Hanoi Bans Train Street Tours Over Safety Concerns
Hanoi’s iconic Train Street, a narrow railway track lined with quaint cafés and bustling shops, has long been one of the city’s most intriguing attractions. Tourists flock to this area for a unique experience—sipping coffee just inches from an active railway line while waiting for a train to rumble past. However, concerns over public safety have led the Hanoi Department of Tourism to impose a ban on organised tours to this famous site. A Thrill-Seeker’s Favourite, Now Off-Limits Stretching through Le Duan, Tran Phu, Cua Dong, and Phung Hung streets, Train Street is particularly popular along a 300-metre section between Tran Phu and Phung Hung streets. Here, visitors could previously…
Agoda’s 2025 travel calendar: A month-by-month guide to Asia
Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled a list of destinations in Asia for 2025, providing travelers with a month-by-month guide from March onwards to the continent’s seasonal attractions, cultural highlights, and unique experiences. The monthly travel guide suggests different places and cultures throughout the year, based on perfect times to visit. From the scenic cherry blossoms of Tokyo, Japan in March to the lively Diwali celebrations in Jaipur come October, Agoda’s selection offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared, “At Agoda, we love helping people explore the world for less. We believe travel should be accessible and inspiring, and…
Hong Kong Elevates Muslim-Friendly Travel Experiences for Muslim Travellers
Hong Kong continues to make progress in becoming a Muslim-friendly destination of choice, with enhanced services and facilities that cater to the needs of Muslim travellers. A key milestone in Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) efforts is the increasing number of hotels participating in Crescent Rating’s (CR) accreditation program — a program rating hotel on their Muslim-friendliness developed by Crescent Rating, an internationally renowned Muslim travel marketing company. As of February 2025, 52 hotels in Hong Kong have successfully obtained an accreditation rating from Crescent Rating, depending on the Muslim-friendly facilities available at the hotels. In addition, Hong Kong has significantly expanded its selection of Halal-certified and Muslim-friendly restaurants, accredited by Incorporated…
Bali Considers RM446/Day Tourism Tax to Curb Overtourism
Bali, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, has long been a magnet for global travellers. However, the island’s popularity has ushered in challenges related to overtourism, prompting local authorities to consider innovative solutions to preserve its unique environment and heritage. One such proposal under serious consideration is the introduction of a daily tourism tax for all foreign visitors, inspired by Bhutan’s sustainable tourism model. Bhutan’s approach to tourism is characterised by a Sustainable Development Fee, where international tourists are required to pay USD 100 (RM446) per day. This model aims to attract ‘high-quality’ tourists who are willing to invest in the preservation of the country’s cultural and natural…
Visa-Free Travel: Which ASEAN Passports Open the Most Doors?
Southeast Asia’s passport strength has become a key indicator of global mobility and regional influence, with recent rankings underscoring the impressive travel freedoms enjoyed by citizens in the region. In early 2025, the Henley Global Mobility Report revealed that Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei possess the most powerful passports among Southeast Asian nations. According to the report, holders of a Singaporean passport can travel visa‐free to 195 countries and territories, cementing its position not only as the strongest in Southeast Asia but also as one of the world’s most coveted travel documents. Malaysia follows closely behind, with its passport offering visa-free entry to 183 destinations. Brunei’s passport, while slightly less powerful…
