five bus tickets—around 70 €, I think. Alternatively, you could take a night bus to arrive in Siem Reap early in the morning and avoid wasting the morning on the road.
Siem Reap is a really pleasant city that deserves at least 4 days, including three full mornings to visit the Angkor temples. A day trip to Phnom Kulen could also be interesting. From Siem Reap, you can spend half a day on the Tonlé Sap exploring a stilted and/or floating village. That said, you could also pass through several floating villages and observe life on the lake and along the Sangker River by taking the boat from Siem Reap to Battambang.
Battambang or Mondolkiri? Personally, I prefer the second option, especially since the hilly landscapes around Sen Monorom are stunning during the rainy season. But it’s a bit out of the way for your itinerary: you’d need to go from PP to Sen Monorom (6h) and then Sen Monorom to Siem Reap (10h by bus), or break up the trip with a stop in Kampong Cham on the Mekong River. Kampong Cham is a lovely stop I highly recommend!
If you go PP → SR → Battambang, a private car can then take you to Sihanoukville to catch the boat to Koh Rong. It’s a full-day trip and can now be done through the Cardamom Mountains via the new N10 road from Battambang to Koh Kong to Sihanoukville. It’s hard to give an exact duration since it’s so new, but the scenery is amazing. The other option is the classic route via Phnom Penh or slightly west of PP through Kampong Speu (if you have a private vehicle).
I’d advise leaving Koh Rong the day before your return flight because boat connections between Koh Rong and Sihanoukville can be suspended this time of year if the weather’s bad, and travelers can end up stranded on the island for 24 hours. But you can always change plans last minute if the weather’s calm and leave Koh Rong the morning of your flight. Even with a breakdown or multiple delays, you’d still make it to the airport in time for your 9 PM flight.
Weather-wise, August is the rainy season, but it’s not too bothersome—mostly short storms that cool things down in the late afternoon or at night, while the days are usually sunny. And these storms don’t happen every day; some years, you might go two weeks in August without a drop of rain! On the islands, it’s generally wetter, but you could still have sunshine the whole time or, conversely, rain for several days.
To add to the previous perfectly correct answer, I’d also suggest that in Siem Reap you shouldn’t miss Banteay Srey, the "temple of women," but also the Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre, where you can visit a conservation project for butterflies.
18 days is a bit short, otherwise I would’ve suggested a stop in Kampot before heading to the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem.
As mentioned above, allow some extra time for your return since the sea has its own schedule, and you might get stuck on the island due to the weather.
Happy travels!
Voyager Autrement est Possible
Un Voyage à votre image
Voyages en immersion et éco-responsables
If you arrive in Phnom Penh exhausted, I imagine you’ll have to stay overnight anyway before moving on to (...) the return organization: the day before the flight to be sure... so another night in Phnom Penh...
??
Phnom Penh deserves more than the 2x1 transit nights you’re planning. Personally, I’ve never been able to stay fewer than 5 nights each of the 5 times I’ve been there. On the way in, you could, for example, be in Siem Reap by the evening of your arrival day, but at the end of your trip, I’d recommend spending at least 3 nights in Phnom Penh before your flight.
Siem Reap... but how much time should we spend there to enjoy Angkor in good conditions?
A minimum of 3 days to visit Angkor + at least 1 "rest day" to break up the 3 days for Angkor, since visiting it can be tiring. You could use that day, for example, to visit a village on the Tonlé Sap. That brings your stay to a minimum of 5 nights in Siem Reap, but planning 6 or 7 wouldn’t be a bad idea so you can also visit some interesting ruins a bit farther away.
Then Mondulkiri or Battambang?
(...)
... and where does the Tonlé Lake fit into all this?
During the boat trip you shouldn’t miss between Siem Reap and Battambang.
and pray that bus transfers or driver arrangements go as planned...
We’re not in the 80s anymore—you don’t have to worry about that kind of thing in today’s Cambodia.
and what about the return organization: the day before the flight to be sure... so another night in Phnom Penh... or do we do everything on 19/8... boat then road between Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh... at the risk of missing the flight if something goes wrong?
After reading my first answer, you shouldn’t have to ask that question anymore.
6 nights in Siem Reap, 3 in Battambang, let’s say 4 at the beach, 3 in Phnom Penh to finish, and you still have 1 night left to add wherever you like in the above. That keeps your travel timing on track while avoiding the "stress of changing your stay every 2 days".
6 nights in Siem Reap, 3 in Battambang, let's say 4 at the beach, 3 in Phnom Penh to finish, and you still have 1 night left to add wherever you want in the above. This keeps the trip timing intact while avoiding "the stress of changing accommodation every 2 days"
I agree with the timing—Phnom Penh deserves more than just a stopover, if only for the vibe.
