INLE & PINDAYA

An incredible 2-day adventure through Southern Shan State seen from a hot air balloon Shan state is one of Myanmar’s most beautiful and culturally diverse areas. Our exclusive balloon safari takes you to the most stunning sites of Inle Lake and Pindaya in a style and manner reminiscent of the great days of luxury travel. Site seeing by balloon is a truly remarkable experience, allowing you to venture off the beaten path and gain a unique perspective of the country and its people.

INLE LAKE

Shan State’s famed Inle Lake is home to the Intha people, who live on and around the lake. To fly over the lake in a balloon, has to be one of the most beautiful ways to see this wonder. Our skilled pilots carefully use their knowledge of the winds to steer the balloon over the floating villages and water gardens. You will see the morning fishermen looking for the first catch of the day, and boats laden full of produce on their way to the market by the immense labyrinth of canals. At higher altitude you will be amazed to see thousands of village houses seemingly floating on the lake.

PINDAYA

Reminiscent of the rolling hills of Tuscany, Pindaya is set against some of the highest Shan Mountains and is a delight to see from the air. We will fly along the mountain valley, passing tiny Shan hamlets and hill top pagodas occasionally swooping down to the delight of villagers who have never seen a hot air balloon before. We fly at a time when the fields are awash with colour, with swathes of green and yellow against brilliant blue skies.

SCHEDULE

Day 1 - Sunrise Balloon Flight over Inle Lake – Intha Traditional Cooking Class or Boat trip to Indein village - Pindaya mini trekking / bicycle tour

Early pick-up from your staying hotel and transfer to balloon launch site by car or boat to enjoy a morning sunrise balloon flight over the amazing Inle Lake and floating gardens. Immediately after take off you will be amazed by the view as we float over the incredible floating gardens that provide the whole of Myanmar with fresh produce including very tasty tomatoes and vegetables. As we climb, possibly to over 5,000 feet above the lake you will see extended amazing views of the stunning Shan Mountains. After landing our crew and pilot will serve you with sparkling wine and private breakfast on the lake or in village side location depending on the landing.

Option 1) in the late morning, visit to an Inle Heritage and experience Intha Traditional Cooking Class. Learn to source food on the lake and cook authentic traditional Inthar cuisine with our expert chef. Classes last for 2 hours depending on the guest. Lunch at Inle Heritage. 

Option 2) in the late morning, we will organize a half day boat trip for sightseeing to Indein village (village is well known for its local market and two groups of ancient pagodas). Picnic lunch en route to Indein.   

In the late afternoon, drive to Pindaya to do mini excursions around Tamae village such as mini trekking or bicycle tour until the evening bonfire dinner under the Banyan Trees. Accommodation will be arranged with Inle Inn Pindaya or Conqueror Resort but hotel can be confirmed at the time of reservation subject to room availability. 

Day 2 - Sunrise Balloon Flight over Pindaya – Pindaya Cave Guided Tour – Drive to Heho

Early pick-up from your hotel in Pindaya and transfer to balloon launch site to enjoy a morning sunrise balloon flight over Pindaya and its surrounding area. Pindaya is set against some of the highest Shan Mountains and is a delight to see from the air. We will fly along the mountain valley, passing tiny Shan hamlets and hill top pagodas occasionally swooping down to the delight of villagers who have never seen a hot air balloon before. We fly at a time when the fields are awash with colour, with swathes of green and yellow against brilliant blue skies. Post flight cooked private breakfast in the fields surrounding Pindaya.

In the late morning, you will discover Pindaya Cave, home to more than 8000 Buddha images. Picnic lunch en route to Heho including house drinks, coffee and tea. Adventure ends with onwards flight to next destination or drop off your arranged hotel at Nyaung Shwe area. 

Please email us for your inquiry and further information.

