Every morning in Bagan, hot air balloons lift off near the Irrawaddy river and slowly drift over the numerous temples and pagodas. They grant tourists a unique way to view the scenic valley, but perhaps even better, they provide a great photo opportunity for those who stay on the ground.

In the wake of recent earthquakes and to preserve the structures, Bagan has banned climbing on almost all of its temples. Tourists used to flock to the large Sulamuni Temple for iconic views of the sunrise. As this is no longer possible, finding viewpoints above the tree canopy are limited. Fortunately, there are still two smaller temples that remain open for sunrise and sunset viewing. Space is limited, so you have to arrive early, but witnessing the morning ritual is worth the early wake-up call.

My guide and I arrived here in the darkness. Using a flashlight, we climbed the narrow, internal staircase until we reached the upper balcony. There were already 6-8 people there when we arrived, but a space looking towards the golden Ananda temple was still available. I quickly set up my gear and then waited patiently for the show to start.

As the sun appeared, the haze took on a pleasing glow and the first glimpse of a balloon could be seen in the distance. Soon there were dozens of balloons dotting the sky and approaching our location. The procession lasted about an hour during which I alternated between taking photos and quietly observing the exhibition. After the color and balloons faded, I spent another 20 minutes enjoying the panoramic view on the other side of the temple. A memorable morning in an extraordinary place.