tudobom revenons a nos moutons, bien sur a chaque voyage je passe au début mes 15 jours obligatoire dans le nord de luzon pour y gouté les spécialités locales et me balader dans les rizières, les cascades, les grottes, les rivieres, lacs etc.je ne m'en lasse jamais et je découvre tjrs du nouveau
Mon reve, faire la chico river de Luplupa a Bontoc en bateau pneumatique, je crois qu'il y a moyen maintenant, j'ai lu ca récemment a manille il y a 2 sem.
Cette fois je n'y suis pas allé a cause de la mousson qui était déja forte fin mai, mais il me tarde d'y retourner début janv.2011 pour un trip de 6 mois
plus root qu'il y a 1 mois!😇 Sinon mes objectifs sont dans le désordre:Davao, siargao, camiguin (J'en rève depuis 30 ans)Palawan pour les coraux et le site magique de el-nido, archipel de bacuit, par curiosité, Bantayan pour ses plages et le coucou Bar, quelques jours au Villa Belza pour me requinquer
quelques jours a Malatapay pour la douceur de vivre au Thalatta resort, puis remonter négros cote ouest jusqu'a(mdr, j'ai oublié le nom) qu'a l'air chouette, probablement le volcan Mayon et Donsol...Tu vois y a de quoi faire...😇😊
raph
Tout ce qui ne me tue pas, me rends plus fort
Ni dieux, ni maitres
ote ++++++++
- Parlent tous anglais
- Cote un peu latin avec de la fiesta et des troquets locaux
- transport hyper facile entre iles car cet un archipel super compact
Cote--
- la pire gastronomie de l'asie du sud est
- nature assez degradé en general
- trop occidentalisé
- quelques troubles vers le sud
mayoong buntag
vraiment simplisme vue donc fausse, tu n a pas du passer beaucoup de temps aux philippines et visiter peu d iles sur les 7107 iles des philippines!
Archipel conpact et transports faciles pas réellement!
parlent tous anglais :non en dehors de manille avant tout le tagalog;le cebuano ;l ilongo, ecy.;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;les jeunes graduated hight school oui! parlent anglais
latinos de l asie ;oui
Pire gastronomie de l asie ;non:goute le bicol express;les christi pata;le lechon kawali:
le kilinaw de poisson, ........
nature assez degradé en general Archi fauxvisite²cron palawan siargo negros sibuyan , carabao island.Caminguin......des forets; des sources; des volcans
occidentalisé:non pas réellement;;va vivre dans les barangay de village et ville et vient coucher sur la natte et te réveiller auv chants des coqs.....l occident sera loin!
Des troubles :beaucoup moins que en Thaïlande! uniquement sur une petite partie sud ouest de Mindanao
Sur le reste de l ile tu te sentiras en sécurité
Tu connais pas!
je n ai pas d avis par manque de connaissances approfondies du reste de l Asie du sud est
Sauf que les suwalesiens;les habitanst de komodos, des celebes et les papous ne se cnsiderent en rien indonésiens malgré les pressions des fonctionnaires de jakarta!!
Un autre continent!!!
Admire tant les américains........pas de ressentit de la sorte dans les visayas et chez les cebuanos!!!!....plus latinos
Ni sur Mindanao..............;;;;LOL
Nav
cela vous a certainement échappé, que je donnais un avis bien succin des différences majeures entre les philippines et l'indonesie pour ququn qui voudrait choisir.
donc, je maintiens que les philippines offrent moins ce choc quand on les visite la premiere fois quand on vient d'europe ou des etats unis et offrent largement moins d'opportunités culturelles et au niveau de la nature ou de l'aventure que l'indonesie
vous l'avez dit, l'indonésie c'est un continent pas simplement un pays😉
eh bien oui , vous ne connaissez pas suffisamment les philippines pour pouvoir donner un avis de la réalité et surtout un avis objectif. les philippines sont très diversifiées en terme de paysage et ethnologie.
MINDANAO sud est bien plus proche des celebes et des komodos. Pallau itou et papapouasie itou que Djakarta ne l est!
le peuple bajao est philippin non indonésien.
