Balloon fiesta for Binh Thuan

The first Vietnamese international hot-air balloon fiesta will be held in southern Binh Thuan Province over six days from August 29.

It is likely to attract hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world.

The event has attracted entries from 10 countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.

It will feature balloons of more than 20 different sizes. Star of the show will be an upside-down balloon where the basket sits on top of the air bag instead of swinging under it.

Vietnam will enter about four balloons capable of carrying up to six people each.

“We are ready for the event. Services are well-prepared.” said Do Van Ba, deputy director of Binh Thuan’s department of Culture, Sport and Tourism, “The event will help boost the Binh Thuan’s tourism.”

Ba said that the fiesta drew large crowds when held in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Another feature of the fiesta will be a photographic exhibition displaying attractions around Binh Thuan, a sea fair and the breath-taking sport of para-gliding.

Tengku Abdillah Bin Tengku Hassan, president of the South East Asia Air Sports Federation, said the event would add a new type of entertainment to Binh Thuan’s tourism sector.

“Malaysia and four other ASEAN nations including Malaysia, Thailand, Philipines and Indonesia will assist Viet Nam in developing the sport,” he added.

Vietnam has already joined in balloon fiestas hosted by Malaysia, Thailand, Philipines and Indonesia in 2010 and 2011.