Is it safe to travel to Thailand and Cambodia right now? All the latest travel updates
Conflict along the border between the two countries has escalated and the Australian government is urging travellers to be cautious. Here is what you need to know.
Travellers are being urged to avoid certain parts of Thailand and Cambodia as conflict along the border between the two countries sharply escalated.
Up to 12 people, 11 civilians and one soldier, have died after Cambodia fired artillery and rockets into Thailand, which launched air attacks against its neighbour.
The land dispute dates back more than 100 years but the recent violence was sparked when Thai soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion.
The Federal Government is warning travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand and "normal safety precautions in Cambodia.
The Smart Traveller website says: "We now advise reconsider your need to travel to the border areas of Buriram, Si Saket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces near the Cambodia border due to armed conflict in the area."
Travellers are urged to follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media for updates and pay close attention to their personal security.
"Border crossing points along the Thai-Cambodian border continue to be closed at short notice," the website says.
Likewise, tourists in Cambodia are being told to stay away from the border areas of the northern and north-western provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
Tourists are drawn to Preah Vihear province to see temples, hike and visit a wildlife sanctuary. Siem Reap, which is the gateway to Cambodia's world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex, is about 160km from the border.
Thailand
Smart Traveller rating 2 and 3: Exercise a high degree of caution but reconsider your need to travel to the border areas Buriram, Si Saket, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani provinces in the central east.
Reason for caution: The border conflict. In other areas, travellers should beware of drink spiking and petty theft.
Why go: With elephant sanctuaries, some of the world’s most beautiful islands and beaches, Buddhist temples clad in gold, and a wide variety of delicious cuisine, the list is long. Bangkok has everything from floating markets and cheap souvenirs to luxury wellness retreats and sky-high bars with astonishing views.
Tips: The Thai monarchy is revered. Don’t be disrespectful of the royal family, in person or on social media.
Smart Traveller rating 1 and 3: Exercise normal safety precautions but reconsider your need to travel to the north and northwest.
Reason for caution: The armed conflict in the north is not only highly dangerous but causing a great deal of disruption to cross-border transport.
Why go: The world-famous temple complex of Angkor Wat is mind-blowing in scale and beauty. Cambodia has an extraordinarily brutal modern history but its people are warm and welcoming.
Tips: Be prepared for the heat and humidity. It’s easy to become dehydrated crawling around temples in the middle of the day. Take plenty of water and consider doing your excursions in the early morning.
Cambodia
SmartTraveller rating 1 and 3: Exercise normal safety precautions but reconsider your need to travel to the north and northwest.
Reason for caution: The armed conflict in the north is not only highly dangerous but causing a great deal of disruption to cross-border transport.
Why go: The world-famous temple complex of Angkor Wat is mind-blowing in scale and beauty. Cambodia has an extraordinarily brutal modern history but its people are warm and welcoming.
Tips: Be prepared for the heat and humidity. It’s easy to become dehydrated crawling around temples in the middleof the day. Take plenty of water and consider doing your excursions in the early morning.
Additional reporting by Penny Hunter.
Bali and Indonesia
Smart Traveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: Volcanic eruptions, the lingering threat of terrorism against Australians in Bali; petty crime, road accidents, drownings at popular but unpatrolled tourist beaches.
Why go: In Bali, the combination of Hindu spirituality, tropical paradise vibes, affordable luxury and delicious cuisine lures travellers from around the world.
Tips: Respect local customs and religion. Damaged passports are not accepted; you may be refused entry. Protect against dengue fever.
The US
Smart Traveller rating 1: Exercise normal safety precautions.
Reason for caution: Australians’ long-term love affair with the US has weathered threats of mass shootings, terrorism and the ups and downs of the dollar, but it has soured recently with the Trump administration’s announcement of more stringent border checks – a move the World Travel & Tourism Council predicts will cost the US tourism industry $US12.5bn ($19bn) this year alone.
Why go: The US’s compelling attractions include natural wonders – the Hawaiian islands and Alaska, national parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon – museums, the art and entertainment scenes and sensational cities.
Tips: Insurance is essential. Many major cities have no-go areas. Always carry your passport and visa approval.
South Africa
Smart Traveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: Violent crime and street crime can occur. Malaria is present in some areas. South Africa will host the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg in November – best avoided.
