Vietnam – The Lotus Blossom

Holiday train schedules announced · April 30 – May 1 travel advisory

Vietnam Railways increases services for holiday period April 24 – May 3, 2026
Vietnam Railways will add passenger train services during the Hung Kings Commemoration Day and the April 30 – May 1 (Reunification Day and Labor Day) holiday period. Key daily trains confirmed on the Central Region route include:

• SE19/SE20: Hanoi – Da Nang
• SE22/SE21: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) – Da Nang
• SNT2/SNT1: Saigon – Nha Trang
• SPT2/SPT1: Saigon – Phan Thiet
• HD1/2/3/4 (Central Heritage Connection): Hue – Da Nang
• NA1/NA2: Hanoi – Vinh

Traveler takeaway: If traveling between April 24 and May 3, book tickets early. The SE22 train departs from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

Vietnam e-visa (EV) available to all countries Policy effective 2026
Vietnam’s e-visa is available to citizens of all countries and territories. E-visa holders may enter through 13 airports, 16 land border gates, and several seaports. No change to processing times has been officially announced.

Paradise Cave (Phong Nha) – normal operations continue
Thiên Đường Cave (Paradise Cave) remains open for exploration. Tour tickets are available for dates including April 16, 2026 and beyond. No closure or new chamber opening has been officially reported.

Practical advisory – holiday travel surge expected
As Vietnam prepares for Reunification Day (April 30) and Labor Day (May 1), expect increased domestic travel and fuller hotels along the central coast from April 29 onward. Book accommodations and transport in advance.

Laos – The Silk Thread

Laos-China Railway daily services · Luang Prabang alms route guidelines

Laos-China Railway – 4 daily international trains Daily service 2026
Four international passenger services run daily along the 1,035-kilometer line from Kunming (China) to Vientiane (Laos). Key stations include: Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, Muang Xay, Boten.
Train D87 (Kunming → Vientiane): Departs Kunming at 08:08, arrives Vientiane at 17:44 (Laos time). Journey duration: approximately 9.5–10 hours including border customs.
Traveler takeaway: Vang Vieng is a regular scheduled stop on this route — not a “trial stop.” Tickets available via LCR Ticket app or at stations.

Luang Prabang Alms Giving Ceremony (Tak Bat) – respectful guidelines Daily at sunrise
The ceremony takes place daily just after sunrise, typically between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM depending on the season. The best viewing locations are along Sakkaline Road and side streets near major temples.
Respectful participation guidelines:

• Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered)
• Maintain a respectful distance (at least 3 meters)
• No flash photography — use natural light only
• Remain silent and do not block the monks’ path
• Women should keep their heads lower than the monks’ level
• If offering alms, use sticky rice from local vendors

Cambodia – The Temple Stone

Angkor Wat 2026 ticket prices · Thailand-Cambodia border closure update

Angkor Wat official ticket prices (2026) Valid through 2026
The official Angkor Pass prices for 2026 are issued by Angkor Enterprise:

• 1-day pass: $37 USD
• 3-day pass: $62 USD (valid for one week)
• 7-day pass: $72 USD (valid for one month)

Tip for avoiding crowds: Purchase your ticket online via the official Angkor Enterprise website to save time. The upper tier (Bakan) has limited capacity — queues can stretch to one hour. Visit just after sunrise or around 1:00 PM (when tour groups leave for lunch) for shorter waits.

Critical border update: Thailand-Cambodia land borders remain closed Since June 2025 – still in effect
As confirmed by the German Foreign Office and multiple sources: all land borders between Thailand and Cambodia have been closed since June 2025 due to military conflict (July 2025). Although a ceasefire was agreed at the end of December 2025, crossings have not reopened as of the current date. This includes:

• Aranyaprathet – Poipet crossing (formerly the busiest land border)
• Chong Sa-Ngam – Anlong Veng crossing
• Chong Chom – O’Smach crossing
• All other land border checkpoints

Alternative routes: Travelers requiring a Thai tourist visa (TR) or new entry permission must use border crossings in Malaysia (Padang Besar, Sadao) or Laos (Friendship Bridges) instead.

Travel advisory – border regions: The foreign ministries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have issued partial travel warnings for the Thailand-Cambodia border region. Avoid attempting any crossing in this area.