BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OVER MYANMAR

Today, one of the highlights of a visit to Myanmar is taking a hot air balloon over the temples of Bagan. Ballooning in Myanmar is not just a modern phenomenon though, since traditional fire lanterns have launched throughout the country.

It’s an amazing and exhilarating experience to float anywhere above land, let alone somewhere as beautiful as Bagan, or indeed Mandalay. Ballooning takes time to learn as my balloonist Allie Dunnington explained, “Training depends on the amount of flying hours that the student can achieve. The minimum for a hot air balloon licence is 16 flight hours, but many students take 25 hours and spread it over 2 years time of learning. We also need to pass written exams, have a medical and do a tether. “In my case, it’s great to fly with someone with such experience and passion for ballooning.