Hot Air Balloon over Bagan
In Bagan, the remains of twenty-two hundred temples, pagodas, stupas and monasteries from an ancient Buddhist empire pierce the sky like an army of pawns on a sprawling, dusty chessboard. The perfect way to take it all in is from above, in a wicker basket, on an early morning balloon ride. Rising before dawn, you’ll be in the air as the sun breaks over the horizon, coating the temples with a fresh layer of golden paint. Ballooning is considered the safest form of air transport, and one of the most romantic activities on the bucket list. Enjoy the champagne, feel the burst of heat on your neck, and relish one of the most stunning views on the bucket list too.
Length of Trip : 2-3 Hours
Cost :
Click here for the latest prices. Balloons Over Bagan trips sell out quickly, so it is recommended that you book as far in advance as possible.
Best time to go : November - February
Wheelchair friendly : Contact operator to make arrangements
Family friendly : 8 years old and up
Where to eat :
Sunset Garden is the best spot for a riverside meal. It is located at the river end of Pon Nyat Street, New Bagan.
The Moon, at Nyaung-U street, offers the best of both Burmese and vegetarian cuisine.
Official Site :
Balloons over Bagan
Where to Stay :
Budget: Ostello Bello Bagan
Mid-Level: Kumudara Hotel Bagan
High-End: Bagan Lodge
Getting There :
Though Bagan is tricky to get to from most South Asian hubs, Yangon, Myanmar's former capital, is easily accessible from most airports. A flight from Yangon to Bagan takes a little over an hour.
Note from Robin :
Balloons over Bagan sometimes organizes evening flights on a standby basis. Because of the tropical climate in Bagan, evening conditions tend to be unfavourable and unreliable. For this reason, sunrise balloon tours are far superior to sunset tours. Some things are definitely worth waking up early for!
