Flying high above the thousands of temples and pagodas of Bagan is often called a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and from the glowing sunrise to the gentle drift over historic sites, it’s easy to see why. While we haven’t personally taken this tour (yet), the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of an adventure that’s both breathtaking and surprisingly accessible.
What we love most about this experience? First, the stunning aerial views of Bagan’s iconic landscape, second, the professionalism of the crew and safety measures in place, and third, the convenient all-inclusive setup that takes care of everything from pickup to champagne toast.
A possible consideration? The price point — at $230 per person, it’s an investment, but many say the unforgettable views and the smooth organization make it worth every penny.
This tour is perfect for those celebrating a special occasion, couples seeking a romantic adventure, or anyone who simply wants to see one of Myanmar’s most mesmerizing sights from a fresh perspective.
Key Points
- Unmatched Views: Fly over Bagan’s 8,000 temples and pagodas, with many never visited on land, from a hot air balloon.
- Sunrise Experience: Soar during the early morning to witness the area awakening as the sun rises through morning mist.
- All-Inclusive Comfort: Enjoy hotel pickup, pre-flight refreshments, a light breakfast, and a celebratory glass of champagne after landing.
- Expert Crew: The experienced pilots and staff ensure safety, with knowledgeable guides sharing insights into the area during the flight.
- Memorable Photos and Certification: Download free inflight photos and receive a signed flight certificate to remember your adventure.
- Limited Seating: The tour accommodates a maximum of 16 travelers, making the experience exclusive and intimate.
Booking and Arrival
Most travelers book about a month in advance — average booking is around 33 days beforehand — which is wise given the popularity. The tour starts at Old Bagan around 5:30 am, when the local air is still cool and the air is filled with anticipation.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel, which adds a layer of convenience, especially in a region where transportation options can be limited. When you arrive at the launch site, the crew will prepare the balloons, inflating them with the help of coffee, tea, and refreshments — a chance to chat with fellow travelers and get excited for the flight ahead.
Looking for more options in Bagan? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
The Flight Itself
Each balloon ride lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour, during which you’ll float over the ancient city, sometimes seeing villages with locals feeding animals or heading to market in the early morning. Reviewers describe the experience as peaceful and graceful, with the baskets being remarkably stable — perfect if you’re nervous about heights.
One seasoned traveler noted, “The balloon softly took off and landed, and the professionalism of the pilot was superb,” which speaks to the high safety and comfort standards. Many mention the remarkable views of the thousands of pagodas from the sky, with some even observing the area’s waking life below — like early morning farmers or animals grazing.
Post-Landing Celebrations
After landing, you’ll be met with a glass of champagne and a light breakfast, often including croissants or other simple fare, which surprisingly gets high praise for its quality and presentation. Many reviewers highlight the friendly crew and excellent organization, with one saying, “Very well organized from pick-up to safety instructions to photos.”
You’ll also receive a signed flight certificate and downloadable photos taken during your ride — a perfect keepsake of your adventure.
Landings and Return
The balloon typically lands close to the takeoff area or nearby, and the crew will arrange transportation back to your hotel. This seamless process leaves you free to bask in the memories of the morning, often feeling that the whole experience was “worth every cent,” despite the price being on the higher side.
The Unparalleled Views
Most travelers agree that the aerial perspective offers a completely different appreciation of Bagan’s landscape. From above, the sprawling mass of temples, pagodas, and rural life below creates a picture that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. Several reviews mention the remarkable clarity and photo opportunities, with one describing the photos as “fantastic” and “incredible,” perfect for sharing later or keeping as souvenirs.
The Sunrise Magic
Timing the flight at sunrise is a game-changer. The soft morning light, combined with the mist weaving through the temples, creates an almost mystical atmosphere. Reviewers frequently mention how special it is to watch the sunrise from the sky — “a truly breathtaking experience” — one that elevates the entire trip.
The Professional Crew and Safety
From the moment you arrive, the team’s professionalism is evident. Many reviewers talk about pilots like Moses and Andy, who share their expertise and enthusiasm without overshadowing the serenity of the flight. The safety measures, group size (max 16), and strict weight requirements (not exceeding 125 kg or 280 pounds) all contribute to a secure, worry-free experience.
Convenience and Extras
The included hotel pickup and drop-off remove logistical stress, and the availability of pre-flight coffee, tea, and refreshments adds a touch of comfort. After the flight, the champagne toast and breakfast turn the morning into a celebration. The downloadable photos are a thoughtful addition, allowing travelers to relive the moment easily.
