Hi everyone, I’m starting to plan my next trip to Southeast Asia this winter (2.5 months, leaving in early December), and here’s a rough outline of my route—I’d love to share it with you and hear your thoughts and tips.

- I’ll start in Bangkok and already have three spots I’ve marked: Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Uthai Thani (I haven’t been to any of these places yet). - Next, I’d like to cross the country from west to east to reach the Laos border. I’d love suggestions for any interesting stops along this route—I don’t know this part of Thailand at all... - Then I’ll head into Laos, probably at Savannakhet (you can usually get a visa at the border). - > I’m tempted to spend a week in Hoi An, Vietnam, since I loved that city and the area when I visited two years ago. No visa needed for Vietnam now, so it could be a nice little detour. On the map, it doesn’t look too far, but I know you’ve got to be careful with these things, and I’m not sure if it’s a good idea. Any opinions on this? - Back to Laos (maybe via Dakta), and I’ll head south along the Mekong, probably doing the Bolaven Plateau loop that I missed last time. Then Paksé, the 4,000 Islands... I’ve been before, but I’d happily go back. - Crossing into Cambodia, I’ll follow the Mekong down to Phnom Penh (I know this area and love how untouristy it is). From there, I’ll probably spend a few days in Kep (quieter than Kampot). Still undecided, though. - Then back to Thailand (BKK), likely by plane from Phnom Penh since the borders between the two countries are currently closed (plus, let’s be honest, Cambodian roads... ;-). We’ll see how things look when the time comes. - After that, I’d like to explore southern Thailand, taking it slow with short hops. I’ve got my eye on Khao Sok National Park, and I’ve heard good things about Krabi... Again, I don’t know this region well, so any info or tips would be great.

So, I think this should be doable in 2.5 months, especially since I prefer short hops of 300 km max to avoid getting too tired, and I like staying 2-3 days in each place to explore. Plus, I’ll take a week off to relax if I find a spot I love—maybe by the sea for some real downtime.

Thanks for your feedback and for sharing your favorite spots! Pascal

I really loved Thailand, but it was too touristy for my taste. So I'm hesitating about going back and wondering if Cambodia or Vietnam would be less crowded with tourists...

Hello, We’re heading to Thailand for 26 days (excluding flights) next July with our two teens (12 and 15 years old). My husband and I have been there several times before they were born—so that’s 15 years ago—and I’m a bit worried about some of the changes that might have happened since, especially with the rise in tourism... I’d also like to keep a pace that allows us to settle in a bit and enjoy local life beyond just the main sights. Plus, we’re pretty active. For now, our plan looks like this:

Arrival in Bangkok, where we’re thinking of spending several days (minimum 4) Chiang Mai for about a week 2 or 3 islands in the Gulf Return to Bangkok for 2 days before departure.

We’re pretty set on Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but we’re unsure about which islands to visit—I’ve read such mixed things that I’m even wondering if we should consider the coast instead. Organization-wise, I’d love any tips or feedback on whether we need to book in advance at this time of year, which transport options to prioritize (train, bus, or plane), and of course, any suggestions for stops or routes. Thanks in advance to anyone kind enough to help us prepare for this amazing trip!

Hi there, I’m finally planning to spend 9 days/9 nights in Chiang Rai. What’s the best area to stay in? Do you know any interesting spots within a 50–60 km radius? Preferably ones that aren’t overrun by mass tourism (sorry about that). Thanks! Joël—I’m reading your latest travel journal on this region...😉

Hi, just a quick note mainly for Samsong, even if he’s still giving me the silent treatment. I’ve been in Nan since yesterday and... I love it! So thanks, Thierry. It’s exactly the kind of place I’d been dreaming of... Even if communication is a bit tough, it’s not impossible. They don’t even know the most basic English words! Everyone laughs and they’re the first to pull out their phones to... translate. They’re even quicker on the uptake than I am. And then there’s the time I say Nan (pronounced "Nane"). They don’t understand me. After a while (sometimes a long one), they reply: "Ah, Nan?" (pronounced "Nane") 😵🤳😃

The town is exactly how you described it back in 2022. Though I’m surprised to find so many trendy, slightly intellectual "Cafés." Apparently, coffee—excellent everywhere—is king in Nan. It feels like a university town. And it seems pretty lively at night! But for now, I’m going to bed early. I caught a nasty cold, which didn’t stop me from walking 12 km this morning. But I came back to my accommodation by 3 PM (gorgeous and luxurious with top-notch service for 800 baht—even a cute local welcome gift this morning, plus other unexpected touches like a bottle of honey and chrysanthemum flowers for tea. The lady must’ve guessed I was coming down with something yesterday). I thought about going out for dinner but didn’t have the energy. I think I’ve got at least 39°C fever...

