In the global tourism industry, hot air balloon service has been introduced, and travellers around the world have increasingly come to prefer enjoying the beauty of nature from the sky. In Myanmar, during the open season, visitors will be able to ride hot air balloons to observe and explore the natural beauty of the Bagan cultural zone, and three balloon companies will provide service during this year’s travel season, according to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism.
During this year’s travel season, both local and foreign visitors will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the Bagan region from above by taking hot air balloon rides operated by Balloons Over Bagan, Oriental Ballooning Myanmar, and STT Ballooning. Balloons Over Bagan has already begun its operation on 18 October and will continue offering services until April 2026. Oriental Ballooning Myanmar will start flying on 18 November until March 2026, while STT Ballooning will begin operations in the first week of November and continue until February 2026.
Each of the three companies will offer services at a rate of US$170–175 per person (approximately K 3,800–3,900 per dollar). At present, Balloons Over Bagan, which is operating two balloons this month, has already received over 600 bookings from both local and foreign travellers for this season.
“Bagan cultural zone is well-known around the world. What makes it even more famous is that, during the dry season, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Bagan from the sky through these hot air balloon rides. We expect a significant arrival of both local and international travellers as Bagan is such a charming and globally competitive destination.
Starting from the third week of this month, visitors have already begun enjoying the scenic aerial views of Bagan. We also expect more tourists during the Tazaungdine holidays, like the Thadingyut holidays. Especially during this period, it is more likely to see many foreign travellers visiting here. Currently, among the three balloon companies, one is already providing services to both local and foreign tourists this open season,” said Daw San San Myint, assistant director of the directorate.
The hot air balloon was first invented in 1782, and in Myanmar, U Kyaw Yin was the first person to ride a balloon in 1929. As the global tourism industry developed, hot air ballooning replaced traditional balloons, becoming a popular way to appreciate the world’s natural beauty. Travellers from China, Japan, the US, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Korea are especially fond of such experiences.
In the Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone, which covers 19 square miles, there are 3,822 temples, stupas, and pagodas. Tourists particularly enjoy viewing these golden monuments from the sky at sunrise, sunset, and during the cool winter mornings, when the Ayeyawady River, misty fields, and green landscapes decorated with natural beauty offer a breathtaking aerial experience.
Nyein Thu (MNA)/KTZH
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