Vietnamese Helicopters Cooperation & Helicopter Sightseeing Tours 

You’ve probably ridden motorbikes, cars, trains, boats or even planes, but the experience with Vietnamese helicopters may be quite new to you. Most people still only see this vehicle from the historical perspective of wartime, or consider it a tool for transportation and rescue. However, Vietnam Helicopter Corporation has gradually changed this, bringing helicopters into tourism with many interesting activities.

I - Introduction to Vietnamese helicopters corporation

Source: dulichvietnam

Vietnam Helicopter Corporation (VNH) is one of the leading helicopter service operators in Southeast Asia, highly appreciated by customers and partners for its service quality and commitment to safety. This is a collection of experienced pilots, approved as commercial by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, and aeronautical engineering centers, approved by the AMO maintenance organization. There is also a fleet of modern helicopters that meet the strict standards of the Aircraft Management Guidelines of the International Association of Oil - Gas Producers (IOGP).
Vietnamese Helicopters Corporation has 6 member units, including: Southern, Northern and Central Helicopter Companies (VNH South, VNH North & VNH Central, respectively); Training Center (VNH Training); Helicopter Technical Service Company (Helitechco); and Hai Au Investment Trading Corporation (Haiau TIC). VNH’s helicopter services have been present in many parts of the world such as: Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Norway, Timor-Leste,...
Over the past 30 years, the company has been providing helicopter services for more than 50 oil companies, the program of searching for missing Americans (MIA), special aircraft, passenger & cargo transportation, search and rescue, filming and photography flights, tourism and medical emergencies. VNH also provides services such as: Aircraft, pilots & aviation technicians rental; Training pilots & aviation technicians; Overhaul, repair & supply of spare parts for helicopters; Organizations and private aircraft; Real estate business, office leasing; Petroleum transportation.

1 - Types of Vietnamese helicopters

AW-189
Carrying capacity: 21 people (2 pilots & 19 passengers)
Maximum operating radius: 907km

EC-225
Carrying capacity:21 people (2 pilots & 19 passengers)
Maximum operating radius: 987km

EC-155 B1
Carrying capacity:14 people (2 pilots & 12 passengers)
Maximum operating radius: 874km
SUPER PUMA AS-322 L2
Carrying capacity: 21 people (2 pilots & 19 passengers)
Maximum operating radius: 851km
Mi-172
Carrying capacity: 25 people (3 pilots & 22 passengers)
Maximum operating radius: 620km
Mi-171 V
Carrying capacity: 25 people (3 pilots & 22 passengers)
Maximum operating radius: 610km
EC-130 T2
Carrying capacity: 8 people (6 - 7 passengers)
Maximum operating radius: 606km
Cabri G2
Carrying capacity: 2 people (1 pilot & 1 passenger)
Maximum operating radius: 700km
Bell 505
Carrying capacity: 5 people (3 - 4 passengers)
Maximum operating radius: 644km

