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Helicopter – new way to cruise Ha Long Bay: CNN

Cruising Ha Long Bay has long been one of the top things to do when visiting Vietnam, but now tourists have a new way to experience the dazzling natural attraction, the US Cable News Network (CNN) Travel said.
Helicopter – new way to cruise Ha Long Bay: CNN ảnh 1Two Bell 505 helicopters are used for the Ha Long Bay scenic flight service. (Source: CNN)

Hanoi (VNA) - Cruising Ha LongBay has long been one of the top things to do when visiting Vietnam, butnow tourists have a new way to experience the dazzling natural attraction, theUS Cable News Network (CNN) Travel said.

CNN reported that Northern Vietnam HelicopterCompany, a subsidiary of state-owned helicopter operator Vietnam HelicopterCorporation, has launched a series of tourism flights over the scenic Ha LongBay area.

Three different routing options areoffered, with prices ranging between 125 USD and 396 USD per person.

The cheapest journey lasts for 12 minutes andwill hover over six tourist sites, while the most expensive experience lastsfor 40 minutes with views of 17 different sites along Ha Long Bay.

Two Bell 505 helicopters are used forthe scenic flight service. 

Flights depart from and arriving at Tuan Chauisland, which is about 170-kilometers from Hanoi capital.

CNN Travel cited a company representative assaying that since the launch of the service in early May, the company has hosted300 customers so far.

This sightseeing flight operation is not thefirst in the area.

Hai Au Aviation, the company operatingVietnam's first commercial seaplane service out of Hanoi, also offers scenicflights over Ha Long Bay.

The 25-minute tour takes off and lands from thewater at Tuan Chau Island Marina.

The cost ranges from 102-120 USD depending onthe season.

Recognised twiceby the UNESCO as a global heritage site for its landscape and geological value,Ha Long Bay in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh has become a magnet forvisitors. Last year, Quang Ninh province welcomed 12.3 million visitors,including 5.2 million foreigners, and earned 24 trillion VND (1.03 billion USD)in tourism revenue.-VNA
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