Bonjour je viens vers vous concernant un projet de voyage avec ma femme pour décembre 2016 en indonesie.
Je voulais voyager principalement sur sumatra en partant de jakarta et jusqu'a Pulau belitung.
Connaissant très très bien la Thaïlande je voulais savoir quelle est la différence de prix avec les guest houses les activités (loisirs), transport, nourriture dans la rue etc ainsi que le mode de vie
Je cherche aussi les endroits incontournables (tout est relatif) de cette zone plage, parc, waterfall, monument etc mais surtout pas entendre parler de bali ou quelque chose du genre car trop touristique est pas du tout attirer par la coutume de la haut
Merci a tous pour vos futurs messages
Cordialement
Abu imrane
Blog voyage sur la Thaïlande
www.emotionthailande.com
Si tu veux simplement rejoindre belitung alors c'est l'avion que tu devras prendre, car le faire par la route depuis jakarta me parait quand meme un peu tiré par les cheveux dans la mesure ou le trajet ne me parait pas passer par des endroits tres interessants au niveau touristique
Belitung est en elle meme n'est conne et reconnu que pour l'attrait de quelques unes de ses plages avec une carte postale a la "seychelles" sable doré avec gros bloc de granite.
Sinon l'indonesie est en general moins cher que la thailande mais ne presente pas le meme rapport qualite/prix qui est a l'avantage de la thailande sauf bien evidemment dans des endroits tres courus comme Bali ou Yogyakarta qui sont tres tres abordables pour des prestations excellentes.
L'indonesie est immense et detient une diversite de paysages incroyable, de choses a faire, un peuple tres accueillant quoique souvent dans la misere.
La noutrriture dans les "warungs" est dispo partout, dans les endroits recules, des fois c'est seulement du riz ou des nouilles frits, parfois des brochettes, mais dans les endroits peuplés la gastronomie peut etre tres apetissantes et diversifiés quoique a mon sens, n'atteint pas celle de la thailande ou meme celle de la Malaisie....mais la cuisine indonesienne est l'une de mes preferées et reserve parfois d'etonna ntes surprises.
Autre difference tu seras en pays musulman, je dirais meme plus, en pays "Melayu", les gens sont sympas et la religion se vit plutot comme un identifiant culturel
Si tu finis par faire le trajet par voie terrestre, attend toi a faire de la route et deux traversées en bateau jusqu'a Belitung et a vue de nez, plusieurs jours de voyage (contre un peu plus d'une heure en avion)!
Bonjour oui c'est pour sa que je veux partir en indonesie car moi meme musulman.
Je ne connais pas du tout ce pays de part sa culture ou les lieux a eviter ou a faire.
Merci pour ton message, pour ta réponse.
Quelles villes ou endroits me propose tu? Je veux pas faire des grand trajet car je n'aurais que 2 semaines.
Et en activités Qu'en est il?
Blog voyage sur la Thaïlande
www.emotionthailande.com
Moi je voulais savoir pourquoi tu as choisis Belitung en particulier, peut etre que tu y rejoindras qqun? ou alors un endroit precis?
Car en 2 semaines il y a pleins d'endroits en Indonesie qui sont plus interessants a visiter et a experimenter au milieu d'une population musulmane (ce qui semble etre un attrait pour toi)
A savoir par contre que l'indonesie est avant tout un pay laic avec des religions reconnus, l'islam etant la religion dans laquelle une grosse majorite s'identifie, c'est plus un element culturel sauf dans certaines regions ou communautes precices: celle qui me vient a l'idee c'est ACEH au nord de Sumatra qui applique la Charia ou quelques communautes sur Java.
Sinon l'islma dans le pays est encore tres teintés de croyances et de superstitutions voire un veritable syncretisme avec l'hindouisme comme au centre de java.
En 2 semaines, je te conseillerai de rester sur une seule ile: a Java par exemple, en faisant une decouverte du centre a yogya et Solo, puis partir vers le nord a Semarang avant de rejoindre Surabaya puis retour a Jakarta, la tu seras confronte a 'islam javanais syncretique mais ausi tu seras sur la trace des premiers musulmans qui ont foule l'archipel sur cette cote nord de java avant de finir a Surabaya vers Sunan Ampel, ca sera orienté ville mais y a toujours moyen de s'evader vers les montagnes aux alentours avec leurs richesses de temples, cascades, grottes ou sources d'eau chaudes.
