FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The peak season in Bagan is October to April. We schedule early morning flights every day throughout this period. For our other locations, including Mandalay Inle Lake and Ngapali, please consult our website.

From pick up at your hotel, to returning you there, takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

We do not offer afternoon flights. Morning flights are cooler and more likely to occur, as the weather conditions are more reliable and suitable in the morning.

Passenger pick-up time varies by location and throughout the flying season but is generally between 5.15am and 6.15am. We will inform you of the exact time when you confirm your flight, which is usually the evening prior to your flight.

To take advantage of the best flying conditions and to capture that all-important early morning light as it illuminates the temples and stupas. Later in the day the atmosphere may become unstable making it unsuitable for ballooning.

We currently offer flights over Bagan, Inle Lake and Mandalay. Each area has its own particular magic. In Bagan you can marvel at the sight of so many temples and stupas in such a small area. Flights over Lake Inle are incredible and extremely exclusive: watch the fisherman catching their fish, skim over the floating gardens, and ascend thousands of feet into the air to view the layered mountains of the Shan state. In Mandalay, you will be enthralled by the lively atmosphere of this populous city and the beauty of its location beside the mighty Irrawaddy. Ngapali offers a genuinely new and unique ballooning experience with its incredible natural diversity this location offers amazing flight.

Hot air balloons fly with the wind so the distance travelled depends on the wind speed. Typically you will travel between 5 and 10km. Your pilot will alter the height the balloon travels at throughout the flight to give you the best views. At times you will glide along at tree-top height and at others you will be given a panoramic view from 2000 ft/600m (Bagan and Mandalay), and up to 6000ft/2000m over Inle Lake.

You needn’t be afraid. In our experience, people who say they are afraid of heights invariably find that in a balloon basket their fears melt away immediately the balloon leaves the ground. There is a scientific explanation why this is so, but we won’t bore you with it here. Just try it and you’ll find out!

Balloon baskets, like balloons come in different sizes. Oriental Ballooning is proud to offer you compartmented baskets for your safety and comfort. There will only be one or two other passengers in the same compartment as you. We have sectioned balloon baskets that accommodate at total of 4, 6, 8 or 12 passengers.

Passengers aged 8 or older can be flown, as long as they are at least 137cm tall (4ft6in). Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied on the flight by a responsible adult. Sorry, we don’t offer reduced fares for children.

You need to be able to climb in and out of the basket and stand unaided for an hour or so. If you are unable to climb in and out, we have a basket available with a door to aid easy entry into the basket, which may be available for an extra charge.

You should wear layered, comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy flat shoes. Although it gets hot quickly when the sun rises, it can be quite cold and damp before sunrise, especially during December and January. It is best to wear layers of clothes, which you can take off as the morning warms up.

Sorry, we don’t have any toilet facilities available on our launch or landing sites.

Handbags, cameras, binoculars and lots of questions; just as you would when out with a tour guide. You will want to capture those memories and our knowledgeable pilots will be happy to answer all of your questions. Valuables are carried in the basket at the owner’s risk. Tripods will only be flown if they are small and lightweight.
Make sure you have plenty of space on your memory card and your camera battery is fully charged

Flights can be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. Although the weather in Myanmar during the flying season is very stable, there are occasions when we have to cancel a flight for the safety of our passengers, pilots and crew. If this happens, we may be able to offer you a later flight in the same location or one of our alternative locations. If you are unable to take advantage of this, don’t worry, you will receive a full refund.

Booking a flight with us couldn’t be simpler. You can book through your agent, guide, hotel or boat. Or, in person, call or email one of our offices listed below, or fill in the form on the ‘Contact us’ page of our website www.orientalballooning.com

Our flights (Premium Service) cost US$ 399.00 per person for Bagan & Inle, US$ 350 per person for Mandalay & Ngapali Beach
(not include 5% commercial tax) which includes the following:

- Collection from and return to your hotel
- A light breakfast of tea, coffee, croissant and pastries
- Pre-flight safety briefing
- Balloon flight in one of our British-built balloons
- Post-flight fruit juice, fresh fruit and sparkling wine
- Written flight certificate signed by your pilot
- Inflight Photo Service

You can pay your guide, hotel or agent, or if booking directly with Oriental Ballooning you can pay by cash (US$) or credit card.

Simply because we believe we offer you the best service and the most spectacular experience, in our beautiful balloons. Our baskets are designed with your comfort in mind, allowing you plenty of room to move around, especially when you need to get that perfect photograph.