Lots of local residents and tourists have witnessed many beautiful hot-air balloons filling the sky over Quy Nhon City in Vietnam’s central province of Binh Dinh.

The provincial tourism authority on Tuesday afternoon kicked off the first-ever hot-air balloon festival of this coastal locality at Quy Nhon Square, located in the namesake city.

The festival will last from April 25 to May 5.

According to the event organizer, free-floating hot-air balloon rides begin at 6:00 am every day, with each balloon basket accommodating two passengers and one pilot.

The free-floating hot-air balloon flights last 45-60 minutes each, traveling at a height of 300-500 meters and a distance of 5-10 kilometers since the launch.

As for tethered balloons, the rides are available between 5:30 am and 7:30 am, carrying 2-3 passengers and one pilot on each flight. The balloons will rise 30-50 meters into the air for five minutes.

Multiple local inhabitants and visitors expressed their excitement at watching colorful hot-air balloons of various types flying over the Quy Nhon sky in person for the first time.

Among the spectators, Nguyen Thanh Hai, a native of Quy Nhon, who was carrying his daughter on his back, said, “I feel exhilarated watching hot-air balloons floating over the city.

“My daughter also enjoys the balloon show. It’s fantastic!"

Tran Van Thanh, director of the provincial Department of Tourism, said this is the first time Binh Dinh has hosted an international hot-air balloon festival in an attempt to promote local tourism to visitors at home and overseas.

Aside from organizing hot-air balloon shows, the provincial tourism authority arranged food stands offering special dishes at the festival.

In addition, the festival is scheduled to feature music performances on April 29 and 30 nights.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!