12.12.2022 | Chiang Mai Trip: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight with Champagne and Spa Package by Fah Lanna

We took this package from klook thinking it was a suitable option after post race. The package is comprised of :

• Hotel pick up (within Chiang Mai city)
• Welcome tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks before take off
• Hot air balloon flight (approx. 1 hr)
• Champagne reception after landing
• Breakfast Buffet at Horizon Village & Resort
• Fah Lanna Spa Package (2.5 hrs)

- Complimentary welcome drink 
- Complimentary tea and snack after treament 
- Food voucher at Fahtara Coffee 600 THB

1. The Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight 

We have to drive to the meeting point as our area was not covered within Chiang Mai city. The operator was good to offer transport to us but with a surcharge of 1000 THB. 

The morning was considerably well organised and we were treated with a light breakfast before we embarked on our journey. It was our very first hot air balloon ride and we were really excited.

Preparing the hot air balloon to take off.

As the pilots and crew members set up the balloons, together with other passengers we all watched with anticipation (probably a little nervous too). There were total 3 balloons for today, and we were assigned to a balloon basket just for ourselves.

We were the first balloon to take off and everything was good.

It was truly a beautiful sunrise experience looking at Chiang Mai from above. We felt safe he felt tensed at the beginning and the wind condition wasn't strong, making it a pleasant ride. Don't worry dear, just feel the sense of freedom like a bird :)

The peaceful moment and slow ascent you will find in your balloon journey.

Loving the bird eye view from above.

Witnessing sun rise from the horizon.

The pilot got us up & landed smoothly. 

We were landed in the middle of a rice paddy so I guess there were no fixed routes for the flight. Anyway, the entire landing process is hassle free (maybe just a little rocky). The escort vehicles will meet us at the landing site to assist and also pick us up.

 

After the hot air balloon ride, we were treated with a traditional champagne toast to recite the Balloonist's Prayer, that says:

“The winds have welcomed you with softness. The sun has blessed you with his warm hands. You have flown so well and so high, that God has joined you in your laughter and set you gently back again into the loving arms of mother earth.”

2. Fah Lanna Spa 

We were taken to the spa for massage after breakfast. Coming to Fah Lanna the mode was quickly tuned into a calm, soothing and relaxed atmosphere. Before we began our treatment, we were given a form to choose the strength of the massage based on preference. 

A cold welcome drink (on left) and a hot ginger tea with rice biscuits were served after the treatment.

The private ensuite treatment room is spacious and comes with separated shower, bath and toilet areas. 

We felt rejuvenated and happy.

I love the steam bath as it gave us the natural glow after the treatment :)

3. Fahtara Coffee

This coffee shop is located next to Fah Lanna Spa offering Western and Thai foods. We felt the food prices were pretty decent although some reviews have said they were slightly on the high side than most in the city. Grabbing the remaining hours that was left with us in Chiang Mai (in fact this was the only day we were in Chiang Mai city), we kinda wanted to order a little more to satisfy the cravings for Thai food. 

From upper left and clockwise:

#1   Khao Soi with Chicken 120 THB --- recommended

#2   Squid Salad with Spicy Sauce 180 THB 

#3   Mango with Sticky Rice 160 THB

#4   Pad Thai with Shrimps / Iced Latte 150 / 60 THB

We both enjoyed Khao Soi (Thai coconut curry noodle) in which the fried noodles was served in a rich, creamy coconut curry broth. But to our surprise, the most recognized pad thai was completely a let down. It felt like the ingredients were cooked separately hence lacking the flavours. Iced latte was already added with sugar so it may disappoint some of the coffee junkies. Hot coffee seemed to be a better option though.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience from start to finish, we definitely recommend!

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