Hi there,
After visiting southern Sumatra in 2020 (Padang area, Bukkitinggi, Lake Maninjau), we’re heading north in two weeks to explore.
We’ll arrive in Medan after Singapore.
Then we plan to go to Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, and Lake Toba before finishing up on Pulau Weh.
Yeah, I know three weeks is short, but we like taking our time now that we’re in our fifties 😄.
My questions:
- Which direction should we do the loop: Medan → Bukit Lawang → Lake Toba → Medan (we’ll be traveling by taxi)?
- Can I buy the Medan/Banda Aceh flights just 10 days in advance while we’re there? Any airline to prefer?
Thanks in advance to anyone familiar with this part of the world 😊
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
This brings back old memories! I went to Berastagi (a volcano in the area) from Medan... I don’t know Bukit Lawang (a tourist trap?). After that, Lake Toba, Samosir Island, then all the way south to Sibolga... It was so long!
Then I took a boat to Nias Island. You should go—it was amazing! The houses were a bit like those of the Toraja people in Sulawesi...
I won’t be much help with the route! Things must have changed a lot—we did everything by local bus...
Yes, I know three weeks is short, but we like to take our time now that we’re in our fifties.
Banda Aceh
Do people speak highly of that area?
Maybe with the new roads and taxis, getting around is easier and faster—otherwise, there’s not really time to dawdle 😉
PS: If you go to Bukit Lawang first, then Berastagi, doesn’t that make a big detour to Lake Toba?
As we meet again, Jean Michel 😂.
So, Bukit Lawang might be a tourist trap, but we’ll be there off-season, and my goal is to spot some primates at sunrise by the river 😊. Plus, the forest there is stunning.
We’ll just pass through Banda Aceh, and Pulau Weh Island has everything we love.
Berastagi and Toba are also on the same route. Bukit is a bit out of the way, but not *too* much.
Have a great evening
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Oh, so I’m following in your footsteps, Agnès! 😄 Thanks for the link.
I’m laughing re-reading about the era of our trips before Booking.com and all that, when we’d do door-to-door planning.
Now I’ve picked everything from my couch 😂 (but still haven’t booked anything—I need to get on that). 16 years later, accommodations have really upped their game: I found several "paradises" for 50 € a night!
For Pulau Weh, no worries if you’re not wandering around in a thong 😆. My Indian outfits will do just fine: T-shirt and knee-length shorts. I’ve read everywhere that you can swim in a bikini without any issues, but if anyone’s found otherwise, I’d love to hear about it!
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
No worries, Agnès. Remember, we’re from Landes—we always find a solution for apéro 😄. In this case, just head to a dive center and drink it from a tea cup.
Strangely, tourism makes religion blind in some places 😵.
Reminds me of Pushkar, where they brought us a big can of beer wrapped entirely in aluminum—super discreet 🤫.
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Hi Christelle,
The feedback I’ve gotten about the Banda Aceh region hasn’t really made me want to go. I agree with Attila on this. If Pulau Weh has the same vibe, I’d avoid it if possible—you can have a great time on Nias Island instead, where the mostly animist population (like around Lake Toba and the Toraja in Sulawesi) is especially welcoming and tolerant. I’m actually surprised this island doesn’t attract more travelers.
We haven’t decided anything yet, Jean Michel, but we’re arriving and leaving from Medan, and it seems easier to get to Pulau Weh than to Nias.
And if we’re not into surfing, we love snorkelling. I don’t know if that’s possible in Nias.
I’ve read several traveler reviews, and everyone comes back enchanted from Pulau Weh: lush forest, paradise beaches, and easy scooter rental, which matters a lot to us. Some stayed in Banda Aceh and didn’t say anything terrible about it.
But it’s true you have to be respectful, and it’s far from the Saint-Tropez vibe 😄.
I’ll keep researching since no one here seems to have been there 😅.
See you soon
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
I don’t want to influence you (just sharing info), but Nias has lots of snorkeling spots, including Ture Loto Beach in the north of the island. That’s where I went, but I saw there were plenty of others. Since my visit, things may have deteriorated, but that’s the case everywhere.
In Nias, there’s so much to see and plenty of walks to do—bike rentals, etc. The island is huge...
Hi Christelle,
I’d recommend starting with Lake Toba because, on one hand, it avoids going through Medan (Indonesia’s 4th largest city), and on the other, there’s a highway from the airport all the way to Pematang Siantar. After that, the roads are smooth until Parapat, where you’ll take the ferry.
Allow about 3h30 for the drive.
The roads are good, which isn’t the case between Binjai and Bukit Lawang—they’re wrecked by trucks transporting fruit for palm oil.
Thanks Eric. Perfect timing—it’s exactly what I’ve decided since my last message 😄.
After Lake Toba, we might stop in Berastagi. My plan is to head to Bukit Lawang via Namoukour.
