Bhutan Airlines to launch direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Bhutan next year

Bhutan Airlines, Bhutan’s first private carrier, is set to launch direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Paro Town in Bhutan starting 2025, with 10 round-trip flights annually during peak travel months.

Those peak tourist seasons include January, February, April, August, September, and December. 

The flight duration from Ho Chi Minh City to Paro Town is approximately four hours, while the return flight takes about five hours. 

Round-trip fares are expected to be around VND26 million (US$1,045) for business class and VND22 million ($884) for economy class.

This new service aims to boost tourism and strengthen connections between the two countries, particularly as interest in Bhutan – known for its stunning natural beauty and unique culture – is growing.

Preliminary data from the Bhutan Department of Immigration shows that Vietnam is now among the top five countries sending the most visitors to the South Asia nation. 

In 2024, around 5,000 Vietnamese people are anticipated to visit Bhutan for tourism and investment.

Currently, Bhutan requires tourists to book package tours, as it only issues visas to those purchasing tours while independent travel is not permitted. 

Tour prices range from VND53 million ($2,130) to over VND60 million ($2,412), relatively expensive.

Additionally, visitors must pay a sustainable development fee of $100 per person per night.

Ugyen Tenzin, general director of Bhutan Airlines, stated that the new scheduled flights are part of a strategy to offer Vietnamese tourists easier access to Bhutan.

Direct flights will reduce travel time and enhance convenience for tourists, potentially attracting more Vietnamese visitors to Bhutan. 

While some tour operators have previously arranged charter flights to Bhutan, filling these flights has been challenging.

Le Truong Hien Hoa, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, emphasized that the new route will not only provide convenience but also significantly boost tourism development between the two countries.

Founded in 2011, Bhutan Airlines is Bhutan’s first and only private airline, based in Paro Town. 

The airline operates a fleet of Airbus A319 aircraft, offering both scheduled and charter flights to various international destinations.

By Bao Anh & Nhu Binh – Tuoi Tre News – August 31, 2024