BANGKOK, 11 January 2019: Flights from Bangkok to Danang are gaining popularity with tourists heading for Vietnam, while airline competition intensifies.
Bangkok Airways confirmed this week it will introduce a second daily service to Danang from its Suvarnabhumi Airport base in Bangkok.
The new afternoon service will launch, 1 March, mainly in response to demand from the airline’s codeshare partners in Europe and the Middle East.
But the local outbound travel market in Bangkok is growing with Danang figuring high on the must-visit destinations wish-list, due to its close proximity to beach resorts and World Heritage site towns.
Initially using an A319 aircraft, effective 1 March, the new service (PG997) will depart Bangkok at 1620 and arrive in Danang at 1805. The return flight (PG998) will depart Danang at 1855 and arrive in Bangkok at 2050.
By 31 March the airline plans to upgrade the afternoon service to the larger A320.
Bangkok Airways is playing catch up in terms of daily frequency on the Danang run as its direct rival Vietjet, also based in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport, already offers a twice daily service with morning and late afternoon departures.
Thai AirAsia, based out of Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport, offers three daily nonstop services to Danang with an early morning, late morning and late afternoon departures.
Fare wise, Thai AirAsia has the edge with a lead-in fare of USD92 roundtrip. This week it is promoting an even cheaper fare at around USD40 one-way, essentially to promote the third daily service.
Fares vary from USD175 to USD223 on Bangkok Airways and the only clear benefits are free airport lounge use, a free checked baggage allowance and a hot meal.
Vietjet despite its low-cost airline designation quotes fares of around USD228. Its higher fares include checked baggage allowance.
Top 10 spots to visit in Danang
My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach boasts a 20-mile stretch of white sand that’s approximately 6km east of Danang. Named by US troops who visited during the Vietnam War, it is considered to be one of Vietnam’s most picturesque beaches.
Marble Mountains
Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills within Hoa Hai District, about 9km south of Danang.
Son Tra Mountain
Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain is a breath-taking national park in Da Nang that stands at 693 metres above sea level. Locally known as the Son Tra Peninsula, the winding roads surrounding prove to be a popular spot for motorcycling while hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the verdant jungles and also spot rare species such as the red face monkeys.
Dragon Bridge
Dragon Bridge measures 666 metres in length, making it the longest bridge in Vietnam. A popular spot amongst photographers, the six-lane bridge crosses the Han River and is constructed in the shape of a golden dragon, which locals believe symbolises power, nobility and good fortune.
Phap Lam Pagoda
Located in Danang’s city centre, Phap Lam Pagoda is set within a two-storey building along Ong Ich Khiem Street, featuring plenty of trees, manicured gardens, and beautiful Buddhist sculptures.
Hai Van Pass
Hai Van Pass stands at 500m above sea level, making it the highest pass in Vietnam. It’s located on the border between Thua Thien-Hue Province and Danang City, where you can enjoy panoramic views of mountains and clear blue skies as well as Danang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and South China Sea.
Cham Museum
Cham Museum Danang commemorates the culture, lifestyle, and practices of Vietnam’s indigenous Cham tribe, who have roots dating back as far as 192AD. Founded during the colonial French rule in 1915, it is known as the only museum of its kind in the world.
Danang Cathedral
Built by the French in 1923, Danang Cathedral is one of the most distinct catholic churches in Vietnam, featuring a pink-painted edifice, stained-glass windows, and an imposing bell tower topped with a rooster weathercock.
Non Nuoc Beach
A 20-minute drive from Danang City, Non Nuoc Beach boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the world extending for 5km of Hoa Hai Ward’s coastline all the way to the foot of Marble Mountains.
Military Museum
The Fifth Military Division Museum of Danang offers visitors a glimpse of Vietnam’s tumultuous past, featuring displays of war relics, news articles, and photographs taken by soldiers of the Fifth Military Division.
Top 10 spots in Danang was compiled by Hotel.com.
For full details and hotel bookings check out:
http://www.vietnam-guide.com/da-nang/top10/top10-da-nang-attractions.htm
Or visit Hotel.com Vietnam guide:http://www.vietnam-guide.com/
