Vietnam resorts target quick recovery after natural disasters

Some of Vietnam's leading tourist destination are racing to be ready for high season after after weeks of relentless rain and flooding.

The weather left historic cities in Central Vietnam submerged, mountain passes closed by landslides, and at least 55 people dead across six provinces, news hub Travel Mole reports.

As waters finally began to recede in parts of the region over the weekend, the scale of the devastation became clear. 

The popular city of Hoi An has been flooded three times within a month time.

The ancient UNESCO-listed town saw layers of mud coating its once-bustling walking streets after floodwaters retreated from the Hoai River.

Clean-up crews, armed with excavators and water tankers, fanned out across the town to scrape away sludge from sidewalks and shopfronts.

The middle section of popular Bach Dang Street, however, remained under about 40 centimetres of water.

Authorities have prioritized clearing the stretch from Chau Thuong Van to the iconic Pagoda Bridge to bring visitors back as quickly as possible.

Tourist boats continued to operate along the Hoai River even as workers raked mud into piles, removed debris, and pushed it back toward the river channel.

In coastal Nha Trang, entire neighbourhoods were submerged last week,

Deadly landslides ripped through highland routes near the Da Lat tourist hub, where hotel operators said bookings evaporated almost overnight as storms intensified.

Viet Nam Railways Corporation (VNR) on Friday announced the continued suspension of multiple passenger services departing from Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City, as widespread flooding in the south-central region persists.

International airports were operating normally despite some flight delays.

The environment ministry said 55 people have died, with 13 still missing. More than 300,000 people remained without power over the weekend.

Image: Hoi An, Shirren Lee, Scop.io  

Growing interest in culinary adventures in Vietnam

Australians have a growing appetite for food experiences across Vietnam - from street eats to Michelin-starred eateries. 

BestPrice Travel is one of the companies leading the way with food tours designed for Australian travellers who are increasingly seeking immersive culinary experiences. 

Vietnam has emerged as a leading destination for food-focused adventures, the company says.

That coincides with Australian tourism to Vietnam continuing to surge, with a 35.4% increase in arrivals recorded in the 2024-2025 financial year alone. 

More than ever, Australian travellers are seeking authentic, hands-on culinary experiences that connect them to local cultures -through food, farming, and regional flavours.

In recent years, Vietnam has experienced a culinary renaissance. 

With nine restaurants awarded a Michelin star across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang , the Asian country is increasingly gaining global recognition. 

This gastronomic boom has gone hand-in-hand with the rise in food tourism as travellers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences ranging from street food tours and regional tastings to hands-on cooking classes and market visits.

BestPrice Travel aims to set itself apart by offering culinary journeys that connect Australians directly with Vietnamese chefs, farmers, and coffee artisans. 

“It is no longer just pho and banh mi that travellers are indulging in - Vietnam’s evolving Michelin scene is highlighting new levels of culinary sophistication, all rooted in homegrown produce," says Khuc Tan Dung, founder and CEO of BestPrice Travel.

"Australians, much like Anthony Bourdain, who championed putting Vietnam on the global culinary map, can’t get enough of it and neither can Luke Nguyen, who understands the Australian appetite with over seven TV shows to date focused on Vietnamese cuisine. 

"And it It is not just the food scene; Vietnam’s vibrant coffee culture is also drawing attention. The country is home to over 640,000 coffee farms. 

Fuelling this culinary evolution is a new generation of young, creative Vietnamese chefs. 

BestPrice Travel says its "curated culinary journeys" go beyond sightseeing. Strong local networks allow them to design immersive food tours, incorporating sustainable tourism practices that support local chefs, producers, and communities.

The tours allow the chance to visit and dine in a 140-year-old preserved French colonial villa housing Spices Villa in Hanoi’s old quarter. 

“Australians are among the world’s most passionate travellers, especially when it comes to food,” says  Khuc Tan Dung. 

