CategoriesVietnam Travel News By Crafted Vacays

Vietnam’s New “Super Airport” Comes to Life: Inside the Historic First Flight at Long Thanh

The future of travel in Southeast Asia just got a lot closer. On the afternoon of December 15, 2025, aviation history was written in the skies of Dong Nai Province. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner—the largest wide-body aircraft in Vietnam’s fleet—gracefully touched down on the runway of the highly anticipated Long Thanh International Airport.

For travel enthusiasts and industry watchers, this wasn’t just a test flight; it was the unveiling of a new era. At [Your Travel Agency Name], we are closely monitoring these developments to bring you the best future travel experiences. Here is a deep dive into what happened and why this new airport is set to change the game for tourism in Vietnam.

The Historic Touchdown: Flight VN5001

The atmosphere was electric as Flight VN5001 departed from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and made its way to Long Thanh. This was a “technical test flight,” a critical exam for any new airport.

Touching down at exactly 4:00 PM, the aircraft carried flight crew and technical experts rather than tourists. Their mission? To rigorously validate the airport’s core infrastructure under real-world conditions. The test successfully evaluated:

  • Runway & Taxiway Systems: Ensuring the tarmac can handle the weight and span of modern wide-body jets.
  • Navigation & Communication: Testing the ILS/DME (Instrument Landing Systems) to guarantee safety even in bad weather.
  • Ground Operations: From lighting systems to aircraft handling procedures.

Upon landing, the aircraft was greeted with a ceremonial water salute—a traditional aviation honor—before taxiing to the terminal. Following this success, three more official flights from Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways are scheduled to land on December 19, marking the simultaneous inauguration of key national projects.

Why Long Thanh is Vietnam’s “Super Airport”

Long Thanh isn’t being built just to replace capacity; it’s being built to compete with global heavyweights like Changi (Singapore) and Suvarnabhumi (Thailand). The Vietnamese government has explicitly directed that Long Thanh be developed into Southeast Asia’s leading aviation hub.

TheDesignAir –Ho Chi Minh's newest super-hub airport Long Thanh, in Vietnam starts construction
The lotus-inspired terminal design represents Vietnamese culture on a grand scale. 

The Lotus Design

The passenger terminal is an architectural marvel. Inspired by the lotus flower, Vietnam’s national flower, the design blends cultural heritage with futuristic functionality. It promises to offer a passenger experience that is airy, modern, and efficient—a stark contrast to the often crowded terminals travelers might be used to.

Massive Scale & Capacity

The numbers behind this project are staggering. The project is split into phases to ensure sustainable growth:

FeaturePhase 1 (Opening 2026)Future Vision (Post-2035)
Passenger Capacity25 Million / Year100 Million / Year
Cargo Capacity1.2 Million Tons5 Million Tons
Key Infrastructure1 Runway, 1 TerminalMultiple Runways & Terminals

Beyond the Airport: An “Airport City” in the Making

One of the most exciting aspects of Long Thanh is the development of the surrounding area. The province is planning an “Airport City” that will include logistics hubs, industrial parks, and potentially a free trade zone.

“It is not merely a modern airport, but also a strategic lever, a breakthrough source of momentum, and a symbol of Dong Nai Province’s international integration.”
— Nguyen Kim Long, Vice-Chairman of Dong Nai People’s Committee

Better Connectivity for Travelers

For our clients, the most important question is: “How do I get there?” The government is fast-tracking several major transport projects to ensure the airport is accessible:

  • Expressways: The Bien Hoa–Vung Tau and Ben Luc–Long Thanh expressways are being accelerated. This means faster transfers to popular beach destinations like Vung Tau without passing through Ho Chi Minh City traffic.
  • Metro Lines: Plans are underway for a light rail line connecting Thu Thiem directly to Long Thanh, ensuring a smooth link to the city center.

What’s Next? The Road to 2026

While the successful test flight is a cause for celebration, we still have a little time before we can book your tickets through Long Thanh.

  1. December 19, 2025: Official Inauguration Ceremony with three commercial aircraft.
  2. Q1 2026: Continued system calibration and expansion tasks (including planning for a second runway).
  3. Mid-2026: Official Commercial Operations begin!

At Crafted Vacays, we are already preparing for this shift. Long Thanh International Airport will open up new routes, reduce congestion, and provide a world-class welcome to this beautiful country. Whether you are planning a family vacation or a corporate retreat, the future of travel to Vietnam is looking brighter than ever.

Planning a trip to Vietnam for late 2026? Contact us today to learn more about upcoming packages that will take advantage of this new aviation hub!

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CategoriesSouthEast Asia Malaysia Thailand Vietnam By Crafted Vacays

Southeast Asia Travel 2025: Trends, Highlights & Top Places to Explore

Southeast Asia is rapidly evolving into one of the world’s most exciting travel regions in 2025. From Malaysia’s surge in international visitors to Vietnam’s growing cultural appeal and Thailand’s enduring classics, the region now offers unmatched diversity for all traveler types — whether you’re chasing culture, beaches, cuisine, or unforgettable experiences.

🌏 Why Southeast Asia Is Trending in 2025

Tourism data from early 2025 shows Malaysia overtaking Thailand as the most visited destination in Southeast Asia, driven by relaxed visa access, improved flight connections, and a wider range of experiences — from urban city culture to island adventures.

Vietnam and Thailand continue to draw millions of travelers each year, with Vietnam especially gaining traction for its cultural cities and natural landscapes. The ease of intra-region flights and multi-city itineraries is empowering travelers to explore more than one country in a single trip — turning Southeast Asia into the perfect multi-destination travel zone for 2025.

