Hi everyone!
I’ve booked flights to Phnom Penh for August 26 (no layover in the Emirates as a precaution...). We arrive on Sunday, August 2 in the morning and leave on August 19 around 9 PM (also from Phnom Penh). We’re a couple traveling with three kids aged 9 to 16.
Among the many questions I have about our itinerary, a few are standing out:
If we arrive in Phnom Penh exhausted, I imagine we’ll need to stay one night there before heading to Siem Reap... but how much time should we spend there to enjoy Angkor in good conditions? Then, Mondulkiri or Battambang? (Because I don’t want it to be a total rush, changing accommodation every two days and praying that bus transfers or private drivers go as planned...). Where does Tonlé Sap Lake fit into all this? And if we end with a beach stay: is Koh Rong a must, or is there another spot? Also, what about the return logistics: should we spend the night before our flight in Phnom Penh to be safe... or do we do everything on August 19... like taking a boat and then the road from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh, risking missing our flight if anything goes wrong?
Anyway, a huge thank you in advance for your valuable tips and feedback!
Spending the first night in Phnom Penh is a good idea to recover from the long trip. And hiring a private driver the next morning to get to Siem Reap won’t be much more expensive than buying five bus tickets—around 70 €, I think. Alternatively, you could take a night bus to arrive in Siem Reap early in the morning and avoid wasting the morning on the road.
Siem Reap is a really pleasant city that deserves at least 4 days, including three full mornings to visit the Angkor temples. A day trip to Phnom Kulen could also be interesting. From Siem Reap, you can spend half a day on the Tonlé Sap exploring a stilted and/or floating village. That said, you could also pass through several floating villages and observe life on the lake and along the Sangker River by taking the boat from Siem Reap to Battambang.
Battambang or Mondolkiri? Personally, I prefer the second option, especially since the hilly landscapes around Sen Monorom are stunning during the rainy season. But it’s a bit out of the way for your itinerary: you’d need to go from PP to Sen Monorom (6h) and then Sen Monorom to Siem Reap (10h by bus), or break up the trip with a stop in Kampong Cham on the Mekong River. Kampong Cham is a lovely stop I highly recommend!
If you go PP → SR → Battambang, a private car can then take you to Sihanoukville to catch the boat to Koh Rong. It’s a full-day trip and can now be done through the Cardamom Mountains via the new N10 road from Battambang to Koh Kong to Sihanoukville. It’s hard to give an exact duration since it’s so new, but the scenery is amazing. The other option is the classic route via Phnom Penh or slightly west of PP through Kampong Speu (if you have a private vehicle).
I’d advise leaving Koh Rong the day before your return flight because boat connections between Koh Rong and Sihanoukville can be suspended this time of year if the weather’s bad, and travelers can end up stranded on the island for 24 hours. But you can always change plans last minute if the weather’s calm and leave Koh Rong the morning of your flight. Even with a breakdown or multiple delays, you’d still make it to the airport in time for your 9 PM flight.
Weather-wise, August is the rainy season, but it’s not too bothersome—mostly short storms that cool things down in the late afternoon or at night, while the days are usually sunny. And these storms don’t happen every day; some years, you might go two weeks in August without a drop of rain! On the islands, it’s generally wetter, but you could still have sunshine the whole time or, conversely, rain for several days.
To add to the previous perfectly correct answer, I’d also suggest that in Siem Reap you shouldn’t miss Banteay Srey, the "temple of women," but also the Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre, where you can visit a conservation project for butterflies.
18 days is a bit short, otherwise I would’ve suggested a stop in Kampot before heading to the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem.
As mentioned above, allow some extra time for your return since the sea has its own schedule, and you might get stuck on the island due to the weather.
If you arrive in Phnom Penh exhausted, I imagine you’ll have to stay overnight anyway before moving on to (...) the return organization: the day before the flight to be sure... so another night in Phnom Penh...
??
Phnom Penh deserves more than the 2x1 transit nights you’re planning. Personally, I’ve never been able to stay fewer than 5 nights each of the 5 times I’ve been there. On the way in, you could, for example, be in Siem Reap by the evening of your arrival day, but at the end of your trip, I’d recommend spending at least 3 nights in Phnom Penh before your flight.
Siem Reap... but how much time should we spend there to enjoy Angkor in good conditions?
