Is there a better way to take in the alpine landscapes and terraced fields of Vietnam’s northeastern region?

Visitors to northern Vietnam’s breathtaking Khau Pha Pass or Mu Cang Chai Town, both tucked away in the northeastern province of Yen Bai, are taking to the skies for a bird’s eye view of the region’s pristine landscape. 

The locality, smack-dab in the center of northern Vietnam, boasts a charming alpine landscape likened by many to an orchestral masterpiece where mountains and forests serve as the bass and terraced fields act as violins played by the generations of farmers who work the land.  

Though frequent travelers may take the scene for granted, the introduction of paragliding into the region’s tourism products is offering a whole new perspective on the vista below.

Paragliders are able to gently weave their way over the area while floating over stunning paddy fields until softly touching down in the fields of yellow, green, and brown accented by cottages and the sounds of local farmers harvesting crops.

The flights offer adventure seekers striking vistas which change noticeably as their gliders flutter in the wind.

The sense of peace and freedom from worry cannot be ignored while soaring above the fields and garnering a deeper admiration for the country’s charm.

A paragliding festival is organized in Yen Bai twice a year – once during the rainy season when rapids snake through the mountains and again during the harvest season on the peak of Khau Pha Pass.

Paragliding teams are typically divided into individual and tandem flyers.

Individual paragliders are seasoned pilots, while tourists or extreme sports fanatics are able to experience paragliding by flying in tandem with qualified trainers or pilots. 

Visitors only need to perform simple maneuvers during take-off and landing and comply with the pilots’ in-flight instructions.

As a highly safe adventure sport, paragliding can be done by anyone in normal health who has conquered their fear of heights.

Tourists and pilots perform seamlessly in tandem and are connected by fail-safe gear.

Similar paragliding festivals are held annually throughout Vietnam, including in northeastern Ha Giang Province, on Son Tra Peninsula in the central city of Da Nang, and during the Putaleng Festival in the northwestern province of Lai Chau,

First-timers can check out flight schedules and register for pilot-accompanied flights on the Viet Wings Hanoi Paragliding Club Facebook page.

Fees vary based on each location.

Flights in Mu Cang Chai typically cost VND2 million (US$87), including insurance.

Flyers are permitted to use GoPro cameras, snap photos, and videotape during the 10 to 15 minute flights.

Cameras must be kept in bags strapped to the flyers’ body during take-off and landing.

The gadgets can only be used with the accompanying pilot’s permission while the glider is hovering in stable conditions.

Carpet-like paddy fields during the harvest crop. Photo: Tran Giang Le Vu/Tuoi Tre

The smile of an ethnic minority child. Photo: Tran Giang Le Vu/Tuoi Tre

Splendid terraced fields. Photo: Tran Giang Le Vu/Tuoi Tre

Splendid terraced fields. Photo: Tran Giang Le Vu/Tuoi Tre

Paraglide and take in Vietnam’s natural beauty. Photo: Tran Giang Le Vu/Tuoi Tre

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