A new air link between Cebu and Vietnam is set to make traveling to Ho Chi Minh City easier, opening another option for Cebuanos looking to explore one of Southeast Asia’s busiest cities. The route comes as the Philippines and Vietnam strengthen tourism ties and expand connections between their cities. With the launch date and flight schedule now taking shape, travelers have more reasons to look forward to Vietnam trips from Cebu. Read on to find out when the new Cebu to Ho Chi Minh flights will begin and what travelers can expect.
Cebu gets a new Vietnam connection
Vietnamese low-cost carrier Vietjet is set to launch a direct Ho Chi Minh City to Cebu route on November 10, 2026, giving travelers a new nonstop option between the two destinations. The service will operate three round-trip flights per week, with flights from Ho Chi Minh City departing every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Return flights from Cebu are scheduled every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
More choices for Cebu travelers
The new service adds to Vietjet’s growing presence in the Philippines. The airline currently operates a Ho Chi Minh City-Manila service, while the new Cebu connection will expand its reach to the Visayas. Vietjet said the new routes are part of a wider expansion that also includes Hanoi-Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City-Clark services.
What travelers can expect
For Cebu travelers, a direct flight means skipping a Manila connection when heading to southern Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is known for its busy streets, historic landmarks, Vietnamese food and lively café culture, making it a popular choice for short international getaways. The direct connection could also make it easier for Vietnamese visitors to reach Cebu for its beaches, resorts and other attractions.
Part of a bigger tourism push
The new route follows the signing of the Philippines-Vietnam Tourism Cooperation Program for 2026 to 2029. The agreement aims to strengthen tourism exchanges and improve air connectivity between the two countries. Both governments also plan to work on joint promotions, including marketing the Philippines and Vietnam through “one package tour” offerings.
Stronger ties between the Philippines and Vietnam
The tourism agreement was signed during Vietnamese President To Lam’s state visit to the Philippines in June 2026. During the visit, the Philippines and Vietnam elevated their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, with tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges among the areas targeted for stronger cooperation.
More Vietnam flights from Cebu
Vietjet is not the only airline connecting Cebu and Vietnam. Vietnam Airlines already operates a Hanoi-Cebu service, with flights scheduled from Sunday through Thursday, alongside its direct services between Vietnam and Manila. With Vietjet adding Ho Chi Minh City-Cebu and Hanoi-Cebu flights, Cebu’s direct connectivity with Vietnam is set to become even stronger.
A new option for a Vietnam getaway
With direct flights beginning in November, Cebu travelers will have another convenient way to reach Ho Chi Minh City without first flying to Manila. The new route also strengthens Cebu’s position as an international gateway in the Visayas. For those planning an overseas trip later this year, Vietnam could soon be just a direct flight away.
