Airport bomb threat sparks warning for Aussies travelling to popular holiday destination
'There's an ongoing risk of terrorism in Thailand,' Australia's official travel advice service, Smartraveller, said in a statement on Saturday morning.
'Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks anywhere across Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket.
'This follows discovery of an explosive device near the airport this week.
'Thai authorities defused devices in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga this week and have made related arrests in recent days.'
The service added that Phuket International Airport has increased security measures and that passengers flying out of the airport should arrive well ahead of their flights.
'The security situation in Thailand can be unpredictable,' the advice continued.
'Large protests have occurred in Bangkok and other areas. In previous years, large political protests and government crowd control operations have resulted in violence.'
The service also urged Aussies in Thailand to be alert to risks around drink spiking, and to never leave food or drinks unattended.
Holidaymakers should stay with people they trust at bars, nightclubs and in taxis.
Travellers were told to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand overall due to security and safety risks, while they should 'reconsider the need to travel' to Yala province, Pattani province, and Narathiwat province due to ongoing risks of insurgent activity, including terrorism.
Thailand is a major destination for Australians, with about 800,000 Aussies visiting the country each year before Covid.
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Times
2 hours ago
- Times
Six of the best backpacking routes across southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is still the ultimate destination for backpacking adventures. The region spans 11 countries, from Myanmar to the Philippines, and is a kaleidoscope of cultures, landscapes and flavours. Today it blends classic routes with modern-age comforts too, making it easier than ever to chase the big moments: think high-speed trains, eco-stays and better connectivity. Whether it's sunrise over Angkor, motorcycle rides through misty limestone mountains or late-night bowls of noodles in Bangkok's buzzing Chinatown, there are well-known sights and those you'll want to keep secret for yourself. To help you plan, we've mapped out six journeys that highlight the best of the region, plus options for group travel. Here are southeast Asia's best backpacking routes. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue Recommended time two to three weeks First-timers can experience southeast Asia's highlights — rich nature, buzzing cities, epic beaches — in a journey between its top travel hubs, Bangkok and Singapore. In Bangkok, visit the sprawling Chatuchak weekend market, sip cocktails at BKK Social Club — one of the city's best bars but with a price tag to match — and feast on Michelin-starred street food at Jay Fai. Then head to the island of Phuket, a 1.5-hour flight or 12-hour bus ride away. For extra room, book the 24-seat VIP sleeper buses that depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal in the Taling Chan district. Five days affords enough time to explore the city of Phuket, where colourful 19th-century buildings house boutique hotels, hostels, lively bars and cafés, and places to try dim sum. Although most come to idle on some of the province's thirty or so beaches, including seven-mile Mai Khao right next to the airport. Take a flight or overnight bus to Penang across the border in Malaysia and wander around the Unesco site of George Town. Gorgeous Sino-Portuguese architecture sits next to Buddhist shrines, Hindu temples and mosques, while hawker centres serve everything from Hokkien noodles to nasi lemak (Malay-style coconut rice with sides) and roti canai (flaky Indian flatbread served with curry). Head to your next stop, Kuala Lumpur, by train. Malaysia's efficient railway network is among the region's best, and you'll reach the capital in about four hours. Spend a few days here to eyeball the Petronas Twin Towers, visit the Islamic Arts Museum and explore the Batu Caves, a Hindu pilgrimage site known for its large statue of Murugan, god of war. Venturing two hours south to the city of Malacca allows you to explore another Unesco site, which showcases its British, Dutch and Portuguese influences in windmills, forts, shophouses and fusion dishes such as Portuguese-style devil's curry. End your adventure in Singapore, but beware the backpacker budget may go out the window here if you're not careful. Hostels are more expensive and the city is known for its luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants; instead head to the hawker centres for the best no-frills food. Look for the stalls with the longest queues and it's hard to go wrong. Intrepid Travel's 15-day Bangkok to Singapore tour takes groups of up to 12 adventurers on a similar itinerary. But, instead of Phuket, you'll spend two days in Khao