Chiang Mai Hot Air Balloons

A Chiang Mai hot air balloon ride is a great way to view Chiangmai Province from the air. What could be better than standing in the basket as the balloon lifts off the ground. The movement is graceful as the first rays of sunlight break over the horizon. The wind carries you and the balloon along as it blows through your hair. The Chiang Mai hot air balloon creeps higher and yet the ground is still visible as you drift over the Chiang Mai valley. As more sunlight bursts over the horizon the panoramic view comes to life. The rice fields are a vivid green and the temples gleam in the sunshine.

A free-floating hot air balloon ride is the best way to see the beauty of the Chiang Mai landscape. It's an adventure you will never forget. For those who have never flown in a Chiang Mai hot air balloon, the following information should answer many of your questions.

What keeps the balloons in the air?

We all know that hot air rises. That seems too simple, but it's what lifts the balloons into the air. A propane burner heats the air inside the balloon and it becomes hotter than air outside the balloon. The altitude and rate of ascent is changed as the pilot adjusts the amount of flame used to heat the air inside the balloon.

What material is used to make the balloons?

The balloon is made of a fabric called rip stop nylon with load bearing webbing tapes and stainless steel flying wires that attach the balloon to the basket. The basket is usually hand made from wicker.

Why do balloon flights take place in the early morning?

Hot air balloons need cool and stable conditions to operate safely and sunrise is the best time for these conditions.

What kind of clothing is best for a Chiang Mai hot air balloon ride?

Wear casual clothes that are comfortable. A sweater or jacket may be feel good in the early morning, but generally the air is warm enough to feel comfortable without heavy clothing. Wear comfortable shoes which make it possible to stand for more than an hour. A cap or hat may help to keep your hair from blowing in your face.

What should I bring on a balloon trip?

Cameras are a must if you want to share the experience with your friends back home. Binoculars are useful if you have a pair. Don't forget to bring extra batteries for your camera.

How is a balloon steered?

Hot Air balloons cannot be steered! However, wind directions vary at different altitudes and a pilot has a limited ability to change the flight path by changing altitudes.

If you can't steer a balloon, how do you get back ?

You don't go back to the launch point. After assisting in the launch, the retrieve team follows the balloon and helps with landing preparations which will change depending on the direction of the wind.

Can anyone fly in a balloon?

People of all ages can fly. If you are able to enjoy a spectacular bird's eye view of Chiang Mai, then you can take a Chiang Mai hot air balloon ride.

Flights take place in the very early morning before the earth heats up. Meeting times vary according to the time of year, but are usually about one hour before sunrise. It is essential to be punctual. In windy or otherwise marginal conditions, the pilot will postpone or cancel the flight. Safety is always the prime consideration, but generally Thailand can boast ideal ballooning weather and flights seldom need to be cancelled.

Passengers can enjoy a cup of coffee while the balloon is being inflated, and if they like, are welcome to help the crew with the inflation under the pilot's supervision. After a one hour flight, the balloon will land wherever the wind happens to take it, and a champagne breakfast will be served at the landing site. The entire adventure takes about four hours, and the pilot rewards passengers with a flight certificate as a remembrance of the trip.

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