Hot air balloon festival in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong’s skyline might be iconic already, but it’s about to look even more striking, with the debut of the Hot Air Balloon Fest Hong Kong this year. Running from 4 to 7 September, the first ever international hot air balloon festival in Hong Kong promises to be a magical family event, with stunning balloon displays, live music, culinary adventures and general festival vibes all round!

What to expect from Hot Air Balloon Fest Hong Kong

The event will unfold at Central Harbourfront Event Space, with the star of the show being a fleet of quirky and colourful big hot air balloons from around the world – including Japan, Canada and Germany. The collection of playfully designed balloons, including dinosaurs and other animals, will grace the Hong Kong sky each sunset during the festival. For safety, the balloons will be securely anchored and operated by trained, certified pilots.

Another highlight will be a tethered ride experience (subject to government approval, weather conditions and pilot discretion). This will provide passengers with the thrill of rising up to 20 metres into the air above the festival grounds, while remaining safely tethered to the ground. Note that passengers must be at least five years of age so they can see over the balloon basket and get the full experience. 

Elsewhere, guests can enjoy an inside look at how a hot air balloon is inflated, or have fun watching concerts on the main stage, sampling delicious gourmet food, and taking in the Night Glow Show. There’s even an AIA Balloon Run on the Saturday morning to supplement the event, with 1k, 3km and 5km distances available for individual, family and corporate runners. 

Tickets range from $120 to $1,480 depending on your age and the package you choose. Follow the link on the official festival website to see availability and prices. 

Get more info at habfest.com.

Hot-air ballooning beyond Hong Kong

If you enjoy the taste of ballooning on offer at Hot Air Balloon Fest Hong Kong, there are other places in Asia where you can experience the spectacle and adventure of hot-air balloons. Here are five! 

#1 Seeing Vang Vieng, Laos, from the sky

While it used to be a party town, Vang Vieng is today more about adventure travel, so it’s no surprise there’s a range of hot air balloon operators in the town. You can take a 30-minute flight that provides superb views of the plunging mountains surrounding the town’s valley. 

#2 Hot air balloon trips near Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai might be up in the mountains already, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go higher still. On a sunrise flight, you’ll gaze down at lush jungle, rice paddies and lakes and villages in the mist, plus Chiang Mai itself, rousing itself into action in the distance.

#3 Hot air balloon trips in Furano, Japan

A winter visit to the snowfields of Hokkaido might be a must for many travellers, yet Japan’s northernmost prefecture is well worth a visit in summer too. Furano, located in the middle of the island, is a picture-perfect place for getting sky-bound in a hot-air balloon. The views of Mount Tokachi and the Daisetsu National Park are majestic – especially with the lavender blooming in June.

#4 Ubud, Indonesia, from a hot air balloon

Ubud in Bali is a renowned for its natural beauty – and you can experience those lush surrounds from above in a hot-air balloon. This is a short, tethered balloon trip rather than a free-floating journey, but many still find the ascent over jungle, rice fields and sleepy villages a memorable one. 

#5 Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey

If you’ve ever seen pictures of hot air balloons over Cappadocia, you’ll know why it’s rated one of the best ballooning spots in the world. At certain times, the sky can be thick with balloons, all taking in the views of the region’s famous limestone spires and caves.

Find out about more things to do in Hong Kong in our Events section, or head to our Travel section for other adventure holiday ideas.