A very early morning pick-up by a driver is followed by a short transfer to the hot air balloon ascension site. The slower wind speeds and perfect air stream conditions for hot air ballooning are only available very early in the morning before the air heats up, thus rising before breakfast is a must. Once arriving at the site, you will be guided in the safe hands of the English-speaking crew and your pilot for the morning. Alongside fellow flyers, you slowly will see the balloon taking shape as you prepare to ascend into the basket. From here, it is 50 minutes of sheer enjoyment passing by under you – from the meandering Ping River to rice paddy fields, villages and temple roofs protruding against tree canopies, Chiang Mai suddenly is elevated to new moments of awe-inspiring moments.

From afar, one may see the contours of Doi Suthep already basking in the morning sun as your pilot slowly guides the balloon back to earth. Your return back on solid ground is celebrated with a small breakfast and a glass of champagne to remember this amazing start of a morning. Together with a flight certificate, you and your guide head up into the mountains to see Chiang Mai and its surroundings from a more spiritual vantage point. Built some 600 years ago, the Wat Prathat Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai’s most important and visible landmark, located near the summit of Doi Suthep at 1676 metres above sea level. The final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga staircase of 306 steps. On a clear day, there are great views over the city and valley of Chiang Mai. As morning ends and the afternoon begins, you will head back to your Chiang Mai hotel at around 12.30pm.