Sinon en prenant un vol domestique partir pour Padang et les environs qui offrirait assez de quoi faire a tous les niveaux entre le Lac de Maninjau, La vallee d'Harau et la ville de Bukittinggi et puis quelques iles sympas au sud de adang vers Painan: la tu seras en pays Minang, farouchement ataché a l'islam mais d'une culture matrilineaire interessante et surtout l'une des meilleures cuicines du pays.
Pleins d'autres endroits me viennent a l'esprit, mais encore une fois, tes centres d'interets restent flous pour qu'on puisse te diriger vers un endroit precis....ou alors achete toi un guide et fais des recherches.
Je vais noter toutes les villes que tu ma dit et y jeter un oeil sur la carte car oui je veux voyager mais pas trop vu le laps de temps assez cour.
Oui mon but 1er et de visiter des endroits magnifique avec peu de touristes et visiter les incontournables.
Sinon faire des activités ( je serais avec ma femme) trek /waterfall /promenade /visite de lieux /acrobranche etc...
Pour ce qui est de la communauté musulmane je souhaite aller dans des endroits ou oui l'islam n'est pas trop melanger avec des croyances ou traditions un peu bizarre je peux me permettre.
Sinon pour les guest houses et hôtel c'est aussi facile que la Thaïlande pour se loger et c'est combien en moyenne en euro?
Tu ma conseiller de voyager principalement sur Javais, je peux retrouver tout types de paysages?
Blog voyage sur la Thaïlande
www.emotionthailande.com
Bon je te propose le pays Minangkabau aux alentours de Padang.
Donc fais des recherches sur DANAU MANINJAU, HAURAU VALLEY, BUKITTINGGI, SIKUAI ISLANDS....... PAdang en elle meme est a eviter mais tu devras passer par son aeroport.
Cerise sur le gateau tu pourras prendre ton billet pour Kuala Lumpur depuis la france ce qui coute toujours moins cher que jakarta et prendre un aller retour de kuala lumpur vers padang sur la low cost Air Asia.... Je suis sur que ca te coutera moins cher que de passer par jakarta
IL y a pleins de montagnes, de grottes, de cascades dans les environs, donc a toi de chercher dans un guide. Tu pourras finir par une des iles au sud de Padang avant de rejoindre Kuala Lumpur pour le retour en france, ou tu pourras faire un peu de shopping, manger de la tres tres delicieuse bouffe.....
Sinon on trouve une chamre double a partir de 15 euros, mais c'ets basique, A 20 euros c'est mieux apres on monte dans les categories etoilés et si tu en as les moyens, ca vaut le coup pour une fraction du f=prix que tu paieras en France
Encore une fois lindonesie ce n'ets pas la thailande (si c'est ta seule reference de la region), y a bcp de monde, les infrastructures routieres sont tres deteriorées et les temps de voyage s'en ressentent. Donc tes attentes seront confrontées a la realite sur place avec le risque que tu puisses ne pas aimer finalement.
La Malaisie a cote est nettement plus developpée comme la Thailande avec une majorite Musulmane plus orhtodoxe.
Si tu restes sur Java, une boucle au centre entre Yogya, Solo avec une escapade au volcan Bromo (touristique mais vaut le detour) avant de finir avec quelques jours sur les iles Karimunjawa depuis Semarang.
Merci a toi cela me donne deja des pistes des villes a visiter.
Je penses partir au mois de décembre.
Sinon oui jai que la Thaïlande en reference pour y avoir etait plusieurs fois et vecu un peu et je connais le nord de la Malaisie.
Tu est partis ou en Thaïlande toi?
Blog voyage sur la Thaïlande
www.emotionthailande.com
Bon petit bemol pour ton timing.
Decembre c'est la saison des pluie sur presque la totalite de l'indonesie, donc la qualite du voyage s'en ressent surtout vers les endroits que je t'ai conseillé.
Moi j'aime bien voyager en indonesie pendant cette periode parceque c'est la saison des mangues (je ne rigole pas! lol) et qu'il y a nettement moins de monde et que j'aime bien des orages de temps en temps mais que surtout je pars un peu plus loin a l'est vers les moluqes ou il fait nettement meilleur.
J'ai deja vecu pendant un ptit moment en thailande aussi et je connais virtuellement toute la region depuis bangkok au nord jusqu'a Singapour en passant par la malaisie.
