Hi there, We’ve never visited Palawan before. This time, we’d like to spend a few days there. We’ll be there from the evening of October 30th until the early morning of November 5th (our return flight is at 7:20 AM). We’re arriving in Puerto Princesa and leaving from there as well. While ChatGPT gave us an itinerary suggestion, I’d still love to hear other opinions—don’t want to rely on it blindly.

Here’s ChatGPT’s proposal:

Saturday, October 31: Pearl farm + local waterfalls • 9:00 AM: Private car to Brook’s Point pearl farm (1.5–2 hour visit). • 1:00 PM: Local lunch + drive to Nagtabon Falls (1-hour jungle hike). • Overnight in Puerto Princesa. Sunday, November 1: Tabon Caves (Quezon) • 8:00 AM: Private car from PPS to Quezon (3 hours). • 11:00 AM–3:00 PM: Visit Tabon Caves (2–3 hour hike, unique archaeological site). • Return to PPS late afternoon or stay overnight in Quezon if you prefer. Monday, November 2: Puerto Princesa → Port Barton • 8:00 AM: Private car from PPS to Port Barton (3–4 hours). • Afternoon: Stroll around the village, small market, acclimatization. • Overnight in Port Barton. Tuesday, November 3: Private boat from Port Barton • 8:30 AM: Private boat for island hopping (snorkeling at Twin Reef / Fantastic Reef + peaceful Maxima Island). • Return by 4:00 PM. Wednesday, November 4: Hike in Port Barton + return to PPS • Morning: Hike to Pamuayan Falls or local jungle (1–2 hours). • 1:00 PM: Private car from Port Barton to PPS. • Overnight near the airport in PPS. Thursday, November 5: Flight from PPS to Dumaguete • Early morning flight from PPS to Dumaguete (direct or via Cebu, with plenty of buffer time).

What do you think? Where can we find trustworthy private drivers without getting ripped off? Any recommendations for typical hotels or guesthouses? Our flights are already booked—arriving in PPS at 6:30 PM and departing at 7:20 AM.

Thanks for your advice!

Hello everyone, We’re heading to Vietnam for 14 nights over the Christmas holidays as a family of four—I haven’t booked anything yet. I’d love your insights on Halong Bay (or Lan Ha Bay). We’re torn between going or not and spending an extra night in Ninh Binh (or somewhere else you’d recommend! Somewhere with a more picturesque vibe) given the late-December weather and cost (which agency do you recommend?). The upside might be that we’ll be there during the low season, so maybe fewer tourists? (Even though it’d be New Year’s Eve night.) Here’s our itinerary: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City around 1 p.m. 2nd night in HCMC (no time for the Mekong Delta ☹️) Flight to Da Nang 3 nights in Hoi An Bus to Hue, 1 night in Hue City visit, overnight train to Ninh Binh 2 or 3 nights in Ninh Binh? Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay? 2 nights in Hanoi Departure Thank you so much in advance for your invaluable tips!

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!

I just planned my itinerary, but I feel like it's too rushed. I’ll have to make some choices, but I don’t know how—everything looks interesting.

Oct 24: Arrival in Bangkok, flight to Chiang Rai (overnight) Oct 25: Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong (overnight) Oct 26: Chiang Khong to Houei Sai (overnight) Oct 27: Houei Sai (Shampoo Cruise boat) to Pakbeng (overnight) Oct 28: Pakbeng (2nd day of cruise) to Luang Prabang Oct 29–30–31, Nov 1–2: Luang Prabang (5 nights) Nov 2: Luang Prabang to Vientiane by train Nov 3–4–5: Vientiane (That Luang) (4 nights) Nov 6: Vientiane to Vang Vieng Nov 7–8: Vang Vieng (3 nights) Nov 9: Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang Nov 10: Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw Nov 11: Nong Khiaw Nov 12: Nong Khiaw to Muang Ngoi Nov 13–14: Muang Ngoi Nov 15: Muang Ngoi to Nong Khiaw to Oudomxai Nov 16: Oudomxai to Luang Namtha Nov 17–18: Luang Namtha Nov 19: Luang Namtha to Muang Sing Nov 20–21: Muang Sing Nov 22: Muang Sing to Luang Namtha to Houeisai Nov 23: Houeisai to Chiang Rai Nov 24: Chiang Rai flight at 18:55 to Bangkok Nov 25: Bangkok flight at 01:15 to Barcelona

Thanks for your suggestions!

Hi there, what do you think of this itinerary, please? Do you think it’s doable? We’re two adults—it’s our honeymoon trip! 🙂 Our main interests lean more toward nature and landscapes than cultural visits (though we won’t rule out one or two temple visits).