A minimum of 3 days to visit Angkor + at least 1 "rest day" to break up the 3 days for Angkor, since visiting it can be tiring. You could use that day, for example, to visit a village on the Tonlé Sap. That brings your stay to a minimum of 5 nights in Siem Reap, but planning 6 or 7 wouldn’t be a bad idea so you can also visit some interesting ruins a bit farther away.
Then Mondulkiri or Battambang?
(...)
... and where does the Tonlé Lake fit into all this?
During the boat trip you shouldn’t miss between Siem Reap and Battambang.
and pray that bus transfers or driver arrangements go as planned...
We’re not in the 80s anymore—you don’t have to worry about that kind of thing in today’s Cambodia.
and what about the return organization: the day before the flight to be sure... so another night in Phnom Penh... or do we do everything on 19/8... boat then road between Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh... at the risk of missing the flight if something goes wrong?
After reading my first answer, you shouldn’t have to ask that question anymore.
6 nights in Siem Reap, 3 in Battambang, let’s say 4 at the beach, 3 in Phnom Penh to finish, and you still have 1 night left to add wherever you like in the above. That keeps your travel timing on track while avoiding the "stress of changing your stay every 2 days".
6 nights in Siem Reap, 3 in Battambang, let's say 4 at the beach, 3 in Phnom Penh to finish, and you still have 1 night left to add wherever you want in the above. This keeps the trip timing intact while avoiding "the stress of changing accommodation every 2 days"
I agree with the timing—Phnom Penh deserves more than just a stopover, if only for the vibe.
In my travel journal (see profile), there’s a great place to stay there, especially with teens (pool included).
I still have one unknown: the transit between Battambang and Sihanoukville (boat to Koh Rong). Overnight sleeper bus to avoid losing a travel day... but with 5 people, including 2 who are almost 6'3"... how does that work? A daytime trip to enjoy the scenery via the new national road... but it's still really long... or a stop a little past the halfway point... which initially appealed to me, but I can't find a concrete option. Accommodation spots are rare and very expensive (Canvas Orchid, Rainbow Lodge... Tatai Resort, plus reviews for the last two showing they're overpriced compared to the upkeep of the places and the food quality—I'm not obsessed about this, but it seems silly to "waste" a significant chunk of the budget for one night at a place we won't have time to fully enjoy on this trip...).
Anyway, I'll keep researching to find options outside the mainstream web circuits... but I'd love to hear thoughts from those who've already been there! ;-)
Thanks in advance!
The overnight bus is an interesting option (with a stop/change of bus in Phnom Penh) to arrive early in the morning in Sihanoukville, but from what I remember, the bunks aren’t very long, and someone who’s 1.90m tall will have to contort a bit to sleep comfortably! Plus, five tickets end up costing more than making the trip by taxi.
There’s also the option of stopping in Phnom Penh for an afternoon + one night and continuing to Sihanoukville the next morning. By taxi, by bus (5-6h from Battambang), or even by train (departure from Battambang at 3 PM, arrival in Phnom Penh at 10:30 PM). The next day, the PP–Sihanoukville trip takes 2.5h via the new highway.
Hey! First off, hats off for the planning—August is *rough*, but you’ve got this. Here’s what I’ve picked up hanging around the area.
First, yeah, one night in Phnom Penh is a must after a 20-hour flight. You’ll be wiped. Grab a nice hotel in Riverside, rest up, then head to Siem Reap the next day.
For Angkor, personally, I’d say minimum 3 days, no joke. Not to stress you out, but with 3 kids in tow, one day’s too light, two days is tight, and three days is when it starts feeling *right*. You’ll catch sunrise at the temples, explore without rushing, and the kids will actually enjoy it. I’ve seen families try to cram it into one day… not a great memory, trust me.
Now, about the next stop—here’s the real talk: skip Mondulkiri with the family. It’s amazing, but it’s a 4-hour bone-rattling drive, barely any kid-friendly infrastructure, and honestly, what you’ll gain is mostly exhaustion. Battambang’s a way better call. It’s a smooth 3-hour ride from Siem Reap, the town’s charming, you can check out the caves, the Bamboo Train (kids *love* it), and it’s not touristy at all.
For Tonlé Sap, I’d say max 2 days—like a day trip from Siem Reap with a guide. Just double-check the timing in August, though; water levels vary a lot depending on the season.
So, my suggested route: Phnom Penh (1 night) > Siem Reap (3-4 nights) > Battambang (2-3 nights) > back to PP (1 night before your flight). That gives you breathing room, no stress, and the kids won’t lose it from changing hotels every two days.
