Halong Bay Seaplane - All You Need To Know

For first-time visitors to Vietnam, taking a Halong Bay seaplane is definitely a wonderful way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Soaring above the magnificent bay, you can get a bird's-eye view of iconic limestone karsts that have captivated countless travelers from around the world. Check this guide out to learn more about seaplane services in Halong Bay.

Halong Bay Seaplane Overview

Seaplane is the most luxurious way to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay. This unique mode of transportation offers a range of services, from transfers to exhilarating sightseeing tours.

The scheduled flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes approximately 45 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes for sightseeing over the majestic landscape. This truly one-of-a-kind journey allows you to witness the full grandeur of the bay from above, providing an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience.

Admire Halong Bay's Charm From A Seaplane

Pros & Cons of Hanoi - Halong Bay Seaplane

Pros

Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay is the first choice of many tourists for some reasons:

• Spectacular aerial views: The seaplane offers a bird’s-eye view of rice paddy fields, rivers, rural villages, Hai Phong City, Tuan Chau Island, and Halong Bay - the UNESCO Natural Heritage Site with splendid limestone islands.
• Time-saving: It takes only 45 minutes to travel instead of 3- 4 hours by car. Traveling time is shortened dramatically.
• Comfortable & Convenient: Professional services include experienced and well-trained English staff, complimentary Wi-Fi and 4G Internet, and a live commentary in English about Halong Bay. Moreover, the seaplane arrives at Tuan Chau harbor where you can easily take a Halong bay cruise, or watch numerous programs such as performances of circus, dolphins, and crocodiles, and take part in outdoor activities like windsurfing, canoeing, parachuting…
• Safe: The seaplane used for flights between Hanoi and Halong Bay is considered the safest single-engine aircraft in the world. The aircrew is all well-trained and qualified with at least 2,000 flight hours. The company strictly follows safety, security & maintenance regulations.

Cons

• High price: The lowest price for one-way is 175 USD/person. It is even higher if you travel during public holidays.
• A limited weight of luggage: The luggage allowance per person including both checked and carry-on luggage is 7 kg. Each bag should not exceed the following dimensions: H 56cm x W 36cm x D 23cm. The excess baggage charge is from VND 118,000 /kg. Bag weight should not exceed 25kg each. So pack only the necessary stuff into your baggage.
• Delay and cancellation: There is a possibility of delay and cancellation due to weather conditions or if the travel group is less than 4 people.
• Health condition: Not suitable for tourists who have health problems such as heart disease, or acrophobia.

Halong Bay Seaplane Services & Combo

When booking a Halong Bay seaplane, you can choose from two main service options:

• Sightseeing Tours: These tours depart from the Tuan Chau port in Halong Bay and offer a 25-minute scenic flight over the breathtaking natural landscape.

• Seaplane tours from Hanoi: This package includes a 45-minute seaplane flight from Noi Bai International Airport to Halong Bay. Once you arrive, you'll enjoy an additional 15 minutes of sightseeing.

Here are some seaplane combos/ tours for you:

Halong Bay Sightseeing Tour

• Route: Tuan Chau - Halong Bay - Tuan Chau

This seaplane tour offers a more affordable option for experiencing the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay from the air. The 25-minute flight allows you to admire some of the most iconic and beautiful areas of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dau Be Island: Located southeast of Halong Bay, Dau Be Island is part of a group of islands situated at the entrance of Lan Ha Bay, surrounded by other notable islands such as Tra Ngu and Da Le.

Cong Do Island: Situated in the Bai Tu Long Bay, Cong Do Island covers an area of 23,363 km2, known for its picturesque coves, inlets, and natural lagoons, which are home to a variety of marine life such as shrimp, fish, squid, and seaweed.

Bo Hon Island: Bo Hon Island is one of the most beautiful island systems in Halong Bay featuring towering mountains and sheer cliffs that create a magnificent seascape panorama. It is also home to many renowned caves such as Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, and Trong Cave.

Bo Hon Island has a magnificent cave system

Combo Seaplane with Sightseeing & Cruise

Travelers will be transferred from their hotel in Hanoi to Tuan Chau Port by a luxury limousine, experience a 25-minute scenic seaplane tour over the bay, then get on a Halong Bay cruise.

• Combo seaplane & overnight cruise with transfer
• Combo seaplane & day cruise with transfer

Before deciding to book any combo you should know which services are included, and how much the combo is:

Note

If you want to spend more time exploring Halong Bay, opt for Halong Bay cruise 2 nights instead of a 2-day 1-night cruise. The 3d2n cruise allows you to visit more off-the-beaten-track places and take part in a variety of activities such as enjoying sandy beaches and visiting floating villages.

