Nguyen Dieu Linh, 27, living in Germany, combined work and leisure during her trip to Turkey in late October. She spent two days exploring Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey's Nevşehir Province, known for its geological landscapes.
On the morning of Oct. 23, Linh woke up early to prepare for her hot air balloon ride over the cityscape.
To catch the sunrise, the tour operator's shuttle picked her up at 4:30 a.m. This was Linh's first visit to Cappadocia, one of Turkey's most popular tourist destinations. According to The Independent, Cappadocia welcomed 4 million visitors in 2019.
Hot air balloon ticket prices vary between $200 and $250, depending on the tour company.
By 6:30 a.m., while it was still dark, Linh's hot air balloon had already ascended into the sky.
As the sky brightened, more visitors gathered in the area, and the number of balloons in the air increased dramatically.
Cappadocia in ancient times bordered the Black Sea to the north, the Taurus Mountains to the south, the Euphrates River to the east, and the Salt Lake to the west, according to National Geographic. After the Persian invasion in the 6th century BCE, the region was divided into two parts: Pontus in the north and Rocky Cappadocia in the south.
Today, the most-visited areas of Cappadocia are in central Turkey, with Nevşehir being the largest city in the region.
Around 7 a.m., the sun rose, bathing the landscape in golden hues. Seated in the balloon, Linh described Cappadocia as one of the most beautiful places to watch a sunrise.
Distant mountains turned a honey-gold color as the sun climbed higher, marking the time when the balloons began their descent.
The balloon tours include hotel pick-up, breakfast with bread, cheese, fruits, and coffee before the flight.
Linh noted that the altitude and distance covered during the ride depend on wind direction and speed each day. On her flight, temperatures ranged from 0 to 1 degrees Celsius, growing colder at higher altitudes. Passengers bundled up in warm clothing, gloves, and scarves to stay warm.
The flight lasted 45-60 minutes, with each balloon carrying 32 passengers, a pilot, and an assistant.
After landing, guests celebrated with champagne and received certificates commemorating their successful flight. By 8:30 a.m., Linh continued exploring the area, visiting a carpet workshop, pottery studio, and museums.
Linh had long heard about Cappadocia's rock formations, often described as a "fairyland of Turkey". The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
"Coming to Cappadocia felt like traveling back to the Stone Age, learning about how people lived and raised livestock in mountain caves," Linh said.
Visitors can explore the region year-round. Spring and fall offer warm weather and fewer crowds, while summer is peak tourist season with perfect weather. In winter, riding a balloon over snowy landscapes provides a magical experience.
One highlight of Linh's visit was Uchisar Castle, now a museum in Cappadocia, with an entry fee of about $1.50.
Visitors are advised to rent a car or book tours to move between attractions, as public transportation is unavailable and sites are far apart.
"Cappadocia not only attracts international tourists but also large numbers of domestic visitors. During holidays or New Year, the crowds can double or triple," Linh said.
The photo shows the interior of a restaurant Linh visited for dinner in Cappadocia.
