Airboat Tours
25 minutes
Recommended by 94% of travelers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$113
per adult
Hai Au Aviation
Hai Au Aviation
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
A truly unique way to see a wonderfully unique country, Hai Au Aviation is proud to offer Vietnam's only seaplane service. From speedy transfers between Hanoi and Halong Bay, to scenic flights over the islands of Halong, Hai Au's flights are limited to a maximum of just 12 passengers ensuring everyone superb views in true style and comfort.
Tours and Tickets by Hai Au Aviation
from
$522
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
330 reviews
Excellent
283
Very good
23
Average
6
Poor
4
Terrible
14
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Doug obryan
16 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
We flew the halong bay tour on May 12. The first flight was canceled to weather and the crew graciously set up a transfer for us.we did get to fly the following day but also had weather delays. The crew took us back and again the crew did a fantastic job fixing the situation. With these small planes ,weather can be a bigger factor than a. Iarge plane..the tour was excellent, the service was beyond my expectations.
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cele
Padova10 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
We really enjoyed flying over Ha Long Bay, it was a spectacular view even though it wasn't a very sunny and clear day. The flight itself is probably just 10min, which feels like a very short time. But I would say it's worth it.
Written March 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanette C
Spokane, WA33 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Wonderful experience seeing the sites from the air. Our pilot James was funny and informative. Easy check in process and the staff was very attentive. Plane was comfortable and wonderful views regardless of where you sat. A must if you are in the area!
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear 647deanettec,
Thank you for choosing to spend your flight with Hai Au Aviation. We highly appreciate your compliments and we are glad you had an enjoyable time. It's a great pleasure to know that you had a wonderful holiday with us and found everything to your satisfaction.
On behalf of the team, I look forward to welcoming you back very soon.
Cheers,
Hai Au team.
Written August 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phạm Anh Minh
Hanoi, Vietnam71 contributions
Nov 2023 • Business
Second time flying a seaplane, still extremely excited and satisfied. Seems safe, breathtaking, impressive, top of the top. I hope to be able to spread these positive experiences to more people. Will soon bring my family to experience Ha Long Bay with Hai Au seaplane.
Written November 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phong Nguyen
Hanoi, Vietnam52 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
The scenery is wonderful, the majestic nature of Ha Long Bay appears before your eyes when admiring the scenery on a seaplane flight. Enthusiastic and friendly staff and pilots guide visitors while viewing Ha Long from above.
So great for the ultimate experience
So great for the ultimate experience
Written May 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PGPerth
Perth, Australia408 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We never even thought of doing a scenic flight until our travel agent suggested it but we’re SO glad we got to do this! The team were ultra professional from beginning to end and the sights were amazing! We highly recommend this experience! If you’d like to see more, we have a video on YouTube - search @gregpetasmith for our channel ‘Mr & Mrs Smith and look for the Halong Bay video
Written January 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
927lynch
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Nov 2015 • Family
As time was short we decided to take the seaplane to Halong Bay. The flight time is about 30 minutes but we choose to opt for the extra scenic flight over Halong Bay which adds another 15 minutes.
The check-in was smooth although the check in staff appeared to wish they were somewhere else. Note that although there is a strict 7KG carry on luggage limit, our bags were not weighed. We then passed(accompanied by the check in person) through security where the usual restrictions apply to liquids. A bus took us to the plane where we were met by our friendly pilots before boarding the plane. Seats are NOT allocated on check in thus its first come , first served for window seats - the seating is configured with two seats on one side plus one on the other side of the aisle. Planes appear to be very new and were cool once the air conditioning was working. A pleasant flight down to the coast was followed by a superb 15 minute scenic flight over the bay and then ended with a perfect water landing after which the plane mounted a ramp at the marina where we disembarked to be met by a glass of chilled orange juice!. Electric carts then took the passengers to the cruise terminal which is only two minutes away. All in all, a well run company which provides a faster option of getting to Halong Bay than going by road. The only slight negative point is that the tickets issued to us did not state which terminal the plane left from which necessitated a promptly replied to e-mail to find out (Its counter 10 at the domestic terminal).
The check-in was smooth although the check in staff appeared to wish they were somewhere else. Note that although there is a strict 7KG carry on luggage limit, our bags were not weighed. We then passed(accompanied by the check in person) through security where the usual restrictions apply to liquids. A bus took us to the plane where we were met by our friendly pilots before boarding the plane. Seats are NOT allocated on check in thus its first come , first served for window seats - the seating is configured with two seats on one side plus one on the other side of the aisle. Planes appear to be very new and were cool once the air conditioning was working. A pleasant flight down to the coast was followed by a superb 15 minute scenic flight over the bay and then ended with a perfect water landing after which the plane mounted a ramp at the marina where we disembarked to be met by a glass of chilled orange juice!. Electric carts then took the passengers to the cruise terminal which is only two minutes away. All in all, a well run company which provides a faster option of getting to Halong Bay than going by road. The only slight negative point is that the tickets issued to us did not state which terminal the plane left from which necessitated a promptly replied to e-mail to find out (Its counter 10 at the domestic terminal).
