New Vietnam–Sri Lanka air link opens tourism opportunities

Ahead of the route's launch, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Vietnam organised a Buddhist tourism promotion event in Hanoi to introduce the country’s tourism offerings and showcase Sri Lanka as an emerging destination for Vietnamese travel companies, business partners and visitors.

According to the embassy, the new direct service will significantly improve connectivity between the two countries, facilitating tourism, business cooperation, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

Sri Lankan Ambassador Poshitha Perera said the country’s tourism sector is undergoing a transformation, moving beyond traditional mass tourism towards a more diverse, experience-based model that prioritises quality over quantity.

Sri Lanka has developed specialised tourism segments, including ecotourism, wildlife and nature conservation, wellness and traditional Ayurveda medicine, tea and plantation tours, adventure and marine tourism, cultural and pilgrimage routes, and community-based rural experiences.

The tropical island also enjoys a warm climate year-round and boasts more than 1,300 kilometres of coastline. It is internationally recognised as a world-class surfing destination, particularly along its eastern and southern coasts, with Arugam Bay often described as a global surfing hub.

Vietnamese tour operators said they have already developed a range of package tours to Sri Lanka in response to growing demand from travelers seeking new destinations in South Asia.

Industry representatives said the new direct route will reduce travel time by approximately two to six hours compared with previous itineraries requiring connections through Thailand or Malaysia, making Sri Lanka more competitive in the Vietnamese outbound travel market.

Beyond tourism, the direct air link is also expected to facilitate business exchanges, expand trade and investment cooperation, and strengthen connections between enterprises in both countries.

With its rich tourism resources, centuries-old Buddhist heritage and improved air connectivity, Sri Lanka hopes to attract more Vietnamese visitors, contributing to broader bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Vietjet opens Ho Chi Minh City–Colombo direct service with launch promotions

To welcome the inauguration of the new route between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo, Sri Lanka, on August 18, Vietjet is offering Eco tickets from VND0 (excluding taxes and fees), together with 20kg of complimentary checked baggage for passengers booking during the three-day promotion from July 21 to 23.