A five-day trial tour on a hot air balloon kicked off at 6 a.m. on 21 March at Thiri field in Hpa-an Township, as part of the Kayin State government’s push to develop tourism in the state.
The ‘Oriental Ballooning Myanmar’ tour was organized by Myanmar Ballooning Co. Ltd at the direction of the Kayin Region Government. The hot air balloon tour seeks to promote Hpa-an region’s scenic beauty, offering views of the Thanlwin River, mountains surrounded by natural caves, pagodas, Kantharyar park, and other unique sites. Hpa-an, the capital of Kayin State, draws local visitors and tourists because of its natural caves, waterfalls, pagodas, and other destinations.
The high season from December to February will be ideal for hot air balloon rides, which will not only help promote tourism in Kayin, but also Myanmar, said officials. Tourists will be able to enjoy the views of Kayin State by riding the hot air balloon, but the local people may find the charges for the rides steep, said U Aye Maung Hlaing, deputy director, Kayin State Driectorate of Hotels and Tourism. Members of the Kayin State government, respective ministers, and mediapersons took part in the trial hot air balloon ride from 21-25 March.—Nay Myo Lwin
(Translated by La Wonn)
