Two Bell 505 helicopters are used for the Ha Long Bay scenic flight service. (Source: CNN)

CNN reported that Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company, a subsidiary of state-owned helicopter operator Vietnam Helicopter Corporation, has launched a series of tourism flights over the scenic Ha Long Bay area. Two Bell 505 helicopters are used for the scenic flight service.  Flights depart from and arriving at Tuan Chau island, which is about 170-kilometers from Hanoi capital. CNN Travel cited a company representative as saying that since the launch of the service in early May, the company has hosted 300 customers so far. Three different routing options are offered, with prices ranging between 125 USD and 396 USD per person.
The cheapest journey lasts for 12 minutes and will hover over six tourist sites, while the most expensive experience lasts for 40 minutes with views of 17 different sites along Ha Long Bay.

This sightseeing flight operation is not the first in the area. Hai Au Aviation, the company operating Vietnam's first commercial seaplane service out of Hanoi, also offers scenic flights over Ha Long Bay.