AirAsia has taken to the skies with its latest venture, launching a fresh direct route that links Bangkok’s bustling Don Mueang International Airport to the picturesque northern Vietnamese city of Hai Phong. With flights scheduled on the accommodating days of Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, travellers now have greater flexibility to embark on new adventures or return to familiar haunts.
To celebrate this airborne marriage between Bangkok and Hai Phong, lively welcome events spiced up the inaugural flights at both departure and arrival points. At each airport, passengers were treated to an array of celebratory activities that painted the journey in uplifting hues, making the start of this route truly memorable. The eyes of eager explorers from both countries twinkled with excitement at the prospect of new experiences, as noted by Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya. He nodded to the enthusiastic response from Thai and Vietnamese travellers as a beacon for future ventures.
In the words of Klongchaiya, “Vietnam stands tall as a linchpin in AirAsia’s strategic map. It is a land bursting with the promise of growth, and as we weave more threads into our network, our guests can eagerly anticipate a tapestry of travel opportunities spread across this vibrant region.”
Hai Phong, endearingly dubbed as the industrial heart of northern Vietnam, is seeing its star rise in the tourism sphere. With its genuine allure, gastronomic delights, and landscape-colliding proximity to the legendary Ha Long Bay—a mere 50-minute drive away—it’s no wonder this coastal gem is catching the eye of both leisure seekers and business titans alike. Travel Daily News can attest: Hai Phong is a clever addition to AirAsia’s expanding Vietnam map.
Building its aerial bridges, Thai AirAsia now lays claim to the most direct air connections from Bangkok to the fertile grounds of Vietnam. With its wings wide open, the airline flies to six cities regularly: Hanoi clocks in at up to 21 flights weekly, with Ho Chi Minh City buzzing at up to 25. Da Nang shares the limelight with up to 21 flights weekly, while Nha Trang and Phu Quoc bask under the winged spotlight with up to seven flights each per week. And now, Hai Phong joins the ensemble, carving its niche with four flights a week.
Not to be outdone, AirAsia is also jetting off from Chiang Mai to Hanoi, offering up to seven flights per week, catering to a different slice of travellers seeking cultural exchanges amongst the hills.
In a related note, Thai AirAsia is spreading its regional influence with the addition of a route between Phuket and Medan, Indonesia, which lifted off on the 27th of June. This new connection, echoing the Bangkok–Hai Phong schedule with its four-weekly flights, links these two vibrant cities, each rich in cultural fabric and natural splendours.
This new flight path hopes to bolster tourism and fortify economic ties between Thailand and Indonesia, presenting a golden opportunity for adventurers keen on uncovering Southeast Asia’s hidden jewels. With AirAsia’s patronage, travellers can now explore the vivid tapestry of the region with ease and flair.
I think this new route is a fantastic opportunity for both tourists and business travelers. It’s great to see AirAsia expanding its network and promoting tourism between Thailand and Vietnam.
It’s definitely beneficial for tourists, but I wonder what the environmental impact of more flights will be, especially with global warming concerns.
True, but I believe AirAsia could be a leader in sustainable aviation if it implements more eco-friendly practices. Here’s hoping they prioritize that!
Finally, a direct flight to Hai Phong! I’ve been waiting for this for so long. This will definitely save a lot of time for travelers.
I agree, but is Hai Phong really that exciting though? Outside of a gateway to Ha Long Bay, what’s the draw?
Hai Phong is rich with culture, food, and history. It’s not just a gateway; it’s a destination on its own!
Exactly! Besides, exploring less-known cities can be more rewarding than the typical tourist spots.
Is anyone else concerned about the carbon footprint of increased flights to tourist spots? Should we be encouraging this kind of expansion?
Absolutely, but tourism is vital for economies. Perhaps airlines should focus on carbon offsets or greener technologies.
I just hope whatever they do doesn’t make ticket prices skyrocket. I still want to travel!
With more flights connecting cities like these, local tour guides and businesses can thrive. It might just be what they need after a tough few years.
That’s optimistic, but what about overtourism? We’ve seen it damage places before.
Balance is key. Smart tourism policies can mitigate those risks and help protect the charm of places.
Exciting development! Hopefully, this will open up more cultural exchanges. Vietnam and Thailand have so much to offer each other.
I foresee a future where regional transport hubs like Bangkok or Singapore will dominate all travel in Asia. This is one step towards that.
Bangkok definitely, but don’t count out the influence that other smaller cities can bring, especially with new routes!
AirAsia’s low-cost competitor should take notes and increase their flights too. More competition could mean better deals for us!
Competitive markets typically benefit consumers, so you’re right there. But it’ll depend on demand as well.
Can’t wait to see more offers! The more choices, the better.
With this new route, I hope the local cultures are given the spotlight they deserve. It’s a chance for local artisans and authentic experiences to shine.
I wonder if this new influx of tourists will affect street food prices. Hoping they remain affordable!
Often in booming tourist spots, prices can vary. Best to enjoy these delights before any massive changes.
Local food will always have its loyal vendors! They know their regulars.
Can’t wait to explore Hai Phong. Any recommendations for first-time visitors?
Definitely visit Cat Ba Island, close to Ha Long Bay. It’s a hidden gem and offers fantastic views.
Check out the local markets. You’ll get a real taste of Hai Phong’s lifestyle.
More flights, more chaos. Airports are crowded enough without adding new routes all the time.
This does call for better airport infrastructure. Growing pains, I suppose.