Hi everyone,
First post in years on the forum—I’m so happy it’s back up and running!
I’ve been wrestling with this question for weeks now: Flores or Sulawesi?
I’m leaving in July for 24 days, followed by 2 weeks around Makassar/Wakatobi for work. For the first part, I’m traveling with my family (my partner + 3 kids aged 6 to 14).
I’ve had a long-time dream of Komodo, but I’m worried it’s become super touristy... though the crossing to Maumere still sounds amazing. I’m also not thrilled about all the internal flights.
On the other hand, since I’ll be in Sulawesi anyway, I’m thinking a crossing from Gorontalo to Luwuk via the Togians (maybe even a few days in Banggai) + a detour to Toraja (which I visited 10 years ago) could be an incredible trip too.
For my family, this is their first trip to Indonesia, so I’d love it to feel *mythic* ;).
Any advice is welcome—I’m really struggling to decide! I know it’s a choice between two great options...
the crossing to Maumere really fires my imagination. I’m not too keen on all the internal flights, though…
On the other hand, since I’m going to Sulawesi anyway
Yeah, you’ll need to plan some flights for the Flores trip… Plus the Labuan Bajo or Kupang–Bali and Bali–Makassar flights.
Or an option to skip the Bali layover: Maumere–L.Bajo flight (3×/week) + ferry L.Bajo–Sape (Sumbawa, about 8-hour crossing), shared transport Sape–Bima (under 2 hrs), then direct Wings Air Bima–Makassar flight 3×/week (currently 122 € per person for July).
In your case, I wouldn’t bother going to Flores—just do Sulawesi from Gorontalo to Makassar in 24 days and call it a day…
Thanks! For now, I only have the flights to Bali booked, so everything’s still open :).
I’m wondering if Labuan Bajo is still nice or if it’s become a tourist factory? I think the rest of the trip would work well, but I’m a little worried—I read somewhere that after COVID, LB was pretty much rebuilt with mass tourism in mind...
Hello,
My experience dates back to 2011, with my three teens aged 15, 14, and 12. We took a flight from Bali to Maumere. From there, we climbed Mount Egon. Then, with the Kilian family, we made our way back at a leisurely pace, passing through Wae Rebo, Riung, and the spiderweb-shaped rice terraces (I’m recalling from memory). My teens and I absolutely loved it—it was very local, and there were few tourists. We returned from Labuan Bajo, Flores, to Labuan Bajo, Lombok, via a local "cruise," passing by Komodo and along the coast of Sumbawa: very basic and with a very rough patch. In short, a great memory, but it’s been a while.
We also visited Sulawesi in 2013. I had chosen the Mamasa Valley, Rantepao, Tentena, the Bada Valley, and we finished with Bira and Selayar Island. We enjoyed that too.
I’m wondering if Labuan Bajo is still nice or if it’s become a tourist factory? I think the rest of Flores is great, but I’m a bit worried—I read somewhere that after COVID, LB was pretty much rebuilt with mass tourism in mind...
True, LB isn’t (or maybe isn’t anymore?) a cute, authentic fishing port. The bay is gorgeous, but the town itself is a tourist factory, overrun by Chinese, Australian, and American visitors who only come to Flores for the Komodo cruise. It’s nothing like the rest of the island, which is much quieter and wilder, with fewer tourists—mostly French, actually.
Two totally different worlds.
Good evening,
"I’ve had a bit of a dream about Komodo for a long time, but I’m afraid it’s become very touristy..." Some time ago, Komodo was on my itinerary, but at the last minute, we changed plans and set off by boat for Rinca Island and its dragons. We were alone—sailing toward Komodo with a night on deck (the cabin offered seemed dirty and smelled of fuel).
We were surrounded by boats fishing with string lights, and in the morning, near the shores, trees black with giant bats. Then Komodo, livelier, before heading back.
A great memory—the night went smoothly, and the meals on board were decent.
For Sulawesi with kids, in my opinion, it’d be ideal. Even the Gorontalo region is worth visiting. The Togian Islands are enchanting, some islands are barely visited, and of course, the unreal customs of the Toraja people. An experience in the north:
https://tumbak-island-cottages.jimdofree.com/
a few days of "Robinson Crusoe" vibes, but mostly snorkeling everywhere—thousands of fish right under the 3 bungalows, plus excursions with the super passionate owner, meals brought by his father-in-law in his canoe, etc. We stayed 4 days/3 nights (including 2 alone).