LOIKAW

Loikaw is a remote and sleepy capital of Kayah - Myanmar’s beautiful but one of most untouched states. It is over half a day's travel by bus from Yangon and Mandalay and one hour flight from Yangon and also possible to travel overland from one of the famous Inle Lake. You will discover beautiful Kayah hill scenery and a large number of distinctive tribal cultures, the most internationally famous of which are the Kayan, whose ‘long-necked’ womenfolk have a tradition of sporting coils around their necks. We offer daily early morning flights over the beautiful city of Loikaw. Our season starts from 5th of January onwards and our boutique balloons carry 6 up to 8 passengers.

The Experience

Your whole experience will include a full morning of excitement. If you are staying in the wonderful town of Loikaw, you will be picked up by car at around 0530 or 0600 am (approx) where you will be taken to our launch site. At the launch site, we will provide you with tea or coffee and some lovely locally made cookies before all important safety briefing from the pilot, after which it is time to climb on board. The balloon is guided by gentle winds not exceeding 15 mph, allowing passengers a serene and peaceful bird's eye view over the beautiful city Loikaw, its surrounding countryside, villages and pagodas and extended amazing views of Kayah hills.  Using his skill and years of local knowledge your pilot will guide the balloon at heights of upto 5000' feet above the Loikaw to a gentle landing, where our friendly and experienced crew will be on hand with fruits, fresh pastries and a glass of sparkling wine.

Safety & Insurance

Balloon Safaris Loikaw is a commercial balloon operation of the highest international standard. All our pilots and technicians are U.K trained, qualified and licensed and our balloons are manufactured in the UK and shipped to us here in Myanmar. We place the highest possible emphasis on our safety and maintenance. Under the strict rules imposed by the Myanmar Air Authorities the DCA, we have a team of UK trained public transportation inspectors who are responsible for carrying out all repairs and maintenance works of our aircraft. This is backed up with our comprehensive insurance policy placed directly through Lloyds of London. Our cover of USD 10 millions per balloon for passenger and third party liability comes WITHOUT any limitations.

DOWNLOAD OUR PROGRAM

Flights cost US$300 per passenger. Private charters for groups up to eight persons can also be requested. For bookings and enquiries, go to www.balloonsoverbagan.com or email res@balloonsoverbagan.com

CONDITIONS OF FLIGHT

1. Passengers or their accompanying guide must register at our Sales desk at Balloon Safaris office upon arrival in Inle. Our Sales desk is open from 8.00 am to 11.00 am and again from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. The contact phone number is +95 9 257 376 600. 
2. Passengers are advised to wear long trousers and long sleeved clothing from 100% natural fibres.
3. Receipt of payment vouchers / flight tickets must be produced at launch site if required.
4. No refunds will be given for failure to arrive for a pre-arranged flight.
5. Any known medical condition which may affect your ability to fly or assist the crew must be disclosed to Balloons Safaris at the time of booking and to the pilot on the day of the flight, i.e. epilepsy, recent surgery etc. Some conditions may preclude you from eligibility to fly. Pregnant women will not be permitted to fly. Balloon Safaris will not accept liability for illness or injury due to any undisclosed condition or failure to comply with any reasonable instruction given by the pilot or crew or company representative.
6. The pilot in command is legally obliged to consider the safety of his passengers at all times and may refuse to carry passengers for whatever reason if it is considered their carriage may endanger the flight, other passengers or themselves. Balloon Safaris reserves the right to refuse the carriage of any passenger.
7. Any Passenger in excess of 125 kg / 280 pounds, or any passenger who requires the space in the basket for 2 passengers, will be required to book the extra space at the time of booking and pay a 100% surcharge of the ticket price. Failure to provide accurate information in advance could lead to the refusal of flight at the launch site, whereby no refund will be offered.
8. All passengers must carefully listen to the Important Security Briefing (see below) given by the pilot before the launch of the balloon and indicate in case he / she doesn’t understand the security briefing.
9. The pilot of the day has absolute authority and all passengers and crew must comply with his instructions. The pilot’s decision on all matters is final.
10. Balloon Safaris expects passengers to assist the pilot and crew in any situation that is deemed reasonable, during pre- and post-flight activities.
11. Balloon Safaris reserves the right to cancel or delay flights, change rendez-vous and launch sites, at short notice, to achieve a safe and successful flight. Balloon Safaris will not accept liability for any consequential loss or inconvenience.
12. Balloon Safaris carries third party and passenger liability for each balloon of USD 10 millions.
13. Balloon Safaris accepts no liability for claims arising as a result of an act or default of any other passenger or bystander.
14. Balloon Safaris accepts no liability for loss or damage to persons or property other than that which results from negligence on its own part.
15. Balloon Safaris does not accept liability for loss or damage to personal effects.
16. Flights cancelled by Balloon Safaris for safety reasons or as a result of unfavourable weather or operational difficulties will be refunded in full. All direct payments to Balloon Safaris will be refunded in cash either in Inle or in Yangon. For all bookings made through tour agents, passengers must contact the respective agent to organise their refunds.
17. Balloon Safaris reserves the right to alter, revise or review any terms, conditions or rates, at its discretion.
18. Balloon Safaris will not fly children under the age of 8 years. A child under the age of 16 years will only be flown if accompanied by a responsible adult, and the child is over 4’6” tall (or 137 cm).

