Je vous soumets mon programme (très très) bien chargé en visite.
Je suis quelqu'un qui ne s'attarde pas trop sur les sites (1,2 ou 3h max) et qui aime voir beaucoup de choses.
Est ce que ce programme est il réalisable? Si vous avez des suggestions , je serais ravi d'en prendre note.
(note: mon budget n'est pas limité et tous les hôtels sont déjà réservé ainsi que les billets d'avions, de bus, sauf les trajets où j'ai précisé le contraire)
7/10: Arrivée vers 15h00 Yangon
- Visite de nuit pagode Shwedagon
8/10 -Visite Marché Bogyoke , visite ville en 3h de train près de Chinatown
-Départ Mandalay vers 21h00 en bus
9/10 Arrivée Mandalay vers 8h00 , installation Hôtel puis
- Visite à Mingun du Temple (Pahtodawgyi) , cloche de Mingun et de Hsinbyume Paya
(les 3 sites se trouvant sur une distance de 700m)
puis en soirée visite pont U Bein (existe t-il un bateau ou embarcation de Mingun à
Amarapura?)
10/10 - Visite du marché Mandalay , de la pagode Mahamouni et si le temps le permet, de
la King Mindon's House
- Visite du Shine In Bin Monastery (et ev. du Jade Market)
11/10 Départ pour Monywa
En chemin, visite de U Min Thonze , du Setkar Lakyung et de la Pagode Thanboday
-Arrivée en soirée à Monywa
Question: Pour ce trajet je n'ai pas prévu de transport. Y a t-il un moyen de transport (taxi privatif) pour me rendre jusqu'à Monywa? Si oui, quel en serait le prix ?
12/10 Départ Pour Bagan (153kms) de Monywa
Existe t-il des bus pour cette liaison ?
La pagode de Thiloshin à Pakoku serait -elle interessante à visiter ? Si oui , je suppose
qu'un taxi privatif serait necessaire pour faire cette halte ?
12/10 Arrivée à Bagan
13/10 au 15/10 inclus ,
séjour à Bagan pour voir les temples et faire un tour en mongolfière
16/10 Départ pour le lac Inle en avion
Installation hôtel en matinée
16/10 au 19/10
- Séjour au Lac Inle pour visiter les marchés (entre autre le Nam Pan Market), Nga Phe
Chaung ( ce monastère des chats qui sautent en vaut il vraiment la peine?), du
Floating Garden of Kela, In Dein et bien sûr à cette période précise, observer la fête
du Phaun-Daw-U ( un endroit spécial à voir?), du Shwe U Min à Pindaya et
évantuellement le village de Minanthu .
Est il aisé , à cette date, de trouver des embarcations et/ou moyen de transport pour
visiter la région et le lac ? Ou vaut-il mieux que je réserve (comment?) un bateau dès
maintenant?
20/10 Départ en avion puis en bus pour Mawlamyaïne
Arrivée en fin de soirée à l'hôtel
21/10 - Visite de la Mahamouni Pagode ( avec son Boudha noir) dans la colline des pagodes
à Moulmein, et si dans la mesure du possible, aller au Monastère de Naw Law
Mine (serait un 2ème autre site de rocher d'or ? )
22/10 Départ en bateau pour Hpa An
En chemin, visite du monastère U Na Auk . Est ce faisable ? Trouve des
embarcations qui s'arreterait en chemin ? J'ai lu que l'on pouvait privatiser une
embarcation pour 70€ pour monter jusqu'a Hpa An ?
Arrivée hôtel à Hpa An
23/10 A Hpa An , j'aimerais visiter les grottes de Saddan et de Kaw Gone , de Kyaik Ka Lat
Monastery et du Lumbini Garden . Mais il semble que cela ne soit pas faisable en 1
journée. Quels sont les sites les plus interessants à découvrir dans ma liste de souhait
dans cette région ?
