Je souhaiterai me rendre au vietnam, je ne sais pas encore dans quelles conditions ni dans combien de temps, aussi, qui peut me dire la meilleure période pour partir, quels sont les tours opérators les mieux sur la destination et les sites à ne pas manquer, combien de temps prévoir si l'on veut faire un circuit le plus enrichissant possible, je suis interessée surtout par la vie des gens, les us et coutumes, les paysages plus que par les monuments et musées et n'ayant plus 2O ans j'aime un certain confort.
Merci à vous.
Salut Marie ! Au Vietnam tu n'as pratiquement pas le choix des conditions de voyage. Tu vas immenquablement finir chez un Tour Operator. Ils sont tellement pas cher et bien organisés que c'est mieux ainsi.
Un bon mois est suffisant pour visiter du Nord au Sud sans courrir. Les tour Operator vont te déposer devant les Hotels normalement très bien et très abordables.
Si tu veux des précisions n'hésite pas à me contacter, j'y ai passé un mois en Novembre 2001
alors moi je voudrais savoir combein coutait le visa vietnamien et pour combien de tps il était délivré (visa touristique). je voudrais y rester 3 semaines maxi.
Salut, a ce que je me souvienne, le visa coutait autour de 50$Canadien. Il a une durée de vie de 3 mois, mais tu dois respecter les dates inscrites dessus.
Mais là je dois te souligner que les conditions peuvent varier, je suis Canadien...
Mieux vaudrait vérifier directement avec l'ambassade Vietnamienne de Paris.
60€ le visa pour un mois. Il faut déposer la demande le matin ou l'après midi à l'ambassade ( j'ai oublié ). délai d'attente : une à 2 semaines.
1 passeport valable au moins 1 mois après l’expiration du visa
1 demande de visa avec 1 photo récente de face (4x6)
Visa valable 1 mois pour les étrangers et 3 mois pour les Vietnamiens d’origine
Possibilité de prolonger sur place 1 fois
Au Vietnam tu n'as pratiquement pas le choix des conditions de voyage. Tu vas immenquablement finir chez un Tour Operator
On est obligé de passer par des tours operator?
On ne peut pas partir en routard en s'occupant soit même de son voyage et en décidant de son trajet?
Cela m'intéresse car je pars au Vietnam au mois de Janvier en routard avec comme seul guide un carte du pays!
@+ 😉
par tour operator, on parle de compagnies qui proposent essentiellement des trajets en "bus a touristes". Rien ne t'empeche de prendre des bus pas a touristes, ils sont de toutes facons obligatoires sur pas mal de ville. Ceci dit, ils ne sont pas tellement moins chers et surtout partent de stations qui sont souvent perdues en banlieue et ne te lachent pas forcement en centre ville a l'arrivee. Sur certaines cies, les "bus a touristes" sont remplis en majorite de viets.
Salut ! Mathieustef résume bien la situation. On était bien décidés à voyager par les bus réguliers, mais c'était tellement plus compliqué, plus long, peu confortable et pas tellement moins cher qu'on a cédé...
C'est ce que font la majorité des touristes, et c'est ce que veut le "gouvernement"
C'est vrai que quand j'y étais, en nov 2000, on etait quasi oblige de prendre les petites agences de voyages locales qui proposent des tours dans la region, pas d'autres alternatives simples, le routard et lonely ne donnant aucune info sur les moyens de transport locaux et se contentant de lister ce type d'agence. Au final je n'ai aps trouvé ca terrible, si tu cherches quelque chose avec plus de confort et de liberté je pense que la meilleure solution est la location de voiture avec chauffeur, ca t'écite au moins d'etre parqué avec les autres touristes...
Une solution très simple : se trouver un guide et le suivre sur plusieurs jours. C'est très facile du côté de Saigon pour visiter le delta du Mékong ou le nords dans des endroits comme Sappa.
Sinon il est très facile de louer un scooter ou vélo à la journée et de ne pas dépendre des agences pour visiter des endroits comme Dalat, Ho Ian, Hué, My Son, Hanoi ...
Passer par une agence pour la baie d'Along n'est pas gênant.
Enfin les bus "à touristes" sont vraiment pas cher et régulièrement utilisés par les locaux. C'est même la solution la plus confortable sur de longues distances. Sinon il y a toujours le train qui est plutôt sympa. Et si tu veux toujours prendre les transports locaux ... demande et il y aura toujours qqun pour te filer un coup de main. Il suffit de rejoindre la gare routière de bon matin et d'attendre le remplissage de ton bus (si tu as un guide il négociera le prix pour toi).