Important Security Briefing (as given by the pilot before take-off)

• NO SMOKING IN AND AROUND THE BALLOON at all times.
• If you are feeling unwell, if you have any medical conditions or you might be pregnant please inform the Pilot before the balloon is inflated.
• During inflation do not walk between the trucks and the balloon. Stay behind the red barrier cord until asked to "Climb Aboard” by the Ground Crew.
• To climb in - use the step-holes in the side of the basket.
• Once you are in the basket do not get out, even after landing - stay in the basket until the Pilot tells you it is safe to get out.
• Do not touch any coloured ropes, the fuel-hoses or any of the burner controls.
• Before take-off your pilot will ask all passengers to practise the landing position as follows:
• Safely stow all phones, cameras, binoculars etc, do not have anything loose around your neck if you have long hair-please tie it up or tuck it away).
• Face backwards to the direction of travel.
• Hold onto the rope handles woven into the basket side-wall in front of you.
• Sit down on the seat.
• LEAN BACK against the basket padding, sit upright and do not lean forward.
• Place your feet flat on the floor with your toes away from the basket wall.
• Stay in this position until the Pilot tells you it is safe to move.
• When the Pilot gives the command "LANDING POSITIONS" please comply IMMEDIATELY this is very important for the SAFETY of all of the PASSENGERS.
• The landing might be a series of bounces and the basket might lay on it’s side and drag along the ground until it stops.
• Stay in the LANDING POSITION until the Pilot tells you it is safe to move.
• In the unlikely event of an emergency - please follow the instructions given by the Pilot at all times.
• If you do not understand any part of these instructions, please inform the Pilot before the balloon is inflated.
  
  Thank you for reading these instructions and I hope you enjoy your flight with us.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Single supplement: no single supplement and all accommodation will be twin shared basis.

Payment and confirmation: A 20% deposit will be required to secure the booking. Final payment will be due one month before departure.

Cancellation policy: 100% cancellation fees will be applied upon payment if the reservation is cancelled less than one month before the travel date. 

TRIP PRICE INCLUDES

Trip is all inclusive from your early morning hotel pick up at Inle Lake until departure the following afternoon from Heho Airport or your alternative onward destination.

Accommodation including all tax and service charges, and baggage handling. All meals consisting of 2 x breakfast, 2 x lunch, and 1 x dinner. House wines, spirits juices and soft drinks as provided by “Balloons over Bagan” are included with all lunches and dinners. Balloon adventures and site seeing by the appropriate Foreign Language speaking guide, entrance fees to all places visited. Transfers and transportation if indicated.

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED

All items of a personal nature including laundry, wine or liquor, except those served by “Balloons over Bagan”. Visas and trip insurance. Tips for the local crew are not included and are at the discretion of each guest.