These Are The 10 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in the World For Your Bucket List 

Looking for the best and most romantic hot air balloon rides in the world? 

As an adventurer who’s traversed 65 countries, I’ve experienced many unforgettable moments. Among these adventures, the first time I took a hot air balloon ride, and over Capadoccia at sunrise no less, will always hold a special place in my heart. 

Hot air balloon rides aren’t as rare as you might think. While the most incredible destinations may seem far-flung, this activity is actually more common than you’d expect. During my travels, I coincidentally stumbled upon two balloon festivals and six popular tourist spots advertising balloon rides.

But on this list, you’ll find ten specific places that offer the absolute best hot air balloon rides in the world, experiences that are so spectacular and noteworthy that they’re nearly impossible to top. 

1. Capadoccia, Turkey 

I may be biased since this was my first hot air balloon ride, but Capadoccia deserves its place at number one on this list. The landscape of Cappadocia, with its otherworldly volcanic rock formations and fairy chimneys, is stunning from any vantage point. But seeing it all from above was an experience that took my breath away. Just look at the stockpile of pictures I took. 

Not to mention that you start before sunrise, allowing you to watch the sunrise over Cappadocia and illuminate its valleys and caves. 

Even if you’re not flying, wake up from your cave hotel in Goreme to see hundreds of balloons fill the sky each morning. 

• Recommended Tours: Butterfly Balloons
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn to avoid the summer price hikes and crowds 

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 

A hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti National Park is another once-in-a-lifetime experience that gives you a bird’s eye view of one of Africa’s most famous national parks. From above, you can see herds of wildebeest and zebras migrating across the vast plains, as well as lions, elephants, and other wildlife. 

You might have to wait for your post-flight safari to catch cheetahs on the hunt, but the African savannah from up high is a dream for many travelers. Especially if you’re here for the Great Migration. 

• Recommended Tours: Serengeti Balloon Safaris
• Best Time to Visit: Between December and February, when the herds congregate in the southern Serengeti 

3. Bagan, Myanmar (Not Angkor Wat) 

While Cambodia’s Angkor Wat may be the most well-known hot air balloon scenery over a temple complex, Bagan in Myanmar offers a genuine experience soaring over 2000+ ancient temples and pagodas scattered across the plains. 

Despite the political turmoil in recent years, Myanmar is now open for tourism again! When I solo-traveled there in 2018, I discovered just how much Myanmar is an underrated gem in Southeast Asia. Unlike many other overly touristic places like Phuket or Bali, you can still feel like an explorer when roaming the country. 

• Recommended Tours: Balloons Over Bagan
• Best Time to Visit: Between November and February for dry season 

Why Not Angkor Wat? 

Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a monumental Southeast Asian historical landmark and a popular ballooning destination. However, it fails to be the same authentic experience as Bagan. You can’t actually fly over Angkor Wat, so all the balloons stay in one place, go up 200 meters, hang around for 10 minutes, and then come back down. 

4. Luxor, Egypt 

Fly high above the Nile River over the main attractions like the Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamun and other pharaohs were buried. You’ll also get a bird’s eye view of Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and Hatshepsut’s Temple. 

But it’s not just ancient monuments that you’ll see. The combination of the greenery of the Nile Valley, the desert on the horizon, and glimpses of local village life make this truly special. 

Once you’re on the ground, check out the tombs and temples you just saw. I also highly recommend taking it one step further and going on a Nile cruise to Abu Simbel in Aswan. 

• Recommended Tours: Sheba Tours
• Best Time to Visit: Between October and April for cooler temperatures and clear skies 

5. Wadi Rum, Jordan

 Deserts are my favorite terrain, and Wadi Rum in Jordan is, hands down, the most beautiful desert I’ve ever seen. You might even recognize it from movies like “Lawrence of Arabia,” “The Martian,” and “Transformers.” 

And if you don’t have Wadi Rum on your bucket list yet, just know that this vast desert landscape is an unearthly sight that’s anything but barren. Think red sand dunes, martian-like rock formations, and herds of Bedouins riding their camels. 

Since there are no roads, many tourists opt for jeep tours, but a hot air balloon ride is a next-level adventure. Up there, you’ll get a sense of the desert’s real scale. 

