Vietnam Airlines Launches Direct Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket Service - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has welcomed the launch of Vietnam Airlines' new direct service between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket, the first tangible result of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two organisations in May 2026. The new connection also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Viet Nam.

Flight VN621 made its inaugural journey on 2 July, departing Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport and arriving in Phuket with 152 passengers on board. Operated by an Airbus A321, the flight received a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival, while passengers and crew were welcomed with floral garlands and commemorative gifts by representatives of TAT, Vietnam Airlines and Phuket International Airport.

Four weekly flights strengthen regional connectivity

The new service operates four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, providing travellers from southern Viet Nam with direct access to one of Thailand's leading beach destinations.

The route reflects the objectives of the TAT–Vietnam Airlines partnership, which focuses on expanding air connectivity, strengthening tourism cooperation and creating new business opportunities for the travel industry. At the same time, it is expected to encourage closer people-to-people exchanges and support the continued growth of regional tourism within ASEAN.

"This inaugural flight shows how cooperation with Vietnam Airlines is converting air access into tangible travel opportunities. The route offers trade partners new packaging potential, supports quality visitor demand from Viet Nam, and broadens ASEAN tourism links. TAT will continue to work with airline and travel trade partners to match market demand with routes, products, and promotions that deliver long-term value for both countries," said Pattaraanong Na Chiangmai, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and South Pacific.

Familiarisation trip supports tourism trade

To build momentum following the launch, TAT's Ho Chi Minh City Office will host a familiarisation trip to Phuket from 7 to 11 July. The programme will welcome 16 Vietnamese travel agents and four media representatives to experience the destination firsthand.

Alongside site inspections of tourism products and services, the itinerary includes business-matching sessions between Vietnamese travel companies and tourism operators in Phuket. The initiative is designed to strengthen confidence in the destination's tourism offering while creating new commercial opportunities for both markets.

Campaign targets continued growth from Viet Nam

The new air service is supported by TAT's ongoing "Thai Lan – Càng Hiểu Càng Yêu" campaign, which promotes Thailand through targeted consumer marketing, trade partnerships and holiday packages tailored to Vietnamese travellers.

The campaign highlights Thailand as a safe, welcoming and value-driven destination, with a focus on lifestyle, family, event-based and flexible travel experiences. These efforts contribute to TAT's goal of welcoming 689,000 visitors from Viet Nam in 2026 while further strengthening tourism ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Image Credit: © TAT