Which 4 hours of rough road are you talking about for Mondolkiri?
I go there by motorbike from time to time, and the road is pretty decent for Cambodia—whether it's from Phnom Penh to Snuol, Kampong Cham to Snuol, or even the last stretch Snuol–Sen Monorom, even if the road gets a bit damaged just before Keo Seima. From Kratie to Snuol, the road is even excellent. And if you come from the north (Ratanakiri), the road is perfect and empty.
The real issue is that they're not dual carriageways, so you often get stuck behind trucks and crawl along at 50-60 km/h! 😅
Hey! First off, kudos for the planning—August is *scorching*, but you’ve got this. Here’s what I noticed while hanging around the area.
First, yes, one night in Phnom Penh is a must after a 20-hour flight. You’ll be wiped. Book a nice hotel in Riverside, rest up, and then head to Siem Reap the next day.
For Angkor, personally, I’d say minimum 3 days, no joke. Not to stress you out, but with three kids in tow, one day is *way* too short, two days is tight, and three days is when it starts feeling relaxed. You’ll catch sunrise at the temples, explore without rushing, and the kids will actually enjoy it. I’ve seen families try to cram it into one day… not a great memory, trust me.
Now, about your next stop—here’s the honest truth: skip Mondulkiri with kids. It’s amazing, but it’s a 4-hour bone-rattling drive, barely any kid-friendly infrastructure, and what you’ll gain is mostly exhaustion. Battambang, though? Way better. It’s a smooth 3-hour ride from Siem Reap, the town’s charming, you can check out the caves, the Bamboo Train (kids *love* it), and it’s not touristy at all.
For Tonlé Sap, I’d say max 2 days—like a day trip from Siem Reap with a guide. Just double-check the timing in August, though; water levels vary a lot depending on the season.
Anyway, here’s my suggested itinerary: Phnom Penh (1 night) > Siem Reap (3-4 nights) > Battambang (2-3 nights) > back to PP (1 night before your flight). That gives you breathing room, no stress, and the kids won’t freak out from changing hotels every two days.
Any questions about Battambang or anything else?
Same note as Thailand: if you ever go to Cambodia, *don’t* follow your own advice and recommendations.
For the past few days, he’s been flooding us with incorrect info about Southeast Asia, proving that his supposed experience, profile, and signature are fake.
The silent infiltration of forums
Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," tourism professionals, commission-seeking affiliates, or aspiring influencers testing monetization strategies now hide.
These fake profiles master the community’s codes. They build credibility by answering dozens of basic questions before subtly slipping in their paid recommendations.
Several details suggest it’s actually a Vietnamese agency.
Oh, got it, that makes more sense now—thanks, Thierry!
That first sentence—"August is *so* hot"—had me confused, coming from someone who supposedly lives in Bangkok and should know the difference between the scorching heat of April and the much milder climate of early August. 😉
Same thing when I reread their other message about Cambodia: I was thrown off by them saying they go there 3-4 times a year ("it’s kinda my backyard," they wrote) but somehow not knowing the Thailand/Cambodia land border has been closed since last June!
And then 24 messages posted in 24 different threads—like they’re casting a line everywhere hoping for a bite! !
From the first day of their registration, they claimed in three replies—supposedly to build credibility—that they’ve been in Thailand since 2021, even though their signature says 2019...
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of markets. No matter where I go, in every country or city I visit, I won’t leave without having seen one. I’m mostly talking about food markets. I love the smells, the colors, and watching people from all walks of life stroll around. It’s like a mirror of a country’s culture, and I love soaking it all in.
Thai markets are particularly appealing to me. In my province, there are so many. Maybe more than elsewhere—I’m not sure—but every day, you can find a "Talat Nat." These are traveling markets that set up in specific places on specific days. They only stay open for a few hours. Some attract more shoppers than others because they have more stalls and a wider variety of products. Sometimes, they’re set up in pretty unusual spots: temples, roadside, even on train tracks...
On top of these, there are also markets in the city that stay open all day.
I’d love for you to share your photos of markets, local product stalls, and why not, let’s talk about gastronomy and cuisine too!
I’ll start with my favorite market—it’s 8 kilometers from my place and happens every Tuesday from 2 PM to 5 PM. I never miss a Tuesday unless there’s a downpour... 😉 It’s located in the countryside, in a village famous for its coffee (ThamSing), and inside the grounds of a slightly unusual temple. It’s easy to get to—over the past 10 years, the roads have been paved, which wasn’t the case before and made the trip a bit risky when it rained...
