Myanmar is famous for its great collection of ancient cultural heritage. Ancient cities stand witness to the fact that Myanmar has been standing proudly with its own cultural status among world’s nations. Mrauk-Oo in Rakhine State situated in the western part of Myanmar is rich in ancient cultural heritage and much reliable to study of historical and ancient culture.

An international balloon flying team, mostly composed of Swiss people held the 8th International Balloon Meeting-Myanmar, while studying ancient culture in Mrauk-Oo, Rakhine State.

At Mrauk-Oo’s morning twilight, the balloon flying team led by a Swiss, Peter Blaster, who is a European balloon Champion, had led his team out into spacious ground near Shit-Thaung Pagoda in Mrauk-Oo.

Before flying in the balloon, the studied wind direction and made necessary preparations. All of the hot-air balloon flyers were very eager to be able to fly safety and were joyously performing their duties. Local spectators were already there to watch the balloon fly.

It was a very fine sight to see in the misty morning under the warm sun rays, the balloon flyers busy preparing against the background of stupas and pagodas. When they got ready, balloons flying was launched.

They greeted local people and flew in the balloons into the atmosphere skillfully waving their hands. It was breathtaking to see the hot air balloons flying up in line passing the stupas.

Mrauk-Oo people were left cheering the balloon flyers.

Greeting each other and the cheers of the crowd are the sign of warm bilateral friendly relation between the flyers and spectators.

The balloons were flying very lowly over the town. The balloon team flew closely to the ground as they wanted to make friendly contact with the local people. The landing of the balloon onto the ground attracted a large crowd of local spectators.

The balloon flying team was pleased with the spirit of encouragement by the Myanmar people. How sweet were the children watching the event with their eyes filled with wonders!

In the evening, the balloon flying team being cheered by the local spectators flew up again over Mrauk-Oo ancient cultural pagodas. It was the flying journey, which enable them to study Myanmar’s ancient culture to their heart’s content.

Historians metaphorically call the Mrauk-Oo ancient city as an “Ancient Cultural Museum” displaying pagodas and cultural heritages. Mrauk-Oo was established during 15th and 18th Century AD and 17th Century AD was its golden era. It can also be said that the climax of the Rakhine Cultural period.

Among Rakhine old royal cities, Mrauk-Oo acient royal city is the riches in ancient cultural heritage, where a cluster of Rakhine culture can be studied. Pagodas can be seen everywhere. There are uncountable Buddhist religious structures built by ancient kings that we should take pride in.

As Rakhine nationals have their belief in Buddhism since ancient time, their faith and traditions are related with the religion.

The balloons were flying in and around Mrauk-Oo city over many communities and floating slowly as the wind carried.

It was learnt that the balloon flyers were very pleased with the peaceful atmosphere, development and natural scenic views of Maruk-Oo.

At last, it was getting dark after feeding their eyes with beautiful scenery in their balloons. Thus, the balloon flying programmes came to an end by landing onto the ground. The programme was successful due to cooperation and encouragement of the local people.

Peaceful and tranquil situation of the country, Myanmar people’s politeness and warm hospitality are creating good opportunities for tourists to pay a visit to Myanmar.