International hot air balloon flying in Hue’s sky

A balloon flies up into the sky at the festival

The third International Hot Air Balloon Festival 2019 in Hue (Balloon over Hue 2019) takes place within the framework of Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2019. Contributing to this year's festival, there are 10 hot air balloons of 5 countries, including Japan, the Netherlands, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

The hot air balloon performances are divided into three categories: free-flying hot air balloon at the altitude of 100 - 300m in a 5km radius from take-off; tethered hot air balloon at a 50m altitude at the tethered point; and mini hot air balloon for tourists to take photos.

Many people from young to old were excited and surprised when they witnessed the hot air balloons. Nguyen Minh Anh (Hue City) said: "Although there have been many hot air balloon flights in Hue, this is the first time I get to see the hot air balloons up close at all stages from the unpacking to the gas filling and finally airborne. What an overwhelming feeling!”.

In addition to the performances, tonight, there will be a lighted hot air balloon night.  

Photos captured by Thua Thien Hue Online in the early morning of April 27 at the balloon festival:

Teams participating in the hot air balloon festival were present very early to prepare tools and equipment

Indispensable high-capacity fans of flying crews to help spread the balloon canvas

After the balloon had sprung up, it was filled with gas to stand upright

It usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes from the preparation stage to when the balloon can stand up right, depending on the type of balloon

Young people supporting the organizers to move the balloon equipment

Operating gas is the first task of balloon flyers

A heart-shaped balloon flying in the sky of Hue

According to the pilots, being able to fly in Hue is ideal because there is adequate space and the landscape is very beautiful

A beautiful balloon of the Japanese team

Miss Ngoc Han and a foreign guest taking a photo near an impressive octopus-shaped balloon

Story and photos: Nhat Minh