Written November 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dsalonso
San Francisco, CA7 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
The bottom line is if you can afford to fly to Halong Bay with Hai Au (They are only company to fly there) you should do it.
I was with my family of five (kids 11, 8,8) and it was an amazing experience. I've never done the bus trip, but this must be better than a 3-4 hour bus trip each way. Note that we booked a last minute fare so we did not pay the normal price.
Also, for full disclosure, I ended up randomly meeting one of the Canadian pilots, Justin (I needed a barber recommendation) on the streets of Tay Ho on our first morning in Hanoi and he ended up showing my family around while we were there. This was before we booked our flight, but we had seen ads for the service and were planning on booking it. Small world.
Anyway-Justin wasn't flying the day we went so we flew with Dave-also from Canada.
Here is the lowdown:
Canadian pilots with Vietnamese co-pilots. I'm no aviator, but my sense is that if you can fly a float plane in Canada, flying in Vietnam probably isn't as challenging. You check in at the domestic airport. We didn't pay when we booked online-they took payment at the airport check in which I thought was kinda strange. Then their credit card machine didn't work and I had to pay half the fare in cash (basically I had to take the maximum daily amount at the ATM). You take a bus on the tarmac to the plane. They use brand new Cessnas- Justin said it was like flying a Cadillac. It was just my family of 5 and one other person in a plane that seats 12 or 15 people I think. FYI no bathroom on the plane, but it's a really short flight anyway. If you are not used to flying in a smaller plane you might think it's a little loud, so I suggested they provided headsets or ear plugs. I didn't think it was a big deal, but you know some people- I am trying to nit pick here for the sake of objectivity.
You take a more scenic route on the way to Halong Bay and it is just amazing. If you are on a boat it's hard to get the scale of it all. You cruise over the bay for about 15 minutes and then land on the water and taxi up a boat ramp as the tourists on the ferry nearby take pictures of this really cool plane that just switched from water to land. As you depart you are met by a 15 seat golf cart with cold towels and water and wait in their brand new lounge (with coffee/sodas/water) and then they take you to whatever boat you booked.
On the way back it's more of a direct flight. It was just my family and another couple on that flight. We did encounter some rain and lightning and it was a little bumpy so keep that in mind. I've been on small planes before and it didn't bother me. My kids didn't even notice. My wife was a little more sensitive, so it bothered her more. They mentioned that sometimes they have to cancel the flight due to weather in which case they would arrange for the traditional bus so you don't miss your boat-they all usually leave around1200/100pm.
For me it was totally worth the splurge. When are you ever going to fly in the float plane above one of the most beautiful places in the world (in my opinion)? Plus you are not going to be as tired on the ride to and from. From what I understand it's not the biggest highway to Halong Bay and you could hit traffic. I got to know the pilots personally (even said hi to Dave as he was biking down the street one day) so I might be a little biased. But even so I'm not going to compromise when it comes down to my family's safety.
In my opinion its the only way to go. Hope to see you guys again soon!
I was with my family of five (kids 11, 8,8) and it was an amazing experience. I've never done the bus trip, but this must be better than a 3-4 hour bus trip each way. Note that we booked a last minute fare so we did not pay the normal price.
Also, for full disclosure, I ended up randomly meeting one of the Canadian pilots, Justin (I needed a barber recommendation) on the streets of Tay Ho on our first morning in Hanoi and he ended up showing my family around while we were there. This was before we booked our flight, but we had seen ads for the service and were planning on booking it. Small world.
Anyway-Justin wasn't flying the day we went so we flew with Dave-also from Canada.
Here is the lowdown:
Canadian pilots with Vietnamese co-pilots. I'm no aviator, but my sense is that if you can fly a float plane in Canada, flying in Vietnam probably isn't as challenging. You check in at the domestic airport. We didn't pay when we booked online-they took payment at the airport check in which I thought was kinda strange. Then their credit card machine didn't work and I had to pay half the fare in cash (basically I had to take the maximum daily amount at the ATM). You take a bus on the tarmac to the plane. They use brand new Cessnas- Justin said it was like flying a Cadillac. It was just my family of 5 and one other person in a plane that seats 12 or 15 people I think. FYI no bathroom on the plane, but it's a really short flight anyway. If you are not used to flying in a smaller plane you might think it's a little loud, so I suggested they provided headsets or ear plugs. I didn't think it was a big deal, but you know some people- I am trying to nit pick here for the sake of objectivity.
