
Hanoi To Halong Bay Seaplane: The Most Unique Travel Way
Among the best ways to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, seaplane is the newest and fastest one with one-of-a-kind experiences. Despite its high costs, this kind of transport has become more and more popular since a number of tourists love enjoying luxurious conveniences whilst beholding the picturesque charms of the New Natural Wonder. This article will provide first-time tourists with a comprehensive introduction of Hanoi to Halong Bay seaplane; from pros and cons, schedules, prices to booking methods and helpful tips.
Overview of Hanoi to Halong Bay seaplane
Seaplane is the most opulent and unique way to travel between Hanoi and Halong Bay. As Vietnam’s only seaplane service, Hai Au Aviation provides 45-minute scheduled flights from Hanoi to Halong Bay with additional 15-minute sightseeing.
The seaplane departs from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina in Halong – the port of a number of day and overnight cruises. It flies with a maximum height of 3,000 meters but offers the best view of the bay at the 300-meter height.
The newest Cessna Grand Caravan 208B-EX – the largest and safest floatplane features spacious windows that enable passengers to admire Halong Bay’s majestic landscapes including over 1,600 islands and islets along with beaches, lagoon, and towering sea cliffs. It can accommodate up to 12 passengers with 7 kg of attached luggage per person.
Among the best ways to transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay, seaplane is the fastest with a 45-minute journey, while it takes about 2.5-3 hours to travel by road.
Regarding expense, a seaplane ticket price is relatively high, which ranges from US$ 175 to US$ 385 depending on the season and the time of day. However, the exceptional experiences and professional services you can get when traveling on a seaplane will be worth your payment.

Advantages:
- The most time-saving and convenient way to travel from Hanoi to Halong
- High-quality and professional services during the flight with a prestigious travel brand in Vietnam: English-speaking staff, complimentary WiFi and 4G Internet, and a live commentary in English about Halong Bay
- Exceptional sightseeing experiences: aerial views of rice paddy fields, rivers, rural villages, Hai Phong City, and Halong Bay with sublime limestone karts, dense jungles, and cragged islands
- Fantastic experiences with water take-off and landing part in the trip
- A high level of safety and comfort thanks to the safest single-engine aircraft in the world and well-trained pilots. The company also strictly follows safety, security & maintenance regulations.
Disadvantages:
- The cost is very high (minimum price: US$ 175/one-way/person) and may increase during public holidays
- A limited weight of luggage: The luggage allowance including both checked and carry-on luggage is 7 kg/person. Each bag should not exceed the following dimensions: H 56cm x W 36cm x D 23cm.
- The minimum number of passengers for a seaplane tour is 4; therefore, if your group is not large enough, you cannot book the tour.
- Tourists with health problems such as heart disease and acrophobia are not suitable for the seaplane trip.
- A delay and cancellation might be applied due to bad weather conditions or travel groups of less than 4 people.
Hanoi to Halong Seaplane Schedule & Price
Fixed schedule
- 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:
- From Hanoi: 9:00, 10:00
- From Halong: 12:30, 16:00
- Price: From US$ 175 to US$ 385
- Duration: 45 minutes (transfer only) & 60 minutes (with the scenic flight over the bay)
Route | Departure – Arrival time | Fare/One-way/Person | |
---|---|---|---|
High season | Low season | ||
601 Hanoi – Halong (with scenic in Halong) | 09:20 – 10:20 | US$ 406 | US$ 325 |
602 Halong – Hanoi (with scenic in Halong) | 12:30 – 13:30 | US$ 406 | US$ 325 |
603 Hanoi – Halong (with scenic in Halong) | 10:00 – 11:00 | US$ 406 | US$ 325 |
604 Halong – Hanoi | 16:00 – 16:45 | US$ 291 | US$ 233 |
Round-trip (with scenic in Halong) | – | US$ 582 | US$ 500 |
Notes:
- The ticket fares include insurance and VAT
- 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:
- Two years old and above (private seat occupied): 100% of the adult fare
- Under two years old (to be held on a person’s lap and a maximum of two children under two years old are allowed during the flight)
- Hanoi – Halong/Halong – Hanoi: US$ 21/child
- Scenic flight Halong – Halong: US$ 6.5/child
- Surcharge for passenger service through Tuan Chau Port: US$ 1.7/person (for Vietnamese & Expat only)
- Weekend fee (Saturday & Sunday) or public holidays: US$ 6.4/person (for Vietnamese & Expat only)
- Fares do not include a 2% transaction fee if customers pay by credit card (no extra fee if customers pay directly or by bank transfer)
- Flight conditions made: minimum 4 booking guests