📍 Top Must-Visit Destinations in Southeast Asia

🇲🇾 Malaysia — Culture, Cities & Nature

  • Kuala Lumpur: A dynamic capital with iconic skylines and vibrant food markets.
  • Penang: Renowned for heritage streets, vibrant murals, and coastal drinks at sunset. :
  • Sabah & Borneo: Nature, wildlife and eco-adventures.

🇻🇳 Vietnam — Tradition Meets Nature

  • Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City: Historic streets, bustling markets, legendary food.
  • Ha Long Bay: Dramatic limestone karsts and breathtaking cruises.
  • Hoi An: Lantern nights, riverfront vibes and old-world charm.

🇹🇭 Thailand — Classic Southeast Asian All-Rounder

  • Bangkok: Temple streets, floating markets, epic food culture.
  • Islands & Beaches: Sun, sand and classic Thai hospitality in Phuket, Krabi and beyond.

📈 Key Travel Trends in 2025

  • Social & Visual-Driven Planning: Travelers are increasingly choosing destinations from social platforms and reels.
  • Shorter, High-Impact Trips: Multi-city or multi-country regional trips are trending over long single-destination stays.
  • Culture & Experience Priority: Food tours, local markets, heritage walks, eco stays and community tourism are becoming travel essentials.

✈️ Practical Tips for Travelers

  • Plan multi-city routes: Arrive in one country and depart from another to save time and see more.
  • Consider seasons: November to March is a good weather window for most of the region.
  • Pack smart: Southeast Asia offers city streets, beaches, rainforests and highlands — all in one trip.

📷 Final Thoughts

Southeast Asia in 2025 is more than just a bucket-list destination — it’s a multi-layered travel ecosystem. Malaysia’s rise, Vietnam’s fast growth, and Thailand’s classic appeal make the region deeply compelling for cultural explorers, adventure seekers, families and luxury travelers alike.

Ready to plan your next Crafted Vacays adventure? Southeast Asia awaits!

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CategoriesVietnam Indonesia By Crafted Vacays

Two countries leading the 2025 tourism story

Vietnam and Indonesia are quietly becoming the power duo of Southeast Asia travel in 2025, with rising visitor numbers, new routes and a growing reputation for authentic, nature‑rich experiences. Both countries are at the heart of the region’s tourism rebound, drawing travellers who want more than just beaches and shopping streets.

Two countries leading the 2025 tourism story

Recent tourism reports show that Vietnam and Indonesia are among the strongest performers in Southeast Asia’s post‑pandemic recovery, welcoming millions of international visitors as confidence in long‑haul travel returns. [web:24][web:36] Their success is fuelled by better infrastructure, easier access and a clear focus on culture, food and nature‑based travel. 

For travellers, this means more choice, more value and more routes that make it simple to build multi‑city or even multi‑country holidays without complicated transit plans. 

Vietnam’s remarkable comeback

Vietnam’s tourism sector has bounced back strongly, with international arrivals crossing the 9‑million mark by mid‑2025 and continuing to climb. Relaxed entry rules, expanded e‑visa options and carefully promoted cultural routes have made it easier than ever to experience the country’s mix of old‑world charm and modern energy. 

Travellers are rediscovering Hanoi’s lakes and coffee culture, cruising through Ha Long–style bays, wandering lantern‑lit streets in heritage towns, and diving into the street‑food scenes of cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. 

Vietnam feels “new” again in 2025 – familiar destinations are pairing upgraded infrastructure with more curated cultural and food experiences, making short trips feel richer and more varied than before. 
Indonesia beyond Bali

Indonesia, meanwhile, continues to attract strong visitor growth, with foreign arrivals rising at a healthy pace and reinforcing its role as a heavyweight in Southeast Asian tourism.  Bali remains the most famous name, but national tourism campaigns are increasingly nudging travellers toward cultural hubs in Java and lesser‑known islands for a deeper look at the country’s diversity. 

Volcanic landscapes, terraced rice fields, temple complexes and small coastal towns are all becoming more visible in itineraries, supported by improved infrastructure and a stronger emphasis on eco‑tourism and community‑based travel. 

New routes tightening the web of connections

The rise of Vietnam and Indonesia is closely linked to better connectivity, with airlines adding new services to match the surge in demand. Vietnam Airlines, for example, is rolling out routes such as a direct Ho Chi Minh City–Copenhagen flight and a Hanoi–Cebu link, strengthening Vietnam’s role as a hub between Southeast Asia, Europe and the wider Asia‑Pacific region. 

For travellers, this translates into more one‑stop and nonstop options into Southeast Asia, competitive fares on popular leisure routes and easier combinations that link Vietnam’s cities and bays with Indonesia’s islands in a single holiday. 

Who should put Vietnam & Indonesia on the list?

Vietnam is ideal for travellers who like dense, high‑impact itineraries: historic quarters, dramatic bays, night markets and café culture all fit comfortably into a one‑week route.  Indonesia, on the other hand, is perfect for slow, scenic escapes with a focus on beaches, rice terraces, temples and open‑air landscapes. 

Together, they form a powerful combination for 2025: one country delivers compact cultural and food‑driven journeys, while the other provides wide‑open island scenery and resort‑style relaxation, all within a flight or two of each other. 

  • Choose Vietnam if you enjoy city walks, cafés, street food and easy access to iconic landscapes. 
  • Choose Indonesia if you want beaches, volcano views, island‑hopping and long, lazy days by the pool. 
  • Combine both if you have 9–12 days and want one trip that balances culture, food and tropical downtime. 

As airlines keep adding routes and both countries invest further in tourism infrastructure and sustainability, Vietnam and Indonesia are set to remain the standout choices for travellers looking at Southeast Asia in and beyond 2025.