Cappadocia is usually the first place that people think of when someone mentions hot air balloons, but it’s not the only one that offers this epic experience. The ancient city of Bagan is basically Myanmar’s version of this Turkish region, and it deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Bagan is located within the Mandalay region, and it takes about four hours to reach it from both Mandalay and Naypyitaw. It’s a trip worth taking since this city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its rich historical and cultural heritage, but its hot air balloon rides are the most popular attraction with adventurous tourists looking for a perfect shot.
There are several ballooning providers offering hot air balloon rides, including Balloons Over Bagan, Oriental Ballooning, and Golden Eagle Ballooning. If you don’t want to cash out hundreds of dollars for a ride, head to one of the city’s hilltop locations to take in a panoramic view of the Bagan skyline dotted with hot air balloons.
Timing is also important when it comes to visiting Bagan since ballooning season usually runs from the beginning of October to the middle of April. If you want to get the perfect shot of the balloons, sunrise and sunset are the best times to do it.