Anyway, I’m sending you this message, Thierry, because you mentioned a daily bus to Chiang Rai, so I didn’t look into it. But now it’s a real problem—no buses to Chiang Rai, only taxis. At least 2,500 baht for the cheapest one! I’ll check the bus station directly tomorrow. Online, it’s all taxis, no buses. I’d like to explore the countryside/mountains if I can find an affordable driver. Any ideas for destinations or itineraries? Thanks.

Hi there,

The round trip to Bangkok is almost booked.

Here’s the itinerary I’ve planned for this new trip to Thailand:

Arrival – 2 nights in Bangkok (any hotel recommendations? Very quiet, near Chinatown or by the river)

Train or taxi (which app should I use for Thailand?) to Phetchaburi – 2 nights (any hotel recommendations?)

Daytime train to Surat Thani – 1 night there (any hotel recommendations?)

Pick up the rental car and head to Khao Sok – 1 night there (any hotel recommendations?)

Drive to Ko Kho Khao – 3 nights – relaxation (any hotel recommendations?)

Drive to Phang Nga Bay – 1 night (any base recommendations?)

Excursion in the bay, then drive to Krabi – 2 nights (any hotel recommendations) or any other spot with beautiful, quiet beaches that you might know?

Return to Surat Thani – overnight train to Bangkok, then Ayutthaya (any hotel recommendations?)

Visit the site and transfer to the airport – sniff, time to head back!

If you have other suggestions, keeping in mind the trip’s vibe: beach time without crowds or entertainment, a bit of nature, a bit of culture, no stress... No domestic flights and charming accommodations (not at 150 € per night, even though the budget is reasonable!)

Not sure I’ll follow them all, but all your ideas are welcome! 😉

Thanks. 🙂

Hi there, We're thinking of spending 3 weeks in Koh Samui at the start of 2026. Where can we find accommodation close to a pretty beach that's not too touristy but not isolated either, near a small town or village? We've already been to Surin Beach on Phuket Island. We really liked that spot, but we've heard Koh Samui is great too. Thanks for your tips!

Hi everyone, I’m a die-hard fan of India, but it’s time I discovered Thailand too to broaden my Asian horizons. I’m heading there on January 19, 2025, for a 46-day trip (no visa needed as I’m French). I’ve pored over a few guidebooks and travel blogs. Based on what caught my interest, I’ve put together a rough itinerary and list of sights. But since I know absolutely nothing about Thailand, I’m kind of flying blind here. Since I’m not exactly a spring chicken anymore, I’ve opted for a few bases where I’ll stay several days in the same place. That way, I won’t have to change locations and hotels every day or so, packing and unpacking my suitcase constantly. Instead, I plan to explore the surrounding area each day, within a maximum radius of 50 to 70 km. So, first question: Is that kind of round-trip distance manageable in a day in Thailand? In India, renting a car for a day—with a driver—currently costs around 35 to 40 € per day. Knowing that 1,300 to 1,500 THB would be my absolute max, and even then, only if I don’t rent a car every single day. Which brings me to my second question: Am I being unrealistic? Otherwise—third question—once I’m settled in the city I’ve chosen as my base, can I get around within that 50–70 km radius using public transport? I’ve already booked all my hotels—with free cancellation—on booking.com at an average price of 950/1,000 THB per night. Does that put me in a good range for value for money? Or am I dreaming?

Here’s my plan:

BANGKOK (13 days, 14 nights): 1 week for exploring Bangkok – Kanchanaburi/Erawan National Park? – Ayutthaya/Lopburi? – Muang Boran – Samut – Songkram/Amphawa

Bangkok -> Chiang Mai by overnight train in first-class sleeper

CHIANG MAI (6 days/6 nights): Mae Hong Son – Hot springs – Chiang Dao – caves – Lamphun – other places to be decided on the spot based on what’s worth seeing and transport options

Chiang Mai -> Chiang Rai

CHIANG RAI (7 days/8 nights): Fang – Tha Ton – Chiang Saen – Doi Tung – Chiang Khong – Doi Ang Khang, Phu Chi Fah, etc.

