The Tazaundaing Fire Balloon Festival is held annually in November in the ethnically diverse capital of Shan State, Taunggyi. This festival, in sharp contrast to other calm celebrations, is characterised by loud music, colorful fireworks, and blazing neon lights. But who really steals the show? The stunning hot air balloons in all of their vibrant splendour.

Myanmar’s Tazaundaing celebration, held on the Tazaungmon full moon day in November, marks the end of the rainy season. Interestingly, the tradition of the Taunggyi hot air balloon competition, a major highlight of the festival, was introduced by the British in the late 19^th century. The festival is an exciting and colourful occasion that includes all the elements of a grand celebration. From the loud music and ferry wheels to the temporary food and drink stands, local souvenir vendors, and dancing stages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The atmosphere is incredibly boisterous, with an intense energy that will have you celebrating well into the night.

Locals begin making hot air balloons from scratch weeks before the festival begins, using Shan paper, a material made from Mulberry bark. The giant balloons are then decorated with paintings, candles, and fireworks, and fashioned into various animal shapes during the daytime. The festival is best experienced in the afternoon if you want a more relaxed atmosphere or are travelling with little children. The atmosphere grows more intense and the spectacle more stunning as the evening approaches. Around every half-hour, the balloons burst into flames while hundreds of candles burn and fireworks explode in all directions, resulting in a stunning yet chaotic display of art.

The spectacle ends when the balloons burn in the sky and their remains fall to the ground after around 15 minutes. There are situations when the launch is unsuccessful, and either the balloon itself explodes before the launch, tumbling to the earth in a ball of fire, or the fireworks may ignite too early, shooting into the spectators. Tragically, this has occasionally resulted in injuries and even fatalities in the past. It is crucial to keep a considerable distance from the balloons in order to stay safe. (Safety advice: To ensure your safety, we suggest watching the event from designated areas for international visitors and joining in the festivities while being mindful of your surroundings.)

It’s one of many wonderful festivals in Myanmar, and the Tazaundaing Fire Balloon Festival offers a great chance to interact with other tourists who share your interests and at the same time thoroughly immerse yourself in the local culture. Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about this once-in-a-lifetime event.