Visitors to northern Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay can now see the majestic world heritage site by helicopter

The stunning beauty of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam’s north has long been appreciated by seafaring visitors but now, sightseers can take in the awe-inspiring landscape from a completely different perspective.

After taking off from Hanoi’s Gia Lam Helicopter Station and flying to an altitude of 300 meters (1,000 feet), Ha Long Bay can be seen in its entire panoramic splendor.

The thrilling ride costs US$110 per person and package deals are available that include helicopter flights from Hanoi to Quang Ninh Province – home of Ha Long Bay – costing from $350-550.

The Northern Serviced Flight Company began offering flights this summer to meet the increasing tourism demand in the north.

The EC -130 B4 helicopter can accommodate up to seven people and the tours are already popular for weddings and family vacations, say the tour operators.

Initially, the only tour routes available were from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province and around Hanoi’s outskirts.

The routes have now been expanded, with other offered destinations including Ha Long, Cat Bi, Cat Ba, Mong Cai, Lao Cai, Sa Pa, Dien Bien Phu, Hoa Binh, Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Hue city, Da Nang, Vung Tau, Con Dao, Can Tho, Ca Mau, and Phu Quoc.

From February 2009 onwards, the price of a helicopter tour around Ha Long Bay and round-trip flights from Hanoi will increase to $130 and $650 per person respectively.

The Gia Lam Helicopter Station is located on Highway No. 5 in Gia Thuy Ward, Long Bien District, Hanoi.

Tickets can be booked at the Northern Serviced Flight Company:

Tel: (04) 3 827 1535 / 3 877 2496

Website: www.northernsfc.com.vn

Reported by Kim