Chiang Rai -> Phrae

PHRAE (4 days/5 nights): Lampang and surrounding areas, depending on what’s interesting to see

Phrae -> Loei

LOEI (4 days/5 nights): Phu Kradung – Chiang Khan and surrounding areas, depending on what’s worth seeing

Loei -> Buriram

PHIMAI (Nakhon Ratchasima/Khorat) (5 days/6 nights): Phimai – Prasat Muang Tam – Phanom Rung – Prasat Phanom Wan

Phimai -> Khorat (airport or train station) -> Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)

Day 46: BANGKOK -> KOCHI

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice!

Hi there,

While our next trip is still just an idea, I wanted to check out what accommodations are available in the Philippines. I’m a bit put off by what I found—I think it’s really expensive and it’s not exactly dreamy! We’re not into staying in dorms with shared bathrooms anymore, but in Asia and South America, we’ve always found charming little places for around 30 € a night. Is that impossible in the Philippines? Are there other sites besides Booking to look at? Thanks for your tips!

Hello,

I’m planning and organizing a wonderful trip to Vietnam from mid-March to mid-April 2026, traveling independently for a month with my wife to enjoy her new retirement. Here’s a summary of our itinerary: We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of Wednesday, March 18, and depart from Hanoi on the evening of Thursday, April 16. First, I’d like to head to Ho Chi Minh City because the temperatures are high in that region in mid-March. After that, we’ll visit Phu Quoc Island and then the Mekong Delta. We’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City and take a flight to Hue for 2 days, then Tam Coc / Ninh Binh (2-3 days), and Cat Ba Island with a visit to Lan Ha Bay (4 days). We’ll spend a few days in Hanoi, followed by 3-4 days in Sapa with some hikes, and then the Ha Giang loop (4 days). (I’m a motorcyclist—I ride a BMW trail bike and have taken care of renewing my international license.) We’re considering renting a motorcycle or bicycles when needed, except in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The weather in northern Vietnam in early April should theoretically be decent. Finally, we’ll return to Hanoi before heading back to Paris and the Pays de la Loire. Unfortunately, I’m skipping Angkor in Cambodia. I’d like to have a guide for 1 or 2 days in Sapa (which typical agency would you recommend?), and I’m wondering if I should book an agency for the 4 days in Ha Giang. I prefer my independence and don’t really like the "group" aspect of agencies. I’ll rent a 150cc motorcycle, and my wife will ride with me. Other questions: What are some good, typical accommodations to book in the places we’ve identified? Thanks for any info. Did I forget anything, or should we adjust our itinerary? Thanks for your help and advice. Pimarguibou

We’re a retired couple planning a trip to Laos in December 2025, and we’d love to make some contacts now to help us plan our journey. We’re also interested in accommodations and/or local guides who could show us around the country.

Hi everyone,

I’m leaving for a little over 3 months starting at the end of January—Thailand (January-February), then Laos (February-March), Cambodia (March), and Vietnam (March-April).

I see that a lot of travelers don’t seem to book accommodations in advance and just go with the flow.

Given that I’ll be traveling during peak season (January to early May) and these are still very popular destinations, do you think I’ll be able to easily find places to stay on the spot without booking the day before?

Thanks!

Juliette

Hi there, Need to hear your thoughts on the trip offered by Salaun, "Vietnamese Escape"—flights, accommodations, activities, weather, and the overall trip structure. Thanks everyone! EP

Hi there, We’re heading to Cebu, Bohol, Negros, and Siquijor soon. Our guide is handling hotel and ferry reservations, and we’ll pay day by day. Is it easy to pay for accommodations by card, or is it better to have cash? Also, any idea about the cost of living? Is 1000 € per person for 3 weeks enough for accommodation, food, and ferries? That’s the estimate he gave us. Thanks in advance! 😊

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. 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 everyone, We’re heading to Thailand from February 3rd to 24th, as a couple (37 years old). We love local cuisine, street food, small restaurants, and quiet bars for a drink in the evening. We’re also big fans of turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Our planned itinerary looks like this:

Chiang Mai: 4 or 5 days to rediscover the city, temples, and markets. We already visited the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces a few years ago and loved it, so we’re heading back for a few days there :)

Bangkok: 3 days, with a day trip to Ayutthaya.

Then heading down to Trat province to enjoy the islands of Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood.

