Vietnam has for the first time participated in the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, which took place in Malaysia from March 17-20.

The Vietnamese team brought five balloons carrying posters to call for votes for Halong Bay as one of the world's seven wonders, to the event, which is the third of its kind so far.

The festival saw a total of 27 balloons of the US , Japan , Belgium , Switzerland , Netherlands , New Zealand , France , Germany , the UK , India , Thailand , Malaysia , Vietnam and Dubai ( United Arab Emirates ).

According to the Organising Board, the event attracted 300,000 domestic and foreign spectators.