The first helicopter tour in HCM City takes off on April 29. — VNA/VNS Photo Mỹ Phương

HCM CITY — The first helicopter tour for tourists in HCM, organised by the Fiditour - Vietluxtour Travel Company at VNĐ4 million (US$174) per person, takes off today.

Many other tourism companies are also introducing the “Contemplate HCM City from above” tours by helicopter, which are already fully booked for the upcoming holidays.

Vietravel Travel Company also offers the 40-minute tour at the same price.

The Saigontourist Company offers a helicopter tour for VNĐ 4.9 million per person.

Vietravel Tourism Company said the helicopter tours, launched for the first time, aim to give residents and visitors a new and unique experience.

The tours use W-189 helicopters that can carry a maximum of 16 passengers. 

The city’s Department of Tourism launched the service in coordination with Military Hospital 175 and the Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South).

The city’s tourism department will conduct air tours and promote the product. Military Hospital 175 will maintain the helipad and work to ensure the safety of passengers.

Depending on the terrain, the tours take tourists to heights of 200 to 300 metres, and passengers must undergo a medical check before the flight. 

The helicopter departs from the helipad at the Military Medical Hospital 175 or Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport. It takes tourists to destinations such as Phú Mỹ Bridge, Thủ Thiêm Bridge, Landmark 81 tower, and the Bình Quới Tourist Area.

Residents and visitors can choose between flights of 20, 40, 50, or 80 minutes over the inner city and coastal Cần Giờ district as well as the Cánh Đồng Bất Tận (Endless Field) tourism area in neighbouring Long An Province. 

Tourism businesses said they hoped to expand the scope and range of the chopper tours to offer more unique experiences. In the future, they would continue to cooperate with other units to hold more tours by helicopter with amazing views and services.

The new tours are expected to add to HCM City’s allure and help it welcome 25 million domestic and 3.5 million foreign tourists this year. — VNS