Je rentre juste de deux mois de vacances passés au Cambodge et au Laos, soit presque 4 semaines dans chaque pays.
Je tiens tout d'abord à remercier VF pour avoir été la meilleure source d'info d'avant départ.
Ce que j'ai pensé de ces deux pays?
Le Cambodge m'a bluffée, j'ai eu du mal à en partir. Les gens sont tellement affectueux et attachants, accueillants malgré la dure vie qu'ils mènent, pour la plupart. J'ai encore un peu de mal à m'exprimer sur le sujet tellement le pays m'a touchée. Le Laos a aussi été une belle expérience humaine, moins forte que le Cambodge, mais je ne peux comparer, ayant voyagé seule au Cambodge et avec deux autres voyageurs au Laos. Les deux pays sont magnifiques!
Je n'ai malheureusement pas le temps aujourd'hui de donner plus d'infos, mais je vais faire de mon mieux pour faire ça au plus vite et de laisser qch sur VF. Je laisse mon trajet, n'hésitez pas à me contacter si vous avez des questions sur ces étapes.
Macau> Bangkok (Air Asia)
Bangkok> Phnom Penh (Air Asia)
Phnom Penh> Kep (bus)
Kep> Kampot (moto)
Kampot> Sihanoukville (taxi collectif)
Sihanoukville> Phnom Penh (bus)
Phnom Penh> Battambang (bus)
Battambang> Siem Reap (bateau)
Siem Reap> Phnom Penh (bus) (dû à mon problème d'appareil photo... Voir un autre de mes posts 🙁)
Phnom Penh> Kompong Cham (bus)
Kompong Cham> Kratie (bus)
Kratie> Stung Treng (minibus)
Stung Treng> 4000 îles LAOS (4x4 jusqu'à Ban Nakassang puis bateau)
Don Det> Paksé (sawngthaew- camion avec bancs à l'arrière)
Paksé> Tad Lo (Boloven) (4x4)
Tad Lo> Attapeu (sawngthaew + bus)
Attapeu> Sanamsay (tuk tuk)
Attapeu> Pa 'am (tuk tuk)
Attapeu> Sekong (bus)
Sekong> Pakse (bus)
Paksé> Tha Kaek (bus)
Tha Kaek> Ban Na Hin (sawngthaew)
Ban Na Hin> Phon Nyaeng (sawngthaew) (grotte de Tham Lot Kong Lo)
Phon Nyaeng> Vientiane via Ban Na Hin (sawngthaew et bus)
Vientiane> Vang Vieng (bus)
Vang Vieng> Luang Prabang (bus)
Luang Prabang> Oudomxay (bus)
Oudomxay> Boten> Chine
Et oui, j'ai pas mal bougé, surtout au Laos où j'ai fait beaucoup de choses que je n'avais pas prévu de visiter. Tout ça s'est très bien fait, à aucun moment je ne me suis pressée. Beaucoup des trajets indiqués ci-dessus -au Laos- n'excèdent pas 3h de route.
Le Cambodge m'a bluffée, j'ai eu du mal à en partir. Les gens sont tellement affectueux et attachants, accueillants malgré la dure vie qu'ils mènent, pour la plupart. J'ai encore un peu de mal à m'exprimer sur le sujet tellement le pays m'a touchée. Le Laos a aussi été une belle expérience
Bonjour Sandrine,
C'est LA MEILLEURE DES CRITIQUES...😏...ENCORE une avec qui il va falloir partager!😉 ...Et la resolution de ton pb d'appareil ?Bon j'attends que tu recuperes de toutes tes emotions ...pour en savoir un peu plus...impatiemment! Cordialement
ns revenons du senegal. maintenant j'aimerai préparer un sejour au laos. est ce possible a deux. probleme
de langue!!!
la vie au senegal est maintenant assez chère. quel cout pour 3 semaines en itinairant.
et pour la securité.
merci
odile
Côté tarifs, ce n'est pas facile de vous donner un ordre d'idées sans savoir ce que vous comptez faire, et surtout où loger. En tout cas, le Laos m'est revenu bien moins cher que le Cambodge, pour la même durée, mais peut être ai-je moins fait d'excursions journée qu'au Cambodge. Les hôtels ne sont pas chers du tout, la nourriture est en général bon marché, les excursions un peu moins mais certaines valent tellement le coup. Courant semaine prochaine, j'enverrai un petit compte rendu de MON voyage, avec tarifs pour les transports et auberges.
Côté langue, il est vrai qu'au Laos, peu de gens (encore une fois par rapport au Cambodge, car si je compare à la Chine, c'est l'inverse!;)) parlent anglais;et je suis tombée sur "beaucoup" (tout est relatif!) de personnes toutes contentes de parler français. La langue ne pose généralement pas de problème dans ce genre de pays où tout le monde est si accueillant. En plus, vous pouvez apprendre un peu de laotien sur le tas, ça se retient très facilement et les gens sont toujours contents de vous voir faire l'effort.