Visit Floating Village to get a glimpse of the local lifestyle

>> If you are still uncertain about which tours to choose, this article will provide useful information for you: Halong Bay Itinerary: Is 1 Night or 2 Nights Better?

Combo Seaplane & Halong Cruise

This combo includes hotel pick-up from Hanoi to Noi Bai Airport (airport near Halong Bay), followed by a 45-minute seaplane to Tuan Chau Port, an additional 15-minute scenic seaplane tour, and a Halong Bay cruise tour.

It is a bit more expensive than the combo without the Hanoi - Halong flight, but it is worth trying. For this combo, you can choose between overnight cruises (2d1n/3d2n) and day cruises (full day). Please contact us for more information.

Scarlet Pearl - One of the best choices for 5-star Halong Bay Cruises

Hanoi to Halong Bay seaplane schedule

In addition to sightseeing tours, Halong Bay Seaplane also offers Hanoi - Halong transfers (45 mins), which depart from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, providing a seamless and luxurious way to experience the natural wonders.

Transfer flight

This includes flights from Hanoi to Halong Bay with an additional sightseeing seaplane tour, and solely Hanoi - Halong seaplane transfers (no sightseeing).

• Points of Departure: Noi Bai Airport: Counter E09, Lobby E, Terminal 1, Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam.
• Points of Arrival: Tuan Chau Marina: Villa T7 Tuan Chau Commercial Urban Area, Tuan Chau Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Viet Nam.

Departure time

• Price: From US $340
• Duration: 45 minutes (transfer only) & 60 minutes (transfer + 15-minute scenic flight)

Schedule & Price of Hanoi - Halong Seaplane

Note: Prices may vary depending on the season.

Experience the unique Halong Bay Seaplane tour with partner

Sightseeing flight

This seaplane tour is focused only on sightseeing, bringing you the chance to admire dramatic limestone karsts, emerald water, and picturesque islands that make up the remarkable Halong Bay.

• Points of Departure & Arrival: Tuan Chau Marina - Villa T7 Tuan Chau Commercial Urban Area, Tuan Chau Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Viet Nam.

Schedule & Price

• Price: From US $100
• Duration: 25 minutes for sightseeing only

Notes

• Airfare may be changed and adjusted by Hai Au Aviation
• The price in USD might be flexible due to the change in the exchange rate

Children fare

From 2 years old & up (private seat occupied): 100% Adult Fare

Under 2 years old (to be held on a person’s lap)

• Transfer flight in Hanoi/ Halong: From 21 USD/ child
• Scenic flight in Halong: From 8 USD/ child

Halong Bay’s astounding vista from seaplane

Charter Seaplane

The seaplane charter to Halong Bay is definitely an exclusive travel experience. These private flights offer flexibility and can be customized to your demand, though they come at a significantly higher cost, potentially reaching thousands of dollars.

With this charter service, you can enjoy seamless transfers from Hanoi to Halong Bay and vice versa.

Key highlights of this premium experience

• Have the opportunity to interact directly with the seaplane's pilot and captain, enhancing your overall experience.
• You'll be the only passenger on board, ensuring maximum privacy and a personalized journey tailored to your preferences.
• The charter service allows for special requests, such as limousine transfers, in-flight champagne service, and expedited airport procedures.

To book this service, please contact BestPrice for updated information.

Please see the tariff for charters seaplane Hanoi to Halong below

Notes

• Airfare may be changed and adjusted by Hai Au Aviation
• The price in USD might be flexible due to the change in the exchange rate
• The rental price does not include the ferry flight fee (if any) for the charter flight

How to Book a Halong Bay Seaplane?

There are 2 main ways to book a seaplane. You can either book it directly with Hai Au Aviation or through tourism agencies

• Book directly with the seaplane company

You can call the Hai Au Aviation hotline directly at (+84) 962 069 689, or book through the website or Facebook page of Hai Au Aviation. The booking process is simple and fast with clear cancellation policies. However, you should read it carefully, as there is a possibility of delay and cancellation.

If you book through a seaplane company directly you might not get any discount or promotion from the public rate.

• Book through BestPrice Travel

Another way to book a seaplane is through tourism agencies, and BestPrice Travel is one of the top-selling agents for Hai Au Aviation. There are some advantages of booking seaplane tours by contacting us:    

• Our sales consultants can arrange the transfer from/ to the airport in Hanoi for you.
• You may get a discount if you book a Halong Bay seaplane & cruise package.
• Convenient and time-saving - BestPrice will support you with booking procedures and inform you of the latest announcements from the airline. 

