Phuket: Paramotor Flight Over Phi Phi, Chalong & Big Buddha

Summary

Flying high over phuket island with a local pilot and open sky

You’ll meet your licensed pilot near Phuket Town before taking off by paramotor for a wild 15-minute flight over Chalong Bay, Promthep Cape, Big Buddha, and distant Phi Phi Island. With GoPro video included and all fees covered, you’ll bring home more than shaky knees — you’ll carry that feeling of floating above it all.

What’s the experience like?

I’d never been strapped to a giant fan before, but that’s how our paramotor flight in Phuket started — with the harness digging in just a little, the morning air sticky on my arms. Our guide, Lek, grinned at me from behind his mirrored sunglasses and checked the straps twice (maybe three times). He kept saying, “Don’t worry, you just sit and enjoy.” Easy for him to say. The propeller fired up with this deep thrum that I could feel in my chest, and then suddenly the ground dropped away — no warning. We were already floating over green fields outside town, which was only fifteen minutes from Phuket Town but felt like some secret edge of the island.

The world got quiet up there except for the wind and Lek pointing things out — Chalong Bay curving blue and white below us, Promthep Cape poking out like it wanted attention. I tried to spot Phi Phi Island through the haze (I think I saw it?), but honestly my eyes kept darting everywhere. There’s this odd smell up there — not quite sea breeze, not quite engine oil — and I remember thinking it was weirdly comforting. Lek handed me his GoPro mid-flight and said “For your memory,” so now I’ve got shaky footage of my own nervous laughter as we buzzed past the Big Buddha glinting on its hilltop.

Fifteen minutes doesn’t sound long until you’re hanging in the open air over Phuket with your feet dangling. My palms were sweaty from gripping the seat even though Lek kept chatting about how this was the only government-licensed paramotor field on the island (he seemed proud). Landing came too soon — just a bump and then we were back on grass, legs wobbly and hearts racing. They handed me cold water while someone else climbed into the harness for their turn; I caught myself grinning at nothing in particular. Maybe it was relief or maybe just… something else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paramotor flight over Phuket island

• Arrive at licensed paramotor airport
• Receive safety briefing from instructor
• Fly over Phuket for 15 minutes
• View Phi Phi Island and landmarks
• Capture footage with GoPro or camera
• Land and conclude the flight

Top questions

How long does the paramotor flight last?

The actual flight time is around 15 minutes above Phuket.

Is training required before flying?

No training is needed; you fly tandem with a licensed professional pilot.

What sights can you see during the flight?

You can see Chalong Bay, Promthep Cape, Big Buddha, and sometimes Phi Phi Island depending on visibility.

Where does the paramotor activity take place?

The airfield is about 15 minutes from Phuket Town.

Is insurance included in this activity?

Yes, insurance is provided as part of your booking.

Are there any health restrictions for flying?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included in the price?

You get GoPro video footage, bottled water, plus all fees and taxes included.

What’s the maximum weight allowed?

The maximum traveler weight is 115 kg (253 lbs).

What’s included

Your day includes a tandem paramotor flight with a fully licensed instructor pilot near Phuket Town; all government-required fees and taxes are taken care of; bottled water is waiting after you land; plus you’ll get premium GoPro video footage so you can relive those wild few minutes in the sky whenever you want.