Nous partons au Vietnam le mois prochain et prévoyons de visiter Hué sur 2 jours pleins et 3 nuits. je prévois une journée pour la visite de la cité impériale.Pour la seconde journée je pensais faire la rivière des parfums avec visite des pagodes mais j'ai lu sur le forum que beaucoup conseillent de louer un scooter pour faire les tombeaux. est-ce facile? Nous avons déjà loué un scoot en Thaïlande mais sur une petite île avec peu de trafic. Faut-il la journée entière? Pouvez-vous me donner un itinéraire intéressant pour ces visites? qu'en pensez-vous?
Pour l'hotel nous avons choisi le Orchid Hotel, quelqu'un a t-il des retours sur cet hôtel?
Merci d'avance
Cordialement,
Corinne
Bonjour Corinne.
Un scooter est effectivement idéal pour la visite des tombeaux.
Nous n'avons pas rencontré beaucoup de circulation sur les routes que nous avons emprunté, à part sur un petit tronçon où nous avons emprunté une grande route.
C'est un très bon souvenir pour nous :
http://surlarouteasiatique.blogspot.fr/2014/04/les-environs-de-hue.html
A part Ming Mang, superbe, les autres tombeaux sont a l'interieur des terres, donc pas accessibles en bateau ; effectivement, le mieux est de louer un scoot, avec comme itineraire centre de Hue-arene aux tigres-temple des elephants de Voi Re-mausolee de Ming Mang-Mausolee de Khai Dinh- belvedere de Van can (pour la vue sur la riviere)-mausolee de Tu Duc ; ca fait une superbe journee
Merci à vous et à Larsay pour ces informations. Les photos sont superbes sur votre blog et j'ai vraiment hâte d'y être. J'étais effectivement tombé sur un itinéraire de Larsay qui me paraît très bien
Bon dimanche
Bonjour, Orchid hotel est un très bon hôtel dans sa catégorie.
Une bonne demi-journée pour la citadelle est suffisante.
Une journée pour les tombeaux et la pagode de la dame céleste il faut effectivement la journée.
La demi-journée qi vous reste peut être consacrée à la visite de la Lagune de Tam Giang, plus grande lagune d'eau saumâtre du Sud Est asiatique, où les locaux vivent sur des sampans ou dans des maisons de 6m2 sur pilotis.
Il existe une autre assez intéressante alternative à la location d'un scooter au départ de Hué ! 😉
Nous avions en effet choisi une option qui nous avait donné la possibilité d'à la fois combiner le charme d'une bien agréable et paisible navigation sur la rivière des parfums, avec le côté assez pratique de la circulation routière en deux-roues : l'un des copains du capitaine du bateau avec lequel nous avions négocié la mini-croisière fluviale, nous avait proposé la location de motos dont les chauffeurs nous attendaient en un point bien précis de l'une des berges de cette bien sympathique rivière des parfums. Ce qui nous avait ainsi permis de très facilement rejoindre l'admirable tombeau de l'empereur Tu Duc par la route ! 🙂
Notre itinéraire avait alors été le suivant : Hué - pagode Thiên Mu - autre petite pagode (dont j'ai oublié le nom) - tombeau de l'empereur Minh Mang. Et retour par le bateau, en intercalant un aller-retour vers le tombeau de l'empereur Tu Duc en moto.
Bonsoir Pablo
Merci de votre réponse mais je pense que l'on va opter pour la balade en moto pour avoir un peu le plaisir de se balader à travers la campagne Viet et le trajet a l'air très sympa😉😉
Bonne soirée
Bien cordialement
Corinne
Le probleme est que ce que vous decrivez n'inclue pas le tres remarquable mausolee de Khai Dinh, un des 3 qu'il faut absolument voir avec Ming Mang et Tu Duc.
Pour ceux qui ont tout leur temps, ne pas rater egalement le tombeau de Gia Lam (50 ha de paysages et batimenets - dont un tas de ruines gfrance a l'offensive du Tet et autres) - et le superbe pont couvert, le mieux conserve du pays.
Le probleme est que ce que vous decrivez n'inclue pas le tres remarquable mausolee de Khai Dinh, un des 3 qu'il faut absolument voir avec Ming Mang et Tu Duc.
Ce que tu nommes comme étant un "problème"... ne l'a à vrai dire, absolument pas du tout été pour nous ! Et je vais assez longuement t'expliquer pourquoi :
- 1) Nous ne disposions (tout comme d'ailleurs l'initiatrice de ce post) que d'une seule et entière mais cependant unique journée de visite, pour effectuer ce périple le long de la rivière des parfums.