24/10 Départ de Hpa An pour le rocher d'or à Kyak-Hti-yo
A partir de cette date , mon programme est vague et non plannifié :
En effet , je dois me rendre au plus tard dans la capitale le 25/10/19 dans la nuit pour prendre le vol de retour en France le 26/10/19 à 5h00 du mat.
La question est la suivante: Est il possible , en partant de Hpa An le 24/10, faire le trajet jusqu'au rocher d'or, d'y passer une nuit, de visiter le site et de rentrer sur la capitale le 25/10 vers le soir ?
Ou est-il plus judicieux de rentrer directement à Yangon, pour éviter les mauvaises surprises ou aléas des transports le 24 Octobre ?
La programmation de la fin de mon voyage dépendra de vos réponses.
Merci pour vos commentaires et vos conseils précieux.
"Il n'y a pas d'homme plus complet que celui qui a beaucoup voyagé , transformé vingt fois la forme de sa pensée et de sa vie "
Ce sont des vacances au pas de course, à peine posé le pied à Yangon, et hop direction la pagode Shwedagon. Pourquoi pas, même si tôt le matin, elle n'est pas mal non plus.
Le marché Bogyoke ? Que dire... C'est le marché touristique où les Birmans vont peu. C'est bien pour les groupes qui viennent acheter leurs souvenirs. Il y a des marchés plus sympas, dans les quartiers indiens et chinois dans les rues voisines, bien plus couleur locale.
La visite de la ville en 3 heures de train, je comprends, mais près de Chinatown, un peu moins !
Bref, pour le train, vous qui êtes pressé, vous allez vous ennuyer pendant 3 heures.
Je passe Mandalay, Monywa... mais il y a des bus réguliers entre les deux destinations, 3 heures de trajet.
Après pas trop d'intérêt de s'arrêter à Pakkoku, des temples et pagodes vous aurez l'occasion d'en voir à Bagan.
A Inle, pas de souci pour les bateaux, l'an passé j'y étais pour la fête des Phaung DAw Oo et j'ai trouvé une embarcation pour le lendemain.
Après le vol Heho-Yangon puis bus jusqu'à Moulmein, que c'est compliqué. Autant faire Inle-Hpa en bus, c'est long, mais vous voyagerez de nuit et pourrez attaquer vos visites des grottes, rizières, pagodes directement au petit matin... et peu importe si vous avez mal dormi dans le bus. Il y a la solution de la visite en tuk tuk pour faire sieste !
Bons péparatifs
Bonjour Emmanuel,
Pour le déplacement de Moulmein vers Hpa An, il n'est pas nécessaire de privatiser une embarcation. Nous avons effectué cette liaison, sur une barque motorisée, en compagnie d'autres touristes. La visite du monastère U Na Auk était inscrite dans la prestation.
Cordialement.
Je pense que je vais délaisser le Bogyoke Market , mais alors , que me conseillez vous à la place ?
Les marchés indiens et chinois? Ca me tente bien …
J'espère que je trouverait facilement un bateau , comme précise Kristofe, à Inle en cette période de fête.
A Moulmein, je serais au Cinderella Hôtel, je ne sais pas si quelqu'un le connais , peut être que dans cette hôtel , il me fourniront un prestataire pour faire la "croisière" jusqu'à Hpa An via le monastère de U-Na-Auk.
Si vous avez des conseils pour mes 2 derniers jours, je suis preneur.
Car j'hésite encore de faire le rocher d'or (ce qui serait dommage) , si je n'ai pas le temps de rentrer à Yangon le 25/10 au soir.
Après peut être que je pourrais louer un taxi privé pour rentrer du rocher d'or à Yangon……. mais où trouver un tel prestataire ?
"Il n'y a pas d'homme plus complet que celui qui a beaucoup voyagé , transformé vingt fois la forme de sa pensée et de sa vie "
Salut
Pas certain que Yangon soit une bonne idée en Octobre , ce sera encore la mousson et Yangon est touché pendant cette période .
