J ai rencontre hier des francais qui me disent qu il y a des problemes episodiques sur les routes menant aux 3 postes frontieres les plus au nord du Laos.
Il est vrai qu aux bureaux des infos aux touristes (vers Patuxai) ont m avait dit de ne pas prendre ces routes.
Les agences de voyage de Vientianne confirment les problemes mais ne sont pas d accord sur les causes. Qu en savez vous, est ce vraiment risque ?
Merci de vos reponses
NB. j ai lu beaucoup de posts demandant quel hotel a Vientianne. Je suis tres contente du mien. Je paye la single, douches partagees 70 000 kips, soit 7 euros. L hotel est neuf, impeccablement tenu, ssecurite OK, petit dejeuner gargantuesque pour 10 000 kips, une boisson et un petit gateau offert l apres midi. Il s agit du Mixay Paradise, gros immeuble de 4 etages derriere le temple : 02 Unit 02 Francois Ngin Road (perpendiculaire au Mekong), Mixay Village, Chanthaboury District, Vientianne Tel 856 21 254 223 4, email laomixayparadise@yahoo.com. Je recommande de booker car beaucoup de monde.
on revient tout juste de 3 jours en scooter : Luang nam tha, Muang sing, Muang long (direction Xieng kok). Nous avons ensuite rejoins vieng Poukha par une route de montagne. Aucun problème.
je ne sais pas ce que l'on vous a raconté encore....
soit le "voyagiste" de Bangkok n'avait pas ce que vous lui demandiez dans son tiroir et donc pour ne pas perdre le chaland il vous a déblatérez je ne sais quoi soit...
Quoi qu'il en soit :
Le Parti Laos (et oui c'est une dictature communiste) ne communique pas sur le sujet (et censure meme à l'intérieur du Laos quand quelques choses filtrent...), donc meme s'il y a des troubles, vous n'en saurez rien.
Les "problèmes" se localisent/saient au Nord en effet. Mais selon des laos du coin, les derniers "heurts" auraient (notez le conditionnel) eu lieu en 2007 (de mémoire). L'armée ayant alors bloqué la route '(en l'occurence la 13) pendant plusieurs heures pour "manoeuvrer" (personne n'est dupe, d'autant qu'il y aurait eu des tirs).
Depuis, rien du tout. En tout cas pas à ma connaissance ni à celle des laos (mes infos datent de cet été). De plus, la zone spéciale de Saisombun (une zone au nord de Ventiane confinée et longtemps fermée aux touristes) est dorénavant ouverte à tout le monde. Preuve qu'il n'y a pas de problemes...
Je sillonne tous les étés (ou presque...) le Laos à moto je n'ai jamais eu le moindre problème (mis à part mécanique !! mais dans ce cas les dangereux rebelles sont tres sympa pour aider le falang en rade...).
Donc non, vous risquez plus dans le métro parisien à mon avis...
Et, de grace, n'écoutez pas les "voyagistes" de Kao san road....
bien à vous !
et si ca rafale, mettez vous à couvert, et organisez le repli. Au pire, les H'Mongs étaient du coté des français...
De plus, la zone spéciale de Saisombun (une zone au nord de Ventiane confinée et longtemps fermée aux touristes) est dorénavant ouverte à tout le monde. Preuve qu'il n'y a pas de problemes...
va essayer de te promener à pied autour de Long Cheng, et on va voir si tu sera toujours aussi affirmatif à ton retour.
Déjà fait !
les militaires t’arrêtent gentiment et te demandent de rebrousser chemin avec ta moto. Si tu fais pas le con, tu te fais gentiment refoulé sans heurts et sans ennuis...
Les gens alentours (il n'y a pas d’hôtels ni rien pour les touristes) sont tres sympa et accueillants.
donc pas de problèmes... mais du coup tu te tapes 2 jours de route pourrie pour... rien !!
oui la zone est ouverte et tu te fais refouler aux abords de la piste. La zone ne présente pas d’intérêt majeur ceci dit.
de toutes manières c'est hors sujet.... il n'y a pas de problèmes d'insécurité au laos (sauf les anglais bourrés de Vang vieng... lol !!). Mis à part à vang vieng ou tu peux (c'est un risque probable, ca peut vous arriver mais c'est pas sur... bref sous réserve...) te faire voler et ce, meme dans ta chambre d'hotel.
Le laos est sur, plus encore que la France je trouve. Et n'allez pas me sortir LE contre exemple à deux balles de la rue des prostituées de ventiane ou je ne sais quoi...
donc pour réponde (de nouveau) au sujet, il n'y a pas de problèmes à se promener au Laos. Nord, sud, est , ouest... De toutes manières, suivez les laos et vous n'aurez pas d'ennuis.
Je ne sais pas ou vous avez lu que mes infos venaient de Khao San...
