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Japan
Flights to Japan with Vietnam resumed on January 1st, operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Japan Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. Currently, Japan is the international route with the most destinations on Vietnam Airlines' international flight list, with flights running continuously from Wednesday to Sunday every week.
In spring, the city of Osaka in Japan is covered in cherry blossoms.
Vietnam is one of the first four countries whose citizens are allowed entry into Japan, provided they have received a booster dose of the vaccine and undergone a Covid-19 test. The government also plans to simplify the necessary paperwork and screening procedures for travelers.
Thailand
Vietnamese tourists can enter Thailand through the “Test & Go” program without quarantine. Passengers can also register online to receive a Thailand Travel Pass by submitting hotel reservations for the first and fifth nights after arrival; details can be found at [link/website].https://tp.consular.go.th/.
Vietjet Airlines is also offering discounts of up to 50% on airfares and increasing flight frequency between Ho Chi Minh City and other destinations.Krung Thep Maha Nakhon(Bangkok) offers 6 flights per week, from February 16th to 21st, with travel dates valid until May 31st. Customers purchasing tickets on the website can enter the code "LoveBKK50" to receive a discount.
On February 16th, Thailand unexpectedly renamed its capital, Bangkok, to Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
Thailand is one of the few countries currently administering the fourth dose of the vaccine, and will also be implementing a tourism fee (approximately VND 200,000) for international visitors, starting in April.
Malaysia
The Malaysian government has recommended reopening all borders as early as March 1st. Tourists entering the country will not need to quarantine, only be required to undergo Covid-19 testing before departure and upon arrival. Currently, about 98% of Malaysia's adult population has received two doses of the vaccine, and more than half have received a booster shot.
Bright red lanterns illuminate the Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during the Lunar New Year celebration - Photo: Korea Times.
In February, there were only 3 flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Kuala Lumpur (and vice versa) on the 17th, 22nd, and 27th. From March 1st, this route will have one flight per week on Wednesdays, operated by Vietnam Airlines.
Cambodia
Cambodia reopened its borders to fully vaccinated international tourists without quarantine in November 2021. However, any tourist crossing the border must present proof of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test result, and then undergo a rapid antigen test upon arrival and wait for results at the airport.
February in Cambodia is less rainy and very pleasant. It's the perfect time for long walks to explore the ancient architecture of Phnom Penh, discover the street food, and meet the people of the country.
Cambodia was one of the first countries to resume regular international flights with Vietnam since the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates 10 flights per week on the Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh route, from Tuesday to Saturday.
Laos
Laos launched a plan to open "Tourism Green Zones" to welcome foreign tourists starting in January of this year. Accordingly, tourists visiting the country must book all-inclusive tours within these "Tourism Green Zones," declare their information and travel itinerary online; purchase COVID-19 insurance; and possess a certificate of full vaccination and a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result within 72 hours before entry. In addition, upon arrival in Laos, they must quarantine for 24 hours at a designated hotel by the COVID-19 Committee while awaiting test results; and use the Laosafe app to track their information and QR code throughout their trip.
From November to March is the dry season in Laos. This is when the weather is coolest, there is little rain, and it is also the festival season.
Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates round-trip flights between Hanoi and Vientiane every Wednesday and Sunday.
Singapore
Visitors entering Singapore can fill outonline health declaration form3 days before arrival; download the TraceTogether app or rent a TraceTogether token for the duration of your stay in Singapore; have a certificate of full vaccination at least 14 days prior to departure; must quarantine for 7 days at an approved hotel or accommodation, and undergo a Covid-19 PCR test upon completion of quarantine.
February is considered a month of festivals in Singapore because many major festivals take place during this time: the Lantern Festival, the Chingay Street Carnival, the Singapore River Hongbao Festival, etc.
Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates regular flights to Singapore every week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Hanoi, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from Ho Chi Minh City.
Korea
Visitors entering South Korea are required to present a negative Covid-19 test certificate issued within 48 hours of their departure date; install the "Self-Quarantine Safety Protection" app; and quarantine for 7 days at their residence or a location arranged by the South Korean government at a cost of 150,000 KRW per day (approximately 2,800,000 VND).
In February, South Korea is bustling with festivals and ice-related activities. During this season, snow blankets everything, allowing visitors to experience trekking in snow-covered mountains, participate in the Daegwallyeong Snow Festival, or try strawberry picking in Yangpyeong.
The Hanoi - Incheon route is currently operated by Vietnam Airlines with 7 flights per week, from Monday to Sunday; and the Hanoi - Seoul route is operated by Bamboo Airways every Thursday.
Australia
From February 21st, Australia will open its borders to foreigners, including tourists, provided they have received both doses of the vaccine. However, all passengers arriving in Australia by air will still need to complete the DPD (Digital Passenger Declaration) electronically. Travelers can begin filling out the form up to 7 days before their flight and complete it within 72 hours of their departure to Australia.
Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates flights to Sydney on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. From March, the airline will add a flight on Wednesdays, in both directions between Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney.
It's currently summer in Australia – the ideal time for beach vacations.
Domestically, airlines operating international routes include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines. However, routes to Europe are quite limited, with one flight per week to the UK, France, and Russia, and two flights per week to Germany.
In addition, Vietnam Airlines operates four direct flights per week between Ho Chi Minh City and San Francisco (USA), on the 4th, 5th, 7th, and Sunday of each month.