Have a great trip!
Eric
Hi everyone, a little follow-up!
Thanks for your advice—it really made me think. It’s given me the urge to go to Sulawesi, and I’ve put together this itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Bali in the late afternoon
Day 2: Bali
Day 3: Bali
Day 4: Flight to Gorontalo
Day 5: Gorontalo
Day 6: Gorontalo, evening ferry
Days 7–11: Togian
Day 12: Travel to Ampana and Luwuk
Days 13–18: Banggai
Day 19: Flight to Makassar
Day 20: Visit Makassar, bus to Toraja
Days 21–23: Visit Toraja
Day 24: Toraja + return bus ride
Day 25: Makassar, then evening flight back to Europe.
I’m still not 100% sure about spending 2 days in Bali—I’m not really into big crowds, but I’m not sure if there’s enough to do in Gorontalo to stay for two and a half days. Also, I’m not sure how to plan for Bali since it’ll be high season... any tips?
Either it's too long or too short. In your case, I’d keep a full day at most—just enough to recover from the international flight—but not two.
Bali
Day 4: Flight to Gorontalo
Where are you finding a direct flight like that? Which airline?
Banggai
Day 19: Flight to Makassar,
Claiming you can do the Banggai-Makassar route in the same day (6-hour ferry with unreliable schedules + a flight whose last departure is at 3:05 PM) seems overly ambitious.
Also in Bali, I’m not sure how to plan since it’ll be peak season... any advice?
With only two days, the only reasonable option is a rushed, overpriced tour through an agency—nothing else is realistically doable. Pick a hotel near the airport and don’t stray too far.
PS
in Sulawesi
Do you say "in Bali," "in Flores," "in Java," "in Sumatra"?
Hi there,
I’d like to suggest an alternative to Bali: fly to KL, then with AirAsia you’ve got loads of options to reach other parts of Indonesia.
For getting around within Indonesia, download TRAVELOKA.
Personally, I spend the first night and the last night at Kuala Lumpur Airport, sometimes even 2 or 3 days in KL itself.
Have a great trip!
Haha, thanks! Yeah, it must be Swiss to say "au" Sulawesi, but we don’t say that for the others…
- I saw a Bali-Gorontalo flight, but with a layover in Makassar, indeed. Otherwise, there’s a direct flight to Manado, but it takes too long… I think it also makes a secret layover in Makassar.
- No worries about Banggai—I was planning to return by ferry to Luwuk on the last day and just take the flight. We’ll check out a waterfall or two while we wait :)
- For Bali, I’m almost tempted to move on and spend 3 days in Gorontalo. I just have a small concern that it might be too rough for the kids.
Thanks for the feedback—I’m finally starting to see the itinerary take shape!
I think you should consider the same route but in reverse: flight Bali-Luwuk via Makassar, Banggai, Luwuk-Togian, Togian-Gorontalo, flight Gorontalo-Makassar, round-trip Makassar-Toraja region, then flight Makassar-Bali.
That way, the layover in Makassar for Bali-Luwuk would be much shorter than for Bali-Gorontalo (1h50 vs. 4h15).
If needed, the layover in Makassar is also shorter for Gorontalo-Bali than the other way around (2h35 vs. 4h15).
I’ll check if this works for boats to Gorontalo—thanks, that’s a great tip!
Any advice for the Togian Islands? There are so many islands and options...
I’m looking for accommodations that are more like quiet beach huts with opportunities for snorkeling trips and diving, but I’m really not into resorts or luxury.
Any tips for the Togian Islands? There are so many islands and options...
I’m looking for accommodations like quiet beach huts with snorkeling and diving trips available, but I’m really not into resorts or luxury.
No, for the "on-the-ground experience" part, you’ll have to rely on others’ replies, sorry.
I’ll check if the boat situation works out for Gorontalo... thanks, that’s a great tip!
Any advice for the Togian Islands? There are so many islands and options...
I’m looking for accommodations that are more like quiet beach huts with snorkeling and diving trips available, but I’m really not into resorts or luxury.
A few years ago—if I remember correctly, during the summer of 2011—we stayed at "Kadidiri Paradise" on a full-board basis. At the time, it was the most "luxurious" accommodation. (Everything’s relative ;))
I’ve seen that newer places have been built since then. Kadidiri is listed on Booking. It’s in a great location, and they organize daily excursions.
