Helicopter sightseeing tours over Ho Chi Minh City resumed on March 11, with 48 passengers on four flights from Vung Tau Airport. The service offers four itineraries ranging from 15 to 60 minutes, showcasing landmarks and enhancing regional tourism. Future expansions are planned to integrate these tours with other tourism services.
After a period of suspension, helicopter sightseeing tours over Ho Chi Minh City and nearby coastal areas resumed on March 11, with four flights departing from Vung Tau Airport carrying a total of 48 passengers.
Originally launched in April 2022 by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism as a pilot program, the service was later paused for refinement before its relaunch.
Passengers undergo security screening and weight checks prior to boarding to ensure safety compliance, followed by health declarations and safety briefings in both Vietnamese and English. Each traveler is issued a boarding pass with flight details and seat assignments, while all flights are covered under international aviation insurance standards.
The tours operate from Vung Tau Airport using a fleet that includes EC-155B1, Super Puma L2, Leonardo AW189, and Airbus EC-225 helicopters.
According to Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, deputy director of the city Department of Tourism, the improved coordination between Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province has been instrumental in enabling the program’s return.
Travelers can choose from four itineraries ranging from 15 to 60 minutes, with prices starting from VND2.9 million (US$110) to VND17.6 million (US$669):
- Vung Tau Skyview (15 minutes): Aerial views of Vung Tau’s coastline and landmarks
- Green Horizon (30 minutes): Connecting Vung Tau with the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve
- Green Coastline (40 minutes): Following the shoreline from Long Hai to Ho Tram
- Skyline Discovery (60 minutes): Extending from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City via Can Gio
Each flight offers two seating categories, including a VIP package with eight seats and a standard package with 12 seats, with window seats priced at a premium.
The helicopters fly at a moderate speed, allowing passengers to take in panoramic views of key landmarks such as the Christ of Vung Tau statue, Nghinh Phong Cape, the historic Vung Tau lighthouse, Tam Thang Tower, Bai Dau Sanctuary, and the floating fish farms of Long Son Commune.
Onboard audio commentary provides context as the aircraft passes over each site, enhancing the overall experience.
Tran Thanh Vu, CEO of Vinagroup, said the tours are designed to complement existing tourism offerings such as yacht cruises and beach resorts, adding a new experiential layer to the region’s tourism portfolio for both domestic and international visitors.
Currently operating on fixed schedules at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from Friday to Sunday, the program is expected to expand further. Authorities are exploring investment in additional helipads and integrating the service with water-based tourism to develop a broader, interconnected sightseeing network.
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