What is paragliding? How a tandem flight works
Paragliding is engine-free flight under a soft fabric wing, powered by wind and rising warm air. A simple explanation of how the wing flies, what a tandem flight is, and the experience in Hà Giang.
Đội trưởng Mỹ · · 5 min read
Paragliding is flying without an engine: the pilot hangs beneath a soft fabric wing, takes off by running down a hillside and then glides along on the wind and rising air currents. For people who have never learned to fly, the most popular way to try it is a tandem paragliding flight: you sit in front while an experienced pilot flies from behind.
This article briefly explains how paragliding works, how it differs from skydiving and paramotoring, and where you can try it in Hà Giang.
What is paragliding — a short definition
Paragliding is a form of free flight. The whole kit is compact enough to fold into a large backpack, and consists of:
- The wing: a double layer of fabric, divided into many air cells along the wingspan.
- The lines: hundreds of thin lines connecting the wing to the harness.
- The harness: where the pilot sits, with padding to protect the back.
- The reserve: a backup parachute packed into the pilot's harness.
No engine, no rigid frame. Every movement comes from gravity, wind and the pilot's skill.
How can a piece of fabric fly?
When the pilot runs into the wind, air rushes into the cells at the leading edge of the wing, inflating it into a shape much like an aircraft wing. Air flowing over the top and bottom surfaces generates lift. The wing is always gently "sliding" downwards under gravity, but it descends very slowly.
To fly longer and higher, pilots look for areas of rising air:
- Wind blowing against a hillside is pushed upwards, creating a band of lift along the slope.
- Thermals — warm air currents — rise from surfaces heated by the sun, such as fields and rocky slopes.
Inside rising air, the wing can hold its height or even climb above the take-off point. That's why, at the same flying site, some days you fly for 10 minutes and other days for longer.
How do paragliding, skydiving and paramotor differ?
| Paragliding (PG) | Skydiving | Paramotor (PPG) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take-off | Running down a hillside | Jumping out of a plane | Running on flat ground |
| Engine | No | No | Yes, worn on the pilot's back |
| Feeling | Smooth, floating | Free fall, then the canopy opens | Smooth, with engine noise |
| Wind dependence | High | Low | Lower than paragliding |
For a more detailed explanation, see our article paragliding vs. powered paragliding.
What is a tandem paragliding flight?
Tandem means two people flying together under one large wing. The pilot sits behind, the guest sits in front, with the two harnesses joined by spreader bars and special buckles. The pilot handles everything: checking the wind, take-off, flying and landing. All you have to do is:
- Listen to a 5–10 minute briefing at the site.
- Run a few strong steps when the pilot shouts "run".
- Sit back, enjoy the view and take photos.
- Lift your legs or jog lightly on touchdown, as instructed.
You need no experience and no prior training. This is how most people take their first flight.
How long does a tandem paragliding flight last?
It depends on the package and the wind. At the Quản Bạ flying site, the standard tandem flight lasts 10–15 minutes, and the long cloud-chasing paramotor flight 15–22 minutes. Including travel up to the take-off, waiting for the wind and the briefing, allow about half a day.
Where can you try paragliding in Hà Giang?
Mebayluon Paragliding runs a flying site in the Tam Sơn valley, Quản Bạ — Km45 of the Hà Giang Loop, open from 15/10/2026:
- Paragliding take-off: a hillside at around 950 m.
- Landing field: a flat area by the river at around 450 m; paramotors also take off from here.
- Standard tandem price: 2.290.000đ/guest, including GoPro photos and video, insurance, drinking water, a flight certificate and pick-up and drop-off within the Quản Bạ area.
- Opening hours: 06:30–18:30.
Besides Quản Bạ, the team also runs paragliding in Đồng Văn (paragliding only, no paramotor), scheduled in advance depending on the wind — contact the hotline to ask about dates.
See full details on the Quản Bạ flying site page.
Frequently asked questions
Is paragliding dangerous?
Like any air sport, paragliding carries risk. Flying tandem with an experienced pilot, using checked equipment and making weather-based flying decisions are what keep the flight safe. Read more in our article is paragliding safe?
Can a first-timer fly solo?
No. Flying solo requires a proper training course. Beginners always start with a tandem flight alongside a pilot.
Can children go paragliding?
Children from 3 years old can fly tandem with a pilot; under-18s must have a guardian present.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
No. Booking requires no deposit and nothing is paid when you book — you pay at check-in at the flying site before your flight, while you do the paperwork and sign the insurance confirmation and liability waiver.
Book a flight: book online — no deposit, free cancellation
Hotline / Zalo / WhatsApp: +84 964 073 555
Read more: Quản Bạ flying site · Flying weather forecast · Hà Giang Loop stage by stage · Before your flight
