Summit Travel said it had planned departures to Iran in March, April and May but suspended its March tour and was monitoring the situation for later months amid Iran–Israel tensions. An eight-day trip cost over VND 86 million (USD 3,270) per person, while a 14-day package was priced at VND 115-120 million.
Other operators have taken similar steps. According to Vietworld Travel, it had halted tours to Jordan and Egypt from early March, citing safety concerns. Customers have been offered the option to defer their bookings or receive full refunds.
Kashan Bazaar, a well-known market and tourist attraction in Iran (Photo: T.L).
Travel companies said Middle East itineraries often attract high-income clients seeking less conventional destinations and often requesting Vietnamese-speaking guides. However, operators acknowledged that political instability means departures may be cancelled at short notice.
Tours to Pakistan have also been affected. Fit Tour said it had postponed a cherry blossom trip scheduled for March 27 due to escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including recent air strikes and strong rhetoric.
The departure, the company’s only Pakistan tour this spring, was about 80 per cent full with 12 of 15 seats booked. In recent years, Pakistan has emerged as an alternative cherry blossom destination to Japan and South Korea.
Singer Doan Truong, who had registered for the March 27 trip priced at around 69.9 million dong, said he accepted the cancellation despite waiting two years for the journey. “It’s disappointing, but safety comes first. Travelling in anxiety would spoil the experience,” he said.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Vietnamese citizens in Israel and Iran were currently safe. The ministry advised against travel to Iran and Israel at this time and urged those already there to stay in close contact with Vietnamese representative offices and follow local regulations and official guidance.
Vietnamese nationals in Iran and Israel can contact the respective embassies and the foreign ministry’s citizen protection hotline for assistance.
