Once upon a time, Vang Vieng was the party capital of Laos. While the town still knows how to host a banging bash, adventure travel is the name of the game now. Vang Vieng is the home of hot air ballooning in Laos and travellers flock here to glide lazily over the towering mountains, snapping Insta-worthy photos as they go.
It’s truly a bucket list experience but with so many companies offering the same thing, how do you pick between them? After taking to the skies myself (and diligently researching the options to make sure the experience was actually safe), I’ve learnt a thing or two about booking a hot air balloon flight in Vang Vieng.
Listen up because I’m going to tell you everything you need to know, from what to expect, how much it costs (BTW, it’s the cheapest place in the world to do this activity) and whether the experience is worth your hard-earned kip!
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A Guide to Hot Air Ballooning in Vang Vieng, Laos
Why Ride a Hot Air Balloon in Vang Vieng, Laos? 🤔
While Vang Vieng town leaves a lot to be desired, the surrounding countryside is nothing short of spectacular. Sky-scraping mountains, sprawling paddy fields and cerulean swimming spots dot the countryside, making this one of Laos’ most beautiful destinations. It is also the cheapest place in the entire world to go hot air ballooning––it’s a no-brainer, right?
Best Time to Go Hot Air Ballooning in Vang Vieng, Laos
November to mid-March is the best time to visit Vang Vieng and embark on a balloon flight. This is peak season when the weather is at its most agreeable and the days are generally dry. Some balloon companies cease to operate during the wet season (mid-July to September) and run fewer departures in shoulder season. Enquire in advance if you want to fly during these times.
March to April is generally the burning season in Laos and should be avoided. Even if your operator of choice is happy to go ahead with hot air balloon flights, the views can be hazy and the air thick, which naturally takes away from the views and your enjoyment.
Choosing a Hot Air Balloon Flight in Vang Vieng
Company
There are a few different companies that operate hot air balloons in Vang Vieng. The most well-known is Above Laos, a French-Lao company. The other primary hot air balloon outfit is Vang Vieng Balloons. Many of the local tour agencies collaborate with Vang Vieng Balloons so if you book through a third party, it is likely to be them that you fly with. Unlike Above Laos, Vang Vieng Balloons also offer para-motoring, an activity similar to paragliding, except you’re sat in a motorised buggy for the flight.
Duration
Most companies offer 30-minute balloon flights, however, air time can be up to around an hour. The length of your flight will depend on the wind speed and how easy it is to land, as it can take a few attempts.
Hot air balloons generally only fly in low winds so once you are up in the sky, you’re unlikely to travel too far. This means you won’t experience a wide variety of views. If air time is important to you, make sure you enquire with the company that you book with so you know how long you should expect the flight to last.
Costs
If you’re on a budget, you’re in the right place. Laos is the cheapest place in the world to do a hot air balloon flight. While the exact amount that you pay will depend on the company that you fly with, the going rate is around $100USD per person for a 30-minute flight. But shop around town a little and you might be able to find someone selling their last spaces a bit cheaper!
Above Laos is the most expensive hot air balloon company in Vang Vieng. Their flights cost around $145USD per person. If you’re considering booking through them, bear in mind that while more expensive, Above Laos offer longer flights (estimate 35 minutes to 1 hour) so you generally get more time in the sky, though this is weather dependent.
Advance Booking
While you may get lucky and be able to grab a space on a balloon for the following day, this is a bit of a gamble, especially if you have limited time in Vang Vieng or your heart set on a particular company. During peak season, Above Laos are usually booked up 1 week to 10 days in advance. Other operators may have later availability but it is worth remembering that sunrise flights are extremely popular and will fill up quicker. Book in advance if you can.
Top Tip!
If you’re spending a few days in Vang Vieng and haven’t booked a balloon ride in advance, spend your first day in town speaking to tour agencies and working out your options. You may be able to grab a space on a balloon in a few days.
Location
All of the balloon operators except Above Laos take off and land close to Vang Vieng town. This is one reason why they can offer cheaper flights; the transfer from your accommodation is shorter and the experience takes less time. If you’ve got limited time in Vang Vieng, this may be a better choice for you as you’ll get more time to explore the surrounding area.
If time is less valuable to you, you may choose to go with Above Laos, who do their take off from a more rural area outside of the town. Naturally, the journey there takes longer but you’re rewarded with more countryside scenery. Despite this, the views are by no means terrible from town, mountain scenery stretches pretty much as far as the eye can see and you’ll fly over the Nam Song River!
Is Hot Air Ballooning in Vang Vieng Safe?
