The first Burma’s commercial balloon ride was taken place in 1999. Since that time, balloon rides have become a highlight in Burma tours. These balloons were made by British and have a perfect safety record. They usually do not run in summer.
Myanmartour.com has the honor to introduce three hot balloon ride places to travelers: Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake.
1/ Balloon over Bagan
Bagan became the central powerbase in middle 9th century under King Anawratha. The ancient city was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom from 9th to 13th century, the first kingdom unifying the regions, which would be later into modern Burma today. Bagan is located in Mandalay region.
On an exclusive balloon rides, travelers can contemplate the unrivalled overview of all Bagan ancient city, along with Ayeyarwady river in the west and mountains in the east.
From high altitude, thousands of diverse temples, stupas and other historic sites with variety of shapes and sizes reveal imposingly. On balloons, you can see the golden Shwezigon, the first Buddhist temple, while listen to stories about the King Anawratha, who built Shwezigon in 1057 and started the Burma’s temple building tradition, which lasted over 230 years. Stupas after stupas, temples after temples appear breathtaking, the series of ancient images drift below you. A balloon ride is the greatest way to capture entirely the majesty of the temple complex, rather than a visit from ground.
The pilot will lead you to Ayeyarwady river, you can see the local life. Panoramic view also comprise green fields and mountains. You can catch glimpse of the volcanic Mt. Popa to the east and Taungyi Taung on hilltop.
Sunrise is the most beautiful time to take a Bagan balloon ride, to feel slowly the magnificent and secretive Bagan unfolds under your eyesight.
2/ Balloon over Mandalay
Mandalay is the Burma’s central culture and education, as well as an important trade and social hub. As a crowded city, it is really bustling, but also extremely interesting to visit.
Founded over 155 years old by King Mindon, the city has retained the old Palace, surrounded by an extensive moat and city wall.
Discover Mandalay, there is no better way than by a balloon ride, which makes the whole of historic Mandalay open up below your eyes: temples, people, and hidden sights. Highlights include Mandalay Hill tower in the north, Ayeyarwady river in the west and U Bein Bridge in the south.
The balloons will take off at the morning, when the scenery engulf in mist. Travelers will encounter different scenes: busy life on streets, bustling trade’s residents at markets, holy space in temples, and monks walking in long queues with bare foot on ground.
In Ayeyarwady river, herds of buffaloes wade in stream. Boats of all shapes and sizes load fully goods and passengers. You can observe frenetic traffic in this plentiful river.
U Bein Bridge near Amarapura is the world’s longest teak footbridge, mild curving 1,300 yards, spanning over Taungthaman lake. If possible, pilots will lower the balloon near the lake’s surface, you can watch the enchanted and peaceful view of tranquil water-face, prior to bringing you back to land nearby.
3/ Balloon over Inle Lake
Spectacular, unusual and incredible, Burma’s Inle Lake is one of the most unique places in our planet. The balloon tour officially launched in Oct 2014 (details here) will offer you a panorama about this stunning lake along with the peaceful life here.
Leg-rowing fishermen, stilted villages, floating vegetable gardens, up-and-down boats and layered mountains surrounding the lake are the most common scenes in Inle Lake. The aerial expedition will start in early morning, when mist covers everywhere and the scenery is magical.
When the Inle balloon lifts slightly off the ground, fantastic sights disclose in front of your eyes. The flight moves at diverse heights above the water-face. The whole of immense Inle lake, mountains and marshes will be embraced into your vision. This is awesome! If being a cultural curious person, you can observe overall the local living activities, from stilt dwellings, primitive boats or motorized canoes carrying tourists along primary canals. Specially, you will be surprised by well-killed Intha fishermen, who row their skiffs by one leg while casting their nets, using legs to control other fishing tools.
Immersing serene markets. You can encounter Inle’s famous festivals. The balloons also glide slowly through bird sanctuaries and teak monasteries. Possibly, you will say “hello” to Ywama village, well-known by its tall teak stilted houses and its floating market; or wave your hands to Maing Thauk, the particular village with its wooden bridge.
Tip: Balloon rides are the best ways that you can hunt stunning and majestic photography. See our your suggestion here!