Do you have any tips for the Togian Islands? There are so many islands and options...
I’m looking for accommodations that are more like quiet beach huts with snorkeling and diving opportunities, but I’m really not into resorts or luxury.
Perfect, because the Togian Islands are pretty much all about "quiet beach huts." 🙂
There’s a lot to choose from, here are a few tips:
- On Melenge Island, there are several homestays with lovely bungalows, each in its own stunning 100-meter cove:
Sandy Bay and its 8 bungalows in a cove with amazing snorkeling right from the beach.
Sera Beach and its gorgeous sandy beach (though the snorkeling isn’t as good and isn’t right from the beach). Around a dozen bungalows.
Malenge Indah with just a few bungalows.
- Further north on Malenge (toward the Bajau village), there are also a few groups of bungalows, but I don’t know them—I’ve just seen them from the boat on beautiful beaches.
- We really liked Bolilanga, a tiny island (300 meters long) facing Katupat Island. Around a dozen bungalows, nice snorkeling, and close to several dive spots.
- Across from the village of Katupat, Fadhila Cottages is good, but it sometimes gets all the village trash depending on the current...
Further south, there are well-known homestays near Bomba, but I haven’t stopped there.
Thanks! I’ll check all that out—it’s true that Sera Beach sounds amazing! I’ll ask about Sandy Beach to see if it’s still open; I can’t find anything more recent than 2017.
Otherwise, Lestari is also near the baju village
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Nous préparons notre deuxième voyage en Thaïlande (2 semaines sur place, fin avril/début mai) en famille avec nos enfants de 5 et 7 ans.
Lors de notre premier voyage, nous avons visité Bangkok, Ayutthaya, la rivière Kwaï, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi et Khao Lak. Nous avons particulièrement adoré Koh Phi Phi pour ses falaises calcaires et sa végétation luxuriante, ainsi que Koh Lipe pour ses eaux cristallines et son snorkeling.
Cette fois, je pense passer 7 jours sur les îles. Je pensais à koh tao et koh Phangan ngan. On voudrait du relief, du snorkeling à partir de la plage, un peu d'ambiance mais pas trop (pour manger le soir).
Pour l'autre partie du voyage on hésite entre Chiang mai et khao sok. L'un ou l'autre... L'un et l'autre? On a pas envie de courir mais on est vraiment axés nature donc on ira pas trop dans les temples...
Merci d'avance pour vos conseils et retours d'expérience !
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.
Nous préparons notre deuxième voyage en Thaïlande (2 semaines sur place, fin avril/début mai) en famille avec nos enfants.
Lors de notre premier voyage, nous avons visité Bangkok, Ayutthaya, la rivière Kwaï, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi et Khao Lak. Nous avons particulièrement adoré Koh Phi Phi pour ses falaises calcaires et sa végétation luxuriante, ainsi que Koh Lipe pour ses eaux cristallines et son snorkeling.
Cette fois, nous aimerions un voyage davantage axé sur la nature. Nous ne souhaitons plus visiter de villes (éventuellement un marché flottant si cela vaut vraiment le détour).
Nous recherchons :
- une jungle spectaculaire ;
- des animaux dans leur milieu naturel ;
- de belles randonnées ou balades en bateau ;
- des plages paradisiaques ;
- une eau turquoise avec un excellent snorkeling, si possible directement depuis la plage (tortues, poissons tropicaux...).
Nous pensons intégrer Khao Sok, mais nous hésitons sur les îles à combiner avec ce parc. Nous hésitons aussi à intégrer Chiang mai.
Auriez-vous des suggestions d'itinéraires de 2 semaines avec des temps de transport raisonnables ? Nous privilégions avant tout les paysages, la nature et la mer.
Merci d'avance pour vos conseils et retours d'expérience !
Bonjour, je serai en vacances en malaisie en novembre, je vais rester 5 jours à penang. Je voudrais ensuite visiter quelques temples et lieux à butterworth ou autour et découvrir aussi la ville. En sachant que je me déplace souvent à pied, quel quartier serait le mieux pour moi, c'est à dire à moins de 30'minutes à pied des lieux d'attraction, de stands de street foodi, de lignes de bus etc... Merci d'avance pour votre aide
Francoise
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.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
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!
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
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!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