• Recommended Tours: Royal Balloon
• Best Time to Visit: April to June, and September to November when the desert heat is bearable 

6. Teotihuacan, Mexico 

Teotihuacan is said to be aligned with the stars, and you’ll see the geometric perfection when soaring over this ancient Mesoamerican city. You’ll get a unique perspective of the pyramids of the Sun and Moon, as well as the Avenue of the Dead. 

But it’s not just about history; you’ll also see beautiful views of rural Mexico between landing sites. Some tours even offer transportation from Mexico City, as it’s the perfect day trip from the capital.

• Recommended Tours: Volare
• Best Time to Visit: Between December and April for clear skies and cooler temperatures 

7. Sossusvlei, Namibia 

While Sossusvlei may not be as well-known as other destinations on this list, this landscape is home to the world’s highest sand dunes, some of which tower over 1300 feet.

This salt and clay pan is surrounded by endless sand dunes that change color throughout the day. You’ll also see other highlights like Deadvlei, a dried-up lake with blackened and twisted trees. 

• Recommended Tours: Sossusvlei Lodge
• Best Time to Visit: Between May and September for cooler temperatures 

8. Alps Crossing Tyrol to Dolomites 

A hot air balloon ride over the Alps is a must for those looking for a European adventure. This particular bucket list journey starts in Tyrol, Austria, and takes you across the Dolomites to land in Italy. There’s a very famous spot in Switzerland, too, but it’s just so much more expensive of a country. 

The colors of the mountains, with their sharp peaks and valleys, are contrasted by glacial lakes and quaint villages below. Having hiked the Austrian Alps and Dolomites, I can’t imagine how great it would look from an even higher vantage point. 

After your flight, stroll through the charming mountain villages and treat yourself to some of my favorite local delicacies like “Kaspressknödelsuppe” (cheese dumpling soup) and apple strudel. 

• Recommended Tours: Salzburg Adventures
• Best Time to Visit: June to September for clear skies and good weather 

9. Lake Powell, Arizona, USA 

Page is seriously one of my favorite places in the world! These Navajo lands are home to a famous Arizona attraction, Antelope Canyon. But outdoor-inclined enthusiasts will never run out of the many remote and exciting things to see.

Lake Powell itself presents an ethereal blend of blue waters and red canyon walls. Although nearby Albuquerque may host the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, Lake Powell also has an annual hot air balloon regatta in November. Imagine floating over the water, taking in the epic northern Arizona from above. 

• Recommended Tours: No tours, you’ll have to become friends with a pilot
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall 

10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

Last but not least is a city that’s known for its extravagant and luxurious lifestyle – Dubai. I’m not usually one to be into cities, but Dubai is an exception. 

The contrast between this city’s modern architecture and futuristic skyline and the cool desert landscape is something that should be seen from the air. Plus, you’ll see iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Al Arab. 

You can also take a trip out to the desert over the golden sand dunes, traditional Bedouin camps, and camels. 

• Recommended Tours: Sindbad Gulf Balloons
• Best Time to Visit: November to April for cooler temperatures 

Bonus Destination: Pamukkale, Turkey 

And finally, I wanted to add a bonus destination since I recently went to Turkey. Pamukkale, also known as the “Cotton Castle,” is an out-of-no-where travertine terrace filled with hot springs in southwestern Turkey. 

Along with Capaddocia, this is another one of Turkey’s top tourist spots. And while you can easily walk through the natural pools, taking an early morning hot air balloon ride is a very popular activity. 

This is a bonus because, as ethereal and strange as Pamukkale is, its amazement was not enough for me to be super excited about it. Instead, I decided to wake up early and fly the drone instead of riding in them. Maybe things would be different in spring when the milky blue pools have not yet evaporated for the summer. 

• Recommended Tours: Multiple tour options from Istanbul or Antalya
• Best Time to Visit: Between April and June before the water evaporates for the summer. 

Final Thoughts: Romantic Hot Air Balloon Rides 

With so many incredible destinations worldwide, choosing just 10 of the best hot air balloon rides was challenging. In addition to the destinations mentioned above, here are some other honorable mentions: the Loire Valley in France, the Yarra Valley in Australia, and Napa Valley in California. 

So pick your dream destination and add hot air ballooning to your travel bucket list. And if you’re looking for other out-of-this-world life experiences, check out my other articles on unique travel adventures. 

Before you close that tab…Want to add to your bucket list? 

I live by my bucket list, which has nearly 300 things on it and counting. Based on my first-hand experiences, I’m curating lists of the best adventures worldwide, including those that might be right in your backyard.

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