Chiang Dao Nest Chiang Mai Tours- Balloon Flight FAQs / Guest Book

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why do balloon flights take place in the early morning?
Balloon flights take place in the early morning as that is when the air is most stable. Balloons need cool stable conditions in order to operate safely and the period at sunrise is the most suitable. Thermal activity begins approximately 2 hours after sunrise when the sun is heating up the earth. The air will become unstable then.

How do balloons fly?
Hot air rises, it's that simple. A large propane fuelled burner heats the air inside the envelope hotter that the air outside the envelope. The pilot controls the altitude and rate of ascent by controlling the temperature of the balloon.

What are balloons made of?
The envelope is made of fabric called rip-stop nylon (very lightweigt and very strong) with load bearing webbing tapes and stainless steel flying wires utilised to attach the envelope to the basket. The basket is made of rattan/wicker and each one is individually made by hand.

What kind of clothing should I wear?
Casual clothes are most comfortable. A warm sweater or jacket may be needed for early morning, but these can be taken off as the day warms up. Wear also shoes on which you can stand for more than one hour. A cap or hat is recommended.

What do I bring on a balloon trip?
A camera or video are definitely required to record your special occasion and also binoculars are recommended. Remember additional film and batteries as once up in the air, if you run out of film or batteries you might miss out on filming something special.

How do you steer a balloon?
Balloons cannot be steered! However, wind directions vary at different altitudes and a pilot has a limited ability to change the flight path by changing altitudes.

If you can't steer a balloon, how do you get back?
Here we come to the indispensable, real heroes of ballooning; the dedicated retrieve team. After assisting in the launch, the retrieve team follows the balloon in the retrieve vehicle, which often is not an easy task. They try to stay in visual and radio contact at all times. Whenever possible, they also seek permission from the landowner to use their land as a landing site. After the landing and the champagne breakfast they will take you back to the office.

How high do balloons fly?
Generally balloonists like to fly at low level as more can be seen. However a balloon can fly from tree top level up to several thousand feet high. The sky is the Limit!

Can anyone fly in a balloon?
Oriental Balloon Flights Co. Ltd. have flown passengers whose ages range from 12 to 90 years old. If there are any questions regarding physical suitability, or health limitations, please discuss these before booking. They consider it unsafe to fly when pregnant.

Guest Book Comments ...

A very pleasant flight, has to be repeated next year!
E. Schjetne, Norway

Very peaceful - relaxing and interesting. A nice new experience.
F. Jones, Thailand

Very nice tripp, professional crew and very good breakfast.
M. Hedman, Sweden

Beautiful scenery, smooth ride.
G. Hingwan, Canada

Very nice experience and nice people. I really enjoyed it. And special nice with the wedding ceremony
K. Machold, Denmark

Breathtaking smooth ride. Awesome very nice experience. Longlasting memories. The day we will never forget in our lives - together forever!
Fam. Kopitz, Thailand

Realy wonderful, truly a dream come true. Given to me by my husband as a "major" birthday present.
C. Street, ChiangMai

Excellent - first class organisation and offering! Extremely friendly personnel.
T. Long, USA

It was a wonderful start to a new year. The flight was memorable & the arrangements/breakfast was impeccable! Thank you
L. Moore, USA

Fantastic - very peaceful - beautiful countryside.
G. Nakawatase, USA

It's a special experience, very very nice. My boyfriend asked me to marry him. I said "Yes"!!!
Westendorp, The Netherlands

Excellent, exciting, superb organisation. Perfect flight and landing. Great crew and excellent celebration with breakfast and champagne. It was 100% perfect. Fam. Purser, UK

It was very nice. Calm and beautiful to move over the landscape.
F. Hedman, Sweden

Excellent experience, excellent pilot and crew, excellent flight.
Sadok Besrour, Canada

Awesome, very impressive and unbelievable experience
P. Roberts, Malaysia

Excellent!
S. Sheridan, Hong Kong

Excellent experience. Very friendly & fast service. Very professionaly. Thank you very much for a great day.
C. Foly, Australia

Very professionally organized. Very professional pilot - good company during the flight. Good food & good technique of having breakfast in the field. Keep up the good work.
K. Murthy, Malaysia

Terrific! Very scenic - a smooth and very enjoyable ride. All the staff involved were lovely. Very friendly and professional. Thanks!!
K. Foley, Hong Kong

Everything I expected and more! Very professional lady pilot.
G. Grindon, Saudi Arabia

It was amazingly smooth.
Fam. Rahman, Bangladesh

Wonderful / very nice presentation with breakfast + champagne + awards. Very nice transportation, beautiful place!
G. Huray, USA

Very fun and exciting. Wonderful view from the balloon. Pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Nice experience. Everything was planned out and timed very well.
E. Huray, USA

It was my first balloon flight and it was a wonderful experience, which I would like to repeat.
B. Tomnay, Shropshire

I enjoyed it very much. Felt like a 2 year old. Thank you for a wonderful morning.
N. Tomnay, Shropshire

It was a great experience. It was my first time. I would do it again. I loved the view.
P. Nixon, USA

It was fabulous! Initially, a little soary, but then serene and beautiful. Loved the ride through the morning mist - loved the soft landing - loved the "baptism by champagne".
P. Moran, Thailand

An experience like no other, if you have the chance, don't miss it.
B. Kimmins, Thailand

Excellent experience! Great to be in a small group of friends - no strangers. Many things learnt, wonderful.
L. van Ooyen, New Zealand

Fabulous for my 47th birthday. Great way to start the day. Would happily do it again; smooth landing.
M. Pritchard, Indonesia

My wife and I would like to thank all of you for the wonderful experience you gave us on our trip. The organization, presentation, and equipment were impeccable. Your staff were friendly, efficient and immaculately turned out. The memory of the flight will stay with us till our return and next flight next year.
Peter (Sam) & Noelene Sapiro, South Africa

The pictures are very beautiful. If I have time I want to visit you again. Thank you.
Waraporn Suthisomporn, Thailand