GBA Lifestyle News
Where to? Bagan, Myanmar
Why you’ll love it: Myanmar is home to a number of spectacular experiences, but few are as awe-inspiring as watching dawn break over Bagan’s more than 4,000 pagodas and temples. Get a bird’s eye view of the capital of the first Myanmar Empire, where your mysterious, mist-shrouded view of the area ends with spectacular panoramas and Champagne.
The best time to see the pagodas is in the early morning — from a hot air balloon. Luckily, a couple of companies run unforgettable hot air ballooning excursions, including Balloons Over Bagan, Eastern Safaris and Oriental Ballooning, complete with breakfast and some bubbly. Be sure to book in advance, though, as some of these trips fill up months in advance. Plan ahead too: The season runs from about October 1 to March 31, depending on the weather.
Fun fact: In 1990 the current site, called New Bagan, was created two miles south of the original village, known as Old Bagan. Built in the 11th century, the historical city was once called Pagan. Today it’s considered an archaeological zone, and it costs about US$15 to enter and roam around the area.
Get there: Air Bagan, Yangon Airways, Air KBZ, and Air Mandalay all fly between Yangon and Bagan several times a day.
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