Myanmar is often forgotten – we’re changing that. This trip centers around The Taunggyi Fire Balloon Festival, a legendary, untamed, and easily one of the most jaw-dropping spectacles anywhere in Asia.

This 9-day adventure hits Myanmar’s absolute greatest hits before culminating in the madness of Shan State’s annual festival of light. We start in Yangon with colonial streetscapes, sizzling Chinatown night markets, and the glowing gold of Shwedagon Pagoda. We fly straight into ancient Bagan to explore thousands of red-brick temples across the desert plains—complete with an optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight and a visit to the sacred spirit monastery of Mount Popa.

From Bagan, we take a scenic road trip across central Myanmar into Shan State, exploring Inle Lake by private longtail boat through stilt hamlets, floating gardens, and the crumbling forest stupas of Indein.

Then comes the grand finale: three days in the mountain capital of Taunggyi for the Fire Balloon Festival. By day, enormous hand-crafted animal balloons lift into the sky; by night, massive paper balloons laden with hundreds of handmade fireworks ascend into the darkness, raining cascades of color and sparks over cheering crowds. It’s loud, raw, exhilarating, and completely unforgettable.

Trip Highlights

• The WILD Taunggyi Fire Balloon Festival – Stand among tens of thousands of locals as massive hot-air balloons loaded with hundreds of fireworks launch into the night sky in an explosion of light.

• Daytime Animal Balloon Launches – Watch artisan teams launch gigantic, hand-painted paper hot-air balloons shaped like birds, elephants, and mythical beasts.

• Shwedagon Pagoda at Sunset – Experience Myanmar’s holiest shrine as the sun sets over Yangon and the 99-metre solid gold stupa radiates against the evening sky.

• Two Days Among Bagan’s Ancient Temples – Explore an archaeological wonder of over 2,000 Buddhist monuments dating back to the 11th century.

• Optional Sunrise Ballooning over Bagan – Drift over the desert plains as the early morning mist burns off over thousands of temple spires.

• Mount Popa & Taung Kalat Monastery – Climb the 777 covered stairs up a sheer volcanic plug to explore the legendary mountain sanctuary of Myanmar’s 37 animist Nat spirits.

• Scenic Central Myanmar Road Trip – Travel overland from Bagan across rural agricultural heartlands and mountain passes straight into the Shan Hills.

• Private Boat Expedition on Inle Lake – Cruise through stilt villages, watch traditional one-legged Intha fishermen, and discover the hidden jungle pagodas of Indein.

• Community Project with Mudita – Visit grassroots partner projects in Shan State to support local education and traditional artisan livelihoods.

Trip Specs & Inclusions

• Duration: 9 Days

• Tour Dates: November 6 – 14

• Arrival City: Yangon (RGN), Myanmar

• Departure City: Yangon (RGN), Myanmar

• Group Size: 8 – 15 travelers

Mingalaba and welcome to Myanmar! Tonight, we kick off our adventure with a welcome dinner and cold beers on Chinatown’s lively 19th Street.

Fly north to Heho, the gateway to Shan State. En route to the lake, we visit a local Pa-O tribal village, explore the intricate Htat Eian Cave Temple, and admire the unique oval windows of the red-teak Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery before transferring to our lakeside resort.

Sleep: Nyaung Shwe / Inle Lake

We drive up to Taunggyi for the famous Fire Balloon Festival. During the day, watch beautifully crafted animal-shaped balloons launch, explore the bustling Myoma Market, and visit a scenic viewpoint over the Shan Hills. After dusk, the real spectacle begins: massive illuminated balloons laden with fireworks and lanterns take to the night sky in a brilliant display.

Sleep: Nyaung Shwe / Inle Lake

A full day on the water. We cruise by private boat past floating gardens, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, traditional leg-rowing fishermen, and local craft workshops in Heya Ywama. We then continue down narrow canals to the ancient, jungle-covered stupas of Indein village.

Sleep:  Nyaung Shwe (Inle Lake)

We embark on a scenic overland drive toward Bagan. We'll stop in the former British hill station of Kalaw to visit the local church, the lacquer Buddha at Hnee Paya, explore the dramatic stalactites of Myin Ma Hti Cave, and stretch our legs around the local railway station and markets before descending to the arid plains of Bagan.

Sleep: Bagan

Immerse yourself in Bagan's extraordinary archaeological landscape. We visit iconic sites including Shwezigon, Ananda, Dhammayangyi, Thatbyinnyu, Gubyaukgyi, and Htilominlo. Take a memorable horse carriage ride through the ancient ruins, and cap off the day with a sunset boat cruise down the Ayeyarwaddy River.

Sleep: Bagan

We explore the temples of Laymyathnar, Phayathonsu, and Nandamannya. Later, we drive to Mount Popa, a dramatic volcanic plug crowned by the Taung Kalat Monastery. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views while learning about Myanmar's ancient Nat (spirit) worship before returning to Bagan.

Overnight:Bagan

We fly back to Yangon today. Upon arrival, we dive straight into the culture with a visit to Bogyoke Market, explore the vibrant streets of Little China and Little India, and experience the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda glowing at sunset for our final evening.

Overnight: Yangon

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a private airport transfer for your departure flights home. For those with later flights, an optional morning tour is available to catch anything missed. Safe travels!