The bug where we don’t get email notifications for new discussions, replies in threads, or messages in a conversation has popped up again. I thought there’d been no reaction to my last post with the pigs and the rice paddies. I was a little disappointed...
This eerily resembles the petals of a flower once widely cultivated in the region before being "exported" after "processing." Today, its cultivation has often been replaced by corn, tea, or tobacco due to the influence of the Thai state at the "insistence" of the U.S. DEA.
Detail of a Papaver somniferum field in the Golden Triangle region:
Hi there,
Thanks for chipping in!
Feel free to post more photos—I’ve got a hunch you’ve got plenty more.
Endless coffee plantations. But where is this? Go on, take a guess...
The scenery suggests it’s up north, arabica country, but that doesn’t narrow it down much since you’ll find plantations in quite a few provinces: Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan...
Well, no—it’s not in the north that this is happening, but in the south. I’d hidden the palm trees and coconut trees on purpose...😉
This is in Chumphon Province, which produces 60% of Thailand’s coffee. It’s Robusta, which is less prized than Arabica, the latter being produced in the north of the country.
Here, we’re in the Thasae District, in the northwest of Chumphon Province, a district bordering Myanmar.
In addition to coffee, you’ll also find durian in large quantities, oil palms, and coconut trees.
Everything at this producer’s place is done artisanally.
As for getting to the farm, it’s not that simple... The "roads" are actually dirt tracks for nearly 30 km, and they’ll be impassable during the rainy season. It’s worth the effort, though.
In our southern countryside, you’ll find endless coconut groves. Coconut trees aren’t just for casting shade on dreamy beaches—the coconut is a key ingredient in Thai culture and cuisine. Many people depend on it for their livelihood, and it grows year-round.
Here, monkeys are the ones who harvest them... It’s a controversial method, sure, but every family with a large coconut grove keeps a few monkeys at home to pick the fruit.
Right at the very start of tourism on Koh Samui (1970s), copra harvesting was the island’s main activity alongside fishing. In all the coconut plantations, you could see lots of monkeys picking coconuts.
Hello,
This is a common practice, at least in my province, despite all the international organizations that have protested against these methods, which are considered too harsh on the animals—especially during their training, which lasts about six months in specialized schools to teach them the technique. Some are calling for a boycott of coconut milk products from Thailand.
Apparently, there are machines that could replace this method, but I’ve never seen one.
I’m not sure what to think about it. Either way, there’s a real bond between these macaques and their "masters," though the monkeys would certainly be better off in their natural habitat... Food for thought.
Thanks Philippe for this other series that’s practically a documentary. Indeed:
- In the second photo, you can observe the endemic cow variety of the region called "heavy helmet" because a natural reinforcement of their cranial bones lets them graze and rest under coconut trees without risk of being knocked out by a falling nut landing on their occiput.
- Near the end of the report, you can also spot that monkey species whose professional conscience drives them to mimicry—even shaping their heads to resemble a coconut.
- Finally, the third image isn’t just a simple pile of coconuts. It’s actually a grave where the remains of careless tourists are buried after momentarily leaving their beach to engage in activities in the coconut grove that their modesty prompted them to hide. If you look closely at the image, you’ll notice on one of the coconuts an epitaph quoting a southern proverb that the farmer and authorities had engraved: ถ้าไม่อยากโดนลูกนัททับ ก็อย่าทำตัวเหมือนลูกนัท. Let’s pay our respects.
Of course... What was I thinking? I take photos mindlessly, without really looking for what they hide...
From now on, I’ll look at my subject with a different eye. 😅😅😅
Indeed, on this small island, there are a few coconut plantations, so it's normal to find these monkeys there—just like pretty much everywhere else in the southern provinces of the country.
I’ve been to Koh Sukorn several times—it’s a mostly agricultural island, known for its watermelons, I think. There are rubber plantations, but I didn’t see any sap; there must be a season for that too. I have a photo that looks like yours
I thought rubber plantations were made up of big trees... but no, they’re thin, and the vegetation isn’t dense.
The latex sheets dry by the side of the road
I really like the photo of the wholesaler doing his accounts under his stack of sheets, with his scale by the shop.