2 - Service provided by Vietnamese helicopters Corporation

Source: CafeF

Oil & gas operations
As the first aerial supplier to Vietnam’s oil and gas industry, Vietnam Helicopter Corporation is also considered a leader in this field. VNH is always ready to serve 24/24, with a fleet of modern sea-flying helicopters and a system of bases stretching across the country. For over 30 years, the company has provided services to more than 50 domestic and foreign organizations such as Shell, Premier Oil, Petronas…
Flights served the MIA program to search for Americans missing in Vietnam war
This is a flight service for the program to search for Americans missing during the war in Vietnam, signed between the two Governments of Vietnam and the US. Since the first MIA flight on April 18, 1990, VNH has served more than 100 search missions across the country, with high flight proficiency appreciated by the US government, contributing positively to the development of relationship between the two countries.
Vietnamese helicopters flying tours
Coming here, one of the most interesting and unforgettable experiences is, undoubtedly, sightseeing from a helicopter in Vietnam. The extensive airport system and 50 licensed tourist routes of VNH have made this a top sought-after choice for this particular service. You will be able to participate in a tour from 12 - 15 minutes by helicopter with many modern features and amenities, extremely safe and interesting. Regarding service prices, Vietnam Helicopters will base on the actual situation to offer an appropriate number between all parties involved.
Charter helicopters in Vietnam
Using the charter flight service on demand, you can have a helicopter of your own to go on the journey to the places and landscapes you want. Not only sightseeing, this service is also ready to serve other activities such as filming, photography, geological exploration, medical emergencies, cultural - sports events,… The helicopter has a wide viewing angle, specially designed to make observations easier, equipped with air conditioning, and an interactive communication system.
Vietnamese helicopters training
Belonging to Vietnam Helicopter Corporation, VNH Training has been approved as a standard training center by the Ministry of National Defense and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam. The program is professional and diverse with different training courses, resulting in many pilots, mechanics and ground staff for VNH Corporation, Air Defense - Air Force, Navy, pilots from Hong Kong and Malaysia companies,...
Aviation technical service
The VNH Aviation Technical Centers (North and South), together with Helitechco Company are approved to organize AMO maintenance. There are currently more than 200 technicians and staff, who have received basic training, participate in courses and advanced training. By far, VNH technical centers have carried out maintenance, repair and overhaul of helicopters for the country’s, as well as foreign customers.
Vietnamese helicopters general Services
In addition, Vietnam Helicopter Corporation also trades in real estate, leases offices and warehouses, supplies and transports aviation fuel, provides logistics services, etc.

3 - Members of Vietnamese helicopters Corporation

Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company
Established on May 2, 1989, VNH North was renamed to Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company from March 2012. Besides supporting the MIA Program, it also participates in the management of two joint venture companies in the field of the oil & gas operations - Helivifra and Indovina. VNH North’s main airport system includes Gia Lam Airport, Ha Long Base, Danang Airport and Vung Tau Airport.
- Address: Km No.1, Nguyen Van Linh Street, Gia Thuy Ward, Long Bien District, Hanoi
- Contact: 03877 1410
- Email: sales.vnhn@vnh.com.vn
- Website: http://www.vnhn.com.vn
Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company
Established from a unit of the Vietnam Air Force  in August 1983, in March 2012, this company was restructured and renamed Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South). Besides Vung Tau Province, the company’s other helicopter bases are Tan Son Nhat Airport, Con Son (Con Island) and Nam Can (Ca  Mau District).
- Address: No.36, 30/4 Street, Ward 9, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province
- Contact: 0383 8301
- Email: vnhs@vnh.com.vn
- Website: http://www.vnhs.com.vn
Central Vietnam Helicopter Company
This is a state-owned enterprise with more than 30 years of experience in the field of general aviation, known as Central Vietnam Helicopter Company. VNH Central is a leader in providing passenger services by helicopter and sightseeing tours, itineraries and charter trips on customer request. This company also deals in other fields such as transportation, emergency and rescue, topographic photography, filming, etc.
- Address:
+ Da Nang International Airport: Nguyen Van Linh Street, Thac Gian Ward, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang City
+ Nuoc Man Airport: Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City
- Contact: 0236 391 3199
- Email: sales.helitour@vnh.com.vn
- Website: http://www.vnhc.com.vn
Hai Au Trading Investment Joint Stock Company
Established on July 14, 1997, this enterprise was equitized and officially became Hai Au Trading Investment Joint Stock Company on June 29, 2010. HAIAU TIC has significant advantages in terms of facilities, convenient for transactions and business, especially for logistics services.
- Headquarters:
+ Address: No.39B Truong Son, Ward 4, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
+ Contact: 03844 3289 - 0971 797 989
+ Email: info@haiautic.vn
+ Website: www.haiautic.vn
- North Branch:
+ Address: 15th floor, HL Tower Building, Duy Tan Street, Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
+ Contact: 03795 7217 - 0945 999 856
+ Email: info@haiaudesign.com.vn
Website: www.haiaudesign.com.vn
-  Vung Tau City Branch:
+ Address: No.42, 30/4 Street, Thong Nhat Ward, Vung Tau City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province
+ Contact: 0359 53 55 

