Vietnam – Vietnam Airlines cut 23 domestic flights per week; Vietjet reduced frequencies on 24 routes (25% of its network); Bamboo Airways trimmed capacity by 30%. The Van Don – Ho Chi Minh City route suspended from April 1. Thailand – Thai AirAsia reduced flights to 13 destinations (including India & Nepal) and paused some Phuket routes; Thai Lion Air cancelled daily Bangkok–Seoul. Malaysia – Batik Air cut domestic capacity by over 35% and grounded nine cities. Myanmar – fuel crisis exacerbated flight suspensions nationwide.

Chic Advice: Before you sip that morning coffee, call your airline. Flexibility is the new luxury.

The Van Don – Ho Chi Minh City route suspended April 1 due to soaring fuel costs. If you were dreaming of a quick hop from the bay to the boulevard, your agent can help rebook or refund. Phu Quoc’s beloved night market remains open — authorities confirmed it’s a cornerstone of island life. And Vietnam has been named by the BBC as one of the top 5 safest countries for women travelling alone (alongside Costa Rica & Norway). So walk those lantern-lit lanes with ease.

Mid‑April brings Songkran (April 13–15). Six airlines will slash fares by 15–30% on 11 domestic routes from April 10–15 — perfect excuse to escape to Chiang Mai or the southern islands. Starting April 1, the government introduced targeted fuel subsidies for public transport: state bus fares remain steady based on a diesel cap of 33 baht/litre. So your journey from Bangkok to Phuket by road stays as affordable as it is scenic. Pro tip: Begin with a temple blessing, then join the joyful splash.

From June 2026, Cambodia will pilot a visa exemption for Chinese tourists as part of the “China Ready” programme — for all travellers, this signals smoother processes ahead. The “Visit Cambodia in Green Season 2026” campaign (May–October) invites you to experience the kingdom when rice paddies glow and temples breathe. Meanwhile, Angkor Archaeological Park saw a 32% drop in international visitors this first quarter due to regional economic tremors and fuel prices. For you, dear traveller, this means fewer crowds at sunrise over Angkor Wat. A silver lining, indeed.

The Hpa‑an–Kawkareik–Myawady Asian Highway — a vital artery to the Thai border — reopened on April 2 after being closed by conflict. For the overland adventurer, this is excellent news. Domestic flights to Myitkyina are scheduled to resume April 5, but fares remain high (approx 950,000 MMK one‑way) and operations uncertain. Book with care. And a heatwave alert: the Bago Region will swelter above 40°C (104°F) from April 1–6. Pack linen, drink coconut water, and explore in the cool morning hours.

Pakse City is dressing up for Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao, April 14–16). Before that, from April 3–5, the Lao‑Vietnamese Food Festival will tempt your palate with fusion delights. The China‑Laos Railway — that sleek silver thread connecting Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane — has now carried over 70 million passengers. It remains your most stylish way to drift through misty mountains and riverside towns. In Luang Prabang, expect gentle Baci ceremonies, sand stupas, and jasmine‑water blessings — no water cannons, only soul.

Indochina is fast becoming a beloved escape for Indian travellers — drawn by affordability, authenticity, and fewer crowds than the usual suspects. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos are having a moment. However, the global fuel crisis means surcharges are climbing. For example, travellers flying to China from Indochina will see fuel surcharges increase fivefold from April 5. Plan onward journeys with this in mind.