@Gaura: Lovely photos.
Actually, it’s not sap flowing—it’s latex produced by the bark to protect the tree from "attacks"... Tapping is one such attack, so the bark releases latex.
While latex was a financial boon at the start of the century, that’s no longer the case 20 years later... When we planted our rubber trees around 2005, the cost of raw rubber was about 120 baht per kilo. Today, it fluctuates between 25 and 30 baht per kilo, due to overproduction and especially because of synthetic rubber produced in China from petroleum. It’s not uncommon to see rubber tree plantations being replaced by oil palms or durian.
Production is quite demanding. It mustn’t rain within 12 hours after the flow, or the latex becomes too liquid and won’t solidify. So during the rainy season—about 3 months of the year—there’s little to no production. During the very hot season, hardly any latex flows, so the trees are left to "rest."
In our villages, some people specialize in tapping, and they work for plantation owners. The income is split between the "tapper" (40%) and the owner (60%).
Most small producers leave it in balls, which are then sent to local factories to be processed and turned into large flat sheets. From there, it’s shipped to factories to make finished products.
Thanks for the clarification. Shame on me for the term "sap"—I’m the daughter of a biology teacher who taught me that sap flows in the sapwood, the outer part of the wood... Nothing to do with bark!
I didn’t notice those latex balls in Koh Sukorn, or maybe I just didn’t recognize them, but I had no doubt about the origin of the rubber-smelling pancakes by the side of the road.
Hello,
I’m not sure if this fits the topic, but I’m sharing a few photos of this majestic tree—the ratchaphruek (Cassia Fistula)—which is currently at the peak of its flowering season. Its flower is the national flower of Thailand and is used as an offering in temples. Yellow is the color of Monday, the day of the late King Rama IX’s birth.
It’s a real treat to stroll through the countryside right now, even with the scorching heat we’re experiencing. The tree blooms during the hot season, and you can enjoy its flowers until May, depending on the region.
I think that over the year, we can count about 6 full months of daily tapping.
Daily... I had no idea it was at such a pace. Since I’d never seen a farmer working on it, I assumed one or two tappings were done each year and that the sap flowed for several months. Thanks for the clarification.
I don’t know if this is on topic, but I’m posting a few photos of this majestic tree, the ratchaphruek.
You’re totally on topic as long as it’s happening in the countryside—thanks for this new contribution.
Were you dressed in yellow yesterday, Monday, then?
I recognize those acacia trees—I have them embroidered on a Vietnamese tablecloth! I bet they smell as good as ours, the ones we use to make acacia flower fritters.
Actually, we do one tapping per day (at night, because it needs relative coolness...). The latex drips for a few hours, filling between 10 and 20% of the pot. And the liquid will solidify during the day.
From what I’ve observed time and again about the coconut-picking monkeys, I don’t see any mistreatment... The monkey twists the coconut until the stem gives way. Often, it takes a break between two operations, its owner talks to it, it resumes work, stops again... observes...
It’s certainly less strenuous than the work of a plow horse.
Hello,
It's not so much the work that's tough—like you said, they're very close to their owner, who rewards them. It's the fact that they're constantly tied up and don't live in their natural environment. They're wild animals.
So many people keep monkeys as "pets" at home.
Even in France.
No comments or objections about birds in cages, though. Yet... they’d be more "domestic" than monkeys, wouldn’t they?
It's practically worse. It's an animal that needs to fly and therefore requires very large spaces. It's almost like putting us in a cage where we can't move.
This sight has become unbearable to me. Humans don’t realize all the unforgivable crimes they commit.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Here we go again for another little tour of my countryside, right here in the Sawi district, just a few kilometers from home. It's a real treat to wander the roads or paths of this part of the province. You don't see many people around, and the landscapes are stunning. You can spot banana plantations, rubber trees, palm trees, and especially durian fields, which have become part of the scenery over the past few decades and now stretch over hundreds of square kilometers.
Clearly the landscapes in Thailand that we all love!
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
You’re just as talented at showcasing your region in photos as you are at talking about food—I don’t regret you showing up here at all, thanks!