II - Top Vietnamese helicopters sightseeing tours

Source: Internet

1 - Sightseeing Fansipan by Vietnamese helicopters

With this journey, you can enjoy the majestic, fanciful and dreamy scenery of the Northwest region of Vietnam with Fansipan mountain and Hoang Lien Son range. Dubbed the “roof of Vietnam”, this is a destination that carries special charm with spectacular and majestic natural scenery, making it difficult for visitors to resist. On a modern high-end Vietnamese helicopter for 8 people, you will be able to capture that wonderful scene thanks to the wide glass doors of the spacious cabin, while hearing the narration of this place through a headset that helps reduce noise.
In addition to the Hoang Lien Son range, looking down from the helicopter, you will have the opportunity to see the entire pass running through the mountain pass to Binh Lu or to Sapa town. It is even more wonderful if you go right on a sunny day, giving you the opportunity to look at the distant peak of Fansipan mountain in the clouds, standing proudly in the middle of the sky. There is also a tour flying directly from Hanoi - Cau Kinh Rong May, with a price of 11,900,000 VND / person ($513.37) and travel time of 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Flight point: Cau Kinh Rong May tourist area, O Quy Ho Pass, Son Binh Commune, Tam Duong District, Lai Chau Province
- Price: 3,500,000 VND / person / 15 minutes ($152.42)
- Contact: 03877 1410 - 024 66 888 684 - 08475 33333

2 - Sightseeing Halong Bay

Gaining attention as soon as it appears, this Vietnamese helicopters tour gives you the opportunity to admire the panoramic beauty of Halong Bay. These helicopters all depart from Tuan Chau port, each with a capacity of 7 people including pilots and passengers. They'll take you around stunning limestone cliffs and the emerald-clear waters of Ha Long Bay, passing the best highlights of this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. From above, you can experience a completely new view different from that of a yacht, with the image of the sea foaming white, and freely take impressive photos, videos.
- Route: Tuan Chau - Thien Cung Cave - Ga Choi Islet - Van Boi Islet - Tung Lam Island - Chan Voi Islet - Tuan Chau
+ Price: 1,900,000 VND / person / 8 minutes ($81.97)
- Route: Tuan Chau - Thien Cung Cave - Ga Choi Islet - Ti Top Island - Bai Tu Long - Reu Island - Tuan Chau
+ Price: 2,900,000 VND / person / 12 minutes ($125.11)
- Route: Tuan Chau - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Ti Top Island - Sung Sot Cave - Dong Tien Lake - Trong Cave - Cua Van Fishing Village - Vung Vieng Fishing Village - Sang Toi Cave (Bright Dark) - Vung Ha Beach - Cua Van Fishing Village - Vung Vieng Fishing Village - Cong Do Island - Bai Tu Long National Park - Reu Island - Tuan Chau
+ Price: 5,900,000 VND / person / 25 minutes ($254.53)
- Route: Tuan Chau - Thien Cung Cave - Ga Choi Islet - Ti Top Island - Sung Sot Cave - Dong Tien Lake - Trong Cave - Cua Van Fishing Village - Sang Toi Cave - Vung Ha Beach - Vung Vieng Fishing Village - Cong Dam & Cong Do Islands - Bai Tu Long National Park - Bai Chay Bridge - Halong Park - Reu Island - Tuan Chau
+ Price: 9,100,000 VND / person / 40 minutes ($392.58)
- Contact: 03877 1410 - 024 66 888 684 - 0989 313 339

3 - Sightseeing flight to Mu Cang Chai

From the helicopter, you will pass and see many beautiful landscapes of Mu Cang Chai, such as Tu Le terraced fields, Khau Pha Pass, ethnic villages,… In the middle of September - October is the harvesting season, covering the mountain slopes with a shiny yellow color, mixed with bright green patches. In the pouring water season, the terraced fields are flooded with sparkling water, reflecting the sky just like glass stairs. One flight can accommodate 10 - 12 people but is ready to fly with 9 people, giving you complete visibility within a 10km radius.
- Flight point: Group 4, Mu Cang Chai Town - District, Yen Bai Province
- Price: 2,990,000 VND / person / 15 minutes ($130.21)
- Contact: 03877 1410 - 08475 33333

