Few travel experiences come close to flying than drifting gently in the sky above on a hot air balloon. Words are simply not enough to describe the sensation of the calming quiet up in the clouds, with a spectacular view of the landscape below.
Since it first took to the skies in 1783, hot air balloon has been been one of the most spectacular ways to see a destination.
That being said, though, hot air balloon also has its fair share of detractors.
“If you actually need to get somewhere, a hot air balloon is a fairly impractical vehicle. You can’t really steer it, and it only travels as fast as the wind blows, ” former HowStuffWorks editor-in-chief Tom Harris explained in an article.
He, however, conceded that hot air ballooning presents a rather unique way for people to experience flying.
“If you simply want to enjoy the experience of flying, there’s nothing quite like it. Many people describe flying in a hot air balloon as one of the most serene, enjoyable activities they’ve ever experienced, ” Harris said.
For the uninitiated, hot air balloon is based on the scientific principle that hot air rises in cooler air. By heating the air inside the balloon with a burner, it becomes lighter than the cool air on the outside – which then allows it to float up into the sky.
While being drifted gently might seem innocuous enough, hot air ballooning is actually classified as a form of adventure tourism.
Prior to the pandemic, hot air balloons have been steadily gaining popularity in the Asean region.
Closer to home in Malaysia, the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta never fails to attract a huge crowd to the administrative capital of the country. The event has been on hiatus due to the pandemic.
To mark Hot Air Balloon Day which falls on June 5, we tracked down some of the best places around the world to experience the thrill of hot air ballooning.
This historical region in Central Anatolia instantly comes to mind for many people when the subject of hot air balloon rides comes up. This is because the view of Cappadocia’s fairy chimney rock formations is best seen from up above.
Seeing the cone-like rock formations during sunrise from the basket of a hot air balloon is a money-can-buy experience that’s on the bucket list of many travellers, especially those who are looking for something romantic.
The journey can be as short as 45 minutes and go on to almost two hours.
If you’re not a fan of heights, don’t worry as seeing hundreds of hot air balloons floating across the horizon of the magical landscape is also an unforgettable experience in itself.
If you have seen The Lion King (the original film), chances are you would have been blown away by the aerial view of the gorgeous savannah. Granted, that’s an illustrated and animated view, but you can get that experience in real life too – by going on a hot air balloon ride above the Serengeti National Park.
The ride from up above will reward travellers with a bird’s eye view of the wildlife below. So be sure to pack your binoculars and look out for animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, hippopotamus and more.
The striking orange and red sands of the Namib desert is breathtaking in its own right. But when you couple this majestic sight with a calm ride in the basket of a hot air balloon, you would have an experience of a lifetime.
A hot air balloon ride at the desert around Sossusvlei will bring you past some of the tallest and oldest dunes on Earth.
Do note, however, that these dunes are located at very remote locations in the desert. Travel companies usually advise travellers to stay a night or two at a hotel and take more than one hot air balloon trip to truly enjoy the dunes in its entirety.
Being the largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat is no stranger to travel guide books and blogs. Seeing this Unesco World Heritage Site in person will make any curious traveller’s heart swell with amazement.
However, many people fail to consider the wide expanse of the complex. The entire area spans over 200ha, which can make exploration of the temples a bit daunting. So hop on a hot air balloon to see all the magnificent temples from above.
Unsurprisingly, many travellers would like to be flown at sunrise. But sunset views of Angkor Wat and Siem Reap are also equally beautiful.
Bagan is a city that is known for its marvellous Buddhist architecture. With thousands of ancient temples and pagodas, this ancient city in Myanmar is peppered with countless glistening stupas.
Many of these holy sites date between the 11th and 13th century, so seeing them up close might reveal some of yesteryear’s mysteries. But of course, it’s near impossible to see the thousands of temples here in a short time – unless you’re in the basket of a hot air balloon, of course.
The golden spires of the temples glow a magical gold during the first ray of the sun. So a ride during sunrise will certainly make for a magical journey indeed.
If you have seen enough documentaries growing up, Egypt’s Valley of the Kings would have been on your list of destinations to visit. For those who plan to visit this historically rich venue, make the experience even more memorable with a hot air balloon ride.
Hot air ballooning over the West Bank will bring you past important ancient structures such as the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. And then, of course, another aerial sight to look forward to is that of the Nile river.
Most companies usually depart in the early mornings and the route would include sights of ancient temples and tombs from above.
Do medieval castles and quaint towns bring up some Hallmark-y notion of a romantic escape? Well then, Tuscany is the place to be to strike up romances. As a matter of fact, hot air ballooning across this region in Italy has been associated with marriage proposals.
Many have popped the all-important question while they are drifted above the beautiful hills here. If love is off the books, it’s still worth taking a hot air balloon trip in Tuscany. The views of the vineyard and fields of sunflowers would easily sweep anyone off their feet.
After your journey, take the time to explore the many cosy villages in the area. Venture into a warm inn for a local breakfast coupled with freshly baked bread and pastries.
While this Australian city in the state of Victoria is usually known for its thriving creative vibe, Melbourne is also a great place for hot air ballooning. Well, more specifically one would need to head over to the Yarra Valley.
Located just outside of the city, Yarra Valley is home to a rich wine and agricultural scene. What this means is that you will be gliding over a picturesque landscape filled with farmland, vineyards and orchards.
Some companies here give you the option of floating through major metropolitan areas. Otherwise, you can also opt to stop by a vineyard for some wine and snacks.
For years now, hot air balloon enthusiasts will flock to Albuquerque in October. This is because for nine days during the month, the largest city in New Mexico in the US plays host to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
The festival is the largest of its kind in the world. Visitors would be able to see hundreds of balloons rising at the same time during mass ascents. It’s truly a sight to see from below.
The festival aside, Albuquerque is home to a landscape where mountains and deserts come together. A ride during a sunny day will reveal many of the city’s natural splendour.
With its reputation as an outdoor hub, Utah is one of the best places in the US to ride a hot air balloon. Over in Monument Valley, you will be greeted by a landscape that looks as if it’s picked out of an old Western movie.
A hot air balloon ride at Monument Valley will bring you past majestic rock formations and stunning gorges. If anything, going above is the best way to take in the vast and empty landscape here.
And then over in Park City, take a trip during sunrise to enjoy picturesque views of the Kamas Valley and historical city streets. It’s also possible to go hot air ballooning in winter (depending on weather) to enjoy snow-covered terrain.
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