Paragliding in Sapa:
everything you need to know

Paragliding in Sapa is one of the most memorable things to do in northern Vietnam. You fly in tandem with a professional pilot over Muong Hoa Valley, one of the most famous rice-terrace landscapes in the country. This guide answers the questions travellers ask us most

What is tandem paragliding?

You sit in front, the pilot sits behind you and controls the whole flight. You do not need any experience or special fitness, only to run a few steps on the pilot’s signal at take-off. Once in the air, you simply sit back, enjoy the view, take photos and talk to your pilot

Where do you fly?

Take-off: Hang Da, about 1,500 m

The launch site sits on a grassy slope above Muong Hoa Valley, about 15 minutes by car from Sapa town. There is a check-in desk, a covered waiting area and a wide lawn facing the valley

Landing: Lao Chai

You land on a flat field among the rice terraces of Lao Chai, a Black H’Mong village. From there our car takes you back to your hotel, or you can continue walking to Ta Van village

How much does it cost?

• Basic – 2,090,000 VND (~82 USD): flight, GoPro photos & video, insurance, drinks, certificate
• Standard – 2,190,000 VND (~88 USD): plus hotel pick-up & drop-off
• Premium – 2,990,000 VND (~116 USD): plus drone video and 360° camera

No deposit is needed. Full details on our prices page

When is the best time to fly?

You can fly all year round when the weather allows. Each season paints the valley differently

• April – May: water season, flooded terraces shine like mirrors
• June – August: green rice, white clouds, occasional afternoon showers so mornings are safer
• September – early October: golden rice, the most popular time, book a few days ahead
• Mid-October – March: clear, dry air with long views and seas of clouds on cold mornings

We fly daily from 7:00 to 18:00. Mornings are usually calm, perfect for first-timers. Around 16:30 is the sunset slot with the best light for photos

Is it safe?

• Licensed operation: airspace permit No. 17996/TC-QC from the Operations Department of the General Staff, and paragliding business certificate No. 02/GCN-SVHTT from the Lao Cai Department of Culture and Sports
• Experienced tandem pilots, equipment and reserve parachute checked before every flight
• Pilots assess wind and clouds on site before every take-off. If conditions are not right, we do not fly
• Insurance included in every package

More in our FAQ & safety page

Who can fly?

• Maximum weight 110 kg (tell us in advance if over 95 kg)
• Children from 3 years old, under 18 with parent or guardian consent
• Basic fitness: able to run a few short steps
• Afraid of heights? Many of our guests are, and most are surprised how calm it feels in the air

What does a flight day look like?

• Book online or by WhatsApp, we confirm within 3 hours
• We pick you up at your hotel and drive to Hang Da
• Your pilot explains the harness, helmet and the take-off run
• Wait for the right wind, run a few steps and you are airborne
• Fly 8–15 minutes over the valley
• Land at Lao Chai, get your photos, video and certificate

What to wear

• Sneakers or hiking shoes with good grip, no sandals
• Long trousers
• A windproof jacket, it is cooler up there
• Sunglasses on sunny days, tie long hair back

Getting to Sapa

Most travellers come from Hanoi by sleeper bus, limousine van or night train to Lao Cai, usually around 5–6 hours. Many fly the afternoon they arrive and keep the next morning as a weather backup