Je pars pour 25 jours en Indonésie et compte faire JAVA (environ 10 a 15 jours) et Bali (environ 10 jours).
Pour Java, j'atteris a Jakarta, mais je compte quitter cette ville le plus rapidemment possible. Je comptais me rendre directement a yogyakarta pour ensuite faire Borobodur, Prambanan, Mont Bromo, Kawah Ijen puis Banyuwangi.
Mais le plateau de Dieng m'attire bien et j'aimerai y faire un tour. Seulement je ne sais pas trop comment m'y prendre...
Entre le plateau de Dieng, borobodur et Prambanan, j'ai peur de passer mon temps a faire des aller-retour avec yogyakarta.
Serait-il possible d'aller a Dieng de Yogyakarta en faisant Borobodur dans la journée ou est-ce vraiment trop serré en temps? (je n'ai vraiment pas envie de courir, mais de profiter!)
Bref si qulqu'un avait deja fait un trajet similair a celui-la, ou si qqn avait des conseils a me donner...je suis preneuse!!
Tu peux coupler le plateau avec un des 2 temples mais il sera plus facile, au vu des distances, de voir Borobudur et Prembanan ensemble pour aller au plateau de Dieng un autre jour. Le plateau est souvent décrié mais j'avais beaucoup aimé, la route est magnifique et il n'y a pas trop de monde 😉
Bon, je pars de la supposition que tu seras en transports en commun.
Tu peux raisonnablement aller au plateau de Dieng, mais sache que c'est un coin recule et relativement penible d'acces. S'y rendre dans la meme journee que tu visiteras Borobudur entraine de mon point de vue que tu auras visite Borobudur a la premiere heure matinale, et que donc tu auras dormi sur place. Peut-etre etait-ce ton plan ?
De Yogya a borobudur, il y a des farandoles d'infos deja disponibles, je te renvoie sur la recherche. Fais toutefois attention a ne pas te faire arnaquer. Ils prefereront souvent te deposer sur le bord de la route plutot que de n'accepter qu'un prix normal ou un peu superieur. Il faut donc negocier tres, TRES, fermement le prix et rester inflexible a toutes les tentatives d'arrondir le prix qui, presque inevitablement, viendront. Du moins dans les Bemo.
De Borobudur a Dieng, c'est l'epopee. Il faut d'abord aller a Magelang, puis a Wonosobo et de la enfin a Dieng. ATTENTION : le dernier bemo de Wonosobo vers Dieng part en milieu d'apres-midi, aussi ne te fais pas avoir. N'oublie pas non plus qu'il n'y a ni velo ni motos a louer aux alentours, et que les seuls moyens de transport une fois sur le plateau sont tes pieds, l'autostop et, eventuellement, l'ojek. Au niveau du temps, Compte 5 heures depuis Borobudur, donc a peu pres 6 depuis Yogya. Prix : 30 000 depuis Borobudur (28 000 precisement, mais a quelques roupies pres....), donc dans les 40 000 Rp depuis Yogya. Enfin, pour le logement, tres peu d'etablissements. J'en ai trouve un a 50 000Rp la chambre et quelquefois eau chaude (electricite tres capricieuse) dont je te communiquerais volontiers le nom en MP. Dieng, c'est beau, c'est meme un des meilleurs souvenirs que j'ai de tout mon voyage en Indonesie. Deux jours pour en profiter ne seront pas du luxe, quand bien meme j'ai ete limite a un seul jour lors de mon passage, devant ensuite croiser a toute vapeur vers l'ouest.
Sache aussi que Prambanan est a mi-chemin entre Yogya et Solo. Il est d'ailleurs bon de dormir sur place pour visiter tot le matin et eviter les flots de touristes. Il y a les bus du trans-yogya qui s'y rendent rapidement, confortablement, et tres economiquement (le ticket coute dans les 3000 a 5000 Rp. environ, si je me souviens correctement) De Prambanan il est tres aise de rejoindre Solo, et de continuer ton chemin plus plus a l'est.
