Bagan is one of Asia’s most popular destinations today and the Bagan hot air balloon ride is an activity that’s on most peoples’ bucket list. The ancient city is home to the largest ancient temple complex in Asia where you’ll find thousands of temples and stupas scattered in a vast land area. The hot air balloon ride has become an increasingly popular activity in Bagan in recent years. Google “Bagan” and one of the first images you’ll see is a hot air balloon floating in mists over a plain of ancient Buddhist temples. A hot air balloon ride is the only way that tourists can get a panoramic view of Bagan. This is what makes Bagan stand out from the rest of the tourist sites in Asia.
Taking the Bagan balloon ride is an experience you’ll never forget. Sure, it’s possible to explore the temples and stupas on a bike, but if you want to make the most out of your Bagan trip, you should not miss out on this wonderful experience. But before you book a hot air balloon ride in Bagan, it’s important to plan your trip well.
Best Time to Take a Balloon Ride over Bagan
The ballooning season will only run from October until March. So, if you want to experience riding the Bagan air balloon, you should plan your visit within these months. Also, most of the rides are scheduled during sunrise. This is when you’ll get a glimpse of the most dramatic views of the ancient city with over 2,200 temples and pagodas. Furthermore, the cooler temperature in the morning means the balloons will be able to float near the temples allowing you to enjoy a more detailed view.
The Deets!
Before deciding whether you want to pay for the hot air balloon ride, you should be aware of how the whole process goes down.
Hotel Pick–up: 5.00 am to 5.30am. Your hotel or cruise ship is informed about the pick-up time for the Balloon over Bagan in advance. Your pickup is around 5.00 am and you are transferred to the launch site. Companies brief all flyers with a safety talk before taking to the skies. Snacks and coffee are available as the balloon is being inflated which takes around 25 minutes. Shortly after refreshment, everyone’s name will be called, and you’ll find out which pilot you’ve been assigned to. Now you have a few minutes to relax as you watch the massive balloons get filled up with air.
Scrambling into the basket is fun! The balloon crew will help you. Then you take off for the amazing balloon ride over Bagan. It is a privilege to witness sunrise up in the air in Bagan. You will pass through the most important pagodas of Bagan just like a bird. The tour route covers the most spectacular views of Bagan from above.
After this approximately 45 minutes in flight (depending on the wind direction), the pilot will land with the help of the ground team.
After the landing, refreshing drinks, coffee, fruits, croissant, and Champagne are waiting for you. On the spot where you land, the balloon company will deliver your flight certificate.
Transfers to take you back to your hotel start from 8.00 am with hotel drop off: 8.30 am to 9.30am.
The Views
Although balloons are relatively high up, the sunrise combined with the endless views of temples, grasslands, and other hot air balloons littering the sky is one of the most incredible sights.
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!
Balloons Over Bagan is one of the most established Bagan balloon ride operators and this is the one I went with. The company was established almost 20 years ago by a small group of crews and one pilot. Pre-Covid, the company runs a fleet of 12 hot air balloons flying over Bagan with hundreds of experienced crewmembers. Their more than two decades of experience has made them one of the leading providers of Bagan air balloon rides.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time of our stay – Dec 15-29, 2017.
