Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) has approved Hai Au Aviation JSC to exploit the seaplane service in Halong Bay (Quang Ninh Province) after surveying this destination. The results show that this bay is eligible for seaplanes to fly such as: low waves, wide gap… The CAAV’s deputy director noted that the area’s long coastline created favorable conditions for seaplane services.

By August of this year (2014), the first flights of the seaplane service traveling to Halong Bay will be taken off. Initially, Hai Au will import two seaplanes. It plans to use the 100% new  seaplanes which seat up to 12 passengers. This vehicle can be flexible, taking off and land on both land and water.

At the beginning, there are two daily flights: from Hanoi to Halong starts at 8:15am and from Halong to Hanoi from 16:00pm, 30 minutes for each flight. Hanoi – Ha Long tour will be the main route with the expected schedule from 8 to 12 flights each day. Hai Au Aviation also offers the scenic tours by seaplanes in Halong. Visitors can buy individual tickets or hire a seaplane with 12 seats.

The flights by seaplane Hai Au will serve in Halong include:

• 30-minute flight: Depart from the Gia Lam airport in Hanoi by seaplane to the coastal port town of Halong Bay. Experience the thrill of a water landing at the Tuan Chau Island Marina.
• 40-minute flight with scenic tour: Discover the beauty of Halong Bay with 10 minute scenic flight over this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get panoramic views of the thousands of limestone karsts jutting up from the jade green waters and see remote fishing villages as you come in to land at Tuan Chau Island Marina.
• 25 minute Halong Bay Highlights: Take off from the Tuan Chau Island Marina, on a sightseeing flight taking in all the highlights of Halong Bay.
• 40 minute “See – It – All” Special: Fly through the heart of Halong Bay and venture deep inside the Gulf of Tonkin for panoramic views over this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See fishing boat bobbing on the water and explore the islands in the farthest reaches of the bay.