Je les tenais de francais routards rencontres a Vientianne... J ai voulu verifier a l office du tourisme a cote de Patuxai ou l on m a dit de ne pas me prendre les routes menant aux 3 postes frontieres les plus au nord en direction du Vn. Les agences de tourismes et hotels consultes a Vientianne ont pour la plupart opine et ont ete le plus souvent genes par mes questions. Ils ont trouve diverses raisons pour me deconseiller ces trajets (routes mauvaises dues a la pluie, brigands sporadiques, etc....)
Je me suis rendue dans le nord jusqu a Phongsali par la Nam Ou, soit dit en passant rien d extraordinaire ni de fabuleux comme on me l avait affirme. Je n ai rencontre aucun probleme meme en treks mais pas grand interet non plus. Je prends demain le bus de Oudomxai a DBP....
Par contre j ai rencontre a Phongsali des francais en mission humanitaire accompagnes d une traductrice laotienne. Si celle ci n a pas confirme activement les rumeurs elle ne les a pas infirmees non plus et m a semble plutot approuver a l asiatique... en etant egalement genee.
Je laisse a chacun libre jugement et appreciation sur ce qui peut se passer dans le nord du Laos mais je pense qu il faut quand meme savoir qu il peut y avoir de temps en temps de problemes.
Texte pris sur le site du gouvernement canadien... vous en pensez ce que vous voulez, mais ça peut servir! En tout cas, moi, qui ne suit pas un super routard et qui va voyager seul en Asie pendant 6 mois dès 2013, ça me fait réfléchir!!! Sinon, est-ce que le Laos vaut vraiment la peine? :
"Les conflits ethniques, le banditisme et les munitions non explosées constituent un danger permanent au Laos. Il y a eu des troubles civils, notamment des attentats à la bombe dans la capitale, Vientiane, et dans les régions du Nord. Des autobus, des gares d'autobus et des marchés ont été la cible de plusieurs attaques qui ont fait des morts et des blessés.
On signale un regain de tensions entre les forces gouvernementales laotiennes et des groupes non identifiés, qui pourraient se solder par des violences dans le nord du Laos, surtout dans la région de Vang Vieng. Bien que le transport terrestre ne fasse pas l’objet de restrictions, il y a une présence militaire accrue dans la région. On rappelle au Canadiens de faire preuve de prudence lorsqu'ils voyagent vers le nord, de Vang Vieng à Luang Prabang.
Il y a une menace grandissante d'attentats terroristes en Asie du Sud-Est. On recommande aux Canadiens d'être constamment sur leurs gardes car la situation en matière de sécurité pourrait se dégrader soudainement. Il convient d'être prudent, en particulier dans les établissements commerciaux et les lieux publics (les hôtels, les clubs, les restaurants, les bars, les écoles, les lieux de culte, les zones de loisirs de plein air) ainsi que les endroits touristiques fréquentés par les étrangers.
Crime
Les crimes de rue sont courants et de plus en plus fréquent (même le jour) dans les villes et villages, notamment à Vientiane, Vang Vieng et à Luang Prabang. Les vols de sacs ont augmenté de façon marquée, et les Occidentaux semblent être particulièrement ciblés. Des voleurs se déplaçant à motocyclette s'emparent des sacs et autres objets de valeur que portent des piétons, d’autres motocyclistes ou leurs passagers. Ces incidents sont parfois violents et peuvent occasionner des blessures. Il convient d'être prudent et de veiller à ce que vos effets personnels, notamment votre passeport, soient en sécurité en tout temps. Évitez de faire étalage de richesse et de vous déplacer tard la nuit. Des cambriolages se produisent dans les hôtels et les auberges. Des vols à main armée ont été signalés à travers le pays, notamment dans le parc national Phou Khao Khouay.
On signale une recrudescence d’agressions sexuelles, notamment de viols, en particulier à Vientiane, Vang Vieng et Luang Prabang. La prudence est recommandée dans les sentiers de randonnée. Affaires étrangères et Commerce international Canada publie une brochure intitulée Voyager au féminin et conçue expressément pour les voyageuses. Son principal objectif est d'informer les Canadiennes et de les inciter à voyager en toute sécurité.
Banditisme
Des décès ont été signalés après l’attaque de véhicules circulants sur les routes 13 (de Vang Vieng à Luang Prabang), 7 (de Phou Khoun à Phonsavanh) et 6 (près de la ville de Sam Neua, province de Huaphan). Les Canadiens devraient être très vigilants lorsqu’ils se déplacent sur ces routes."
source : http://www.voyage.gc.ca/...rt-fra.asp?id=157000
Oui je sais que les commentaires du gouv. canadien sont pas mal alarmistes... il faut en laisser et en prendre. C'est comme tout.
Ça peut faire réfléchir, mais en aucun cas de s'empêcher de visiter d'autres pays comme le Laos.
C'est un peu comme dire qu'il y'a du danger à rouler en bicyclette, donc abstenez-vous! Il faut voir plus large quoi...
Pour le Aka 47, c'est sérieux? j'imagine que tu dois pouvoir me référer à contact là-bas??? 😎
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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