4 - Vietnamese helicopters sightseeing tour in Dien Bien Phu

If you have the opportunity to go sightseeing by helicopter in Vietnam, you definitely cannot ignore a historical address that is Dien Bien Phu - an iconic historic sight in northern Vietnam. You will be able to fly over the ruins of the old battlefields, see the blockhouses or the ancient constructions. In addition, from the helicopter, you can also see the vast Muong Thanh fields, the green mountain sides dotted with white banyan flowers. Currently, the Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company offers sightseeing service here, but there is no specific tour so you will have to contact them directly to request, with a group of at least 10 people.
- Contact: 03877 1410

5 - Vietnamese helicopters sightseeing tour in Lao Cai

In fact, you can join the sightseeing tour in Fansipan mentioned above, given that it already combines flying over O Quy Ho pass and Sapa town. Otherwise, you can contact North VNH for a request, which is much more private and convenient. In the valley you will see colorful rooftops, interspersed between vast stretches of rice fields. Among the endless mountains are soft winding rivers and streams such as Chay river, Nam Thi river, Coc San stream... Getting to Sapa, you will think that you are lost in a world of white clouds, so close that you seem to be able to reach out and touch it.
- Contact: 03877 1410

6 - Vietnamese helicopters sightseeing tour in Ninh Binh

Offered by Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company, this tour uses a dedicated Bell 505 aircraft with a transparent glass cabin that can accommodate up to 4 guests. This will be an opportunity for you to explore from above more than 6000ha of Trang An scenic complex, along with the majestic and wonderful scenery of Ninh Binh. You will be able to fly at many different altitudes up to more than 210m, convenient for watching the mountains and rivers creating a mysterious natural picture. In particular, in the Tam Coc - Bich Dong area, there are stretching rice fields, interspersed with Ngo Dong river as soft as a silk strip, hidden between the mountain slopes.
- Route: Trang An Marina - Tam Coc Bich Dong Tourist Area - Bai Dinh Pagoda - Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - Trang An
- Price: 1,900,000 VND / person / 10 minutes ($82.74)
- Contact: 03877 1410 - 1900 234 505 - 091 6364 188 - 098 3116067

7 - Sightseeing flight to Danang city

Joining these sightseeing tours by helicopter with a maximum capacity of 4 guests, you will be surrounded by beautiful landscapes and vibrant city life. In particular, when you go around the Son Tra peninsula, you will admire the pristine beauty here, along with the largest statue of Buddha in Vietnam with a height of 67m. Vietnamese helicopters will also fly along Da Nang beach for you to watch the beautiful waves, high-class resort system, then into the city to overlook famous bridges on the Han River such as Dragon Bridge.
- Daily tour: Da Nang Nuoc Man Airport - Marble Mountains - along Da Nang beach - Dragon Bridge - Han River Bridge - Thuan Phuoc Bridge - Son Tra Peninsula - Airport
- Price: 2,800,000 - 3,490,000 VND / person / 12 - 15 minutes ($121.94 - 151.98)
- Operating hours: 8am - 12pm & 2pm - 5pm
- Contact: 0236 391 3199 - 0988 2626 16 - 036 897 1099
In addition, there is also a transport service to tourist destinations near Danang, in a quick time with a negotiable price. You can easily reach Son Tra Peninsula, Hoi An city, Ba Na Hills, Cu Lao Cham, My Son Sanctuary, Lang Co, Hue, Quang Binh, … Flight time fluctuates depending on the distance, from the nearest place with 4 - 5 minutes, to the farthest point with about 80 minutes / trip.

