Thailand's stunning landscapes, including pristine beaches, lush jungles, and picturesque islands, make it an attractive destination for adventure seekers. One thrilling experience you can't miss is skydiving. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of skydiving in Thailand, catering to tourists with varying levels of experience.
Skydiving Locations in Thailand
Thailand offers several skydiving locations, with the most popular being:
Pattaya: Known for its beautiful coastal views.
Chonburi: Offers spectacular ocean vistas.
Hua Hin: Known for its unique drop zone with beach landings.
Types of Skydiving
- Tandem Skydiving: Ideal for beginners, you're attached to an instructor who manages the dive.
- Solo Skydiving: For licensed skydivers, Thailand's drop zones welcome experienced jumpers.
- Accelerated Free Fall (AFF): A program for those seeking to become certified skydivers.
Best Skydiving Operators in Thailand
1. Skydive Pattaya
Skydive Pattaya is an operator of tandem skydiving in Thailand, working since 2006. The chief instructor at the operation is Jukka Holttinen, with 27 years of skydiving experience. The jump is made from the highest altitude, i.e., 13,000 feet, permitted by the local air traffic control. The minimum age limit for enlisting yourself here is 18.
Booking Criteria:
In order to book your jump, you need to fill out a form in advance. Skydive Pattaya offers a pick-up facility from nearby hotels between 7:30 AM and 11:00 AM. It is open 6 days a week. Skydiving is not recommended post-consumption of alcohol or scuba diving, and Skydive Pattaya follows rules to make sure this does not happen. The basic weight limit for jumping is 95kg, and the maximum limit is 115kg. However, people above the weight limit of 95kg have to pay surcharges for the booking.
Prices:
Tandem skydiving prices vary according to the number of people,
starting from 11,350 THB for one person.·
- 2-3 people: 10,900 THB (Per person)·
- 4-5 people: 10,500 THB (Per person)·
- 6-7 people: 10,100 THB (Per person)·
- 8-9 people: 9,700 THB (Per person)·
- 10+ people: 9,300 THB (Per person)
Address: Sky Dive Centre Near Nongkhor Reservoir In Sriracha.
2. Thai Sky Adventures
Pattaya offers another great operation to get skydiving in Thailand off of your bucket list. Thai Sky Adventures offers different forms of skydiving to choose from, including tandem. It further provides diving courses such as “A” License USPA Course and AFF USPA Course. The age limit for skydiving is 14 years, with parental consent, and 18 years otherwise.Prices for skydiving at Thai Sky Adventures depend on the type of skydiving you opt for. This includes a 20-minute flight up to 1300 feet, a 60-second freefall back down to 5 feet, and then slowly drifting back to the ground in roughly 5 minutes. The various prices are listed down below:
Prices:
- 1 person: 11,350 THB
- 2-3 people: 10,900 THB
- 4-5 people: 10,500 THB
- 6-7 people: 10,100 THB
- 8-9 people: 9,700 THB
- 10+ people: 9,300 THB
Address: Nong Kho Reservoir, Nong Kham, Sriracha, Chonburi, Thailand.
3. Bird's Paradise Extreme Resort
Set in northeast Thailand, the resort offers skydiving packages for families, solo adventurers, etc. Apart from the tandem jump, the skydiving school also helps in getting a USPA license. The resort offers mountain biking, wall climbing, and other adventure options, along with skydiving lessons.Address: Sawang Daen Din, Thailand
Cost of Skydiving in Thailand
Tandem jumps typically cost between USD 200 and USD 300.
Solo jumps for certified divers may have lower prices.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Tips & Things to Know
- Health and Fitness: While you don't need to be an athlete, basic fitness is essential. Disclose any medical conditions or concerns to the drop zone.
- The Skydiving Experience: Before your jump, you'll receive a briefing and instructions. The airplane ride to altitude offers breathtaking views of Thailand. Tandem jumps are from about 10,000 feet with a freefall of 30-40 seconds.
- What to Wear: Dress comfortably in athletic wear. Wear sneakers or secure shoes.
- Photography and Videos: Many drop zones offer photography and videography packages to capture your jump. Some drop zones also offer post-jump certificates and merchandise.
- Weather Considerations: Weather can impact skydiving, so check conditions in advance. Skydiving is often affected by strong winds or rain.
- Booking in Advance: Due to its popularity, booking your skydiving experience in advance is highly recommended.
- Legal Requirements: Depending on the drop zone, you may be required to sign a waiver of liability.
- Age and Weight Restrictions: There are usually age and weight restrictions, so check with the specific drop zone.
- Accommodation: Find accommodation near your chosen drop zone to make your experience convenient.