#1 Cappadocia, Turkey

Turkey, which straddles the Eurasian continent, brings together the essence of Eastern and Western cultures, and Cappadocia, known as the "world of elves", is one of the best hot air balloon destinations in the world.

Here, the great power of nature forged a unique karst magical landform in the world, giving people the feeling of entering an alien.

Flying all the way in a hot air balloon, you can have a panoramic view of the perfect combination of natural miracles and humanities.

At sunrise and sunset, golden light sprinkled on this loess, an inexhaustible sight!

Colorful hot air balloons on one side, and endless mountains and canyons and caves on the other side. You will be shocked by the wonderful work of nature.

• Recommendation
• Apr-Oct Best Time
• $140-250 Est. Price

500px.com / Jan Siemiński

#2 Bagan, Myanmar

Famous as Angkor Wat, Bagan is the pagoda capital of Myanmar.

Angkor is world-famous for its exquisite carvings under its magnificent exterior, while Bagan is shocking with its thousands of pagodas.

It is said that more than 130,000 large and small pagodas have been built in the past 200 years.

Whether it is in the early morning or at sunset, Bagan will always show the most beautiful colors in front of travelers, and taking a hot air balloon has become the most beautiful way of sightseeing.

November to March is the best time to experience the hot air balloon tour.

In the mist of the morning light, passing through the ancient city of Bagan from the spires of the temples, one after another pagoda stands among the lush trees, as if passing through a long and mysterious history.

In the evening, when the golden light of sunset shines on the thousands of ancient pagodas and stone temples in Bagan, it is like entering an unknown world of Buddha, which dazzles people.

• Recommendation
• Nov-Mar Best Time
• $300-380 Est. Price

mercierzengphotography.com / Mercier Zeng

#3 Masai Mara, Kenya

Every year from July to August, before the rainy season comes again on this dry African grassland, the world's most spectacular wild animal migration will take place here.

Millions of wildebeests, zebras and antelopes... will migrate from Serengeti grassland of Tanzania to Masai Mara grassland of Kenya.

The most wild animal trails in the world, elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, rhinos, ostriches, jackals, buzzards, giraffes, flamingos... can all be found here.

If you want to find a great place to witness this unprecedented migration, taking a hot air balloon is undoubtedly the most intuitive and vivid way.

In the early morning, take a hot air balloon ride in the quiet and calm morning light, passing through the prairie and rivers of this pristine land of Africa. Thousands of zebras and antelopes, jumping lions and leopards are at your feet.

If you are a photographer, you can't miss the hot air balloon trip. The photography perspective on top is awesome.

• Recommendation
• Jun-Aug Best Time
• $300-510 Est. Price

tourradar.com

#4 Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is picturesque in all seasons, which is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Compared with the magnificent sky, the ancient castles on the ground, the Gothic-style buildings, the staggered yellow and green countryside, and the world-famous wine estates is a highlight of the hot air balloon trip.

When the first rays of sunlight fell, Tuscany's yellow and green fields gradually shrouded in intoxicating gold.

Take a hot air balloon and overlook Tuscany, bathed in the sun. Its colors and veins are like a beautiful oil painting by a world-renowned master.

Rolling mountains, endless fields like waves, vineyards and olive groves full of vines, traditional Italian towns, farmhouses built of honey-colored stones, elegant Romanesque country churches, spectacular medieval castles... Natural scenery and humanistic architecture complement each other! Such a beautiful and poetic scenery, how can people not be tempted?

• Recommendation
• Sept-Oct Best Time
• €250-1750 Est. Price

balloontuscany.com

#5 The Golden Desert, Dubai

When traveling to Dubai, in addition to the intoxicating city and beautiful beaches, the golden desert of Dubai is not to be missed.

Sightseeing in a hot air balloon and a bird's eye view of Dubai's desert from the sky is even more stunning! The golden sand dunes stretched under the blue sky, like a beautiful landscape painting.

