Seaplane Adventures in Ha Long Bay
Travelers are getting their first tastes of scenic seaplane rides over Ha Long Bay, thanks to pioneering thinkers at Hai Au Aviation. Swooping between limestone karsts and gliding over shimmering beaches is easily the most exhilarating way to see the UNESCO-listed landscape. But there’s more to these airborne excursions than the view.
Overview the seaplane
Hai Au Aviation uses the Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX for tours of Ha Long Bay. There are just 12 leather-clad seats for passengers on each flight, plus one for the foreign Captain and one for the Vietnamese First Officer. The small groups make for more personal and unique encounters.
Up in the air
Once in the air bring the plane down to altitudes of 300 to 150metres, for better views of the seascape below. The seaplane is outfitted so that pilots can talk directly with their passengers, offering information on points of interest, and directing them to the most stunning corners of the bay.
Of course, with so much beauty around the natural urge to share it. Hai Au Aviation welcomes cameras, tablets, and mobile phones on its Ha Long Bay tours. There’s no need to switch off during the flight. Travelers can share pictures immediately on social media via 4G, or even livestream the experience to family and friends.
Safety first
While seaplane tours of Ha Long Bay are a novelty, Hai Au Aviation has been in the business for a long time. Its seaplane tours of Ha Long Bay operate to the strictest requirements set by the Federal Aeronautics Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization. The Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX has proven to be the safest single-engine aircraft in the world, and is captained by Hai Au Aviation’s experienced and well-trained pilots, so travelers are assured of a safe, smooth ride.
Scheduled Flights
In addition to scenic flights, there are also scheduled seaplane flights that connect Halong Bay with other destinations. These flights not only provide a quick and comfortable way to travel but also offer spectacular views of Halong Bay and the surrounding areas from above.
Halong Bay to Co To Island
A scheduled flight from Halong Bay to Co To Island takes approximately 30 minutes, compared to the usual 2-hour journey by boat. During this flight, you’ll be treated to stunning aerial views of Ban Sen, Ngoc Vung, Quan Lan, Minh Chau, and the pristine waters of Bai Tu Long Bay. This quick flight saves time and gives you more opportunities to enjoy Co To Island’s natural beauty.
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
Fly between Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport and Tuan Chau Island Marina, the main gateway for Ha Long Bay cruises. This seaplane flight takes about 45 minutes, significantly faster than the 4-hour journey by road. Along the way, you’ll experience breathtaking views of the Red River Delta and Ha Long Bay’s limestone formations before landing directly at the marina. This option is perfect for those looking to save time and add a luxurious touch to their trip.
Before the flight, passengers receive a safety briefing and instructions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. One of the most thrilling moments of the sightseeing flight over Ha Long Bay is the take-off. The seaplane quickly gains speed and lifts off from the water at Tuan Chau Marina in less than 60 seconds. The landings are equally exhilarating, as the seaplane touches down smoothly on the shimmering waters of Ha Long Bay.
