Tourism Thailand to Launch Direct Flights from Isaan to Vietnam to Boost Tourism

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Pictures courtesy of Vietnamnet.vn

 

Thailand is set to enhance its tourism and regional ties by introducing new direct flights connecting its northeastern provinces, specifically Isaan, to popular destinations in Vietnam. This ambitious plan was revealed during Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's official visit to Vietnam, aiming to facilitate smoother travel and capitalise on the flourishing tourism markets of both nations.

 

During her two-day visit, which concludes today, May 16, the 38-year-old Thai Prime Minister emphasized the strategic benefits of linking northeastern airports in Thailand to Vietnamese hotspots such as Hue, Danang, Dalat, and Sapa. These cities are already popular with Thai tourists. Making travel faster and more convenient is expected to boost tourism and strengthen transport and economic ties.

 

With approximately one million Vietnamese tourists visiting Thailand annually and half a million Thais making the reverse trip, according to government data, the move is seen as a significant step in deepening mutual engagement and economic synergy.

 

Beyond air travel, Prime Minister Paetongtarn also announced plans to enhance land transport options between Thailand and Vietnam through Laos, further broadening accessibility for tourists and business travellers alike.

 

While the concept of direct Isaan-Vietnam flights might seem novel, it harks back to 1995, when Thai Airways International proposed a Bangkok-to-Danang route with a stop in Ubon Ratchathani, catering to the region's Thai-Vietnamese community.

 

Further solidifying bilateral bonds, Prime Minister Paetongtarn and her Vietnamese counterpart, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, witnessed the signing of eight comprehensive agreements focusing on trade, investment, and collaborative efforts to combat drug trafficking. This reflects a commitment to enhancing multifaceted cooperation and positioning Thailand as a pivotal hub in Southeast Asia.

 

Thailand's initiative to directly link its northeast with Vietnam comes at a time of mounting regional competition for tourists. By opening up new travel and business avenues, the plan could invigorate the Isaan region's aviation and tourism sectors, unlocking fresh economic potential and solidifying regional cooperation.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-16