When the first sun ray sprinkled on the desert of Dubai, surrounded by boundless and magnificent deserts with the hot air balloon gradually rises, its beautiful light will gradually bloom around you.

• Recommendation
• Nov-Mar Best Time
• $230-340 Est. Price

ballooning.ae

#6 Luxor, Egypt

It is known as the cheapest hot air balloon in the world. Take a hot air balloon before sunrise, and the morning light of the eastern dawn slowly rises.

Looking around, the mountains and rivers, cities and farmlands, sky and temples of Thebes, are all telling the long history and past glory of Egypt.

The pilot of the hot air balloon will slowly move towards the ground during the flight, allowing you to touch sugarcane fields. It's a wonderful experience!

• Recommendation
• Mar-Apr Best Time
• $75-150 Est. Price

500px.com / Mohamed Sabry

#7 Monument Valley, USA

Monument Valley is an area of ​​giant lonely peaks formed by sandstone in the Colorado Plateau. It belongs to the reservation of the Navaho tribe of Indians and is the eternal symbol of the "Western Wilderness" of the United States.

From May to October every year, you can take a hot air balloon to get a bird's-eye view of the Monument Valley.

On the Gobi Desert, the red steles, stone mounds, stone towers and stone pillars can be seen in various shapes and forms.

• Recommendation
• All year Best Time
• $199-495 Est. Price

500px.com / Rod Clement

#8 Costa Rica

Known as the "Switzerland in Central America", Costa Rica is not only famous for football, but also for hot air balloons.

It is a unique experience to take a hot air balloon to watch the tropical rainforest in this small country.

In 1991, this tourism project started in the area around Arenal Volcano. What is it like to enjoy the Tenorio volcano and 12,819 hectares of pristine rainforest in a hot air balloon?

• Recommendation
• Nov-Jan Best Time
• $385 Est. Price

lafincacostarica.com

#9 Yarra Valley, Australia

Australia's territory covers an area of ​​7,692,024 square kilometers and is surrounded by sea.

It is the only country in the world whose territory covers an entire continent. Australia is a country of immigrants that pursues a multiculturalism with many unique flora and fauna and natural landscapes.

The safe and steady flight of a hot air balloon allows visitors to see the high and low hills and valleys on the land, as well as orchards and farms.

In the Yarra Valley, hot air ballooning is a popular pastime.

• Recommendation
• Nov-May Best Time
• $325-405 Est. Price

visitvictoria.com

#10 Teotihuacan, Mexico

The Pyramid of Teotihuacan, about 50 kilometers northeast of Mexico City, is an amazing archeological relic in North America, and a hot air balloon tour allows visitors to overlook the remains of this ancient city known as the "City of Gods."

In one hour flight, visitors can expect to see the Quetzalapalotl Temple, the Avenue of Death, and the huge pyramids of the sun and moon in the air.

• Recommendation
• May-Jun Best Time
• $110-140 Est. Price

cityexpress.com

#11 Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

New Mexico, one of the 4 states in the southwestern United States.

Albuquerque is the largest gathering place for hot air balloon enthusiasts in the world, and it is also an ideal place to witness hundreds of gorgeous balloons floating in the sky.

Every October, the Albuquerque International Hot Air Balloon Festival is held here.

The festival activities include concerts and fireworks displays, as well as the release of giant balloons.

Many tourists come to participate in this activity just to see the hot air balloon flying on the ground, of course, you can also take a hot air balloon and experience it by yourself.

• Recommendation
• Sept-Nov Best Time
• $10-25 Tickets

visitalbuquerque.org / Josef Gelernter

#12 Serengeti Plain, Tanzania

The United Republic of Tanzania, referred to as Tanzania, is one of the birthplaces of ancient humans.

The Serengeti Plain extends from Tanzania to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

It is one of the largest migration places for mammals in the world, so no matter what season you take a hot air balloon over the Serengeti, you can see traces of many animals on the plain.

