Enjoy a unique experience with Halong Bay Seaplane

Imagine soaring high above one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. A Halong Bay seaplane tour offers a truly unique and exhilarating way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Halong Bay Seaplane Tours

Halong Bay overview

The Halong Bay, located in northeastern Vietnam, is a stunning natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its name, which translates to “descending dragon,” comes from a Vietnamese legend about a mother dragon and her children who were sent by the Jade Emperor to protect the Vietnamese people from invaders. They spat out jewels and jade, which turned into the thousands of islands and islets that now dot the bay.

The bay is famous for its dense cluster of over 1,600 limestone islands and islets, each topped with lush jungle vegetation. These formations, sculpted by millions of years of geological processes and erosion from the sea, rise spectacularly from the emerald waters.

Many of the islands are hollow, featuring enormous and intricate cave systems. Popular caves include Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Cave), and Dau Go (Wooden Stakes Cave).

A Halong Bay Seaplane tour offers a unique and breathtaking way to experience the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay from a bird’s-eye perspective.

Halong Bay Seaplane Tours

• Location:

The primary Halong Bay Seaplane service, Hai Au Aviation, has a departure point at Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) and lands at Tuan Chau Marina in Halong Bay. Scenic flights within Halong Bay also take off and land at Tuan Chau Marina.

• Price Ranges:

Prices for seaplane tours can vary significantly depending on the package. A one-way flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay can range from around $175 to $395 per person, while a shorter, 25-minute scenic flight over the bay is typically priced at around $100 per person.

• Highlights of Halong Bay Seaplane:

  • Unparalleled Views: The most significant highlight is the panoramic, aerial view of the thousands of limestone islands and karsts. This perspective is impossible to get from a cruise ship.
  • Unique Experience: The thrill of taking off and landing directly on the water is a unique and memorable part of the journey.
  • Time-Saving: A seaplane flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes only about 45 minutes, a considerable time-saver compared to the 3-4 hour drive by car.
  • Pilot as a Guide: On many flights, the pilots double as guides, providing informative commentary about the sights below.

• Lowlights of Halong Bay Seaplane:

  • High Cost: Seaplane tours are significantly more expensive than other forms of transportation or sightseeing in the area.
  • Weather Dependence: Flights are highly dependent on good weather conditions. Adverse weather, such as fog or storms, can lead to delays or cancellations.
  • Luggage Restrictions: There are strict weight limitations for luggage, which can be a drawback for travelers with more bags.

• Customer Reviews:

  • Reviews are generally very positive, with many customers considering the experience “well worth the money” and a “once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”
  • Travelers praise the stunning views, calling them “truly breathtaking” and “a different view from the one you get on the boats, in fact, a much better view.”
  • The smooth takeoff and landing on the water are frequently mentioned as a highlight.
  • Customers also appreciate the time-saving aspect and the friendly, professional staff.

See also: Top 10 Northern Vietnam destinations to go in 2025

Why should try Halong Bay Seaplane?

Taking a Halong Bay Seaplane tour is an unforgettable experience that offers a perspective you simply can’t get from a cruise ship. Here are the main reasons why you should consider a seaplane flight:

• A Unique and Breathtaking Perspective:

The most significant advantage is the unparalleled aerial view. From a Halong Bay Seaplane, you can see the sheer scale and grandeur of Halong Bay’s thousands of limestone karsts and islets scattered across the emerald water. This panoramic vista is often described as “a different view from the one you get on the boats, in fact, a much better view.”

• Save Valuable Time:

If you’re on a tight schedule, a Halong Bay Seaplane is a game-changer. The flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes only about 45 minutes, a fraction of the time it takes to travel by car or bus (typically 3-4 hours). This allows you to maximize your time enjoying the bay rather than being stuck on the road.

• The Thrill of a Seaplane:

The experience itself is a highlight. The takeoff and landing on the water at Tuan Chau Marina are unique and exhilarating moments that add an extra layer of adventure to your trip.

• Access to Remote Areas:

Seaplanes can fly over areas that are inaccessible to cruise ships, giving you a chance to see parts of the bay that most tourists never get to witness.

• Combine with a Cruise:

Many tour operators offer packages that combine a seaplane flight with a Halong Bay cruise. This allows you to get the best of both worlds: a panoramic view from above and an up-close experience on the water, exploring caves, kayaking, and enjoying the sunset on a cruise ship.

Halong Bay Seaplane routing and schedules

There are two primary types of seaplane services for Halong Bay:

1. Scheduled Transfer Flights (Hanoi – Halong Bay):

• Operator: Hai Au Aviation is the main operator.
• Route: The flight is from Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) to Tuan Chau Marina (Halong Bay).
• Duration: The flight itself is approximately 45 minutes, saving significant time compared to a 3-4 hour car ride. There are also options that include a 15-minute scenic flight over the bay, making the total duration around 60 minutes.
• Schedule: Flights operate daily.
  • Hanoi to Halong:
    • Hai Au Aviation offers flights, some of which are scheduled with a scenic tour. For example: a flight departing at 9:20 AM and arriving at 10:20 AM (with scenic tour) or 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (with scenic tour).
  • Halong to Hanoi:
    • Hai Au Aviation offers flights, some of which are scheduled with a scenic tour. For example: a flight departing at 12:30 PM and arriving at 1:30 PM (with scenic tour) or a direct transfer flight at 4:00 PM arriving at 4:45 PM.

2. Halong Bay Sightseeing Flights:

• Operator: Hai Au Aviation.
• Route: These flights depart from and return to Tuan Chau Marina, offering aerial views of the bay.
• Duration: The standard scenic flight is 25 minutes. Other options, like a 35-minute or 45-minute flight, may be available on request.
• Schedule: Flights are offered several times a day.
  • 25-minute scenic flights are available with various departure times, such as 9:00 AM, 9:55 AM, 10:50 AM, 11:45 AM, and several times in the afternoon.

Important Notes:

• Charter flights are also available and can be customized to your schedule and desired route.
• Fares vary based on the type of flight, season, and whether it’s a transfer or a scenic tour. It’s recommended to check the official Hai Au Aviation website for the most up-to-date schedule and pricing.