Travel around the world with Turkish Airlines.

Specifically, from June 27, 2016, Turkish Airlines will officially launch direct flights from Vietnam to Türkiye. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Istanbul, and vice versa, will last 11 hours and 50 minutes, while the flight from Hanoi to Istanbul will take 10 hours and 40 minutes. Once the route officially opens, there will be 2 direct flights per week between Istanbul and Hanoi, 3 direct flights between Istanbul and Ho Chi Minh City, 2 direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Istanbul, and 3 direct flights between Hanoi and Istanbul. Travelers can enjoy a long sleep as these flights do not require a midnight layover.

3 must-try experiences when flying with Turkish Airlines:

Enjoy 5-star cuisine on the plane.

Turkish Airlines Inc. collaborates with Turkish Do & Co AG to serve passengers with exquisite meals prepared from fresh ingredients. Having won numerous awards, including Best Food and Beverage Award by US Passenger Choice Awards and Best Business Class Lounge Dining Award by Skytrax World Airline, Turkish Airlines affirms its leading position in in-flight service. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy Turkish specialties with "Fly Chef".

Turkish Airlines' chefs are always ready to serve you hot Turkish dishes. Another highlight is the "breakfast bar" where Flying Chefs will help you prepare your own breakfast. The variety of drinks is also a plus for Turkish Airlines. In addition to regular drinks, you can try some traditional Turkish beverages such as Ayran – a fermented yogurt drink with a little foam – or Raki – Turkey's national drink – a strong, anise-flavored spirit made from grapes and raisins.

Visit the Turkish Airlines Lounge CIP in Istanbul.

CIP stands for "Contemporary Turkey Experience," a service offered to Turkish Airlines passengers. Here, passengers can enjoy a range of amenities such as a private relaxation room, a shower with a special personal toiletries set, a children's play area, and a separate infant room for passengers traveling with young children.

You can also enjoy popcorn while watching TV and listening to music, or reading newspapers and magazines. Don't miss the food court at CIP Lounge with its wide variety of Turkish specialties such as Turkish bread, traditional wraps, and Pide (Turkish pizza).

After your meal, you can relax on a complimentary massage chair or recline on an automatic massage bed. If you don't like the massage beds, two massage therapists are always available to assist you on-site.

Meanwhile, children can have fun playing with custom-made Scalextric vehicles featuring images of Istanbul's iconic landmarks such as the Bosphorus Bridge, Hagia Sophia, and other things you won't find anywhere else.

Free city tour of Istanbul

If you have to wait in Istanbul for at least 6 hours before reaching your next destination, you can join Touristanbul – a free city tour for all Turkish Airlines international passengers transiting through the city.

You don't need to book the tour in advance; just be at the Hotel Desk in the arrival hall (after the passport and immigration area, on the right, near Starbucks) half an hour before the tour starts.

Tours depart from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily. Simply choose the tour that best suits your flight schedule.

Instead of wasting time waiting at the airport, passengers can visit historical and cultural sites with guided tours or cultural exploration trips.

Throughout your trip, you will have the opportunity to admire historical sites in this city, a testament to many of the world's greatest civilizations. You will be a special guest, witnessing the stunning imprints of this city's history.

Stepping back in history, visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, with its blue walls and motifs; wander through the Grand Bazaar – the world's largest and oldest market; or explore Topkapi Palace – a World Heritage site that served as the royal residence and entertainment venue of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years.

Website: www.istanbullinhours.com

Ho Chi Minh City Office

• 8th Floor, AB Building, 76 Le Lai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Tel: 08 39 360 360 | Hotline: 01277 360 360
• Email: Saigon@thy.com.vn

Hanoi Office

• 47 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
• Tel: 04 39 360 360 | Hotline: 01298 360 360
• Email: Hanoi@thy.com.vn

The Thanh