The Mekong River, connecting Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia — this week’s travel developments across the region
From new flight routes in Vietnam to a newly opened road between Laos and Vietnam, and Cambodia’s reaffirmation of traveller safety — here is the essential travel intelligence for Indochine from the past seven days.
✧ Weekly news · 9–16 March 2026
15 MAR 2026VIETNAM · AIR ROUTES
New domestic direct: Phu Quoc – Nha Trang launched
The first direct flight connected Vietnam’s two favourite beach destinations on March 15. Now four weekly flights (Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun; 1h20m) skip the Hanoi/HCMC transit — a game‑changer for multi‑stop itineraries. Also new: Hanoi–Amsterdam (Vietnam Airlines, from June 16, 3 weekly), Da Nang–Jakarta (Vietjet, from Apr 29, 5 weekly), Nha Trang–Singapore (Vietjet, from June 1, 4 weekly), and Hanoi–Bangkok resumes (Vietravel, Apr 24–Oct 24, daily).
28 MAR 2026VIETNAM · EVENT
National Tourism Year 2026 kicks off in Gia Lai
The Central Highlands’ year‑long festival opens March 28 in Pleiku, expecting 50,000 attendees. Expect cultural events, a marathon, and increased flights to Pleiku Airport. A prime opportunity to explore the highlands.
12 MAR 2026LAOS · NEW OVERLAND ROUTE
New 35‑km road opens to Vietnam border at Nam On
A brand‑new asphalt road from Xaychamphon (Bolikhamxay) to the Nam On border crossing with Vietnam was inaugurated March 12. It dramatically eases cross‑border travel by road — ideal for adventurous travellers wanting to combine central Laos with Vietnam’s Thanh Hoa region.
16 MAR 2026LAOS · THAILAND · DIPLOMACY
Thai King and Queen on state visit for 75th ties
Their Majesties began a three‑day visit to Laos today (March 16‑18), underscoring warm bilateral relations. For travellers, this signals heightened border cooperation and potential future connectivity between the two nations.
MAR 2026CAMBODIA · SAFETY
Gov’t reaffirms “safe and warm” destination status
Ministry of Tourism issued a statement highlighting political stability, public order, and crackdowns on online scams to reassure travellers. The message: Cambodia welcomes you with strict safety measures.
MAR 2026CAMBODIA · PARTNERSHIP
VINCI Group to help promote Cambodian tourism
The French giant (which manages Cambodian airports) extends collaboration to boost air connectivity and international marketing. A positive signal for future route development.
Chic Indochine · Your weekly window to the Mekong region · 16 March 2026