Sok National Park, exploring vast caves and one of Earth's oldest rainforests; then two more in Krabi at the resort town of Ao Nang, sea kayaking and wildlife spotting, with free time for beachcombing or rock climbing. • Best hotels in Bangkok• Best affordable hotels in Singapore Recommended time one to two weeks Get off the beaten track in northern Vietnam's remote Ha Giang province. This road trip — a loop between the districts of Dong Van and Meo Vac — is revered for dizzying mountain passes, jaw-dropping limestone karst and deep cultural experiences. Travellers typically rent a motorcycle and enlist the services of a local guide in the laidback provincial capital of Ha Giang, then spend three to four days navigating roads that curve through quiet villages and rice-terraced hillsides near the Chinese border. Homestays with H'mong, Tay or Dao families offer a brief and unforgettable immersion into highland life, while the route itself delivers major highlights: the rolling peaks of the Dong Van Karst Plateau, the vertigo-inducing Ma Pi Leng Pass and the Lung Cu Flag Tower marking Vietnam's northernmost point. The ride usually ends back in Ha Giang, where regular night buses return to Hanoi. But the journey can be continued with a few easy detours. Keep riding or take the bus to Cao Bang, where the tiered, turquoise Ban Gioc waterfall crashes across the border into China — and where Nui Thung Mountain (Angel Eye Mountain) defies logic with a hole right through its middle. Then visit Ba Be National Park for a break among limestone cliffs and the jungle-fringed Ba Be Lake. This is another incredible place to explore the region's diversity. Tay, Dao, Kinh and H'mong communities all live around the lake, and many villages offer homestays. When it's time to end the tour, take the bus to Hanoi and indulge in cups of ca phe trung (the city's signature egg coffee) and drinks at the growing number of cocktail bars. Contiki is your best bet for partly replicating the above itinerary courtesy of its Ha Giang Loop — a five-day circuit offered as an extension to longer Vietnam tours. Participants trek to the Ma Pi Leng Pass, cruise along one of Asia's largest canyons, discover local culture in Dong Van and overnight in humble homestays. • Best hotels in Hanoi Recommended time three to four weeks Most travellers start in Bangkok, but Thailand's underrated second city, Chiang Mai, can captivate you for weeks. The former Lanna kingdom capital has teak temples such as Wat Phra Singh, mellow Burmese-influenced dishes like khao soi (yellow curry with egg noodles) and vibrant areas with snacks, shopping, street-side massages, music and more. The city also serves as a gateway for adventure travel, offering treks to Karen and H'mong villages, plus thundering waterfalls like the 280m-high Mae Ya. For an extended trip, take a minivan to Chiang Rai province, about four hours north, and explore its diverse attractions: blissful eco-lodges, national parks, the blue and white temples Wat Rong Suea Ten and Wat Rong Khun, and the Choui Fong tea fields in Mae Chan. Consider the overnight slow boat from the Thai border town Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang, Laos's imperial capital. This one-of-a-kind journey rumbles along the Mekong, past dense jungles, offering snapshots of rural life you won't find elsewhere. Otherwise, Chiang Mai airport offers direct flights to Luang Prabang. Unwind in Laos's cultural capital, immersing yourself in the city's numerous temples, the turquoise Kuang Si waterfall, the dawn tak bat (alms-giving ritual) and a Lao massage. For about £15, a modern high-speed train takes you to Vang Vieng in an hour. This revamped backpacker hub is now Laos's outdoor adventure hub, primed for bike roads and treks around the stunning limestone karst formations. Take the train once more to the capital, Vientiane. After exploring the Patuxai war monument — Laos's answer to the Arc de Triomphe — head to the riverside for larb (minced meat salad) with a cold Lao beer. With travel restrictions in place at the Thai-Cambodian border, heading south by bus is out, so instead fly to Phnom Penh. The Cambodian capital has cruises along the Mekong, hip bistros and buzzing markets to explore. You should also allow time for its Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields museums related to the Khmer Rouge genocide. End your tour in Siem Reap, where impressive temples await. Nothing tops watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Contiki, which has an age limit of 35, operates a 16-day tour that starts in Bangkok before heading north to Chiang Mai and onto Chiang Rai's temples. Entering Laos, you'll cruise along the Mekong to Luang Prabang to meet monks before taking the train towards Vang Vieng and Vientiane. A flight to Phnom Penh follows, and a full day at Angkor offers a fitting finale. • Best places to visit in Thailand• Best things to do in Thailand• Is it safe to travel to Thailand and Cambodia? Recommended time two weeks Journeys to Borneo tend to start in one of two places: Jakarta or Singapore. While