Adrenalin lovers paraglide at Hong Islet in Phan Thiet Town

Just 200 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Thiet Town in Binh Thuan Province has many amazing delights.

Paragliding was introduced to Vietnam in 1997 by two French athletes, Stephane and Didie. But back then few Vietnamese were interested in this “sky” game.

Only when Duy Long, considered the first Vietnamese paraglider, established the Vietwings Club in 2003, did Vietnamese people start to recognize the attraction. Vietwings Club now has 20 members, including four women.

Hon Hong (Hong Islet) is an ideal place for paragliding in Phan Thiet. About 27 kilometers from town, with many sand dunes and strong sea breezes, Hon Hong is an appropriate location for “ridge soaring.”

Before trying paragliding, tourists will receive technical instruction from a Vietwings member, including how to take off and land, how to fly and how to handle emergency situations.

“Paragliders should strictly comply with all the rules and aviation laws,” Long said. “As well as having a basic knowledge of aerodynamics, you must also have a good frame of mind and remember to always keep calm.”

People interested in paragliding must register at least 24 hours in advance. Tourists can try a tandem flight with a trainer.

To try paragliding, you must be between 40 and 100 kg in weight, be able to run 10 meters, have no arthritis, high blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases. For VND600,000 (US$36), you will get a 15-30 minute flight. Remember to take along sport shoes, sunglasses, a windcheater, camera and sun cream.

For those who want to become a “master of the air,” you can take a Vietwings paragliding course and spend about $2,000 on a parachute, gloves and a walkie–talkie.

You can register for paragliding at the website: www.vietwings-hpg.com (in Vietnamese) or email info@vietwings-hpg.com for detailed information.

Reported by Kim