Trinh Hang, director of the provincial Department of Tourism, said the Ministry of National Defense has issued a license for the Saigon Star Travel Company to operate the service.

 

"The company is set to submit a detailed plan to local authorities for approval and the tours could make their debut by the end of this month," he added.

 

The balloon rides will be available daily and the frequency will depend on weather conditions.

 

They will begin at 5:30-6 a.m. from Phu My and Ba Ria towns, with a balloon carrying a maximum of 10 passengers for $165 per person. The ride will last 45 minutes to an hour.

 

"At the height of 150 meters, passengers can enjoy a panoramic view of beaches in Vung Tau Town or rivers, forests, rice fields, villages, and urban areas in Phu My and Ba Ria," said Nguyen The Kien, chairman of the company.

 

Only Phan Thiet Town in the south-central province of Binh Thuan offers similar tours in Vietnam.

 

In recent years hot-air ballooning has become more popular in festivals in Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.

 

Ba Ria-Vung Tau is one of Vietnam's top tourist attractions for its beatiful beaches and Con Dao Islands.