Phuket Paragliding

Fly Above Phuket Beaches

Phuket Paragliding is a recreational activity that uses a lightweight, foot-launched canopy to glide on coastal thermals and sea breezes around the island. Take-off sites are usually small grassy headlands above Patong, Karon, or Nai Harn, where ground winds average 15–25 km/h. Flights are most consistent from November to April, during the dry northeast monsoon, when skies are clear and winds are stable.

Flight Format

Visitors fly in tandem with a certified pilot who controls the wing and handles take-off and landing. Briefings cover basic body position, harness adjustment, and the planned flight path. Average airtime is 15–30 minutes, depending on wind strength and lift; height above sea level can reach 200–300 metres on good days. Cameras fixed to the risers record still images and brief video clips if requested.

Equipment and Safety

Canopies follow EN or LTF certification standards, and harnesses include back-protecting foam or airbag inserts. Helmets are mandatory. Pilots carry reserve parachutes and VHF radios to monitor local air traffic and weather advisories. Daily inspections check fabric porosity, line tension, and carabiner wear. No flying occurs when gusts exceed 30 km/h or during active thunderstorms.

Eligibility and Physical Requirements

Participants need basic mobility to jog 5–10 metres during launch. Weight limits generally range from 20 kg to 110 kg, with exact figures set by canopy size. Children under 12 require written parental consent. People with uncontrolled heart conditions, recent surgery, or pregnancy are advised not to fly.

Typical Costs and Inclusions

The cost for a tandem flight is 5,900 THB per person. This price includes the pilot’s fee, equipment, insurance, and transportation back to the launch site. Flights priced between 2,500 and 3,500 THB are often operated by individuals without proper certification or safety standards, which could pose significant safety risks. Safety is always their top priority.

Weather Considerations

Morning flights (07:30–10:30) and late-afternoon slots (15:30–17:30) provide the smoothest air and softer sunlight for photography. Southwest-monsoon months (May–October) bring variable rain and stronger onshore winds; operations run on a day-by-day basis, with cancellations common after heavy squalls.

Environmental Impact

Launch zones are compact, and take-offs leave minimal ground disruption. Operators follow “leave no trace” guidelines, removing litter and avoiding vegetation damage. Flight paths stay clear of national-park bird-nesting areas and scheduled drone-photography corridors.

Local Regulations

Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority recognises paragliders as ultralight aircraft. Tandem pilots must hold a national or FAI licence, third-party liability insurance, and permission from local landowners or municipal offices for each site. Random checks occur during holiday peaks, especially around Patong Beach.

Summary

Phuket Paragliding offers a straightforward way to view the island’s coastline from 200 metres up, using pilot-controlled wings, standardised safety gear, and regulated launch sites. Clear dry-season mornings deliver the most reliable conditions, while strict weight limits, weather pauses, and equipment checks keep the activity within accepted international safety norms.

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