There are two types of balloons for 6 or 8 passengers. The one-hour tour is available from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. everyday. The whole adventure will take 3 - 4 hours. The flight takes around 1 hour for 15 km. Depending on the wind direction, the flight starts from the centre of Phan Thiet city or close to white sand dunes, in the early morning. The hot air balloon will gently carry visitors over the buzzing streets of rising city, the river where small fishing boats are resting in the rising sun… Visitors will have a chance to approach the sea shore, witness rural life of locals, see farmers working in the fields, and cattle grazing dry grass….
Mr. Tomas Valiukas (Managing director of Saigon Star Travel limited Company) said that “Phan Thiet is very unique at the ground and it is even more unique from the air. There are lakes, green fields, sea, white and red sand dunes, colourful boats… in Phan Thiet. It is very interesting for people to ride hot-air balloons. For example, Nha Trang next to Binh Thuan, there is sea, boats…, but it is not as unique as Phan Thiet”.
According to Mr. Tomas, safety first! All of pilots have international certificates. The hot air balloons are produced by reputable distributors like Cameron (The U.K.)… When taking part in the journey, visitors don't forget wear convenient casual clothes, hats; bring on cameras together with protective cases. It is now priced at VND 7 million (USD 310), including transportation from/to hotel, free-flying with hot air balloon for 15 km, traditional ceremony for the first hot-air balloon flight, certificate of achievement. Besides, the company rents the whole hot air balloon for special occasions: birthday parties in the air, weddings in the clouds, corporate events… For more information log on towww.vietnamballoons.com
It is said that it is the first time in Phan Thiet, there has been a free-flying hot-air balloon trip as a new service. It will contribute to promoting Binh Thuan’s tourism and attracting more and more vistiors.
By Trang Minh