5 weeks into the Iran conflict… what does this actually mean for travel in Asia?
“We believe in travel as a force for good… and in destinations unaffected by this conflict, we encourage people to continue travelling responsibly, supporting people and communities.”
So what can you do as a traveller?
Vietnam
Fuel prices in Vietnam did spike sharply earlier in the conflict, with petrol rising over 60% — but the government stepped in quickly, cutting fuel taxes and bringing prices back down.
You may see the occasional queue at petrol stations in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but there are no widespread shortages or rationing in place.
There have also been some domestic flight reductions from Vietnam Airlines — but importantly, these are not key tourist routes.
What this means for you:
Travel on the ground is running as normal. Hotels, restaurants, and experiences are all operating as usual — you might just notice slightly higher transport costs in cities.
Malaysia
Malaysia imports around 40% of its refined fuel, so naturally global price increases are having some impact.
That said, there’s been no panic buying or fuel shortages, and daily life — including tourism — continues as usual.
One flow-on effect to be aware of is flight routing. Some travellers from Europe who would typically transit via the Middle East are adjusting their routes, which may impact flight availability and pricing.
What this means for you:
On the ground, Malaysia remains smooth, stable, and easy to travel. The main consideration is simply keeping an eye on flight options and booking early.
Cambodia
In Cambodia, fuel prices have risen significantly — around 60% for petrol and over 90% for diesel, which is widely used for transport.
As a result, some transport providers are introducing modest price increases (around 10–15%) to maintain service levels.
What this means for you:
Your experience won’t change — tours, guides, and transport are all operating as normal. You may just see slightly higher pricing reflected in transport-related costs.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the more impacted destinations due to its reliance on fuel imports and limited storage capacity.
Fuel prices have risen by around 30%, and measures like fuel rationing and reduced public-sector working days have been introduced to manage supply.
What this means for you:
Travel is still very much happening — but this is a destination where flexibility is key. Small itinerary adjustments may occur, but with the right planning and support, trips continue to run smoothly.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, including popular areas like Bali, fuel price increases have been present but well managed.
Tourism infrastructure remains strong, and there have been no major disruptions to travel services.
What this means for you:
It’s largely business as usual. You may notice small increases in transport costs, but nothing that changes the overall experience.
Japan
Japan has been the least impacted of the destinations listed here, thanks to strong infrastructure and stable supply systems.
While global fuel prices do have some influence, there have been no meaningful disruptions to travel.
What this means for you:
Japan remains one of the easiest and most seamless destinations to travel right now, with minimal impact from current global events.
My thoughts
Travel across Asia is continuing and in most places, it’s operating very normally.
Yes, there are some cost increases and small adjustments happening behind the scenes. But from a traveller’s perspective, the experience on the ground remains largely unchanged.
The key right now isn’t to avoid travel, it’s to travel well. Stay informed, stay flexible, and make decisions based on real insight.
Of course, the situation is evolving so I will keep you updated if and when things change!
Published on 4 April 2026
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