Latest news with #Laos
CNA
2 hours ago
- Politics
- CNA
Thailand-Cambodia tensions: A decades-long spat over parts of the Emerald Triangle
Thailand-Cambodia relations have reached a new, dangerous low, with both sides trading fire. At the crux of it is a decades-long spat over parts of the Emerald Triangle, where their borders meet Laos and several ancient temples stand. The row flared into deadly military clashes more than 15 years ago. Cambodia is seeking international mediation, but Thailand has long rejected the International Court of Justice's jurisdiction in these matters. Dr Gregory Raymond, a senior lecturer at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University, shared more about the latest border clashes.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
27 Under-the-Radar Places to Visit Before They Get Too Popular, According to Travel Advisors
Want to avoid the crowds? Consider less popular destinations like Sardinia, the Baja California peninsula, and Laos. Travelers crave the opportunity to get away from the crowds, immerse themselves in local culture, and be the first to visit a place before it gets too popular. We asked our A-list travel advisors to share their favorite under-the-radar destinations before they become overly touristed. Sardinia, Italy "Sardinia is where Italians go to escape the hustle and bustle, and it's easy to see why: gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, and wild landscapes that feel like stepping into a postcard. Big luxury resorts are just starting to appear, so travelers should experience the island's laid-back charm before it gets too crowded." — Angela Adto Tepper, AZA Luxury Travel The Baja California Peninsula, Mexico "The Baja California peninsula in Mexico has activities for all travelers, including the vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe, the whale mating grounds of Laguna San Ignacio, and magical towns like La Paz, Todos Santos, and Loreto. The exceptional wines and cuisine of the north are a closely-held secret among southern Californians, but new luxury hotels like Banyan Tree are drawing attention." — Zachary Rabinor, Journey Mexico Madagascar "Madagascar can now be reached via Dubai, Paris, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, while new luxury lodges like Voaara and Miavana means greater comfort. The country is home to a plethora of unique cultures, distinctive flora like giant baobab trees, and lemurs which are as cute and furry as you imagine. " — Samantha Gordon, Red Savannah Gargano, Italy "Gargano, in northern Puglia, is Italy's most overlooked coastline. Take a boat along the incredible faraglioni (rock formations), taste incredible southern Italian cuisine in the small towns, and visit the countryside for hiking and swimming. Don't skip Monte Sant'Angelo, which is said to have been visited by the Archangel Michael. " — Zoe Shapiro, Stellavision Travel Asturias, Spain "Asturias in northern Spain is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Located between the Cantabrian Sea and the Picos de Europa mountains, the region boasts lush landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and cute villages. The region is renowned for its food and unique cider, served with a traditional pouring technique. With new high-speed trains and new flights, accessing this captivating area has never been easier." — Nigel Hack, Madrid & Beyond The Southern Highlands, Australia "The Southern Highlands, just south of Sydney, is largely undiscovered by international visitors—yet the region provides a rich diversity of experiences. Hike to hidden waterfalls, tour historic townships, meet local winemakers, hunt for truffles, spot kangaroos, and more. Fabulous new boutique hotels like Osborn House and Moss Manor entice visitors to stay a little longer. " — Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings Mongolia "Mongolia offers a blend of vast, pristine nature and unique cultural experiences, such as horseback riding with golden eagle hunters. It also boasts a growing fashion scene, highlighted by Michel & Amazonka, the brand that made headlines for its costumes at the Paris Olympics." — Undraa Buyannemekh, Nomadic Expeditions and Three Camel Lodge Bolivia "Bolivia has an amazing diversity of ecosystems, including the world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni; the highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca; and the Amazon River. The local culture is diverse, with a large Indigenous population whose traditions and languages are deeply integrated into everyday life." — Carola Fresno, Timbuktu Travel The Craigieburn Valley, New Zealand "The Craigieburn Valley in New Zealand's South Island is rarely visited by foreign travelers. That means uncrowded mountain hikes, biking trails, horse riding, rock climbing, fly fishing, and stargazing. Luxury lodge Flockhill Station has 36,000 acres to explore, while direct flights from San Francisco to Christchurch (just 90 minutes from Craigieburn Valley) have made the region easier to get to." — Sarah Farag, Southern Crossings Antarctica "Antarctica is an exciting frontier with glacier hikes, emperor penguin encounters, helicopter rides, and futuristic basecamps featuring outer space-inspired pods and chef-prepared meals. Tour companies like White Desert, Ultima Antarctica, and Antarctica21 offer access via aircraft or smaller ships with under 100 passengers. " — Ruchi Harnal, Harnal Travel Northern Morocco "Tangier and, more broadly, northern Morocco, are wonderful up-and-coming destinations to visit. Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay on the Mediterranean and La Fiermontina Ocean on the Atlantic Coast offer world-class accommodations so travelers can explore the area in comfort. " — Michael Diamond, Cobblestone Private Travel Mozambique "Mozambique has transformed Gorongosa National Park, once a conflict-ravaged landscape, into a thriving ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Visitors can experience it through game drives, night safaris, waterfall hikes, and rare pangolin conservation encounters. Accommodations like the luxurious Muzimu Lodge and intimate Chicari Camp offer premium comfort and privacy deep within this reborn wilderness." — Karin Jones, Artisans of Safari Abruzzo, Italy "Abruzzo is where Italy's raw beauty comes alive. Gran Sasso National Park has trails that weave through medieval villages, crumbling castles, and valleys where wild horses still roam. On the Costa dei Trabocchi, wooden fishing platforms stretch into the sea, serving up the freshest catch in the most atmospheric setting imaginable. The Tirino, one of the cleanest rivers in Europe, is perfect for kayaking." — Matteo Della Grazia and Daniela Mencarelli, Fuoritinerario - Discover Your Italy Onimichi, Japan "The Japanese city of Onimichi is experiencing an uptick, though it remains off the tourist circuit. The pioneer is Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman Resorts, who recently opened Azumi Setoda, a 22-room ryokan (Japanese inn) on the island of Ikuchijima. Visit extraordinary cliffside temples offering cinematic views, eat delicious food including ramen and pastries, island-hop via ferry or private boat, and explore the serene landscape by bicycle." — Mark Lakin, The Legacy Untold Travel Slovenia "Slovenia is quietly rising in popularity, with fairytale lakes like Bled, charming coastal towns like Piran, and a storybook capital, Ljubljana. What's truly special is the variety of activities offered in such a compact area. Alpine adventures, wine tasting, wellness retreats, and the Adriatic Sea are all within a couple of hours' drive. " — Laura Asilis, Travelwise Montenegro "Montenegro has the drama of the Amalfi Coast, the heritage of Croatia, and the laid-back charm of the Mediterranean—all without the crowds. Spend the morning exploring medieval towns like Kotor and the afternoon sailing through seemingly untouched bays. Luxury hotels are beginning to quietly move in, but it still feels like a secret." — Dasha Westerfield, River Oaks Travel Albania "Albania's stunning beaches along the Ionian Sea rival the Amalfi Coast (minus the crowds), while charming mountain villages like Theth offer untouched beauty. The food scene is wildly underrated. Think fresh seafood, homemade rakia, and farm-to-table everything. What makes it really special, though, is the warmth of the people." — Kristin Winkaffe, Winkaffe Global Travel Nafplio, Greece "Nafplio is the kind of spot Athenians escape to for the weekend, but it's still flying under the radar for international travelers. Located just two hours from Athens, it has neoclassical mansions, cobblestone streets, and Venetian fortresses perched above the sea. If you've already done Santorini and Mykonos and are craving something more authentic, this is it." — Desiree Norman, Onēra Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada "The Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador is full of beautiful culture, rich history, and welcoming people. As the easternmost part of the country, it's full of stunning landscapes and beautiful cities like St. John's that are still relatively tucked away. " — Marc Telio, Entree Canada Laos "Laos, situated between Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China, has beautiful landscapes full of mountains, waterfalls, and caves. And its cities—including Luang Prabang, Thakhek, Savannaket, and Pakse—are full of outstanding Laotian restaurants and French boulangeries." — Bob Preston, GlobeBley Milos, Greece "Milos is on the brink of becoming Greece's next 'It' island. For now, its lunar-like coastlines, secret coves, and authentic Cycladic spirit are beautifully unspoiled. Multiple high-end properties are being built, so now's the time to experience the raw, serene glory before the secret is out." — Christos Stergiou, TrueTrips