Maybe it’s your modesty that keeps you from bragging about your sites, so I’ll do it for you: go take a (long) look at Philippe’s two sites. If you love great photos, you won’t regret it, and you’ll also find info on the Chumphon area, which seems to deserve way more than just a quick stop between the train station and the port on your way to Koh Tao, Phangan, or Samui.
https://lovechumphon.com/https://passion-thailande.com/
I’m keeping the momentum going with these images of a fruit that definitely doesn’t go unnoticed—I’m talking about durian. In my province of Chumphon, it’s hard to walk 100 meters without coming across a durian field...
It’s made a few big landowners wealthy, as they had the idea to produce it on a large scale a few decades ago. Most of the fruit is exported, since the local purchase price is too steep for most Thais. Those who love it have their own small plantations for personal use.
Lots of desserts and treats are made from this fruit and produced locally, though their cost remains high.
If you want to see how it’s "harvested," I’ve shared a link to my site with a video—it’s pretty surprising... Durian in Thailand: A Must-Try Fruit | Chumphon, Thailand
The first time I encountered durian was in Sumatra. Sitting on a bus, I couldn’t wait to get out because the smell inside was so hard to bear—like a septic tank!
But I was surprised when we stopped because the smell was still there outside! I finally discovered the source in front of a stall selling this fruit, which is everywhere in the region and has such an unpleasant smell to me. In Sulawesi, I saw someone across from me eating it. I would’ve loved to try it, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it...
Of course, the smell might seem off-putting to some. It’s a bit like making a Thai person sniff maroilles cheese...
But not all of them smell that strong—it really depends on the variety and how ripe they are.
I’ll admit I can eat it, but you get full pretty quickly.
I’m continuing my streak with these images of a fruit that doesn’t leave anyone indifferent—I’m talking about durian.
I’m a bit embarrassed because my weekly stash of "thanks" is all used up, and you’re partly to blame... Kop khun maa krap.
Once, when I wanted to please Madame Siha, I mustered up the courage to try durian: I found it disgusting.
Another time, during a two-week promotion with unusual flavors like the ones Swensen’s offers from time to time, I tried it in ice cream, thinking confidently that since ice cream is usually bland, I wouldn’t risk much... I was wrong.
Well, I think you might be out of luck when it comes to durian... What we find pretty great here is durian instead of mango with sticky rice—the famous Mango Sticky Rice now turned into Durian Sticky Rice... it’s absolutely amazing! 😏
I’m totally obsessed with mango sticky rice—I even had a photo of the woman who sold it to me every evening near Silom in BKK printed on aluminum. She’s in my kitchen now with three other Thai vendors and cooks.
A dessert that’s really popular, indeed.
Right now, it's peak mango season. It’s kind of sad to say, but we’re completely stuffed with them... You can find them in markets for prices ranging from 20 to 60 baht, depending on the variety. You even see them lying on the ground by the roads, just rotting away...
In March and April, it’s the season for this fruit—I’m posting a few photos of it. Do you recognize it, or have you ever tried it?
Cashews, fruits from the cashew tree I think. Bought some as a souvenir on the train between Trang and Prachuap Kiri Khan one year, then bought a larger quantity near Patthalung the following year. Really good cashews in southern Vietnam too. 😉
Yes, that seems to be it. Not knowing, I had looked it up but in vain. From what I read, it's a nut whose harvest requires precautions because it's enclosed in a shell containing a harmful acid that you definitely shouldn’t touch—this acid is also used to make insecticide.
Yes, it’s definitely cashew nuts we’re talking about.
And as @SongSam mentioned, they’re tricky to extract from their shell, which explains the slightly higher cost—same here, actually. The "apple" part is also edible but only keeps for a day or two.
