Tourist killed in paragliding crash on Vietnam's Son Tra Peninsula

The tourist, Hoang Quoc Tuan, 36, from Ho Chi Minh City, was flying with pilot Le Manh Phu, 41, during a paragliding tour operated by Tropical Forest company on July 8. Phu was controlling the paraglider with Tuan seated in front.

Around 5:30 p.m., as they flew over the peninsula, the paraglider malfunctioned, sending Tuan plunging into the forest near the shoreline. Phu continued flying briefly before crashing onto the beach. He was taken to hospital with injuries.

Rescue teams found Tuan’s body at 7:25 p.m. in a forested area near Bien Dong Resort.

Authorities have suspended all paragliding activities on Son Tra Peninsula to review safety procedures. The inspection will cover flight equipment and protective gear, pilot certifications, permit processes and terrain risks.

Non-motorized paragliding services have been piloted in Da Nang since June 2023. Five companies are licensed, including Tropical Forest, with prices ranging from VND1.35 million to VND1.8 million ($52-$69) per flight. Tourists must complete safety declarations, purchase insurance and sign liability waivers before flying.