the Indonesian capital has its charms, Singapore's transport infrastructure (including Changi, frequently ranked the best airport in the world) makes it the easier choice. From here, fly to Kota Kinabalu to hike up 4,095m (13,435ft) Mount Kinabalu for sunrise, then join a tour to see orangutans in the jungle. If time is limited, go to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre instead. After a one-stop flight to Bali, spend a week exploring the Island of the Gods. Bali is well-trodden, but you can still find places away from the crowds. For example, skip overrun Kuta and Seminyak in favour of the brilliant white-sand beaches of Bingin or blissful Nunggalan in Uluwatu. Take a day trip to Nusa Penida island to hike, dive or lounge in the sand, or head to the backpacker hub Ubud, where you'll find plenty of others who want to join you in a visit to the Tegallalang rice terraces and Tirta Empul, the sacred water temple. If you have more time, take the ferry to the car-free Gili Islands, which are prime spots to snorkel and encounter sea turtles, or neighbouring Lombok, a larger island known for its pink beach and hikes around Mount Rinjani, an active volcano. Of the three stunning Gili Islands, Gili Trawangan has a lively party scene, while Gili Air and Gili Meno are much quieter. Group tours almost never combine Bali with Borneo, so it may mean booking two separate packages. For the Indonesia leg, Intrepid's Jakarta to Ubud itinerary spends two weeks crossing Indonesia; instead of Kinabalu you'll hike up Mount Bromo at sunrise, while, in lieu of orang-utans, the Seloliman Nature Reserve delivers jungle and photogenic rice terraces below a sacred volcano. Some beach time rounds things off nicely. • Best hotels in Bali• Best hostels in Bali Recommended time two weeks For intrepid travellers, tackling Vietnam on two wheels is a rite of passage. But those who don't want to drive motorcycles on the country's challenging roads can do the same journey via the Reunification Express, the train linking Ho Chi Minh City with Hanoi. After slurping pho and visiting markets and museums in frenetic Ho Chi Minh City, travel to Dalat, the cool highland escape encircled by pine forests, lakes and waterfalls. Visit Vietnam's beachy Nha Trang for two days of R&R, then hunker down in Hoi An. The Unesco site enchants travellers with its boutique shops, cooking classes and cultural shows — try to visit during the full moon, when lanterns light up the town and local people stage traditional performances on the river. Nearby Danang might be less majestic, but the rapidly developing city is also a great base, thanks to its abundance of hostels and hotels, beaches, amazing street food scene and craft breweries. Step into the past in Hue, where Nguyen dynasty emperors once ruled. Although Hue suffered significant damage during the war, the imperial city has been carefully restored. Then finish in Hanoi, where centuries-old architecture lines the capital's lanes. Do as the locals: settle into tiny plastic stools for bun cha (grilled pork balls with noodles) and bia hoi, the beloved — and staggeringly cheap — fresh beer. Budget extra (from £30 to £100 per person depending how fancy you want to go) to spend a night on a junk boat among the karst in Ha Long Bay too. Note though that the bucket-list site has been plagued with rubbish for several years; a rowing boat trip in Tam Coc has become a popular alternative for its equally splendid landscapes minus the floating heaps of plastic. For anyone aged 18-39, G Adventures' 18-to-Thirtysomethings range of tours includes a 12-day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Riding buses and overnight trains, you'll visit both Nha Trang, Danang and Hue before a drive through Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park's lush mountains and a cruise around spectacular Halong Bay in a traditional sailboat. • Best things to do in Vietnam• Best hotels in Vietnam Recommended time one to two weeks Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is your starting point for this island-hopping adventure. Skip the city's chaotic traffic and make straight for the beach with a one-hour domestic flight to Coron. This island is full of postcard-worthy scenery: limestone cliffs tower above electric-blue waters in Twin Lagoon and sugary sands line Banol beach, where rustic huts hang over the water. Next is El Nido, at the tip of Palawan island, via a four-hour ferry ride from Coron. To explore El Nido, it's mandatory to book one of four island-hopping excursions, labelled A, B, C and D. The most popular, tours A and C, take you to lagoons and hidden beaches, including the can't-miss Big Lagoon and Helicopter Island. Book in advance through a reputable tour operator such as Discover El Nido or Hello El Nido. While you can book these tours privately, group trips are great ways to meet other travellers. Take a bus four hours south to Puerto Princesa and fly to Bohol. The jungle-covered island is best known for its Chocolate Hills — thousands of grassy hills, scattered across 20 sq