“We don’t’ just organise tours, we’re food story curators, taking guests through Vietnam’s culinary culture journey, from Hanoi street food tables to fine dining in Danang, ending with a simple family meal in the Mekong Delta, where guests have picked the produce themselves and cooked with the host.”

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Tours can be tailored to the needs of individual travellers.

See www.bestpricetravel.com

Vietnam flood alert as tourists evacuated

Thinking of heading to Central Vietnam over the next few weeks?

Maybe do some research first as the weather could play havoc with your plans during storm season.

Travellers visiting the region, including Danang, Hue and Hoi An, have been advised by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to be wary of possible disruptions due to major flooding and power outages, following heavy rainfall in the region.

Some tourists were evacuated by boat from Hoi An this week and re-located to other hotels after the Hoai River rose by two metres.

The heavy rain has turned Hoi An’s ancient streets into rivers. 

Reuters reported the floods had killed at least nine people and left five missing. 

As locals rushed to save their belongings in Hoi An, they started relying on boats instead of motorbikes, since parts of the historic town remain buried beneath two metres of water.

As water from the Thu Bon and Vu Gia rivers spilled over their banks, entire communes near Danang were cut off, local media reported.

Weather forecasts suggest heavy rains and floods will continue in the coming days.

Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, reported intense downpours across Hue, Danang, and neighbouring central provinces.

Khiem said the extreme weather resulted from a combination of a low-level cold air mass, an intensifying intertropical convergence zone moving northward, and strong easterly winds at altitudes of 1,500 to 5,000 meters - a typical pattern behind prolonged downpours in central Vietnam.

Khiem warned that central Vietnam may experience multiple rainstorms through mid-December, particularly from Ha Tinh to Danang, Khanh Hoa, and eastern parts of Quang Ngai to Dak Lak.

Image: Vietnamnet.vn 

Củ Chi: From war zone to luxury golf resort

The world moves on. 

For many folk the name Củ Chi is synonymous with the Vietnam War (which the Vietnamese call the American War). 

  

The tunnels of Củ Chi are a huge network of connecting tunnels located south of Ho Chi Minh City. 

The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the war and were the Viet Cong's base of operations for the decisive Tet Offensive in 1968. 

Now Củ Chi is building a reputation as a world-class golf resort with the opening of Vinpearl Golf Léman, a newly opened 36-hole facility. 

Located just an hour's drive from central Ho Chi Minh City, Vinpearl Golf Léman is set amid the waterways and greenery of Củ Chi. 

Covering more than 200 hectares, the project consists of two courses, North and South and is being promoted as being among the longest and most strategically designed courses in Asia.

The course is designed to reflect the natural landscape and includes over 200 bunkers, undulating fairways, and finely contoured greens. 

Complementing the course, Vinpearl Golf Léman offers a modern clubhouse, a premium pro shop with international golf brands, and a restaurant and  convention centre with capacity for nearly 700 guests. 

"Vinpearl Golf Léman has been developed with modern facilities, a distinctive design, and a scale ranking among the most strategic in Asia," says says Nguyễn Thu Phương, southern operations director of Vinpearl. 

"We believe it will soon become a host venue for national and international tournaments, contributing to raising Vietnam's profile on the global golf map.

"The opening of Vinpearl Golf Léman adds another international-standard course to Ho Chi Minh City, providing golfers with a comprehensive venue where sport is combined with high-quality leisure experiences. 

"It also marks a strategic step in Vietnam's journey to become one of the region's leading golf destinations, on par with Asia's most renowned golfing hubs."

Vinpearl Golf operates international-standard golf courses in Vietnam at Hai Phong, Nam Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Cu Chi and also manages the Cape Wickham Golf Links in Tasmania. 

See https://vinpearl.com/vi/vinpearl-golf-leman

Vietjet celebrates 9/9 with a pop-up fares sale

Anyone thinking about snagging a cheap flight from Australia to Vietnam should keep an eye out for one of budget carrier Vietjet's regular cheap fare blitzes.

