Halong Bay seaplane service launched

Emeraude on Halong Bay

The planes lift off at 10 am from Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport and touch down on water at Tuan Chau Marina. 
From the marina, passengers then ferry to the Emeraude for a noon departure on Halong Bay.

The near four-hour slog by road from Hanoi to Halong Bay will be a thing of the past for those who hop onboard Vietnam’s first seaplane service.

The service, launched last month, cuts the travel time from Hanoi to Halong Bay to 30 minutes. 

Hai Au Aviation is jointly promoting the service with Emeraude Classic Cruises through December 31.

The planes lift off at 10 am from Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport and touch down on water at Tuan Chau Marina. 

From the marina, passengers then ferry to the Emeraude for a noon departure on Halong Bay.

The airline flies the latest Cessna Caravan, seating 12.

 “The Hai Au alternative opens up a whole new market segment for Halong Bay,” said Kurt Walter, the Emeraude’s general manager. 

“For many, the prospect of a three to four hour overland drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay is an insurmountable hurdle.”