Why go: Besides the outrageous geography, culture and cuisines of Cape Town? The picturesque winelands and Garden Route, the dynamic arts scene in Johannesburg, and the thrill of the hunt on safari.
Tips: Don’t wear or flaunt valuables. Be careful out at night. Ubers are cheap and relatively safe.
Sri Lanka
Smart Traveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution
Reason for caution: Smartraveller warns of the risk of terrorism and sudden declarations of curfews and public emergencies. Honestly, though? This is Sri Lanka’s most peaceful period in living memory.
Why go: There’s something for everyone, from historic cultural sites and superb cuisine to dramatic beaches, charming hill towns and thrilling wildlife encounters.
Tips: Avoid monsoon season. Beware cheats and thieves in cities, and dengue fever in rural areas.
Brazil
Smart Traveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: Opportunistic crime is common, and violent crime possible in parts of major cities. DFAT advises never to enter a shantytown or favela, “not even with a tour group”. Insect-borne diseases are rife.
Why go: The cities – breathtaking Rio de Janeiro, non-stop Sao Paulo and the cultural riches of Salvador; the world’s largest waterfall system at Iguazu, the Amazon rainforest, and the Pantanal, Brazil’s watery wild west, with jaguars and anacondas.
Tips: Never take valuables to the beach. Don’t walk alone at night. Use only official taxis and rideshares. Protect against dengue et al.
Chile
Smart Traveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: “The risk of civil unrest and the threat of violent crime,” according to DFAT. Thefts and muggings can occur in urban centres.
Why go: Chile’s landscapes range from the driest, highest desert,  the  Atacama,  to  the  rugged,  mountainous playground  of Patagonia, the winelands south of Santiago and the bohemian port city of Valparaiso. Easter Island, with its stunning archaeological sites, is also Chilean territory.
Tips: Avoid political demonstrations, be alert for natural disasters, and make time to adjust to extreme altitudes.
Argentina
Smart Traveller rating 1: Exercise normal safety precautions.
Reason for caution: Street crime can be an issue in cities. Avoid displays of wealth.
Why go: Buenos Aires is a bucket-list city that moves to its own (tango) beat. Go wild in Patagonia, visit the prized Mendoza wine country and Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian border.
Tips: Only use ATMs in secure areas such as banks, shopping malls. Only use radio taxis.
Turkey
Smart Taveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: DFAT warns of an ongoing terrorism threat and also earthquakes, protests and political demonstrations.
Why go: Venerable history, culture and cuisine in Istanbul. Beautiful beaches, Gallipoli pilgrimages, hot-air balloon rides over central Cappadocia, the Roman ruins at Ephesus, and much more.
Tips: Avoid border regions, especially the southern frontier with Syria. Monitor local media to stay aware of current threats. Be vigilant in tourist hotspots such as Taksim Square and Sultanahmet in Istanbul.
Morocco
Smart Traveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: An increased risk of protests linked to the situation in Israel and Gaza, and threat of attacks against Israeli interests, DFAT advises. Pickpockets, bag-snatchers and other street crimes. Gastric illness. Female travellers may get hassled.
Why go: The harsh beauty of the Sahara Desert; the lively, lovely Mediterranean and Atlantic cities such as Tangier, Casablanca and Agadir; the bustling souks and maze-like medinas of Marrakesh and Fez, the film-set spectacle of Chefchaouen, the Berber culture of the Atlas Mountains.
Tips: Respect local customs, particularly in regards to dress, alcohol and religious practices. Be mindful of personal security.
Greece
Smart Traveller rating 1: Exercise normal safety precautions.
Reason for caution: Pickpockets and other petty crimes in tourist areas and on public transport. Wildfires and extreme heat in the northern summer; volcanic activity in the Cyclades.
Why go: For the delicious food, the spectacular ancient ruins and modern art and design, the incredible rock monasteries of Meteora, the laid-back way of life of the Greeks, and their unfailing hospitality. But mostly for the islands. Some 6000 are scattered like jewels across the Aegean, including the drama and beauty of Santorini and Mykonos, the otherworldly beaches of Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Milos, and the singular history of Crete and Rhodes.
Tips: Make reservations well ahead if travelling in peak summer. Islands without airports are quieter. Take great care on Greek roads.
Egypt
Smart Traveller rating: 2 for the Nile Valley, 3 for western Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula (except Sharm El Sheikh), and 4 – do not travel – for border areas with Libya and Gaza.
