Vietnam's central coast another step closer to lift-off

DANANG, Vietnam (Dec. 16, 2011) — When AirAsia flight 868 touched down in Danang just after 9 o'clock this morning, it marked another milestone in the central coast region's surge toward bona fide international tourism destination status.
In 2009, Singapore-based SilkAir became the first foreign carrier to operate in Vietnam's third largest city. Now, Danang is also accessible via Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia's headquarters and Malaysia's capital.
"The fact that this continent's largest low-fare airline has elected to fly here speaks volumes on the area's appeal and potential," said Ed Linsley, general manager of the award-winning Nam Hai resort in nearby Hoi An. "We’ve got the room supply, and we’ve got a brand new airport terminal. Danang and Hoi An are ready to step into the limelight."
The two-hour, 40-minute flight to Danang was made today by a 180-seat Airbus A320. The aircraft began its return to Kuala Lumpur at 9:45 a.m., as it will every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
"We fully expect to achieve a load factor of 80 percent between KL and Danang," said Kathleen Tan, AirAsia's regional head of commercial. "Combine the presence of international hotel brands, three UNESCO World Heritage sites and new golf courses designed by some of the game's biggest names, and we have every reason to believe Danang is going to be a popular destination for us."
There’s also speculation AirAsia will commence service to Danang from Bangkok, in February. But Tan said: “It’s not confirmed, and we are unable to reveal any further details at this point in time.”
Confidence in the central coast has grown by leaps and bounds since The Nam Hai opened in December 2006 as the region's first upscale property.
In recent months, Hyatt, InterContinental and Crowne Plaza have all moved in along the same stretch of beach that during the Vietnam War served as the U.S. military R&R center.
A pair of legendary golfers put their stamps on the area, as well. On side-by-side parcels of seaside dunes, eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie formed Montgomerie Links Vietnam and two-time British Open victor Greg Norman crafted the Dunes Course at Danang Golf Club.
Six-time major champion Nick Faldo and current world No. 1 Luke Donald each have a course in the works on the outskirts of Danang. Both are scheduled to open in 2013.
"I can’t think of a better golf destination in Asia," said Craig Douglas, general manager of Danang Golf Club, which last month won ‘Best New Course in Asia-Pacific’ at the annual Asia Pacific Golf Summit. "We’ve got two great courses here already. When the other two come online, Danang will be right up there with the best places to play in the world."
Other area tourist draws include the three UNESCO World Heritage sites:
Hoi An, an ancient trading port that has retained its Old World charm while becoming a culinary hotbed and tailor-made clothing Mecca;
My Son, a complex of ruins left over from the Cham civilization; and
Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
Given the array of amenities on the central coast, Linsley believes it won’t be long before another international carrier sets up shop at Danang airport.
“It feels like everything’s starting to come together here,” said Linsley, who lived and worked in Hawaii and Bali before joining The Nam Hai in October. “What airline will be next? There are rumors, but we’ll see.