Vietjet has expanded its Asian network with the launch of a new Hanoi–Tainan service and the resumption of direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Chiang Mai. Both routes commenced on 26 October 2026, marking a strategic push into Taiwan and northern Thailand's key tourism markets.
To celebrate the network growth, the carrier is offering promotional Eco fares from USD0 (excluding taxes and fees) for bookings made through its website or mobile app until 23:00 on 1 November 2026 (GMT+7). Travel is valid from 1 November 2026 through 31 October 2027, giving passengers a wide booking window for leisure and business trips.
Route details and frequency
The Hanoi–Tainan route will operate four round-trip flights per week, while the Ho Chi Minh City–Chiang Mai service will also run four times weekly. These frequencies are designed to cater to both leisure travellers and business passengers, supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange across the region.
Tainan, a historic city in southern Taiwan, becomes a new destination for Vietjet, and the airline is the first Vietnamese carrier to serve the city. The route is expected to boost connectivity between Vietnam and Taiwan, complementing existing services to Taipei and Kaohsiung. Meanwhile, Chiang Mai, a popular cultural hub in northern Thailand, returns to Vietjet's schedule after a hiatus, offering travellers from southern Vietnam direct access to the city's temples, festivals, and mountain resorts.
These additions strengthen Vietjet's growing international network, which already includes destinations such as the Maldives, Cebu, Clark, Almaty, and Prague. The airline continues to pursue a low-cost, high-efficiency model, with a focus on expanding point-to-point connections across Asia and into Europe.
Industry analysts note that Vietjet's aggressive route expansion and promotional pricing are typical of its strategy to stimulate demand in underserved markets. The zero-fare base fares, while excluding taxes and fees, are a proven tactic to fill seats and attract price-sensitive travellers, particularly in the competitive Southeast Asian market.
Travel agents and tour operators can expect increased booking interest for these routes, especially with the extended travel validity period. The promotional fares are available for a limited time, and agents are advised to check Vietjet's booking systems for availability and fare rules.
Vietjet's move also aligns with broader trends in the region, where low-cost carriers are driving tourism growth. For instance, AirAsia's recent Deepavali fare promotion across its Asia-Pacific network highlights the competitive landscape. Additionally, Air China's planned Chengdu Tianfu–Hanoi service from January 2027 will further intensify competition on Vietnam–China routes.
For Chiang Mai, the resumption of direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City is a boost to local tourism, which has been recovering steadily. The city's recent introduction of an electric tram service is part of broader efforts to enhance visitor experiences and sustainable mobility.
Vietjet's expansion comes as the airline continues to strengthen its operational capabilities. Its partnership with Satair, expanded under a recent MOU, aims to bolster Vietnam's aviation supply chain, ensuring reliable maintenance and component support for its growing fleet.
With its cost-effective fares and flexible travel options, Vietjet is positioning itself as a key player in connecting secondary cities across Asia. The new routes not only expand travel options for passengers but also create opportunities for tourism boards, hotels, and ground operators to tap into new visitor flows.
