Discover the World’s Best Hot Air Balloon Rides 

It’s a great deal to see amazing landscapes by taking to the skies in a hot air balloon to have an exceptional experience. Several remarkable hot air balloon rides around the world offer aerial views of vibrant city sites that will leave you breathless.

The world we are in today may seem familiar and ordinary until we float gently through the sky and everywhere takes a new magical turn. Hot Air Balloons lets the cityscape look fascinating and, indeed, a must-try adventure for you!

Surrounded by nothing but the blue sky will allow you to glimpse the world from a different perspective and bring your travel ordeals to another new level with the sights of beautiful landmarks and unique locations. 

That said, It’s time to pack your bags and prepare for a different thrilling journey. Here is a list for you with some of the 10 best hot air balloon rides in the world:

1. Cappadocia, Turkey

With the region’s distinct landscape that changes its colors as the sun rises and sets, Cappadocia in Turkey is one of the most visited hot air balloon destinations in the world.

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is a unique way to view the incredible scenery of Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and move gently above the rose-colored valley, fairy-looking chimneys, and alienated rock formations for a romantic and unforgettable experience.

They also offer fine Champagne once you’re back on the grounds.

2. Reims, France

Reims, located northeast of France, is known for its picturesque landscapes. The city of Reims is the world capital of Champagne, with a vibrant and extended history that precisely makes it a fascinating place to ride on a hot air balloon with a rich glass of Champagne waiting to toast at your safe landing.

You would get to see a bird-eye view of the old Champagne region and explore the idyllic French countryside, vineyards, and chalk caves. 

3. Bagan, Myanmar

The best way to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient city of Bagan in Myanmar is possibly from a ride on a hot air balloon. Bagan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and offers an aerial view of historical temples that rise out of a mist and pagodas of its archaeological zones.

The ride begins early in the morning for favorable weather conditions and gives you plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking view. 

4. Maasai Mara, Kenya

Maasai Mara is situated in southwest Kenya and is the best place to experience hot air ballooning in Africa. The large and famous national game reserve is home to various wildlife, including cheetahs, giraffes, lions, elephants, and hippos.

The hot air balloon rides in Maasai Mara will allow you to enjoy an unforgettable nature experience at its peak when it’s sunrise. One might even get to spot a rare black rhino and enjoy a champagne breakfast in the middle of the savannah after the ride.

5. Luxor, Egypt

It is well known that Luxor is located on the site of ancient Thebes, Southern Egypt, which exhibits the pharaohs’ capital at the height of their power and is also the largest open-air museum city.

It is an unforgettable experience to have a view of the City of the Dead from above on a hot air balloon that drifts slowly over the Nile at sunrise and see its significant treasures, including the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Ramesseum.

6. Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany lies in west-central Italy and is known for its magnificent landscapes, high culture, history, and influence on the foundations of the Italian language. A hot air balloon ride in Tuscany offers views of the vast Val d’Orcia, Chianti Valley, green hills, and verdantly spread farm fields and vineyards.

It is also considered the home of the Italian Renaissance and treats you to fresh farm produce and a cool glass of Prosecco as a Tuscan breakfast after you return from your on-air adventure. 

7. Queenstown, New Zealand

The hot air balloon in Queenstown takes you through adventures where you’ll see the valleys between Queenstown and Arrowtown and some of New Zealand’s drop-dead views of its most famous golf courses and natural landscapes.

Queenstown, in the south-west region of Otago, New Zealand’s South Island, is surrounded by the impressive scenery of towering mountains that rise in the distance and are positioned on the edge of the incredibly clean Lake Wakatipu.

8. Yarra Valley, Australia

A charming landscape with about 80 vineyards and forests interwoven with old farms, cozy villages, beautiful gardens, and hills, The Yarra Valley is a region in Victoria, Australia, and one of Australia’s entire wine regions.

A hot air balloon ride in Yarra Valley provides visitors with a stunning view of the Yarra River, Kinglake National Park, and Yarra Ranges Shire, with local wine tasting after landing. 

9. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Known as UAE’s first national park, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers hot air balloon rides outside the luxurious city of Dubai. The balloons ride over 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) high over rolling sand dunes and lush preserves where visitors can view the outstanding

Arabian Oryx, camels, and gazelles. Passengers are mostly picked up at hotels in nearby Burj Khalifa and moved to the lift-off site where you can receive safety instructions before leaving on an hour-long getaway. 

10. Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley in the north of San Francisco, California, is known for legendary world-class wine and hundreds of sweeping hillside vineyards that offer a beautiful wine country scenery.

Napa Valley’s surroundings can be enjoyed best from the incredible views above, with its many balloon companies performing several wine-tasting experiences and brunch to ensure a fantastic aerial ride.

You would also be able to view Mount St. Helena and the Mayacamas Mountains once you set out from Yountville.