Magical and thrilling!

Reporter Chen Zi-Yin / Compiled report

Soaring hot air balloons in vibrant, dreamy hues, offering breathtaking views of the earth below — what a dream come true! In recent years, Taiwan has also seen a local hot air balloon craze, attracting both domestic and international travelers to chase these colorful wonders across the island. So, where else around the world are hot air balloon rides worth experiencing? Recently, CNN reported on the most beautiful hot air balloon destinations globally, showcasing stunning scenes from various countries that have left people in awe.

1. Australia – Melbourne (Photo / Screenshot fromU.S. CNN website, the same applies below)

Take a one-hour hot air balloon ride in Australia’s second-largest city, and you’ll enjoy views of the city’s business district, beautiful gardens, and the Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park. The cost is approximately $320 per person.


2. United States – Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is a world-famous paradise for food and wine. Between April and October — the best months for weather — take to the skies in a hot air balloon and glide over rolling green hills, spotting family-owned vineyards of all sizes. The experience costs about $200 per person.
 

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3. Tanzania – Serengeti

A grassland teeming with lions, hippos, leopards, giraffes, and zebras. Between early May to early June and late October to December, you can see up to 200 wildebeest migrating annually from Kenya to Lake Victoria while ballooning. The cost is around $529 per person.

4. United States – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Every year in October, around 500 colorful balloons take flight here, making it the largest hot air balloon event in the world. With numerous vividly colored balloons soaring together, it’s truly a spectacular sight. Flights are priced between $299 and $499 for a one-hour ride.


5. Canada – Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

A paradise for children, the Richelieu International Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place over nine days in August along the riverbanks. Tethered balloon activities with uniquely shaped balloons bring them within touching distance for visitors. Tethered hot air balloon rides cost $170 per person.

6. Turkey – Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The optimal time for hot air balloon flights is from March to October each year. A 60 to 90-minute ride takes you up to 1,000 feet in the air, offering a breathtaking view of the surreal landscape. Each ride starts at $242 per person.

7. United States – Letchworth State Park

In New York, the best season for hot air balloon flights at Letchworth State Park is from May to mid-October. Riding through the flowing Letchworth Gorge with towering cliffs of slate on either side offers an amazing view! July and August provide warm, dry weather with the best visibility, while September allows you to enjoy the autumn scenery. The cost is about $249 per person.

8. United States – Reno, Nevada

In September, the San Rafael Regional Park hosts a three-day Great Reno Balloon Race, a free event where families can get up close and admire the diverse designs of hot air balloons.

9. Myanmar – Bagan

With over 4,000 pagodas and temples scattered across more than 15 square miles, seeing them from a hot air balloon is simply mesmerizing. The cost is approximately $320 per person.

10. United States – Colorado Springs

The Colorado Balloon Classic, which began in 1977, is held over the Labor Day weekend. You can take a hot air balloon ride, and there’s also an evening concert. Each ride costs about $295.