Reason for caution: DFAT’s latest updated warnings for the Middle East highlight ongoing conflict in Israel, and the threat of terrorism due to regional tensions.
Why go: To witness the astonishingly well-preserved remains of the first great civilisation, including the Pyramids of Giza and the temples and tombs of Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings. To cruise the Nile. To experience the charisma of cosmopolitan Cairo.
Tips: Eat only freshly cooked food and drink bottled or boiled water. Protect against mosquitoes. Keep abreast of local news. As DFAT warns: “The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.”
Myanmar
Smart Traveller rating 4: Do not travel.
Reason for caution: The country has been riven by civil war since 2021, sparking an unfolding humanitarian disaster and a breakdown of security across the country. DFAT warns: “The safety of tourists cannot be guaranteed in many areas.”
Why go: The temple-studded plains of Bagan; the serenity of Inle Lake; the untouched islands of the Mergui Archipelago; Irrawaddy river cruising.
Tips: Don’t go.
Laos
Smart Traveller rating 1: Exercise normal safety precautions.
Reason for caution: Six foreigners, including two Melbourne teenagers, died after consuming methanol-spiked drinks in Vang Vieng last year. Adventure activities such as ziplining and paragliding are poorly regulated. Avoid border areas with Myanmar. Malaria and dengue fever are a risk.
Why go: The former royal capital Laung Prabang with its low-rise, Lao-meets-colonial streetscapes; the dramatic limestone karst mountains of riverside Vang Vieng; the Buddha-filled Pak Ou caves on the Mekong; waterfalls and wild landscapes.
Tips: Be vigilant with food and drink safety. Guard personal belongings and your person. Take precautions against mosquito bites.
Mexico
Smart Traveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: DFAT has stricter “reconsider your need to travel” warnings for several states, including Sinaloa, Guanajuato and Sonora, due to drug-related crimes, which are more prevalent along the US border and Pacific Coast states. High rates of violent crime in some areas.
Why go: Mexico’s many temptations include pyramids and other pre-Colombian monuments; the indigenous cultures and cuisine of Oaxaca; the beaches of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts; extraordinary marine life in the Sea of Cortez; the exhilarating buzz of Mexico City.
Tips: Don’t travel at night outside major cities. Avoid protests and demonstrations. DFAT warns travellers should always stop at roadblocks “or risk getting killed”. Use only official taxis and rideshares.
Italy
Smart Traveller rating 1: Exercise normal safety precautions.
Reason for caution: The risk of thefts or robberies, including bag-snatching. Thefts on trains are common. Risk of volcanic activity around Naples and Sicily.
Why go: For the romance of Venice and Rome; the ruins of empire; the art and architecture; the islands and beaches; the food and wine and fashion. In short, la dolce vita.
Tips: Keep valuables secure and never leave them locked in cars. Be alert to thieves in major cities and on trains.
Israel, Gaza strip and The West Bank
Smart Traveller rating 4: Do not travel.
Reason for caution: The ongoing war in Gaza, the more recent war with Iran and other ongoing regional conflicts. DFAT cites the volatile security situation of the region, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism, and has recently updated its warning level from 3 to 4 – do not travel – to reflect the risk of “further military conflict”.
Why go: The holy city of Jerusalem, which is sacred to three faiths; the Mediterranean resort vibes of Tel Aviv and the old city of Jaffa; Masada fortress in the Judean Desert.
Tips: Don’t go.
India
Smart Traveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: Steer clear of Jammu and Kashmir, where India and Pakistan recently traded hostilities. Thefts and scams are common in the major cities. Terrorist attacks are also possible. Political demonstrations can quickly turn violent. Women travellers may face harassment.
Why go: There is nowhere like India. From the romance of the Taj Mahal to the spirituality of Varanasi; the big city energy of Mumbai and Delhi to the serenity of Kerala backwater tours and Himalayan hikes. Plus palaces and fortresses, wildlife and wellness.
Tips: Eat only freshly cooked food and drink bottled or filtered water. Sun and heat protection are essential.
Rwanda
Smart Traveller rating 1: Exercise normal safety precautions.
Reason for caution: Armed conflicts in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have rendered border areas unsafe. There’s a high risk of malaria.
