A hot air balloon ride over Bagan offers a unique view of thousands of ancient temples at sunrise. This post explains how the experience works, including prices, seasonal availability, what to expect on the morning of the flight, and why this short but unforgettable ride is worth it.
The definitive attractions of Bagan are its beautiful temples, which stretch as far as the eye can see. One way to experience this spectacle from a completely different perspective is by taking a hot air balloon ride over the city. In this post, you will learn more about this experience.
Availability and Price
There are several companies that offer balloon flights in Bagan. The ride I took was with Balloons Over Bagan, but all companies operate in a similar way and with comparable pricing. That said, if you are going to Bagan, it is always worth checking prices with different operators.
Flights operate throughout the year and last approximately 45 minutes, with prices ranging between USD 350 and USD 450 per person. However, prices vary by season, changing between the months of October and April, with an additional surcharge during the end-of-year holiday period.
The Morning of the Flight
On the day of the flight, be prepared to wake up very early. Before sunrise, a bus from the company picks you up at your hotel, with English-speaking guides and a distinctive retro look.
Mornings in Bagan can be cold, and since the flight is open and reaches a certain altitude, wearing a jacket is recommended.
Upon arrival at the balloon launch site, which changes depending on the wind conditions of the day, passengers are divided into groups of 16 people and directed to their assigned areas.
There is tea, coffee, soft drinks, and snacks available, followed by an introduction to your pilot. Most pilots are European or Australian and communicate in English, although depending on their nationality, it may be possible to communicate in another language as well.
A safety briefing is then conducted, during which you can ask questions and clear up any doubts before the flight.
Inflating the Balloons
One of the most impressive parts of the experience is watching the balloons being inflated by the crew. It is a unique moment, especially as it happens while the sun rises on the horizon, illuminating the temples of the city.
The balloons are inflated with hot air using large fans. According to the pilot who flew me, these balloons are considered the “Rolls-Royce” of hot air balloons, featuring state-of-the-art technology.
The Flight
It is impossible to fully describe a hot air balloon flight, especially in a place as magnificent as Bagan. The landscape is indescribable, and I will let the images speak for themselves.
The flight itself is very stable, and the balloon moves smoothly with the wind. Since the direction depends entirely on wind conditions, it is impossible to predict which temples will be visible. Unfortunately, this part is left to chance.
That said, with more than 4,000 temples spread across the city, the view of the temples combined with the sight of multiple balloons in the sky is always breathtaking.
The Landing
The landing location depends on the wind and can be different every day. As the balloon begins to approach the ground, you can see local children running toward it, some out of curiosity, others hoping to sell small items.
After landing, there is a small celebration with snacks and champagne, and everyone receives a flight certificate signed by the pilot.
There is a very interesting interaction between passengers, pilots, crew members, and local residents, which is part of the ballooning tradition in Bagan.
Shortly after, you board the bus back to the hotel, arriving between 8:30 and 10:00 in the morning.
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely.
Even though the flight is relatively short, it is unforgettable. Bagan is a city in the interior of Myanmar, and if you have already made the effort to get there, a hot air balloon flight is more than worth it to experience the city from an entirely new perspective.
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