Tips for Your Tandem Paragliding Adventure in Sapa
- Kim Tran
- 6 ngày trước
- 4 phút đọc
Flying tandem over Sapa’s stunning rice terraces and mountains is an unforgettable experience. To make your adventure smooth, safe, and enjoyable, here are some essential tips from the FlySapa team.
🪂 Choose the Right Company (don't look at prices)
There are several paragliding operators in Sapa, with prices that are nearly identical. But not all flights are equal. FlySapa is the only company flying from the highest takeoff point in Vietnam, nearly double the altitude of the others. That means:
Better views (you see not just the rice terraces, but the whole town and surrounding mountains).
Safer flight (more altitude gives more margin for safety).
Longer duration (more time in the air to enjoy your adventure).
📱 Secure Your Media
Make sure your phone has at least 10 GB of free space before you fly. We’ll copy your GoPro footage directly to your phone after landing. If your phone is full, we can still send it later — but you may have to wait until the evening, and sometimes technical issues cause delays.
🍲 Eat Light
Have a light meal 1–2 hours before your flight. Avoid heavy or greasy food — you’ll enjoy the ride much more if you’re comfortable in the air.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drink water like you normally would before light exercise, but avoid drinking too much right before takeoff.
🚻 For Women Passengers
We recommend using the restroom at our office before heading up to the takeoff site. Facilities on the mountain are limited.
🏃 Takeoff Tip: RUN, No Stop!
Takeoff is the most important part of tandem paragliding. When the pilot asks you to run, keep running — no stopping, no slowing down, and definitely no jumping. Many passengers subconsciously slow down near the end of the runway, which can cause problems. Even pulling the pilot forward is safer than letting them push you, because it keeps both of you moving smoothly together.
🌤️ Be Flexible with Weather
Paragliding depends on safe flying conditions. Sometimes flights are delayed or rescheduled due to wind, rain, or visibility. We care about safety even more than you do — please don’t pressure the pilot to fly if the weather isn’t right.
🎒 Bring a Small Bag
Carry a small bag with you for your essentials. Don’t leave belongings in our car — not because they’ll be lost, but because the car takes much longer to return than the paraglider.
👕 Dress Smart
Wear comfortable clothes that let you move freely. Avoid skirts or dresses, as you’ll need to run during takeoff. Clothing with zippers is especially helpful — you can secure small belongings and avoid losing them in the air.
👟 Shoes Matter
Closed-toe sports or hiking shoes with good grip are a must. Sandals, heels, or loose footwear can be unsafe on uneven mountain terrain and during takeoff.
🌡️ Temperature
Don’t worry about being cold in the air. The temperature at flying altitude is usually just 1°C cooler than in Sapa town. With the breeze, it feels similar to riding a motorbike around town. You’ll only need a jacket if you’re doing the Fly to Fansipan paramotor flight, which goes much higher.
🕶️ Sun Protection
The sun on the mountain can be surprisingly strong. Sunglasses and sunscreen will keep you comfortable and protect your skin and eyes.
🚗 Transport Tips
On weekends or holidays, traffic jams are common in Sapa town. Walking a short distance out of the busiest streets and letting us know your easier pickup spot will save you a lot of time.
If you bring friends or family who just want to watch, let us know in advance. Coordinating transportation for passengers, pilots, and spectators across multiple sites is already challenging, but we can make arrangements if we have advance notice.
💬 Communicate With Your Pilot
If you have any special requests, please notify your pilot prior to the flight. Want dynamic maneuvers with more adrenaline? Prefer a smooth, relaxing glide? Interested in trying to steer the glider yourself? Our pilots are happy to adjust the flight style — as long as conditions are safe.
🪖 Pick Paramotor in Certain Cases
If you feel you can’t physically run fast enough for a normal paragliding takeoff, the paramotor is your perfect option. Unlike paragliding, paramotor takeoff doesn’t require a running start — the motor provides the lift.
It’s also the best choice for large groups (around 10 people or more). Normal paragliding depends heavily on weather and wind, which can slow down the process when flying many passengers. Paramotor, on the other hand, can operate in more varied conditions and handle groups more smoothly, ensuring everyone gets their flight without long waiting times. Also, it's always fun to have everybody around one location to watch each other take off and land.
🧘 Relax & Enjoy
It’s natural to feel nervous before your first flight. Trust your pilot, follow instructions, and let yourself enjoy the incredible views. You’re in good hands!
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Follow these tips, and your tandem paragliding experience with FlySapa will be smooth, safe, and unforgettable.