Vietjet’s 9/9 Mega Sale, about to launch, offers "up to 99% off base fares" on flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Ho Chi Minh City.

On top of that, travellers booking international routes will enjoy 20kg of free checked baggage, making it easier than ever to pack for a long-haul adventure.

The fares sale runs from 3am AEST on September 9 to 2am on September 10. Should you be tempted, and quick off the mark, use promo code SUPERSALE99 when booking direct on www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app.

The fare deduction exclude taxes and fees but the 23-hour offer applies across Vietjet’s entire flight network with travel valid from October 1 to May 27, 2026.

While those napping up a deal can take advantage of the promotion to explore Vietnam’s vibrant culture, Vietjet also offers connections from Ho Chi Minh City to many domestic Vietnamese destinations and popular hubs across Asia.

To meet growing demand, Vietjet is boosting flights to Ho Chi Minh City: with Melbourne increasing to six flights per week from November 11 and moving to daily from December 6. Sydney grows to six per week from November 13, increasing to daily from December 7, while Brisbane rises to five flights per week from December 6.

But note that flights to Hanoi have been cut.

Vietnam has a new showpiece events venue

Hanoi has a new showpiece venue with the launch of the Vietnam Exposition Center, which will host major events in the Vietnamese capital.

The new building in the Đông Anh District was opened by the exhibition "80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness."

The event brought Vietnam's history, its people, and recent achievements to life, drawing tens of thousands of visitors in the opening week.

The inauguration coincided with a series of major projects marking the 80th National Day of Vietnam on September 2.

Not only is it the largest facility of its kind in south-east Asia, covering nearly 90 hectares, but it also stands as a symbol of Vietnam, a nation that endured decades of war and hardship yet has risen to enjoy remarkable economic growth.

The Center will host conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events - helping fuel Vietnam's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism sector.

It provides easy access to Nội Bài International Airport and major transportation routes - making it convenient for both domestic and international guests.

The upcoming launch of the Tu Lien Bridge - a key infrastructure project spanning the Red River - will provide a fast connection between the city centre and the exhibition complex.

One highlight is the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, with its flowing dome inspired by the "Golden Turtle" (Kim Quy) of Vietnamese folklore.

The venue is projected to welcome up to 60 million visitors each year.

Vietnam enjoying an air travel boom

Vietnam has seen strong growth in its air transport market over the past decade and is one of the fastest expanding in the region, analysis from IATA shows.

IATA indicates that Vietnam has advanced from being Asia Pacific’s 11th largest air passenger market in 2014 to the eighth largest in 2024.

It also registered the highest growth rate amongst the top 10 markets in the region, at 121% from 2014 to 2024.

This surge results from the country’s strong economic performance and growing appeal as a travel destination. Visa simplification for countries and the opening of new international routes have stimulated demand, news hub Travel Mole reported.

Vietnam is perceived as one of the last frontiers in Asia for foreign travellers, gaining market shares over its competitors, notably Thailand.

With 22 to 23 million foreign travellers expected in 2025, Vietnam is on track to become the third largest destination in south-east Asia, behind Malaysia and Thailand.

International passenger traffic surged by 26% last year. Data from the Vietnam National Statistics Office highlights that airlines transported 54.2 million passengers in 2024, of which 19.7 million were on international flights.

IATA stats show, seven of the top 10 international markets for travel to Vietnam more than doubled from 2014 to 2024.

As an example, traffic from India grew tenfold during this period.

South Korea is by far the largest source of international arrivals for Vietnam. It represents more than twice that of second-placed China.

Image: Alessandro Castiglioni, Scop.io   

Super cheap airfares to Vietnam - but only for a couple of days

Serial sale sellers Vietjet are at it again. 

They have just launched another flash sale with zero notice. 

With these guys you are either quick, or you miss out. 

