Balloons Over Bagan

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight?

Our flights normally last 45 minutes to one hour, or longer depending on the wind. The whole experience including hotel pick ups and light champagne breakfast lasts between 2 ½ to 3 hours. Ballooning is also about watching the set up of the balloon, and being rescued at the end too, not just the flight itself. Not knowing where you are going to land is always exciting and part of the adventure!

What do we see?

The exciting thing about ballooning is that you just don’t know. You will see Bagan waking up in the morning. You will see many temples in the distance and get a spectacular aerial view of Bagan. Sometimes you may fly over villages and see people on their early morning rounds, feeding their animals; or going to market. It is an amazing and interactive experience.

Can we go to …… by balloon?

The balloon can only go where the wind takes it. So we unfortunately cannot pre-plan where it will land.

Is it safe?

Commercial passenger ballooning is the safest form of all air transport.
In Bagan we are always very careful. We only fly when there are light surface winds less than 8 knots.
Our pilots and technicians are European Nationals qualified and registered in the UK.
Our balloons are built to the highest standards of the British aerospace industry by Cameron Balloons Ltd, the world’s largest manufacturer of hot air balloons.
All our crew are trained to the highest international standards and have all been trained in first aid by UK Public Transport Inspectors

I’m scared of heights.

Ballooning does not usually affect those people who are scared of heights. Because the balloon travels with the wind, the basket is very stable and does not sway or rock during flight. There is no sense of vertigo or motion.

Do we see this pagoda?

You will see lots of pagodas! Exactly which pagoda you will see depends on the wind direction.

How many people can fit in one balloon?

We currently have seven balloons in service and we will offer 8 balloons in 2013 – 2014 season. Two balloons have room for 8 passengers in four separate compartments plus a pilot. One balloon has room for 12 passengers in four separate compartments. Five balloons have room for 16 passengers in four separate compartments.

What is the premium service?

Our new premium service offers a more personalised and spacious experience for a maximum of just 16 passengers per day in our two smallest 8 passenger balloons. Designed to hold just 4 couples in their own compartments with more personal space, the premium service offers a more intimate and private experience. A highlight of the experience is a guided interactive tour around the balloon during inflation from your pilot just prior to take off. In addition to this, clients will receive a free CD including an inflight photo of their flight.