Bamboo Airways includes Con Dao (VCS) in its domestic flight network, connecting the archipelago to Ho Chi Minh City. The airline serves tourist destinations including Con Dao, Phu Quoc, Quang Binh, and Da Lat [citation:1]. Flight time from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao is approximately 1 hour 5 minutes [citation:6].

Traveler tip: Bamboo Airways, along with Vietnam Airlines and Vasco, operates this route [citation:6]. For the upcoming Reunification Day holiday (April 30 – May 1), early booking is recommended.

Combined Adventure 3 trek is currently available in Nam Ha National Protected Area, offering a 2-day experience combining jungle trekking and kayaking on the Namtha River. The itinerary includes:

• Day 1: Drive to Chaleunsouk village, trek through primary rainforest to Nalan Neua village, overnight in a remote village homestay with a Khmu family [citation:2]
• Day 2: Kayak down the Namtha River, passing minority villages, observing local wildlife and fishermen, picnic lunch on riverbank [citation:2]

3-Day Forest Camp trek (AXTVC-NHC8): Also available, this 3-day, 2-night trek stays entirely within Nam Ha National Protected Area (an ASEAN Heritage Site). Hikers stay at Khmu-run and Akha-run forest camps, learning about traditional forest uses and wildlife [citation:7].

The Hmong Night Market in Luang Prabang operates daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, regardless of weather. The market occupies Sisavangvong Road in front of the Royal Palace Museum, extending to Jisala Street [citation:3][citation:8].

Market features: Hundreds of stalls selling silk scarves, textiles, silverware, handicrafts, paper lanterns, and bamboo products. The market is known for being quiet and relaxed, with no aggressive selling [citation:3].

Rainy season (May-October): Vendors use additional tarpaulins to protect goods, and crowds are smaller — still open every night [citation:8].

Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island) remains accessible from Kep. Boats depart from Rabbit Island Pier at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, with return trips at 3:00 PM (rainy season) or 4:00 PM (dry season). Return tickets cost $8 USD [citation:4].

Kep Island Hopping Trip (5 hours): Available through local operators, this tour explores uninhabited islands, includes snorkeling at a deserted beach, and observes local fishing communities. Includes hotel pick-up and lunch [citation:9].

Private boat options: Private boats can be arranged at the pier for $25 USD return (up to 6 people) [citation:4].

VERIFIED STATUS: Thailand’s Defence Minister Adul Boonthumjaroen confirmed that border checkpoints with Cambodia will remain closed until Cambodia adheres to the December ceasefire agreement. “The government has clearly expressed that the border will stay closed unless the Joint Statement is adhered to” [citation:5].

The Royal Thai Navy has dismissed claims of border reopening as fake news, stating there is no policy to reopen any checkpoint and will continue strict border control measures [citation:10].

Current legal framework: Thailand has cancelled Memorandum of Understanding 44 (MoU44) with Cambodia and will now use the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for maritime border disputes [citation:5].

Traveler action: Do not attempt any Thailand-Cambodia land crossing. The only legal way to travel between the two countries is by air (flights from Bangkok to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap).

Background: The border dispute has continued for over a century. A ceasefire was agreed on December 27, 2025, after about 20 days of fighting that killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million people on both sides [citation:10].