Hot-air balloons and paragliders are seen during the 2026 Dong Thap Lotus Festival in Cao Lanh Ward, Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam, June 19, 2026. Photo: Dang Tuyet / Tuoi Tre
The event, held at Van Mieu Square, introduced hot-air balloons and paragliding performances to the festival for the first time, drawing spectators to central festival areas from early morning.
Nearly 2,000 women took part in a parade through festival streets wearing ‘ao dai’ decorated with lotus-inspired patterns and colors, adding to the event’s festive atmosphere.
Residents gather to watch paragliding and hot-air balloon performances during the 2026 Dong Thap Lotus Festival in Cao Lanh Ward, Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam, June 19, 2026. Photo: Dang Tuyet / Tuoi Tre
The activities are part of the third Dong Thap Lotus Festival, which opened on Thursday evening.
The festival features exhibitions on the lotus industry, displays of about 100 domestic and international lotus varieties, local products, lotus-themed cuisine, and cultural events through Sunday.
A paraglider performs during the 2026 Dong Thap Lotus Festival in Cao Lanh Ward, Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam, June 19, 2026. Photo: Dang Tuyet / Tuoi Tre
Organizers displayed 34 hot-air balloons across multiple locations for visitors to photograph, including nearly 20 tethered and low-altitude balloons along Ngo Thi Nham Street near Van Mieu Square.
Four paragliders were scheduled to perform during morning and afternoon sessions as part of the program.
Women wearing lotus-themed ‘ao dai’ (Vietnam’s traditional long gown) take part in a parade during the 2026 Dong Thap Lotus Festival in Cao Lanh Ward, Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam, June 19, 2026. Photo: Dang Tuyet / Tuoi Tre
Bui Quoc Nam, chairman of the Cao Lanh People’s Committee, said the hot-air balloon and ‘ao dai’ events were introduced as new attractions aimed at drawing visitors throughout the festival.
He said organizers hoped residents would help promote local culture and tourism and encourage visitors to return to the region known for its lotus-growing heritage.
Teachers from Le Quy Don Elementary School pose for photographs with hot-air balloons during the 2026 Dong Thap Lotus Festival in Cao Lanh Ward, Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam, June 19, 2026. Photo: Dang Tuyet / Tuoi Tre
Paragliding and hot-air balloon performances are scheduled daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm through Sunday, with illuminated balloon displays planned for Friday and Sunday evenings.
Residents pose for photographs with hot-air balloons after participating in a lotus-themed ‘ao dai’ (Vietnam’s traditional long gown) parade during the 2026 Dong Thap Lotus Festival in Cao Lanh Ward, Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam, June 19, 2026. Photo: Dang Tuyet / Tuoi Tre