Rapides les réponses, contente d'être de retour sur ce forum !^^
Bon alors : 1) dans tous les cas, ca confirme que je vais bien y aller !
2) Pas de "non mais t'es folle, 10 a 15 jours pour faire ce programme c'est pas du tout suffisant!" donc ca me rassure...😛
Ensuite, pour aller a Dieng de Yogya, c'est bien ce que j'avais repéré comme trajet.
Pour Borobodur, je pensais dormir sur place la veille, je pense qu'a 6h du mat, il y'a carément moins de touristes... Et en effet je comptais partir pour Dieng ensuite. Mais comme a borobodur je comptais me balader a pied au Candi Pawon et Candi Mendut et comme tu me dis que le dernier Bemo est en milieu d'apres-midi, je crois que cela va etre beaucoup trop juste..
Alors peut etre vaut-il mieux que je parte un matin tôt de yogya pour aller a Dieng. Du coup si j'ai de la chance et que j'arrive en debut d'aprem, je commencerais a me balader, puis nuit a Dieng, pour me rebalader dans les alentours le lendemin puis le surlendemin ou je prendrais ensuite la direction de Borobodur pour y passer la nuit. Le lendemin, visite de borobodur puis retour sur Yogya. Pour un autre jour faire prambanan et aller vers l'Est...
pfiouuu quelle organisation...va falloir que je buche encore et encore!!😊
Bon tant que j'y suis a poser mes questions, a partir de la connaissez-vous la meilleure (ou du moins une bonne!) option pour se rendre au Bromo?
😊😊😊Bon sinon, imaginons que cela se passe tout a fait autrement, serait-il envisageable de faire jakarta-Pekalongan (combien de temps en train?) puis prendre un bus de Pekalongan-wonosobo-dieng ce qui me permettra de descendre ensuite vers borobodur puis yogya et terminer par prambanan..... Vous en pensez quoi??(je me complique la tache einh !!🤪)
en tout cas merci pour vos réponses si rapides, (et j'espere en avoir de nouvelles!😛)
A Borobudur, tu ne seras pas seule a l'ouverture, contrairement a Prambanan. J'avais meme eu l'impression qu'il y avait moins de monde a huit heures qu'a six. Cependant, j'ai eu le temps de visiter a pieds les deux temples avoisinnants et de manger rapidement un bakso avant de prendre la route de Dieng.
Pour ce qui est du dernier bemo, je palais du dernier segment du trajet...
Ah donc au final, Borobodur a l'ouverture c'est pas tant conseillé que ca alors...
Bon je vais repotasser tout ca!
Sinon pour le trajet en Bemo, oui j'avais bien compris que c'était le dernier segment.. Sinon ca aurait été plus simple!! Mais si tu l'as fait et si je fais pas trop ma neueu, je devrais peut etre y arriver !!
Je ferai l'inverse si j'étais toi. Le mieux est de partir en milieu d'après-midi de Jogja pour rejoindre Wonosobo en début de soirée (c'est quand même 4 heures de trajet). Tu manges tranquillement, tu passes la nuit (Nirwana Hôtel, très correct), tu te lève aux aurores (5 heures) et tu montes au plateau de Dieng. Tu redescends vers 11-12 heures, de toutes façon à partir de 15 heures il pleut et c'est beaucoup moins beau, forcément!, et tu fonces à Borobudur. Tu y restes jusqu'au coucher du soleil, c'est grandiose, il n'y a quasi plus personne, et quand tu sors du temple, miracle, personne te harcèle pour te vendre des bibelots, vu que tout le monde a déjà plié boutique! Tu peux ensuite dormir à Borobudur, il y a quelques pensions bon marché à deux pas du temple, ce qui t'évite de retourner à Jogjakarta.
