The **Chiang Mai International Balloon Festival** is one of the most breathtaking events in Thailand. Every year, the skies above Chiang Mai come alive with **vibrant hot air balloons** soaring over the picturesque landscapes. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to **prepare for my first-ever hot air balloon flight**, and I couldn’t be more excited!
From checking the weather to understanding safety protocols, the process of getting ready for a balloon ride is both thrilling and educational. In this article, I’ll share my **personal experience preparing for the flight, the anticipation leading up to takeoff, and what you need to know if you plan to fly at the Chiang Mai Balloon Festival**.
Step 1: Pre-Flight Excitement & Booking
Before even stepping into the basket, the **first step** was to book my flight and mentally prepare for the adventure.
📅 Booking the Flight
- I reserved my hot air balloon experience **a few weeks in advance**, as spots fill up quickly during the festival.
- There are **different packages**, including sunrise flights, private rides, and group flights.
- The cost of a balloon ride at the festival ranges from **8,000 – 12,000 THB (~$250 – $350 USD)**, depending on the flight type.
🎈 The Anticipation
As the flight day approached, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of **excitement and nervousness**. Questions like **”What does it feel like to float in the air?”** and **”Will I be scared of heights?”** kept running through my mind. But the thought of **witnessing Chiang Mai from above at sunrise** made all the nerves worth it!
Step 2: Preparing for Takeoff
The morning of my flight, I woke up before dawn to **head to the launch site**, where the balloons were being inflated. The scene was magical—massive balloons slowly filling with hot air, glowing against the dim morning sky.
☀️ What to Expect Before the Flight
- 📍 **Meeting Point:** The launch site is usually at **Horizons Village or the festival grounds**.
- 🕔 **Arrival Time:** Passengers must arrive **before sunrise (around 5:30 – 6:00 AM)** for safety checks and flight preparations.
- 🎟️ **Registration & Safety Briefing:** We checked in, met our pilot, and learned about **safety procedures, landing positions, and emergency protocols**.
🛠️ Balloon Inflation Process
- We watched as the **massive envelope of the balloon was spread out on the ground**.
- Strong **fans blew air into the balloon**, inflating it before the **burners ignited to heat the air inside**.
- Slowly, the balloon **lifted upright**, ready for boarding!
Step 3: Final Checklist Before Takeoff
Before stepping into the **basket**, I made sure to follow the pilot’s final instructions.
✔️ What to Wear & Bring
- 👕 **Comfortable clothing & layers** – The early morning can be chilly, but it gets warmer in the air.
- 👟 **Closed-toe shoes** – Essential for walking on uneven grassy fields.
- 🎒 **Minimal belongings** – Only **a phone, camera, and sunglasses** for the best experience.
📸 Last-Minute Photos Before Takeoff
As the balloon was fully inflated, I took **a few last pictures on the ground** before getting inside. The atmosphere was incredible—**passengers buzzing with excitement, pilots making final adjustments, and balloons of all colors towering above us**.
Watch My Hot Air Balloon Preparation!
🛑 Note: The video is in Russian, but the visuals perfectly capture the **preparation process and excitement before takeoff!**
🎥 What You’ll See in the Video:
- 🎈 **Balloons being inflated before sunrise.**
- 🚀 **My reactions as I prepare for my first flight.**
- 📸 **Behind-the-scenes footage of the launch site.**
FAQ: Preparing for a Hot Air Balloon Flight
📌 How early do I need to arrive before my flight?
Most balloon rides require passengers to arrive **at least 30–45 minutes before sunrise** for check-in and safety briefing.
📌 What should I wear?
Wear **comfortable clothing**, **closed-toe shoes**, and bring a **light jacket**, as early mornings in Chiang Mai can be chilly.
📌 Is it scary to fly in a hot air balloon?
Not at all! The ride is **smooth and peaceful**, with no sudden movements. Even those who are afraid of heights usually feel comfortable.
📌 Can I bring a camera or phone?
Yes! Cameras and phones are allowed, but make sure to **secure them properly**, as there is no way to retrieve dropped items from the sky.
📌 How long does the flight last?
The actual **flight duration is around 45 minutes to 1 hour**, depending on wind conditions.
Conclusion: The Adventure Begins!
As I stood inside the **balloon’s wicker basket**, looking at the glowing flames from the burner above, I felt an incredible **rush of excitement and anticipation**. The **countdown to takeoff** had begun, and in just a few moments, I would be floating high above Chiang Mai, experiencing the **world from an entirely new perspective**.
