Few travel experiences compete with flying over Bagan in a hot air balloon. With over 2,200 temples and pagodas, there is no better way to take in the incredible history spread across the plains of Bagan.
Photo © Emma Balmforth
Hot-air balloon flights in Bagan take place at sunrise, which usually means a 5:30am pick-up and a 6am launch. Companies brief all flyers with a safety talk before taking to the skies. Balloons take off on the southern edge of the plains and fly across a section of the site, following the winds and promising spectacular views of some of the biggest and most iconic temples.
The views from the balloon
The balloons are relatively high up, offering endless views of temples, grasslands, and other hot air balloons littering the sky. Combined with the sunrise, it is a truly incredible sight.
The roughly one-hour flight will be enjoyed by those who are looking to see a bigger picture of the vastness of the plains of Bagan.
After, make time to explore the temples by bike or foot to get up close. Combining both experiences will be unforgettable, so be sure to do both!
The price of a hot-air balloon ride in Bagan
Having traveled on the ground through the temples by electric bike and by foot, I can assure you that flying overhead in a hot air balloon above the temples and pagodas is an experience well worth splurging for.
Two different companies, Oriental Ballooning and Balloons Over Bagan, offer passenger flights. As of 2023, Oriental Ballooning offered a 12-passenger balloon ride for US $399/person. Balloons Over Bagan offered a Classic option in a 16-passenger balloon for US $350/person, or the Premium option in an 8-person balloon for US $450/person. With fewer people, you have more room to move around, feel more comfortable, and enjoy the best views possible.
Seasonality and weather
Flying in the month of November, there was no rain, the winds were low, and the air was quite dry. Flights generally take place between October-March, however they are often cancelled throughout the season for safety reasons if there’s too much wind or rain.
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