In my travel journal (see profile), there’s a great place to stay there, especially with teens (pool included).
For transport, buses and vans are reliable.
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
I still have one unknown: the transit between Battambang and Sihanoukville (boat to Koh Rong). Overnight sleeper bus to avoid losing a travel day... but with 5 people, including 2 who are almost 6'3"... how does that work? A daytime trip to enjoy the scenery via the new national road... but it's still really long... or a stop a little past the halfway point... which initially appealed to me, but I can't find a concrete option. Accommodation spots are rare and very expensive (Canvas Orchid, Rainbow Lodge... Tatai Resort, plus reviews for the last two showing they're overpriced compared to the upkeep of the places and the food quality—I'm not obsessed about this, but it seems silly to "waste" a significant chunk of the budget for one night at a place we won't have time to fully enjoy on this trip...).
Anyway, I'll keep researching to find options outside the mainstream web circuits... but I'd love to hear thoughts from those who've already been there! ;-)
Thanks in advance!
The overnight bus is an interesting option (with a stop/change of bus in Phnom Penh) to arrive early in the morning in Sihanoukville, but from what I remember, the bunks aren’t very long, and someone who’s 1.90m tall will have to contort a bit to sleep comfortably! Plus, five tickets end up costing more than making the trip by taxi.
There’s also the option of stopping in Phnom Penh for an afternoon + one night and continuing to Sihanoukville the next morning. By taxi, by bus (5-6h from Battambang), or even by train (departure from Battambang at 3 PM, arrival in Phnom Penh at 10:30 PM). The next day, the PP–Sihanoukville trip takes 2.5h via the new highway.
Hey! First off, hats off for the planning—August is *rough*, but you’ve got this. Here’s what I’ve picked up hanging around the area.
First, yeah, one night in Phnom Penh is a must after a 20-hour flight. You’ll be wiped. Grab a nice hotel in Riverside, rest up, then head to Siem Reap the next day.
For Angkor, personally, I’d say minimum 3 days, no joke. Not to stress you out, but with 3 kids in tow, one day’s too light, two days is tight, and three days is when it starts feeling *right*. You’ll catch sunrise at the temples, explore without rushing, and the kids will actually enjoy it. I’ve seen families try to cram it into one day… not a great memory, trust me.
Now, about the next stop—here’s the real talk: skip Mondulkiri with the family. It’s amazing, but it’s a 4-hour bone-rattling drive, barely any kid-friendly infrastructure, and honestly, what you’ll gain is mostly exhaustion. Battambang’s a way better call. It’s a smooth 3-hour ride from Siem Reap, the town’s charming, you can check out the caves, the Bamboo Train (kids *love* it), and it’s not touristy at all.
For Tonlé Sap, I’d say max 2 days—like a day trip from Siem Reap with a guide. Just double-check the timing in August, though; water levels vary a lot depending on the season.
So, my suggested route: Phnom Penh (1 night) > Siem Reap (3-4 nights) > Battambang (2-3 nights) > back to PP (1 night before your flight). That gives you breathing room, no stress, and the kids won’t lose it from changing hotels every two days.
Any questions about Battambang or anything else?
Flo — Expat Bangkok depuis 2019 · Thaïlande, Vietnam, Cambodge, Bali · Je réponds sur le budget, les visas et la logistique terrain
Which 4 hours of rough road are you talking about for Mondolkiri?
I go there by motorbike from time to time, and the road is pretty decent for Cambodia—whether it's from Phnom Penh to Snuol, Kampong Cham to Snuol, or even the last stretch Snuol–Sen Monorom, even if the road gets a bit damaged just before Keo Seima. From Kratie to Snuol, the road is even excellent. And if you come from the north (Ratanakiri), the road is perfect and empty.
The real issue is that they're not dual carriageways, so you often get stuck behind trucks and crawl along at 50-60 km/h! 😅
Hey! First off, kudos for the planning—August is *scorching*, but you’ve got this. Here’s what I noticed while hanging around the area.
First, yes, one night in Phnom Penh is a must after a 20-hour flight. You’ll be wiped. Book a nice hotel in Riverside, rest up, and then head to Siem Reap the next day.
For Angkor, personally, I’d say minimum 3 days, no joke. Not to stress you out, but with three kids in tow, one day is *way* too short, two days is tight, and three days is when it starts feeling relaxed. You’ll catch sunrise at the temples, explore without rushing, and the kids will actually enjoy it. I’ve seen families try to cram it into one day… not a great memory, trust me.
Now, about your next stop—here’s the honest truth: skip Mondulkiri with kids. It’s amazing, but it’s a 4-hour bone-rattling drive, barely any kid-friendly infrastructure, and what you’ll gain is mostly exhaustion. Battambang, though? Way better. It’s a smooth 3-hour ride from Siem Reap, the town’s charming, you can check out the caves, the Bamboo Train (kids *love* it), and it’s not touristy at all.