Il est un peu facile de sortir les philippines de l asie de l est et d affirmer que les philippins sont seulement des espagnols ou américains colonisés.
Donc je maintiens que les Papouasiens n ont rien faire des affaires de Djakarta et que que choc des connaissances et l exubérance de la nature concerne surtout cette partie éloigne de l Indonésie/Océanie?Et aux philippines en dehors des sentiers battus vous retrouverez ce choc!
il n existe pas plus a Djakarta qu a manille.
Je vous conseille de visiter pleinement les philippines et vous reverrez surement votre jugement hâtif
mayoong gabii
Nav
Vous faites de la politique intérieur indonésienne maintenant, pour affirmer que la papouasie ne fait pas partir de l'indonesie ???!!
Quand bien même historiquement vous ayez raison cela n'empeche pas que cette ile fait bien partie de l'indonesie et que pour s'y rendre, ce sont les autorites indonesiennes qui vous delivrent un visa et eventuellement un permis!
On peut on vous suivant, amputer la diversité chinoise de ses provinces du tibet et du turkestan oriental, l'inde de tous ses peuples himalayens et la france de sa corse et de ses dom tom!!!!
Il y a des pays dans le monde qui sont largement dans le peloton de tete et qui dépassent de loin toute tentation comparative.
Les philippines sont un merveilleux pays itou itou, mais ils ne tiennent pas une seconde devant les mastodontes de la diversité culturelle et naturelle que sont par exemple l'indonesie et ce meme devant un peu de mauvaise foie quand vous discutez de la legitimité d'appartenance des papous!
Encore un ptit comparatif
175 langues parlées aux philippines
726 langues en indonesie selon ethnologue
Quand quelqun demande de choisir entre indo et phil, la reponse logique est bien sur l'indonesie😉
Bon dimanche
PS:rien à voir entre mindanao et les komodos.....comparer une pallau itou et la province de papua barat, la blague.......je ne parlais pas seulement de la papouasie, mais aussi de sumatra qui est deja plus grande que toute les philippines......quand a résumer un pays à sa capitale, c'ets de la malhonnêteté ........quand à l'origine philippine supposée des bajo, elle n'ets prouvé que sur la plan linguistique et d'autres hypothèses sérieuses font tracer leur origine de l'archipel situé entre sumatra et singapour (riau)😉
on a compris!!!
Vive la Papouasie LIBRE...........................!
Demandez aux Papous ce qu'ils en pensent ce n est pas aussi évident pour eux et la manière dont on les chassent de leur habitat traditionnel pour les entasser et les faire crever dans des villes en les déracinant et les obligeant à se détacher de leur culture.
Ils doivent suivre la dictature d'un pays qui se propose de gérer leur vie à des milliers de kilomètres.
AU fait ILY A RIEN DE MIEUX QUE L INDONISIE occupante!
LES PHILIPPINES C NUL
Quand aux corses ;la Guadeloupe et la Martinique , si ils veulent quitter la France , je suis d accord ;on fera des économies !
Nav géopoliticien!LOL
je vous prie de croire en ma sincerité, je ne conteste pas le fait que les papous s'ils veulent l'indépendance et bien grand bien leur arrive.
Mais ce qui nous concerne ici ce ne sont pas les velléités indépendantistes des papous ou de mindanao ou de sulu qui attendent une réponse, mais bien la question d'un voyageur qui hesite entre indonesie et philippines......
La meilleure réponse doit lui être proposée, et c'ets en toute objectivité que l'indonesie s'impose
diversité culturelle, nature grandiose et dans une bien meilleure profusion que ne pourrait rever les philippnes d'avoir 😛
Sans rancune Nav, mais vous déviez le sens du post avec vos querelles geopolitiques, je m'abstienderais de vous répondre à ce sujet mais discuterais très volontiers avec vous sur ce que peut offrir l'indo ou les philippines en comparatif
Relisez le post d'origine: la question posée n'est pas de choisir entre les Philippines ou l'Indonésie mais l'un/l'autre ou les deux.
