Experience the Dubai desert in a hot air balloon.

If you visit Dubai, you might be overwhelmed by the wealth and splendor of unique architectural marvels that have set Guinness World Records, such as the Burj Al Arab hotel, which is over 300 meters tall. You might indulge your passion for skiing at Ski Dubai, shop at luxurious and enormous shopping malls, or witness one of the most outstanding events in international horse racing history, the Dubai World Cup... but don't miss a hot air balloon ride. There's nothing more enjoyable and wonderful than floating in the sky, enjoying the fresh air, watching the sunrise and the panoramic view of the Margham desert from above, and admiring the Arabian landscape with its endless stretches of red sand dunes.

Visitors need to wake up before dawn and wait for the tour bus to pick them up. It takes 45 minutes by bus to reach the sand dunes to prepare for takeoff. Hot air balloon flights here all depart before sunrise, not only to serve tourists who want to watch the sunrise from above, but also because that is the only time of day when the air is cold enough for the balloons to take off.

Hot air balloons are spheres filled with hot air. Hot air tends to rise, allowing the balloon to fly because the air inside is lighter than the cold air outside. Therefore, hot air balloon flights cannot take place during the day when the Arabian sun blazes like a blazing fire.

Tour operators began lighting fires to warm up the giant hot air balloons. Around them, tourists chattered excitedly in various languages, all eager for the upcoming journey.

The hot air balloon took off just as the first rays of dawn began to pierce through the night sky.

Most tourists will feel a little apprehensive about this novel experience – what it would be like to be suspended in a hot air balloon and fly, what it would feel like to be nestled in a swaying wicker basket, and whether they would experience motion sickness like on a train or car. But amidst the cool, crisp morning air, the flights will be peaceful and smooth. The giant balloons fly with the wind, so whenever the wind blows strongly, just sit firmly in the basket and let yourself be carried by the wind, and you will feel safe.

Each flight provides a selection of light refreshments for passengers. What could be more delightful than floating effortlessly over the Arabian desert, sipping a Gahwa (Arabian coffee) or Sulaimani (mint lemon tea), and taking in the breathtaking views from above while breathing in the fresh air?

Everyone was thrilled to watch the (domesticated) falcon perform its morning hunt. Once the balloon reached the necessary altitude, the falcon was unfastened and released to fly freely – a short while later, it returned with its "spoils" and was even rewarded with some extra food by the tourists.

The flight would end in about an hour. At this time, it wasn't quite dawn yet, and the roads leading out to the desert and the endless sand dunes seemed both strange and majestic, like something from another world—a world as ancient as the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, or a distant world like something out of a post-apocalyptic science fiction film.

Lasting only a few hours in the early morning, this is one of the most exciting experiences for tourists in Dubai. Dubai seems like another world, a blend of ancient Middle Eastern culture and a cutting-edge modern metropolis. If you come to Dubai to experience something different, to get a panoramic view of this tranquil land, hop on a hot air balloon and fly over the desert, perhaps even landing in the scorching sand dunes, for an unforgettable journey.

Additional information

• Travel Information: From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Emirates offers daily direct flights to Dubai. The convenient flight times save travelers time.
• Best time to visit Dubai: From November to April, when the weather is cool and pleasant, this is the ideal time for sightseeing and enjoying the sights of Dubai from a hot air balloon. Avoid visiting Dubai in the summer.
• Cost: Approximately $300-$550 per person for a 40-70 minute hot air balloon ride, including transportation and refreshments.
• Currency: Dubai uses the Dirham, with 100 USD equivalent to approximately 350 Dirhams.
• Clothing: You should bring a light jacket, windbreaker, scarf, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and moisturizer. Dress modestly and respectfully; women should avoid short skirts and tank tops in public places.
• Cuisine: You can find everything here, from European, Chinese, and Middle Eastern dishes, including pho!
• Other must-see attractions in Dubai include: Zabeel Royal Palace, Dubai Miracle Garden, IMG Worlds of Adventure featuring cartoon characters from Cartoon Network, Dubai Ski Resort, Adventure Water Park, Dubai Museum, and more.

Huong Thao