Vietnamese authorities have issued an urgent suspension of all paragliding activities on Da Nang’s famed Son Tra Peninsula following a tragic paragliding accident that claimed the life of a 36-year-old tourist. The incident has triggered a sweeping safety review of adventure tourism operations across the region, with a strong focus on equipment integrity, pilot licensing, and emergency response readiness.
Fatal Accident Raises Alarm on Adventure Tourism Oversight
The accident occurred on July 8, 2025, during a tandem paragliding flight conducted by Tropical Forest, one of the five licensed paragliding service providers operating in Da Nang. The flight took off from a designated high-altitude launch point overlooking the peninsula’s lush coastline.
Shortly after liftoff, the paraglider experienced a critical equipment failure at approximately 5:30 p.m., causing the tourist to fall into the dense tropical forest below. Despite attempts to regain control, the pilot, a 41-year-old professional, crashed onto a nearby beach. Emergency response teams arrived swiftly and transported the injured pilot to hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
Rescue teams located the tourist’s body at 7:25 p.m. in a heavily forested zone near the Bien Dong Resort, a popular area for outdoor enthusiasts. Challenging terrain conditions hampered immediate access, delaying recovery operations.
Paragliding Operations Suspended Pending Full Investigation
The Da Nang Department of Tourism, working alongside local police and aviation safety experts, responded by suspending all paragliding flights on the Son Tra Peninsula. The temporary ban allows for a complete investigation into flight operations and compliance among service providers.
According to officials, the review will assess:
- Paragliding equipment condition (canopies, harnesses, reserve parachutes)
- Pilot licensing and training certifications
- Safety briefings and waiver procedures
- Risk evaluations of launch and landing sites
- Effectiveness of emergency medical protocols
Authorities confirmed that any operator found violating safety protocols may face license revocation and potential legal consequences.
Rapid Growth of Paragliding and Adventure Tourism in Da Nang
Paragliding has soared in popularity since non-motorized tandem flights were first authorized in Da Nang under a pilot tourism program in mid-2023. With panoramic sea views, forested cliffs, and consistent wind currents, Son Tra Peninsula quickly became a hub for adrenaline seekers.
Tour packages range between VND 1.35 million to VND 1.8 million (approx. USD $52–$69), attracting both domestic travelers and international tourists. The five approved companies, including Tropical Forest, operate under strict licensing requirements imposed by Da Nang authorities.
Before taking flight, participants must sign safety declarations, obtain insurance, and acknowledge the inherent risks involved in aerial sports. However, the recent tragedy has revealed vulnerabilities in operational oversight.
Calls for Stronger Regulation and Equipment Standards
While paragliding offers thrilling vistas and an eco-friendly alternative to motorized tourism, it is not without danger. The fatal accident has prompted both national and provincial tourism agencies to reassess the legal frameworks governing high-risk tourism activities.
“Safety must come before excitement,” said a spokesperson from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT). “We are committed to reviewing current licensing and ensuring all adventure operators meet stringent standards before resuming operations.”
VNAT’s broader plan includes nationwide inspection of adventure sports companies, with technical support from aviation experts and outdoor sports safety associations. Lessons learned from Da Nang will likely influence tourism regulation updates in other provinces such as Lao Cai (Sapa), Quang Binh (Phong Nha), and Khanh Hoa (Nha Trang), where similar activities are popular.
Geo-tagged Focus: Da Nang and Son Tra Peninsula
Da Nang, located on Vietnam’s central coast, is one of the country’s fastest-growing tourism cities, attracting millions of visitors annually. The Son Tra Peninsula, also known as Monkey Mountain, is prized for its ecological diversity, marine views, and proximity to the Linh Ung Pagoda and Ban Co Peak.
The area is also part of several eco-tourism and conservation projects. Adventure tourism, including hiking, cycling, and paragliding, has been a key part of Da Nang’s post-COVID tourism revival strategy. However, this incident is prompting authorities to prioritize sustainable safety measures in tandem with promotion.
What This Means for Tourists and Operators
The current suspension is temporary, but officials warn that reinstating flight permissions may take weeks or even months, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Tourists planning to visit Da Nang in the coming months should check with Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center and licensed travel agencies for activity updates. Alternative adventure experiences such as zip-lining in Quang Binh or mountain trekking in Sapa remain available under monitored conditions.
Meanwhile, licensed operators will be required to undergo mandatory safety training refreshers and submit all equipment for third-party technical inspection before any relaunch.
Conclusion
This tragic event has shone a spotlight on the balance between adventure tourism and public safety in Vietnam. As Da Nang works to re-establish confidence in its paragliding operations, the case could serve as a watershed moment for how Vietnam regulates its increasingly popular extreme sports sector.
The tourism sector—especially in areas offering high-adrenaline experiences—must now evolve with tighter regulations, better training, and transparent risk communication to ensure such preventable tragedies never happen again.
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