We are Cambodia’s first fully approved balloon operator licensed by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation
Jon Gates
Jon has been flying balloons all over the world for over 20 years. Holding US, UK and EU commercial pilot’s licenses, Jon has a wealth of flying experience in all flying conditions. From the plains of Myanmar to the Swiss Alps and the deserts of Qatar, he has flown in them all. Jon’s enthusiasm remains undimmed and there is nothing he loves more than getting up in the air to explore our beautiful planet.
Max Horsley
Max moved to Cambodia to set up Cambodia Balloon Adventures in December 2019. Having spent over 20 years working in the travel industry in Asia and Africa, Max knows the region back to front and is dedicated to delivering first class experiences to all his guests.
Kong Vet
Ground crew chief and all round fixer. Vet was the first to answer our call to arms and has been with us from day one. When not organising the crew, Vet can be found on his Tuk Tuk driving very happy tourists around the delights of Siem Reap and beyond.
‘Uncle’ So
Our fearless truck driver. There is no road in Siem Reap province Uncle doesn’t know, and no track or field he has not ventured down. With an uncanny ability to locate the speediest route to the balloon’s landing site, Uncle is definitely the ‘boss’ on the ground. He is forever foraging in the fields for ingredients for soups and other Khmer delights!
Phal Vang
A farm boy from near the mighty Tonle Sap lake. A stalwart of the team and one of our most experienced crew, Vang has also been with us since day one. When not ballooning, Vang can be found on the family farm in rural Cambodia. Vang has a love of dogs and often rescues strays to live with him and his family on their farm.
Paneth
Paneth is always smiling and is great with guests. When Paneth is not helping us fly, he can be found on his family’s farm a stone’s throw from Angkor Wat, or teaching Khum Khmer, traditional Cambodian kickboxing in a local gym. Paneth is always keen to jump into the balloon to experience his beautiful home from the sky.
Srey Leab
Leab is our reservations girl and is studying accounting to one day become our chief accountant. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting the temples, cooking and reading books.
Art
Affectionately known as ‘Red Hat Bong’, Art is a bit of a hero whom never gets phased by anything. Also a farmer from near the Tonle Sap is in his happy place hacking his way through the jungle to find the balloon, or tending his crops during the monsoon season.
Sok
Always punctual with a beaming smile on his face, our minivan driver, Sok, knows the entire Siem Reap Province like the back of his hand, and there is nothing more he loves than to get involved with the inflation of the balloon, having made sure the guests are sat comfortably, coffee in hand enjoying the whole inflation experience.
Oun Phy
Or as we like to call her, ‘Happy,’ is our hostess with the mostess. Always smiling, Happy works during the day as a barista, so you can rest assured that you will be served the most delicious coffee whilst waiting for your flight.
