Standard service
Up early for a transfer to the launch site. Enjoy a balloon flight over the plains of Pagan in
one of Balloons over Bagan’s 12 balloons, met at the landing site (depends on the wind) where you will enjoy a
celebratory glass of champagne and a light breakfast.
Premium service
This is a more personalised and spacious experience for a maximum of just 24 passengers per day
in our three smallest 8 passenger balloons. Designed to hold just 4 couples in their own individual 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 or memory stick including an in-flight photo of their flight – plus a celebratory
glass of champagne and light breakfast.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight?
Our flights on average last 45 minutes to one hour depending on the wind. Flights over 25 minutes are deemed completed.
The whole experience including pick-ups from the ships and light champagne breakfast lasts between 2 1/2 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 Pagan waking up in the morning. You will
see many temples in the distance and get a spectacular aerial view of Pagan. 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 since we
launched in 1999 and have never recorded any accident or incident however minor
- 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 and
Lindstrand Balloons.
- All our crew are trained to the highest international standards for the past 15 years and have all been trained in
first aid by UK Public Transport Inspectors. Our Senior crew have been trained in the UK at the manufactures, and form
part of a permanent in house maintenance organisation.
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.
How many people can fit in one balloon?
We currently have 12 balloons in service. Three balloons have room for 8
passengers in four separate compartments plus a pilot. One balloon has room for 12 passengers in four separate
compartments. Eight balloons have room for 16 passengers in four separate compartments, offering a range of flexibility
across our entire fleet for small or larger groups.
Where do we take off?
The take off site changes with the wind and is decided by the pilot in command on the day of the flight. We have
exclusive use of the Shwezigone sports ground that affords a spectacular view of the Shwezigone pagoda at first
light.
Where do we land?
Wherever the wind takes you! This could be next to a Pagoda, a field by a village, on a sandbank, or even across the
river, which will involve a rescue by boat.
What time will we be picked up?
For the morning flight, passengers are usually picked up from your Pandaw ship by our Balloons over Bagan bus between
05h30 and 06h00 in the morning. The exact time will be given to you the evening before by your ship purser.
What time do we get back to the Pandaw ship?
In the morning flight, passengers are usually back at their Pandaw ship by 8.00 or 8.30 am. Some passengers like to
stay longer after landing to drink an extra glass of champagne or chat with villagers who come to witness the landing.
The post flight celebrations are an important part of ballooning in this special area and not to be rushed!
Can we fly at sunset?
No. Unfortunately because of the tropical location in Bagan, evening weather conditions tend to be less favourable and
less reliable than in our scheduled morning flights. We believe therefore that a morning flight affords a more
enjoyable and superior experience. Bagan is normally at its most beautiful early in the morning, and temperatures are
pleasant and cool.
Can our children fly?
For safety reasons there are age and height restrictions. We set a minimum age of 8 years old, but as a general rule,
all passengers must be able to see over the basket.
Can I get my money back if the balloon flight is cancelled?
Yes of course! Balloons over Bagan only operates when the chief pilot decides that the weather is suitable and it is
safe to fly. Therefore it might unfortunately be possible that we have to cancel the balloon flight at the launch site
for safety reasons. In that case we will refund 100% of your payment, less a usd 20 per person Pandaw admin fee.
Why do I have to give my weight?
It is important that we receive the correct weight of each passenger as soon as possible. The chief pilot needs this
figure to calculate the total ballast of the basket, so that he can determine the total amount of lift available on
that day.
Who owns Balloons over Bagan?
Balloons over Bagan is a 100% private Myanmar company, which was set up and is run by husband and wife team Brett
Melzer and Khin Omar Win.
What to wear
Passengers are advised to wear long trousers and long sleeved clothing from 100% natural fibres.
Price per traveller
Departures from 1st October 2015 to 31st March 2016
Standard Service – usd 319 per person
Premium service – usd 379 per person
Extra usd 10 per person for all balloon flights from 20th December to 5th January.
Price includes
A memory that we hope will last forever; transport to and from your Pandaw cruise ship, to launch
and landing site, flight, ‘rescue’, celebratory glass of champagne and light breakfast.
Booking conditions and your liability
Please note that Pandaw Cruises Ltd acts as an agent for Balloons Over Bagan in providing balloon flights. You contact
is with Balloons Over Bagan. Booking Conditions.
