AirAsia launches direct flights from Penang to Hanoi and Phuket
PENANG, 4 APRIL 2018 - The gems of Asean are now even closer to Penangnites as AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline, will now fly to Hanoi, Vietnam and Phuket, Thailand with direct flights commencing on 1 July 2018.
Operated exclusively by AirAsia Berhad (flight code AK), the direct flights to Hanoi and Phuket mark the airline’s 9th and 10th route from the Pearl of the Orient, further strengthening AirAsia’s inter-Asean connectivity. Flights from Penang to Hanoi will operate 4 times weekly, while flights to Phuket will operate with daily direct flights.
Spencer Lee, Head of Commercial for AirAsia Malaysia said, “Penang is undoubtedly one of Malaysia’s pride with its World Heritage status, internationally acclaimed cuisines, vibrant cultures and beautiful architecture. More importantly, its strategic location at the crossroads in the region has helped boost the growing inbound and outbound travel demand that saw seven million tourist arrivals via air travel last year.
“As a truly Asean airline that flies to all 10 Asean countries, we are happy to continue our efforts in linking up our Asean footprint further as part of our extensive network. We are positive that the latest routes will significantly contribute to the tourism sectors of all three countries to become a desirable tourism region for travellers across the world,” he added.
In celebrating the new direct routes, all-in-fares from RM99* from Penang to Hanoi and RM79* one-way from Penang to Phuket are available for booking from 4 April 2018 to 15 April 2018 for the travel period between 1 July 2018 and 28 October 2018. Visit airasia.com or use the AirAsia mobile app on the iPhone or Android devices to enjoy the special promotional fares.
Guests can also save more when they book with BigPay, Asia’s money app. The only card that gives the biggest money savings of up to RM32** on airasia.com. Moreover, guests get to pay the real exchange rate with no fees when they spend abroad, and earn BIG points along the way.
Aside from the latest Asean routes, AirAsia also flies directly from Penang to Kuala Lumpur (102 times weekly one way), Johor Bahru (31 times weekly one way), Kota Kinabalu (11 times weekly one way), Kuching, (10 times weekly one way), Langkawi (21 times weekly one way), Ho Chi Minh City (7 times weekly one way), Singapore (28 times weekly one way), Medan (28 times weekly one way), Surabaya (5 times weekly one way) and Jakarta (14 times weekly one way) via AirAsia Indonesia (flight code QZ) and Bangkok (14 times weekly one way) via AirAsia Thailand (flight code FD).
Hanoi welcomes Penangnites to one of country’s main cultural centres that is steeped in rich history. The capital of Vietnam boasts a bustling yet laid back atmosphere with attractions easily explored on foot such as the Hoan Kiem Lake with its famous red bridge that will lead you to the Ngoc Son or Temple of Jade Mountain temple located on Jade Island at the northern shore of the lake. Travellers can also soak up the emerald green beauty of Halong Bay that is made up of over 3,000 limestone islets and home to caves and grottos as well as fishing villages.
The picturesque town of Sapa at the north also awaits travellers with its rugged scenery of rice terraces and lush greenery popular for mountain trails or cycling expeditions to meet the hill tribes of Vietnam such as the H’mongs, Daos and Muongs. In addition to Sapa, travellers can also opt for other parts of northern Vietnam such as Son La and Bac Ha.
Whereas Phuket is more than Patong's endless beach umbrellas and Soi Bangla's nightlife. Running out of things to see and do on this island is virtually impossible as there are several beautiful beaches, breathtaking viewpoints, and both relaxing and extreme activities to fill your holidays with rest, recreation and adventure. A winding road leads to the top of Nakkerd Hill, where the 45-metre concrete Big Buddha marble statue looks over the island. If not for the spiritual merit, come for the superb panoramic views.
Then, move into the interior of Old Phuket Town for a walking tour of this once-neglected district. Restored and given a fresh coat of paint, Old Phuket is ready for its close-up. The colourful century-old shop houses hark back to the former tin mining town's ties to the British colonial sea port of Penang. Also, don’t miss the islands of Phang Nga Bay. Whether paddling into lagoons within limestone cliffs on a kayak or taking a speedboat tour of James Bond Island and the village-on-stilts Koh Panyee, you’re assured of a memorable day cruising around these dreamy islands.
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*Promotional all-in fares quoted are for one-way travel only inclusive of taxes. Terms and conditions apply.
**Applicable for one (1) return flight per passenger.