The History of Paragliding in Vietnam: From an Extreme Sport to a Popular Adventure Experience
In recent years, paragliding in Vietnam has developed rapidly. Many sites that began as informal flying spots have since received official licenses, attracting thousands of visitors eager to try the experience,
Paragliding in Vietnam began to take shape in the 2000s, with its roots in Hanoi. Đồi Bù, located in Nam Phương Tiến Commune, Xuân Mai, about 40 kilometers from Hanoi, was the first training site for Vietnamese pilots. It is still an unspoiled rural area, offering favorable takeoff conditions, good winds, and minimal turbulence. Early pioneers such as Bách Lê, Nguyễn Việt Hà, and Giang BT first learned to fly in Europe before returning to Vietnam, where they discovered and developed this site
Some of the pioneering organizations in Hanoi included the Hanoi Paragliding Club, Vietwings Hanoi Club, and the Northern Aviation Club. Pilots from all across the country gathered in Hanoi to train and learn from one another. However, in the 2000s, the sport was still relatively unknown, so it remained mainly a niche activity for a small community of people passionate about air sports.
In the 2000s, pilots mainly focused on mastering safe takeoffs and landings, short soaring flights, and flying within a limited airspace. Getting up the mountain was also very challenging, as the route was little more than a local footpath and could only be accessed by motorbike; at times, pilots even had to carry their paragliding packs on foot all the way to the top. Pilots recall that they could manage only one or two flights a day because the journey was so demanding, and they also lacked the equipment needed to properly assess weather conditions.
By the 2020s, a new generation of young pilots in Vietnam had become increasingly passionate about paragliding. Many traveled to France, Nepal, Turkey, and other countries to study cross-country flying, high-altitude techniques, and more structured training programs. During this period, the skills of solo paraglider pilots improved significantly, and many began taking part in international competitions to gain experience and learn from the global paragliding community. It was also during this time that the Hanoi Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (HNAA) was established, becoming a professional and respected organization for Vietnam’s paragliding community.
📈 The rapid rise of paragliding in Vietnam
From 2020 to 2025, paragliding in Vietnam experienced remarkable growth, with dozens of competitions and flying events held annually across the country. The sport became increasingly vibrant, especially with the growing participation of female pilots, helping to build a more diverse and dynamic community.
At the same time, many new flying sites were gradually developed, designed, and put into operation. These sites not only supported the growth of local solo flying communities but also increasingly met the requirements for hosting large-scale competitions. Competitions also became more structured and professional, with notable examples including: The annual precision landing competition in Da Nang The “Flying Over the Golden Season” Festival in Mù Cang Chải Paragliding festivals in Bát Xát, Hoàng Su Phì, and Hà Giang The cross-country (XC) competition in Tam Đường, Lai Châu Beyond their grassroots origins, these events have attracted a growing number of domestic and international pilots, helping bring Vietnamese paragliding closer to the level of a professional airsport scene.
🪂 Tandem flying goes mainstream and draws in young people
Alongside the growth of paragliding in Vietnam, tandem paragliding has also gradually become a popular activity among young people. What was once seen as a rather novel experience is now much more widely known and has become an exciting choice for those who want to feel the thrill of flying and admire the mountains and forests from above. Thanks to paragliding, many remote rural areas have gained a new tourism highlight, creating an appealing attraction for visitors while also promoting local landscapes and culture in a very distinctive way. This is also one of the reasons why the activity has been receiving increasing support from local authorities. Today, Vietnam is home to several well-established tandem paragliding brands, such as Mebayluon Paragliding (Hanoi, Mù Cang Chải, Da Nang), Sapa Paragliding (Sapa), Fly Nha Trang (Nha Trang), and Da Nang Paragliding. Visitors can easily get advice and book a flight quickly.
Flight services have also become increasingly convenient, with many added amenities such as shuttle transport to the takeoff site, video recording, in-flight photography, souvenir flight certificates, and in some places even free accommodation for participants. That said, one very important thing to remember is that paragliding is a weather-dependent sport. To ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience, visitors should check the weather in advance, coordinate with the flight operator on the most suitable takeoff time, and always prioritize safety over flying higher or farther.
What began as a “head-in-the-clouds” passion shared by just a few adventure seekers has now grown into a vibrant paragliding movement across Vietnam. Today, anyone can learn and experience the freedom of flying through the open sky. At the same time, tandem paragliding has evolved beyond simply satisfying a taste for adventure. It has become a refreshing and exhilarating outdoor experience, attracting large numbers of young people and travelers alike. Looking ahead, the sport is expected to become even more professional, with national teams competing internationally and tandem flights reaching more international visitors, helping showcase the beauty of Vietnam to the world.
