After a period of temporary suspension for service upgrades, premium helicopter sightseeing tours over Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau have officially returned to the skies. The relaunched service debuted from the Vung Tau Airport helipad, with four initial flights successfully carrying 48 eager passengers.

The service was initially introduced by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism in April 2022 to gauge market interest. Following a comprehensive evaluation of operational conditions, the program was paused to refine and perfect the customer experience. Today, the tours are back, promising a more seamless and spectacular journey.

Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, noted that enhanced regional linkages between Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria - Vung Tau province created favorable conditions for the project’s successful restart.

Modern Fleets and Strict Safety Standards

The tours utilize a fleet of modern, state-of-the-art helicopters, including the EC-155B1, Super Puma L2, Leonardo Helicopter AW189, and Airbus Helicopter EC-225. These aircraft are equipped with large, oversized windows designed specifically to offer passengers unobstructed views of the landscapes below.

Passenger safety and comfort are strictly prioritized. A mandatory 15-minute check-in process includes standard aviation security screening and luggage/body weight checks to ensure optimal flight balance. Furthermore, all passengers must submit health declarations prior to boarding, receive safety briefings in both English and Vietnamese, and are fully covered by international aviation insurance.

Tailored Flight Itineraries

Operating at an altitude and speed optimized for sightseeing, the flights feature an in-cabin audio guide that introduces passengers to famous landmarks as they fly overhead. Depending on their schedule, travelers can choose from four distinct itineraries:

• Vung Tau Skyview (15 minutes): A sweeping panoramic view of the coastal city, taking in the Front and Back Beaches, the Christ the King statue on Small Mountain, Nghinh Phong Cape, the lighthouse, and the floating aquaculture rafts of Long Son.

• Green Horizon (30 minutes): A scenic route bridging the Vung Tau coastline with the lush Can Gio Biosphere Reserve.

• Green Coastline (40 minutes): A spectacular flight tracking the length of the beautiful Long Hai - Ho Tram coastal road.

• Skyline Discovery (60 minutes): The ultimate aerial journey from the beaches of Vung Tau over the green lung of Can Gio, concluding with breathtaking views of downtown Ho Chi Minh City.

Tickets range from 2.9 million VND to 17.6 million VND, depending on the flight duration and seat selection. Each flight offers an 8-seat VIP package and a 12-seat Experience package, with window seats commanding a premium.

A New Highlight for Southern Tourism

The relaunch has been met with enthusiasm from initial passengers. Ms. Vo Thuy Nhien, a passenger from Ho Chi Minh City who experienced the 15-minute Vung Tau flight, shared her excitement: "The flight was incredibly smooth. Seeing these famous landmarks from above for the first time was deeply impressive. I definitely want to bring my family back to experience this during the summer."

Looking ahead, the tourism sector hopes to integrate these flights with luxury yacht tours and coastal resort stays. Mr. Tran Thanh Vu, General Director of Vinagroup, stated that the company expects these helicopter tours to become a major new highlight for regional tourism, catering to the increasingly diverse demands of both domestic and international visitors.

Flights currently operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at fixed times of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Future development plans include building satellite helipads to connect aerial tours with waterway routes and other major tourist attractions across the region.