- 2) Nous aimons énormément prendre notre temps lors de nos différentes visites, surtout en ce qui concerne de tels admirables lieux chargés d'histoire. Raison pour laquelle nous préférons bien souvent visiter beaucoup moins de choses, mais le faire de manière beaucoup plus approfondie.
- 3) Je te prie de croire qu'en visitant les choses à ce rythme (chacun ses choix)... cette journée passée le long de la rivière des parfums et telle que je l'ai décrite au message N°7 de cette discussion, a pour nous été sacrément bien remplie. Car tout en étant partis assez tôt de notre hôtel situé pourtant bien proche de l'embarcadère fluvial, nous y sommes quand même revenus assez tard (en fin d'après-midi) !
- 4) Nous avons également préféré combiner plusieurs moyens de transport (bateau + moto) pour effectuer ce bien agréable périple, plutôt que de passer notre journée entière sur un scooter. Mais là aussi chacun ses choix, et nous n'avons pas un seul instant regretté le nôtre.
Pour ceux qui ont tout leur temps, ne pas rater egalement le tombeau de Gia Lam (50 ha de paysages et batimenets - dont un tas de ruines gfrance a l'offensive du Tet et autres) - et le superbe pont couvert, le mieux conserve du pays.
Tu as tapé dans le mille et tout à fait trouvé le "maître-mot" : cette sacrée notion de temps !
Eh oui... celles et ceux qui comme l'initiatrice de ce post et nous-mêmes, ne disposent pas d'un temps infini lors de leurs vacances, sont malheureusement bien obligés d'avoir à faire des choix quelquefois même assez draconiens ! 🤪
Afin de palier à ce véritable problème (j'ai cette fois-ci utilisé ce terme à dessein) nous avons depuis déjà quelques années décidé et bien évidemment lorsque nous trouvons un réel intérêt à le faire, de revenir une seconde et même parfois plusieurs fois, en un même pays (région ou endroit) afin de beaucoup mieux y approfondir nos connaissances !
Nous avons pratiqué ainsi pour un certain nombre de pays en Amérique du Sud, et c'est bien ce que nous avons l'intention de faire concernant le Vietnam, où notre second séjour ne sera certainement pas le dernier ! Un autre éventuel séjour effectué à Hué, pourrait bien peut-être alors... nous permettre de résoudre une bonne fois pour toutes, le fameux "problème" de la non visite du mausolée de Khai Dinh, ainsi que celui du tombeau de Gia Long ! 😉
Merci Larsay,
En fait nous irons bien à Kai Dihn, Tu Duc et Minh Mang, je vais suivre exactement le programme que vous avez décrit sur le forum, il a l'air extra :
Le 2e jour, voilà une superbe balade à faire en moto : longez la rive droite de la rivière et arrêtez-vous au passage à 2 charmants endroits sans touristes (gratuits) : l’Arène aux tigres (Ho Quyen), où les empereurs organisaient des combats entre un tigre aux griffes limées et attaché à une longue corde, et un éléphant, qui gagnait à chaque fois, sauf 2 –le tigre a cassé la corde- donc, 100 m plus loin, le très charmant petit temple Voi Ré est dédié aux 2 éléphants vaincus. Continuez plein sud sur Huyen Tran Cong Cha, à travers la campagne, et vous arrivez en-dessous du grand pont neuf qui traverse la rivière. Vous suivez la rivière, traversez un village et arrivez au magnifique mausolée de Ming Mang.
Pour revenir, vous traversez le pont et allez tout droit jusqu'au mausolée de Khai Dinh; à l’extraordinaire décor intérieur très « kitsch ». Petite parenthèse pour les historiens : plusieurs documents récemment trouvés prouvent que le dernier empereur, Bao Dai, n’est pas, comme il est écrit partout dans les histoires officielles, le fils de Khai Dinh, impuissant, par sa concubine No. 3, Tu Cung, mais le fils de cette dernière et du duc Huong D, probablement en accord avec Khai Dinh pour « assurer la descendance ». Vous continuez ensuite vers le mausolée de Tu Duc. 300 m avant, un panneau bleu à droite indique Belvédère Van Canh.On arrive au sommet d’un monticule au milieu d’une pinède, « couronné » par 4 blockhaus, 3 français et un américain, du haut duquel on a une vue magnifique de la vallée de la Rivière des parfums et des montagnes avoisinantes. Que ce très bel endroit ne soit mentionné dans aucun guide est un mystère !!!! Visite ensuite du mausolée de Tu Duc. S'il vous reste du temps, arrêtez vous à la belle pagode de Tu Hieu
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 everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
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
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
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.