miles of land, that turn brown in the dry season. Budget five days here to go cliff-diving into turquoise pools with Kawasan Canyoneering; spot the tiny tarsiers at the island sanctuary; and unwind on Panglao, an island with white-sand beaches linked to Bohol by a bridge. If there's time to spare, take the two-hour ferry from Bohol to Siquijor. Meet the island healers who cast off evil spirits with their bolo-bolo rituals, cool down in emerald Cambugahay Falls or explore the 23 coral reef dive sites, before taking one of the regular ferries to Dumaguete City on Negros — a 50-minute trip — and flying back to Manila. As El Nido and Bohol are 300 miles apart, most tours focus on one or the other. Contiki's Ultimate Philippines Island Hopping With Boat Expedition fits in both during a 22-day epic, however, with time for home-cooked meals and floating along an underground river. It concludes with four camping-based nights enabling visits to 15 remote, idyllic islands. • Best beaches in the Philippines Any we've missed? Let us know in the comments
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
Brit living in Spain warns tourist to avoid 'DANGEROUS' area in popular holiday destination
A British content creator living in a bustling Spanish party town has issued a stark warning to tourists visiting one 'dangerous' area. Harry Poulton, 24, from Brighton, has gained a following of over 49,000 on TikTok under the handle @harrytokky, where he regularly shares travel advice and insider tips from his life in Benidorm. In a recent video that has already amassed more than 21,000 views, he highlighted a location near Benidorm's Old Town - specifically between the Helios and Venus hotels - as a hotspot for pickpocketers targeting unsuspecting tourists. He urged holidaymakers to steer clear of the area - or risk losing their belongings, reports Luxury Travel Daily. Filming near the roundabout between the two hotels, Poulton said: 'If you're coming to Benidorm, this area behind me you need to be very careful.' He added: 'A few people have told me recently they have been pickpocketed around this area.' Poulton cautioned visitors to keep their belongings secure and avoid flashing valuables such as phones and cash. He said: 'Make sure to be a little bit vigilant. Have a bag, a handbag, a man bag. In a recent video that has already amassed more than 21,000 views, he highlighted a location near Benidorm's Old Town - specifically between the Helios and Venus hotels - as a hotspot for pickpocketers targeting unsuspecting tourists 'Honestly, the amount of people I see at the moment walking around Benidorm with their phones half out their pockets, with cash hanging out their pockets – it's crazy. 'And unfortunately, when there's tourists, there's pickpockets.' Poulton, who previously made headlines for warning that Brits were being fined up to €100 for building sandcastles on the beach, insists he's not trying to deter people from visiting Benidorm, but rather encouraging awareness. He added: 'Make sure you're a little bit cautious around this area, especially late at night.' Viewers have since flocked to the comments to share their reactions, as one TikTok user shared: 'Never go there again full of robbers.' Another said, 'There all over Benidorm so nowt new there,' as a third urged, 'Stay at the venus never seen anyone hanging around that area.' Meanwhile, British holidaymakers have been warned against one particularly grotesque act on a Portuguese beach that has been branded 'bizarre' and 'brazen.' Tourists in the coastal city of Albufeira have been ordered to stop urinating and defecating in an area that's not only frequented by UK holidaymakers, but is also home to large British expat community. At Santa Eulália beach, officials have erected an angry sign that reads 'NíO URINAR' in Portuguese, which translates to 'Don't Urinate.' However, below the sign is an extra message in English with the words: 'No poop and pee.' It also features a bold red line running through an image of a male figure urinating and another defecting. The unconventional sign, located near the waterfront, does not explicitly target British tourists, but it appears to be a response to a growing issue in the area.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
I live in Australia and believe this place has the best standard of living in the country: 'The most perfect weather you can get'