Côté sécurité, je n'ai pas eu de problème, pas avec les locaux du moins. Je me méfierai plutôt de certains voyageurs... Autrement, les bus que j'ai pris (locaux, pas VIP), les endroits que j'ai fréquentés, honnêtement, je n'ai rien vu de bien spécial. Mais comme partout, il est bien sûr conseillé de faire attention.
Si vous avez d'autres questions, sur des endroits précis, vous pouvez m'envoyer un Message Privé.
Patientez un peu pour plus de détails côté pratique.
:)
Tu as dit vrai. On ne peut pas revenir indemme de ces 2 pays...
C'est clair que celui ou celle qui visitera les temples d'Angkor en 3-4 jours au départ de Khao San Road parce que pas le temps, ne fera pas le même 'voyage'.
Tu te remues toi quand tu voyages. Voilà un itinéraire d'enfer... Comme je les aime.
Je me joins à ceux qui attendent des détails avec impatience.
Mon dernier passage dans ces pays date de 5-6 ans.
Tu seras peut-être celle qui me fera y retourner...
En effet, je ne suis pas revenue indemne de ce voyage, mais quel bonheur! J'ai même eu un coup de téléphone surprise hier, en Chine, de quelqu'un que j'ai aidé avec ses cours d'anglais (ie, je suis prof d'anglais). Il n'y a que dans ces pays où quelqu'un sans moyen téléphone pour remercier d'avoir passé quelques heures à expliquer des notions d'anglais! :)
Retournes-y, et vite! Tu ne pourras pas le regretter!
J'ai aimé Angkor, bien sûr, bien Siem Reap est bien la seule ville que j'ai trouvé sans caractère, sans charme. J'ai néanmoins rencontré des gens fabuleux là-bas aussi, mais il faut sortir de l'apparence "touriste/fric".
bonjour, 😉😎
on part a la fin du moi tout le mois d'avril au laos et cambodge
as tu des renseignements sur attapeu dans le sud du laos
c'est super?
si tu as le temps denus donner des détails sur ton voyage
merci
emmanuel😎
J'espère que ma réponse ne partira pas dans les oubliettes cette fois ;)
Attapeu est une petite ville très sympa. Super, je n irai pas jusque là. Mais nous avons adoré. On a passé une après-midi à marcher dans la partie de la ville qui longe la rivière. Il y a un petit marché qui vaut le coup d'oeil tellement certains produits sont surprenants... (je ne peux en dire plus) Si vous avez besoin de renseignements pour des auberges ou endroits où manger, j'ai quelques adresses sous la main. Pas un seul touriste dans les environs et les gens sont là-aussi merveilleux. Il y a de quoi faire de belles rencontres. Nous on s'est retrouvés à un moment donné à jouer au badminton avec des enfants dans la cour de l'hôpital! :)
Mais Attapeu c'est surtout le plateau des Bolovens, et le paysage dans les environs est vraiment joli. En fait, on nous avait conseillé d'aller à Sanamsay et on avait lu quelque chose sur un village qui s'appelle Pa'Am. Les deux villages sont environ à égale distance d'un côté et d'autre d'Attapeu. Si je conseille de faire ces deux excursions? Oui, et non. Il faut savoir que la route n'est vraiment pas bonne. On nous avait déconseillé de prendre des motos (sauf si vous veniez à trouver des randos), mais notre tuk-tuk a dû en laisser une partie sur cette route. La route est super poussièreuse à cette saison, mais vraiment jolie. Il y a pas mal de villages, rien de bien ethnique, mais les populations toujours aussi accueillantes. Mais aller jusqu'à Pa'Am pour voir un missile... douteux! :)
Je ne sais pas comment vous compez vous rendre à Attapeu, mais juste au cas où, sachez que la route reliant Attapeu à Paksé au sud est toujours impraticable. Sérieusement, j'ai rencontré des gens qui ont essayé et on dû faire demi tour. De Paksé, on est allé jusqu'à Tad Lo via Tad Fan. Puis on a rejoint Attapeu, et au retour nous nous sommes arrêtés à Sékong (qui mérite aussi un arrêt; pas mal à voir dans les environs, cascades... et village super accueillant), puis de Sékong, il nous a fallu retourner à Paksé.
Il faut bien compter 5 jours pour ça (nous avons pris des bus locaux tout le long, pas de moto) les trajets ne sont pas simples, même si ce n'est que quelques heures d'un endroit à un autre. Aussi, beaucoup de voyageurs qui vont sur le plateau espèrent visiter des villages ethniques. Il faut là aussi bien peser le pour et le contre. A chacun ses raisons, mais m'imiscer dans la vie de ces gens, je n'ai pas souhaité le faire. Il y a aussi beaucoup de magie sur les hauteurs du plateau.
En tout cas, si vous souhaitez plus de détails ou d'infos, n'hésitez pas.
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
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 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.
