The initiative comes after the two countries upgraded relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and as both sides prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, established on August 6, 1976.

In his speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung said the 14th National Party Congress has set a target of achieving average annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth of more than 10%, with tourism identified as one of the key pillars supporting economic expansion.

Amid growing global uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions, disruptions to international flight routes and fluctuations in the global economy, the ambassador said these developments present challenges for the tourism industry but also create new opportunities as travelers increasingly seek safe, stable and well-connected destinations.

He stressed that closer cooperation among relevant parties in the tourism sector, airlines and partners in Vietnam and Thailand is becoming even more important. Such cooperation would promote bilateral tourism and support the development of regional tourism. By linking destinations, sharing tourism products and improving connectivity, the two countries can create new opportunities for sustainable growth in the region.

Ngo Tri Hung, head of the Thailand branch of Vietnam Airlines, said the national carrier has nearly 50 years of operations in Thailand and takes pride in serving as a bridge between the two countries.

Vietnam Airlines is currently among the major airlines connecting Bangkok with Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, operating nine flights per day. From April 2, the carrier will also resume the Ho Chi Minh City-Phuket route, reaffirming its commitment to tourism development between the two countries.

Ngo Tri Hung added that the airline also transports travelers from Europe and the Americas to Thailand who often wish to combine their trips with visits to Vietnam. With increased connectivity between the two countries, Vietnam Airlines believes this will also strengthen Vietnam’s connections with travelers worldwide.

At the workshop, Vietnam Airlines updated its policies and introduced new products for the Thai market for the upcoming summer season. Partners including the Vietnam Tourism Association and Sun Group also highlighted efforts to refresh the image of Vietnam’s tourism destinations for the Thai travel community.

According to Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, tourist exchanges between the two countries are substantial. In many years, the number of Vietnamese visitors traveling to Thailand has exceeded one million, while the number of Thai visitors to Vietnam has at times reached 700,000-800,000.

However, the larger number of Vietnamese tourists visiting Thailand in recent years shows Thailand’s stronger appeal to travelers than Vietnam. In response, Vietnam’s tourism sector has been implementing various initiatives to attract more Thai visitors. T

he Vietnam Tourism Association has introduced new tourism products, identified destinations that appeal to Thai travelers and organized promotional activities in Thailand.

Vu The Binh expressed confidence that with the efforts of Vietnamese businesses and the support of the government, the number of Thai tourists visiting Vietnam is likely to rise rapidly in the period ahead.

Vietnam Airlines to launch Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket air service in April

VOV.VN - National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines is expected to launch a direct air route between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket, Thailand, starting April 2, further expanding its regional network in Southeast Asia and offering travelers a more convenient connection between the two popular destinations.

Vietnam Airlines increases Hanoi-Dien Bien flights during Ban Flower Festival 2026

VOV.VN - Vietnam Airlines will increase flights between Hanoi and Dien Bien province in March to meet rising travel demand during the 2026 Ban Flower Festival and strengthen connectivity with Vietnam’s northwestern region.