01/10/2025 W 10:30 AM – Departure from CDG (overnight flight) 02/10/2025 Th 11:25 AM – Arrival in Denpasar -> Ubud (south of the city) – overnight in Ubud 03/10/2025 F – Excursions around Ubud – overnight in Ubud 04/10/2025 Sa – Excursions around Ubud (Jatiluwih) – overnight in Ubud 05/10/2025 Su – Excursions around Ubud – overnight in Ubud 06/10/2025 M – Ubud -> Amed – overnight in Amed 07/10/2025 Tu – Amed – overnight in Amed 08/10/2025 W – Amed -> Padangbai – overnight in Padangbai 09/10/2025 Th – Padangbai -> Gili Air (first morning boat) – overnight on Gili Air 10/10/2025 F – Gili Air – overnight on Gili Air 11/10/2025 Sa – Gili Air – overnight on Gili Air 12/10/2025 Su – Gili Air -> Nusa Lembongan – overnight on Nusa Lembongan 13/10/2025 M – Nusa Lembongan – overnight on Nusa Lembongan 14/10/2025 Tu – Nusa Lembongan – overnight on Nusa Lembongan 15/10/2025 W – Nusa Lembongan – overnight on Nusa Lembongan (or return to Bali depending on sea conditions) 16/10/2025 Th – Jimbaran or Seminyak – overnight in Jimbaran or Seminyak 17/10/2025 F – Jimbaran -> Denpasar – departure at 6:45 PM (overnight flight) 18/10/2025 Sa 8:00 AM – Arrival at CDG – overnight at home

Thanks in advance for your feedback! [;]

Hi everyone,

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?

Thanks so much for your tips and experiences!

Hello everyone,

I’m so happy Voyage Forum is back—it helped me plan trips (USA, Canada) a good ten years ago, and I love the quality of the discussions and the forum’s vibe. I’m currently putting together our itinerary for our first trip to Thailand from March 6th to 20th, arriving and departing from Bangkok, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice. I haven’t booked hotels or transfers yet. We’re traveling as a couple (ages 56 and 58). Our goal isn’t to "see it all" but to take our time. We love big cities, visiting museums, architecture, soaking up local life, walking, nature, swimming, and a bit of relaxation. Here’s how I’m envisioning the itinerary:

03/06: Departure 03/07: Arrival in Bangkok, night in Ayutthaya 03/08: Day in Ayutthaya, night in Bangkok 03/09: Exploring Bangkok, night in Bangkok 03/10: Exploring Bangkok, night in Bangkok 03/11: Departure for Ko Chang (flight, minibus, taxi?) 03/12: Ko Chang 03/13: Ko Chang 03/14: Ko Chang 03/15: Departure for Ko Kut 03/16: Ko Kut 03/17: Ko Kut 03/18: Return to Bangkok, night in Bangkok 03/19: Bangkok 03/20: Departure at 1:00 AM

What do you think? Is it possible to add Khao Yai National Park to this itinerary and shorten the beach stay without rushing too much? Open to your comments, suggestions, and great tips—thanks in advance!

Hi there, After visiting southern Sumatra in 2020 (Padang area, Bukkitinggi, Lake Maninjau), we’re heading north in two weeks to explore. We’ll arrive in Medan after Singapore. Then we plan to go to Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, and Lake Toba before finishing up on Pulau Weh. Yeah, I know three weeks is short, but we like taking our time now that we’re in our fifties 😄. My questions: - Which direction should we do the loop: Medan → Bukit Lawang → Lake Toba → Medan (we’ll be traveling by taxi)? - Can I buy the Medan/Banda Aceh flights just 10 days in advance while we’re there? Any airline to prefer? Thanks in advance to anyone familiar with this part of the world 😊

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!

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

Alright, I’m scaling back the kilometers thanks to the relevance and patience of our Cambodia experts! Here’s yet another hesitation /\ When I arrive early on 01/12 in PP, I have the choice between spending a day in PP (booking a convenience room for half a day and leaving by night bus), sleeping in PP and taking the bus to SR the next morning, or hiring a driver to head back up to PP with a nice little stop and maybe sleeping in Kampong Thom or Kampong Chhnang, then heading to SP on the 13th. Then from the 13th to the 17th or 18th, exploring Angkor. I continue to Kampong Thom and stay for 2 nights (if I didn’t do it on the way there), but I might be templed-out by then. I head to Kampong Cham, where I’ll spend 2 nights—one on the island and one on the mainland. Next, I go to Kampot and Kep: probably 2 nights in Kampot, 2 in Kep, and 1 night on Tonsay Island. On 01/28, I return to PP until 01/29. One detail: how long does it take to get from downtown PP to the new airport? Because I leave on 01/29 around 7:50 PM... Anyway, I’m ready to read your unfiltered reactions 🤓 and thank you in advance for your help!

