Myanmar Balloon Ride – An Experience You Will Never Forget
One of the most popular activities for tourists in Southeast Asia is taking a Myanmar Balloon ride. Myanmar, a country that’s steeped in history and culture, is now becoming one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations. But the best part about visiting Myanmar is that it’s not as crowded as its neighboring Southeast Asian nations. The country has plenty of hidden gems that are still waiting to be discovered. However, these sights and attractions are only part of the reasons to love Myanmar.
Myanmar offers plenty of unique experiences for adventurous travelers. One of these is the hot air balloon ride. So if you want to make your visit to Myanmar as exciting as possible, don’t miss out on the chance to try the Myanmar balloon ride. During your ride, you’ll be treated to the breathtaking views of temples and stupas appearing magically through the delicate mist. Indeed, the hot air balloon ride is an experience that you will never forget.
Best Time to Take a Myanmar Balloon
Remember that the hot air balloon ride in Myanmar is not available all year round. So it’s important to plan your trip well to ensure that you can experience this activity during your visit. So when is the best time to do the Myanmar balloon ride?
For a safer and more enjoyable experience, the hot air balloons will only operate when the winds are calmer. Usually, the best time to enjoy the hot air balloon ride is between mid-October and mid-March. If you will visit Myanmar during the other months, then you won’t be able to book a ride.
To be sure, it is best to contact the balloon ride operators in Myanmar before you book. They can confirm if this activity is available during your planned visit. It’s also worth noting that the availability of the balloon ride will depend on where you plan on taking the balloon ride.
Choosing a Hot Air Balloon Ride Operator in Myanmar
When planning a Myanmar hot air balloon ride, the first step is to look for a company to book your ride. This should not be a problem since you’ll find plenty of reliable balloon ride operators in Myanmar. The best ones are Oriental Ballooning, STT Ballooning, Golden Eagle Ballooning, and Balloons over Bagan.
When you book with these companies, you can guarantee a safe and wonderful experience. All the pilots manning their flights are trained, licensed, and certified. They have several years of experience in hot air ballooning and most of them came from the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and the United States. Furthermore, your booking includes insurance coverage. They also offer a 100% refund policy so you can get your money back in case you change your travel plans.
Another thing that you need to consider is the type of package to book. Each company offers different packages for your balloon ride in Myanmar. Each package usually comes with a free pick-up and drop-off to your hotel. For those who are taking the early morning flight, you can also avail of free breakfast. After the ride, you’ll be treated to some snacks and beverages, including wine or coffee. Some packages also include photos and videos of your balloon ride experience. You will also get a certificate at the end.
The maximum number of passengers in a basket will also vary depending on the company and the package you have booked. Bigger baskets can accommodate up to 16 passengers while the regular ones have a maximum capacity of 8. You can also enjoy an exclusive ride by booking a charter package.
Important Things to Keep In Mind
Take note that the air balloon in Myanmar will only operate when the weather is suitable to fly. Therefore, there’s a possibility that your flight will be canceled at the last minute due to poor weather conditions. In this case, you will be offered an option to rebook or get a refund.
All balloon ride companies in Myanmar have agreed to set an age limit of 7 years old for the balloon ride experience. In addition, those with a height of less than 137 cm will not be permitted to board. Pregnant women are also not allowed.
It’s important to wear appropriate clothing so you will feel comfortable during your ride. If you’re taking the early morning flight, make sure to cover up since the weather will be very cold. This is also the same for the sunset flights, such as in Inle Lake where the weather can get really cold. Some companies offer free blanket for a more comfortable balloon ride experience.
Hopefully, you now have all the information that you need to enjoy an unforgettable Myanmar hot air balloon ride experience. If you have further questions, feel free to get in touch with the balloon ride companies before booking the activity. They would be happy to address any of your concerns and will do their best to accommodate any special requests.
Best Places in Myanmar to Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Whenever you search about Myanmar balloon ride, most of the information that you’ll find will talk about Bagan. But do you know that there are several other places in Myanmar where you can enjoy a magical hot air balloon ride? Here’s a list of the places in Myanmar to take a hot air balloon ride.
