je passe la frontiere du cambodge vers le vietnam ds une semaine , au sud donc, et je remonte jusqu au nord du vietnam,
n ayant qu un mois, je recherche les choses a faire en priorites,
bien sur, je ne vous demande pas de me faire mon itineraire mais de m indiquer les incontournables, les endroits ou vous vous etes dit : c est pour cela que je ne suis pas pret d arreter de voyager !!!!🙂
bien sur, je ne vous demande pas de me faire mon itineraire mais de m indiquer les incontournables, les endroits ou vous vous etes dit : c est pour cela que je ne suis pas pret d arreter de voyager !!!!🙂
Bonjour,
1000 lectures et 1000 reponses differentes. Tout et rien est incontournable, ca depend de ton esprit, de tes gouts, de ton vecu de voyageur, de tes interets, etc.
Les grands classiques sont sur le forum, les sites de voyage, les blogs; a toi de surfer et faire un choix, personne ne pourra te guider judicieusement en matiere de feeling ou de plaisir, c'est tellement personnel.
En ce qui me concerne, un endroit qui me plait me donne plutot l'envie d'arreter de voyager et d'y rester.😉 Tu vois, tout est affaire de conception des choses.
En un mois, tu peux deja visiter pas mal de lieux, prevois plutot de rester une semaine dans un endroit et de sillonner, cela te permettra de te faire une idee un peu moins vague du pays et de ses habitants. Par contre, si tu veux voir un maximum de choses, prevois un itineraire avec une etape par jour, mais ne t'attends pas a "entrer" dans le pays.
Une chose, par contre, pour tout le monde et quels que soient les gouts et les couleurs : a partir du 8 fevrier jusqu'au 22, TOUT, ABSOLUMENT TOUT sera hors de prix.
Exemples :
Bus de nuit Saigon - Nha Trang, prix normal "vietnamien" 150.000 VND, prix "Tet" 350.000 VND.
Bateau Rach Gia - Phu Quoc, prix normal 220.000 VND ou 240.000 VND selon le bateau, le 1er fevrier, prix "avant Tet" 250.000/270.000 VND, prix attendu a partir du 8/02 (je n'ai pas confirmation) 500.000 VND.
Les prix des chambres dans les guests et meme hotels sera soit double, soit triple selon les endroits; pareil pour les restaurants et cafes.
Moralite, prevois de bouger le moins possible pendant cette quinzaine et profites-en pour "sentir" l'atmosphere OU prepare ton chequier.
peut etre il serait mieux de remonter par les hauts plateaux, parce que moins touristique donc moins cher que de remonter par la cote.
et c est aussi un parcours incontournable.😉(pour moi)😛
bises a+
peut etre il serait mieux de remonter par les hauts plateaux, parce que moins touristique donc moins cher que de remonter par la cote.
Salut Fred,
Tu preches a une convaincue 😉. J'hesite parfois a conseiller les Hauts Plateaux car ca demande au moins cinq jours depuis Saigon jusqu'a Nha Trang si on veut faire des haltes (SGN - DA LAT - LAK - BMT - NT) et plus encore si on veut aller jusqu'a Hoi An par Plei Ku et Kon Tum. A choisir, je prendrais cette option, mais les gens sont souvent presses par le temps, malheureusement.
Pas clair : votre "un mois", c'est pour le Cambodge + Vietnam ou Vietnam seulement ? Si c'est Vietnam seult, en 1 mois, vs pouvez faire les fameux "incontournables" (Cantho, Hoi An, Hue, Along, Sapa) PLUS un tas d'autres choses autour, disons 4/5j Sud pour le Delta, 3-4j Danang-Hoi AN + petit circuit interieur, 2j Hue, puis le train de nuit Hue-Ninh Binh pour une autre incontournable, Tam Coc, et le reste dans le Nord, qui est epoustouflant, notemment tout le long de la frontiere de Chine du Laos a Cao Bang (plus Babe).
VOILA !
http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2883812#2883812
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Je reviens Juste du Vietnam et franchement oubli Sapa (afin de pas participer a l utilisation DES enfants comme DES singes) et la baie d halong (une poubelle geante)
Je suis super enerve de ne pas l avoir su avant.
Vous avez du mal regarder, ou avec une bonnemetalite occidentale, inutilisable dans ce genre de pays.
Les enfants ne sont pas utilises a Sapa; ils travaillent car la vie est TRES dure la-haut et DANS TOUS CES PAYS, les coutumes tribales veulent que tous les memebres de la tribus participent au revenu commun. Vous confondez les enfants forces de travailer commee esclaves en Birmanie et autres, et ceux qui sont heureux de vivre en bricolant pour la famille, qu'ils RESPECTENT, ce qui n'est pas le cas dans notre pauvre monde occidental. Oubliez un peu vos concepts d'occidentaux; je peux vs assurer que ces enfants sont plus heureux de vivre que les notres, qui finissent a l'alcool et la drogue tellement ils sont deboussoles.