We’ve read that the southern islands (Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phangan, Koh Lipe, etc.) are often packed this time of year, so we’re looking for quieter islands but with some accommodations and restaurants/bars. For reference, we really enjoyed Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Rong, Phu Quoc, and the Philippine islands. 👍 Does this itinerary fit well with what we’re looking for? Or do you have other suggestions for routes or islands to prioritize during this period? Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hi everyone! I’m reaching out because we’re planning a trip to Thailand next year (around March/April), and we’d like to visit Chiang Mai and then Krabi, plus a few islands near Krabi. We’ve been to Thailand before, 10 years ago, and this time, we’d just like to focus on 5 days in Chiang Mai and 10–12 days in the Krabi area. I’ll admit, I’m really struggling to pick an island near Krabi. We hated Phi Phi: dirty, noisy, and the food was gross… such a letdown! Which island would you recommend for snorkeling, nature walks, and beautiful beaches? Maybe we could also make a stop between Chiang Mai and Krabi—perhaps Sukhothai? Is it easy to travel between these three cities? Thanks so much for your help! 🙂

So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025. I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path. I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh. My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter. What itinerary would you recommend? What are the must-do things? I’m open to all tips and info. Thanks in advance for your help and responses.

Hello,

We’re heading to Bali as a family (5 people) for about twenty days, from mid-August to early September. Since our English is pretty limited, we’d like to hire a French-speaking driver or guide to accompany us on certain days and show us around the island, picking us up directly from our various hotels.

That said, I imagine this kind of service is probably more expensive than taking a local taxi, right?

Also, which Uber-like app should we use there? And for bookings, which website should we look for accommodations on?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Hi there, I’m so glad the VoyageForum is back up. Reading 'Montagnard74’s' Laos trip report (which I read yesterday) made me want to share my own (which I already posted a year ago on another forum). Here’s a little recap of our 3 weeks in northern Laos, plus a few days in Vientiane. By the way, we could easily go back to the north—there’s so much to see and do; probably in a few years.

This was our 3rd trip to Laos after having already done:

1st trip in 2012 (3 weeks), a quick overview: Vientiane Vang Vieng Luang Prabang Plain of Jars

2nd trip in 2017 (1 month): Vientiane all the way to the 4,000 Islands via Thakhek, Kong Lor, the Bolaven Plateau, Savannakhet, Pakse...

Our 2023 itinerary (1 month): Vientiane Luang Prabang Muang Ngoi Nong Khiew Luang Namtha Muang Sing Boten Vang Vieng Vientiane

Some general info (2023): For those who’ve already been to Laos: everything has gone up a lot—I think prices have almost doubled for transport, accommodation, meals... everything. But Laos is still a budget-friendly country for us. As a couple, we spent 1,100 € for a month, all included (and we definitely didn’t skimp on massages :)).

Don’t trust the transport signs posted everywhere—at travel agencies, bus terminals, hotels... THEY’RE ALL WRONG (especially the schedules). They haven’t been updated since before Covid.

There are hardly any bikes for rent anymore, but scooters are easy to find everywhere. We switched our mode of transport toward the end of our stay: from bikes to scooters, which let us go farther. In Vientiane, we only saw one bike rental place, near Ong Teu Pagoda.

BCEL bank doesn’t charge a commission on foreign currency exchanges. Using ATMs is expensive due to fees. Outside Laos, Lao kip are basically worthless. There’s so much inflation that I couldn’t find a single bank or exchange office willing to swap the kip we had left. So, don’t exchange too much toward the end of your trip.

Some little tips from our experience (2023): The Muang Koua to Muang Ngoi boat still runs daily. At the dam, you have to get off and take a bus, then get back on the boat.

The boat from Muang Ngoi to Nong Khiew only leaves at 9:30 AM (don’t miss it or you’ll pay a lot for a private boat). From Nong Khiew to Muang Ngoi, there are at least two boats a day.

From Luang Namtha to Muang Sing: 4 to 5 buses a day, the last one leaves around 3:30 PM.

From Luang Namtha or Muang Sing to Nateuy or Boten (to catch the new train): 3 to 5 buses a day.

The new train is really hard to book—it’s often fully booked 48 hours in advance, even the local train (5 hours from Boten to Vientiane instead of 3 hours on the high-speed train). (That makes it tough to travel day by day, which we love... too bad.) For baggage checks: don’t bring anything flammable (sprays...) or sharp. My mosquito repellent (flammable but in a small plastic bottle) got through. Water bottles and a tiny pocketknife are okay. But it seems to depend on the station.

Some guesthouses prefer to be paid in dollars, otherwise the price is much higher.

If you’re entering Laos from Vietnam via Dien Bien Phu, you have to get your visa at the embassy in Hanoi—otherwise, you’ll be refused at the border (no e-visa or visa on arrival).

Apart from Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Muang Ngoi/Nong Khiew, there are very few tourists.

