Nous envisageons de partir en Birmanie en septembre prochain.
Après réflexion, nous pensons prendre une agence locale qui nous préparera notre circuit (vols intérieurs, hôtels, transfert & transport ...)
Au programme 15 jours sur place :
Yangon / rando à Kalaw / Lac Inlé / Mandalay / Bagan / Yangon
Un guide francophone qui nous accompagnerait pendant toute la durée du voyage couterait bien trop cher aussi, nous pensons prendre des guides locaux aux différentes étapes lorsque nous en ressentirons le besoin...
Est-il facile de trouver des guides sur place ? connaissez-vous des guides locaux francophones ?
Toute information sera bienvenue
Merci d'avance
Eve
Tout à fait d'accord avec Evelyne.
Nous avions fait un circuit avec l'agence White Lotus en février 2011.
Nous sommes revenus enchantés;
Nous avions opté pour un guide différent lors de chaque étape.
Merci pour votre réponse,
Nous avons contacté plusieurs agences locales dont White Lotus.
Comment s'est passé votre voyage avec un guide différent à chaque étape ? Ces guides étaient-il francophones ?
Toute information sera bienvenue
En vous remerciant d'avance
Eve
j'ai retrouvéi la facture de White Lotus et j'ai trouvé des n° de téléphone et portable si jamais tu veux les utiliser en plus des adresses email communiqués par Evelyne
Tél : 00 95 1 653020, 00951655964
Fax : 00 95 1 653 020
portable : 00 95 95155725; 009595408921
Nous avions opté pour des guides parlant anglais lors de nos étapes et tout c'est très bien passé mais Mme WIN peut également te trouver des guides français. Tu peux lui faire confiance à 100 %.
De plus nous avions 2 jeunes femmes comme guides et le contact était plus intense avec les Birmans qu'avec les guides masculins (c'est mon avis).
N'hésite pas à me contacter, je te communiquerai mes "coups de coeur"
😉Bonjour,
Je viens de rentré après un périple de 3 semaines en Birmanie. Notre séjour a été remarquablement organisé par White Lotus(Mme Win), c'était un vrai enchantement. Nous avions un guide francophone pendant toute la durée hormis pour les 2 derniers jours où nous avions profité de la plage de Ngapali.
Si vous souhaitez je pourrais vous communiquer plus de détails par mp.
😛😎
Bonjour,
Vous pouvez joindre White Lotus avec les coordonnées suivantes:
whitelotus@myanmar.com.mm ou khinmarwin2010@gmail.com
tel.: 95-1-653020 ou 95-1-655964 ou 95-95155725 ou 95-95408921
Vous pouvez sans problème indiquer mon nom à Mme Win
Je reste à votre disposition😉
Bonjour,
Avez-vous SVP une adresse mail où nous pourrions joindre l'agence White Lotus ?
Je suis en contact avec deux agences "White Lotus" et "Ananda travel" pour préparer mon voyage
Depuis le 24 avril 2012 je tente, en vain, de les contacter pour obtenir plus de précisions sur leurs programmes
Plusieurs mails envoyés ... j'ai même créé une adresse sur gmail qui passerait mieux ...
Le téléphone fixe et la portable ne répondent pas ...
Avez-vous des infos ?
Bonjour,
Le dernier contact avec White Lotus date du 21 écoulé, je ne peux pas vous dire ce qui se passe d'autant plus que White Lotus répond très rapidement aux mails.
Essayez par l'adresse suivante: khinmarwin2010@gmail.com, il s'agit de l'adresse privée de Mme Win.
Il semble qu'il y ait quelques difficultés pour le passage des mails. Un moment donné, Mme Win me parlait de congés aussi.
Navré de ne pas être en mesures de pouvoir vous apporter plus d'informations.
Je vous suggère d'insister quand même.
HJG
Je ne sais plus si je te l'ai dit mais pour white lotus il est préférable d'envoyer tes mails sur les 3 boites de mme Win en meme temps
Par ailleurs je crois que c'est les grandes vacances la bàs en ce moment.....
De plus il y a souvent des coupures internet de Birmanie vers l'etranger parfois de plusieurs semaine mais le contact revient toujours
J'ai rencontré les memes difficultés quand je préparais mon voyage alors il ne faut pas s'inquiter mais etre patient je pense
Tu pourras parler de moi a Mme Win je suis toujours en contact avec elle et j'attend aussi une réponse de sa part depuis au moins 3 semaines....il doit y avoir des soucis pour communiquer en ce moment et il faut attendre que cela se rétablisse.
Bonne journée a toi Evelyne
Internet fonctionne à nouveau avec la Birmanie ...
Nous avons reçu des nouvelles de White Lotus et d'Ananda travel, et nous allons pouvoir finaliser notre projet de voyage prévu pour septembre/octobre prochain.
Les deux programmes se valent ... le choix sera difficile.
Merci à tous
Eve
Bonjour, je m'appelle Eveline et je cherche (nous sommes un couple) un circuit en Birmanie pour 2 semaines minimum. Un circuit de 3 semaines serait la durée idéale. Quels sont les incontournables à voir. Avez-vous déjà voyagé avec White Lotus? Qu'en avez-vous pensé? Quel prix par personne faut-il compter pour 3 semaines tout compris (hors vol international)? Quelles sont les prestations de White Lotus? Merci de me répondre.