Australians have named what they believe to be the places with the 'very best' standard of living in the country - and some of them may surprise you. While Sydney and Melbourne may offer more career opportunities and plentiful dining options, many Aussies are opting out of crowded commutes, soaring rent and a 'lack of community' in favour of areas further afield. From the whale-watching capital of the world to a Tasmanian city, these are the spots some claim to offer the best standard of living for those who value decent home and rental prices, great weather, culture and 'overall good vibes'. Hervey Bay, Queensland Population: 65,000 (2024) Known as the world's whale-watching capital, Hervey Bay sits on the Fraser Coast, just 3.5 hours north of Brisbane. Locals say its unspoilt coastline, peaceful charm and laid-back pace make it the perfect place to raise a family or enjoy a slower lifestyle. Residents rave about the area's kid-friendly beaches, short commutes ('it takes 15 minutes to cross town'), and property prices that are still lower than most metro areas - though they're steadily rising. Urangan, a sought-after suburb, was given a special mention for its proximity to the boat club, fishing spots and the historic pier. The region is also seeing steady development, including new retail precincts and a proposed Sheraton hotel. But those who move there say you have to 'embrace the calm'. 'This isn't where you go out. This is where you go 'out',' one resident wrote online, explaining that the lack of nightlife is replaced with dinners at home, outdoor adventures, and a closer connection to family and friends. 'Apparently Hervey Bay has the most perfect weather in Australia,' another ex-local wrote. 'Just the right summer temps, just the right winter temps and a good amount of annual rainfall. 'I have no source for that but I really have read that a couple of times and I can agree after living there for three years. I understand it's got the usual drug/crime problems now but really which towns don't have those problems these days.' Hobart, Tasmania Population: 56,000 (2025) According to locals, Hobart offers world-class scenery with the conveniences of a capital city and is great for those who love nature, crisp winters and a slower pace. Just minutes from its charming centre there are national parks, picturesque villages and views over the Derwent River that are 'absolutely world-class'. Hobart has an arty, nature-loving, slightly old-school English vibe, with friendly pubs, good food and a creative community. But there's a catch - jobs can be scarce, so it's ideal for those who can work remotely or already have a secure income. 'Tasmania is one of the most liveable places on earth if you make a good wage. I'd move there in a heartbeat,' one Reddit user wrote. 'It has fantastic access to nature, good food, amazing produce, wineries, cheaper rent, and is genuinely a great community,' another added. 'My partner and I moved here knowing no one and have both ended up in good jobs with a great lot of friends.' Capertee Valley, NSW Population: Around 130 (2021) A few hours from Sydney lies Australia's second-largest canyon - a vast, breathtaking landscape almost completely encircled by national parks. The Capertee Valley offers sandstone cliffs, abundant wildlife, and blocks of land so large (often over 50 acres) that neighbours are few and far between. Locals say it's an outdoor lover's paradise, with hiking, bird-watching, and complete seclusion. 'Capertee Valley ranks high for me. Incredible landscape and lifestyle a few hours from Sydney,' one said. The impressive Pantoneys Crown monolith is a 'must-climb', offering panoramic views of the dramatic escarpment. And while it feels remote, the valley is still within reach Mudgee, Bathurst and Lithgow - making it a sweet spot for those who want both peace and access to city centres. 'Other areas nearby [I'd recommend] are along the Turon River, and a beautiful valley system that runs east of Lake Wyndamere from Hayes Gap through Lue, Rylstone/Kandos and Dabee into the Capertee Valley at Mt Morgan,' another wrote. 'Wolgan Valley is also good, but has been cut off for a number of years by landslides. All these areas are well served with nearby major centres but Capertee Valley is at the top of my list.' What other places have the 'best standard of living' in Australia? Reddit users named a number of other places they'd either lived or desire to live due to 'high quality living': 1. Canberra, ACT Why? 'Very high salaries but has cheapish rent compared to other Australian cities and certainly compared to Sydney,' one wrote. 'It's definitely a specific vibe here, and for those that are into it Canberra is wonderful,' another said. 2. Townsville, QLD Why? 'I've lived in several capitals but living in Townsville was easy and unstressful,' one said. 'Second Townsville. Lovely city,' another wrote. 3. Perth, WA Why? 'Perth [has the] highest wages in the country and is still cheaper than most of the east coast. We have fantastic beaches that are never over crowded too,' one wrote. 'Perth is pretty great... closer to Asia, still relatively affordable, some of the best beaches in the world, perfect weather a majority of the year except for a few weeks,' another added. 4. Darwin, NT Why? 'Gonna shock some people when I say this. Darwin. I could afford to live alone, a block from the ocean, five minutes walk to a 50-metre public swimming pool with a reliable 17-minute driving commute to work,' one wrote. 'The only things that s*ck about Darwin are the expensive and long flights home, the weather and the real lack of good shopping. But if you can work around those you can have a great standard of living for a lot less than what you'd get in the big five.'
