We did our first hot air ballooning experience which was the most frightening thing I have done (much scarier then skidiving, bungy jumping or paragliding) but amazing and really got my blood pumping.
Our flight was delayed due to strong winds so when we finally got in the balloon basket we were a little nervous and scared for our safety with the balloon swaying from side to side. But they had it sorted and we were up int he air in no time.
Large fans are used to get air into the balloon.
Once the balloon is blown up enough they turn on the gas burners and pump it with hot air.
We take off and the balloon moves quickly with the wind.
As we got higher the wind died away completely and we were left with 360 degree views for miles in all directions. This view is of the area where we did our motorbike tour.
Looking up river at the town and where we tubed yesterday.
The burners seemed to tilt and this was how he steered the balloon.
The other balloon took off 10 minutes after us and didnt gain much height so it speed really fast past us in the wind.
Some more views on the surrounding mountains
We got as high as 1100m. It was a little scary looking over the edge to a km drop below.
A prefect day to be up in the air.
Up high it was so peaceful.
The balloon starts to drop so the driver pumps some more gas into the balloon.
Looking at the town below
After 30 minutes in the air we descended down to some farmland.
As we got close to the ground the driver threw down some rope to the awaiting staff who tied it around a pole and landed the balloon on the side of a 5m wide road. We were impressed by the precision of the landing as it couldnt have been better.
As we landed there was still enough room for cars to pass us on the road which was a funny site.
We were all excited and amped up after such a good ride and felt lucky that we had had the best ride of the day compared to some of the other clients.
We found out that Lao is mainly beautiful mountains today as we took a van to Phonsavan on the windy, bumpy, rouged roads. Phonsavan itself is horrible – dirty, and expensive. It is the Hmong Peoples (hill tribe) New Year so we joined in the celebrations at the local fair. We played this game where you throw darts at the balloons and get a drink if you pop it.
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