Nepal-Vietnam Tourism Thrives with New Charter Flights in 2024

To boost tourism between Nepal and Vietnam, two additional charter flights have been planned. Previously, Rupse Holidays organized charter flights using Himalaya Airlines' Airbus 320 aircraft on October 21, 25, and 29, operating on the Kathmandu-Hanoi-Kathmandu route. During these flights, the company recorded that 225 tourists arrived from Vietnam, while 328 tourists from Nepal visited Vietnam.

After the success of the initial plan, the company has revealed plans for two more charter flights scheduled for New Year 2024. These flights are set for January 5 and January 10, 2024. The prior Kathmandu-Vietnam tour package cost NPR 1,20,000. The forthcoming flights will present a package at NPR 99,999 which encompasses round-trip airfare, five hotel nights, and a day cruise in Ha Long Bay. This was disclosed by Ramesh Parajuli, the Managing Director of the company.

The preceding charter flights are regarded as the first fruitful attempt at fostering a significant tourist exchange between Nepal and Vietnam. This initiative is seen as an effective exploration of tourism potential between both countries. The earlier tour with a price of NPR 120,000 allowed Nepali visitors to enjoy a five-day trip to Hanoi, Vietnam.

During their stay in Nepal, Vietnamese tourists visited popular spots such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini, and Sauraha. The convenience of the direct three-hour flight between Nepal and Vietnam greatly benefited travelers. Although this endeavor may not have generated substantial financial profit, it played a vital role in advancing Nepal's tourism industry. The gamble taken proved to be highly successful, as Vietnamese tourists displayed an intensified interest in exploring various destinations in Nepal. Additionally, over 15% of Vietnamese people practice Buddhism further driving visits to Lumbini's Lord Buddha's birthplace in Nepal.