5 Places in the world for incredibly scenic hot air balloon rides

Angela Goh

09 May 2017

There is nothing better than a bird’s-eye view of a stunning landscape. These hot air balloon sites will make your jaw drop.

1/5
Yangshuo, China
The town of Yangshuo, which is just a short ride from Guilin, might surprise you. Bet you didn’t expect hot air ballooning to be popular here! But it makes a lot of sense, as the town is surrounded by impressive limestone mountains. The region is also famous for other outdoor sports such as hiking and rock-climbing, but we reckon a hot air balloon ride makes for a more breathtaking adventure. Float across paddy fields and get close to mountain peaks - Yangshuo is more impressive from above.
2/5
Bagan, Myanmar
Myanmar still remains a much-undiscovered land filled with mystery and intriguing culture. But tourists and visitors are slowly discovering the marvelous secrets that this country beholds. No visit to this Southeast Asian treasure is complete without a grand hot air balloon journey at sunset - you will be graced with golden views of over 4000 temples and pagodas that dot the region. Truly a sight worth seeing at least once in your lifetime.
3/5
Cappadocia, Turkey
The mind-boggling, out-of-this-world terrain of Cappadocia, located in the Anatolian region of Turkey, is something you’ll want to see in person. From mesmerising limestone chimneys to chiseled-out dwellings and odd rock formations in earthy shades of red and orange, you’ll feel like you’re not even on the same planet when you ascend in your balloon.
4/5
Yarra Valley, Australia
Doing a hot air balloon ride in Yarra Valley is something magical. The region is a picture perfect puzzle of agricultural lands, with vineyards and farms stretching as far as the eye can see. Enjoy views of the Yarra River and the rolling peaks of the Great Divide off in the distance. It isn’t hard to get to Yarra Valley - just an hour’s drive from the city of Melbourne. Pay a visit to the sprawling countryside during the autumn months for a landscape accented in fall colours.
5/5
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Ever thought of undertaking an African safari adventure… from the air? Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park provides the perfect place for an unforgettable hot air balloon ride. With wildlife abound and impossibly large swathes of undisturbed grassland, it is undoubtedly a killer view. Roaming herds of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra will definitely make for an impressive photograph. See if you can spot any giant cats from up there!

Imagine being on top of the world at dawn, looking down on the most magnificent stretch of land, dotted with natural and manmade landmarks alike. Our planet is an amazing place and it looks even better from above, which is why a hot air balloon ride is a bucket list must-do. And don’t just do it anywhere. There are 5 places that will take your breath away and give you the view of a lifetime from your perch in the clouds.

From the rolling emerald hills and vineyards of Yarra Valley to the mystical mountain peaks of Yangshuo, the impressive pagodas and temples of Bagan to the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better hot air balloon locations that offer such glorious vistas.

Head up to the gallery and add all of our top picks to your vacation wishlist!

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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