Quand a la poubelle d'Along, faut aller un peu plus loin que ou vont les troupeaux; c'est gigantesque, la baie d'Along, mais, comme partout, les gogos se retrouvent tous au meme endroit.
C'est tout ce que vous avez retenu du Vietnam ?
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Ok mais juste une petite question.
existe il un forum ou autre chose qui explique comment
on peut faire la baie d along seul sans acheter aucun trip.
Je suis pas loin en ce moment et je suis joueur, donc je
veux revenir la faire tranquille dans mon coin.
Faire la baie d'Along tout seul... c'est jouable si tu as du temps et de l'argent.
Tu te déplace toi même jusqu'à Ha Long en taxi (lequel sera encadré par des dizaines de minibus allant au même endroit). Tu repère un bateau qui n'aurait pas de groupe et qui serait quand même là à attendre au cas où, tu vas le payer beaucoup plus cher. Tu vas ensuite négocier les 8/10 places pour être tout seul. Et au retour pareil, tu appel un taxi pour rentrer sur Hanoi ;)
Les agences et les hotels sont là pour négocier à ta place un voyage pas forcément évident à préparer soi même. Ils prendront une commission bien entendu, mais je suis pret à parier que même avec leur commission tu payerais plus cher en y allant seul. Tu peux aussi leur demander de t'organiser un voyage juste pour toi, tout est possible.
Parmi les incontournables, si chacun y va de ses coups de coeur:
Arrivée par Saigon, Dalat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Ha Long, Ha Giang/Sapa. Mais je n'y ai passé que 4 mois et j'espère bien y retourner pour allonger la liste des incontournables !!!!
Un taxi pour faire Hhanoi-Halong City?Nous avons a faire a un riche touriste ! Il y a des bus publics tout le temps, et a pas cher.
Seul, c'est la galere et vs allez vous faire rouler: le bateau va aller le moins loin possible a l'interieur de la baie, et vs n'y pourrais RIEN, surtout si vs ne parlez pas le Viet. C'est jouable si vous allez beaucoup plus haut, a Cai Rong (bus public Hanoi-Cua Ong + bus Cua Ong-Cai Rong et bateau ds la baie de Bai Tu Long, mais c'est toute une expedition et il faut comper 4 jours plein. Ne vs cassez pas la tete, prenez un 2j/1nt en voyage organise. A partir de $45, vs avez des bateaux de 6-8 cabines, c'est pas la grande foule dessus !
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Mais j ai pas encore la possibilite d etre un riche client, donc le taxi pas possible.
Aussi je viens de faire la baie d halong (la semaine derniere)
Pack 3 jours et 2 nuits.
- Hanoi- baie d halong minibus
- Bateau- repas et visite de la grotte
- Kayak, baignade
- Bateau-repas et la nuit
- Bateau-direction Cat Bat
- Bus-visite de parc national(😉)
- Bus-Hotel, Monkey Island
- Nuit a l hotel(3 etoile, excuse)
- Bus-Bateau-Minibus direction Hanoi
Mais on m a faire comprendre que j avais fait la visite de Pinpin.
Donc je voulais juste avoir une autre solution pour pouvoir visiter cette
baie. Et peut etre la decouvrir a sa juste valeur.
Puisque vous cherchez du vécu, du nature, du personnel, apprêtez-vous à faire le parcours du combattant !
Prendre le bus numéro 3 à Hanoi, (niveau gare routière de Long Bienà direction Gia Lam (ne pas se tromper, il y en a qui vont à Gia Bat.. c'est le sens contraire),
Arrivé à la gare routière de Gia Lam (terminus) prendre un mini bus, tous les rabatteurs vous aboieront auxc oreilles en anglais, ne vous faites pas d'illusion, ce sont les seules paroles d'anglais qu'ils connaissent... grimper dans un de ces minibus pour la Baie d'Along.. en réalité Bay Chai.. arrivé là-bas, cherchez le chemin, au travers d'un ferry, pour l'embarquement pour La fameuse Baie - vous pourrez vous restaurer dans des gargotes au ras du sol - on y mange bien, mais c'est bas...c'est pas cher et c'est couleur locale..et je pense que là il n'y a pas de démonstration d'enfants.... puisqu'il n'y a pas ou presque de touristes🤪🤪
De la Baie vous ne verrez pas plus que vous n'en avez vu mais vous aurez la satisfaction de l'avoir vécue..Ne croyez vous vraiment pas qu'une excursion organisée est tout de même meilleure ? ainsi que vous l'a dit un autre forumiste, vous allez payer plus cher, vous serez confronté aux problèmes de la langue et de la difficulté de lire les panneaux, vous allez vivre un peu les affres des Vietnamiens qui survivent comme ils peuvent - c'est peut-être plus authentique, finalement c'est ce que vous recherchez ?