In the first two photos, you’ll see the temple courtyard on a normal day, without the market.
We’re planning to spend two full days in Phnom Penh next January.
We really love markets, and I’d love to know which one you think is the most interesting in the capital? The Central Market (Psar Thmei) and the Russian Market are often mentioned.
Thanks in advance for your tips.
Have a great day,
I’m planning our summer vacation for August 2027.
We’re a family of 4, and here’s what I had in mind:
- Arrival in Surabaya (one or two stops, including Jakarta). 6 nights on Java Island (private driver, nights split between Bromo and Yogyakarta)
Budget airline.
- 7 nights in Bali: 4 in Ubud, 3 in Amed (with a rental car)
- And a 3-night stopover in Singapore.
During my trip to Thailand, I’ll be spending 2 nights at Tonsai Beach, near Ao Nang Beach, close to Krabi. Tonsai Beach is only accessible by boat, so I was wondering where I could safely leave my car at Ao Nang Beach for 48 hours?
Alternatively, at Ao Nam Mao Beach (on the other side), if there are shuttles to Tonsai Beach.
We’re planning a two-week trip to the Philippines in August (unfortunately, we don’t have a choice on the dates...) and we’ve seen, especially through many posts here, that a large part of the Philippines is advised against visiting. However, some areas might still be okay for this month.
Based on that, we’re considering the following itinerary:
• D1–D2: Flight from France to Manila, overnight transit in Manila.
• D3–D5: Camiguin — beaches, Mantigue, White Island, and a volcanic tour (staying at Balai sa Baibai)
• D6–D9: Anda — beach, snorkeling, rice terraces, Can-Umantad Falls, Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, waterfalls, and adventure activities (staying at Anda White Beach Resort)
• D10–D14: Siquijor — snorkeling, whale shark excursion in Oslob if possible, Apo Island, and sunset fishing (staying at Coco Grove Beach Resort)
• D15–D16: Return via Cebu and Manila, then international flight back to France.
We’ll be two families of four with kids over 20...
I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this itinerary is feasible, and I’m open to suggestions for other islands or activities from those who know the destination well.
Thanks for your help! :slight_smile:
Hi there,
We’re thinking of spending a month in the Philippines at the end of February and the beginning of March. What’s the tourist crowd like during that time—is it super busy? We’re not really used to booking accommodations, transport, etc., in advance.
Thanks in advance!
Hi,
We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅
Thanks for your experiences/tips!
Hi everyone.
I’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
Hi there,
We’re planning a backpacking trip to Northern Malaysia and northern Sumatra in February/March 2027. It’ll be our first time in these areas (we’re pretty familiar with the rest of Asia). Thanks in advance for your favorite spots and diving recommendations! It’s still very open-ended—we haven’t set anything in stone yet.
Thanks,
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 fellow travelers, and thanks to everyone for keeping this blog alive!
It’s my turn to ask a question.
For our trip to Laos next year, I’m torn between using a local agency or organizing everything myself with the Lonely Planet guide and tips from VoyageForum.
If I plan it myself, will I still be able to find French-speaking guides on the spot or book excursions in advance?
Thanks for sharing your experiences, and if you have any recommendations for local agencies—just for excursions or even transportation—that’d be great!
Sylvie
Cinefil67
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes.
I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights?
Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi?
I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have.
Thanks so much! !
Hi,
Is it useful to rent a car from Puerto Princesa to get to El Nido? Are there any nice stops along the way?
I read that once you arrive in El Nido, most of the beaches and sights are accessed by boat, so I'm wondering if this rental is really worth it...
Thanks for your help
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places.
We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok).
We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th.
We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok...
Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya.
From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th.
On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed?
Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip?
Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
Hello.
We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).
18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC
20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land
20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding
23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing)
27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City
1/1: Return flight to France.
What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots.
I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary.
For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists.
So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice:
1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City.
2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay
3- The Heritage Town of Taal
4- Banaue and Batad
5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town)
6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan
7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon)
8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island
I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees.
Thanks in advance
Hi,
We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam.
What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots?
Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night?
Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites?
Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.
Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!
Hi there,
We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach.
The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?
From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.
Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar?
Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total.
Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel?
Thanks, Françoise
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,
After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter).
Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333?
I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!
I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dayi
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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
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
