Fly to Halong Bay via new seaplane route

Visitors now have an alternative route to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at Halong Bay from Hanoi.

They can get to Halong Bay from Hanoi in just 30 minutes with a new seaplane service, which is a first in Vietnam.

Hai Au Aviation launched the seaplane service last month and to celebrate its inauguration, it will hold a joint promotion with Emeraude Classic Cruises until Dec 31.

Passengers can take the seaplane at 10 am from the tarmac at Hanoi's Noi Bai airport and touch down on water at Tuan Chau Marina. They then ferry to the Emeraude and depart for Halong Bay at noon.

The package costs VND 11, 69,000 (S$701) per person, and includes a one-way flight from Noi Bai to Halong, a private cabin for two, all meals, the cruise, onshore excursions and overland transportation back to Hanoi in a private vehicle.

Previously, the route had to be travelled overland, which was a three- to four-hour drive.

Don't want to drive back to Hanoi? You can also take the 4.30 pm plane back at an additional charge.

The seaplanes seat 12 each, and measure 12.8 metres in length. They fly at 260 km/h.

For more information on booking a seat and a berth, email sales@emeraude-cruises.com.