Quick answer
Bagan isn't just a hot air balloon destination — it's THE hot air balloon destination. Floating over thousands of ancient brick temples as the sun rises through the morning mist is routinely called a life-changing experience.
- Best overall
- Balloons Over Bagan
- Top pick
- Balloons Over Bagan
Top verdicts
- Balloons Over Bagan: First-time balloonists who want proven reliability and safety
- Oriental Ballooning: Travelers seeking a more personal, less touristy experience
- Golden Eagle Ballooning: Travelers wanting certified European equipment at mid-range prices
The Bagan Archaeological Zone contains over 2,000 Buddhist monuments dating from the 9th to 13th centuries, spread across a vast plain along the Irrawaddy River. From the ground, it's magnificent. From 1,500 feet up in a hot air balloon basket? Absolutely transcendent.
Four operators run sunrise flights during the dry season (October–April): Balloons Over Bagan (the original), Oriental Ballooning, Golden Eagle, and STT Ballooning. Each offers classic and premium tiers, with the main differences being basket size, passenger count, and post-flight amenities.
Area map
All 10 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Balloons Over Bagan | Original Since 1999 | budget | Nyaung-U | |
| 2 | Oriental Ballooning | Premium Experience | budget | Nyaung-U | |
| 3 | Golden Eagle Ballooning | Boutique Operator | budget | Wet Kyi Inn | |
| 4 | STT Ballooning | Best Value | budget | Wet Kyi Inn | |
| 5 | Balloons Over Bagan Premium | Premium Tier | splurge | Nyaung-U | |
| 6 | Oriental Ballooning Premium | Premium Tier | splurge | Nyaung-U | |
| 7 | Golden Eagle Premium Flight | Premium Tier | splurge | Wet Kyi Inn | |
| 8 | STT Ballooning Premium | Value Premium | splurge | Wet Kyi Inn | |
| 9 | Bagan Balloon + Hotel Package | Package Deal | budget | Old Bagan / New Bagan | |
| 10 | Standby Ticket Option | Flexible / Budget | budget | Various sales desks |
1Balloons Over Bagan
Original Since 1999Quick comparison
- Best for
- First-time balloonists who want proven reliability and safety
- Strengths
- Known for Original Since 1999 · Nyaung-U
- Price / value
- $340 USD (Classic)
- Why it made the list
- The original and most trusted operator. With 26 years of accident-free operations, a 12-balloon fleet, and over 100 crew members, BOB set the standard for Bagan ballooning. Expect a polished, professional experience.
- What to order
- Balloons Over Bagan is a featured pick in this guide.
2Oriental Ballooning
Premium ExperienceQuick comparison
- Best for
- Travelers seeking a more personal, less touristy experience
- Strengths
- Known for Premium Experience · Nyaung-U
- Price / value
- $310-$330 USD
- Why it made the list
- Many travelers prefer Oriental for the more personal, less commercial feel. Friendlier staff, smaller groups, and compartmentalized baskets make for a more intimate experience. Since 2013, they've built a stellar reputation.
- What to order
- Oriental Ballooning is a featured pick in this guide.
3Golden Eagle Ballooning
Boutique OperatorQuick comparison
- Best for
- Travelers wanting certified European equipment at mid-range prices
- Strengths
- Known for Boutique Operator · Wet Kyi Inn
- Price / value
- $320 USD (Regular)
- Why it made the list
- A solid boutique option since 2012. Their balloons are manufactured by Ultramagic (Spain) and EASA/FAA certified. Smaller 3-balloon fleet means a more intimate operation, though some reviews note inconsistency with premium tier value.
- What to order
- Golden Eagle Ballooning is a featured pick in this guide.
4STT Ballooning
Best ValueQuick comparison
- Best for
- Budget-conscious travelers who don't want to compromise on the core experience
- Strengths
- Known for Best Value · Wet Kyi Inn
- Price / value
- $310-$320 USD
- Why it made the list
- The newest major operator and the most budget-friendly option. STT (Shwe Pyi San Travel & Tour) offers solid service at lower prices. Great for travelers who want the Bagan balloon experience without the premium price tag.
- What to order
- STT Ballooning is a featured pick in this guide.
9Bagan Balloon + Hotel Package
Package DealQuick comparison
- Best for
- Travelers who haven't booked accommodation yet
- Strengths
- Known for Package Deal · Old Bagan / New Bagan
- Price / value
- $335 USD (with hotel stay)
- Why it made the list
- Several partner hotels offer balloon + accommodation packages through Balloons Over Bagan. At $335 including the flight, these can be excellent value if you were planning to stay at those hotels anyway. Check Tharabar Gate, Bagan Thande, and Bagan Heritage.
- What to order
- Bagan Balloon + Hotel Package is a featured pick in this guide.
10Standby Ticket Option
Flexible / BudgetQuick comparison
- Best for
- Flexible travelers in Bagan for multiple days, shoulder season visitors
- Strengths
- Known for Flexible / Budget · Various sales desks
- Price / value
- $280-$320 USD
- Why it made the list
- For flexible travelers, standby tickets offer potential savings. Visit local sales desks (Oriental at Amata Boutique House, Golden Eagle at Bagan Umbra Hotel) and inquire about last-minute availability. Works best in shoulder season when flights aren't sold out.
- What to order
- Standby Ticket Option is a featured pick in this guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to take a hot air balloon ride in Bagan?
The balloon season runs from mid-October to mid-April. The high season (November-February) offers cool weather, clear skies, and stable winds. December and January provide the best photography conditions but require booking 3-4 weeks in advance due to peak demand.
How much does a hot air balloon ride cost in Bagan?
Prices range from $310-$450 USD per person. Classic flights (12-16 passengers) cost $310-$350, while premium flights (8 passengers with compartments) cost $380-$450. Prices are higher during peak season (mid-December to mid-January).
How long is a Bagan balloon flight?
The actual flight lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on wind conditions. The entire experience, including hotel pickup, pre-flight briefing, flight, post-flight champagne celebration, and return transfer, takes approximately 3-4 hours.
Which balloon company is best in Bagan?
Balloons Over Bagan is the original operator (since 1999) with the longest safety record and largest fleet. Oriental Ballooning offers a more intimate experience with smaller baskets. Golden Eagle and STT provide good value alternatives. All major operators maintain high safety standards.
What is included in a Bagan balloon ride?
Standard inclusions: hotel pickup (around 5:00 AM), light breakfast before flight, safety briefing, 45-60 minute flight, sparkling wine and fruit reception after landing, flight certificate, souvenir cap, and return hotel transfer. Premium flights add full continental breakfast and smaller basket sizes.
How far in advance should I book a Bagan balloon ride?
Book at least 1-2 weeks in advance during shoulder season (October, March-April). For peak season (November-February), book 3-4 weeks ahead. December 20 to January 10 is the busiest period and may require booking months in advance.
Is the Bagan balloon ride worth the price?
Most travelers rate it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth the splurge. Floating over 2,000+ ancient temples at sunrise is genuinely unique. However, if budget is tight, you can still enjoy Bagan's temples beautifully from ground level by e-bike or horse cart.
What should I wear for a Bagan balloon ride?
Wear comfortable, layered clothing. Mornings are cool (15-20°C) before sunrise but warm quickly. Closed-toe shoes are essential for landing on uneven terrain. Bring a hat and sunglasses for after sunrise. Avoid loose scarves that could catch on equipment.