Le départ n'est pas pour tout de suite, mais je me pose 1/2 questions.
Avant d'attaquer notre périple en Asie du sud est, nous souhaiterions nous poser sur Koh samet pour une semaine en arrivant. Nous atterrissons le 02 janvier vers 10h et nous allons directement de suvarnabhumi à koh samet.
Sur le forum, j'ai vu que premièrement c'était la destination du WE pour les habitants de BKK et deuxièmement que c'était la plus forte période en terme d'affluence.
Du coup malgré le nombre de GH sur l'ile devons nous nécessairement réserver à cette période? et si oui une resa en Septembre Octobre est elle déjà trop tard?
Nous aurons pour nous 4 (2 enfants 10 et 6 ans) un budget de grosso modo 50€ (2200/2500THB), pensez vous que cela soit bon pour cette période ou les prix doivent être plus élevés je pense ? ou bien nous revons coté prix et nous devons chercher ailleurs notre semaine de repos avant de débuter notre trip ?
grand nombre d’hébergement d'entrée de gamme
effectivement il est conseiller de reserver pour la période qui couvre le week-end, (d'autant que les prix semaine et week-end seront différents)
Att. bon nombre de GH thaies ( si vous voulez la qualité thaie et le prix thai ) vous demanderont alors un reglement d'avance ( mais n'auront pas de règlement carte bancaire !)
--
cela depend un peu de la direction que vous prenez ensuite après le bord de mer,
pour un week-end KohSamet peut etre une destination acceptable
mais pour une semaine et sans etre vraiment à un jour pres
il y a vraiment d'autres coins de bord de mer quand meme plus agréables pour s'y poser une grande semaine
soit plein Est - quitte a aller vers Koh Samed pousser 3 h de route plus loin vers Trat et prendre le ferry le lendemain pour les petites iles de Koh Kood ou celles encore plus paerdues a coté
sinon direct de l'aéroport au ferry pour Koh Chang ( quitte a passer 2 jours plus tard de Koh Chang vers Koh Kood )
et en profiter après la partir mer pour passer un ou 2 jours ensuite dans la région de Chantaburi ( superbe partie de lac mangroves reserve ornitho - un coin vraiement magnifique !)
l'autre direction de l'aéroport filer a l'Ouest en longeant la cote vers Prachuap (là encore cela fait 4-5 h de route mais c'est vraiment autre chose que Samed) et la aussi ca permet ensuite de démarrer les balades magnifiques dans le coin
enfin la campagne a 1h de route de l'aéroport de Bangkok: des choses aussi tres agréables en pleine campagne , au bord d'un lac , d'une rivière ou dans les mangroves
et nous n'avons pas réussi à savoir ce qu'il en était exactement pour des amis qui voulaient s'y rendre..
du coup ils sont allés à koh lanta. certains amis thai à qui on a posé la question récemment disent qu'il ne faut pas croire que tout est nettoyé,
certains pour faire venir les touristes vont raconter venez tout va bien.. et en fait il ya encore des salissures
avant cette marée noire c'était sympa comme ile. nous y sommes allés 2 fois il ya quelques années.. mais on a vite fait le tour. de plus il y a une taxe pour accèder côté parc national, les hôtels sympas sont par là, et oui le we c'est réputé pour être chargé niveau logement , car les habitants de bangkok viennent en famille.. mais ça c'était avant la marée noire..
faut que vous soyez certains des renseignements que vous allez avoir pour savoir si vous n'allez pas avoir de mauvaise surprise.
la maree noire a touché majoritairement la pointe nord Ouest et la plage dAo Prao et les superbes hôtels qui s'y trouvent
les hebergements bon marché sont de l'autre coté - sud Est - en principe peu touchés directement -
( ou plutot je dirais '' pas plus que d'hab'' puisque toute cette cote est la plus grande zone industrielle et portuaire de Thailande)
il n'en reste pas moins que Samed c'est bien juste un week-end pour les thais de Bangkok qui ne veulent pas passer 5 h sur la route
ou bien en semaine ( justement quand c'est calme)
mais pour 6 jours, impossible d'éviter alors la ''marée thaie'' du week-end
le droit d'entrée du parc maritime de Koh Samet ( donc a payer par tous a l’arrivée sur l'ile) est de 200 THB par personne ( 5 euro) pour les étrangers
Nous y avons passé 4 nuits en janvier dernier donc voici quelques nouvelles assez récentes.
La marée noire n'a pas touché les plages principales de l'île donc pas de problèmes de ce côté là.