The budget Vietnamese airline is this week selling eco tickets from just $199 each way with 20kg of free checked baggage for all international flights. 

The promotional fares apply to the airline's six direct services linking Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth with Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney and Melbourne with Hanoi. 

The deals are available from Wednesday at 3am AEST until 2am on Saturday. 

The fares are available only for booking via ww.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app, for travel from September 4, 2025, to May 20, 2026. 

The extra 20kg of free checked baggage sounds ideal for anyone planning to spend an extended time in Asia. 

7/7 means up to 77% off flights with Vietjet

 

There is no airline that offers as many special deals and airfare reductions as Vietjet, which is now the largest Vietnamese airline flying between Australia and Vietnam.

Vietjet has announced a "7/7 double-day promotion" that offers Australian travellers up to 77% off discounted fares across its Vietnam domestic and international network, including direct routes between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth to Ho Chi Minh City, as well as between Sydney, Melbourne and Hanoi.

The sale kicks off for one day only, from 3am on July 7 to 2am to July 8 AEST.

Guests booking Eco tickets via www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app using the promo code SUPERSALE77 will be eligible. 

The offer is valid for travel between August 11, 2025, and March 28, 2026.

As a part of Vietjet’s global expansion, the airline has also launched two new direct routes from Hanoi to Chengdu and Hanoi to Xi’an.

To meet rising travel demand, Vietjet has added over 600,000 additional seats across its growing network of more than 145 domestic and international routes, connecting travellers to destinations in Vietnam, India, China, South Korea, Japan, south-east Asia, and beyond.

Get 66% off Vietjet fares - for one day only

The folks at Vietjet - the biggest airline between Australia and Vietnam - love a headline-grabbing sale, or special offer.

Their latest offer runs for one day only on Friday, June 8, with Vietjet launching an exclusive 6/6 flash sale, offering a 66% discount off Eco fare tickets across its entire network - with 66,666 discounted seats up for grabs.

The promotion applies to Aussie travellers looking to explore Vietnam’s top destinations like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City flying from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.

The offer is valid for travel between August 18 and November 30.

Vietjet is rolling out hot new routes this winter, such as Phu Quoc–Singapore, Hanoi–Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen), Nha Trang-Da Nang, and international services to Xi’an and Chengdu in China.

The airline's flight network covers Vietnam, Australia, India, China, South Korea, Japan, and south-east Asia.

Fares must be booked at www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app by entering the promo code SUPERSALE66.

On the right track: Vietnam by luxury train

Having taken two overnight train journeys in Vietnam last year, I like the idea of an upmarket version.

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains has expanded its 2026 program adding another luxe new train that will see guests tour across Vietnam before heading to China onboard the Golden Eagle Silk Road Express.

The 14-day Treasures of the East adventure featuring two luxury trains begins in Ho Chi Minh City travelling to cities like Hoi An and Hanoi, and ending in futuristic Shanghai, with lantern-lit towns, emerald rivers, ancient artistry, and cultural treasures along the way.



A brainchild of rail pioneer and founder Tim Littler, this new Vietnam Express package offers Indochine-inspired cabins with en suites, an elegant bistro car for drinks and dining around the clock and personalised service.

Once across the border, guests will transfer to the high-end Golden Eagle Silk Road Express to continue the journey through China's cultural heartland.

Off train excursions are a highlight with exclusive options from a Wuyi Mountain Tea Culture Experience and an immersive porcelain making session plus a speedboat tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels outside Ho Chi Minh City; a Jeep safari through the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh, a private Ha Long Bay cruise; a private Lijiang River cruise in Guilin; afternoon tea in the Shanghai Tower and a private sunset yacht cruise on the Huangpu River

Treasures of the East is set for departure in April 2026. 

Golden Eagle Luxury Trains packages are fully inclusive of private en suite rail accommodation, all meals and drinks, personal cabin attendant service, fully guided off-train excursions, all gratuities and transfers, plus premium hotels pre- and post-tour and a registered medical doctor on board.

