Bu Hill, also known as Hill 833, in Chuong My District, Hanoi is a hot spot for tourists who dream of taking to Vietnam’s skies suspended from a massive parachute.

Bu Hill, about 35km southwest of Hanoi in Nam Phuong Tien Commune, is the launching point for paragliders to take off and fly 600m above the ground with the assistance of a professional. 

These professionals instruct and guide newbies, making paragliding over Bu Hill appropriate for paragliders with all levels of experience, or lack thereof.

A 15- to 30-minute flight grants paragliders stunning 360-degree views of the towering mountains and endless rice paddies that flank Vietnam’s capital city.

There is also no age limit to paraglide at Bu Hill, but participants must be in good health, including being free from cardiovascular disease, osteoarthropathy, and pregnancy. 

They must also weigh less than 100kg.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Each paraglider can carry their camera, phone, and even a pet on the flight at their will, but the combined weight of the extra items must be less than 3kg.

Although it takes around 30 minutes to fly, paragliders are encouraged to give themselves at least half a day because weather conditions may cause delays. 

It is also important to book flight times two or three days in advance.

According to Dang Van My, head of Mebayluon Paragliding Club, which organizes paragliding tours at Bu Hill, the cost of an ordinary flight ranges from VND1,690,000 (US$71) to VND1,990,000 ($84), depending on whether or not transportation to Bu Hill is provided.

Flights at sunrise and sunset cost more, VND2,190,000-2,590,000 ($92-109) each, subject to the provision of transportation.

For a sunrise flight, paragliders should hope for a clear day and be at the mountain by 3:00 am to prepare and wait for the right moment to depart so that they can catch the first rays of the sun.

Paragliders who want to catch the sunset should expect a day with great sunlight in the afternoon. 

Those lucky enough to enjoy a beautiful sunset will be treated to magnificent scenery against a horizon of colors that gradually change from yellow to orange to red, and eventually to the dark gray of night. 

These flights usually require paragliders to be at the mountain by 4:00 pm. 

While the price to paraglide over Bu Hill includes drinking water, flight insurance, filming and photos during the flight, and souvenirs, it excludes food, so visitors should bring their own snacks.

Currently, travel agencies and companies organizing paragliding activities all use international payment gateways, making it easier for international tourists to book a tour.

Other activities at Bu Hill include trekking and camping. 

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