Thailand’s Motorcyclists Descend on Chiang Mai – VIDEO

The Thailand International Balloon Festival returned to Chiang Mai last week, providing a spectacular sight for locals and tourists.

Backed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the event saw more than 10 hot air balloons rise into the skies above Chiang Mai province from 7-8 December 2013. The event was supported by a range of ground-based activities, food stalls and musical acts.

Travel Daily Media’s Guy Allison took to the skies for a morning flight.

“This was my first ever flight and it was a truly amazing experience. The sight of all the other balloons silently drifting as the sun rose up from the horizon and broke through the misty haze was an unforgettable sight,” Allison said.

Professional balloon pilots travelled to the annual festival from across the world, including such countries as Spain, Russia, Croatia, Malaysia, Germany, Belgium and the UK, to demonstrate their flying skills. There were also tethered balloon rides and kite flying demonstrations. The Thailand International Balloon Festival has been held since 1992.

Nok Air will add extra flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai to serve travel demand for festive season celebrations.

Flights are full on most airlines serving Chiang Mai and hotels are already reporting rooms are fully booked from 20 December through to 5 January.

The extra additional flight, DD6404, will operate 28 December departing Bangkok at 1815 and arriving in Chiang Mai at 1925. The return flight, DD6405, will depart Chiang Mai at 1955 and arrive in Bangkok at 2100.

Another extra flight DD6410 will operate 27 and 28 December ex-Bangkok at 2135 and land Chiang Mai at 2245. The return flight, DD6411, will depart from Chiang Mai at 2315 and arrive in Bangkok at 0020.