See https://www.goldeneagleluxurytrains.com/

Fancy flying Australia to China via Vietnam?

Fast-growing Vietjet this week announced the launch of two new direct routes connecting Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, with Chengdu and Xi’an in China. 

The inaugural flights are scheduled for July 1 and July 6 respectively. 

Each route will operate four return flights per week, boosting the airline’s China–Vietnam network to seven new routes introduced in the first half of 2025.

These new services are aimed to appeal to Australian travellers looking to explore multi-stop itineraries across Asia with connections from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth via Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City into China. 

The launch also supports growing demand for trade, tourism, and business travel in the broader Asia-Pacific region.

To celebrate the launch, Vietjet is offering promotional tickets at super-saver fares viawww.vietjetair.com and via the Vietjet Air mobile app.

These new routes follow the recent launches connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Beijing and Guangzhou, as well as the Hanoi-Shanghai service. 

With the addition of Chengdu and Xi’an, Vietjet strengthens its position as a leading low-cost carrier providing direct access to China from Vietnam.

For Australians using Vietnam as a regional hub, Vietjet’s wider network recently includes direct flights from Vietnam to India (Hyderabad, Bengaluru), Japan (Nagoya, Fukuoka) and a new service between Phu Quoc Island and Singapore will also be starting at the end of this month. 

# Vietjet is a full member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. It is Vietnam’s largest private carrier. 

Opening up Vietnam's next island resort destination

I am reliably informed that the island destination of Con Dao is set to be the next Phuket, or Sihanoukville.

The Vietnamese island has beautiful beaches and, as of now, remains largely off the the beaten tourism track.

Vietjet, the biggest Vietnamese airline flying between Australia and Vietnam, has just launched two new direct routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, which it describes as "one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking island destinations".

Con Dao is apparently renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and deep historical resonance with Vietnamese people.

With a total of 28 return flights per week from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, it is set to become higher profile with tourists.

Still largely undisturbed, Con Dao is a tiny archipelago off the southern coast of Vietnam, with some of the country's best snorkelling and hiking, Vietnam.travel reports.

Vietjet now offers two morning daily departures from Hanoi to Con Dao with a flight duration of about 2 hours and 10 minutes, along with two daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City, also depart in the morning, with a flight duration of around 40 minutes each way.

Vietjet has direct flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City, and from Melbourne and Sydney to Hanoi.

# The airline has also launched two direct routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Nagoya and Fukuoka in Japan, offering four and thrice weekly round-trip flights, respectively.

Both inaugural flights were welcomed with water salutes upon landing at the Japanese airports and commemorative celebrations.

Tickets are available at www.vietjetair.com and via the Vietjet Air mobile app.

Vietjet drops bargain fares offer - but only until Saturday

 

Vietjet, the airline that delivers cheap and cheerful flights between Australia and Vietnam, has just dropped another of its flash sales. 

Vietjet is offering travellers discounts of up to 50%* on Eco-class fares across its entire flight network from now until April 18 - the bad news is that means only until Friday. 

Aussies can enjoy this deal by applying the promo code VJ50 when booking via www.vietjetair.com and the Vietjet Air mobile app for travel between April 28 and November 30. 

Travellers from Australia can fly directly from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City, and from Melbourne and Sydney to Hanoi. 

The promotion also allows travellers to book and save on domestic flights within Vietnam, making it easy for Aussies to explore other destinations up and down the surprisingly large country.

Vietjet is also giving away 1,000 SkyPoints to passengers who book flights on its new international routes and register for SkyJoy membership from now until June 30. 

These routes include 10 new international routes that Vietjet announced in early 2025 including those connecting major Vietnamese cities to popular destinations in China, India, Japan and Singapore. SkyJoy members can redeem points for exclusive rewards from over 250brands in Vietnam.