Considerations and Value
While the $230 price tag might seem steep, many see it as a worthwhile cost for the experience of soaring over one of the world’s most visually stunning archaeological sites. The reviews also highlight the longer flight durations (sometimes 1.5 hours when conditions are perfect), and the small group size enhances the feeling of exclusivity.
Who Will Love It?
This tour suits romantic couples, adventure seekers, and photography enthusiasts. It’s also a fantastic option for those celebrating special milestones or simply wanting a unique way to see Bagan’s temples. If you’re comfortable with early mornings and appreciate well-organized, premium experiences, this is likely to be a highlight of your trip.
Early Morning Pickup and Preparation
Starting at 5:30 am, you’ll be collected from your hotel in Old Bagan. The early start is key to catching the sunrise and avoiding the daytime heat and crowds. Once at the launch site, the crew will inflate the balloons, and you’ll have the chance to enjoy some pre-flight refreshments. As one reviewer put it, “the entire process from boarding to landing was very professional,” setting the tone for a smooth adventure.
The Aerial Journey
The flight itself offers panoramic views over the temples, often described as peaceful and almost meditative. Several reviewers mention that each flight is unique — sometimes you might fly over villages, other times over lush greenery, with the temples creating a surreal mosaic below.
The balloon’s stability during flight is a common praise point; as one reviewer said, “There’s no sway or rocks, so even height-fearful travelers can relax.” The experience of floating with the wind, rather than battling it, makes for a gentle, relaxing journey.
Post-landing and Celebration
After touching down, expect a champagne toast and a light breakfast, often with croissants and beverages. Many reviewers express surprise at the quality of the food and drink, with one even suggesting the experience “felt like a celebration.” During this time, you can chat with your pilot and crew, get your signed certificate, and download photos taken during the flight, turning your adventure into a tangible memory.
Returning to Your Hotel
The crew will arrange transportation back to your hotel, completing a seamless and convenient experience. Many travelers mention feeling refreshed, inspired, and grateful for the journey, emphasizing the well-organized nature of the tour.
Several reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the team, with pilots like Gavin and Andy earning praise for their knowledge and kindness. The small group size (max 16) is often appreciated, making the experience more personal and less rushed.
The photos and certificates are especially popular, allowing travelers to share their experience easily or keep it as a personal souvenir. The longer flight times (sometimes exceeding 1 hour) give ample opportunity for unobstructed views and photo ops.
Some travelers have noted that weather influences the flight duration and direction, but the team’s flexibility and communication mean you’ll often get a longer, more enjoyable flight when conditions permit.
This hot air balloon ride over Bagan is a prime choice for those seeking a luxurious, scenic adventure that combines stunning visuals with excellent organization. If you’re a romantic couple, a photography buff, or simply someone who adores scenic vistas, this will likely be a highlight of your Myanmar trip.
While the price is not insignificant, the value of the experience — including safety, comfort, and unforgettable views — makes it worthwhile for most travelers. It’s particularly suited for visitors who want to elevate their perspective of Bagan beyond the ground, capturing the essence of this ancient city from a new angle.
In short, this tour offers a rare opportunity to float over Myanmar’s iconic landscape, blending scenic beauty with a touch of luxury and adventure. It’s a memory you’ll cherish long after your trip ends.
How early do I need to book?
Most travelers book around 33 days in advance, as the tour is popular and fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
What is included in the price?
The cost covers the hot air balloon ride, hotel pickup and drop-off, pre-flight refreshments, a light breakfast, a glass of champagne after landing, a signed flight certificate, and downloadable inflight photos.
What is the flight duration?
The flight lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on weather conditions and wind that day.
Are there weight or age restrictions?
Yes, minimum age is 7 years, and passengers must be able to see over the basket (125 cm or taller). Passengers over 125 kg or 280 pounds need to book extra space and pay an additional surcharge.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
Is this experience suitable for someone afraid of heights?
Many reviewers note that the balloon travels with the wind and is stable, which makes it suitable even for those with height concerns.
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A hot air balloon ride over Bagan marries adventure with serenity, offering a perspective of Myanmar that’s hard to match. The professionalism, breathtaking views, and thoughtful organization ensure a smooth, memorable experience. While it’s an investment, many agree that the sights, the sunrise, and the sense of floating among the temples make it well worth it.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a one-of-a-kind view, this tour promises an uplifting start to your Bagan journey — quite literally. If you’re looking for a peaceful, awe-inspiring way to see the ancient city, this flight should be at the top of your Myanmar bucket list.