Why go: Mountain gorillas, primarily. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is considered more accessible than neighbouring Uganda, with some incredible lodges to boot (One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate). Chimpanzee trekking and birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest NP, and the easygoing capital of Kigali.
Tips: Avoid all DRC border areas. Protect against insect bites; consider malaria medication. Only visit Volcanoes NP and Nyungwe as part of organised tours.
Uganda
Smart Traveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: Uganda shares borders with the DRC and South Sudan, with the latter country being listed as a “do not travel” destination by DFAT. Smartraveller also warns of the risk of terrorist attacks. Malaria is widespread.
Why go: Cut-price gorillas. Uganda charges about half what Rwanda does to see mountain gorillas in the biodiversity hotspot of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to around half the world’s remaining population. Murchison Falls National Park – for big game and bird viewing, and waterfalls – and leisurely stays on Lake Victoria.
Tips: Gorilla trekking can be gruelling – wear appropriate clothing and protect against yellow fever and malaria. Avoid walking in urban areas at night.
Saudi Arabia
Smart Traveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: Ongoing hostilities pose serious security risks across the region. A terrorist attack could happen “anywhere, at any time”, according to DFAT.
Why go: Like Dubai and Abu Dhabi before it, Saudi Arabia is spending billions morphing from petrostate to tourist playground, showcasing the Nabatean ruins of Al-ula, Red Sea resorts and the region’s first outdoor ski experience at Trojena in the Sarawat Mountains.
Tips: Visitors must respect Saudi Arabia’s strict Islamic code – research local laws before travelling. Steer well clear of the Yemen border. Avoid visiting in summer when temperatures can reach 50C.
Jordan
Smart Traveller rating 2:Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: The threat of terrorism or violent protests, and petty crime, according to Smartraveller. “Missile and drone attacks originating from Yemen and targeting Israel may fail in flight over Jordan.”
Why go: Petra, primarily. The former Nabatean capital hewn out of pink sandstone has been described by UNESCO as “one of the most precious cultural properties” of humankind. Other worthwhile destinations include the desert wonderland of Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea resorts, and ancient Amman with its Roman and Byzantine ruins.
Tips: Avoid the Syrian, Israeli and Iraqi border areas. Respect dress codes and local customs. Women travellers should exercise extra caution.
Hong Kong (China)
Smart Traveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: Political protests and, as the US State Department puts it, “arbitrary enforcement of local laws”. Typhoons.
Why go: The bright lights of big-city Hong Kong are slightly dimmer these days but still dazzling. Ride the tram to Victoria Peak, catch a Star Ferry, browse the Mong Kok street markets. Fabulous hotels, shopping and food, and an infectious energy.
Tips: Keep an eye on the political climate. Avoid demonstrations.
Vietnam
Smart Traveller rating 1: Exercise normal safety precautions.
Reason for caution: Petty theft, road accidents, food- and waterborne disease.
Why go: For the rich cultural heritage of Hoi An, Hue and Hanoi. The vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City. The heart-stirring landscapes of Halong Bay. The northern hill towns. The friendliest people.
Tips: Beware the chaotic traffic. Make sure street food is fresh and drinking water safe.
United Kingdom
Smart Traveller rating 2: Exercise a high degree of caution.
Reason for caution: The threat of terrorism is low but keep an eye out for pickpockets in popular tourist areas, especially in London and on the Tube. Some areas in major cities should be avoided at night. Anyone planning outdoor activities should be aware that British weather is unpredictable and can change quickly.
Why go: It’s a long list: some of the world’s greatest museums and galleries; BuckinghamPalace and other royal sites; quaint rural villages and pretty countryside; pub culture; live music and theatre.
Tips: Use anti-theft handbags and be discreet with mobile phones.
Japan
Smart Traveller rating 1: Exercise normal safety precautions.
Reason for caution: Japan has strict alcohol laws and the legal drinking age is 20. It’s illegal to drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream and penalties apply. Smoking on the street and railway platforms is forbidden in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
Why go: Once regarded as an expensive destination, Japan’s weakened yen now makes it good value for Australian tourists but keep an eye on exchange rates. The small nation’s efficient rail network makes travelling easy and it’s a popular ski hub in winter.
Tips: Carry a phrasebook or install a translation app; English is not widely understood by older citizens. If a local bows, it’s courteous to bob your head in response. Old ceremonial practices survive.
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