If you‘re spending some days in Vang Vieng, sooner or later you’re going to notice some colorful hot air balloons floating in the air. Against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes, they’re among the most breathtaking sights to see in the scenic mountain town. However, just seeing them from afar isn’t the same experience as soaring above the valley and watching the natural beauty unfold below you. That’s why hot air balloons are by far one of the most popular activities in Vang Vieng.
The best places to book a hot air balloon in Vang Vieng
Since the requirements for operating a hot air balloon are very strict and similar to those for commercial aviation, there aren’t that many companies in Laos that have the necessary permissions to offer such flights. We know about three licensed companies in Vang Vieng that meet the official safety and certification standards: Above Laos Ballooning, Bird Eye View, and JPT Ultimate Tours. In the table below, we provide detailed information about each company. Check it out!
Name | Ratings | Price Per Flight | Average Flight Duration | Advantages | Phone Number |
Above Laos Ballooning | very good | about 135 US dollars per person | 30 to 75 minutes | balloons aren't too crowded, licensed pilots, EASA & DGAC certified | +856 20 98 849 401 |
Bird Eye View | very good | about 95 US dollars per person | 30 to 45 minutes | also offers paramotor flying, very friendly staff | +856 20 28 533 223 |
JPT Ultimate Tours | very good | about 110 US dollars per person | 30 to 45 minutes | also offers paramotor flying, over 20 years in business | +856 20 58 866 653 |
Above Laos Ballooning
Above Laos Ballooning is a very popular provider with excellent reviews. With 135 US dollars per flight, they are more expensive than most of their competitors, but if you’re lucky, the flight duration might extend over an hour – it totally depends on the wind. The balloons of the company were produced in France and are DGAC (Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile) and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certified. Both certifications ensure high safety standards. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the quality of the equipment.
Bird Eye View
Bird Eye View is by far not as well-known as Above Laos Ballooning. That doesn’t mean that the company is a bad choice. Even if you’re not going to have the same premium standards, in terms of safety they still meet the industry regulations in Laos. One big advantage of this company is their incredibly cheap prices. You’ll only have to pay 95 US dollars for a ride. That’s significantly less than most other providers. In addition to ballooning, they also offer paramotor flying.
JPT Ultimate Tours
Like the other two companies mentioned here, JPT Ultimate Tours is also authorized by Lao Civil Aviation. That means they meet national safety and operational standards for balloon flights. With over 20 years of experience in hot air ballooning, they’ve built a strong reputation for reliability and professionalism. In terms of prices, they’re a little bit over Bird Eye View, but still cheaper than Above Laos Ballooning. Expect to pay around 110 US dollars for a ride.
How safe is hot air ballooning in Vang Vieng?
Even in Laos, where the safety standards are not that strict, accidents during activities are extremely rare. After all, operators have no interest in losing business. That doesn’t mean that accidents can’t happen, but from what we know, there was never a death related to hot air ballooning in Vang Vieng. There were some situations where a balloon ended up in the trees or something similar, but in the end no one was seriously injured. Just choose a reputable company and you should be fine.
Common restrictions regarding health and safety
Unfortunately not everyone is legally allowed to take a hot air balloon ride. Reputable companies usually won’t allow children under 5 years or pregnant women. If you have any conditions that could be aggravated by the flight, such as recent surgeries, you should consult your doctor and inform the balloon operator beforehand. It‘s better to be honest than risk your safety and that of others.
Prices for a hot air balloon ride in Vang Vieng
From all activities, hot air ballooning is among the most expensive, and you’re going to have to pay significantly more than for a buggy tour, tubing, ziplining, or similar adventure activities. There are good reasons for this, like the high cost of fuel, safety precautions, and specialized training for pilots. On average, prices are around 100 US dollars per person. In that case, you’re going to share the group with other travelers. If you want a private tour, things are a bit different. Technically, private flights are possible, but you’ll have to pay a lot more. Expect at least 500 US dollars.
Duration of hot air balloon rides in Vang Vieng
The duration of your flight depends on the specific company and on the weather conditions, particularly wind. On average, it’s going to be around 30 to 60 minutes, but there are some companies that go up even a little more. That doesn’t sound like much, but trust us, it’s going to be enough to create some unforgettable memories. Most hot air balloon flights start either in the morning or the late afternoon. In both cases, you’ll be able to witness truly spectacular views, whether it’s the sunrise or the sunset. Flights at night are not possible, due to safety reasons.