Halong Bay is an UNESCO-recognized and protected world heritage site known for its gorgeous geological formation. Tourists who visit the place usually stay for a day or two going around the coves, islets, and other spectacular sights in the bay.

But if you want to discover Halong Bay in a new and non-conventional way, aim high and reach for the skies (literally) and take a helicopter tour instead. Luxury Travel Company offers a helicopter tour around Halong Bay that will definitely make your visit more exciting and memorable. Operated by Northern Serviced Flight Company, the unique tour takes its guests along a 45-minute ride aboard a 24-seater Russian MI 17 helicopter. Capable of reaching up to 300 meters of altitude and offering a full, breathtaking view of the Red River, forests, mountains, beaches, among others, it definitely beats taking a more than three hours of long and tiring land trip from Hanoi to Haiphong.

Taking a helicopter tour also takes one to the historical limestone karst islets. It is said to be the shards of diamonds and jade. According to legend, they were spat out by a family of dragons sent down from heaven to protect the land from foreign invaders.

Aside from Halong Bay, Northern Serviced Flight Company also offers helicopter tours to other areas such as Sapa in Lao Cai Province and Dien Bien Phu. But especially recently, tourists seem to prefer exploring the famous bay. Visitors who want to take the helicopter tour should go straight to Gam Liam Airport, about 5 kilometers from downtown Hanoi. It is where the aircraft is parked and where the tour guide and helicopter crew are, so the tour starts there.

After the aerial tour, the helicopter lands on a heliport at General Giap Hill (named after General Vo Nguyen Giap) wherein the tourists then take a drive to Bai Chai Harbour to ride on a junk boat and engage in another exciting adventure of exploring caves, beaches, kayak-paddling, and floating agricultural farms. Guests are treated to a bountiful and delicious seafood lunch.

If you want to discover Halong Bay and make your trip special and memorable, taking a helicopter tour definitely makes your visit more exciting and lasting, an experience truly, figuratively and literally, above the rest.