The Pacific Coast of Colombia "Visit the Pacific coast of Colombia for humpback whale watching before it becomes more popular. The pristine area offers unforgettable natural encounters amid untouched beaches framed by lush jungle landscapes. Its remoteness and rich biodiversity promise a deeply immersive experience." — Boris Seckovic, Amakuna Travel Egypt "From the awe-inspiring Pyramids to the timeless Nile, Egypt combines deep history with modern comfort. The number of travelers has been low in recent years, providing an opportunity to fully absorb these iconic sites before they become bustling hotspots again. It's a rare and fleeting moment in one of the world's oldest civilizations. " — Chris Bazos, Travelous Greenland "First-time visitors to Greenland find themselves moved by the vibrant Inuit culture, spectacular landscapes, and the special charm that comes from being hard to reach. That sense of remoteness might erode after the recent introduction of direct flights from the U.S., but Greenland isn't the next Iceland—it's a different place entirely." — Ashton Palmer, Expedition Trips Uganda "Uganda is emerging as an exciting destination that blends unique wildlife and top-tier accommodations. The opening of Erebero Hills in 2026 exemplifies this trend, offering luxury amid breathtaking mountains and forests. Additionally, the upcoming Gorilla Forest Lodge is set to further elevate Uganda's appeal to luxury travelers." — Candice Heckel, Africa Endeavours Phnom Penh, Cambodia "Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, has a fascinating architectural blend of New Khmer modern, Art Deco and French Colonial. The style of the city is one of East and West, old and new, classic and casual. And since the average age of Cambodians is just over 25 years old, the city feels incredibly youthful and forward-thinking. It's a hopeful place. " — Ethan Crowley, Asia Desk Bhutan "Bhutan is one of the last truly untouched destinations, where culture, spirituality, and sustainability aren't curated for tourists—they're lived daily. The country's 'high-value, low-Impact' tourism model aims to protect its sacred heritage. And with high-class lodges like Six Senses, Gangtey Lodge and Amankora blending seamlessly into the Himalayan landscape, visitors can experience transformational moments without sacrificing comfort." — Jason Oshiokpekhai, Global Travel Collection Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Solve the daily Crossword
France 24
11 hours ago
- Politics
- France 24
Civilians wounded as Cambodia, Thailand trade fire in fresh border clashes
The neighbours are locked in a bitter spat over an area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of both countries and Laos meet, and which is home to several ancient temples. The squabble has dragged on for decades, flaring into bloody miliary clashes more than 15 years ago and again in May, when a Cambodian solider was killed in a firefight. Fresh fighting erupted on Thursday morning near two temples on the border between the Thai province of Surin and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey. "The Thai military violated the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Cambodia by launching an armed assault on Cambodian forces stationed to defend the nation's sovereign territory," defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said in a statement. "In response, the Cambodian armed forces exercised their legitimate right to self-defense, in full accordance with international law, to repel the Thai incursion and protect Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity." The Thai army blamed Cambodian solders for firing first, and later accused them of a "targeted attack on civilians", saying two BM-21 rockets had hit a community in Surin's Kap Choeng district, wounding three people. According to the Thai army, the clashes began around 7:35 am (0035 GMT) when a unit guarding Ta Muen temple heard a Cambodian drone overhead. Later, six armed Cambodian soldiers, including one carrying a rocket-propelled grenade, approached a barbed-wired fence in front of the Thai post, the army said. Thai soldiers shouted to warn them, the army said, but around 8:20 am, Cambodian forces opened fire toward the eastern side of the temple, about 200 metres from the Thai base. Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said "the situation requires careful handling, and we must act in accordance with international law". "We will do our best to protect our sovereignty," he said. Thailand's embassy in Phnom Penh urged its nationals to leave Cambodia "as soon as possible" unless they had urgent reasons to remain, in a Facebook post. Long-running row The violence came hours after Thailand expelled the Cambodian ambassador and recalled its own envoy in protest after five members of a Thai military patrol were wounded by a landmine. Wechayachai said an investigation by the Thai military found evidence that Cambodia had laid new landmines in the disputed border area -- a claim denied by Phnom Penh. On Thursday morning, Cambodia announced it was downgrading ties to "the lowest level", pulling out all but one of its diplomats and expelling their Thai equivalents from Phnom Penh. Recent weeks have seen a series of tit-for-tat swipes by both sides, with Thailand restricting border crossings and Cambodia halting certain imports. The Thai army said in a statement that one soldier lost his leg in the landmine blast, and others suffered ear injuries and chest pain. Cambodia's defence ministry on Wednesday night "categorically rejected the unfounded accusations" made by Thailand. The ministry said the border areas still contained "many landmines left over from past wars" which have not been fully cleared. The border row also kicked off a domestic political crisis in Thailand, where prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended from office pending an ethics probe over her conduct. A diplomatic call between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, Cambodia's former longtime ruler and father of Prime Minister Hun Manet, was leaked from the Cambodian side, sparking a judicial investigation. Last week, Hun Manet announced that Cambodia would start conscripting civilians next year, activating a long-dormant mandatory draft law.
Arab News
a day ago
- Climate
- Arab News
Heavy storms in northern Vietnam leave 1 dead, as Wipha weakens into a tropical depression
HANOI: Heavy storms in northern Vietnam left one person dead and another missing, police said Wednesday, as Wipha weakened from a tropical storm into a depression. A 59-year-old man was killed in Nghe An province when a tree fell on his house on Sunday before the storm made landfall, police said. Nghe An, which stretches from the coast to the mountainous Laos border, was among the areas hit hardest by heavy rain and floods. Another woman was swept away by floodwaters and remains missing. Four other people were injured. Flooding damaged hundreds of homes, destroyed crops and cut off remote communities, officials said. Nearly 400 households were evacuated from the province's landslide-prone areas, and several upland communities remain isolated without electricity or communication, officials said. Heavy rains triggered landslides that damaged roads, collapsed part of a school building and destroyed crops and forest. The storm made landfall Tuesday morning with sustained winds of up to 102 kilometers per hour (63 mph) before weakening as it moved inland. It caused power outages, disrupted farming operations and forced temporary airport closures in northern provinces. In neighboring Thailand, heavy rain from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning triggered flooding in several northern provinces, swelling rivers and inundating homes. Authorities said more than 350 people were affected, though no casualties have been reported. They warned of possible flash floods and landslides.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Climate
- Associated Press
Heavy storms in northern Vietnam leave 1 dead, as Wipha weakens into a tropical depression
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Heavy storms in northern Vietnam left one person dead and another missing, police said Wednesday, as Wipha weakened from a tropical storm into a depression. A 59-year-old man was killed in Nghe An province when a tree fell on his house on Sunday before the storm made landfall, police said. Nghe An, which stretches from the coast to the mountainous Laos border, was among the areas hit hardest by heavy rain and floods. Another woman was swept away by floodwaters and remains missing. Four other people were injured. Flooding damaged hundreds of homes, destroyed crops and cut off remote communities, officials said. Nearly 400 households were evacuated from the province's landslide-prone areas, and several upland communities remain isolated without electricity or communication, officials said. Heavy rains triggered landslides that damaged roads, collapsed part of a school building and destroyed crops and forest. The storm made landfall Tuesday morning with sustained winds of up to 102 kilometers per hour (63 mph) before weakening as it moved inland. It caused power outages, disrupted farming operations and forced temporary airport closures in northern provinces. In neighboring Thailand, heavy rain from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning triggered flooding in several northern provinces, swelling rivers and inundating homes. Authorities said more than 350 people were affected, though no casualties have been reported. They warned of possible flash floods and landslides. ___ Jintamas Saksornchai in Bangkok contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receive support from several private foundations. See more about AP's climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
