Wow, what a breathtaking experience. The sun was rising as we took off from the Irrawaddy River flood plain, quickly above the trees you can see the fast area of Bagan and the hundreds of Pagodas. As we flew over the landscape you see people going about the daily routine, maybe sweeping the ground in front of their house, working in the fields or walking to market. The crew at Oriental Ballooning Bagan were brilliant, safety for all passengers was the priority. My first ballooning flight at the age of 67, I will be doing it again!
Great Experience - Bagan 16-03-2020
Selva Ganesh M wrote a review Mar 2020
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania3 contributions
Fantastic experience. Matt Wady was our pilot. You can ask any question to Matt and he always answer with a smile, great quality. Very gentle ride. Take off and landing was smooth. All safety standards were followed. If you want to fly in Bagan better go with Oriental Ballooning
A definite must do!
TonyPKL wrote a review Mar 2020
Kings Langley, United Kingdom434 contributions102 helpful votes
A very early morning start in a large group took us to the launch site where seven balloons were being prepped for baskets of 12 people plus pilot. We had Jonny Smith who, with 20+ years of experience as a balloonist, was both extremely professional and very entertaining. After tea and coffee we were ushered to the balloons for a full safety briefing. Everything was synchronised so that all seven balloons were filled with air, heated and took off together and timed for just after sun up. The shear size and grace of it all is awe inspiring. We were hardly even aware that we had taken off. Once up in the air the views over Bagan in the early morning sun are just stunning. We flew at around 500 feet from the ground and Jonny pointed out the key temples and sites as we went, adding history and anecdotes where appropriate. The flight lasted about an hour and, apart from the odd burst from the burners, was so gentle and peaceful you are not really aware of movement. This is definitely a must do trip; we loved it and even those who had a fear of heights seemed completely unaffected by it. Finally I must say the Oriental Ballooning were really professional and fully safety conscious at all stages of the experience. We loved it and would do it again
Amazing balloning experience
Piaarnelund wrote a review Mar 2020
Oslo, Norway17 contributions2 helpful votes
We loved it! It was one of the hightlights of our Myanmar trip. We would recommend to anyone having the option to to try ballooning to just do it! It is an amazing experience.
It is also stunningly beautiful flying over the plains of Bagan at sunset.
The service is excellent from pick-up at our hotel, the early morning tea/coffee and croissants, the security briefings, the flying and the celebratory champagne after the landing.
I also would like to say that our pilot Ollie, was wonderful, fun to fly with a fellow Scandinavian...
Fabulous experience a must do if you get the opportunity
bigworld123 wrote a review Feb 2020
Exeter163 contributions30 helpful votes
Wow I cannot express how amazing this experience was. We felt very safe with this professional company and our pilot Lea was brilliant!
You get picked up and taken to the launch site and experience a light snack and after a safety briefing you board. You receive complimentary hat and a goodie bag and certificate at the end along with fabulous champagne to celebrate the adventure!
I still get goosebumps recalling the memory of those running in the streets below calling “Mingalabar”.
We’ve ballooned before but this was the BEST! We won’t hesitate to check them out again.
Nice touch to get a link to download the photos taken on the go pro onboard camera.
Thank you Oriental Ballooning you rock!
Brilliant flight with Donna
Nick D wrote a review Feb 2020
7 contributions1 helpful vote
Brilliant flight with Donna this morning over Bagan at sunrise right over all the temples and pagodas at a gentle pace. Balloon rotated round so everyone got a constantly changing view. It's expensive, but supports a lot of local jobs... Social investment has never been so much fun!
Outstanding balloon experience
Jorge Estrada Chacon wrote a review Jan 2020
Santa Catarina Pinula, Guatemala12 contributions
Lorena and I had the most amazing experience. Brian our pilot was very professional and knowledgeable from beginning to end. This company is boutique type and stood out above the rest in Myanmar for us. Checked a bucket list item. Very well conducted from breakfast to safety training to the whole ride and the finishing experience. Would do it again anytime. Come visit Bagan. No regrets.
Trip Advisor Posts (Inle lake)
Brilliant Ballooning over Inle Lake
655Jay wrote a review Mar 2020
London, United Kingdom12 contributions3 helpful votes
We had planned to tackle the ballooning experience in Bagan, but sadly the weather intervened. After some debate we decided to try in Inle, but without much hope of a comparable experience. How wrong we were! The day started with early pickup at 05:15 (if I remember correctly). After a thrilling boat ride across the lake in the darkness, with just a hint of gathering dawn, we got to the take off site and were greeted by the ground crew, and our pilot Chris. We were offered coffee and croissants while the balloon was quickly and efficiently prepared as the light grew stronger. We had a briefing but it wasn’t long before we took off so that we could catch the sunrise.. what stunning views! There was a temple below us as the balloon rose, and the lake gradually grew larger beneath us. The weather was perfect, hardly any wind. Sunrise was spectacular, and it was amazing to see the typical Inle boats zooming across the lake. There were 2 other balloons in the sky at the same time, and it was fascinating as we occasionally swapped places in the sky as they dropped down and we rose above them, and vice versa. At one stage we were able to see over the mountain ranges on either side. It all went too quickly, and it wasn’t long before we dropping down on the other side of the lake with the ground crew waiting for us with champagne to celebrate. The whole thing was a magical experience, and perfectly handled by Oriental Ballooning. Thanks to Chris and the ground team!
