Ho Chi Minh City Strengthens Global Tourism Links Through New Vietnam Airlines Route to Copenhagen

Published on November 24, 2025

A major international initiative involving Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Airlines, and the expanding sphere of global tourism has been advanced through a strategic promotional programme introduced in Copenhagen. This effort, developed in partnership with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, has been designed to elevate Vietnam’s image as a culturally vibrant and economically dynamic destination while announcing the first-ever direct air connection between Vietnam and Denmark. Through this collaboration, Vietnam’s presence in Northern Europe is being expanded, and new potential for tourism, economic engagement, and cultural exchange is being opened.

The programme, positioned as a central promotional activity for the year, has been aimed at capturing the interest of high-spending international travellers. It has also been crafted to highlight the modern identity of Ho Chi Minh City, which continues to evolve as a global metropolitan hub. In this context, the launch of a non-stop service linking Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen has been presented as a landmark development. The direct route will serve as both a symbolic and practical bridge between Southeast Asia and Northern Europe, bringing the two regions closer than ever through shortened travel times and greater accessibility.

A Strategic Event Presented in Copenhagen

On 19 November 2025, the Vietnam Tourism Promotion Program was staged in Copenhagen, organised through the joint efforts of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and Vietnam Airlines. The event served multiple purposes. It introduced international audiences to a modern vision of Vietnam, promoted its cultural richness, and underscored its appeal as a welcoming tourism destination. The programme also functioned as the setting for the formal announcement of the direct flight route between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen.

This route represents the first non-stop air service connecting Vietnam and Denmark, giving rise to new layers of cooperation between the two countries. As a result, enhanced collaboration in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange is being anticipated, with Vietnam Airlines positioned as a significant catalyst behind these developments. By expanding connectivity into Northern Europe, the airline is reinforcing Vietnam’s integration into global aviation networks.

Details of the New Vietnam Airlines Route

Vietnam Airlines has prepared to officially introduce the Ho Chi Minh City – Copenhagen route on 15 December 2025. According to the operational plan, the airline will provide three weekly round-trip flights using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a long-haul aircraft known for its efficiency and passenger comfort. The use of this aircraft has been intended to deliver a seamless travel experience for passengers while maintaining the standards of safety, environmental responsibility, and service quality associated with Vietnam Airlines.

Travel time between Vietnam and Denmark will be reduced to approximately twelve hours, making the journey significantly easier for both leisure and business travellers. The flight schedule has been arranged to provide convenience and accessibility:

• Ho Chi Minh City to Copenhagen departures at 22:45 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
• Copenhagen to Ho Chi Minh City departures at 10:50 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

These scheduled times have been structured to facilitate smooth international connections and align with travel patterns in both regions.

Strengthening Vietnam’s European Aviation Presence

The launch of the direct route has been identified as a strategic milestone within Vietnam Airlines’ broader plan to deepen its footprint in the European market. With increasing demand for long-haul travel and strengthened global partnerships, the airline is expanding its operations to become a vital link between Southeast Asia and major European destinations. This new corridor between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen is expected to support tourism flows, business exchanges, and cultural connections between Vietnam and Northern Europe.

For Northern European travellers, the direct route is expected to offer a convenient entry point into Vietnam’s thriving tourism sector. For Vietnamese travellers and diaspora communities, it opens a more efficient route to Denmark and surrounding European countries.

A Collaborative Tourism Promotion Initiative

During the Copenhagen event, joint efforts were highlighted through the collaboration of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, Vietnam Airlines, the Hanoi Department of Tourism, and the Saigontourist Group. Together, they prepared a tourism roadshow designed to introduce international stakeholders to the unique product ecosystem associated with the New Ho Chi Minh City concept.

This concept is represented through three foundational pillars, each reflecting a different strength within the region:

Ho Chi Minh City as a Cultural and Global Tourism Hub

Ho Chi Minh City has been positioned as a central financial centre with a vibrant cultural and tourism landscape. It has been portrayed as a creative and dynamic urban environment offering premium experiences within Southeast Asia. Its status as a destination with strong international integration, an innovative business climate, and rich cultural depth has been emphasized to appeal to high-value travellers.

Binh Duong Area as a MICE and Industrial Centre

The Binh Duong Area has been promoted as an important base for industry and MICE tourism. High-quality products related to conventions, trade exhibitions, and business events continue to be developed. These offerings strengthen the link between industrial progress and tourism growth, providing opportunities for corporate travellers and global investors.

Ba Ria – Vung Tau Area as a Coastal and Leisure Destination

The Ba Ria – Vung Tau Area has been presented as a coastal economic zone known for its high-end leisure appeal. Well-known for beach tourism, water sports, and luxury resorts, the area enriches the broader tourism portfolio of southern Vietnam. Its scenic coastlines, recreational activities, and premium hospitality services have been highlighted as essential components of the visitor experience.

A Broader Vision for International Tourism Growth

Through this coordinated effort in Copenhagen, Ho Chi Minh City has strengthened its commitment to growing its global tourism presence. The introduction of the non-stop Ho Chi Minh City – Copenhagen route serves not only as an air transport milestone but also as a diplomatic, cultural, and economic bridge that connects Vietnam and Denmark more closely.

This route is expected to attract new segments of travellers from Northern Europe who seek cultural immersion, business opportunities, and leisure experiences across Vietnam. Likewise, Vietnamese travellers will gain easier access to Denmark’s cultural heritage, economic hubs, and regional connections.

Conclusion: Expanding Horizons in Aviation and Tourism

The collaboration between the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and Vietnam Airlines has demonstrated how strategic partnerships can expand global connections. By aligning tourism promotion with aviation development, Vietnam has strengthened its international reach, enhanced the visibility of its cultural identity, and opened promising opportunities that will influence travel patterns for years to come.

With its direct flight to Copenhagen set to launch, Vietnam Airlines has embarked on a pivotal chapter in its European expansion. This advancement is expected to bring lasting benefits to tourism, trade, and cultural understanding, establishing a robust new link between Vietnam and Northern Europe.