A Guide To Bagan Myanmar's Hot Air Balloons

It’s nearly impossible to picture Bagan without hot air balloons beautifully clouding the historic horizon. Bagan’s balloons have become an iconic symbol of the region, and have carried many travelers on soaring adventures of a lifetime. Here’s how to experience an unforgettable birds-eye view of Bagan, Myanmar.

Ballooning season in Bagan runs from the beginning of October to the middle of April. Sunrise is when most rides are offered, as the cooler morning temperatures allow balloons to float closer to the ancient stupas for a more detailed glimpse. Daybreak also tends to bring with it more dramatic layers of haze, dreamily blanketing the landscape for a perfect photo opp.

Balloons over Bagan

Perhaps the most established of Bagan’s ballooning providers is Balloons over Bagan. What started out as one hot air balloon and a small crew nearly 20 years ago has grown into a 12-balloon fleet and over 100 mostly local, experienced crewmembers.

For a more intimate, in-flight journey, the premium choice ($450 USD per person) has smaller baskets that fit eight travelers at most, with separate compartments for couples. It also includes an interactive tour and a continental breakfast afterwards with just as much wine if not more than the classic balloon flight.

Thiripyitsaya Block No. (5), Nyaung U (Bagan), Myanmar, +95 9 424 313 404

Workers inflate hot air balloons early in the morning in Bagan

Oriental Ballooning

Oriental Ballooning is newer to the hot-air balloon scene in Myanmar. But, for having only been around since 2013, it’s already become another large ballooning operation. Oriental Ballooning advertises many of the same services and extras as Balloons over Bagan. Basket sizes range from as intimate as four up to the capacity to hold 12 passengers. The price is $399 USD per person.

No. 76 A, Lanmadaw Road, Sone Kone Quarter, Nyaung U, +95 9 250 505 383

A silhouette of a hot air balloon at sunrise in Bagan, Myanmar

All hot air balloon rides last approximately 45 minutes. Book far in advance, as spaces fill up quickly – especially during peak tourist season. Prices tend to be higher from mid-December to mid-January. Inquire while booking.

If ballooning over Bagan doesn’t fit your travel budget this time around, or if rising at great heights above the archaeological zone seems a bit too daunting, there’s still a chance to marvel at the hot air balloons as they drift in with the sunrise. For some of the best shots head to Shwegu Gyi Pa y a to take in a panoramic view of nearby temples and Bagan’s iconic skyline dotted with balloons in the distance.

There are also other hot air balloon companies in Bagan, and ballooning over several popular travel destinations in Myanmar is possible. Search high and low for the best!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.