Balloon Festival fires up Chiang Mai

The Thailand International Balloon Festival returned to Chiang Mai last week, providing a spectacular sight for locals and tourists.

Backed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the event saw more than 10 hot air balloons rise into the skies above Chiang Mai province from 7-8 December 2013. The event was supported by a range of ground-based activities, food stalls and musical acts.

Travel Daily Media’s Guy Allison took to the skies for a morning flight.

“This was my first ever flight and it was a truly amazing experience. The sight of all the other balloons silently drifting as the sun rose up from the horizon and broke through the misty haze was an unforgettable sight,” Allison said.

Professional balloon pilots travelled to the annual festival from across the world, including such countries as Spain, Russia, Croatia, Malaysia, Germany, Belgium and the UK, to demonstrate their flying skills. There were also tethered balloon rides and kite flying demonstrations.

The Thailand International Balloon Festival has been held since 1992.

via – Travel Daily Asia.