Puffed up: A team prepares for a trial flight ahead of the inaugural air balloon festival in the southern province of Binh Thuan. — VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI — The first Vietnamese international hot-air balloon fiesta will be held in southern Binh Thuan Province over six days from August 29.

It is likely to attract hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world.

The event has attracted entries from 10 countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

It will feature balloons of more than 20 different sizes. Star of the show will be an upside-down balloon where the basket sits on top of the air bag instead of swinging under it.

Viet Nam will enter about four balloons capable of carrying up to six people each.

"We are ready for the event. Services are well-prepared." said Do Van Ba, deputy director of Binh Thuan's department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Another feature of the fiesta will be a photographic exhibition displaying attractions around Binh Thuan, a sea fair and the breath-taking sport of para-gliding.

Tengku Abdillah Bin Tengku Hassan, president of the South East Asia Air Sports Federation, said the event would add a new type of entertainment to Binh Thuan's tourism sector.

"ASEAN nations including Malaysia, Thailand, the Philipines and Indonesia will assist Viet Nam in developing the sport," he added.

Viet Nam has already joined in balloon fiestas hosted by Malaysia, Thailand, the Philipines and Indonesia in 2010 and 2011. — VNS