Hanoi to Halong Bay charter seaplane
Hai Au Aviation provides premium and private chartered flights from Hanoi to Halong Bay. A charter seaplane is ideal for small groups of up to 12 passengers looking for the ultimate in private getaways or VIP, Corporate, or Premium M.I.C.E. experiences. This luxurious service offers high-level flexibility and exclusive conveniences such as:
- Opportunity for direct interaction with onboard captain and co-pilots
- Skip the queues for check-in
- Enjoy the utmost privacy with no other passengers on board except you and your group
- Special custom requests including Limousine transfer, champagne on board, or fast-track airport check-in service
Tailor Charter
Route | Duration | Itinerary | Fare/One way |
Hanoi – Halong or vice versa (with scenic in Halong) | 60 mins | Noi Bai – Tuan Chau Marina + 15-minute sightseeing | US$ 4,324 |
Hanoi – Halong or vice versa | 45 mins | Noi Bai – Tuan Chau Marina | US$ 3,603 |
Scenic flight Halong S25 | 25 mins | Tuan Chau – Cong Do – Bo Hon – Dau Be – Tuan Chau | US$ 1,503 |
Scheduled Charter
Route | Duration | Itinerary | Fare/One way |
Hanoi – Halong or vice versa (with scenic in Halong) | 60 mins | Noi Bai – Tuan Chau Marina + 15-minute sightseeing | 3,633 USD |
Hanoi – Halong or vice versa | 45 mins | Noi Bai – Tuan Chau Marina | 2,423 USD |
Scenic flight Halong S25 | 25 mins | Tuan Chau – Cong Do – Bo Hon – Dau Be – Tuan Chau | 1,001 USD |
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
Best time to take a Hanoi to Halong Bay seaplane
The most ideal period for a seaplane trip is from October to May thanks to dry and sunny weather. During these months, there is almost no chance of torrential rains and sudden storms, which ensures the safety of passengers and offers clear views of the bay. However, in winter (November to January) and lately Spring (February to March), several days may be foggy due to the high humidity level. Therefore, you should check the weather forecast in advance to have a trip on good-weather days and enjoy beautiful bay landscapes to the fullest.
Month | High/Low (Temperature) | Rain (≥2mm) | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
January | 20°C/15°C | 7 days | 8/10 |
February | 21°C/16°C | 5 days | 8/10 |
March | 23°C/19°C | 8 days | 8.5/10 |
April | 26°C/21°C | 10 days | 9/10 |
May | 30°C/25°C | 17 days | 9/10 |
June | 31°C/26°C | 21 days | 7/10 |
July | 31°C/26°C | 23 days | 7/10 |
August | 31°C/26°C | 23 days | 7/10 |
September | 31°C/25°C | 16 days | 7/10 |
October | 28°C/22°C | 8 days | 9/10 |
November | 25°C/19°C | 7 days | 9/10 |
December | 21°C/15°C | 6 days | 9/10 |

How to book a Hanoi to Halong Bay Seaplane
There are two main ways to make a booking for a seaplane. You can either book it directly with the seaplane company or through tourism agencies
Book directly with the seaplane company
- Seaplane supplier: Hai Au Aviation is the only provider of Hanoi to Halong Bay seaplane
- Website: seaplanes.vn
- Hotline: (+84) 962 069 689
- Email: online.sales@haiauaviation.com
The booking process is simple and quick with detailed cancellation or delay policies. However, if you book with the seaplane supplier directly you will not get any discount or promotion from the public rates.
Book through travel agencies
This method can offer you several benefits such as:
- The travel agent will be able to arrange the transfer from/to the airport in Hanoi for you
- You can get a promotion if booking a seaplane and cruise package
- In case of a delay or cancellation, the travel agency will arrange an alternative transfer so that you can join your excursion in Halong as planned
Useful tips for travel by Hanoi to Halong Bay seaplane
- The luggage allowance is 7kg/guest. The excess baggage will be charged US$ 5/kg and the total luggage weight should not exceed 25kg/person. Therefore, you should pack only necessary items into your baggage
- Each aircraft can carry 8 passengers with luggage and 12 adult passengers without luggage
- Tourists should arrive at the check-in counter at least 30 minutes prior to the departure time and bring their passports for check-in
- You are advised to wear light clothes when taking a flight
- It is important to check the weather forecast in advance to avoid travelling on days with inconvenient weather (heavy rain, storm, hurricane)
- If you plan to book a seaplane and cruise package with travel agents, choose a reliable one with clear delay and cancellation policies

To sum up, if you have a large budget and desire extraordinary sightseeing experiences from a bird’s view, a Hanoi to Halong Bay seaplane is definitely a must-try option. The state-of-the-art vehicle will offer you the quickest journey with premium conveniences, treating your eyes to breathtaking sceneries of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. We hope that our guide will support you in planning a seaplane trip and enjoying a great excursion between Hanoi and Halong.
FAQs about Hanoi to Halong Bay seaplane
Where do I check in for a seaplane flight?
- For scheduled flights from Hanoi to Halong, you will check in at: Counter E09, Lobby E, Terminal 1, Noi Bai International Airport.
- For scheduled flights from Halong to Hanoi, you will check in at: Villa T7 Tuan Chau Commercial Urban Area, Tuan Chau Marina, Halong City.
Where do we fly over on a scenic flight?
Taking off and landing on the water at Tuan Chau Marina, seaplane scenic flights showcase the most famous landscapes of Halong Bay including Dau Be Island, Cong Do Island, and Bo Hon Island. Bo Hon Island is home to stunning caves such as Sung Sot, Luon, Trinh Nu, Trong, and Ho Dong Tien.
How much luggage can we bring on a seaplane?
The luggage allowance including both checked and carry-on luggage is 7 kg/person. Each bag should not exceed the following dimensions: H 56cm x W 36cm x D 23cm. The excess baggage will be charged US$ 5/kg and the total luggage weight should not be over 25kg/person.
When should we take a Hanoi to Halong Bay seaplane for the best weather?
The highly recommended period for a seaplane trip is between October and May due to the pleasant weather (sunny and dry with little rain).
Is WiFi or Internet connection available on the seaplane?
Hai Au Aviation’s aircraft provides complimentary WiFi and 4G Internet in its flights, allowing passengers to access online entertainment while transferring from Hanoi to Halong.