Amazing experience!
Alestef1985 wrote a review Jan 2020
Milan, Italy11 contributions2 helpful votes
The experience is top class, from the transportation to the actual balooning experience.
The pilot we had was British with +30 years of experience, extremely reliable and competent.
The lake landscape is breathtaking.
Absolutely recommended except if you suffer from vertigo.
Unforgettable experience
Seasondtravellerwrote a review Feb 2020
Paris3,964 contributions315 helpful votes
The whole experience was unique, starting with the pick-up by boat while it was still night and on to the breakfast while the balloon was being prepared and then the one hour and 20 mn flight over the area and the landing in a field with a whole village greeting us. Chris, our pilot, was very friendly and competent, and shared interesting information about the area too. We were back at our hotel around 9:30 with unforgettable memories, and a cap and water bottle as gifts from Oriental Ballooning.
A beautiful way to see the lake, local villages, and gardens. The team is very friendly and professional, and the experience of being up in the air is magical. A great way to experience the beauty of Inle
Trip Advisor Posts (Ngapali)
My wifes birthday flight
Bo-Erik Engströmwrote a review Mar 2020
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar4 contributions
Early wake up like always, if you want to see the Sunrise. Oriental team pick us up from our Hotel. after 45 min drive we come too the field, were Balloon Pilot Allie ( Lady sunshine in the sky) received a friendly welcome.
Nice breakfast, safe lesson and start too the sky, fantastic.
Wonderful sunrise, soft wind, friendly pilot. After about 1 hour flight we landed on field in small village area, all children from the small village was waiting us to land.
Small sparkling wine ceremony , and then back to hotel.
Thank you Allie and your friendly team from us.
A Must to do. Amazing
Beaches are nice, but ballooning is amazing!
aungsi2019 wrote a review Dec 2019
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar1 contribution
My friend and I had our Ngapali ballooning experience on a cold, misty winter morning about a week before Christmas. It was an awesome, unforgettable way to spend an hour - the mist made the landscape look magical, and the sunrise over the hills, valleys, fields and villages was just spectacular. All the staff at Oriental Ballooning Ngapali were extremely proffessional, and our pilot Allie, in particular, was super friendly and knowledgeable. She pointed out heaps of features that we wouln't have noticed on our own, and she seemed to have a special rapport with the villagers living in the region, especially with the children. The croissant and brownie breakfast with hot coffee prior to the ride and the glass of champagne with fruit after landing were welcome bonuses!
I highly recommend this experience, as it is a unique way to experience a charming part of Myanmar in the company of some lovely people.
Best Balloon Tour - A Must Do!
AliaWorldTraveler wrote a review Dec 2019
13 contributions2 helpful votes
This was by far not only the best balloon tour I’ve done but also one of the best tours I’ve had the opportunity to experience. Allie was so informative and professional. You can tell she loves what she does, which makes the tour even more enjoyable. Allie did everything possible to make the balloon ride enjoyable and an experience we would remember. The ride will always be my favorite tour in Thandwe.. thank you Allie for your preparedness, gifts, extra time in the air, amazing views, and overall great experience ... your special touches make a huge difference and we appreciate your outstanding service. I highly recommend you take advantage of this wonderful tour during your trip to Ngapali Beach, Thandwe!
Birthday flight
Lyndon2011 wrote a review Nov 2019
Haywards Heath, United Kingdom69 contributions17 helpful votes
We were picked up at 5.00 am and driven via two other hotels to the launch site, a field a few miles down a dirt road in Shin Aung near Thandwe. Given a safety briefing then we're offered tea, coffee and croissants while the balloon is inflated. Climbed into the basket, assumed take off and landing brace position and we were away. Very very quiet except when the burner is activated. Watched the sun rise and followed the river observing the jungle, villages, fields and rice paddies below. At Allie's suggestion everyone sang Happy Birthday to me. Crowds of villagers turned up to enjoy the excitement when we took off, and when we landed after 1 hour 20 minutes, in a paddock in Thandwe - had juice, and fizz to toast the Montgolfier brothers who initiated hot air ballooning. Highly recommended.
Fantastic, a must!
Andreas Kwrote a review Nov 2019
Bangkok, Thailand27 contributions9 helpful votes
What a beautiful magical perspective on Myanmar! Alli was an amazing captain, a great guide and just made the whole trip even better. Views were fantastic, rolling fog over the rivers, pagodas shining in the sun and watching village life from the sky. Ballooning might become addictive after this.