Hong Kong Airline’s new routes
Hong Kong Airline’s new routes
September 13th, 2024. From October 27th Hong Kong Airlines will introduce a new direct service to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. The daily service will be the airline’s third destination in the Land of Smiles after Bangkok and Phuket.
Flight number HX749 will depart from Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok Airport at 15:30 and touch down in Chiang Mai at 17:35. The return flight, number HX750, takes off from Chiang Mai at 18:35 arriving back in Hong Kong at 22:20.
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second city although, with a population of less than one-fifth of the capital, the difference couldn’t be more striking. It was founded in 1276 to replace Chiang Rai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The mid-fifteenth century was a golden age during which a distinct ‘Lanna style’ evolved in the arts, metalwork, weaving and cuisine. In 1893 Lanna was formally absorbed into the Kingdom of Siam but its distinct culture and style are still very much alive today.
Thanks to its many temples, both ancient and modern, and a proliferation of trendy coffee shops, restaurants and bars, it is a popular destination for both travellers and digital nomads.
And to Gold Coast
Hong Kong Airlines has also announced plans to reinstate direct seasonal flights between Hong Kong and Australia’s Gold Coast. Between January 17th and February 15th next year the airline will operate four flights a week deploying an Airbus A330
Flight HX015 will take off from Hong Kong on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 22:00 and arriving at Gold Coast at 08:55, the following morning. The return flight, number HX016, will take off at 10:25 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving back in Hong Kong at 17:20.
“We are delighted to be the first Hong Kong carrier to bring back this highly anticipated Australian route for our passengers,” said Jeff Sun, Chairman of Hong Kong Airlines. “The route launch will mark our first step back into the long-haul market as we are gradually introducing more aircraft to support the expansion of our route network. This includes actively exploring a return to the North American market, with routes to Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles and Seattle under consideration.”
Picture: King and Queen Pagodas, Doi Inthanon National Park near Chiang Mai by Yimsurawut via Wikimedia Commons
Hotel Suggestions
Raya Heritage, Chiang Mai
Rhapsody Resort, Gold Coast