You take a more scenic route on the way to Halong Bay and it is just amazing. If you are on a boat it's hard to get the scale of it all. You cruise over the bay for about 15 minutes and then land on the water and taxi up a boat ramp as the tourists on the ferry nearby take pictures of this really cool plane that just switched from water to land. As you depart you are met by a 15 seat golf cart with cold towels and water and wait in their brand new lounge (with coffee/sodas/water) and then they take you to whatever boat you booked.
On the way back it's more of a direct flight. It was just my family and another couple on that flight. We did encounter some rain and lightning and it was a little bumpy so keep that in mind. I've been on small planes before and it didn't bother me. My kids didn't even notice. My wife was a little more sensitive, so it bothered her more. They mentioned that sometimes they have to cancel the flight due to weather in which case they would arrange for the traditional bus so you don't miss your boat-they all usually leave around1200/100pm.
For me it was totally worth the splurge. When are you ever going to fly in the float plane above one of the most beautiful places in the world (in my opinion)? Plus you are not going to be as tired on the ride to and from. From what I understand it's not the biggest highway to Halong Bay and you could hit traffic. I got to know the pilots personally (even said hi to Dave as he was biking down the street one day) so I might be a little biased. But even so I'm not going to compromise when it comes down to my family's safety.
In my opinion its the only way to go. Hope to see you guys again soon!
Written October 21, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
montreal1977
Montreal, Canada43 contributions
Jan 2018 • Solo
They did not let me got on the plane to get 2 passengers instead of one! I had already paid and received a confirmation. Their policy states that you need to pay upfront to secure your seat BUT they let the 2 people take my place even if they had not paid yet!
Written January 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear montreal1977,
We would like sincerely apologize for this late reply and thank you for taking the time to give us feedback.
We deeply regret your experience with us. On the day of your flight, we unfortunately could not let everyone board since we exceeded the weight capacity. We have also looked into the other two passengers who boarded the plane and found that they booked via an agency, not directly with Hai Au Aviation. They were therefore under a different payment policy. It caused us great regret that we could not give you the service we promised, but we hope you understand our decision only came from a safety point of view.
Thank you once again for reaching out to us via email and Tripadvisor. We have dully noted this incident and devised counter measures to prevent unpleasant experience for guests. Should you have any further comments, please do not hesitate to contact us at online.sales@haiauaviation.com
Thank you.
Written June 27, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
vandos
hong kong42 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
We got confirmation the night before our scheduled flight that our flight had been moved forward due to unscheduled maintenance and that we would have a hotel pickup at 6.00AM. No issues with this we confirmed everything and reconfirmed that the pickup would be at the Hanoi Hilton Opera. We were down in the lobby at 5.45am ready to be taken to the airport.
6.15 am still no pick up.
6.30 am still no pick up.
6.45 am still no pick up.
7.00 am you guessed it still no pick up.
During this time we tried to call them several times and no answer it was only at 7.10am that we managed to get through at which time we were informed our pickup would be at 7.15am.
Got to the airport and then there was a further delay no real reason given for it.
Due to the fact the flight was earlier Hai Au Aviation agreed to provide breakfast on arrival but since we were originally going to be waiting for three hours for our boat connection as part to their tour I asked if there was anything we could do. They suggested pearl farm and gave me the choice of paying for breakfast or the Pearl Farm. I chose breakfast but found out latter that the pearl farm was no cost you could just walk in. A bit of a con don't you think? They should have let me know the Pearl Farm had no entry fee so that I could have made the right decision and gone for the Breakfast.
Got to the boat trip arranged by Hai Au Aviation and part of their company another 45 min wait in the lounge to get on the boat. Then told that due to bad weather the boat could not go out but we could have lunch. Got on boat and lunch not ready. Go figure.
We were meant to be on a 4.15 flight back to Hanoi on Hai Au sea plane but you guessed it not on time. The flight eventually left at 5.15 am.
The only truly professional part are the pilots. They were attentive, explained everything and acted truly professional.
My concern is if they run the aircraft maintenance the same way they run their company then there could be some serious issues. Hopefully my experience was a one off.
If you have the time and are not on any kind of schedule and are willing to sit through delays without explanation or bogus explanations and are willing to pay the high price then go for it otherwise think twice. I would not recommend this type of day trip organized by Hai Au Aviation and am curious to see how they will respond.
6.15 am still no pick up.
6.30 am still no pick up.
6.45 am still no pick up.
7.00 am you guessed it still no pick up.
During this time we tried to call them several times and no answer it was only at 7.10am that we managed to get through at which time we were informed our pickup would be at 7.15am.
Got to the airport and then there was a further delay no real reason given for it.
