Bagan, located in central Myanmar, is a truly enchanting destination. Spread across roughly 16 square miles, the plain is dotted with more than 2,000 ancient temples and pagodas. One of the most memorable ways to take it all in is from the basket of a hot-air balloon as dawn breaks over the landscape.
Early-morning flights, commonly operated by companies such as Balloons Over Bagan, begin long before sunrise. Crews prepare the balloons in the pre-dawn gloom, and by the time lift-off occurs the eastern sky is beginning to brighten. Once you are aloft, the first rays of sunlight illuminate golden spires and red-brick temple walls, creating a serene, almost otherworldly scene. The balloons drift smoothly above the plains, accompanied only by the occasional sound of burners and the soft sigh of the breeze. Smoke from villagers’ early-morning fires often curls between trees and monuments, adding a gentle veil to the panorama.
The flight itself is peaceful and slow, allowing ample time to admire the varied architecture and the surrounding countryside from a unique vantage point. After the sun climbs higher, the balloon returns to the landing area, where passengers are traditionally offered a glass of Champagne to celebrate the experience. Although this once-in-a-lifetime excursion means an early start and a higher price than many other activities, the sweeping views and quiet magic of floating over Bagan’s temple-strewn plain make it well worth the cost for most visitors.