The basket of a hot-air balloon gives a fantastic perspective on the likes of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, Yangshuo’s limestone pinnacles and the Serengeti’s wildlife
There’s nothing quite like floating above some of the most spectacular landscapes at dawn. Once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences rarely come cheap, and hot-air ballooning is no exception. However, the thrill of drifting silently skywards as the first light of dawn colours the horizon is likely to make it worth every penny. The stillness of the early morning air enhances the serenity as rolling landscapes, historical landmarks and natural wonders are gradually illuminated.
If ballooning is on your wish list, here are six destinations you might want to consider:
1. Cappadocia, Turkey
is a surreal adventure. Passengers arrive before sunrise to be briefed on safety procedures and route data by the pilot and crew, then watch as the balloon is inflated. At this time of day, the cool, calm air is ideal for heading up, up and away, and, as the giant rig begins its ascent, the silence is interrupted only by occasional bursts of the burner, which controls altitude.
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The magical vistas distract passengers from any in-flight nerves but for those still apprehensive, bear in mind that, according to data from the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration, hot-air ballooning is considered one of the safest forms of transport and has a very low accident rate compared with other methods of travel. This is mostly because sightseeing balloons are launched only in good weather.
Flights in Cappadocia cost between Euro150 (HK$1,200) and Euro250 per person, depending on the duration of the flight
2. Yangshuo, China
, in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, has long enchanted poets, politicians and travellers. This picturesque area is lauded for its jagged limestone pinnacles, emerald-green rice paddies and the meandering Li River. While many holidaymakers explore on bicycles, photographing the cloud-shrouded peaks from ground level, a hot-air balloon ride offers an unparalleled perspective.
Flights depart from Yangshuo or nearby towns such as Fuli or Xingping, where open fields provide suitable launch sites. The perfect period in which to reach for the sky is from October to April, when cooler temperatures and clear skies are the norm. Visitors can choose from tethered trips, the balloon rising vertically to about 100 metres while remaining anchored to the ground, or “free” flights, which allow passengers to travel with the wind at an altitude of up to 1,500 metres.
Free flights over Yangshuo from an hour to 90 minutes (depending on the thermals) cost between US$100 and US$288, depending on the number of people taking to the air
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
for a weekend of hot-air ballooning and be back home by Sunday evening. Weather wise, now until late February is the best time to get airborne, but remember, mornings in the north of Thailand can be chilly, so dress appropriately. It also makes sense to book well in advance, to guarantee a spot in the basket. The launch site is in picturesque Mae Rim, 30 minutes from Chiang Mai, an area of panoramic agricultural vistas, glinting temples and distant hills. In keeping with tradition, passengers are treated to a champagne toast on landing – a ritual that dates back to the early years of inflatable air travel, when balloons were a rare sight.
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Chiang Mai rides typically cost 8,800 baht (HK$1,970) per person
4. Wadi Rum, Jordan
is a place of ancient grandeur and otherworldly beauty. Towering sandstone mountains, narrow canyons and monumental rock formations stretch into the shimmering distance and have been compared to the surface of Mars. Home to Bedouin tribes, the rugged, red terrain is ever more astonishing as the rising sun casts golden light and long shadows across the Unesco World Heritage site. Jeep safaris, hiking tours and camel rides are all popular ways to explore the splendour of Wadi Rum, but soaking up the misty morning vistas from the wicker basket of a hot-air balloon offers a very different experience.
and gain a bird’s-eye view of the landscapes British officer T.E. Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia, described as “vast, echoing, and God-like” – a description that is as accurate today as it was almost a century ago.
A typical Wadi Rum hot-air balloon ride costs 165 dinars (HK$1,800) per person (children: 120 dinars)
5. Albuquerque, US
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta began in 1972 as a modest gathering of 13 balloon enthusiasts in a car park in New Mexico. Over the years, it has grown into the world’s largest hot-air balloon festival. The 2024 edition, held over nine days in October, featured 551 balloons. There’s no reason to let the frequent fliers have all the fun though. You, too, can climb slowly above the “capital of hot-air ballooning” and enjoy sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley and the craggy 1.4-billion-year-old Sandia Mountains.
Be prepared for a “splash and dash” experience, where the pilot lowers the balloon so the basket skims the surface of the Rio Grande before lifting off again. Not memorable enough? Albuquerque balloon companies offer personalised birthday and anniversary celebrations as well as bespoke proposal and wedding packages.
One-hour flights cost from US$175. Weddings, from US$2,995, include a ceremony in the balloon and a champagne reception upon landing
6. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
National Park offers a peaceful perspective of one of Africa’s most extraordinary environments. Located in northern Tanzania, the game park provides an unforgettable opportunity to watch wildlife from the sky. As your balloon glides gently over the savannah at sunrise, you’ll have a front-row seat as predators and prey engage in an unending battle for survival. The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most visited destinations, particularly during the migration season, which peaks between July and October.
During this time, about 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, embark on an epic journey across the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, in Kenya, driven by the search for fresh grazing and water. The peak of the migration, including the dramatic river crossings, usually takes place in August and September.
Booking in advance is essential. Serengeti balloon safaris cost around US$550 per person, including transfers and a champagne bush breakfast after landing
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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.
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