The Forbidden City will be closed from 31 August to 4 September 2025. Tiananmen Square will be closed from 1 to 3 September 2025.

Björn Schimanski, Managing Director of Asian Trails Indonesia, shares expert insights into Lombok, an emerging destination located just east of Bali.

Indian carrier Akasa Air will launch direct flights between Mumbai and Phuket starting 20 September 2025.

Indonesia has introduced the ‘All Indonesia’ digital declaration platform, streamlining the entry process for international travellers.

Vietnam will grant visa-free entry to citizens of 12 additional European countries for tourism stays of up to 45 days, effective 15 August 2025.

Demonstrating our ongoing commitment to responsible travel and community engagement, Asian Trails staff from our Ho Chi Minh City office in Vietnam took part in a community bike ride.

China has introduced new regulations that restrict the use of uncertified power banks on all domestic flights within the country.

This practice involves delicately infusing green tea with the natural fragrance of lotus blossoms, creating a beverage celebrated for its subtle aroma and refined elegance.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled an ambitious new strategic direction for 2026.

The Vietnamese city of Hue has received national recognition for two unique aspects of its cultural legacy – the Bhuoih Haro Tome rice festival and bun bo Hue.

Vietnam is implementing ambitious plans to reduce pollution and modernise urban transport in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Three significant heritage sites in Hanoi’s Old Quarter have been temporarily closed for restoration.

Vietnam is setting a strong example in sustainability with a government-backed initiative to significantly reduce plastic waste nationwide.

Southern Thailand’s Maya Bay will be temporarily closed from 1 August to 30 September 2025 for marine rehabilitation.

Previously closed on Mondays, the 9th century temple nestled in the scenic Kedu Valley is now open daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm.

Five important Asian attractions were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Paris in July 2025.

Cambodia has officially introduced its new v-Pass system, replacing traditional passport stamps and QR code slips for all foreign visitors.

Vietnam Airlines will fly direct between Hanoi and Milan and between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen, while Air Cambodia has resumed Sihanoukville and Bangkok services.

Effective 12 June 2025, China officially added Indonesia to its 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit programme.

A new high-speed railway connecting Chongqing and Qianjiang (Yu-Qian) will reduce the travel time from four hours to around two-and-a-half hours.

The 35-minute, providing new opportunities for travellers keen to explore some of the country’s lesser-visited destinations.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) is set to take off in the last quarter of 2025, opening a new chapter in Vietnamese aviation.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Memorial to Heroic Martyrs in Hanoi will be temporarily closed from 2 June to 31 July, 2025 for annual maintenance.

Starting 9 June 2025, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia will be eligible for visa-free entry to China for up to 30 days.

Located in Vietnam’s far north-east, this mountainous border province boasts dramatic limestone karsts, remote caves and beautiful highland scenery.

History will be made in Cambodia on 10th July 2025 as the country’s new international airport becomes operational.

Starting 15 October 2025, visitors to six marine national parks in Southern Thailand will be required to purchase e-tickets before enjoying this region’s iconic natural wonders.

Air Arabia has announced the launch of new non-stop daily flights from Sharjah International Airport to Krabi, starting 28 November 2025.

Effective 1 June 2025, China will expand its visa-free entry policy to include citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.

German leisure carrier Condor Airlines announces plans to expand its long-haul services to Thailand, starting in the winter of 2025/26.