Due to the fact the flight was earlier Hai Au Aviation agreed to provide breakfast on arrival but since we were originally going to be waiting for three hours for our boat connection as part to their tour I asked if there was anything we could do. They suggested pearl farm and gave me the choice of paying for breakfast or the Pearl Farm. I chose breakfast but found out latter that the pearl farm was no cost you could just walk in. A bit of a con don't you think? They should have let me know the Pearl Farm had no entry fee so that I could have made the right decision and gone for the Breakfast.
Got to the boat trip arranged by Hai Au Aviation and part of their company another 45 min wait in the lounge to get on the boat. Then told that due to bad weather the boat could not go out but we could have lunch. Got on boat and lunch not ready. Go figure.
We were meant to be on a 4.15 flight back to Hanoi on Hai Au sea plane but you guessed it not on time. The flight eventually left at 5.15 am.
The only truly professional part are the pilots. They were attentive, explained everything and acted truly professional.
My concern is if they run the aircraft maintenance the same way they run their company then there could be some serious issues. Hopefully my experience was a one off.
If you have the time and are not on any kind of schedule and are willing to sit through delays without explanation or bogus explanations and are willing to pay the high price then go for it otherwise think twice. I would not recommend this type of day trip organized by Hai Au Aviation and am curious to see how they will respond.
Written July 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear valued customers,
We had well acknowledged your comment and immediately sent it to our Reservation and Customers Service Department. Our team had replied through your personal email right after your travel date to explain the situation as well as to send our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused you by those unfortunate events.
As per our conversation through separate emails, on 4 Jul there was an unexpected error on the online system of our transportation partner which led to the late pick-up. In additions, due to the ATC (Air Traffic Control) – VIP flight arrival at Noi Bai Airport on that day, all flights had been delayed including our seaplane flights.
Please find the official apology letter and compensation offer in your private email inbox. Once again, thank you for your kind understanding and acceptance to our offer of service fee refund and gift vouchers. It would be our great honour if we could be at your services again in the near future.
We are looking forward to welcoming you on board soon.
Best regards,
Hai Au Aviation
Written July 17, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I read that most flights in March are cancelled due to bad weather is this the same in November? Or is it the same in March and November?
Written September 8, 2024
Why is the Hanoi to Halong with scenic flight 130% more expensive (405 instead of 175 USD) but offers only 30% more flight time (60 instead of 45 minutes) compared to the standard Hanoi to Halong flight?
Written April 21, 2019
We didn't pay anywhere near $405--we got our tickets through a Vietnamese travel agency and it was less than $200.
Written May 29, 2019
Looking at these planes, I assume the floats and wing-supporting bars obstruct the view. How badly?
Written February 3, 2019
Hello, I was curious how the sight seeing flight is in late February or early March, thank you!
Written December 3, 2018
What time is arrival back to hanoi if coming back driving after the cruise?
Written November 2, 2018
If you drive and do not take the plane, arrival back in Hanoi is at about 2.30pm.
Written November 9, 2018
Considering seaplane flight from Halong Bay to Hanoi Airport. Would like to book an onward flight to HUI or DAD airport. What would the earliest flight time that I could book the onward flight? (I originally wanted to go on to Hue, but it looks like the direct flights are in the morning so I am willing to go first to HoiAn)
Written February 3, 2018
Sorry for the late reply. We didn’t book any of the holiday ourselves we used a travel agent. The Asian travel agency is called Lusso. Hope this helps. The sea plane also nearly didn’t fly because of the bad weather so you’ll need to take this in to account 😊
Written March 24, 2018
skdkfkd
Seoul, South Korea
Please. December 17th. 1 person. 12 pm. You have to go to Hanoi Airport from Halong Bay. I ask because I have to get on the plane at 3:00.
Written December 12, 2017
HaiAu_Aviation_TMG
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Dear our valued customer,
To book our seaplane flight on December 17th, please visit our website or contact hotline number.
Thank you!
Written December 13, 2017
1 where do you take off from hanoi?
2 can you organise flights to and from hanoi and also a cruise in halong bay all in one day?
Written November 22, 2017
HaiAu_Aviation_TMG
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Hi,
We would like to give you some information:
1. Our seaplane take off at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi City
2. We also have Hanoi - Halong bay package in one day, including seaplane flight and cruise around Halong. For more details don't hesitate to contact us.
All the best,
Hai Au Aviation
Written November 23, 2017
Hello
I am about to book the seaplane from Hanoi to Haylong Bay but do not wish do do a boat trip. Is there anything to do whilst we wait for the plane to return us to Hanoi. I think there are about 4 hours to kill. thank you
Written July 20, 2017
HaiAu_Aviation_TMG
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Dear jcjcjcj,
Sorry for replying late.
You don’t have to wait for 4 hours to come back to Hanoi. In fact, we have return flight departures from Halong Bay at 12:30.
Otherwise, you can hire a taxi to go to the center and try local cuisine, wander around and then come back to Tuan Chau Marina.
Written August 25, 2017
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