Je crois que ça ne pose pas de problèmes non plus d'arriver sans réserver en janvier; à condition de ne pas arriver un vendredi ou un samedi. C'est vrai que c'est une destination privilégiée par les thaïs pour les week-ends, comme Cha-am par exemple mais ce n'est pas l'apocalypse pour autant car ils se cantonnent pratqiquement sur White Sand et les anvirons. C'est sympa aussi pour faire des rencontres (ça commence sur le bateau).
Attention toutefois à la proximité du nouvel an chinois où l'île est envahie de touristes et les prix des bungalows peuvent grimper (5000 B au Jep Bungalows !).
Les prix ont fortement grimpé récemment. Par exemple, les chambres au Tonsak Resort sur Had Sai Kaew étaient à 1500 B il y a 3~4 ans. Elles varient maintenant entre 3500 et 8000 bahts /nuit. La clientèle est principalement russe.
Le prix de la chaise longue sur la plage est également passé de 20 B à 150 B à cet endroit.
Si vous trouvez des prix intéressant, vous pouvez réserver à l'avance mais on pourra vous demander de payer un acompte de 50% de la somme par virement bancaire.
Si vous souhaitez la tranquilité, privilégiez les plages isolées et évitez les plages principales. Ao Pai est connu pour sa vie nocturne et est le lieu de rendez-vous d'européennes en quête d'aventure exotique (on assiste parfois à de drôles de choses 😏) et n'est pas forcément l'endroit le plus calme pour dormir.
Il est toujours possible de très bien manger pour pas trop cher mais là aussi les prix ont grimpé ces derniers temps (Koh Chang est nettement meilleur marché à titre de comparaison). Attention à la fraîcheur des produits qu'on vous sert (j'ai le souvenir d'une intoxication alimentaire mémorable avec un poisson au Pray Talay qui pourtant est une référence).
Ah oui, la jetée de Na dan a été restaurée. Il faut maintenant payer 10 bahts par personne au port pour son utilisation. C'est surtout après les étrangers qu'on court bien que les thaïs soient censés payer aussi d'après les panneaux.
Pour terminer, je dirais que Samet est toujours un endroit agréable duquel on n'a pas envie de bouger une fois qu'on est installé tellement on s'y sent bien. Une semaine, ça passe très vite et l'air de la mer, ça fatigue.
merci pour ta réponse. je vais regarder du coté de Koh kut soit en avion (bkk airways part de don muang ou suvarnabhumi?) si pas trop cher ou sinon en bus.
Sachant que nous devons être à Tong pha phum le 13/01 et que du coup je pense aller à Kanchanaburi un peu avant, je vais voir le plus pratique pour ne pas attaquer ces 8 mois "tambour battant".....
je vais étudier un peu plus tout cela, nous avons encore le temps 🙂!!!!
Il est certain que nous cherchons plus la tranquilité et des petites Gh .... et notre seule "quête d'aventure exotique" sera plutôt les paysages, les temples et des rencontres plus "classiques".....🙂
Ceci etant sachant que notre budget pour ces 8 mois tourne autour de 100€/jour pour nous 4, il est vrai que nous rechercherons des gh avec une chambre pour 4 dans les 2000/2500THB max et du coup cela elimine peut être d'emblée Koh samed.... bon tout en sachant que certains pays moins cher équilibreront ce budget.
bjr
pourquoi faire 5h de route a l est de bangkok pour le bord de mer
si ensuite c est pour allr a 5 h de route a l ouest ???
autant viser la cote a 4h de route au sud ouest de banglok
et ensite filer a sanglaburi ??
ca vous evite plus de 1000 km
Vu sous cet angle effectivement tu as raison..... a voir !
il est vrai que les préparatifs finaux au mois de décembre vont être nombreux et j'étais parti sur une semaine sur une ile, mais nous aurons l'occasion de revenir 2 fois en thailande dont une fois à la fin en arrivant de Malaisie donc tu as raison je vais voir sur la cote au sud ouest pour l'arrivée !
Bjr
sinon à l'ouest de Bangkok, la campagne thaïlandaise et la partie de cote de canaux et de mangroves est si belle et tellement intéressante aussi ! ( et particulièrement celle entre Bangkok et Kanchanaburi !!)
Pour clore le sujet koh Samed, nous mettrons finalement une "semaine d'ile" vers fin janvier avant d'aller en birmanie, plus rationnelle !!!
tu parles de l'ouest de BKK pour une découverte de cette campagne, c'est vers la province de Ratchaburi ? et sinon dans quelle ville se poser 2/3jours avant d'aller sur Kanchanaburi pour découvrir ces canaux et mangroves. ?
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
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, 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.
