New hot air balloon experience offers breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay

By Tu Nguyen April 4, 2025 | 06:00 pm PT

A stationery hot air balloon hovers over the Tuan Chau Island area in Ha Long. Photo provided to VnExpress

Tourists visiting the world's UNESCO heritage site Ha Long Bay can take in panoramic views from the sky aboard stationary hot air balloons starting this April.

According to the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, two stationary hot air balloons will be set up near Ngoc Chau Street in the Tuan Chau area of Ha Long City. Positioned at an altitude between 80 to 100 meters, these balloons will provide aerial views of the bay's iconic landscapes.

Duong Quoc Thang, director of Ha Long Hot Air Balloon Company, explained that while Ha Long Bay already attracts visitors to its islands and caves, aerial services like hot air balloons are a first for the region. "Hot air balloons offer a unique and unobstructed view, ideal for observing the majestic beauty of the bay," Thang said.

Each balloon can accommodate up to 18 passengers per ride, and each journey lasts approximately 30 minutes. The company began its first flight on March 29, receiving enthusiastic feedback from early participants.

Early participants of a hot air balloon ride in Ha Long

Currently, balloon rides operate on demand rather than on fixed schedules. Thang recommends early morning flights around 5:30 a.m. to experience sunrise views over the bay. Prices range from VND300,000 to VND400,000 ($11.63 - $15.50) per person.

Ha Long Bay, spanning over 1,500 square kilometers and dotted with nearly 2,000 islands, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws millions of international and domestic visitors each year.