Au niveau du climat, c'est un pays qui est très étalé donc 3 climats différents du Nord au Sud. Nous étions au mois de novembre l'année dernière. Nous avons eu beau au nord (Hanoi, ALong, Sapa), pluie continuellement au centre (Hue, Hoi an, Natrang) et beau au bord de mer (Mui Ne).
Nous avons visité le Vietnam du Nord au Sud, il nous a fallu environ 2 semaines et demi. Pour moi c'était suffisant. Nous avons commencé par Hanoi ( 3 jours), c'est une ville très jolie et relativement calme comparée à Saïgon. Au niveau culturel c'est un vrai régal. Depuis là, tu peux organiser très facilement les différentes expéditions (par ex. Baie along et SAPA). Nous sommes restés 2 jours, 1 nuit à la Baie d'along c'était suffisant. Pour Sapa nous sommes restés 1 nuit également mais c'était trop court. Si tu souhaites voir les différentes tribus, il faut que tu choissises un circuit d'au moins 4 ou 5 jours. Les agences proposent des circuits en 4x4 dans les montagnes jusqu'à la frontière chinoise. Des amis l'on fait, ils ont adoré. Toi qui aime le confort, un petit conseil pour le train de nuit, prévois des vêtements chaud. Nous avons la climatisation pendant tout le voyage et impossible de l'arrêter...
Au centre, nous avons été à Hue. La Cité impériale est magnifique (même sous la pluie). 1 journée suffit. Si tu peux, prends un guide. Il faut le réservé la veille. Tu peux t'adresser à l'entree pour un guide français. Ce n'est pas cher et c'est beaucoup mieux pour visiter la Cité. Nous avons été aussi à Hoi An, c'est un petit village très mignon donc très touristique mais incontournable. C'est à Hoi An que tu peux faire tes vêtements sur mesure. De nombreuses personnes y vont que pour ça. Un petit conseil, si tu as dans ta garde robe des vêtements que tu adores (par ex. chemise, robe...), prends les comme modèles.
C'est ce que mon ami a fait pour une chemise. Il en a fait faire 3 mais dans un autre tissu, elles sont encore impeccables.
Nous avons du rester 1 jour à Nathrang, je n'ai pas spécialement aimé. Par contre nous sommes partis à Mui Ne pour quelques jours de plage et c'était vraiment bien. Mui Ne est encore très sauvage par contre les hôtels le sont beaucoup moins. Nous avons opté pour le Bamboo Village, c'est un peu cher (entre 30 et 40 euros ) mais les bungalows étaient tellement chouettes que nous avons craqué (je ne regrette rien, sauf peut être de ne pas y être restée plus longtemps). A Mui Ne il faut aller voir aussi le village des pêcheurs, le matin ou le soir de préférence. Et puis, il faut aussi aller au Dune de sable pour voir le coucher/lever du soleil. C'est un peu touristique mais superbe quand même!
Nous avons terminé notre séjour à Saigon. Nous sommes partis dans le Delta du Mekong mais seulement pour 1 journée. Pour moi c'était suffisant car il a plu tout le temps et comme nous avons passé la journée sur l'eau... D'autres personnes partent pour 2 jours, j'avoue que je sais pas ce qui est le mieux.
J'espère t'avoir éclairé sur 2 ou 3 points. Si tu as des questions plus précises (hotels, transport...) n'hésites pas.
Nous avons terminé notre séjour à Saigon. Nous sommes partis dans le Delta du Mekong mais seulement pour 1 journée. Pour moi c'était suffisant car il a plu tout le temps et comme nous avons passé la journée sur l'eau... D'autres personnes partent pour 2 jours, j'avoue que je sais pas ce qui est le mieux.
C'est dommage de ne consacrer qu'une journée dans le delta. Je conseille vraiment d'y rester au moins 5 j pour remonter le fleuve jusqu'à la frontière combodgienne. Les villes incontournables sont cantho, mytho, vinh long et chaudoc.
J'y était en août (bp de pluie) mais pas très gênant et surtout très sympa.
Sinon je n'ai pas aimé Nathrang non plus. Le Nord (les montagnes, sapa, bac ha ...) c'est vraiment magnifique et incontournable. Il vaut mieux y consacrer du temps et limiter son trip sur la baie d'Along.
Si tu as du temps aussi et que tu veux un coin tranquille, je conseille Dalat. La région est magnifique, tu loue un scooter et tu pars à la recherche des cascades environnantes. Par contre il me semblait qu'à l'époque certaines zones nécessitaient un pass pour s'y rendre.
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.
