Historic Flight Connection: Kochi and Ho Chi Minh City Linked with Direct VietJet Flights

Historic Flight Connection: Kochi and Ho Chi Minh City Linked with Direct VietJet Flights

By Author

Published on August 19, 2023

Travel between Kochi, India, and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, just got easier with the inauguration of a direct route by VietJet. This strategic move enhances connectivity and trade prospects between these two vibrant cities.

VietJet's innovative spirit shines as it becomes the first Vietnamese airline to establish direct flights between Kochi and HCMC. Operating four times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – these flights provide a swift journey of approximately 5 hours, bridging geographical distances with ease. This achievement adds to VietJet's success in establishing direct flight connections to key Indian cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Ahmedabad.

Departing from Kochi at 11:50 PM, these flights land gracefully in Ho Chi Minh City at 6:40 AM, ensuring seamless travel for both outbound and inbound passengers. To celebrate the launch, VietJet offers an exclusive promotion to Indian travelers until December 31, 2023. With one-way all-in tickets starting from INR 5,555 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, this offer makes exploring new horizons more accessible until March 31, 2024.

Direct Flight Connection: Kochi-Ho Chi Minh City

This significant step marks the 45th direct flight link between Kochi and various Southeast Asian cities.

VietJet's inaugural direct flights between Kochi and Ho Chi Minh City are a milestone for Cochin International Airport, further enhancing the city's connectivity. The new link strengthens the total number of direct flights connecting Kochi with different Southeast Asian cities to an impressive count of 45.

Jay L. Lingeswara, Vice President of Commercial at VietJet, expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic response from passengers of both nations. The inaugural flights operated at full capacity, demonstrating the growing demand for direct connections between Kochi and Vietnam. Lingeswara's optimism about expanding this connectivity by introducing additional flights from other cities in Vietnam to the Kochi route emphasizes the commitment to seamless travel and stronger ties.

Flight VJ1811, operating four days a week, departs from Ho Chi Minh City at 7:20 PM, arriving at Kochi airport by 10:50 PM. The return flight, VJ1812, takes off from Kochi at 11:50 PM and lands in Ho Chi Minh City at 6:40 AM.

This historic flight route sets a milestone for Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), establishing the first direct air link between Kerala and Vietnam. The connection opens doors for business and leisure travel, affirming CIAL's role as a significant hub for international travel.

CIAL's commitment to passenger excellence is evident, with 89.82 lakh passengers handled in the fiscal year 2022–23. With a goal to surpass one crore passengers in the current financial year, CIAL solidifies its position as the country's third-highest airport for international passenger traffic.


Saudi Tourism Brings an Immersive Qahwa Experience to Indian Travel Trade and Media in Mumbai

Saudi Tourism Brings an Immersive Qahwa Experience to Indian Travel Trade and Media in Mumbai

By Author

Published on April 19, 2025

A celebration of heritage, hospitality, and cultural connection, the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) recently hosted Brewtopia — an exclusive, invite-only Qahwa experience that brought to life the traditions and storytelling behind Saudi coffee. Curated for select members of the Indian travel trade associations, content creators, influencers, journalists, media partners, the evening offered an immersive glimpse into the destinations warm and time-honoured coffee culture.

Brewtopia, held at Soho House Mumbai, offered guests a multisensory introduction to Arabian coffee, celebrating its rich flavours and the warm traditions of Saudi hospitality, also known as the ‘Saudi Welcome’.

image

Under the expert guidance of Ganga Prabhakar and Pavan Hanbal, founders of Coffee Mechanics and Kana, attendees explored a distinctive fusion—brewing Qahwa using a French press, a nod to popular Indian brewing methods. The fragrant blend was then poured from a traditional brass Dallah into petite ceramic cups and paired with indulgent Medjool dates, symbolising authentic ’Saudi Welcome’. Guests were immersed in the synergy between India and Saudi, united by a shared passion for coffee. 

The evening unfolded with storytelling and concluded with networking with representatives from the Saudi Tourism Authority – India team, who shared insights into the destination’s growing appeal as a dynamic, welcoming, and diverse destination for Indian travellers.

image

As part of STA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with India’s travel trade and media, Brewtopia served as a platform to spotlight emerging travel opportunities, entertaining festivals, and international sporting events. With its rich history, modern cities, beautiful coastlines, and warm culture, Saudi continues to emerge as one of the most exciting places to visit.


