finalement en consultant le forum, j'ai remarqué qu'il n'y avait peu d'info pratiques concernant Jogjakarta
C'est la ville la plus agréable et la moins chère de Java que je connaisse; c'est aussi le poumon culturel et universitaire de l'archipel. (photo) (photo)
La ville se situe à 25 kms de la mer avec les plages de Parangtritis (photo), depok et ses dunes (photo), Samas. Proche des temples hindouistes de Prambanan (15kms) (photo) et du site de Borobudur (42kms) (photo) qui est tout simplement le plus grand site bouddhiste du monde
c'est aussi une région de volcans dont le redoutable Merapi (photo), le Merbabu et un peu plus loin près de Mageland le Sumbing (photo) et le Sindoro (photo).
Mes Guesthouses/Hostels
l'un des rares endroits en Indonésie où l'on peut trouver des lits en dortoir (avec Bukittinggi tout récemment avec Hello Guesthouse)
Venezia Homestay
http://venezia-homestay.com/
mon coup de coeur
tenu par un couple franco-indonésien. Staff très accueillant. Le dortoir est confortable avec la clim, salle de bain attachée et eau chaude. Petit dej inclus. Thé/café gratuit. Wifi rapide. Grand jardin. Il y a même une piscine le long des bungalows. Mais c'est l'atmosphère très conviviale qui fait la différence.
Edu Hostel
http://www.eduhostels.com/
l'autre endroit en ville qui possède des lits en dortoirs (324 lits). Très souvent plein car il accueille des groupes scolaires. Staff sympa. Wifi rapide. Salle TV. Plus impersonnel que Venezia Homestay
La Javanaise (photo)
dans le quartier de Sosro. Petite guesthouse au milieu des arbres. Peu de chambres (5 ou 6). Magnifique déco. Maison traditionnelle avec des instruments traditionnels. Décorée aussi par des photos de Gainsbarre. Wifi. Petit dej inclus. 125000 rp.
Location de moto : autour de Prawirotaman. à la journée 40000 rp. Au mois ça se négocie entre 600000 et 700000 rp pour une Vario honda automatic.
coût du litre de premium 4500 rp.
Transjogja : 3000 rp plusieurs lignes. Va jusqu'à l'aéroport.
Plans (peta en Indonésien) de la ville, région (s), autres iles : direction Gramedia
le supermarché du livre
Quotidien : Jakarta Post 6500 rp. Disponible autour des endroits touristiques et à Gramedia
Centre culturel français Jalan Sagan no 3. Médiathèque. petit café avec terrasse et wifi.
Le quartier Sagan est très sympa. Le meilleur Gado Gado que j'ai mangé en Indonésie est à quelques centaines de mètres en face d'un bon restaurant de poissons (frais). de l'autre côté du centre cultutel, la patisserie "chez moi" fait de délicieux gâteaux au chocolat et du bon café pour des prix très raisonnables. Wifi.
je reviens juste de Jawa et en particulier de Jogja ...et ses environs! j'y ai déjà effectué quelques séjours et on ne se lasse pas d'y retourner
après la ville ultra speed et embouteillée de Jakarta on se dit qu'on n'est pas sur la même île même si il y-a env- 3 millions d'habitants!
il y a un an j'ai travaillé avec un javanais et lui avait promis de passer le voir dans son village...
il vit dans le kampung au dessus de Borobudhur à Kajoran la c'est vraiment la campagne pas d'hôtel ou autre pour les touristes, les habitants de ces lieux sont très chaleureux, mon pote avait prévenu qu'un Bule venait... tous les habitants du quartier m'attendaient pour me rencontrer ça a prit une bonne 1/2 h pour dire bonjour...
des paysages magnifiques, vue sur le Merapi au petit matin...
sur Jogja même les expatriés ne se prennent pas au sérieux comme on peut le ressentir sur Bali et en particulier à Ubud la ville culturelle de l'île... comme toi je dis allez découvrir cette ville qui est très enrichissante et très abordable en terme de budget.
d'ici à l'année prochaine je prévois de quitter Bali , sans regret, pour aller vivre à Semarang( autre ville que j'aime beaucoup) pour des raisons professionnelles...
sur Jogja pour une bonne soupe et de bons sate Kambing (chèvre) je recommande le Warung tiga saudara ( les 3 frères) sur la Jalan Bantur en face de la station essence Pertamina un régal pour moins de 25.000 rp/ personne avec un bon thé au jasmin...
Merci pour ces infos, elles m'intéressent particulièrement puisque nous devrions passer par Jogyakarta fin juin... En tout cas ton enthousiasme pour cette ville donne envie de la découvrir !
J'aurais une petite question sur le Merapi : quelle est son activité en ce moment ? Est ce qu'il fume ou est il possible de voir de la lave en fusion ? L'ascension est elle possible actuellement ?
il est stable en ce moment.
il fume toujours. Pour voir la lave, il faut monter davantage car la plupart des gens s'arrêtent juste en dessous. c'est dangereux et il faut faire attention aux gaz. donc c'est faisable mais avec un guide (vous lui demandez) de Selo le village qui se trouve sur la Ketep Pass. accessible en moto
sinon vous pouvez y aller par le biais d'une agence depuis Jogja qui vous emmène au village de Selo où un guide vous prend en charge
montée de nuit (1h du mat)
Merci beaucoup pour ce partage d'infos!
Je vais a Yogyakarta debut Novembre et compte faire l'ascension du Merapi, Pranbanam et Borobudur. Sais-tu combien coute par personne l'ascension du Merapi : depart Yog, retour Yog?
