1. Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is located in central Turkey and is an otherworldly destination that we absolutely love and which deserves the top spot on any hot air balloon ride bucket list.

The unique rock formations of Cappadocia known as fairy chimneys create a surreal landscape that is fantastic for hikes, treks and of course to be admired by the skies too!

As the sun rises, the skies above Cappadocia come alive everyday of the year (when wind conditions are good) with colorful balloons. The peculiarity of riding a Hot air Balloon in Cappadocia is noy only the flight, but it’s also doing it with other hundreds of Balloons flying all at the same time!

First time I saw a dawn in Cappadocia, I swear I cried for how beautiful it was 😉

If you’re traveling through Turkey, an Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia is a must-do activity and an experience that is simply unforgettable!

And of course, while you are in Cappadocia don’t forget to explore the captivating underground cities and churches.

If you’d like to know more about Cappadocia, what to see and how to plan your trip (also with your van/RV), be sure to check out our full guide: Cappadocia: The Travel of Dreams in the Heart of Turkey. 

2. Dubai Desert, Dubai

Nothingness and sand: flying in the morning 4000feet high over the Dubai Desert is an experience of its own!

Here there are no tall mountains, no large forests, nor vast seas: just sand dunes and the joyful light patterns that the dawn draws on them to as far as eyes can see! 

That all makes Dubai a splendid location for a relaxing flight, both for yourself and you mind as you’ll try to spot the infinity behind the horizon 😉

If you’re a photographer or you’re just looking for an incredibly instagrammable photo of hot air balloons, a hot air balloon Dubai ride above the desert is surely one of the top choices in the whole world too!

3. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti alone, is a destination dream by itself. It’s one of the 10 most gorgeous African national parks between Kenya and Tanzania, and surely the most iconic in the world.

Flying over it is a dream on top of a dream! ;D

Imagine floating silently above the vast plains of Serengeti National Park with herds of wildebeest and zebras migrating below you: epicness!

A hot air balloon rides over this iconic African wilderness is something that offers a unique perspective on the wildlife and allows you to witness the breathtaking beauty of the savannah from a different, yet extremely convenient angle.

The stunning savannah landscapes and the incredible wildlife sightings make Serengeti National Park an ideal destination to visit for adventurers, wildlife lovers looking for an epic Kenya and Tanzania Safari, and for hot air balloons enthusiasts alike.

Because the Serengeti being just the Tanzania’s part of the wider Serengeti Ecosystem that comprises also the stunning Masai Mara park in Kenya, once here you might also think to join a Masai Mara Balloon Safari, (here you can check out Masai Mara Balloon Safaris from the UK)

The best time of the year for a ride would be July to October, when you could witness the great wildebeest migration between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti 😉

4. Napa Valley, California, USA

Napa Valley is famous for its world class wineries and picturesque vineyards and it is also captivating from the air.

Take to the skies in a hot air balloon and witness the rolling hills blanketed with vineyards as the morning sun casts a golden glow over the landscape.

For best enjoyment, be sure to join a ride that includes some wine-tasting tour during or after the ride: the super Napa-Valley combo! ;D

All in all, the breathtaking views of Napa Valley make this Californian Gem worth of staying on our list of the best places to ride a hot air balloon in the world 😀  

5. Began, Myanmar

Bagan, located in Myanmar (Burma before 1989) is a historical marvel with over 2,000 ancient temples scattered across the plains. Taking a hot air balloon ride is one of the best way to experience it!

As you float above, you will be transported back in time to a bygone era of rich culture and spiritual devotion. The ethereal sunrise views over this archaeological wonderland are simply awe inspiring.

If you’re crossing Myanmar, be sure not to miss Bagan and of course, joining one of the many hot air balloons flights over the temples. 

Note: this is also one of the cheapest places where you can ride a hot air balloon 🙂

6. Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand is a dream for many: hobbit houses, mountain peaks, untouched nature, gorgeous towns, incredible surfing spots… and yes, add to the list also an incredible place to take a hot air balloon ride! ;D

Nestled amidst the dramatic landscapes of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is a place that offers a hot air balloon experience like no other.

