Vietnam express

From December 8, Vietnam Airlines will operate two weekly departures from Gatwick to each city as the only non-stop flights between the two countries, cutting journey times by up to seven hours for passengers who would otherwise change in South East Asia or the Middle East.

The services will enjoy onward connections to a further 23 destinations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, offering a range of “open jaw” itineraries.

Alex Hepworth, marketing director at Victoria Hotels & Resorts, a chain of colonial boutique hotels across Indochina, says: “We see 20 per cent growth in UK visitor numbers, thanks to these new direct flights. It’s a great place for luxury beach breaks.

“The country offers an alternative to Thailand with more than 3,400km of coastline including diverse beach escapes such as Phan Thiet and Hoi An, which combine ancient Cham ruins, charming fishing villages and water sports with perfect stretches of sand.”

Industry insiders predict Vietnam and Cambodia will both benefit. David Pattison at Voyages Jules Verne says: “For Asian travellers who have ‘done’ the classic stalwarts like Thailand and Malaysia, or are simply seeking a more unusual Eastern destination, Vietnam and Cambodia are highly tempting.”

Vietnam saw 90,000 UK visitors arrive in 2010, up 28 per cent on the previous year. Pattison expects the numbers to continue rising in 2012 as the new flights settle down.

Vietnam also offers great value: Post Office Money placed it third among the top “value for money” long-haul destinations in its 2011 Long Haul Holiday Report, after Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Hepworth says: “We think the biggest increase of Brits will be to our beach properties and those in the Mekong Delta. While direct flights save time, the opening of the new Trung Luong freeway and bridge to Can Tho, the Mekong regional capital, means travel around our bustling river delta has never been easier.”

Highlights of the 12-night Classical Tour of Vietnam offered by Voyages Jules Verne include Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Ha Long Bay and Hanoi, and a medley of cruises on the Saigon River, Mekong River, Thu Bon River, Perfume River and at Ha Long Bay, starting from £1,695 for B&B.