Hi everyone,

I’m heading to Thailand for the first time at the end of January 2026 for two weeks. I’m traveling with someone who’s already been there, so we’re planning to hit some of the must-see spots but also visit places my partner wants to see—like Krabi, for example. We want a bit of everything: cities, food, culture, walks, but also beach time and relaxation. I’d love your thoughts on this itinerary idea—is it doable without feeling too rushed? We’ve got 16 nights there. There’s a part of the trip that’s still up in the air where I’m not sure what to do. Either we add a national park or a city like Erawan? The goal is to see beautiful landscapes, waterfalls (if there’s water at that time of year!), and wildlife... Or maybe we don’t add anything and just extend our time in the other stops! Depending on the final choice, the order might need adjusting 🙂

Day 1: Land in Bangkok from Paris at 2 PM—either we take a direct flight to Krabi to start our trip there (and end in Bangkok on the way back), or we stay in Bangkok for 3 days. Day 1/Day 2/Day 3/Day 4 (3.5 days, 4 nights): Bangkok (temples, floating market, possibly a day trip to Ayutthaya) Day 5/Day 6/Day 7/Day 8: Travel to Krabi, Railay, and day trips to the surrounding islands Day 9/Day 10/Day 11/Day 12: Travel to an island (probably Koh Tao), snorkeling, diving, trekking, Ang Thong excursion? Day 13/Day 14/Day 15: Leave the island for an undecided destination—a national park (Khao Sok? Khao Sam Roi Yot?)? Or Phang Nga Bay? Or Erawan? Day 16: Return to Bangkok Day 17: Departure (flight at 2 PM)

What do you think? Any advice or tips on the itinerary or the ideas for Days 13-15? (Which could be moved to another part of the trip depending on the route.) Just to note, we’re not big hikers or adventurers, but we do enjoy discovery, nature, and cultural visits like temples. Thanks in advance for your valuable tips 🙂

Florence

Hi everyone,

So excited to be back on this forum of fellow travel enthusiasts to ask for advice about my upcoming two-week trip to Thailand in March 2026.

Given that it’ll be the start of the intense heat and burning season, I’m wondering about my itinerary, which would focus on the central/southern part of the country.

Ideally, I’d like a mix of relaxation in a nice setting, culture (temples or old palaces), and I’m keeping six days in Bangkok, which I love :)

I’m planning to get around by train, car (through an agency), or plane if it’s easier.

Option 1: HUA HIN – 3/4 days (day trips to PHETCHABURI + SAM ROI YOT + ARTISAN MARKETS) KANCHANABURI – 3/4 days NAKHON PATHOM – 1 day BANGKOK – 6 days

My doubts: -Will the sky be too hazy (from smoke) for good photos? -Will Kanchanaburi and its surroundings be less enchanting during this period (dry landscapes)?

Option 2: PHUKET (4 days): exploring the island + PHANG NGA Bay HUA HIN (3/4 days) BANGKOK (7 days)

My doubts: -How do I get from Phuket to Hua Hin? It seems like flying isn’t an option, and I’d have to take a long trip up the southern coast or return to Bangkok to catch the train. -Is Phuket even remotely pleasant during this ultra-touristy period? -Is Karon a good base for exploring Phuket?

Option 3: PHUKET KAO SOK SURAT THANI? BANGKOK

My doubts: -I’d like to add a destination with beautiful temples in this area, but maybe Surat Thani isn’t the best idea.

Option 4: SURAT THANI >> HUA HIN (6/7 days) BANGKOK

Doubts: -I’m worried this route might be too tiring if I have to move every two days.

I’m open to any tips—or even a completely different itinerary if you have other ideas.

Thanks so much / Khob Khun Krap :)

Hey everyone,

I’m planning a road trip through Southeast Asia with my girlfriend starting in mid-January 2026, and I’m torn between two possible itineraries.

The goal of the trip is to explore the region before catching a flight to Tokyo at the end. The main difference between my two options is the order in which I’d visit Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.

👉 Itinerary A: Paris > Thailand (Chiang Mai) > Southern Thailand > Malaysia > Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap in Cambodia > Cambodia > Southern to Northern Vietnam > Flight to Tokyo



👉 Itinerary B: Paris > Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) > Southern Thailand and Bangkok > Cambodia > Southern to Northern Vietnam > Flight from Hanoi to Vientiane (Laos) > Laos > Northern Thailand > Flight from Bangkok to Tokyo



Initially, I thought about doing Malaysia > Thailand > Laos > Vietnam > Cambodia, but after looking into it, it’s tricky to get to Tokyo from Cambodia—there’s no direct flight.

My questions: - Which of these itineraries seems the most logical/smooth in terms of transportation? - Which one do you think offers the best overall experience? - Do you have any other route suggestions or visit orders?

