Sightseeing is something that most of us enjoy when we visit a new city, place or country. While some like to know the story behind the place in detail, some like to explore and take in the ambiance of the place. Whatever might be our interests, most of us stick to walking through the city or traveling by vehicle while sightseeing. However, wouldn’t it be great if you could view a place in a unique way? Hot air balloon rides give you this opportunity.
Hot air balloon rides have come in vogue in recent years because it gives you the chance to see a place with a bird’s eye view. The aerial view of the place would definitely be something different, and at the same time, you get to experience the feeling of flying. While you would hot air balloon rides almost everywhere these days, here are the world’s top 10 hot air balloon rides that you must definitely try for the amazing view they offer.
Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in the World
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is known for its largest animal migration in the world. This national park is home to around a variety of animal species. Most hot air balloon rides here begin before sunrise so you get to enjoy a beautiful sunrise while airborne. The best part is that your balloon floats wherever the wind takes it, and hence it is hard to know where you would end. Apart from the beautiful landscape of the place, you would be able to view the inhabitants of the park from up above. At the end of the hot air balloon tour, you would get to toast delicious champagne and eat bush breakfast.
- Napa Valley, California
The vineyards of Napa Valley are a treat for those who love natural landscapes and want to enjoy a romantic time with their partner. With around 600 wineries spread across the Napa Valley, the land is filled with a mix of green and purple colors that would delight you and lift your mood. Choose for a balloon ride that also offers a brunch where you can not only enjoy delicious food but also some awesome wine from one of the vineyards.
- Queenstown, New Zealand
New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you ever happen to visit Queenstown in New Zealand, do make it a point to enjoy the extraordinary landscape of the place with a hot air balloon ride. It is the perfect way to go sightseeing in Queenstown. An early morning ride would give you a glimpse of the gorgeous mountains, lakes, rivers and golf courses of the area basked in the morning sunlight. Apart from the panoramic views of the land, a delicious breakfast with champagne would give the perfect kick-start to your day.
- Château-d’Oex, Switzerland
Imagine viewing the Swiss Alps from up-close! Magnificent, wouldn’t that be? Now, you no longer need to imagine it, as it can be a reality with hot air ballooning in Château-d’Oex in Switzerland. Château-d’Oex is considered to be the alpine capital of hot air balloon ride, and you get to go ballooning almost throughout the year if the weather is good. Apart from the sunrise hot balloon rides, you can also experience afternoon flights during the summer here. The most unique thing about this place is that Château-d’Oex hosts an international hot air balloon festival every year, for nine days in the month of January. At this time, you get to see more than a hundred balloons from 20 different countries at the same time; a truly delightful sight!
- Dubai Desert, UAE
Dubai is an amazing city with an architecture that would blow your mind away. However, the city is not just about luxury, tall buildings and artificial islands. On the other hand, this land is blessed with the most gorgeous desert areas that would give you the much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. A hot air balloon ride in the deserts of Dubai would give you a panoramic view of the vast golden sand dunes and also the desert life. Choose the morning safari to enjoy the sunrise as well as the effects of the sun on the large dunes. Breakfast in the middle of the desert after the hot air balloon ride makes the entire tour absolutely perfect.
- Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan in Myanmar is a land filled with more than 3000 extraordinary temples and stupas. However, sightseeing all of them may seem to be a difficult task. But you can definitely do it with a hot air balloon ride. When the balloon rises in the air, you would get to see the beautiful Bagan landscape with all the temples. Your pilot may also be able to take your balloon to some of the most interesting temples so that you can have a closer look. This journey over the magical land would last for around 45 minutes after which you would be able to enjoy some sparkling wine along with fresh fruits to celebrate your flight.
- Cappadocia, Turkey
Looking out for a romantic balloon ride over a landscape that is extraordinary and surreal? Look no further and head to Cappadocia in Turkey. The landscape filled with brown desert and limestone Rock Mountains is straight out of a fairy tale. You can go ballooning here anytime during the year and enjoy the beautiful views. While enjoying the breeze and the array of colors of the landscape, keep your eyes open for fairy chimneys, orchards, pigeon houses, and vineyards.
Book: Apply for Visa to Turkey- Maasai Mara, Kenya
Want to experience the African Safari in a unique way? Go for the hot balloon ride at Maasai Mara in Kenya. You get to see a bird’s eye view of the Savannah while the sun lits the sky and the whole land. There is no specific direction of the balloon as it drifts as per the direction of the wind. While enjoying the gorgeous landscape, you will also get to view the inhabitants of the place. The wild animals that you get to see here are zebra, gazelles, wildebeests, etc. If you want to enjoy the place completely, the best time to visit the place and enjoy ballooning is between the months of July and October.
- Paris, France
Paris is considered to be the most romantic place in the world, and what would be more romantic than going on a hot air balloon ride with the love of your life here? Ballooning in Paris would take you over the beautiful countryside where you get to enjoy panoramic views of castles, medieval villages, and forests. The best part is that you would find both sunrise and sunset hot air tours in Paris, and hence you can pick the one that suits your interest and schedule.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
The Pink City of India has mesmerized people with its beauty and old-world charm for several years now. If you are visiting this incredible city of Rajasthan, do make it a point to go sightseeing in a hot air balloon. It gives you an incredible view of the entire city with its historical forts, magnificent palaces, traditional villages, beautiful mountains and a myriad of colors. You can choose between morning and evening balloon rides as per your wishes.
Ballooning or hot air balloon ride is something that is relaxing and exciting at the same time. So, the next time you visit one of the places mentioned above, do make it a point to enjoy the hot air balloon rides offered by them. There is no doubt that it would give you memories to cherish forever.
