Editor’s Note: This post is part of my Myanmar–Thailand trip to Asia. For more on this trip, check out my other posts on Myanmar, Thailand, and Japan.
Day 2 in Bagan began with the alarm going off at 4:30 am.
Why you ask? Well, we had lined-up our first-ever hot-air balloon ride and were scheduled for lift-off before sunrise.
About Balloons Over Bagan
The little planning we did (a quick internet search) turned up that Balloons Over Bagan was the largest and original commercial Ballooning company in Bagan – and Southeast Asia for that matter.
What started as a 1-balloon operation, had grown into a 12-balloon operation, employing about 16 international pilots and supporting about 100 jobs for local residents. What’s more, Balloons Over Bagan is somewhat of an iconic symbol of Bagan, with their balloons flying above the 2,200 pagodas of the ancient city daily.
Image courtesy of balloonsoverbagan.com
Why We Choose Balloons Over Bagan
Although there are several companies operating hot-air balloons in Bagan, we chose Balloons Over Bagan because of their history, safety record, and prices (tickets start at around $350 USD).
Getting There And The Morning Outfit
We were picked up from our hotel (the Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort) at 5:45 am in an old former military vehicle that had been converted into a bus.
The top of this bus is made out of wood, seriously
We were driven to a field near the Bagan Golf Club Nyaung Oo Golf Club, and given our choice of coffee, tea, and/or cookies, before we were assigned a group and a pilot.
The wait: coffee, tea, and cookies
The pilots ran over the safety instructions before beginning the process of inflating the balloons.
The morning setup
Video: Balloons Over Bagan – Morning Outfit
We then boarded our gondolas, 8 people per balloon, and went over the final take-off and landing safety protocols before readying for lift-off.
Getting Airborne – The Lift-Off
Before we realized it, we had lifted off. It was so smooth and gentle you could barely notice you were no longer on the ground.
The crew waiving goodbye at lift-off.
Catching air
We rapidly gained altitude and rose above the canopy of the forest. Almost immediately, the temples of Bagan began to come into view, along with wildlife, landmarks, and the coming sunrise.
You are now free to move about Bagan
The Hot-Air Balloon Ride
If you’ve never been in a hot-air balloon before, fear not – this ride was smooth as silk.
Although this might not hold true for every ride, but we felt no turbulence whatsoever, just a very slow and relaxing ride from lift-off until landing.
As it was the dry season, we had excellent visibility with not a cloud in the sky.
Burmese ruins on the edge of the golf-course
Learning to fly…at sunrise
There it is. I’ve missed you my friend
Soaring over some of the 2,200 pagodas of Bagan
View of the pagodas on the plains of Bagan
Balloon eclipse!
Hot Air Ballooning Over Bagan (Full Video)
The Landing And Champaign Breakfast
The total flight time lasted about 45 minutes, but it felt like it went by way too fast.
Time flies when you are having fun.
Coming down is the hardest part
Our pilot scoped out one of his “usual” landing fields before telling us to put away our phones and cameras and to “assume the position” to prepare for landing.
His ground crew was ready, and grabbed the gondola as we landed to make it as soft a landing as possible. After landing, we were helped out of the gondola one-by-one.
Everybody in the group was “all-smiles” and still on a high – giving out high-fives and hugs.
Post celebration, we were escorted over to a seating area, given a commemorative hat, and served champaign and croissants. Guests mingled and pilots hung out and answered questions. It was a triumphant morning.
The post-celebration, still all smiles!
The Bottom-Line Review: Balloons Over Bagan (Bagan, Myanmar)
Before we booked Bagan, we debated whether we should book the hot-air balloon or not. It was pricey, neither of us had flown before, and we were’t sure we’d actually be able to really see anything worthwhile.
After having done this, I can now easily say this was one of the top 3 highlights in our trip to Myanmar. In fact, I’ll go further – this is one of the greatest experiences in world-travel.
Balloons Over Bagan was great from beginning to end. The [mostly British] pilots were knowledgeable and hilarious, pointing out pagodas, landmarks, history, and facts along the way – making for great tour guides. Safety was, of course, the number-one concern, and they took it very seriously.
If you have the time and money, a hot-air balloon ride over Bagan shouldn’t be missed, and Balloons Over Bagan is the company I would trust [again].
Highly Recommended!
Cheers!
1 comment
Yes – balloon ride in Bagan is a must and even if a bit expensive is a once in a lifetime experience! Great shots we have taken in that morning!
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