8 - Sightseeing Son Doong and Phong Nha - Ke Bang caves

Due to lack of visitors and expense, the tour to explore Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park by helicopter has been suspended since 2014. This was a combination product between the Oxalis travel company, the Farmstay tourist facility and the Northern Vietnamese helicopters Company. While still active, the helicopter would be able to fly you around and over the majestic territory of the National Park, see the Garden of Eden, Son Doong cave, or it would land to explore En cave, Tu Lan cave…
- Price: 78,000,000 VND / hour / 22 passengers ($3396.77)
- 1-day tour: 3,445,000 VND / person / 15 minutes ($150)
- 2-day 1-night tour: 6,890,000 VND / person / 15 minutes ($300)

9 - Flying to see Vung Tau beach city

Vung Tau is one of the tourist destinations that attracts a lot of tourists to visit in Vietnam, owning beautiful beaches and many attractive landscapes. During the trip, you will get the feeling of peace and comfort from the wide, open roads, the blue sea and white sand, the mountains of various sizes covered with green, and so on. Each helicopter carries only 1 passenger, giving you the most personal experience and the opportunity to capture impressive landscape and check-in photos. Currently, there are 4 Vietnamese helicopters tour packages with different times, attractions and prices, including:
15-minute tour
+ Route: Vung Tau airport - Paradise golf course - Sau beach - Christ statue - Lighthouse - White Palace - May Lake - Da Wharf - return to the airport
+ Price: 3,500,000 VND / person ($152)
30-minute tour
+ Route: Including the route above, adding destinations: Cua Lap bridge - along Long Hai beach - Go Gang - Vung Tau airport, or a reasonable route of your choice.
+ Price: 6,000,000 VND / person ($261)
45-minute tour: Price: 9,000,000 VND / person ($392)
+ Route 1: Vung Tau airport - Paradise golf course - along Long Hai beach - Ky Van cape - Ho Tram - airport
+ Route 2: Airport - Paradise golf course - along Long Hai beach - Long Phuoc tunnel - Go Gang - Ben Dinh Port - Airport
+ Route 3: according to the route proposed by the customer.
60-minute tour
+ Route: Combination of two tours 15 minutes and 45 minutes above
+ Price: 12,000,000 VND / person ($522)
- Contact: 0383 8301 - 036 897 1099
In addition, VNH South also provides passenger transportation from Vung Tau to Con Dao, with two weekly return flights on Friday and Sunday. Ticket price is 2,200,000 VND / person with about 1 hour travel time, departing from Vung Tau airport at 1:30pm and leaving Con Dao at 3:30pm.

10 - Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnamese helicopters

This is a tour that is expected to be put into operation in the near future, letting people have panoramic views of the city center, Can Gio district and Long An province. You will be free to watch the bustling traffic, along with familiar famous places from a new perspective, such as Phu My Bridge, Thu Thiem Bridge, Nha Rong Wharf, Landmark 81 building,... These flights are short and medium ranges, lasting about 30 - 60 minutes depending on different routes, capable of carrying 12 - 16 passengers.
- Estimated price: 4,080,000 - 9,000,000 VND / person ($178 - 392)
- Contact: 0383 8301
Short-range flight
- Estimated duration: 30 - 45 minutes
- Route 1: the center of Ho Chi Minh City
- Route 2: the center of Ho Chi Minh City combined with Can Gio
Mid-range flight
- Estimated duration: 60 minutes
- Route 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Endless field tourist area (Long An)
- Route 2: Can Gio (HCMC) - Endless field tourist area (Long An)

III - Helicopters in the Vietnam War

Many international military experts assessed that the war in Vietnam was the first time that a large-scale helicopter force participated, with tens of thousands of aircraft. Specifically, the US brought to this country a total of 7,013 helicopters, of which the majority were UH-1H and UH-1D. They are the core of the strategies the US wants to implement, including using helicopters as a means to transport troops.
However, many records and documents suggest that about 5,607 US helicopters were lost, most likely shot down during this war. Out of 3,375 UH-1H helicopters that were sent to Vietnam, 1,285 were shot down, and then 1,028 out of 1,926 UH-1D helicopters suffered the same fate. Meanwhile, according to the Vietnam People’s Air Force, Vietnam only lost about 150 - 170 aircraft and helicopters, including 63 MiG-17s, 8 MiG-19s and 60 MiG-21s.

Traveling by helicopters in Vietnam is a fairly new activity, especially attracting those who love to admire nature and experience. Currently, the main handling and management unit in this field is Vietnamese helicopters Corporation, offering many interesting tours. If you have the opportunity to come to this S-shaped strip of land, don’t miss the experience of flying in the sky and admire the beauty of Vietnam.