Explore Halong Bay by Seaplane: A Unique and Novel Experience

Seaplanes are a new form of tourism in Halong Bay, exclusively operated by Hai Au Aviation. Due to the limited number of available services, the cost of a seaplane flight is quite high. If you have a generous budget and prefer to spend freely on your travels, you can opt for seaplane flights to save time traveling between Hanoi and Halong Bay and explore Halong Bay within a single day. There are two daily flights from Hanoi to Halong Bay, at 9:00 AM and 12:45 PM, also operated by Hai Au Aviation.

From central Hanoi, you need to travel to Noi Bai Airport by taxi or private car and check in at counter 10 in Area A. The flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes about 1 hour, which includes a 15-minute aerial tour around Halong Bay before landing, allowing you to enjoy the world heritage site from an altitude of 500–3,000 meters. Thousands of limestone islands of various shapes and sizes, rising from the emerald green sea, will gradually unfold before your eyes like a massive landscape painting. At the end of the tour, the seaplane will land at the Tuan Chau Island pier, and the return flight from Halong Bay to Hanoi will depart at 11:30 AM or 4:00 PM on the same day.

If you don't want to limit your Halong Bay exploration to just one day, you can opt for a private scenic seaplane tour. This flight lasts 25 minutes, departing from the Tuan Chau Island pier and returning there after the tour. There are three flights each day at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM. Depending on your flight schedule, you can choose to have lunch before or after the seaplane tour. Depending on your needs, conditions, and schedule, you can consider choosing one of these two options.

However, most tourists prefer to stay in Halong Bay longer to comfortably explore its natural beauty. If you plan to book an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, the best option to combine a cruise and a seaplane is to use a one-way transfer from Hanoi to Halong provided by the cruise (or a private car, if you prefer) and book an overnight cruise (either a 1-night or 2-night program, depending on your preference). After the trip, you will return to Tuan Chau pier and take a 25-minute scenic seaplane flight over Halong Bay. The suitable flight times for you are 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM. Since the transfer vehicles from cruise providers return guests to Hanoi immediately after docking, you will need to use a private transfer (taxi or pre-booked private car) to return to Hanoi.

There are some basic points to keep in mind before booking the seaplane service. First, if you book the Hanoi-Halong flight, you need to be at the airport counter at least 25 minutes before the departure time. The maximum luggage weight allowed per passenger is 20 kg. Second, for each seaplane flight, Hai Au staff will check the total weight of all passengers on the flight and confirm whether the flight can be operated. If the weight exceeds the standard, some passengers may be moved to the next available flight (if seats are available). Usually, passenger weight information should be provided when confirming your booking for better arrangements. Third, in some unexpected cases, you may be able to change your flight time, but it depends on seat availability. Additionally, during holidays, seaplane tour fees may be adjusted and increased compared to normal rates.

If you are someone who enjoys new experiences, exploring Halong Bay by seaplane will definitely be a rare opportunity for you to view Halong Bay from a unique perspective. However, depending on your budget for a trip to Halong Bay, whether to choose a seaplane experience is entirely up to you. If you are planning a trip and looking into Halong Bay cruises, contact us today to receive the latest and best offers on Halong Bay cruises!