Taunggyi & Tazaungdaing Balloon Festival
တောင်ကြီး
The hill-town capital of Shan State. Each year around November, giant hot-air balloons carrying fireworks rise into the night sky at the Balloon Festival.
Taunggyi is the capital of Shan State, sitting on a ridge at an elevation of about 1,400 meters. It is about 1 hour by car from Nyaungshwe. The climate is cool, and the town has a lively central market, the Shan State Cultural Museum, and the Sulamuni Pagoda on the hilltop. The Balloon Festival (Tazaungdaing), held around the full moon of the Burmese eighth month (around November on the Gregorian calendar), is the most famous event. Teams from across the region launch giant paper balloons in a variety of shapes. At night, the balloons are loaded with fireworks as they rise, a spectacular sight, but the crowds are dense and there is a fire risk. Accommodation is tight during the festival, so book in advance. Keep away from the launch area when watching.
Opening hours
Open all day (hot air balloon festival in November)
Nearby sights
- Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery
- Cultural Museum (Haw of the Sawbwa)
- Mingalar Market
- Yadana Man Aung Pagoda
- Red Mountain Estate
- Nyaungshwe
- Khaung Daing Hot Springs
- Maing Thauk