J'ai deja ete en Aceh, nord Sumatra pendant decembre et decembre dernier j'etais a Java entre autres, et il y a avit souvent de bons gros orages surtout vers la fin d'apres midi, brefs mais intenses: l'annee derniere c'etait plus sec par contre.
Pourquoi tu ne restes pas sur la Malaisie? Meme si c'ets hyper developpe et moins diversifié, mais il y a de quoi faire, meme inclure Singapour qui est une ville tres interessante
Bon le choix te revient , encore une fois j'ai fournis assez d'elements pour que tu puisses avoir une idee clair de ce qui t'attend, mais n'hesite pas a chercher encore et investir dans un guide de voyage pour te faire une idee (quoique pour deux semaines, ca vaut moins le coup avec toutes les infos qu'il y a sur internet!)
PS: Mon avis est subjectif et pourrait etre à l'opposé bien sur de ce que tu aimes, donc toujours considerer les avis des autres comme un moyen d'approche, une introduction en somme, mais jamais prendre ses decisions en le suivant aveuglement
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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 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 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.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
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
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,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Bonjour,
En voyage en Thaïlande je suis à la recherche de jonc bouddhiste kumlai.
Quelqu’un saurait-il me guider pour en trouver?
À Bangkok j’ai visité quelques temple mais je n’en n’ai pas trouvé sur les magasins à proximité.
Si vous avez une idée je suis preneuse! Belle journée :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi everyone. As I’m planning my trip for next winter, I’m looking for hotel suggestions in Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor. The ones I had in mind seem to be fully booked (unless it’s too early?). For those familiar with the area, is it easy to find accommodations on the spot in January/February? I’m specifically looking for hotels with a pool, beachfront, air conditioning, and easy scooter rental nearby. Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing
July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao
August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide
August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena
August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands
August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts)
August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk
August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar
August 17: Rammang Rammang
August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
Family of 4—2 adults and 2 kids (11 and 15) who are well-traveled.
We’re planning a 15-day trip to Indonesia and would love your thoughts on our itinerary.
We love discovering local culture, food (!!), seeing beautiful landscapes, and keeping an active pace. We’re not the type to lounge on the beach for 5 hours or spend ages by the pool when we’re halfway across the world. Also, we try to avoid places "ruined" by mass tourism (like Holbox in Mexico, which we loved 10 years ago but not at all on our last visit, or Phi Phi in Thailand, completely destroyed by mass tourism).
Special note: we love traveling by train :)
Here’s what we’ve planned so far:
**Day 1**
Arrival in Jakarta, then domestic flight to Yogyakarta. Settle in Yogyakarta.
**Day 2**
Borobudur in the morning, then exploring nearby villages.
**Day 3**
Prambanan in the morning, followed by culinary discovery / market / local vibe in Yogyakarta.
**Day 4**
Train to Jombang, then driver/bus to the Bromo area. Overnight stay.
**Day 5**
Sunrise at Bromo, exploring the volcano and sea of sand. Relax in the afternoon.
**Day 6**
Travel to eastern Java, then train, ferry, and road to reach Sidemen in Bali.
**Day 7**
Sidemen
**Day 8**
Sidemen
**Day 9**
Sidemen
**Day 10**
Transfer to Gili Air (car to the port + fast boat?)
**Day 11**
Gili Air
**Day 12**
Gili Air
**Day 13**
Transfer to Ubud
**Day 14**
Ubud
**Day 15**
Return to Bali airport, flight to Jakarta, then international flight.
Does this itinerary seem coherent for a family?
Does it feel too packed or well-balanced?
Would you make any changes to certain stops, durations, or transfers?
I couldn’t find any recent posts on this topic, so I thought I’d create a new one.
We’ve just started planning our family trip to Vietnam this coming August. We’d like to travel from North to South, starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh.
Usually, we rent a car when we arrive and manage on our own. But I get the feeling that in Vietnam, it’s more complicated... It seems like the only option we have is to rent a car with a driver? Is that really the case?
I’m thinking of starting with a cruise in Halong Bay since we arrive on my partner’s birthday, and I wanted a beautiful setting to celebrate it. So, is the option of having a driver wait for 2 days while we’re on the cruise really feasible?
The rest of the itinerary isn’t planned at all yet. I’d love to hear your tips. We’re traveling from August 8th (morning) to the 26th (afternoon).