Hot-Air Balloon & Doi Suthep: Half-Day Chiang Mai Escape

Chiang Mai , Thailand

Hot-Air Balloon & Doi Suthep: Half-Day Chiang Mai Escape

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About this experience

Discover the magic of Chiang Mai from both sky and mountaintops. This early morning tour combines two unforgettable experiences: peaceful hot-air balloon ride at sunrise and private visit to revered Doi Suthep temple.

Journey begins at dawn with very early pickup for transfer to balloon site. Slower wind speeds and perfect conditions are only available early morning before air heats up. Guided by English-speaking crew and pilot, enjoy 50 minutes passing meandering Ping River, rice paddy fields, villages and temple roofs.

Landing celebrated with breakfast and champagne, plus flight certificate. Then head into mountains to see Chiang Mai from spiritual vantage point. Visit 600-year-old Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai's most important landmark located at 1676 metres above sea level. Final climb via magnificent Naga staircase of 306 steps offers great views over city.

Return to hotel around 12:30pm after unforgettable half-day escape.

Available options

Hot-Air Balloon & Doi Suthep: Half-Day Chiang Mai Escape

Pickup included

What's included

Private tours & transfers with a professional English-speaking / German speaking guide at Doi Suthep

All applicable taxes and service charges

Light breakfast with one glass of champagne at the hot air balloon site

All entrance and donation fees for visits as mentioned in the description.

Flight certificate

Joined transfers from your Chiang Mai hotel to the hot air balloon launch site.

An early morning hot-air balloon ride (joint) with a professional English-speaking assistance

Detailed itinerary

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.

Stop 2

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.

What's not included

Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description

Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated

Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.

Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point

Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations

Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program

Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The hot air balloon flight is operated on joint / Seat-In-Coach basis only with English-speaking assistance, as where the Doi Suthep tour is operated on full private basis with English or German-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.

Depending on the number of guests on any confirmed tours, the correct type of car / mini-van/coach cannot be confirmed upon reservation. This also depends on the availability of accommodation.

Transfers are only operated within the downtown Chiang Mai areas and restricted to main hotels only. Regions outside the central business district such as Mae Rim, Hang Dong, Doi Saket, Mae Taeng and Chiang Mai International Airport are excluded and supplementary charges apply.

We regret that are unable to provide pick-up and drop-off transfer services from and to apartment complexes, local guest houses or private apartments. We advise you kindly to head on your own arrangement to the nearest hotel inside the downtown Chiang Mai area.

We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.

Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Royal temples and palaces uphold a very strict dress code: it is essential that you dress appropriately during this excursion by wearing clothes that cover shoulders and fall below the knees. Customers wearing shirts with obscene and disrespectful prints and pictures and brightly-coloured clothing may be refused entrance.

We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.

Customer may require signing waivers before taking the balloon flight.

Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.

In windy or otherwise marginal conditions the pilot may choose to postpone or cancel the flight, as safety is highly valued. Fortunately Thailand typically has perfect ballooning weather thus flights rarely need to be cancelled. In the event we do need to cancel a flight due to weather conditions, we will be delighted to reschedule the flight.

Program only is operational from 05:30 hrs in the morning.

It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.

We recommend wearing light, comfortable cotton clothing and comfortable shoes.

Customer heath criteria for flying: all adults and children in good health, without ailments that do not allow strenuous exercise.

Children – must have a height not less than 140 cm.

Best period for hot air ballooning in Chiang Mai runs from mid-November until mid-March

Important notes

- Please contact Asian Trails at least 72 hours before your activity date to confirm your reservation and arrange transportation. Changes within 24 hours may be on request.
- Pick-up times for excursions will be reconfirmed one day prior to commencement of your booked excursion. As an indication, the pick-up time from your accommodation is scheduled 30-60 minutes prior to the confirmed starting time.
- Please be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby 15 minute prior to your scheduled pick up time.
- Upon pickup, please present your confirmation/voucher or photo ID in exchange for your activity.
- We recommend wearing light, comfortable cotton clothing and comfortable shoes.
- In windy or otherwise marginal conditions the pilot may choose to postpone or cancel the flight, as safety is highly valued. Fortunately Thailand typically has perfect ballooning weather thus flights rarely need to be cancelled. In the event we do need to cancel a flight due to weather conditions, we will be delighted to reschedule the flight.