Comme ca arrivée a Yogya, je peux me poser la bas et visiter, puis partir comme tu me le suggères un après-midi pour dormir a Wonosobo (bon par contre l"hotel, peut etre un peu trop cher pour moi!😛)
Le lendemin depart pour Dieng de bonne heure, mais je pense tout de même que je vais y rester plus d'une matinée.. je vais y passer la journée, dormir sur place, puis on verra bien si j'y reste une autre journée ou seulement la matinée (j'aime prévoir les trajets, pour perdre le moins de temps, mais apres, je prefere ne pas trop planifier, j'aime bien me laisser aller au grés de mes coups de coeurs!)
et puis comme tu me le conseilles, aller a borobodur en fin de journée pour enfin y dormir et le lendemin, prambanan...
Et le top ca serait de pouvoir enchainer vers le mont Bromo !!!!!
en tout cas merci beaucoup, ca me parait plutot pas mal comme ca !!!🙂
C'est effectivement mieux de ne pas faire les deux dans la même journée car les transports ne sont pas toujours fiables... Pour l'hôtel Nirwana, c'est pas si cher que cela, tu dois pouvoir t'en tirer à moins de 10 € pour une chambre double. Et s'il te reste quelques roupies, va manger à l'hôtel Kresna, la déco vaut le coup!
Pour Borobudur, je te recommande la Lotus Guesthouse, à quelques encablures de l'entrée principale du temple.
Salut petitpop,
Je pars le 18 juin (arrivé le 19) et je compte visiter a peu prés les mêmes choses. Si tu veux partager les frais de transport, ce serait avec plaisir.
Fais moi signe si tu es intéréssé.
A bientôt
Tu as l'air de bien connaitre ces endroits alors je me suis dit que c'était l'occasion de te poser une petite question.
En fait j'ai vu qu'il y avait possibilité de rallier Prambanan en vélo et que la route était sympa. J'ai aussi vu que il y avait à Prambanan des spectacles de danse le soir et que ça valait bien le coup. Je me disais que ce n'était pas super compatible avec un retour de nuit en vélo...
Donc mes questions : est ce que ça vaut le coup de passer la nuit à Prembanan ? Si oui as tu un endroit à me conseiller ? Même question pour Borobudur, apparemment plus de monde au lever de soleil que après donc est ce bien nécessaire de dormir sur le site ?
En effet j'aimerais aussi profiter un peu de Yoga qui a l'air d'être une ville très intéressante.
Combien de temps faut-il compter pour aller de Yogya à Dieng? Google maps m'indique 2.35 par contre j'ai trouvé sur le forum qu'il fallait entre 4.00 et 5.00. Je pensais faire l'aller-retour dans la journée!
Merci
Tout dépend du type de transport : si tu prends un minibus/taxi, cela peut sans doute descendre à 3h de route.
En transport public, c'est bien 4-5h : 1er bus de Yogyakarta à Magelang. Puis 2ème bus de Magelang à Wonoboso et enfin petit mini-bus de Wonosobo à Dieng.
Nous l'avons fait l'an dernier. Le trajet reste sympa car tu passes entre les volcans + plantations de tabac.
Pour le séjour, nous avions fait : trajet le matin. Aprem consacrée aux sites les plus proches (à pied). Lendemain matin, petite ballade pour voir le lever du soleil sur le volcan puis ballade en mobylette dans la campagne (très très sympa).
Bref, je pense que 2 demi-journées suffisent. Mais de là à le faire dans la journée, je trouve ça tendu.
Si tu prends un toru organisé par une agence locale (très faicle à réserver depuis yogya), le trajet dure environ 3 heures. Le planning type c'est départ de yogya dans l'après midi, soirée sur place et lever très tôt pour voir le lever de soleil sur les volcans, puis matinée de visites des sites et départ pour yogya en début d'aprem.
Sans agence (à mon avis, préférable de loin), et en transport public le trajet est plus long. Compte deux bonnes demi-journées de visite, avec les trajets ça fait 2 jours/1 nuit.
l'aller retour sur la journée je ne te conseille pas, même avec un transport privé. La route est mauvaise et le trajet fatiguant, et puis le lever de soleil est vriament super sympa, dommage de s'en priver...
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.