Tu peux oublier la montgolfière à Bagan , pas de vol pendant cette période .
La mousson en octobre, c'est nouveau ça ! Eviter Yangon en octobre, ah bon il faut y aller en juillet-août au moins ?
La mousson s'arrête fin août-début septembre.
Octobre, je le redis une deuxième fois, c'est la période idéale pour aller en Birmanie.
Emmanuel,
L'hôtel Cinderella est un établissement prisé des touristes. Il m'avait été recommandé, mais il était complet quand j'avais voulu réserver.
Cependant, nous y sommes allés pour diner au cours de notre séjour à Moulmein. La cuisine est correcte, mais ce n'est le restaurant que nous avons préféré au cours de notre voyage en Birmanie.
Pour votre balade fluviale jusqu'à Hpa An, les propositions d'affrètement courent les rues. Vous trouverez aisément une agence, un gérant de GH qui vous proposeront cette prestation.
Cordialement.
De toute façon, je ne pense pas rester longtemps à Yangon.... trop de monde et sans doute, pas grand chose à voir.
Par contre, je crains plus la météo à Moulmein et Hpa An, car là, la mousson pourrait encore sévir vers le 21 octobre.
Quant à la balade en mongolfière, hasard ou pas, il y aurait la possibilité d'en faire à partir de la date où j arriverais à Bagan. (vu sur les sites internet over ballon et autres)
Après, je me demande si cela vaut vraiment le coup d'en faire , attendu que la météo n'est pas formidable vers le 16 oct. .
"Il n'y a pas d'homme plus complet que celui qui a beaucoup voyagé , transformé vingt fois la forme de sa pensée et de sa vie "
J'y étais en Juillet et les vols ne fonctionnaient pas , mais j'en ai entendu que du bien et ceci malgré le prix élevé .
J'ai pris le train de Shwenyaung à Thazi et c'était super malgré les 11h30' de voyage .
Je te conseille , également , le Jade Market à Mandalay .
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Nous partons en Birmanie au mois de juillet. Je voudrais avoir vos avis sur mon programme. J1: arrivée à MANDALAY J2: MANDALAY J3: MANDALAY J4:MANDALAY J5:…
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hello à tous. Je vais partir en solo en février et je vous place une idée de mon voyage. Celà tient il la route?
ps: je ne suis pas amateur de plages
J1 Départ le 17 février 2027
J2 arrivée Kuala lumpur- balade chinatown et tours petronas
J3 : kuala lumpur : marché chow kit, batu caves, little india, centre ville bukit bintang
J4 : bus vers Malacca tot matin. Balade dans Malacca aprem et soir
J5 : encore 2 à 3h dans Malacca au matin puis retour bus vers Kuala lumpur. Zone merdeka square. Loger chinatown
J6 : trajet bus vers kuala tahan. Night tour
J7 : le matin : rando canopy, bukit terisek. L’aprem : vers lata berkoh
J8 et J9 : trek 2j ds la jungle du parc taman negara
J10 : vers Cameron highlands
J11 : matin rando dans les plantations. L’aprem à définir
J12 : le matin : excursion a mossy forest et plantation sungei. Aprem bus vers Ipoh
J13 : matin : zone mirror lake/ sam poh temple. L’aprem: balade au centre de Ipoh
J14 : matin train vers Penang. Aprem : balade georgetown
J15 : matin penang hill et temple keh loh. Aprem: Georgetown
J16: bus vers butterfly garden et spice garden. Fin aprem : temples birman et thai
J17: matin envol vers Singapour. Aprem: chinatown et tour de la baie
J18 : matin zone gardens by the bay. Aprem : boat quay- clarke quay- kampong glam
J19 : matin : zone the ridges et botanical garden. Aprem: little india et retour Chinatown avant vol retour de 23h15
J20 : arrivée matin
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 trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
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.
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod