Vietnam Airlines hosts familiarisation trip for Indian media to Hanoi, Ninh Binh, & Hue
The trip introduced the group to Vietnam’s rich heritage, scenic beauty and cultural treasures. The itinerary covered the vibrant capital Hanoi, the picturesque landscapes of Ninh Binh, and the historic city of Hue.
With Vietnam emerging as a top choice for Indian travellers, recent online reports reaffirm the trend. In the first five months of 2025 alone, Vietnam welcomed over 9.2 million international tourists, a 21.3% year-on-year increase. Building on the strong momentum of 2024, the country now targets 23 million international arrivals in 2025, aiming to surpass pre-pandemic records.
Building on this growing interest, Vietnam Airlines recently organised an exclusive familiarisation trip for members of the Indian press, offering a firsthand experience of the Airlines’ luxury services onboard, along with Business Class experience & lounge access with perks like priority check-in, expedited immigration and security lines, and access to the Lotus Lounge, a luxurious and efficient pre-flight space at the airport.
The trip introduced the group to Vietnam’s rich heritage, scenic beauty and cultural treasures. The itinerary covered the vibrant capital Hanoi, the picturesque landscapes of Ninh Binh, and the historic city of Hue.
In Hanoi, the delegation visited the Temple of Literature, a revered symbol of Vietnam’s intellectual and cultural history. Later the group experienced the city’s famous attractions like Train Street, Hanoi a narrow residential alley where a railway track runs just inches from doorsteps, cafés, and hanging laundry with Locals and tourists sipping iced coffee at tiny stools pushed right up to the rails. Moments later, the train thunders past, so close the tourist can feel the warm rush of air and hear the rhythmic clatter of wheels. As the tail car disappears, the street instantly transforms back into a café-lined lane, the tourist grinning at the surreal mix of danger and charm.
The group also explored Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, known for its colourful displays of handcrafted incense sticks, offering a glimpse into a traditional craft still thriving today.
In Ninh Binh, the journalists marvelled at the Bai Dinh Pagoda, a vast Buddhist complex that is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Another highlight of the tour was a visit to Trang An ,a scenic Landscape Complex inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ninh Binh. The group was amazed by the serene boat trip along the Sao Khe River, winding through 14.4 kilometres of breathtaking landscapes. The route passed the foot of dramatic limestone mountain ranges, primeval forests, and golden reed beds, taking the group through spectacular limestone caves with unique names such as Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave, etc. The journey offered a deep immersion into the pristine beauty of the region.
Wearing the traditional costume Ao dai, the group visited the World Cultural Heritage Site of the Hue Citadel. Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, the citadel’s grand architecture, moats, and ornate gates reflected the magnificence of Vietnam’s royal past-built hundreds of years ago with an extremely massive area, having over 100 magnificent architectural works such as Ngo Mon Gate, Dien Tho Palace, Forbidden Purple City, and Thai Hoa Palace arranged harmoniously.
Through this journey, the Indian media representatives experienced the harmonious blend of Vietnam’s ancient traditions, natural wonders, and living heritage — an unforgettable showcase of the country’s charm.
