Vang Vieng, Laos, is known for its dreamy landscapes, winding rivers, and adventurous recreational offerings. For me, Vang Vieng was also where I had the most memorable experience of floating high above the earth in a hot air balloon at sunrise. I had read online about how stunning it was, but nothing could have fully prepared me for the true magic.

The morning started at 5:15 am, as I quickly brushed my teeth and shimmied into some clothes. I was groggy but full of anticipation as the van pulled up to shuttle me to the launch site just outside town. When I arrived, the balloon was laid out on its side, a colorful fabric resting on the gravel lot. I had a surprising amount of fun watching the crew work as they prepared for my flight. Massive blasts of fire spewed from the burner, sending waves of heat into the air and eventually into the loose balloon fabric.

Slowly, it started to inflate, lifting and expanding until…

… upright! The basket tipped vertical and it was time to climb in. With a small jolt and a bursts of flame, we lifted off the ground, leaving behind the chatter of of the Laotian crew as we took to the sky.

The air was crisp and quiet. Still. Below us, I inspected the town of Vang Vieng, looking at the winding dirt roads, patches of farmland, and the lazy Nam Song River snaking through it all.

To the east, the sun was starting to rise. It was soft and golden, glimmering through layers of haze.

To the west, wispy clouds drifted across the limestone mountains. It was like something out of a dream.

I embraced the peacefulness of floating. We went higher and higher above a landscape that was lush and surreal. I took lots of photos, but after a while, I stopped. I realized no image would ever capture the moment: the silence, the slight sway of the basket, the overwhelming feeling of just… being.

Eventually, we started our descent. Our pilot expertly aimed for what can only be described as a mud pit. The landing itself was smooth, but the exit was slightly sloppy. I had to slosh through thick mud to get back to the truck, laughing and slipping while the truck itself also got stuck.

By 7:30 a.m., I was back at my hotel. My sandals were covered in mud, but I was grinning and energized for whatever the rest of the day might bring.

Vang Vieng’s hot air balloon ride is not just about the views (although those are worth it alone). It’s about the stillness, the perspective, and the once-in-a-lifetime feeling of floating above a beautiful world.