Le 09 février est un jour charnière au cours de mon voyage en Thaïlande. En effet jusqu’à cette date mon intérêt s’est porté sur les villes, les temples et…
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Bonjour/Bonsoir à toutes/tous; Pour un séjour de 4 mois en Égypte, j’ai eu ÉNORMÉMENT de problèmes. Les règlements sont très bureaucratiques et extrêmement tatillons là-bas. Pour un séjour de 4 mois aux Philippines, je me demandais si les démarches étaient aussi compliquées? J’apporte mon cellulaire avec e-sim. Je choisis un forfait au Canada pour utilisation aux Philippines ou je prends un forfait seulement rendu sur place? Après 30 jours, je renouvelle avec le site choisis au Canada avant le départ ou je continue avec une cie locale? Dois-je enregistrer mon téléphone avec les autorités aux Phillipines? - c’était le cas en Égypte -.Pour le 3ième et 4ième mois, ça sera aussi simple - renouveler par cie canadienne ou locale - ou jr dois m’attendre à des problèmes? Merci pour vos opinion/réponses! Marc Lamarre
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.
Bonjour,
Je serai en malaisie avec mon épouse, principalement Langkawi et Penang pour noel et jour de l'an fin 2026.
Si vous en avez eu l'expérience et comme j'ai lu mais ce n'est pas très précisé qu'il y avait beaucoup de monde à cette période sur ces 2 îles.
Me conseillez vous de réserver bien à l'avance des logements ou trouve t'on facilement.
Hoteis ou Airbnb ?
Avez vous des bons plans logement ? et toutes infos pratiques.
J'y resterais 5 ou 7 jours sur chaque ile.
Merci d'avance pour vos réponses
Bonjour. Pour profiter du lac Toba, est-il préférable de trouver un hébergement sur les rives du lac (laquelle ?)ou sur l'île de Samosir ? Merci de vos conseils.
Bonjour,
Je me rends au Vietnam en famille le 8 juillet, pour un peu plus de 3 semaines (nord et centre). Nous avons juste réservé les 3 premières nuits à Hanoi, puis rien d’autre. On aime bien voir sur place et se laisser porter, sans courir partout. Mais j’ai cependant un doute : est-ce que pour descendre vers le centre (Hué), il vaut mieux réserver à l’avance les trains de nuit ? On ne veut pas prendre l’avion sur place, juste utiliser le train de nuit pour les longs trajets. Mais je crains de ne pas avoir de place en achetant les billets sur place, 2 jours avant par exemple. Qu’en pensent les connaisseurs.euses ? Et sur quel site peut-on prendre les billets ? Par avance merci pour vos retours !
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
Bonjour,
Je ne voulais pas retourner en Thaïlande cette année, mais mes conditions de santé font que ce sera pour moi le meilleur endroit où me poser entre deux séjours en Inde. L'organisation du tourisme y est tellement parfaite que c'est pour moi le pays le plus "confortable" à visiter pour un court séjour. La Thaïlande est trop aseptisée à mon gré, et puis trop de religion, de Bouddha, de Roi, mais c'est le meilleur endroit où aller compte tenu de l'évolution de ma santé. J'avais envisagé deux semaines à ThaTon pour randonner, mais j'ai été trop malade à cause des brûlis lors de mes escapades dans les montagnes autour de Chiang Rai. Alors je ne sais pas où aller cette année. Certainement pas la mer ni les coins à touristes, ni les montagnes avec brûlis......
J’’aimerai avoir un avis sur notre itinéraire, certainement très basic). C’est notre deuxième voyage en Asie, et une première en Indonésie. Nous avons 3 enfants de 20, 18 et 12 ans. Atterrissage à Jakarta à 16h, 3 nuits 2jours, départ train pour Yogyokarta 3 nuits 2 jours, départ train pour Surabaya 2 nuits 1 jour, départ train pour bromo 1 jour 1 nuit, départ chauffeur pour Ijen 2 nuits 2 jours, départ pour Bali Ubud 4 nuits 3 jours puis départ pour Gili Air 3 nuits 2 jours, départ pour Senggigi Lombok 2 nuits, puis 5 nuits à Kuta. J’hésite à enlever les 2 nuits à Senggigi pour ne garder que Kuta et donc 7 nuits. À Lombok, je ne sais pas trop comment se déplacer car pas à l’aise avec les scooters...votre avis sur tout, vos conseils sont les bienvenus donc n’hésitez pas.
