3 affordable ways to enjoy Ha Long Bay from the above

In addition to cruise round-trip seaplane from Hanoi – Ha Long, you can choose to get the one-way flight or flight for just watching Ha Long Bay in order to save costs.

Ha Long Bay is a popular tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Usually, exploring the bay will last about two days by car, including a day for the move from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and return. To refresh the journey, in addition to the means by road, travelers can choose seaplane, newly put into operation from January 9/2014.
Depending on the needs, conditions and amount of time, you have three choices with seaplane below:

Ha long Bay view from seaplane. Photo: Quy Doan

Option 1: For those who have a lot of money
In order not to lose time for traveling, you can register round trip from Hanoi – Ha long. There are 2 flights per day, leaving at 9am and 12.45pm. Depending on the sequence schedule, you can choose the morning or afternoon flight and then, take a taxi to the terminal T1, Noi Bai airport to do check-in procedures at Hall A, a number of 10.
During the 60-minute flight from Hanoi – Ha Long, visitors will have a 15 minute for sightseeing the Bay from 500-3000 meters in height. In front your eyes are the thousands of limestone islets emerging on the tranquil turquoise water. Then, the seaplane will land in Tuan Chau Island and depart at 11.30 pm and 4pm for daily return.
However, you should not return immediately, instead, you can register for a boat tour to explore Ha long bay in about 3 hours and have lunch on board (about one million dong). You will have a memorable experience with Asian – European style lunch on the mid-bay, and then visit the caves and do kayaking.
Minimum duration: one day
Total cost: 16 million (transport, flight, eat, boat tour).

Option 2: Moderate cost
To save more money, you can choose to one-way flight from Hanoi to Ha long, then return by passenger car. Flight itinerary is similar to the above, but after landing, you are free to schedule to explore and have fun.
The nearest place to the landing is Tuan Chau entertainment area. You catch a taxi to the gate and then buy ticket, VND300.000 per person. There are many circus performances such as performances of dolphins, alligators, water music, etc. You can also visit the outdoor play area and the active games such as windsurfing, canoeing, parachuting, water skiing …
Tuan Chau cuisine area is also a suitable option for tourists to have lunch without moving much. You will enjoy a variety of dishes and a rich diversity in food with the price ranging from 150,000 VND/portion. At around 5pm, you can call a cab to take you to the Welcome gate on Highway 18 to get the passenger car back to Hanoi. The fare of the car is VND 100,000 per person.
Minimum duration: one day
Total cost: about 9 million (transportation, lunch, flight).

For Hanoi – Ha Long flight, visitors can admire the villages and fields. Photo: Quy Doan

Option 3: Best savings
The best way to save much money but still be able to admire the bay from above is that you will take a passenger car or use personal vehicles. Then, you will register a 25-minute scenic flight tour. From Hanoi, you can take the passenger car to Quang Ninh Province in terminals such as My Dinh, Gia Lam Luong Yen and stop at the welcome gate of Tuan Chau. After that, you can take a taxi to the port. If your drive your motorbike or car, you can drive straightly along Highway 18, Tuan Chau gate is located on the right side.
The seaplane will depart from and return to Tuan Chau harbor starting point after the end of the itinerary around the islets of Ha long Bay. There are 3 flights per day, departing at 10.30am, 2pm, and 2.40pm. Depending on Tuan Chau arrival time and registration schedule, you will have lunch before or after the flight.
At night, you can rent motels or hotels in Bai Chay (the price is 350000-500000 dong per room) to relax, swim and explore Ha long city.
Minimum duration: two days
Total cost: more than 6 million (transportation, lunch, flight).

Note
– You should arrive soon as the counters will close 25 minutes before departure time.
– Baggage maximum is up to 20 kg.
– On the holidays, the seaplane fare’s surcharge may be arisen.
– You can change the registered flight hour, but depending on the status of vacant seats.