Thanks in advance for your feedback! 🙏

Hi everyone,

We’re heading to Vietnam in February as a family (2 adults and 2 kids) for 9 full days, and I was thinking of this itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi Day 2: Halong Bay (Lan Ha) Day 3: Halong Bay (Lan Ha) Day 4: Hue Day 5: Danang Day 6: Danang Day 7: Hoi An Day 8: Hoi An/My Son Day 9: Hanoi

After reading almost all the discussions about Vietnam, I don’t see anything about transportation options for getting from Hue to Danang, then from Danang to Hoi An. Any ideas (train, bus)? From the map, it looks like Danang is close to Hoi An—easily accessible by taxi, right?

Also, after reading lots of comments and websites, I’ve noticed that Danang, aside from being a big developing city, seems to be more about hotels for relaxing on the beach—very laid-back, isn’t it? Not really a place to visit like Hanoi or Hoi An.

Generally speaking, if you have any recommendations for the itinerary or tips, I’d love to hear them.

I’ll post a trip report when we get back.

Merry Christmas to all!

Alex

Hi everyone, I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027. 10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta. We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo). I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself. But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal... Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!

Hi everyone! I’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!

Hi everyone, We’ll be two couples in Sulawesi at the end of May for five weeks, and we’re planning to rent a car for some legs of the trip. Which route would you recommend for driving from Mamasa to Rantepao, and how many hours might the trip take? Thanks for your tips! 😉

Hi everyone,

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).

Thanks for your advice.

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! !

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?

Thanks, and long live the Nam! !

Hey everyone, We're currently in Thailand. I'm opening this thread to share practical info for those planning their trip. As for impressions and feelings—I love it, but I'll let everyone form their own opinions. The goal here is more about: how to do this or that, how to get there, etc.

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

Thanks for any suggestions or help!

Hi there, I’m planning a trip to Laos in November 2025. I’m not really sure what to visit. I’ve heard there are local festivals around that time. Open to any suggestions for planning my trip. There’ll be 4 or 5 of us. Best,

Hi there, I’m heading to Thailand at the end of June (I know it’s not the best time, but I don’t have a choice) for three and a half weeks, and I’d love your advice on the itinerary. I’d like to visit Koh Lanta, Ko Lipe, Ko Chang, and Ko Kood. What do you think is the ideal order based on the travel logistics? My initial plan was this, after a night in Bangkok to recover from the flight: 1: Flight Bangkok – Krabi, then boat Krabi – Koh Lanta 2: Boat Koh Lanta – Ko Lipe 3: Boat Koh Lanta – Krabi, then flight Krabi – Bangkok, then flight Bangkok – Trat, and finally boat Trat – Ko Chang (quite a long day!) 4: Boat Ko Chang – Ko Kood 5: Boat Ko Kood – Trat, then flight Trat – Bangkok for the return trip.

Is there a better order or a more efficient way to organize this? (For example, starting with Ko Lipe from Hat Yai and then taking a boat to Koh Lanta?) Anyway, thanks in advance for your thoughts and tips, and have a great weekend!

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.

What do you all think? Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone! Back on this forum!!

I’m planning my trip to Malaysia for June. I arrive in KL on June 3rd and leave on the 19th, also from KL. Here’s my itinerary: June 3: KL to Malacca Days 2, 3, 4: Malacca Evening of Day 4: Malacca to Penang Days 5, 6, 7: Penang Day 8: Flight from Penang to Kota Bharu (I found direct morning flights) Transfer from Kota Bharu to Kuala Besut, then to Perhentian Islands Days 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14: Perhentian Islands (still deciding which one) Day 14: Perhentian Islands to Kota Bharu, then flight to KL Days 14, 15, 16: KL Day 17: Return

What do you think of this plan? Is the Malacca to Penang bus trip late at night?

If you have any suggestions, I’m all ears! 😊

Hi everyone,

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?

Thanks in advance for your feedback! :)

Hi there, I need your thoughts on the rest of my itinerary. We’re spending two nights in Phnom Penh and five in Siem Reap. That leaves us with six days, and we’d like to do Kampot-Kep and Koh Rong Sanloem. Originally, I wanted to go to Battambang, but I’m worried it might be too much. Our flight back is on 22/03 at 6:30 PM from Phnom Penh. Thanks in advance for your feedback and tips!

Idea for a 15-day itinerary in Cambodia... - 3 nights in Phnom Penh, arriving at 6:30 PM. (2 days to explore the city). - 2 nights in Battambang - 4 or 5 nights in Siem Reap (2 days for Angkor, 1 day for Kulen, 1 day for Tonlé Sap Lake) - 2 nights in Kampot - 2 nights on Koh Rong. What do you think? Thanks... Alain.