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EN
On January 22nd and 23rd, residents and tourists in Ho Chi Minh City can participate in, explore, and experience many unique and novel activities being organized for the first time. Between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM on both days of the event, 16 hot air balloons (including 2 large balloons, 2 fixed balloons, and 12 small balloons) will fly over the Saigon River area.
The Hot Air Balloon Festival is an activity aimed at diversifying tourism products, thereby affirming the image of a city with "safe, attractive, vibrant, and exciting" destinations on the tourism map of Vietnam and internationally. In addition, the event also prepares for welcoming international tourists back to Ho Chi Minh City in 2022.
According to hot air balloon experts, to provide a complete yet safe experience for tourists, the hot air balloon crews need about 20 days to prepare. By the evening of January 20th, the crews had arrived at Thu Thiem Park to begin thorough test flights before performing the demonstrations.
On the morning of January 22nd, 16 hot air balloons glided across the city sky, quickly captivating viewers with their vibrant colors against the blue backdrop. However, during the afternoon flights, due to strong winds, the pilots encountered difficulties in controlling the balloons, with many flying unsteadily and swaying constantly.
Besides the hot air balloon displays, people can also enjoy yacht parades, paragliding demonstrations, and water sports. Paragliding demonstrations take place at two times: from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM and from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The yacht parade and water sports activities on the Saigon River run from the area in front of the Thu Thiem Tunnel – Saigon Bridge – Phu My Bridge – Thu Thiem Tunnel…
In particular, besides the opening ceremony being held at the Thu Thiem Tunnel Rooftop Park, the festival also provides opportunities for locals and tourists to enjoy performances from various locations such as the riverside area at the end of Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, Khanh Hoi Bridge, Nha Rong Wharf, Bach Dang Wharf, and high-rise buildings with views overlooking the Thu Thiem Tunnel Park…
The Department of Tourism stated that this activity aims to diversify Ho Chi Minh City's tourism products, thereby reaffirming the city's image as a "safe, attractive, vibrant, and exciting" destination on the Vietnamese and international tourism map, in preparation for welcoming international tourists back to Ho Chi Minh City in 2022.
