First time flying with a balloon
Hung Vuong Square, Bac Lieu ward, Ca Mau province these days becomes bustling when dozens of hot air balloons appear within the framework of the Ca Mau Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026.
For the first time, a large-scale hot air balloon festival was held in Ca Mau, many people and tourists had the opportunity to witness firsthand, take photos and experience flying with hot air balloons.
In which, the suspension flight activity by level 7 hot air balloon attracts many registered people. The hot air balloon is fixed by a specialized wire system, bringing visitors to a maximum altitude of about 50m. Each experience lasts from 3 to 5 minutes.
Ms. Tran Thi Loan, residing in Ganh Hao commune, Ca Mau province, said that she had traveled more than 50km to Bac Lieu ward to experience it.
“Before, I only saw hot air balloons on television. Now the festival is held in my hometown, for the first time flying with hot air balloons, looking at my homeland from above, I am very excited,” Ms. Loan shared.
Not only attracting young people, this activity also attracts many families and the elderly.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, residing in Vinh Loi commune, Ca Mau province, said that although she is nearly 60 years old, this is the first time she has seen so many hot air balloons appear at the same location. "I am almost 60 years old, this is the first time I have seen so many hot air balloons. It's really beautiful," Ms. Hoa said.
Along with flying shows, Hung Vuong Square area also has decorative hot air balloons and space for people and tourists to visit and take photos inside the hot air balloon.
Strong winds, hot air balloons have to lie in the yard
However, the hot air balloon experience in Ca Mau is not always smooth sailing.
The festival is held in the rainy season, so the weather changes quickly. At times when strong winds appear, some hot air balloons cannot be lifted, and are even knocked down by the wind, lying rolling on the yard.
Level 1, level 7 and level 9 balloons must all be inspected and test-flown to assess wind force, suspendedness and safe distance before serving the public.
The fact that many hot air balloons cannot fly when the wind is strong once made many tourists worried that they would miss the opportunity to experience.
Ms. Tran Thu Huong said that when she heard information that hot air balloons could not fly at some times due to strong winds, she worried that her trip would not be as desired.
The day before, I saw someone say that the hot air balloon could not fly due to strong winds, so I was very worried. Today it's sunny, flying up and admiring the panoramic view of Hung Vuong Square from above, I really like it," Ms. Huong said.
When the rain stopped, the weather stabilized and the wind intensity decreased, the hot air balloons continued to be put into the air, bringing joy to a large number of people and tourists.
The Ca Mau Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026 takes place from August 28 to September 2 with the theme "Ca Mau! Flying with the country into a new era".
The event gathered 34 hot air balloons and decorative balloons. During the festival night, hot air balloons simultaneously lit up, creating a brilliant space at Hung Vuong Square. On the hot air balloons, the names of 64 communes and wards of Ca Mau province were also decorated.
According to the program, the festival activities will continue to be held in Dat Mui commune. Including the Hot Air Lantern Night at 6:30 PM on September 1st at Khai Long Tourist Area.
At 7:00 AM on September 2nd, at the Hanoi - Ca Mau Cape Flagpole, a flag salute ceremony and award ceremony for the National Flag with an area of more than 2,000m2 will take place.
The festival not only brings new experiences to people but also creates more highlights to promote the image of Ca Mau, the southernmost land of the Fatherland, to tourists during the National Day 2/9 holiday.