Soar above stunning alpine scenery, crystal clear lakes and snow capped peaks as you take in the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island! If you love Lord of the Rings, this is a ride that surely you don’t wanna miss 😉

Queenstown offers a thrilling ballooning experience surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders.

Note: If you’re under 30/35yo and you’d like to try a work and travel experience in New Zealand, know that there’s a Working Visa Program just for you! I talk more about it in our article: Work and Travel: 70 Ideas for Earning While Traveling the World!

7. Luxor, Egypt 

Seeing Luxor is an experience that I experimented as a kid, and which dramatically made my wanderlust grow from an early age. 

Hopping aboard a hot air balloon in Luxor is a journey back in time to ancient Egypt.

You will be amazed of panoramic views of ancient temples, tombs and the sprawling desert as you float above the Nile River and the iconic Valley of the Kings. Your mind will surely fly with you, wondering about how life could have been 6000 years ago or more!

The golden hues of the sunrise and the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscape definitely make Luxor a top destination for hot air balloon rides. Flying over the city is a chance to see the historical sites from a different perspective and appreciate the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

8. Château-d’Oex, Switzerland

Château-d’Oex is renowned for its annual hot air balloon festival, held every year toward the end of January, where countless air balloons fly together over snow-covered mountains.

But even outside of the festival, this picturesque village offers a stunning backdrop for a hot air balloon adventure.

Soar above snow-covered peaks, verdant valleys and charming Swiss chalets as you experience the thrill of ballooning in the Swiss Alps.

The idyllic scenery and the alpine charm of Château-d’Oex make it with merit a top choice for hot air balloon rides!

9. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Masai Mara is a Natural Game Reserve in Kenya, known for its incredible wildlife and the Great Migration. This place provides a captivating setting for a hot air balloon ride too!

As you glide above the vast flat plains, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of herds of wildebeest, zebras and other animals that roam this African wilderness. 

The sunrise balloon safaris in Masai Mara offer a unique perspective on the wildlife and the stunning landscapes, making it an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts.

10. Teotihuacan, Mexico

If you’re traveling through Mexico in North America, why not taking a view of the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan from the air?

A hot air balloon ride over this pre-Columbian city is a chance to admire with your own eyes the grandeur of the pyramids and the intricate decorations made by a lost civilization.

The mystique and history of Teotihuacan make it an extraordinary destination for a hot air balloon adventure.

If you’re looking for more info about organizing a ride in Teotihuacan, I suggest you to check out the comprehensive guide Hot Air Balloon Teutihuacan where you’ll find everything you need to know! 🙂

11. Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley in France offers a romantic and enchanting hot air balloon experience. The place is renowned for its picturesque castles and stunning landscapes.

Float above the scenic vineyards, rolling hills and majestic châteaux as you admire the beauty of the French countryside.

The Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides a perfect backdrop for a serene and idyllic hot air balloon ride.

TOP 11 Best Places for a Hot Air Balloon Ride around the World:

Conclusion

And here we come at the end of this article 🙂

In this post, I showed you TOP 11 most unique places around the World where to take a memorable Hot Air Balloon Ride! 

Personally, I was skeptical at first on what to expect from a hot-air balloon ride (you know…I feel better behind the driving wheel usually 😉 ).

Well, after trying it, I have been caught!

Riding a hot air balloon is an experience that I believe everyone should try at least once in life: is a way of flying very slow, lighter, which gives you time to actually breath-in the air around you, feel where you are and what you are doing.

Now as always, I ask you to let me know in the comments below: Did you find the article useful? Do you know other places that could be added to this list? Did you try one of the above-mentioned rides and you would like to share your experience? I always love exchanging perspectives and getting to know new people 😉

Hereafter I will leave you also a few articles that you might be also interested to check out:

•  7 World-Class Museums You Never Heard Of
• Destinations of the World: Discover More Cool Destinations!
• Travel Italy: All you Need to Discover the Bel Paese!

Thank you for reading, and see you in the next article!