Ballooning is so closely associated with Bagan that few people realise you can do it over Inle Lake too. We work with Oriental Ballooning to offer what they fairly call one of Myanmar's most rewarding and exclusive experiences — drifting over the lake in a Cameron balloon with a luxurious wicker basket.
An early start
A 5am transfer gets you ahead of the day. At the launch site there are hot drinks and pastries while the canopy inflates, and a full safety briefing from the certified pilot before you step into the basket.
Over the water
Once airborne, the lake opens out beneath you: green water, floating gardens, the one-legged rowers at work, and the mountains ringing the horizon. Wind direction sets the course, so there's no fixed landing spot — part of the adventure. As you descend, the chase crew tracks you below and helps bring the basket down in a safe clearing.
It ends, as these mornings should, with juice, fresh fruit and a glass of sparkling wine. Flights run October through March, and the operator asks every passenger to share their weight at booking for safety.