For Tonlé Sap, I’d say max 2 days—like a day trip from Siem Reap with a guide. Just double-check the timing in August, though; water levels vary a lot depending on the season.
Anyway, here’s my suggested itinerary: Phnom Penh (1 night) > Siem Reap (3-4 nights) > Battambang (2-3 nights) > back to PP (1 night before your flight). That gives you breathing room, no stress, and the kids won’t freak out from changing hotels every two days.
Any questions about Battambang or anything else?
Same note as Thailand: if you ever go to Cambodia, *don’t* follow your own advice and recommendations.
For the past few days, he’s been flooding us with incorrect info about Southeast Asia, proving that his supposed experience, profile, and signature are fake.
The silent infiltration of forums
Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," tourism professionals, commission-seeking affiliates, or aspiring influencers testing monetization strategies now hide.
These fake profiles master the community’s codes. They build credibility by answering dozens of basic questions before subtly slipping in their paid recommendations.
Several details suggest it’s actually a Vietnamese agency.
Oh, got it, that makes more sense now—thanks, Thierry!
That first sentence—"August is *so* hot"—had me confused, coming from someone who supposedly lives in Bangkok and should know the difference between the scorching heat of April and the much milder climate of early August. 😉
Same thing when I reread their other message about Cambodia: I was thrown off by them saying they go there 3-4 times a year ("it’s kinda my backyard," they wrote) but somehow not knowing the Thailand/Cambodia land border has been closed since last June!
And then 24 messages posted in 24 different threads—like they’re casting a line everywhere hoping for a bite! !
From the first day of their registration, they claimed in three replies—supposedly to build credibility—that they’ve been in Thailand since 2021, even though their signature says 2019...
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Nous préparons notre deuxième voyage en Thaïlande (2 semaines sur place, fin avril/début mai) en famille avec nos enfants de 5 et 7 ans.
Lors de notre premier voyage, nous avons visité Bangkok, Ayutthaya, la rivière Kwaï, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi et Khao Lak. Nous avons particulièrement adoré Koh Phi Phi pour ses falaises calcaires et sa végétation luxuriante, ainsi que Koh Lipe pour ses eaux cristallines et son snorkeling.
Cette fois, je pense passer 7 jours sur les îles. Je pensais à koh tao et koh Phangan ngan. On voudrait du relief, du snorkeling à partir de la plage, un peu d'ambiance mais pas trop (pour manger le soir).
Pour l'autre partie du voyage on hésite entre Chiang mai et khao sok. L'un ou l'autre... L'un et l'autre? On a pas envie de courir mais on est vraiment axés nature donc on ira pas trop dans les temples...
Merci d'avance pour vos conseils et retours d'expérience !
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.
Nous préparons notre deuxième voyage en Thaïlande (2 semaines sur place, fin avril/début mai) en famille avec nos enfants.
Lors de notre premier voyage, nous avons visité Bangkok, Ayutthaya, la rivière Kwaï, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi et Khao Lak. Nous avons particulièrement adoré Koh Phi Phi pour ses falaises calcaires et sa végétation luxuriante, ainsi que Koh Lipe pour ses eaux cristallines et son snorkeling.
Cette fois, nous aimerions un voyage davantage axé sur la nature. Nous ne souhaitons plus visiter de villes (éventuellement un marché flottant si cela vaut vraiment le détour).
Nous recherchons :
- une jungle spectaculaire ;
- des animaux dans leur milieu naturel ;
- de belles randonnées ou balades en bateau ;
- des plages paradisiaques ;
- une eau turquoise avec un excellent snorkeling, si possible directement depuis la plage (tortues, poissons tropicaux...).
Nous pensons intégrer Khao Sok, mais nous hésitons sur les îles à combiner avec ce parc. Nous hésitons aussi à intégrer Chiang mai.
Auriez-vous des suggestions d'itinéraires de 2 semaines avec des temps de transport raisonnables ? Nous privilégions avant tout les paysages, la nature et la mer.
Merci d'avance pour vos conseils et retours d'expérience !
Bonjour, je serai en vacances en malaisie en novembre, je vais rester 5 jours à penang. Je voudrais ensuite visiter quelques temples et lieux à butterworth ou autour et découvrir aussi la ville. En sachant que je me déplace souvent à pied, quel quartier serait le mieux pour moi, c'est à dire à moins de 30'minutes à pied des lieux d'attraction, de stands de street foodi, de lignes de bus etc... Merci d'avance pour votre aide
Francoise
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.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
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!
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
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!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
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! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
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.
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.
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.
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