Alors bonne route, bon vent, bonne balade... mais pourquoi pensais-je d'un coup que vous ne serez pas satisfait non plus !!!😕😕😕
Sans rancune - Kimtwo -
Le vent et les turbulences sont l'oeuvre de Dieu, mais la voile et le gouvernail nous appartiennent..
Voyager c'est aller de soi à soi, en passant par les autres (proverbe touareg)
a part d eviter nha trang, c est tout aussi rapide par les hauts plateaux jusqu a hoi an, et les prix n ont pas flambes.
j ai reserve ma chambre a l hotel ou je descends souvent a kontum, pour le 13 et 14 fevrier, 150 000 d pour deux, nous y partons a moto a quatre, avec venissian que tu connais.
bonne prepa pour les fetes a+
bonjour
vous avez l air de circuler pas mal en moto, comment faites vous , avec des motos taxi ou bien en louant seulement les motos,
merci de votre reponse
cordialement
murielle
j ai ma propre moto, avec le permis biensur.
sinon on peut louer les services des easy riders, ou seulement des motos mais il faut dans la logique avoir le permis viet.
a+
Voila, nous souhaiterions partir du 25 Septembre au 23 octobre. nous voulons faire les incontournables et également du repos au bord de plage. Pouvez vous nous…
Je suis nouveau sur ce site. J'ai prévu de partir environ trois semaines au vitnam en janvier prochain, j'aurai souhaiter avoir des infos concernant le climat…
Petite présentation rapide: avec mon ami, nous souhaitons partir au Vietnam au mois de juillet (22 jours)! On a la vingtaine (bon, plus proche de la trentaine…
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 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 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?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
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
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,
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!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Bonjour,
En voyage en Thaïlande je suis à la recherche de jonc bouddhiste kumlai.
Quelqu’un saurait-il me guider pour en trouver?
À Bangkok j’ai visité quelques temple mais je n’en n’ai pas trouvé sur les magasins à proximité.
Si vous avez une idée je suis preneuse! Belle journée :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi everyone. As I’m planning my trip for next winter, I’m looking for hotel suggestions in Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor. The ones I had in mind seem to be fully booked (unless it’s too early?). For those familiar with the area, is it easy to find accommodations on the spot in January/February? I’m specifically looking for hotels with a pool, beachfront, air conditioning, and easy scooter rental nearby. Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing
July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao
August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide
August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena
August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands
August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts)
August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk
August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar
August 17: Rammang Rammang
August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
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!
Family of 4—2 adults and 2 kids (11 and 15) who are well-traveled.
We’re planning a 15-day trip to Indonesia and would love your thoughts on our itinerary.
We love discovering local culture, food (!!), seeing beautiful landscapes, and keeping an active pace. We’re not the type to lounge on the beach for 5 hours or spend ages by the pool when we’re halfway across the world. Also, we try to avoid places "ruined" by mass tourism (like Holbox in Mexico, which we loved 10 years ago but not at all on our last visit, or Phi Phi in Thailand, completely destroyed by mass tourism).
Special note: we love traveling by train :)
Here’s what we’ve planned so far:
**Day 1**
Arrival in Jakarta, then domestic flight to Yogyakarta. Settle in Yogyakarta.
**Day 2**
Borobudur in the morning, then exploring nearby villages.
**Day 3**
Prambanan in the morning, followed by culinary discovery / market / local vibe in Yogyakarta.
**Day 4**
Train to Jombang, then driver/bus to the Bromo area. Overnight stay.
**Day 5**
Sunrise at Bromo, exploring the volcano and sea of sand. Relax in the afternoon.
**Day 6**
Travel to eastern Java, then train, ferry, and road to reach Sidemen in Bali.
**Day 7**
Sidemen
**Day 8**
Sidemen
**Day 9**
Sidemen
**Day 10**
Transfer to Gili Air (car to the port + fast boat?)
**Day 11**
Gili Air
**Day 12**
Gili Air
**Day 13**
Transfer to Ubud
**Day 14**
Ubud
**Day 15**
Return to Bali airport, flight to Jakarta, then international flight.
Does this itinerary seem coherent for a family?
Does it feel too packed or well-balanced?
Would you make any changes to certain stops, durations, or transfers?
I couldn’t find any recent posts on this topic, so I thought I’d create a new one.
We’ve just started planning our family trip to Vietnam this coming August. We’d like to travel from North to South, starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh.
Usually, we rent a car when we arrive and manage on our own. But I get the feeling that in Vietnam, it’s more complicated... It seems like the only option we have is to rent a car with a driver? Is that really the case?
I’m thinking of starting with a cruise in Halong Bay since we arrive on my partner’s birthday, and I wanted a beautiful setting to celebrate it. So, is the option of having a driver wait for 2 days while we’re on the cruise really feasible?
The rest of the itinerary isn’t planned at all yet. I’d love to hear your tips. We’re traveling from August 8th (morning) to the 26th (afternoon).
