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 has two balloon flight options – classic or premium. The classic package costs $340 USD per person. Passengers are picked up, then treated to a light pre-flight breakfast while the balloons fill. Classic balloon baskets fit up to around 10 riders each. Complimentary refreshments paired with wine come after floating over Bagan’s stunning immenseness. The Premium Package costs 450 USD per person and has smaller baskets that fit eight travelers at most, with separate compartments for couples. It also includes an interactive tour and a continental breakfast afterward with just as much wine if not more than the classic balloon flight.
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.