In case of a delay or cancellation, the travel agency will arrange an alternative transfer so that you can join the cruise as planned.

Flight Tips

Here are some tips you should know before your Halong Bay Seaplane flight:

Preparation Checklist

• Ensure you have all necessary documents (identity papers, booking confirmation, etc.) ready for the flight. Birth certificates will be required for infants under 2 years old.
• Pack light, as the seaplane has limited luggage capacity. Stick to essential items only.
• Remember to bring a camera /phone to capture the stunning views of Halong Bay

Baggage Policy

• The carrier only accepts checked baggage for passengers who have direct flight tickets. Their checked baggage will be transported by car with an extra fee.
• The seaplane has strict weight and size limits for Unchecked Baggage. Generally, you are allowed to carry a maximum of 7kg onto the aircraft. Unchecked Baggage size cannot exceed 36 cm in width, 56 cm in height, and 23 cm in length.
• Your baggage will be refused to carry if any of these items are found in your baggage: fragile or perishable items, fresh or frozen seafood /meat, weapons, ammunition, explosives, gas, etc.

• It's recommended to check with your tour operator for the most up-to-date baggage policies before your flight.

Boarding Time

• Passengers have to show up at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before the departure time.

Delays and Cancellations

• Seaplane flights are subject to force majeure reasons such as weather. Therefore, flights may be delayed or canceled due to poor visibility, high winds, or other safety concerns.
• Our sales consultant will keep you informed of any changes to the flight schedule and assist with rebooking or refund arrangements if necessary.

Best Time to Take the Halong Bay Seaplane

• Best time of year to visit Halong Bay by seaplane tour is from October to May when the weather is most favorable. During this period, you can expect lower chances of rain and storms with clearer visibility for stunning aerial views.
• It's best to avoid the remaining months when Halong has heavy rainfalls, high humidity, and reduced visibility, which can potentially disrupt or compromise the seaplane flight experience.

FAQs

1. Is the Halong Bay Seaplane safe?

Yes, the Halong Bay seaplane flights are safe. The aircraft used for these tours is the  CESSNA CARAVAN C208-EX, which has been certified by the FAA and ICAO as one of the safest single-engine aircraft to land on water.

In addition, these seaplane tours are operated by reputable Hai Au Aviation, which offers the first and only seaplane experience in Vietnam. The seaplane pilots are highly experienced and trained professionals who strictly adhere to all safety protocols and regulations.

2. Where is the Halong Bay Seaplane parking located?

Halong: Tuan Chau Marina - Villa T7 Tuan Chau Commercial Urban Area, Tuan Chau Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province

Hanoi: Noi Bai International Airport, Phu Minh Ward, Soc Son District, Hanoi

3. How many people can a seaplane hold per flight?

A Halong Bay seaplane can carry up to 8 - 10 adult passengers (with luggage). Load capacity (with luggage) is 645 kg (for Hanoi - Halong flight), and 595 kg (for Halong - Hanoi flight)

4. Does Halong Seaplane allow kids?

Yes. Children under 2 years old may have to pay the extra fees provided that they must share their seats with adults. 1 adult is only allowed to bring 1 child (baby seat or stroller is not allowed during boarding and the flight)

Moreover, children under 15 years old are not permitted to take the flight alone unless they are accompanied by adults over 18, or else they must arrange special support from the Carrier in advance

5. What special health considerations should travelers be aware of before taking a seaplane tour of Halong Bay?

Pregnant passengers must inform the Carrier of the pregnancy period when making a reservation and at the check-in counter.

• Under 27-week pregnancy: The Carrier will carry this passenger without doctor's certification but the passenger must sign the Statement of limited liability.
• Over 27-week pregnancy: These passengers must present doctor's letters confirming that their health condition is suitable to fly and these letters must be valid no earlier than seven (7) days prior to the departure date. Passengers will be required to sign the Statement of limited liability. 
• 32-week pregnancy and over will not be allowed to take a seaplane flight.

In addition, if you have health problems such as heart disease or acrophobia, please contact our sales consultant for more details.

6.Are passengers allowed to film/record the experience?

Yes, passengers can use cameras, tablets, and mobile phones during the seaplane tour.

In summary, the Halong Bay seaplane experience offers a unique and breathtaking way to explore one of Vietnam's most renowned natural heritage sites. For those seeking a more exclusive and customizable experience, the private charter option allows you to tailor the route to your preferences.

If you're interested in adding Halong Bay cruise and seaplane to your travel plan, contact us for personalized advice and a competitive quote.

>>> You may want to explore the option of Helicopter transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay, which offers another unique and unforgettable way to discover Halong Bay’s beauty.