This year marks the 10th anniversary of Thailand’s first and only International Balloon Festival, which will be held from 2 to 4 March at the Cowboy Army Riding Club, Chiang Mai.
Visitors can expect to enjoy a spectacular sight of colourful hot air balloons gracefully drift through the air, and the festival’s signature balloons night glow that will decorate the sky at night.
This year will be the first time ever in the world that “The Sparkling Glow” of the balloon nightglow has been created by Sornchat Krainara, the Festival’s Owner and her Boon Companion Composer, Bringkop Vora-Urai. The night glow will be synchronised with specially composed music with the Lanna Orchestra combine The Tiger Drum and Opera which has never performed anywhere before.
Famous German Opera singer, Thomas Kiessling, will be joining popular Thai singer Pe’ Kamonporn in performing La Vie En Rose in a duet battle of the stars! The high lighten the evening that everyone must not miss is a fantastic performance of Tiger Drum group. Another combination of East and West performances will be through ‘SPLASH’, an event that fuses Flamenco and Lanna Contemporary Dance. These two dance styles will come together in a wild array of colours and movement that will truly splash out.
There will be plenty of special attractions, activities for the whole family and delicious food from top hotels and restaurants in Chiang Mai. One of the special guests will be Thai celebrity chef Som Chanakarn, who will be putting on quite a display. For those who love coffee, there will also be a coffee carnival showcasing some of the best coffee that Thailand has on offer.
Other events include art exhibitions and workshops from many artists, Thai fashion and jewellery shows from famous Thai designers.
The great showcase is a rare traditional craft from villagers in the Sop Moei district of the Mae Hong Son province. Kent Gregory, founder of Sop Mei Arts is proudly present his collaborate work with Anna Ferrari, formerly Ikea Interior Designer.
The Thailand International Balloon Festival this year will continue to include Chiang Mai’s diverse international community in the International Heritage section with booths from India, France, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Germany and many other countries featuring performances, special activities, food and more.
Single-day tickets are 300 Baht for adults, 100 Baht for children aged 7-12 years, and free of charge for kids under 7 years of age. Buy tickets online at Eventbrite, and once register online visitors won’t need a paper ticket. The event this year is going fully digital, reducing its carbon footprint, and encouraging vendors and visitors to avoid using plastic and straws.