It is no secret that Laos doesn’t have the strictest standards when it comes to health and safety. Pavements are usually in short supply, roads are blighted by monster potholes and guardrails are usually a figment of your imagination. So is hot air ballooning in Laos safe?
Generally, hot air ballooning is a safe activity. In fact, according to the BBC, there were less than 30 deaths onboard hot air balloons between 2002 and 2022. However, it is still an activity that comes with risk.
Before my flight in Vang Vieng, I was given a safety briefing which included how to get into the brace position if necessary. The pilots were all certified and regularly reassessed. I felt completely safe throughout the flight and we had a smooth landing.
To ensure that you have a safe experience flying in Laos, I recommend finding out the following about the company you’re thinking of flying with:
- Are the pilots certified?
- Are pilots reassessed?
- Does the company cancel flights in instances of bad weather?
- Is the equipment regularly inspected?
- Their accident record
The air sports companies in Vang Vieng are very used to dealing with these types of enquiries and will be happy to answer any questions that you have. If a company isn’t forthcoming with the above information, it’s a good sign to look elsewhere!
You should also check that you are insured to fly in a hot air balloon, as this is not an activity that is covered by all travel insurance as standard. If it is not covered as a part of your policy, it is easy to get an add-on which will insure you for this.
When it comes to the flight itself, make sure to listen carefully to the safety information and don’t be afraid to ask if you need further clarification on any instructions.
Tips for Hot Air Ballooning in Laos
- Set your alarm
With Vang Vieng being a party hotspot, plenty of backpackers oversleep and miss their sunrise flight. Don’t be one of them! Set your alarm the night before and save the partying ’til you get back. You won’t get a refund if you can’t drag yourself out of bed!
- Wear light natural fibre clothes which are easy to layer
It is warm under the burner but can be cold on the ground, especially if you are due to depart in the morning! Clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton is ideal as they are less flammable.
- Book ahead
Don’t miss out on your time or operator of choice. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Keep your hands in the basket
To ensure that you don’t drop your camera or phone (it happens!), keep your hands inside the basket at all times while flying. Better still, keep your phone attached on a lanyard.
- For sunrise flights, make sure you’ve told the staff at your hotel
Lao law says that properties have to be locked overnight. Make sure that you know how you will leave in the morning as pick-up needs to be done promptly. You don’t want to end up in the same position as me, scaling an 8-foot fence at 5 am!
Hot Air Ballooning in Laos FAQs
Should I do a sunrise or sunset flight?
Sunrise flights are more popular than sunset flights, partly because the wind tends to be calmer and there is more chance of seeing cloud inversions. Sunset flights are easier to book at shorter notice, however, they are more commonly impacted by wind. While you may travel further on a sunset flight, they are also more likely to be rescheduled in case of adverse weather.
What happens if my flight is cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled, most companies will offer you the opportunity to reschedule or be refunded. Check in advance the cancellation policies as they vary by company.
How long will I be in the air?
This depends on the company that you book with, but flights tend to last anywhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
Is it scary for someone afraid of heights?
Generally, people who are afraid of heights enjoy hot air ballooning. It is a gentle activity where you are detached from the ground, losing some of the ‘distance’ feeling that you can get from being high up. As someone with a fear of heights, it didn’t bother me during my balloon experience in Vang Vieng.
How many people are there in a basket?
This will depend on the company you choose. Balloons generally hold up to 8 passengers, plus the pilot. It is possible to book a private balloon flight if you want to travel in your own group.
How much is hot air ballooning in Vang Vieng?
Hot air ballooning starts at $100USD per person, depending on the company you opt for.
What time do the balloons take off in Vang Vieng?
Balloons generally depart around 6 am and 5 pm, however, these times should be regarded as approximations. The schedule can change in case of wind speed or forecasted rain.
What does a hot air balloon tour include in Vang Vieng?
This varies by operator but return accommodation and a flight certificate are usually included as standard. Sometimes, there will be snacks or a glass of bubbly after the flight. It is recommended to check the inclusions before booking.
Is Vang Vieng Hot Air Ballooning Worth It?
The emerging air sports market symbolises the ongoing transformation of Vang Vieng’s tourism scene from hedonism to adventure; drawing a different type of tourist to the area. Although an expensive activity by backpacker standards, hot air ballooning in Laos offers incredible value for money when compared to the global average. Vang Vieng, with its spectacular mountain scenery, is undoubtedly one of the best places you can see from the air, offering an experience you won’t forget!
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South East Asia Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind Winging The World, a blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks. In recent years, Sheree has also taken on the role of editor at South East Asia Backpacker.