In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.

About Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a historic and cultural hub in Northern Thailand, known for its ancient temples, vibrant night markets, and lush mountain surroundings. It offers a blend of traditional Lanna culture and modern amenities, making it a favorite destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Top Attractions

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

A stunning temple perched on a mountain with panoramic views of Chiang Mai. It's one of the most sacred temples in Thailand and a must-visit for its beauty and cultural significance.

Religious 2-3 hours 30 THB (1 USD) for foreigners

Old City

The historic heart of Chiang Mai, surrounded by ancient walls and moats. It's filled with temples, markets, and traditional Lanna-style buildings.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, individual temples may charge a small fee

Doi Inthanon National Park

Known as the 'Roof of Thailand,' this national park is home to the highest peak in Thailand and offers breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Nature Full day 300 THB (9 USD) for foreigners, additional fees for specific attractions

Elephant Nature Park

A renowned elephant sanctuary offering ethical elephant encounters and rescue operations. Visitors can learn about elephant conservation and interact with these gentle giants.

Adventure Full day 2,500-5,000 THB (75-150 USD) depending on the program

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

A vibrant night market offering a wide variety of souvenirs, clothing, and street food. It's a great place to experience the local culture and pick up unique gifts.

Entertainment 2-3 hours Free to enter, prices vary for items and food

Must-Try Local Dishes

Khao Soi

A signature Northern Thai dish featuring egg noodles in a creamy curry broth, topped with crispy noodles and pickled mustard greens.

Dinner Contains meat (chicken or beef), gluten (noodles)

Sai Oua

A Northern Thai sausage made with minced pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime, and other aromatic spices.

Snack Contains pork, gluten (optional)

Som Tam

A spicy green papaya salad made with shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.

Snack Can be made vegetarian or with fish sauce

Popular Activities

Hiking in Doi Inthanon National Park Elephant trekking (at ethical sanctuaries) Zip-lining in the jungle Visiting spas and wellness centers Exploring temples and cultural sites Enjoying coffee at local cafes Attending traditional Thai dance performances Visiting local markets and shopping for handicrafts

Best Time to Visit

November to February (cool season)

This is the most popular time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. It's ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-30°C (59-86°F) 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English (widely spoken in tourist areas)
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, Moderately spoken in other areas

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chiang Mai is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. However, as with any destination, it's essential to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Chiang Mai International Airport • 3 km (2 miles) from city center

By train

Chiang Mai Railway Station

By bus

Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station, Chiang Mai Old Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Songthaews are converted pickup trucks with benches in the back. They follow specific routes and are a cheap and convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old City Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) Santitham

Day trips

Pai

135 km (84 miles) • Full day to overnight

A charming mountain town known for its laid-back atmosphere, hot springs, and scenic landscapes. Pai offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for hiking, visiting waterfalls, and exploring local markets.

Mae Kampong Village

35 km (22 miles) • Half day to full day

A picturesque hill tribe village known for its traditional way of life, lush surroundings, and warm hospitality. Mae Kampong offers a glimpse into the local culture and a chance to experience the simplicity of rural life.

Doi Inthanon National Park

90 km (56 miles) • Full day

Known as the 'Roof of Thailand,' this national park is home to the highest peak in Thailand and offers breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It's a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Festivals

Songkran Festival • April 13-15 (Thai New Year) Loy Krathong Festival • Full moon of the 12th lunar month (November) Yi Peng Festival • Full moon of the 12th lunar month (November, same as Loy Krathong)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Hire a local guide or join a guided tour to gain insights into the city's history and culture
Visit temples early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
Explore the city's night markets and street food scene for an authentic and memorable experience
Try a traditional Thai massage or spa treatment for relaxation and rejuvenation