Thailand Courts Vietnamese Travellers at ITE HCMC 2026

The Tourism Authority of Thailand promoted new tourism products and trade ties at International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2026, held 27–29 August 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center. The campaign aimed to deepen links with Vietnamese travel trade and to attract younger and higher-value visitors to Thailand.

What's happening

TAT operated a Thailand Pavilion at ITE HCMC 2026 to introduce lifestyle, wellness, sports and cultural experiences tailored to Vietnamese travellers. The pavilion hosted Thai airlines, resorts, golf courses and tour operators to meet buyers and consumers over scheduled B2B and B2C sessions. The activity aligns with efforts to expand air access and package offers between Vietnam and Thailand.

What this means for travellers

For Vietnamese visitors, expect broader options and easier connections to reach new Thai destinations and niche experiences. Increased airline seat capacity and route restoration plans create more flight choices, which can lower search times and give you more scheduling flexibility. If you follow promotions, look for tailored offers for families, Gen Z travellers and higher-value segments such as incentive and luxury groups. Check updates on airline capacity and route rollouts to time bookings: see our coverage of airline recovery trends at Thailand Air Travel: THAI Eyes Recovery in H2 2026 and direct routes like the new Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket service at Vietnam Airlines Starts Direct Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket Flights.

Plan around it

When you plan a trip from Vietnam to Thailand, use these practical steps to take advantage of the increased trade focus and flight capacity. First, compare fares and schedules across carriers and dates to catch group or seasonal packages that include perks for parties of 30 or more. For broader context on airline schedules and recovery, check our post on carrier plans at Thailand Air Travel: THAI Eyes Recovery in H2 2026. Second, consider alternative arrival points beyond Bangkok, such as Phuket or Chiang Mai, where new route activity and targeted promotions may deliver better value and fewer crowds. See the new direct Phuket link from Ho Chi Minh City in our report Vietnam Airlines Starts Direct Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket Flights to spot schedule matches. Third, if you travel for events, sports or incentives, contact tour operators early to secure group privileges and tailored itineraries that reflect the trade fair matchmaking highlighted at ITE HCMC 2026.

Source: TAT News