Away from Vietnam’s famous coastline and historic cities lies a very different landscape. The Central Highlands are a world of volcanic plateaus, pine forests, waterfalls, coffee plantations and communities whose cultures have developed over generations in the country’s mountainous interior. Still relatively overlooked by international visitors, the region rewards travellers willing to venture beyond the…
From 20–26 September 2026, the northeastern province of Sakon Nakhon will come alive for one of its most colourful traditional celebrations. The Bun Duean Sip, Traditional Long Boat Race, Lai Ruea Fai and Phra Kaeo Worship Festival brings seven days of racing, illuminated boats, religious traditions, food and entertainment to Akat Amnuai District. For international…
White sandy beaches, forest-covered mountains, waterfalls and tropical seas make Koh Chang one of eastern Thailand’s most rewarding island destinations. Located in Trat Province near the Cambodian border, it is Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, yet much of its interior remains dominated by mountains and lush vegetation. Its name means ‘Elephant Island’, a reference to…
This month, the city of Sibu in Sarawak comes alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of Borneo. The Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) returns to Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, bringing together communities from across the region for one of Sarawak’s most vibrant celebrations of cultural heritage. Organised by Sibu Municipal Council, this year’s festival takes…
Leafy, historic and refreshingly laid-back, Taiping offers a very different side of Malaysia. Located in the northern state of Perak, this former tin-mining town combines colonial heritage, beautiful gardens and rainforest-covered hills with an easy-going atmosphere that rewards travellers who venture beyond the country’s more familiar destinations. Taiping played an important role in the development…
There’s plenty of good news coming out of Vietnam at the moment. Here are a few stories making the headlines: New Heritage Train Connects Hue with the Phong Nha Region Launched on 28 August 2026, with regular services from 29 August. The new HQ1/HQ2 tourist train offers another way to connect Hue’s imperial landmarks…
A selection of bitesize stories and positive developments making the news in the Land of Smiles recently: 30-day visa-free stays to take effect on 15 September The new 30-day limit for visa-free stays in Thailand has been formally announced and will take effect on 15 Sept for visitors from 60 countries. The Royal Gazette…
A selection of bitesize news stories currently making the headlines in Malaysia: Malaysia extends Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism campaign through 2027 to boost regional connectivity Malaysia has officially extended its Visit Malaysia 2026 initiative through the end of 2027, leveraging strategic airline partnerships and multi-country travel packages to attract millions of international visitors. The…
A few bitesize news stories and tourism developments making the headlines in Indonesia in recent weeks: Dieng Culture Festival 2026 boosts Indonesia’s global tourism image The Ministry of Tourism has described the 2026 Dieng Culture Festival (DCF) as a strategic event to strengthen Indonesia’s authentic tourism image while enhancing the global competitiveness of its…
Country Manager Message – Vietnam Hello from Vietnam! September is a wonderful time to experience Vietnam, as the first signs of autumn arrive in the north and a busy calendar of cultural celebrations gets underway across the country. We began the month with Vietnam National Day on 2 September, marking the 81st anniversary of the…