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Hotel Class: 
3 Stars - 20 Opinions
Mt. Popa, Kyaukpadaung Township, Bagan, Myanmar
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20 Opinions
SCENE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE FROM THE AIR
DEPARTING LAKE INLE AT HEHO AIRPORT
REFLECTIONS OF A "CHEDI
CAMERA CHARGER AND SPARE MEMORY CARD
I'm looking into a possible trip to Myanmar and Bagan is definitely on my list. From the tips and insights of people who've been there the impression I get is the best (but most expensive) thing to do there is to ride the early morning hot air balloon. Is this thing really worth the price ($300)? I assume that only one company has a monopoly of this service?
I have just returned from Myanmar and didn't do the balloon flight. I flew over Bagan flying in and out with great views so could imagine the balloon flight would be great and you could get some good pics. I don't regret not doing it - spent the money elsewhere with no problems - well actually didn't as I don't think I spent that much in 10 days aside from air fares!
Up to you, your money!
When I was there you could climb a temple near sunrise or sunset and take photos with all the other temples in the background.
Check out Mt. Popa too while you are there.
http://myanmartravelinformation.com/mti-bagan/mt-popa.htm
Good luck.
These are 2 separate things in my opinion. For one, the beauty of Bagan. It is gorgeous no matter what you do. You can do the evening viewing form the 'tourist' temple or you can find a small temple that you have all to yourself. Same for the morning. You can cycle around to the smaller temples or hire a taxi or horse-cart to view the bigger ones (they are a little further apart). You can go and see the temple at mt. Popa and/or climb the mountain (the real Mt. Popa). You can do the morning before sunrise 5-temple route (what the devoted Burmese do including the temple at the other side of the river). All this is less expensive than the balloon ride and still incredibly beautiful and nice to do.
Then, where in the world can you go on a balloon ride for only $300? I did it in my home country years ago. Luckily i didn't have to pay for it since it was already more then... And i loved every minute of it. A balloon ride is a great experience. So if you can combine a beautiful landscape + a great experience ....
Of course it all depends on your budget and preferences...
Like what Mique have proposed, there are a lot of other activities that will make up for not going for the balloon ride. I say go ahead and spread the cost elsewhere instead...The local would benefit more from that...And Bagan's beautiful anyway you look at it...And the cost of the ride is just too extreme in comparison to other activities you can have...I had a chat with local guide when I was there and he was telling me story of how tourists always looking for cheapest deal in souvenirs, food, guide services...bargaining a lot, but no qualms in paying for the expensive ride...
Here in Myanmar the electricity is cut off anytime of the day or night without notice..ALWAYS carry and have a torch handy with you after dark...Most bigger Hostels hotels etc have big generator backup but the poorer places don't..There is minimal street lighting and walking at night can be hazardous..when inside large Temples and Payas never be without it...I have one that is self charging...these are good as there are no batteries to let you down
Get a hotel with balcony overlooking the street if you can. I found it to be fascinating just watching everyone go about their business. This picture pretty much sums up peak hour in Bagan - bicycles, cars, horse-drawn carts, rickshaws, motorcycles and the obligatory overcrowded ute.
It was a good way to unwind after a big day touring the monuments.
Walking down Bagan you will see some herd of the grazin`goats with herdsman, ( perhaps they are offsprings of those goats and herdsmen belonging to King Anawratha ), and without fail how another pagoda of ...th century is under construction .
Welcome , " archaeological tourists " !
It`s your paradise...
Well, it's not especially typical for Bagan because you see it everywhere in Burma but these pictures are my best ones.
People (women, men and children) smear white powder on their faces.
They use it daily
- as some kind of make up
- against the sun
- to cure their skin
Everywhere in Burma you see old ladies smoking enormous sell-rolled cigarettes.
I roll my tobacco myself and have tried one of these cigars and have walked around coughing for the rest of the day.
These woman do it as a pass-time...
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Address: Mt. Popa, Kyaukpadaung Township, Bagan, Myanmar
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