On a bien compris votre acharnement à dire que les Philippines est un pays nul et sans intérêt, ce à quoi les gens qui connaissent les deux pays vous répondent: Les Philippines aussi sont intéressantes, il faut voir les deux.
je suis desolé de vous apprendre que vous ne m'avez pas bien compris!
Devrais je encore préciser que les Philippines N'EST PAS un pays nul et sans intérêt contrairement à votre affirmation malheureuse
Ou alors faut il expliciter à votre saine compéhension que mon coeur balance pour l'indonésie.....ce qui ma fois répond tout aussi bien à la question de notre cher camarade
Mais pourquoi pas les deux::
bon sang et laisser les gens choisir en leur âme et conscience, surtout que les personnes concernées avaient prévu de passer 6 mois en asie du Sud est!
On parle souvent du Cambodge, de l Indonésie élargie!LOL, du Vietnam de la Thaïlande:
mais jamais des Philippines parce que tout simplement les voyageurs de V F et ne connaissent peu les PHILIPPINES et en colportent des jugements préconçus !
Inversons le problème😏;et pourquoi pas les Philippines??? AUSSI
Nav
Ps ;votre présentation des Philippines n'est pas un postulat et surtout ne correspond en rien à la réalité des choses quand on commence a connaitre un peu le pays et s'y interresser.
Pour moi c'est très flagrant ce desinteret des philippines par la masse des forumeurs (c'ets le cas aussi sur les forums anglais)...
je pense sincèrement et peut etre faussement (mais il y a quand meme un peu de réalité), que l'image que tout un chacun se fait de l'asie du sud est est en grande partie introuvable aux philippines (je vais caricaturer mais c'ets pour expliquer) comparativement aux pays voisins;
je hais parler arithmetiquement mais il faut bien avouer le rapport km/depaysement est trop defavorable aux philippines en general (je ne parle bien evidemment pas des particularités regionales presentes et qui me dementent mais elles ne representent pas la culture dominante du pays)
A contraorio, on atterit a bangkok, l'une des metropoles les plus occidentalisée de la région et on trouve un temple bouddhiste en plein milieu des gratte ciel et de la cuisine epicé et relevé comme dans les émissions telés.
Les philippines sont un pays magnifique mais pour le meme prix et meme effort vous avez un bien meilleur "rendement" dans un tout petit pays comme le cambodge, laos ou thailande
allez expliquer à la masse le souffle coupé devant le volcan mayon depuis l'aeroport de legazpi ou encore l'impression de bout du monde à CUYO ou les magnifique plages et fonds marin de palawan, coron vous vous heurterez à un rapport qualité prix bein supérieur a ce qu'on peut trouver en thailande ou indonesie et puis ils vous diront que pour moins de ca en indonesie j'ai les volcans, les fonds marins, les plages, l'impression du bout du monde en plus de temples hindouistes, de mosquées grandioses, de musique exotique de gastronomie, de foret equatoriale étendues, de grands mammifères asiatiques....etc etc
C'est triste mais c'est la réalité
Les philippines sont bien sur a considerer, maisils demandent beaucoup trop d'effort et d'argent a la plupart des voyageurs et d'ailleurs notre cher posteur s'en rendera compte très vite s'il veut prendre l'avion de manille a jakarta ou alors il devra prendre un low cost et passer par le continent ou kuching et se deplacer a clark
c'est pas la peine de vous mettre tous la tête a l'envers , les phils et l'indonesie font partie entiere de l'asie qui a des charmes et des paysages differents , donc laissons le choix , aux gens , si ils preferent l'indo il y a pas de soucis , nous les locaux sommes la pour vous donner notre avis sur un pays que l'on connait bien c'est tout , on a jamais pretendu que c'etait le mieux et de loin c'est juste celui ou on vit et on aime y vivre
mais ne comparons pas , c'est quoi cette maladie qu 'ont les gens de tout amalgamer comme ca dans cette epoque ,
vous êtes sur un forum consacre aux phils rares sont les gens qui vont dire ici que ce pays n'en vaut pas la peine , mais de dire quel est le mieux c'est pas évident et jamais je m'hasarderai a le pretendre .
ce qui est sur c'est que les deux valent la peine d'êtres parcouru de long en large et en travers
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
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 trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