Bien cordialement.
Eveline
Nous avons retenu 3 semaines avec voiture+chauffeur+guide avec l'agence AdorableMyanmar. Nous partons du 10 janvier au 1er février 2013. Nous avons réservé il y a presque 2 mois et c'était déjà un peu tard pour certains hôtels. La Birmanie est devenue une destination très prisée et les hôtels sont pris d'assaut entre novembre et mars.
C'est l'agence qui s'occupe de tout: voiture, chauffeur, guide, hôtels, vols intérieurs.
Bonjour,
Notre voyage a été organisé par l'agence locale White Lotus dont nous avons pu apprécier le professionnalisme, c'était tout simplement parfait!
Le guide francophone qui nous accompagnait tout au long de notre périple travaille aussi en free-lance, vous pourriez donc le contacter par mail: mgthantzinu@gmail.com
Je reste à votre disposition pour d'éventuels d'autres renseignements
nous avons effectué un aller/retour en 2 jours depuis Yangon vers Bago puis Kin-Pun pour grimper voir le rocher d'or.
Notre hotel (le "Winner-In", vraiment correct) nous a recommandé un chauffeur qui en plus de parler un très bon anglais était d'une grande gentillesse.
Voici ces coordonnées :
U Htay Aung
Tour and Car Service
htayaung02@gmail.com
095107461
0973046093
www.myanmartourist.mysite.com
Je vous recommande chaudement ses services.
Il nous a expliqué beaucoup de choses en chemin, sait se faire discret lorsque c'est nécessaire et en même temps nous a emmené manger avec lui dans ses cantines qui sont typiques et très bonnes.
Bon voyage à tous !
PS: Bago est belle étape et le rocher d'Or, selon nous, ne vaut et se mérite que par la grimpette accompagnés des pèlerins (compter 5h de marche et beaucoup d'eau par temps chaud).
PS2: nous avons vu des touristes faire l'aller/retour dans la journée depuis Yangon pour le Rocher d'or... 2x3h de voiture + 2x40 minutes de camion bondé pour aller prendre quelques photos...
Il faut passer la nuit là-bas, prendre un peu le temps... sinon, y retourner lors d'un autre voyage.
Bonjour, je ne sais pas s'il est encore temps de répondre. Je reviens de Birmanie. Notre guide francophone était super. Il organise aussi des circuits. Voici ses coordonnées : koye.freg@gmail.com, panchan street, sanchaung township, yangon - 095 09 521 2857
Bonjour,
Nous étions partis en voyage organisé, mais Koyé (le guide) nous avait décrit un voyage qu'il organisait pour une deuxième visite : descente de l'Irawadi en bateau pendant 8 jours avec visite de villages et lieu naturels remarquables + visite de Bagan. Le prix semblait raisonnable.
Le voyage d'août a été réservé en novembre 2011. Depuis, les prix des hôtels se sont envolés et on nous a dit que certains touristes se sont fait avoir en arrivant sur place (demande de payer un surcout). Mais je pense que c le moment de visiter le pays. Le gouvernement met en place un système qui aura pour conséquence :
- la fermeture de certains sites au public
- certains sites seront payant. Ex donné par le guide : on ne pourra plus monter sur une pagode pour voir le coucher de soleil à Bangan, il faudra utiliser une tour (en cours de construction) et payer 10 dollars.
Pour info, Koyé nous a dit que l'entrée des sites payants (pagode, temple) est de 3 ou 5 dollars par personne en août 2012. Pour certains monastères, pas d'entrée payante, mais une donation. Pour le gardien des chaussures, sur certains sites = 1000 KYAT.
Bien à vous
Nous partons fin décembre et le coucher de soleil en pirogue à Bangan est prévu.
Je vous rejoins aussi sur le fait que la Birmanie s'ouvrant au tourisme risque de changer très rapidement, je pense aussi que c'est le moment où il faut y aller.
Nos hôtels et gites sont réservés par la guide locale que nous avons choisi.
Bonjour,
c difficile de répondre car, pour une fois, nous sommes partis en groupe. 28 personnes. Cout du voyage tout compris = 2 200 €/personne. 12 jours, 10 jours sur place. Nous savons qu'entre la réservation (novembre 2011 et l'été 2012), le prix du voyage avait augmenté de 200 € / personne, du aux hôtels essentiellement)
Notre guide travaille en free lance (j'espère qu'il vous a répondu), et nous a t il dit avec Asia, 37sud et clubmed (mais il nous a dit que clubmed était cher).
Voilà pour les infos...
Cordialement
Sacodo
Nous revenons de Birmanie où nous avons passé un long mois !
C'était vraiment un super voyage et je tiens à faire la promotion de wah Wah qui tient une petite agence familiale avec beaucoup de sérieux et de professionalisme.
Voici son mail
wahwah78@gmail.com
Son site est en construction, elle répond quasiment dans la journée à vos mails, parle très correctement le français.
C'est une véritable passionnée de son pays
Son agence se nomme savoymyanmar en référence à son séjour en France.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
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.