(VOVworld)- The international hot air balloon festival kicked off in Hue city, central Thua Thien-Hue province on Wednesday as part of the 9th Hue Festival.

The international hot air balloon fiesta kicked off in Hue city, central Thua Thien-Hue province on May 4. (Photo: VNA)

The two-day event includes the participation of pilots and balloonists from nine countries including Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, India, the United Kingdom and Vietnam. It features hot air balloons standing 25 metres high and 18 metres wide and will offer aerial views of Hue imperial city from a height of 150 metres. Vietjet Air’s balloon represented the host country on the first day of the festival. The balloons bring a breath of fresh air to the 2016 Hue Festival as well as the province’s tourism industry.