Vietnam has become a favourite among Aussie travellers, with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, world-class cuisine, and warm hospitality. The prices are good , too. 

Visitors can choose from the beaches of Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, and Hue; from the elegance of Hanoi to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City. 

Discount prices exclude taxes and fees, and public holidays. 

Discover $199 fares between Australia and Vietnam - but you'll need to be quick

My friends at Vietjet, now the biggest Vietnamese airline flying between Australia and Vietnam, have launched four new non-stop services connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Beijing and Guangzhou in China.

These routes mark a milestone in Vietjet’s expansion in 2025, which includes new routes to India, Japan, and Singapore.

Australian travellers now have more opportunities to explore China with a cost-effective transit network through Vietnam.

With many Chinese students studying in Australia, this also offers a convenient travel option for those returning home during holidays or visiting family.

To celebrate thew destinations, Vietjet is offering a limited-time promotion from now until April 5 (so you'll need to be quick) \with all-inclusive one-way Eco-class fares starting as low as $!99 for all routes between Australia and Vietnam.

Australians wanting to explore Vietnam can also find deals when booking domestic flights within the country. The travel period is between April 15 and March 28, 2026, for bookings made via www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app.

The routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Beijing and Guangzhou, as well as between Hanoi and Guangzhou, have already commenced daily services. 

The Hanoi-Beijing route will initially operate three times a week before transitioning to a daily service on April 27 while a new Hanoi-Shanghai service will commence on April 29, offering daily flights.

Since its first flight from Vietnam to China in 2014, Vietjet has strengthened its flight network between the two neighbouring countries, which now covers more than 50 destinations across China. 

“Vietjet is excited to launch four new routes from Vietnam to Beijing and Guangzhou, major economic, cultural, and tourist hubs in China, as part of our ongoing strategy to expand our flight network," said Vietjet vice chairwoman Nguyen Thanh Ha. 

"With this expansion, we will continue to provide affordable and convenient travel options for both locals and tourists, further enhancing connectivity between Vietnam and China, and beyond.”

Vietjet is also set to launch its inaugural route between Ho Chi Minh City and Auckland in New Zealand in September.

Vietjet expands network to New Zealand

Rapidly growing Vietnamese budget airline Vietjet is expanding its network to New Zealand.

The leisure carrier this week unveiled its first route linking Vietnam and New Zealand, Kiwi news outlet Scoop reported.

Taking off in September, Ho Chi Minh City to Auckland flights will operate four times per week.

NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited Vietjet’s founder, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, while in Vietnam recently.

“This strengthens the connectivity and the people-to-people links between our two countries," Luxon said.

"This enables lots of opportunities across the board, not just in tourism but also in trade and also in education.

”I can see how Vietjet has been built into such a successful airline in a very short period. Vietjet will be very critical for us to be able to realise and to catalyse the next growth."

Thao underlined Vietjet’s commitment to strengthening Vietnam-New Zealand relations and said: “Our bilateral trade target of US$3 billion is well within reach, built upon the solid foundation of existing cooperation agreements. 

"Vietjet, alongside businesses from both nations, is committed to expanding partnerships, driving sustainable development, and soaring to new heights together.”

Vetjet’s Aviation Academy and the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand (IAANZ) signed an agreement to collaborate on pilot training

Vietjet is also adding new international routes from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to major Chinese cities Beijing and Guangzhou in the coming weeks.

See at www.vietjetair.com

One week of cheap fares to Vietnam

If you have been thinking of a trip to Vietnam then this one is for you.

Vietjet, now the largest Vietnamese airline flying between Australia and Vietnam, is kicking off the year by offering up to 50% off tickets on all domestic and international routes until February 16.

During the seven-day period, travellers can apply the promo code BIGSALE50 to enjoy a 50% discount on Eco tickets when booking flights via Vietjet’s official website www.vietjetair.com or Vietjet Air mobile app.