Google Maps says it’s doable, but I trust you way more than it 😉. What do you think?
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
The best route to get to Bukit Lawang from Berastagi is the one that passes by the Sinabung volcano on the right—you’ll go past a few ghost villages along the way. Local drivers know this route well.
Hi Philippe,
Thanks for taking me back to my memories 😊.
Yes, we went to Sumatra as planned in March/April 2025, with stops at Lake Toba (4 nights), Berastagi (1 night), Bukit Lawang (3 nights), Pulau Weh (6 nights), and Singapore before and after.
What would you like to know?
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
We spent 7 days in the area renting a scooter and found some top-notch accommodations
for all budgets
a dream snorkeling spot
some stunning beaches where you’re not bothered by neighbors 😊
and a little emotion during the visit to the Banda Aceh mosque
that looked like this after the tsunami 😢
And Sharia law, you might ask? Well, as a tourist, you don’t even notice it.
In Banda Aceh, the welcome was like this
and the image I keep of the place is this one
Everywhere, women ride scooters, work, and live their lives without a guy glued to their sneakers.
I certainly wouldn’t want to be in their shoes because the rules they have to follow are probably numerous, but Indonesian Sharia law has nothing to do with Afghanistan’s.
On the other hand, it’s the perfect remedy for mass tourism 😄. Apart from a few expats who really know what’s going on, we didn’t come across a single tourist, which is becoming rare on a dream island.
But I really only recommend this destination to tolerant travelers who are ready to leave their preconceptions at home. I think you’d be a great candidate! 😉
Interested?
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Oh wow, it looks amazing in terms of "Environment"!
1-We're getting lazier and lazier
2- Winter in the Vercors always feels a bit long...
A few relaxed hikes and some snorkeling would be perfect... From what I gather, it's not too crowded or polluted...
I guess the fact that it's still a bit tricky to get to—even if it's easier and faster now—must help keep mass tourism at bay. Good thing!
Though I'm not sure my wife would easily pull off your "costume" like in the photo ;) Is a swimsuit allowed?
Personally, I'd be up for it... What's the closest "aérodrome"? Banda Aceh, I assume?
Yes, a flight from Banda Aceh and then less than 2 hours by boat.
I tried out this kind of "outfit" for a trip to India, thinking it would be super uncomfortable, but now I’m a total fan—it’s so comfy (super loose, well-ventilated clothes where I can sit in any position without worrying about showing my underwear 😄).
For bikinis, it’s simple: not recommended in public, but locals don’t go to the beaches 😐. We’d stop at guesthouses to eat and ask if it was a problem. They always said no, and I swam every day without being hassled—guess Sharia isn’t what it used to be 😏! !
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Aaaah, I was waiting for you, Agnès! 😄
Yes, I’ve read articles like that before.
But I’m just sharing what I saw and experienced there firsthand.
And honestly, I was really surprised by how independent women were—nothing like what I’d read from my couch!
For the rest, I don’t judge cultures that are so different from mine.
Over there, they flog people; here, we lock humans up for loooong periods just because they weren’t born in the right place!!
Personally, I’d take 100 cane strokes over months of imprisonment (yes, I know they’re called "detention centers"—sounds nicer 😒).
Anyway, if you know of a perfect country, I’m all ears! 😉
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
I don’t know why, but there are more flows of political or religious refugees heading to Europe than to Indonesia...
Personally, I’d rather not have to deal with religious extremists who don’t like anyone—not even themselves—and who destroy all the world’s beauty because they can’t dominate it.
Sharia isn’t a culture. It’s a form of oppression.
Indonesian Muslim culture used to be a mix of a soft Islam and ancestral traditions.
Now it’s turning into brainless Islamism, imported from the Arabian Peninsula—the most dangerous colonizers that exist.
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Like always, Agnès, I’m just sharing what I experienced during the 7 days we spent in the Banda Aceh province.
We were without a guide, I rode a scooter alone several times, and I didn’t come across any "brainless Islamists" (we even had beers every night—enough said 😄).
But I don’t doubt for a second that they exist!
It’s just that the reality on the ground is way more nuanced than the image portrayed of this part of the world.
But if you’ve read or seen it on TV, you probably know more than I do.
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
But there’s no need to agree or disagree, Agnès.
I’m not saying Islamic extremism doesn’t exist—I’m just saying I didn’t feel it more there than anywhere else, whether in Indonesia or in Casamance, where I just came from. The reality on the ground is far less black-and-white than what we’re told.
And since, for me, being a bit naive is a quality LOL, I’ll pile on with June, the manager of "our" guesthouse "made in Sharia" 😄
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Your photos really made me feel it.
That’s why we’ll never agree on the topic of religious pressure.
And if there isn’t any, does that mean all those people being publicly whipped is just theater, something made up?
Would you recommend the destination to a gay couple?
