If you travel to Dubai, you can be overwhelmed by the wealth and splendor of the unique architectural works that have been recognized by Guinness records such as the Burj Al Arab hotel which is over 300 m high, satisfy your passion for skiing at Ski Dubai, shop at the luxurious and giant shopping mall or witness the most outstanding event in the history of the Dubai World Cup international horse racing... then do not miss a trip on a hot air balloon. There is nothing more exciting and wonderful than the feeling of floating in the sky to enjoy the fresh air, watch the sunrise and the panoramic view of the Margham desert from above, enjoy the Arabian landscape with red sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.
Tourists need to wake up before dawn, wait for the tour bus to pick them up. It takes 45 minutes to get to 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 hot air balloons to take off.
Fire balloons are balls of hot air. Hot air tends to rise, so the balloon can fly because the air inside is lighter than the cold air outside. Therefore, balloon flights cannot take off during the day when the Arabian sun is blazing like a ball of fire.
The tour guide started a fire to warm up the giant balloons. All around, the tourists were bustling about, chatting in many languages, all excited about the upcoming journey.
The balloon took off just as dawn began to pierce the darkness.
Most visitors will be a little nervous about this new experience - what will it be like to hang yourself in a hot air balloon and fly up, what will it feel like to sit in a swinging rattan basket, will you feel as sick as when traveling by train or car? But in the cool, clear air of the early morning, 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 also lean on the wind, you will feel safe.
Endless desert before dawn
The falcon wearing a helmet
Each flight has a selection of refreshments on offer to its passengers. What could be more enjoyable than floating over the Arabian desert, sipping a cup of Gahwa (Arabian coffee) or Sulaimani (lemon mint tea) and admiring the breathtaking views from above, enjoying the fresh air?
Everyone was excited to see the tame falcon perform its morning hunt. Once the balloon had reached a certain altitude, the falcon was untethered and released into the air - returning shortly afterwards with its "trophy" and even some food from the visitors.
The flight would end in about an hour. It was still dark, and the roads leading out into the desert and the endless sand dunes seemed strange and majestic, like something from another world, a world as ancient as the Arabian Nights, or a world as distant as a post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie.
It only lasts a few hours in the early morning, but it is one of the most exciting experiences for tourists in Dubai. Dubai seems to be an otherworldly destination, a blend of ancient Middle Eastern culture and one of the most modern megacities in the world. If you come to Dubai to experience something different, to have a panoramic view of this quiet land, take a hot air balloon and fly over the desert, maybe even land in the burning sand dunes, for an unforgettable trip.
More information
- Itinerary: From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Emirates offers daily direct flights to Dubai. Flight times are convenient and time-saving for travelers.
- Time: From November to April, when the weather is cool and pleasant, this is the right time to visit and see Dubai on a hot air balloon. Do not go to Dubai in the summer.
- Cost: Approximately $300 - $550/person for a 40 - 70 minute hot air balloon flight, including transportation and snacks.
- Currency: Dubai uses Dirham, 100 USD is exchanged for about 350 Dirham.
- Clothing: You should bring a light jacket, windbreaker, scarf, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and moisturizer. You should wear modest, polite clothing. Women should not wear short skirts or tank tops when going to public places.
- Cuisine: Here you can find everything from European, Chinese, Middle Eastern, even pho!
- Other places to visit in Dubai: Zabeel Royal Palace, Dubai Miracle Garden, IMG Worlds of Adventure with Carton Network cartoon characters, Ski Dubai, Adventure Water Park, Dubai Museum…