J'ai vu aussi des images de Dieng Plateau. Connais-tu? Est-ce que ca vaut le coup?
tout dépend si tu y vas par tes propres moyens
location d'un scooter 125cm3 40000 roupies / jour
sur place je te donnerai en MP, le tél et nom d'un guide à Selo, le village au pied du Merapi et Merbabu (photo)
l'ascension avec guide peut te coûter 120000-150000 rp.
Si tu pars par une agence de Jogja, c'est plus cher mais c'est du "all included", à voir selon ton feeling. je ne connais pas les prix mais à Prawirotaman, il y a bcp d'agences qui proposent ce circuit.
Par contre début novembre, scrute le ciel avant de te lancer car il serait dommage de monter là haut et que tout soit couvert.
le plateau de Dieng : oui je te conseille. Très belle région. j'aime bien Wonosobo (photo) la ville au pied du plateau, une bonne base de départ. Il y a aussi les deux imposants volcans Le Sindoro et le Sumbing accessible depuis la Kledung-Pass.
saison sèche (juin juillet août sept) ensuite il faut scruter le ciel durant la saison des pluies mais en règle générale, il ne pleut pas le matin, le ciel est dégagé. Donc en montant l'après midi ou la nuit, c'est ok.
Avant de commencer Merci pour toutes ces informations de qualité!
Je pars début novembre à Yogyakarta et je n'arrive pas à trouver combien coûte une fois sur place l'ascension du Merapi. Toutes les quotations reçues sont, je trouve, hors de prix!
300 E ? Ou 300 000 Rp (25 E) ? 300 E serait hors de prix!!! Tu peux sans problème t'organiser la veille voire le jour même depuis Yogya et selon la formule qui te convient (à deux + le guide, avec un groupe ...), ça te coûtera bien moins cher.
oui pas de souci comme le dit Fred
beaucoup d'agences sur Prawirotaman proposent le circuit.
Et comme je te l'ai dit précédemment, vous pouvez vous y rendre en scooter, prends quelque chose style Vario Honda qui grimpe bien.
Ensuite vous n'aurez qu'à payer le guide à Selo et un hébergement si vous restez dans une chambre en attendant
en 2010, j'avais payé un guide 120000rp mais le prix ne varie pas que vous soyez deux ou trois. Maintenant ça doit coûter maxi 150000 rp.
N'hésitez pas à négocier
OK! 150.000 IDR me semble bien plus normal! Je suis basé à Singapour et me rends souvent en Indonésie. Le prix de 300 euros me semblait...un peu ... élevé! Mais sachant que pour certains volcans ( type Kota Kinabalu) c'est le cas, je préférais vérifier avant.
En fait nous nous rendrons en voiture à Seto (la personne avec qui je voyage n'est pas trop moto...). Nous pouvons donc trouver sur place le guide? Bonne nouvelle!
si vous venez de Muntilan/Ketep Pass (sur la route entre Jogja et Mageland), la maison des guides se trouve à l'entrée de Selo. Plus précisément Selo est le village qui se trouve entre les deux volcans Merbabu et Merapi. A l'entrée du village, vous allez voir sur la droite, une petite route en pente raide, en ligne droite en direction du Merapi, la maison des guides se trouve juste de l'autre côté de la route. Demandez Seroto.
Mékong, comme vous avez l'air de bien connaître la ville, je me permets une question.
Y a t-il un moyen de rallier Borobodur depuis Prambanan en transports publics, sans passer par un tour ?
J'ai lu que non mais qui sait...
salut,
bien sûr qu'on peut !
depuis Prambanan prendre le transyogya jusqu'à Jombor (3000 RP), puis de Jombor un bus jusqu'à Borobudur (entre 5000 et 10000 RP max !)... C'est très simple ... 1 E = 14000 RP environ ...
bonne route !
Et savez-vous combien de temps faut-il pour arriver jusqu'à Jombor car j'ai lu que le dernier bus pour Borobodur est à 16h30 ?
Je suppose que je trouverai assez facilement un endroit où laisser mes bagages le temps de la visite de Prambanan...
bonjour !
pas sûr pour la durée, je dirais environ 1 H, peut-être moins, peut-être plus, le transyogya est parfois assez aléatoire (pannes, bondé, embouteillages...). Pour Prambanan je ne sais pas, je ne l'ai jamais visité et à Borobudur je n'y suis jamais allé avec des bagages...
Bonne préparation
Prix du litre de premium : désormais 6500 rp pour les motos et voitures
la région de Jogja compte plus de deux cents temples.
Autour de Prambanan, certains valent le détour mais il faut un moyen de transport
Candi Plaosan (photo) entrée 5000 rp
Candi Barong (photo)
Ratu Boko entrée environ 140000 rp
Candi Ijo (photo)
Il y a de superbes rizières en terrasses qui n'ont rien à envier à celles de Bali : les rizières de Samigaluh sur Menoreh Hills. (photo) Il faut organiser un transport privé pour y accéder et allier avec Suroloyo Peak qui offre le meilleur point de vue de la région (jusqu'au Slamet à l'ouest et au Lawu à l'est) (photo)
à voir le spectacle de Wayang Kulit tous les jours sauf le dimanche au musée Sunobodoyo à 20h entrée 20000rp (photo)
situé en face du Kraton Alun-alun
côté bouffe
incontournable la spécialité de la ville : nasi gudeg (photo)
aller dans la rue du Gudeg dans le quartier du Kraton, jalan Wijilan ou chez Sagan Gudeg jalan Prof Yohannes dans le nord pas loin du Lip (centre culturel français)
Pour les noctambules les 24/24 dans le quartier de Kotabaru
Pour manger et boire un verre en faisant un billard ou en regardant du sport sur les écrans installés un peu partout
Legend Coffee jalan Abubakar à côté du stade
Plus branché : House of Raminten (c'est le nom d'un travesti)
Un warung jalan Abubakar juste avant le pont du chemin de fer.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
