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Published on October 20, 2007

Famous for its beach and bars, Pattaya will soon be adding colour to the sky, as a plethora of hot-air balloons cast off in the Pattaya Balloon International Fiesta 2007.

The five-day event, which runs from December 8 to 12, is being organised by the Royal Thai Army Sport Centre, the Sport Flying Association and Balloon Adventure as part of the celebrations marking His Majesty the King's 80th birthday.

The festival takes place at the College of Innovative Education, Thammasat University, about 15 kilometres from Pattaya City, with the gates opening at 6am to allow the crowds to view all the balloons as they make their graceful ascents.

Niwat Wongchinsri, Secretary of Sport Flying Association (Thailand) says 30 balloons are participating in this year's event.

"Among them are both round sculpture and fancy balloon figures. Four are balloons registered in Thailand; the rest come from all over the world", he says.

Visitors joining the fiesta can also enjoy plenty of exciting arena acts, activities and entertainment, along with delicious catering from the east of Thailand.

Niwat suggests those who wish to witness the hot air balloons should come either early in the morning or late afternoon. Families are welcome at any time during the day to take in a variety of extreme sports, including paragliding and handgliding, moto-cross, jet ski, stunt kiting, canoeing and a limbo rock competition. There'll also be a parade of more than 100 Volkswagen vehicles each day while at night fair-goers can enjoy the Balloon's Glow-in the-Dark activity.

Kids can tuck into mouth-watering snacks, chill out at the Ice cream Fiesta and even take a short ride in a balloon basket.

Thammasat University' College of Innovative Education, is known as the Learning Resort, and features 75 suites and superior rooms with private balcony, offering academic training and seminars on a regular basis.

Pattaya's famous Siam Country Club Golf Course and Bira International Circuit are close by.

Vipasai Niyamabha

Special to The Nation