When one searches pictures of Bagan, probably the most awe-inspiring ones have a tendency to depict the dawn with scorching air balloons all alongside the horizon, floating above the millennium-old pagodas.
This submit will make it easier to resolve who to e book with, and whether or not to go in a scorching air balloon in any respect whilst you’re in Bagan.
Why Fly in a Balloon over Bagan?
Now that the entire temples are closed to climbing in Bagan, there’s nearly no manner to get an aerial view anymore. Although I did see an errant drone from time to time in Myanmar, there are indicators once you enter on the airport that forbid drones in Bagan, and due to considerably doubtful drone legal guidelines, I used to be too scared to convey mine.
That solely leaves you with a crowded expertise on the watch tower, or a magical expertise floating over Bagan in a scorching air balloon if you would like the enduring views.
Hot Air Ballooning is Superior
It’s simply as magical as you think about it’s going to be flying in a scorching air balloon. You get a chicken’s eye view, the expertise of floating above the temples which you can’t in any other case get, and a magical dawn all in unison. Nonetheless there’s one huge con – the worth.
The flight prices $350-ish per individual and lasts for under 45 minutes. Nonetheless, it’s understandably on a lot of individuals’s bucket lists. Right here’s how to e book if it’s on yours:
How to Ebook
There are three foremost firms that function scorching air balloons over Bagan: Oriental Ballooning, Balloons over Bagan, and Golden Eagle.
I did plenty of analysis and learn dozens of evaluations making an attempt to discover professionals and cons of every. In accordance to Wayne, who flew with Golden Eagle, “The flight itself was spectacular and all the pieces I imagined it will be. Our pilot, Blake, was very educated and identified the vital temples and landmarks. Not solely was he a nice pilot however had a fantastic humorousness and persona. Our touchdown was proper on course and a lot smoother than I had anticipated. Total, I couldn’t be happier with this expertise.”
Dang, sounds fairly good!
However all of them have wonderful evaluations, provide the identical perks and expertise, and are kind of the identical value, nevertheless I did discover that Balloons over Bagan at all times took off final, for what that’s value.
One of the best value I might discover was for Golden Eagle, which is $25 much less via this hyperlink and provides 20% reductions from time to time, although they’re uncommon.
Do plan to e book in advance, as that is a extremely popular exercise and they have a tendency to e book out days to weeks forward of time. Additionally notice that they solely run throughout the dry season, from early October to early April.
What to Anticipate
Every tour consists of a pickup at your resort earlier than daybreak at round 5am. They supply cookies with scorching tea and espresso whilst you look ahead to the balloons to be prepared.
Except you e book the dearer expertise, which you’ll share with Eight individuals, there might be 12 individuals in the balloon basket. Since these flights are so well-liked, you’ll be able to most likely plan on a full basket.
The flight will final for 45 minutes and will take off simply because the solar crests the horizon. Upon touchdown you’ll be provided glowing wine and snacks whereas touts swarm to promote you submit playing cards and souvenirs.
Options to Ballooning in Bagan
So what did I do whereas in Bagan? When introduced with the professionals and cons of scorching air ballooning over Bagan, I really opted not to do it. I learn a lot about it and appeared into it so extensively that I nonetheless wished to write this submit in case you’re on the fence, too.
My accomplice and I have been taking a look at $700 for the 2 of us ($650 via the Golden Eagle hyperlink I discovered), however even when we’d wished to, at that time I wouldn’t have jumped on it early sufficient to nab a spot. That stated, I flew in a scorching air balloon in Germany and really did adore it. It felt like a fairytale, and I can solely think about that Bagan could be that a lot better.
Nonetheless, I additionally wished to be in the image with the balloons, although the coveted overview shot of Bagan is way more durable to come by now than it was when the temples have been nonetheless open for climbing. So I spent Four days seeking out the entire greatest dawn and sundown spots, which you’ll find right here.
If I had to do over once more, I’d spring for the ballooning. It’s costly, however I do really feel simply a little bit like I might need missed out. Nonetheless, I had a fantastic Bagan expertise regardless.
Nonetheless you select to spend your time in Bagan, I’m certain you’ll fall in love with it like I did – there’s nothing in the world prefer it!
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