This deal is available across Vietjet’s entire flight network with flexible travel dates between March 1 and May 22.

With the Easter and school holidays in April, Australian travellers can take advantage of the opportunity to escape to Vietnam or select from other convenient dates within the promo period.

Vietnam offers a vibrant range of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and bustling cities, making it the perfect destination for Aussies seeking adventure, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable experiences.

From the beaches of Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, and Hue, Vietnam offers something for every traveller.

Vietjet offers direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane.

It was this week recognised as the World’s Best Ultra Low-Cost Carrier.

This is a major category in the World's Best Airlines Awards by AirlineRatings.com, the globally recognised airline safety and product rating website.

Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings,said: "Vietjet has mastered the art of delivering exceptional value to passengers, combining competitive fares with a reliable and innovative service model.

"Their ability to make air travel accessible to millions without compromising on safety or efficiency sets them apart. In addition to this, our onboard reviews have noticed time and time again the dedication of their crew to help all passengers and that is something we highly regard."

Discounted fares - and a new way to fly to China

Vietjet has just unveiled a new sale on fares - and a new way to get to China.

The Vietnamese budget airline this week unveiled 50% off flights between Vietnam and Australia from now until February 7.

The deal is available on flights every Friday for travel between February 10 and March 31.

In addition, Vietjet is also launching four new direct routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Beijing and Guangzhou, starting from March 30.

Tickets are now available for bookings through all sales channels, at promotional fares. The new routes further extend Vietjet's growing Vietnam-China service - making it easy for Australian travellers keen to explore China conveniently and affordably via Vietnam.

With these additions, the airline will add 24 weekly round-trip flights to its growing flight network between Vietnam and China.

Bookings can be made www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app.

The availability of discounted seats varies depending on the route and travel dates.

Vietjet boasts one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient Airbus fleets in the Asia-Pacific area and has been recognised once again as one of the world's safest airlines for 2025 by AirlineRatings, a leading airline safety and product rating organisation.

Tourism to Vietnam on the up

Vietnam is rapidly bouncing back as an Asian tourism destination.

The number of international tourists visiting Vietnam saw an impressive double digit jump in 2024, new portal Travel Mole reports.

Vietnam welcomed nearly 17.6 million tourist arrivals, data from the General Statistics Office reveals.

That is up nearly 40% on 2023 and just a little short of the pre-pandemic 2019 level.

More liberal visa policies and new airline options from carriers including Vietjet helped boost numbers in 2024.

The vast majority, nearly 15 million, of foreign tourists arrived by air.

In the opposite direction, the number of Vietnamese going overseas rose 5% to 5.3 million in 2024.

The agency said the tourism industry will fully recover to pre-pandemic levels this year, with Vietnam welcoming about 22 million international visitors.

Asia continues to dominates inbound tourism source markets.

South Korea was top in 2024, with nearly 4.57 million arrivals, up 27% from 2023. China ranked second with nearly 3.74 million arrivals.

Other top markets include Malaysia, Australia, Thailand and Cambodia.

Image: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi: Winsor Dobbin 

Vietjet adds to rapidly expanding fleet

 

Vietjet has recently welcomed the latest addition to its fast-growing fleet: an Airbus A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex). 

This is the 111th aircraft to join the airline's fleet as it builds an impressive reputation for value. 

The new Airbus A321neo ACF is equipped with advanced cabin design, meeting the latest standards for seat dimensions and spacing to ensure "an enhanced passenger experience". 

The aircraft is also described as highly efficient, reducing fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20% and noise levels by up to 50%.

As part of its strategic expansion, Vietjet is set to receive three additional aircraft over the next couple of weeks. 

To meet the surge in demand during the Lunar New Year holiday, the airline also plans to wet-lease between six and 10 aircraft on a short-term basis. 

Vietjet is a member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate and is Vietnam’s largest private carrier, flying from several Australian airports direct to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. 

More information at www.vietjetair.com