Some bus prices (in addition to those mentioned in my trip report) (with pick-up) 2023: Luang Prabang to Luang Namtha: 320,000 kip per person, 9h LP to Phonesavan: 250,000 kip per person, 7h LP to Phongsaly: 450,000 kip per person, 13h LP to Huay Xai: 420,000 kip per person, 14h Train Nateuy to Vientiane: 400,000 kip per person LP to Chiang Rai: 780,000 kip per person, 18h LP to Hanoi: 900,000 kip per person, 24h LP to train station: 50,000 kip per person LP to airport: 100,000 kip per person Vientiane from train station: 180,000 kip by taxi

Boats: LP to Pak Beng: 300,000 kip per person, 1 day LP to Houay Xai: 500,000 kip per person, 2 days LP to Pak Ou: 180,000 kip per person, 5h

Hi everyone, thanks so much for all your great tips! Now for expenses: should we pay "big expenses" by card, the rest in cash, or exchange a large sum at the airport (with the risks that involves)? We’re staying for a month, mostly in the countryside rather than the city. Thanks a bunch!

Hello, We’ll arrive in Hanoi on April 17, 2025, and plan to head to the Northwest (Sapa region) and Northeast starting on April 20. How many days do you recommend for this trip? We’re two couples and a 4-year-old child. Should we book through an agency in Hanoi and do the circuit by van, or can we manage with buses—like an overnight bus from Hanoi to Sapa, then 2–3 days in the Sapa region, followed by a bus from Sapa to Ha Giang for a 3-day loop? Thanks in advance for your tips, itinerary ideas, accommodation suggestions, guesthouses, restaurants, and any great deals!

We’re heading to Vietnam for 3 weeks from January 17th to February 6th. In addition to the Mekong Delta and the central region, we’d like to spend some time by the sea. We’re torn between visiting the islands of Hon Son/Nam Du/(+Phu Quoc?) or choosing Con Dao Island. We’re hesitant because we’ve read that the sea around Con Dao can be rough and not great for swimming at this time of year (and that boats might be canceled). Could you share your thoughts? Thanks

We’re planning a month there, and there are definitely some beautiful—*very* beautiful—islands, but which ones to choose? Can you point me to the must-sees, the ones that are easiest to reach by boat, bus, or flight if it saves a ton of time and isn’t too expensive? Also, which island should we start our loop on, given we’re coming from Vietnam and our return flight to Paris is already booked out of Manila? Thanks in advance for all your tips. Philippe

Does it seem feasible and reasonable to travel to Laos (or Cambodia) as early as January or February 2025? I don’t have any precise information about the damage these countries have suffered.

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).

Thanks!

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

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! We (a couple) are heading to Indonesia from July 9th to August 15th (I already know some spots). > We’re hesitating about the direction of the route: Java/Bali/Nusa/Flores/Sula or Java/Sula/Flores/Bali—does it depend on the rain and flights? (That’s my first question, by the way :)) We land in Jkt on the 9th (follow-up question: where to stay? We saw the Wonderloft for 20 €—does that seem reasonable? I used to pay way less a long time ago). We’d like to leave for Borobudur on the 10th in the mid-afternoon (question 2: train or VIP bus—we’ll have just landed—nighttime or not?). Next question: any chill but nice places to stay in Borobudur, Yogyakarta, and Solo? We’re thinking one full day in Borobudur, then Yogyakarta (1 day), then Solo (1 day). Does that work time-wise without rushing?

After that, we’re heading toward the volcanoes (I always mix them up… any tips?) and crossing over to Bali (2 days?). If I’m calculating right, we’ll be in Java from the 9th to the 18th—does that sound okay to you? Or too much? I’m struggling to estimate how long temples and volcanoes take to visit.

Bali: I used to stay around Seminyak or Canggu. What’s the best place to stay now without breaking the bank? Somewhere not overrun by Australian surfers or hipster restaurants? Another question: where and how to rent a scooter in Bali? (So we can easily get to the temples and Ubud?) Is there still a way to see Kecak without it feeling super touristy, or is it just for tourists now?

We’re detouring to Nusa Penida: same deal—I want to see rays but don’t necessarily want to dive. I’ve heard the sea can be rough. Where to stay for 2–3 chill days? What to do there? It’s all new to me (haven’t researched it yet).

Then to get to Flores: do we *have* to go back through Bali and take a flight? I haven’t looked into Flores or Sulawesi much yet, so I’m not even sure what questions to ask ;) Feel free to point me in the right direction—thanks!

Sulawesi too—any tips or ideas are welcome!

Thanks so much!