Pour ceux qui se demandent pourquoi des villes comme Jakarta et Surabaya : on a pas l’occasion d’aller dans des grandes villes d’Asie donc pour nous c’est une découverte que nous souhaitons intégrer dans notre séjour. Les trains entre Jakarta et Yogyokarta, Surabaya et Probolinggo sont réservés. Le vol retour de Lombok à Jakarta aussi. Lés hébergements sont réservés mais modifiables (idem pour le train)
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!
Auriez-vous connaissance d'une compagnie de transferts privé ou taxi qui organise des transferts depuis la latitude de Sukhothai jusqu'à Chiang Mai ?
Nos trajets sont Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong et Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
Mes recherches sur google map, 12Go et autres ne donnent pas grand chose...
Pour nos trajets Bangkok-Sukhothai j'utilise une compagnie que j'ai déjà testée mais elle ne dispose pas de flotte à partir de Sukhotai et doit passer par des compagnies tierces qui prennent, et c'est normal, leur commission. Ce qui quasi double les prix...
Nous sommes 4 et ne voyageons pas léger donc le mini-bus n'est pas une 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 :-)
le voyage approche et j ai qq difficultés pour 3 trajets en bus ou minivan
d habitude, à cette époque , j ai tout trouvé mais là aie aie aie
Sandakan → Sepilok :
aucune appli, tu montes directement dans le bus n°14 au terminal local (paiement cash à bord)
ou le prendre et ou est l arret ??
Sandakan → Semporna :
A priori cela serait la compagnie Sida Express ( super nom :) )
impossible de réserver en ligne, pourtant à priori, il le faut car qu un bus le matin à 8h
Ou le prend t on et ou nous pose t il ?
Semporna → Tawau
trouvé via IA: vrai ?
Pas de réservation possible en ligne à priori
les minivans partent d'un arrêt dans le secteur de Jalan Hospital, près du supermarché Milimewa à priori ????
À l'arrivée, ça te dépose à **Sabindo Square**, à 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.
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?
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
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).
Hi!
We (a couple) are heading to Indonesia from July 9th to August 15th (I already know some spots).
> We’re hesitating about the direction of the route: Java/Bali/Nusa/Flores/Sula or Java/Sula/Flores/Bali—does it depend on the rain and flights? (That’s my first question, by the way :))
We land in Jkt on the 9th (follow-up question: where to stay? We saw the Wonderloft for 20 €—does that seem reasonable? I used to pay way less a long time ago).
We’d like to leave for Borobudur on the 10th in the mid-afternoon (question 2: train or VIP bus—we’ll have just landed—nighttime or not?).
Next question: any chill but nice places to stay in Borobudur, Yogyakarta, and Solo? We’re thinking one full day in Borobudur, then Yogyakarta (1 day), then Solo (1 day). Does that work time-wise without rushing?
After that, we’re heading toward the volcanoes (I always mix them up… any tips?) and crossing over to Bali (2 days?).
If I’m calculating right, we’ll be in Java from the 9th to the 18th—does that sound okay to you? Or too much? I’m struggling to estimate how long temples and volcanoes take to visit.
Bali: I used to stay around Seminyak or Canggu. What’s the best place to stay now without breaking the bank? Somewhere not overrun by Australian surfers or hipster restaurants?
Another question: where and how to rent a scooter in Bali? (So we can easily get to the temples and Ubud?) Is there still a way to see Kecak without it feeling super touristy, or is it just for tourists now?
We’re detouring to Nusa Penida: same deal—I want to see rays but don’t necessarily want to dive. I’ve heard the sea can be rough. Where to stay for 2–3 chill days? What to do there? It’s all new to me (haven’t researched it yet).
Then to get to Flores: do we *have* to go back through Bali and take a flight? I haven’t looked into Flores or Sulawesi much yet, so I’m not even sure what questions to ask ;) Feel free to point me in the right direction—thanks!
Hey everyone!
I’m landing in Puerto Princesa with my best buddy in 10 days.
I’d like to explore the island a bit, probably by scooter.
We’re planning to head to El Nido for a tour, but not right away, I think.
Any great spots you’d recommend in Palawan?
Must-sees?
Any tips for the southern part of the island?
Thanks in advance for your awesome suggestions, and safe travels to all!!
The latex sheets dry by the side of the road