Balloons over Bagan
Home to thousands of temples and stupas, there’s no doubt that Bagan is the best place to enjoy an exciting balloon ride in Myanmar. When you take a balloon ride over Bagan, you’ll be flying above the thousands of temples and stupas that are scattered in a vast landscape. These views are truly breathtaking and look even more magical amidst the gorgeous views of the sunset. There are plenty of balloon ride operators that you can book in Bagan. The most popular of these are Oriental Ballooning, STT Ballooning, Golden Eagle Ballooning, and Balloons over Bagan.
Balloons over Inle Lake
Even though the balloon ride over Inle Lake is not as popular as Bagan, it’s one of the most unique balloon rides in Myanmar. While there would not be thousands of stupas to fly over, the magical views of the lake during sunset is such a spectacular scene to witness. What’s more, a boat will pick you up towards the launch site and you’ll travel in the dark before taking that magical ride. There are a few companies that operate balloon rides in Inle Lake and one of them is Oriental Ballooning.
Balloons over Ngapali
Known for its beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets, Ngapali is another place in Myanmar where you can enjoy a magical balloon ride experience. And since it’s not as popular as Bagan and Inle Lake, you’d be able to enjoy a more serene experience during your ride. Wake up early to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over the town of Thandwe. Get a glimpse of the turquoise blue waters from above and the elephants at the nearby Ngapali Elephants Sanctuary.
Balloons over Loikaw
One of the newest locations to experience a hot air balloon ride in Myanmar is Loikaw, a much lesser-known destination in the country. From above, you’ll be treated to the wonderful views of gorgeous mountain ranges and pagodas on the hills. You’ll also come across local tribe villages of long-necked women, known as the Karen people.
Balloons over Hpa-An
Another less popular destination for a balloon ride experience in Myanmar is Hpa-An. This is the newest addition to the balloon ride operations offered by Oriental Ballooning. Scheduled to start in October 2020, it’s highly recommended that you book in advance since there’s usually limited availability.
Balloons over Mandalay
Mandalay is another great destination to enjoy a balloon ride in Myanmar.During your ride, you’d be able to view the Mandalay Hill from above and several monasteries. You’ll also pass over the U Bein Bridge, a 1.2-km bridge at Taungthaman Lake that was built around the 1850s. As of now, Oriental Ballooning is the only company that operates balloon ride flights over Mandalay.
How much does an air balloon ride cost in Myanmar? Prices vary a little bit depending on your location, normally staying between 250$ and $300 in location as Loikaw, Hpa-An, Inle Lake, Ngapali and Bagan.
Avoid Skirts and Dresses. If you want a safe and comfortable journey, comfy and practical Shoes are recommended. Try to have a light jacket as mornings tend to be quite chilly in Myanmar.
Pregnant women are forbidden to take the hot air balloon in Myanmar. If you are pregnant you must inform the balloon company before the ride. No refund is given if not informed accordingly.
Yes, we know. Sunsets in Myanmar are spectacular. But, for your safety, balloon rides in Myanmar are taking place only in the morning. Don’t worry though, we can watch a great sunset from a multitude of places.
People for Myanmar believes that the great views from above must be shared with the world. So, yes, you are allowed to take your cameras and can take as well profession cameras with you.
Unfortunately, infants are not allowed in the balloon baskets for the ride in Myanmar. The minimum age to ride is 7 years old and the minimum required height is 137cm.
No, there is no weight limit do the balloon ride in Myanmar. But, you must know, that if you weight more than 125 kg we will have to pay double the price.
About MyanMarvels Travel & Tours and Balloon Bagan Ride
Using there skill and years of flight experience in Bagan the balloon pilots in Bagan are able to guide the balloon to a gentle landing where our friendly and experienced crew will be waiting for you with fruits, fresh pastries and a glass or two of sparkling wine to complete the post flight celebration. Most of the pilots are trained in UK & Australia and New Zealand and safety is number one priority for all the balloons companies in Bagan and Myanmar; not a single incident had occurred since the first flight in 2009 operated by the pioneer company of Balloons over Bagan Hot air balloon rides in Bagan are great for any event whether it’s on your “Bucket List” or to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, family fun, or vacation adventure.
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