First direct flight from Kazakhstan arrives in Nha Trang

The passengers, arriving at Cam Ranh airport around 40 km from Nha Trang beach town at 9:50 a.m., comprised mostly Kazak tourists and some from Eastern Europe.

They would stay at three-to-five-star resorts on a combo tour package and visit popular tourist attractions in Nha Trang from one week to 28 days.

"There are numerous similarities between the Russian and Kazakhstan markets as tourists from the latter take long-term vacations during the winter season, which starts in October," said Bui Quoc Dai, deputy director of tour operator Anex Vietnam that oversees bringing the group of tourists from Kazakhstan to Nha Trang.

Amid the shortage of Russian tourists due to political tensions, the travel firm will focus on exploiting potential in the Kazakhstan market, Dai said.

Vietnam reopened its borders in mid-March after two years of closures.

Vietnam has yet to waive visa requirements for Kazakh visitors while Kazakhstan offers visa exemption for Vietnamese tourists.