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Really Agnès, you’re not reading what I write, and I’m not trying to "sell" you anything 😅.
I’m not in denial about this Islamic extremism—I’m just saying I didn’t see it with my own eyes while I was there, which isn’t the same thing.
And I wouldn’t recommend this destination to overly affectionate couples (gay or straight), women in mini shorts, "vacationers," or... well, I wouldn’t recommend it to many people, actually 😅—except to Djalma and those whose curiosity about difference outweighs their preconceptions
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Those last words don’t make any sense at all.
There’s no bias since even you advise against the destination for people who’d want to come as they are.
That just shows there’s an issue.😇
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Definition of 'a priori': "based on information prior to experience."
So there are those who’ve read things and will never go there, and those who prefer to see for themselves if the reality on the ground matches what they’ve been told.
That’s all I wanted to say
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
So there are those who have read things and will never go there, and there are those who prefer to see for themselves if the reality on the ground matches what they’ve been told.
That’s all I wanted to say.
Yeah, just like in every aspect of life, it’s the experience—the actual lived reality—that really matters.
Besides, strange customs and traditions we might call barbaric aren’t exclusive to any one religion. They exist among peoples we not long ago still labeled as primitive.
With the globalization of lifestyles and modernism, all of that will fade away quickly. We might even celebrate that—if the dark, unhealthy side of religion didn’t drag its vital, luminous energy down into the abyss with it. Hard to explain that to people who only rely on their brains and rational intelligence to understand life.
Some travel just to see beautiful landscapes and take nice photos… and to enjoy a drink on a terrace with a view. The local population, with their religion, festivals, and customs? If they didn’t exist—or if we could avoid them—it’d be ideal. I once heard someone say: Corsica would be so beautiful… without the Corsicans!
There are those who prefer not to fund extremism, and those who prefer to think about the people who don’t have the choice to live their lives as they’d like where they live.
Besides, you haven’t convinced me that what’s written in various newspapers I’ve read on sites like Amnesty International, or the testimonies of people living there, isn’t reality. My own experience in Indonesia also tips the scales. 🙂
I think we’ve covered the topic thoroughly—we won’t convince each other.
Still, our exchange will have the benefit of showing readers of this thread the different sides of this Potemkin village that is Pulau Weh.
This case isn’t unique, by the way.
To attract tourists and their money, a few exceptions to the dictatorial program are always welcome.
(I felt like I was interning at LFi—it was pretty funny. 😄)
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Ah, thanks Jean Michel—I thought I’d lost my French, but you totally got what I meant! 😉
The upside of a destination like this, beyond being wild and untouched, is that the few other tourists you meet "speak the same language" as us: they’re more about curiosity and understanding what they see than judging it.
But I’m kinda glad Islam is so demonized in France (even though it’s so diverse) because right now, it’s the only thing keeping mass tourism out of these stunning places.
Just got back from Gambia/Casamance, where I spent a few days hanging out with "Muslim Rastas" (that’s how they describe themselves!).
Sure, they don’t drink alcohol... but man, do they smoke marijuana! 😂 !
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Living among a population, sharing good times with the people you meet, and approving of a country's politics or religious rules are two very different things in my eyes. If we had to take those factors into account, we'd never go anywhere. In the US—a civilized country—death row inmates wait in prison for 15 years for their execution, which is constantly postponed... they also execute the mentally ill and minors...
Between going to Pulau Weh or an all-inclusive in the Maldives, my choice is quick... yet the rules governing those two places are quite similar.
The fear of being arrested, kidnapped, or falling victim to a terrorist attack—I get it... I now avoid certain countries I visited without worry when I was younger.
Will you tell us about Senegal? When you mention the rastas, one country comes to mind: Belize]😉
Yeah, that’s right, same here Jean Michel.
To be honest, I’d planned to tell you all about Sumatra, but given the vibe, I’ll hold off 😅.
Casamance might go down better, though—with its Islam that’s pretty tolerant of drugs and prostitution 😏.
(Belize has already caught my eye, but we’ve never taken the plunge!)
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Let's stop the forum wars, it's really ridiculous.
good evening, you mention the Casamance region, which apparently has relaxed morals.
Both in Indonesia and Malaysia don’t touch anything related to drugs and stay as far away from that as possible.
I’m writing this for people who don’t know—otherwise, it’s heavy prison sentences.
Yes, Mathews, good point to clarify. We just stuck with rum instead of ganja 😅.
It’s not that I don’t feel like it sometimes when I see their state of "zen," but I don’t mess with that abroad—I have zero desire to end up on French TV from some "exotic" jail!
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
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Francoise
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.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
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!
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
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.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
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.
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...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
for all budgets
a dream snorkeling spot
some stunning beaches where you’re not bothered by neighbors 😊
and a little emotion during the visit to the Banda Aceh mosque
that looked like this after the tsunami 😢
and the image I keep of the place is this one
