Discover Halong Bay On A Seaplane Tour

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage, every year, Halong Bay continues to welcome both domestic and international tourists to explore its magnificent beauty. There are many services available for visitors to explore Halong Bay, and one of the newest and most luxurious ways to admire Halong Bay and its beautiful karst formations, is from above, on a seaplane.

Currently in Vietnam, there is only one aviation company that provides this service, that is Hai Au Aviation, using Cessna Grand Caravan 208B-EX, one of the safest aircraft that can land on water. This means you get to have an ultimate one-of-a-kind experience while exploring the wonderful Halong Bay, away from the crowd. 

The new Cessna Grand Caravan 208B-EX

A seaplane trip, why not?

Seaplanes have been the top choice for upscale travelers for its one of a kind experiences and multiple benefits. 

What sets seaplanes in Halong Bay apart from tourist boats and ships operating in the bay is that they allow tourists to enjoy a panoramic view of Halong Bay from an altitude of 150m to 2000m, and with a capacity of 12 passengers per flight, safety is guaranteed.

Furthermore, it saves you a ton of time and effort for the short duration of the flight, which typically lasts for less than an hour. This is especially beneficial for those who have a history of motion sickness or seasickness.

Hanoi - Ha Long seaplane services

There are currently 3 seaplane services provided by Hai Au Aviation: scheduled flights, sightseeing flights and charter flights. These flights not only significantly reduce travel time but also bring travelers completely new experiences.

Scheduled flights

Instead of sitting in a car for 3-4 hours from Hanoi to Ha Long or vice versa, why not opt for a 45 minute seaplane flight to Halong? You won’t experience any fatigue and you get to see Ha Long and Hanoi from another perspective that not many people can say they’ve had. There are 2-3 flights available each day, starting from $170 USD/pax:

- To and from Hanoi: Noi Bai International Airport

- To and from Ha Long: Tuan Chau Marina

Seaplane scheduled flight to Halong Bay

Sightseeing flights

The best way to admire Halong Bay with over 2000 karst islets and islands emerging from the emerald water would be from above. The 25-minute Halong seaplane sightseeing flight will take you through the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, namingly Dau Be island near Lan Ha Bay, Cong Do island in Bai Tu Long Bay and Bo Hon island, one of the largest islands in Ha Long with multiple caves and karst mountains. 

The maximum capacity of each flight is 12 pax, which ensures great views and experiences for every traveler. The minimum number of pax required is 4 so this is perfect for little groups of friends or family who want to travel together. The price ranges from $65 to $81 USD/pax.

Seaplane sightseeing flight in Halong Bay

Charter flights

Do you hate the crowd, want to skip the queue at the airport and want to have a private, awesome travel that tailors to you? Do we have just the right thing for you! Halong seaplane charter flights are great because they are based according to you and your schedule, plus you get to have an up close view of the sites and amazing in-flight services, all that for a more affordable price compared to helicopter or jet charter flights. The price ranges from $972 to $1500/ pax for a one way flight.

Seaplane charter flight to Halong Bay

Best time to travel to Halong Bay on a seaplane 

Being part of the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay has 2 distinct weather periods, chilly and dry from November to March, and hot and humid from April to October. 

Traveling to Halong Bay on a seaplane from November to March would be ideal, especially for foreign visitors here between Christmas and New Year’s. We wouldn’t recommend traveling in June and July when there’s a high chance of fog and storms, which is not safe for flights.

Luggage and other things to know

- All passengers are allowed 7 kg of luggage free of charge, for every extra 1 kg, you will be charge 100.000 VND

- The maximum capacity is 800 kg, in case of excess weight, you luggage may be kept at Noi Bai Airport free of charge, then transported to you via road transport

- The aircraft doesn’t contain a bathroom

- Make sure you’re in good health and don’t have heart problems or acrophobia.

Pros and cons of traveling by seaplane

Pros

Scenic Views: Seaplane flights to Halong provide breathtaking, panoramic views of the landscape, making the journey itself an exciting part of the travel experience.

Accessibility: Seaplanes can reach remote or less accessible areas, such as islands or areas with limited runway infrastructure, which can be challenging to reach by other means.

Time Efficiency: Seaplanes can be a faster option for point-to-point transportation, saving time compared to ground transportation, which can be particularly useful for island hopping.

Cons

Cost: Seaplane services are relatively expensive compared to other forms of transportation, especially charter flights.

Weather Dependence: Halong seaplane services can be weather-dependent and may be affected by adverse weather conditions, leading to delays or cancellations.

Weight and Size Restrictions: Seaplanes often have weight and size restrictions on luggage and cargo, which can be a drawback for travelers with substantial baggage choosing scheduled flights.

Limited Passenger Capacity: The minimum number of people required for a seaplane flight is 4, so if you don’t have enough company, the flight will be canceled. 

In short, seaplanes flights to Halong Bay are great if you enjoy privacy and want to have a unique experience, (and if you can afford it). If you’re interested and are considering going to Halong Bay for your next vacation in Vietnam, these articles may be helpful:

=> Halong Bay Vietnam - A Stunning World’s Wonder

=> Halong Bay Travel: Tips From A To Z

=> 2 Day Tour On The Paradise Luxury