As the cold weather moves in, many Canadians are dreaming of a winter vacation.
Many Asian countries are trending travel spots for Ontario residents, according to a recent report. Japan and Thailand are among the most popular travel spots and these countries have also seen price drops for flights.
While most Asian countries are safe for travellers, there are some tips to consider.
The federal government maintains a Travel Advice and Advisories page to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside Canada.
They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.
Here are some countries with updated travel advisories:
Laos
Risks: Ongoing security concerns related to banditry, crime, spiked food and drinks, and unexploded munitions.
Reasons: Street crime is prevalent in cities and towns, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, and occasionally involves violence. Bag theft occurs frequently. Thieves on motorcycles grab bags and other valuables from pedestrians, other motorcycle drivers and their passengers.
There is an update on spiked food or drinks. The advisory suggests travellers be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put people at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Some food and drinks, such as “happy pizzas” and “special shakes,” may contain unspecified amounts of opium and other unknown substances. Foreigners, including Canadians, have died as a result of drug overdoses.
In November 2024, several foreigners in Vang Vieng have been victims of suspected methanol-adulterated alcohol poisoning.
Cambodia
Risks: Petty crime and landmines.
Reasons: Petty crime, such as phone and bag snatching, is increasing. Thieves, sometimes on motorcycles, grab bags and other valuables, including passports. Theft targeting foreigners is frequent on sidewalks, motorcycles and in tuktuks.
Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Landmines pose a threat to the safety of travellers.
Vietnam
Risks: High rate of petty crime.
Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. It’s most prevalent in larger cities and may increase during major public holidays, such as Tet (Lunar New Year), which is Jan. 29, 2025.
Criminals work alone or in groups and may use various techniques to distract you and steal your belongings. They may try to grab your bag and other valuables while passing on a motorbike or slash your bag in crowded streets and markets.
Tourists have been victims of gambling scams in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The scam consists of a friendly invitation sent to the victim to go to someone’s home in order to meet a relative interested in visiting Canada. While waiting for the relative, the scammers suggest a casual game of cards involving an initial small wager. Some victims have lost thousands of dollars over the course of an evening.
Be wary of unsolicited proposals from strangers.
Thailand
Risks: Ongoing political tensions and sporadic demonstrations in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.
Reasons: Political instability in Thailand has created a volatile and unpredictable security environment throughout the country, particularly in Bangkok. Legal provisions may allow the military to retain and exercise sweeping powers that could include the right to prevent public gatherings, impose curfews and set up checkpoints.
Separatist insurgents periodically perpetrate criminally and politically motivated attacks in the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala. These deadly attacks include shootings, bombings and arson, and are usually directed at military, government and security buildings and personnel. They have also occurred in a variety of public places.
India
Risks: Zika virus outbreak and threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.
Reasons: There is an outbreak of Zika virus in India. Most cases have been reported in the Pune district, in the state of Maharashtra. Zika virus usually causes mild illness that lasts a few days. Many people don’t have any symptoms and might not know they are infected. Only one in four people who get Zika virus show symptoms. But the virus can be very risky for pregnant woman even if they don’t have symptoms. Zika virus infection can lead to serious birth defects.
There is a threat of terrorism in India, particularly in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the State of Manipur, the State of Assam, and areas of East India where Naxalites groups are active. Maoist extremist insurgents, known as Naxalites, are responsible for the majority of terrorist attacks in India.
In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional media and on social media. Demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests, could occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation or harassment.
For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.
Lead photo of a waterfall in Luang Prabang, Laos: Simon Berger