Travel Tribe

Calling out all hot air balloon lovers! This annual event that takes place in Northern Thailand is an experience like no other. I stumbled across this event in 2020 when I arrived in Chiang Rai, not knowing anything about it but it was the talk of the town. Locals had told us that is was the event of the year and was not to be missed! The name itself drew me in… “International Balloon Fiesta”… yes please! I cancelled all my plans that day and headed straight there.

When and where it takes place:

The International Balloon Fiesta is a 3 day event held at Singha Park every February since 2015. It actually take place every Valentine’s day, and some call it the ‘Valentines Balloon Festival’ as there is a noticeable love theme around the grounds. Singha Park is a huge grounds located 15km from the city. I had rented a motorbike and drove there which I found the easiest way as parking didn’t cause any issues and it was very cheap. There is also an option to get a bus there but I would recommend renting a bike or motorbike if you can. The event starts from midday and goes on until the late night. The best time to get there is probably 3pm so you don’t miss any of the fun! Not much happens between 12-3pm.

How much it costs:

This seemed like a massive event, and if it were on in any European country or America, you would think the tickets would be quite expensive, right? Well this is Thailand, and that is never the case. Day tickets were only 150baht, the equivalent of €5! I had never been to a festival so cheap in my life!

Who can go:

Anyone! The International Balloon Fiesta is a perfect day out for all ages. Families, friend groups, couples, or even solo travellers, this event has something for everyone. Since this event lands on Valentines Day each year, it’s a particularly popular way to spend your valentines with a loved one, some couples even get married here! Or come to take romantic couple photos throughout the day. There is a beautiful flower field on the grounds that perfect for an Instagram-worthy shot.

What to expect:

As I said, the Singha Park grounds are enormous, and the International Balloon Fiesta makes sure to use every inch of the grounds to its advantage. Firstly there the hot air balloons (obviously), but there’s numerous activities that the balloons take part in, along with other activities you can enjoy yourself!

Hot air balloon flying competition

In the late afternoon, the balloon pilots from 14 different countries take part in a flying competition with thousands of people sitting around cheering them on. To be honest, I thought the flying would be better… but what I didn’t realise is that these balloon pilots are actually amateur flyers so some of them barely even got off the ground! Only one or two of them properly soared into the air. I wasn’t disappointed though, it was exhilarating watching them try to lift off! Getting nervous when they came close to the ground again, or the water in the lake in some instances! (See picture below).

Food stalls and music

There is multiple food stalls at the event with different foods and drinks for everyone. Again it wasn’t too expensive, but not as cheap if you’re used to getting street food as a backpacker! There is also a main stage with artists and bands playing throughout the day and night! There’s loads of places to sit in the centre of the food stalls and stage to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, or else bring you’re food with you and sit beside the lake to watch the hot air balloons prepare to take off.

The night glow show

This is said to be the best part of the festival that takes place. Once it gets dark, the balloons light up the darkness and perform a Glow Show for everyone. It is occurs each evening of the event only for half an hour so make sure not to miss it.

Take a hot air balloon ride

This is what you’re probably wondering, can you actually go on the hot air balloons? Of course! It is quite a popular activity that most of the event-goers want to do so I would make sure to get there early to book your slot or even book a day or two in advance. You can also book a tethered hot air balloon ride if heights aren’t you’re thing.

This event was the highlight of my Thailand trip in 2020 and would seriously recommend anyone considering travelling to Thailand in February to make sure you go to Chiang Rai around the 14th so you don’t miss this extraordinary festival.