OBLU NATURE Helengeli Launches First-Ever PADI Women’s Dive Month

OBLU NATURE Helengeli Launches First-Ever PADI Women’s Dive Month

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 19, 2025

Taking a bold step in championing women in diving, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, part of the Atmosphere Core portfolio, has launched the first-ever PADI Women’s Dive Month in collaboration with TGI Maldives, ELE|NA Ayur spa, and Marine Biologist Luca Melodia. Extending the spirit of PADI Women’s Dive Day on 19th July into an entire month, this initiative gives solo women travellers, families, and groups of friends more opportunities to explore the underwater beauty of the Maldives.

Following the 2024 “PADI Outstanding Contribution to Women's Diving” award, both TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli continue their mission to introduce more women and families to the joys of diving. Helengeli island, with its exotic house reef located just metres from the shore, and surrounding dive sites, offers unparalleled diving experiences suitable for beginners and professionals alike.

image

Throughout July, guests at OBLU NATURE Helengeli can enjoy special offerings such as discounted dives, marine life talks, wellness activities, and curated holiday packages as part of the comprehensive OBLU Island Plan™. TGI Maldives, with over 40 years of experience in ocean diving, is offering exclusive discounts on all dives booked by women during the month, including the PADI Discover Scuba Dive sessions ideal even for non-swimmers.

image

Highlighting the initiative, TGI Maldives Operations Manager Greta Marcelli shared, “There’s nothing like seeing guests’ emotions after their first dive. While we celebrate women in diving year-round, PADI Women’s Dive Month in July provides a platform to offer more reasons to join us in paradise.”

image

image

The celebration is further enriched by ELE|NA Ayur spa, which has curated over 18 wellness activities including sunrise yoga, aqua aerobics, and core stability classes. These sessions aim to enhance flexibility and stamina, supporting guests in their diving journeys. Additionally, women who book a dive experience will enjoy special discounts on the spa’s signature Coconut Shell and Sand Bundle massages, crafted with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.

image

PADI Regional Manager Matt Wenger noted, “By extending our PADI Women’s Dive Day celebration into a month-long event at the stunning OBLU NATURE Helengeli resort, we aim to welcome even more newcomers to the sport while also offering advanced certifications for enthusiasts.”

This July, guests are invited to embrace the spirit of exploration and relaxation by booking their stay with a 20% discount on a minimum four-night fully inclusive package. TGI Maldives and ELE|NA spa are also extending a 20% discount on women’s PADI-certified dive courses and spa treatments booked throughout the month.


A Dream Under the Sea: Dining at M6m – MINUS SIX METRES at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

A Dream Under the Sea: Dining at M6m – MINUS SIX METRES at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 18, 2025

Nestled six metres beneath the surface of the South Malé Atoll, M6m – Minus Six Metres at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is more than just a restaurant—it's a magical meeting point of fine dining and marine beauty. This signature underwater venue delivers an unforgettable experience where world-class cuisine is served with front-row views of the ocean’s most captivating creatures.

From the moment guests arrive at the elegant M6m Lounge, the journey begins with champagne and caviar served above water, before a graceful descent into the underwater chamber. With floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering panoramic views of vibrant coral reefs and shimmering fish, the setting is a sensory dreamscape—intimate, luxurious, and surreal.

image

At the heart of the experience is a modern seafood degustation menu, carefully curated by Executive Chef Alok Verma. The courses are a celebration of the sea—light yet indulgent, refined yet adventurous, each bite reflecting the elegance of the marine world just beyond the glass. Paired with a handpicked collection of premium wines, the culinary journey becomes a true immersion of taste and wonder.

Dining at M6m is like tasting the ocean while watching it dance around you. It’s a moment suspended in time—pure, indulgent, and utterly unforgettable,” says Chef Alok Verma.

image

Adding to its charm, M6m is part of the resort’s signature INDULGENCE™ Plan, making this once-in-a-lifetime experience effortlessly accessible. Guests staying for four nights or more are treated to a complimentary dining experience at M6m—luxury made simple, and memories made unforgettable.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, M6m offers a dining experience unlike any other. Come for the view. Stay for the flavours. And leave with memories only the ocean can create.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.