Air Astana launches direct flights from Almaty to Phu Quoc, boosting tourism to the island with visa-free travel for Kazakh citizens and new attractions
Air Astana is set to launch new direct flights between Kazakhstan's capital, Almaty, and Phu Quoc Island, further highlighting the rising popularity of the Vietnamese destination among Central Asian tourists. Starting October 28, 2024, Air Astana will operate two weekly flights on this route, with an increase to four flights per week beginning in December, according to Astana TV.

Flights will depart from Almaty at 22:45 (local time) and arrive in Phu Quoc at 08:15 (local time). Return flights are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, departing Phu Quoc at 09:45 and landing in Almaty at 15:50. This new route is expected to boost tourism on the island, which was recently named the second-best island in the world by the World Travel Awards.

Vietnamese tourists will also benefit from this new connection, as Kazakhstan has offered visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens since June 2023. This means travelers from cities like Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City can easily reach Almaty via Phu Quoc. Round-trip tickets on this route are priced at approximately 18 million VND, making it an attractive option for travelers.

This move is another testament to the growing appeal of Phu Quoc among Central Asian tourists, joining a trend seen with visitors from Uzbekistan and Mongolia. Phu Quoc's visa exemption for up to 30 days for all international tourists has made it a preferred destination for those seeking a tropical getaway. Tatyana, a tourist from Kazakhstan, remarked, "Visa exemption for Kazakhstanis feels like a ticket to paradise. I love Phu Quoc for its friendly people, delicious food, and heavenly seascape."

With its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Phu Quoc is fast becoming a global favorite. Astana TV has noted that the island’s autumn and winter months are particularly appealing, offering ideal conditions for Central Asian tourists looking to escape the cold.

In the final months of 2024, Phu Quoc is also gearing up for a series of exciting new tourism products, including pool party shows, EDM performances, and cultural events such as jet ski shows, lion dances, and puppet performances. These activities are set to attract more visitors and encourage longer stays, with many tourists from Russia and Europe choosing to work remotely while enjoying the island’s warm weather and reasonable living costs.

Phu Quoc was also recently ranked among the top 17 islands with the best travel costs by Canadian travel news site The Travel. Despite slightly higher accommodation prices compared to mainland destinations, Phu Quoc remains a cost-effective option for tourists seeking a tropical island experience.

With the launch of these direct flights, Phu Quoc tourism is expected to see a surge in international visitors. Experts predict that tourist numbers will double compared to the previous year, particularly from countries like South Korea, Taiwan, Russia, and Central Asia. Kien Giang Province, home to Phu Quoc, welcomed over 665,000 international visitors in the first eight months of 2024, contributing to a total revenue of 18 trillion VND.