This page is for anyone about to fly with Mebayluon for the first time: flying hours, who can fly, what to wear and bring, and how to run the take-off properly. If you are still choosing where to fly, see the 7 best places to paraglide in Vietnam compared.
📍 Our flying sites
Mebayluon Paragliding operates a range of beautiful flying sites across Vietnam:
🏙️ Near Hanoi: Doi Bu and Vien Nam Peak
Close to Hanoi, Mebayluon operates two sites: Doi Bu (Xuan Mai) and Vien Nam Peak, both within Hanoi and a little over an hour from the centre. 🔹 Scenery: green hillsides and small valleys where fields and houses sit side by side. 🔹 The flight: once airborne you take in the lakes, fields and surrounding hills — a relaxed, gentle flight. 🔹 Best in spring and summer, when the vegetation is green and the air is clear. 🔹 Doi Bu has its white reed season in October, November and December.
🌾 Khau Pha Pass – Mu Cang Chai
Set deep in the Northwest highlands, this site is defined by terraced fields running from the mountainside down to the valley floor. 🔹 Scenery: mirror-like fields in the water-pouring season, brilliant gold at harvest, with H'mong and Thai villages alongside. 🔹 The flight: launching from 1,268 m on Khau Pha Pass, gliding between ranges of peaks in clean mountain air — as free as a bird. 🔹 Best seasons: April–May (water-pouring), September–October (golden rice), and winter for mist, to day (wild Himalayan cherry) blossom and son tra (wild apple) flowers.
☁️ Sapa – Lao Cai
A site known for the flanks of Fansipan and the Muong Hoa valley. 🔹 Scenery: terraced fields, waterfalls, cool pine forest and the distinctive villages of the Dao, H'mong and Thai. 🔹 The flight: see Sapa from above, fly over cloud-filled valleys and feel the mountain air. 🔹 Typical seasons: the water-pouring season, the autumn harvest, and winter with its dreamlike mist.
🌊 Son Tra Peninsula – Da Nang
The flying site on the Son Tra peninsula. 🔷 Scenery: blue sea, rugged hills, primary forest, a coastal city and white sand beaches. 🔷 The flight: soaring over the sea, with mountains and water in the same frame, riding a cool sea breeze on long flights. 🔷 Best season: February to July, when the wind is light and the sun is out.
🍃 Tram Tau – Lao Cai
Tram Tau still feels genuinely untouched. 🔷 Scenery: rugged mountains, valleys, small streams, pine forest and ethnic villages. 🔷 The flight: launch from a high hillside and glide quietly over valleys and tea hills — peaceful and far from any noise. 🔷 Best seasons: spring and summer, when the forest is at its greenest.
🕒 Flexible flying hours
🔵 Flights run daily, from 7:00 to 18:00 🔵 You can pick the time slot that suits you 🔵 If conditions are unfavourable, the schedule is adjusted flexibly to keep the flight safe and worthwhile
🙋 Who can fly?
🔰 Suitable for ages 2 to 80 Not suitable for: 🔰 Women who are pregnant 🔰 People with heart conditions or high blood pressure under treatment 🔰 People with serious joint or bone problems
🪂 What does the flight involve?
You launch from the top of the hill and glide gently down to the landing field, taking in the whole landscape from above. The service includes the shuttle back to the starting point, so you don't need to worry about getting between the launch and landing sites.
🎒 What to prepare before you fly
🔻 Wear neat, easy-to-move-in clothing Choose something comfortable — neither too tight nor too loose — so you can run freely at launch. Long trousers with a sports or hiking top work best. Avoid skirts, anything that catches, and accessories that can fall off. 🔻 Long sleeves are preferable, for sun protection or warmth Long sleeves protect your skin from sun and wind and prevent minor scrapes on landing. In cold weather, or at altitude, it is noticeably cooler than on the ground, so bring a light jacket. 🔻 You may bring a small bag (1–2 kg) with essentials A compact bag for your phone, wallet, documents or other personal items is fine. Keep it light so you stay comfortable in the air and nothing goes missing. 🔻 Glasses and sunglasses are allowed You can wear prescription glasses or sunglasses during the flight.
⚠️ What matters at launch
Don't worry. Before the flight your pilot walks you through every step, so you know exactly what happens and feel confident at launch. Listen and follow the commands and the launch will be safe and smooth. ⭕ At launch you take about 5–10 short running steps. This run matters: it lets the wing inflate evenly and build enough lift. Run gently and continuously forward as the pilot directs, leaning slightly ahead, and do not stop halfway. Stay calm and focus on the pilot's commands behind you. The pilot controls the wing and decides the moment of launch. Never: ❌ Sit down — this kills the wing's lift ❌ Jump up — this can pull the wing off line and destabilise it ❌ Tuck your legs — keep running evenly so the wing can lift you safely 👉 Run properly and for long enough and you will feel the lift take you up smoothly, with almost no jolt or drop. Once your feet leave the ground, simply sit back into the harness and enjoy the flight.
🎥 Are photos and video included?
Photos and video are included in the flight package and are shot on the latest GoPro equipment. The footage is transferred straight to your phone at original quality right after the flight, so you keep the memories.
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🗺️ Compare the flying sites in detail
🔄 Free cancellation and rescheduling
Every Mebayluon service and flight can be refunded, cancelled or rescheduled free of charge. You can book without worrying about penalties if your plans change or the weather turns. We ask only one thing in return: if you need to cancel or move your booking, let us know a few hours before the departure time. That gives us room to reschedule other guests and reassign pilots and transfers.
☕ A free drink at Khau Pha
At the Khau Pha Pass site, every paragliding guest receives a free drink voucher — tea, coffee, lemon tea and other options. It works at either end: the cafe at the launch point while you wait, or the service area at the landing field afterwards. Mebayluon runs facilities at both — something no other operator at Khau Pha currently offers.
If you are flying at Khau Pha, read the guide to paragliding in Mu Cang Chai for prices, seasons and booking.
