Bhutan Airlines, Bhutan’s first private airline, is set to launch direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Paro Town, starting in 2025. This move marks a significant step in strengthening tourism ties between Vietnam and Bhutan, responding to the increasing interest in Bhutan’s unique landscapes and cultural heritage among Vietnamese travelers.
The airline plans to operate 10 round-trip flights annually, focusing on peak travel periods like January, February, April, August, September, and December. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Paro Town is expected to take approximately four hours, while the return journey will be around five hours. Round-trip fares have been set at approximately VND26 million (US$1,045) for business class travelers and VND22 million (US$884) for economy class passengers.
The new service is a strategic initiative by Bhutan Airlines to promote tourism and foster stronger ties between the two nations. Recent data from the Bhutan Department of Immigration indicates a surge in Vietnamese visitors to Bhutan, with Vietnam now ranking among the top five contributing countries. An estimated 5,000 Vietnamese tourists are expected to visit Bhutan in 2024, driven by tourism and investment opportunities.
However, Bhutan maintains a controlled approach to tourism. Travelers are required to book package tours, with visas issued only to those who have purchased such packages. Independent travel is not permitted. The cost of these tours ranges from VND53 million (US$2,130) to over VND60 million (US$2,412), reflecting Bhutan’s commitment to offering a high-value, low-impact tourism experience.
Ugyen Tenzin, General Director of Bhutan Airlines, emphasizes the strategic importance of the new flights in providing Vietnamese tourists with more convenient access to Bhutan. These direct flights aim to simplify the travel experience, making Bhutan a more appealing destination for Vietnamese travelers. The availability of direct flights will significantly reduce travel time, making the journey faster and more comfortable, thereby encouraging more Vietnamese tourists to explore Bhutan’s serene landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and emphasis on Gross National Happiness.
The introduction of scheduled flights also addresses the challenges faced by tour operators previously organizing charter flights to Bhutan, which often struggled to fill flights consistently. Scheduled flights offer a more reliable and regular travel option, allowing tourists to plan their trips more easily.
Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, highlights the positive impact of this new direct route on tourism growth between Vietnam and Bhutan. He emphasizes the potential for increased cultural exchange and economic benefits resulting from the closer connection.
Bhutan Airlines, established in 2011, is the first and only private airline in Bhutan. Headquartered in Paro Town, the airline has earned a reputation for providing quality service and promoting Bhutan as a must-visit destination. The airline operates a modern fleet of Airbus A319 aircraft, suitable for both short and medium-haul flights. These aircraft are equipped for both scheduled and charter flights, catering to various travel needs and expanding Bhutan’s connectivity with international markets.
By offering scheduled direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Paro, Bhutan Airlines is not only facilitating travel but also establishing itself as a key player in the tourism industry. This move aligns with Bhutan’s broader goals of sustainable tourism development, ensuring that the influx of tourists is managed in a way that preserves the country’s natural beauty and cultural integrity.