During the Great Migration, in addition to more than two million wildebeests, gazelles and zebras passing through the Serengeti Plain, there are also lions, hippos, elephants and other large animals.

• Recommendation
• Jun-Oct Best Time
• $599 Est. Price

serengeti.com

#13 Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The Kingdom of Cambodia is commonly known as Cambodia, formerly known as Khmer, bordering Thailand to the west and northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east and southeast, and the Gulf of Siam to the south.

Angkor Archaeological Park is the most famous temple complex in Angkor Wat, which is considered to be the largest religious monument in the world.

The temple built in the early 12th century is not only a model of Khmer classical architecture, but also the best place for tourists who are new to hot-air ballooning.

The hot air balloons here are tied with safety cables.

• Recommendation
• Nov-Mar Best Time
• $20-130 Est. Price

500px.com / Tawatchai Prakobkit

#14 Napa Valley, California, USA

Napa Valley in California is famous for its picturesque vineyards, and a hot air balloon ride provides visitors with a wonderful way to appreciate the tranquil beauty of the countryside.

Environmentally conscious residents and vineyard owners are committed to protecting the natural environment, so passengers can enjoy the pristine rural scenery.

Regardless of the season, Napa Valley is considered an ideal hot-air balloon destination, thanks to its mild weather all year round.

The warm early spring in Napa Valley and the warm summer sun created almost perfect climatic conditions for the growth of grapes. After the hot air balloon trip, opening a bottle of red wine and enjoying the relax life for the rest of the day.

• Recommendation
• Aug-Oct Best Time
• $239 Est. Price

stevensonmanor.com

#15 Adirondack, Switzerland

In a snowy mountain village, one by one hot air balloons rose, what a beautiful day!

There is an annual Sky Event here, also known locally as "Festival in the Sky". Hot air balloon enthusiasts and tourists from different countries fly here.

• Recommendation
• Feb 5-21 Best Time
• $10 Tickets

adirondackballoonfest.org

#16 Vilnius, Lithuania

On the hot air balloon, the beautiful scenery of the whole city is unobstructed. Around the slightly undulating city, several rivers meander and flow like a jade belt.

The old city is a collection of ancient buildings of different eras and styles, beautiful in shape, simple and elegant, and you can appreciate its charm more from the air.

• Recommendation
• Jun-Aug Best Time
• $140-180 Est. Price

lithuania.travel

#17 Pampanga, Philippines

There is a hot air balloon festival in February every year. This festival has a history of 17 years.

It not only has various types of balloons, but also various performances with unique ethnic characteristics, and meets young local artists of all kinds.

The hot air balloon festival in Pampanga is different from the normal hot air balloon. The highlight is creativity. All kinds of hot air balloons rise in the sky, flying into the sky with the enthusiasm of the creators.

• Recommendation
• Mar 6-8 Best Time
• $10 Tickets

youtube.com / Daniel B Santiago

Tips for taking hot air balloons

1. Reservation is very necessary! Be sure to book in advance! Some hot air balloons in popular areas even need to book 3 to 6 month in advance.
2. Hot air balloons usually fly in the early morning and late afternoon because the temperature is low during this time and the wind is not strong. Strong wind and fog are not conducive to the flight of hot air balloons. Hot air balloon is an item that depends on the weather, so it is possible to cancel the flight until the last minute.
3. Epilepsy, high blood pressure, heart disease, fear of heights and other diseases that are medically considered unsuitable for high-altitude sports are suggested not to take a hot air balloon.
4. The basket of a hot air balloon is very small and the internal space is also very narrow. In the process of riding, do not touch the gas tank and combustion device.
5. When taking a hot air balloon, the temperature is usually not very high, so wearing warm, cotton clothing, hats and gloves is necessary. No high heels for girls.
6. Landing is the most dangerous time to take a hot air balloon. You need to bend your legs and hold your hands on the edge or pole of the basket. This posture is to cushion the basket when it hits the ground.
7. Hot air balloon is a relatively dangerous outdoor activity. Remember to buy travel insurance.