Vang Vieng is a beautiful town in Laos. It is filled with fun activities for everyone, so if you’re looking for something to do on your vacation, this is the town to visit!
Laos is also a beautiful country and has many great places to visit, such as Luang Prabang or Vientiane.
Vang Vieng is a very special place; its unique landscape and culture are a must-visit destination. In the middle of the river and mountains, it is a place to relax and play in nature. Going on a Hot air balloon in Vang Vieng is a must, you can also do many other activities here such as, river tubing, visiting caves or waterfalls with guides from your hotel or guesthouse.
Hot Air Balloon Rides in Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng, a town located in Laos, has shot to prominence because of the popularity of its balloon rides. Tourists go here to experience the area’s breathtaking scenery and unwind peacefully alone or with friends. Tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world stop by this city every year on their way to other places in Southeast Asia.
The breathtaking aerial vistas are the highlights of a trip to Vang Vieng. From this Vantage point, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of rice terraces, villages, caverns, and more! If you want to exercise while on vacation, there are hiking opportunities in the area as well.
However, in this blog, we will only be focusing on the balloon rides of Vang Vieng that have made this town popular. We have compiled a detailed step-by-step guide for you to go through so that when you visit Vang Vieng, you will already know what to do.
Get Dressed Up Early
Waking up early is crucial to making this work—so plan on waking up around 5:30 am. Then a shuttle will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the designated location first thing in the morning. The launch site might be the former Air America airport in the middle of town or the rice fields in the region of Nathong, located on the other side of the Nam Song river.
Rides of Hot air balloon in Vang Vieng start early in the day or just right before dusk because ballooning requires calm winds and no thermal activity. In addition, you will also get to watch the sun rise or set.
Make Some Preparations!
The duration of a flight might range from 30 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on the direction of the wind and the temperature. Contrary to popular belief, hot air balloon pilots are unable to control the direction of their craft. The only thing they can do is adjust the altitude.
When you finally get on board (by climbing in the upside-down basket), aim for a corner seat so you can see all around you. Don’t worry too much about where you sit; the captain will distribute the load by repositioning passengers throughout the basket. Avoid getting too close to the burners, given how intense the heat is.
Sometimes even the most seasoned captains will find themselves in uncharted territory when they take to the skies in a balloon. The entire ballooning experience, from the pre-flight safety briefing and balloon assembly to the post-flight deflating, packing, and return to the launch site, will take around three hours.
Lift Off
Within a short time, you will be high above the clouds and will be able to see the city of Vang Vieng below. You will then gently proceed over the river and the towns, heading toward the mist-covered karst mountains for which the area is famed.
No sound can be heard between the roar of the explosions caused by the propane gas. There will indeed be a lack of conversation, which might feel awkward initially, but we assure you that the atmosphere will be utterly tranquil and enchanting.
The route a hot air balloon in Vang Vieng takes depends heavily on the wind’s direction. Therefore, every trip could be different. This means that each and every hot air balloon ride in Vang Vieng is a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Landing
After peacefully gliding over the enchanting region of Vang Vieng, you will start your ascent back to the ground. The pilot rope is dropped before landing through the side of the basket and picked up by ground crew members waiting to help the captain land. A typical landing is soft and smooth, and you’d get out where you’d started.
You’ll have a celebratory light breakfast with champagne when you land, although these services do differ depending on which company you had initially chosen.
FAQs
What’s The Best Time to Get a Hot Air Balloon ride in Vang Vieng?
The best time to get a ride in a hot air balloon in Vang Vieng is between June and November, when there’s plenty of sunshine but not too much heat. The mornings are crisp and cool, but by afternoon the temperature can rise as high as 35 degrees Celsius.
Which Company to Hire?
If you’re looking for a ride in a hot air balloon in Vang Vieng, there are plenty of options. There are many reputable companies that will get you up in the air and back safely on the ground again; just be sure to do your research before booking your trip. We recommend checking out reviews of different companies on Tripadvisor.com before making a decision.
What to Pack for The Ride
Wear light, comfortable clothing. You don’t want anything too restrictive when you’re in a basket for hours. Wear layers you can take off or wear as needed during the ride.
Don’t forget your sunblock! It’s easy to get burned while riding in a hot air balloon; even if it isn’t sunny outside, your body will still be exposed to UV rays from the sun itself, so make sure to protect yourself by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
How Many People are Accommodated on One Balloon Ride?
It depends on the size of the balloon. Smaller balloons can hold up to three to five people, but larger ones can accommodate up to eight. Some companies even offer private flights for couples or small groups.
Conclusion
Taking a ride in a hot air balloon in Vang Vieng is a one-of-a-kind adventure. These rides are a great way to see the town from above. You can also go on a hot air balloon ride to see the countryside around Vang Vieng.
If you take one of these trips, make sure that your pilot is experienced with flying over mountainous terrain. It’s important to research before going on a hot air balloon ride because it’s an experience you won’t forget!
Also, make sure that your pilot has experience flying in the area where you’re planning to go. Be sure to ask about safety and other precautions before making a booking.
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